Helpful Organizations
This list has been compiled by the American Health Assistance Foundation*. It is not organized in a chronological or topical order. It is alphabetically arranged to make it easier for quick reference.
You will find the following sections:
(*) National Glaucoma Research and Macular Degeneration Research programs of the American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF)
Funds research and educates the public about age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. Also, AHAF offers an extensive selection of publications.
www.ahaf.org
1-800-437-2423
The following organizations are not affiliated with AHAF. AHAF is not responsible for the content of these websites and does not endorse or recommend any particular program offered by these organizations.
Clinical Trials
CenterWatch Clinical Trials Listing Service
Provides information about clinical research, including listings of active industry and government-sponsored clinical trials, research on new drug therapies and drugs recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
www.centerwatch.com
1-866-219-3440
National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health
Provides information on government-sponsored human trials and recruitment, with locations, purpose, eligibility requirements and phone contacts.
http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/ClinicalTrials.htm
(301) 496-1752
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Eye Care Professional Organizations
American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is a national membership association of Eye M.D.s. Search for ophthalmologists and eye specialists by state and locality. The AAO also links to www.geteyesmart.com, which includes information on eye health and other eye-related topics.
www.aao.org
(415) 561-8500
American Optometric Association
The American Optometric Association (AOA) an organization of eye care professionals, serving patients in nearly 6,500 communities across the country. The AOA’s Vision Rehabilitation Section (VRS) supports the interdisciplinary approach to rehabilitation of patients with low vision (legally blind and/or visually impaired).
www.aoa.org
1-800-365-2219
Federal Government Programs and Services
Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
A starting point for information on aging for elders and families.
www.aoa.gov
(202) 619-0724
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Offer latest information and resources on Medicare and Medicaid.
www.cms.hhs.gov
(401) 786-3000
Disability.gov
Twenty-two federal government agencies are involved in this online database that connects those with disabilities to information and resources needed to participate in the workforce and community life, including benefits, civil rights, education, employment, housing, health, technology and transportation.
www.disability.gov
1-800-333-4636
Eldercare Locator
Website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides resource information for older adults in any U.S. community; referrals to state and local area agencies on aging and community-based organizations that serve many elder care needs; English and Spanish speaking information specialists.
www.eldercare.gov
1-800-677-1116
GovBenefits.gov
Official benefits site of federal government with information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs.
www.govbenefits.gov
1-800-FED-INFO (1-800-333-4636)
Healthfinder.gov
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this website provides healthcare information and access to other online sources. www.healthfinder.gov National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health Supports eye disease and vision research; develops public and professional education programs to help prevent blindness, reduce visual impairment, and increase awareness of low vision services and devices.
www.healthfinder.gov
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Supports eye disease and vision research; develops public and professional education programs to help prevent blindness, reduce visual impairment, and increase awareness of low vision services and devices.
www.nei.nih.gov
(301) 496-5248
National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health
Conducts and supports biomedical, social and behavioral research and public education to promote healthy aging. Website has database with information on over 250 national organizations that help older people.
http://nihseniorhealth.gov (general information)
www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/ResourceDirectory.htm (database)
(301) 496-1752
TTY 1-800-222-4225
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
The Library of Congress provides free Braille and recorded materials; loans record and cassette players to eligible borrowers through a network of cooperating libraries. Books and magazines in recorded form (talking books) or in Braille are delivered and returned by postage-free mail.
www.loc.gov/nls/
(202) 707-5100
Social Security Administration
Provides some financial assistance to those who are legally blind or who have vision problems that prevent them from employment.
www.ssa.gov
1-800-772-1213
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General Information, Resources and Referrals
All About Vision
Visit AllAboutVision.com to learn about eye diseases including cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.
www.allaboutvision.com/
(858) 454-2145
Alliance for Aging Research
Advocates for research and provides information on age-related medical discoveries and health topics.
www.agingresearch.org
(202) 293-2856
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
Membership organization for people over 50; informative website.
www.aarp.org
1-888-687-2277 (1-888 OUR AARP)
American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR)
Offers information on healthy lifestyles, age-related conditions, and diseases and biology of aging.
www.afar.org
(212) 703-9977 or 1-888-582-2327
Meals on Wheels Association of America
Provides information on local meal delivery and congregate meals for seniors.
http://www.mowaa.org/
(703) 548-5558
MedicAlert Foundation International
Offers emblems and chains engraved with the person’s membership number, primary medical conditions and the toll-free 24-hour Emergency Response Center number. MedicAlert allows the person to be identified, and can relay key medical facts and notify family contacts.
www.medicalert.org
1-888-633-4298
National Association of Geriatric Care Managers
Health and human services specialists who help families care for older relatives while encouraging as much independence as possible. Use the online database to find a geriatric care manager.
www.caremanager.org
520-881-8008
National Council on Aging
Provides information on healthy aging, maintaining independence and government and private benefits programs; includes news updates of interest to seniors.
www.ncoa.org
202-479-1200
Senior Citizens Bureau
Provides information for seniors on government programs, counseling, housing, etc.; includes an online state-by-state directory for many services.
www.seniorcitizensbureau.com
1-800-281-1088
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Legal Assistance
American Bar Association
Provides information to help find legal assistance and locate lawyers. Part of the website deals specifically with legal issues of aging.
http://www.americanbar.org/groups/law_aging.html
1-800-285-2221
ElderLawAnswers.com
Find an attorney, resources and information on financial and legal issues of aging.
www.elderlawanswers.com
1-866-267-0947
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Use the database to find an elder law attorney in the private or public sector who deals with legal issues affecting the elderly and disabled.
www.naela.com
(703) 942-5711
National Center on Elder Abuse
Serves as a national resource center dedicated to the prevention of elder mistreatment.
www.ncea.aoa.gov/ncearoot/Main_Site/index.aspx
www.ncea.aoa.gov/ncearoot/main_site/Find_Help/State_Resources.aspx
(302) 831-3525
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Low Vision Aid Resources
ABLEDATA
Provides information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment from domestic and international sources.
www.abledata.com
1-800-227-0216
Ai Squared
Develops computer access software for the visually impaired.
www.aisquared.com
1-800-859-0270
Beyond Sight
Offers a wide variety of items for the visually impaired, including computers, talking clocks, kitchen items, magnifying glasses and closed circuit TVs.
www.beyondsight.com
(303) 795-6455
The Braille Institute of America
For 90 years, Braille Institute of America has worked to eliminate barriers to a fulfilling life caused by blindness and severe sight loss. Private contributions and more than 3,600 skilled volunteers allow us to offer classes, training and a wide variety of other services and activities free of charge. We serve Central and Southern California through five regional centers, and our Mobile Solutions van brings help and hope to people in outlying areas.
www.brailleinstitute.org
1-800-BRAILLE (272-4553)
Enhanced Vision Systems
Offers a full line of vision tools and magnifiers.
www.enhancedvision.com
1-888-811-3161
Freedom Scientific
Provides assistive and adaptive low vision technology including portable and desktop video magnifiers, and magnification and screen reading software.
www.freedomscientific.com
1-800-444-4443
G. W. Micro
Offers software and hardware solutions for the blind and visually impaired.
www.gwmicro.com
(260) 489-3671
HumanWare
Designs and manufactures technology solutions for the visually impaired, including the SmartView™ video magnifier.
www.humanware.com
1-800-722-3393
Independent Living Aids, Inc.
Offers a catalog of low vision products.
www.independentliving.com
1-800-537-2118
JBliss Imaging Systems
Offers Programs Applications ....
www.jbliss.com
(650) 327 5477
1-888-452-5477
LS&S
Offers a catalog of both low vision and hearing impaired products.
www.lssgroup.com
1-800-468-4789
Maxi Aids
Offers a catalog of low vision devices.
www.maxiaids.com
1-800-522-6294
MONS International, Inc.
Offers products for the visually impaired, including Braille watches, talking calculators, 4-track recorders, kitchen aids, writing guides, computer software and accessories, greeting cards and talking scales.
www.magnifiers.com
1-800-541-7903
Ocutech, Inc.
Offers various types of magnifier attachments to enhance the vision of the partially sighted; produces the VES AutoFocus telescope.
www.ocutech.com
1-800-326-6460
Vision Cue
Offers Braille, low vision and speech products from a variety of manufacturers.
www.visioncue.com
1-888-318-2582
Vision Technology, Inc.
Offers desktop and portable video magnification devices.
www.visiontechnology.com
1-800-560-7226
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Low Vision Organizations
Low Vision Rehabilitation Centers
Ophthalmologists or local hospitals can help locate low vision rehabilitation centers. These centers evaluate and train those with low vision, and offer devices and services.
American Council of the Blind
Provides a wide variety of services to visually impaired persons with an emphasis on employment opportunities.
www.acb.org
1-800-424-8666
Association for Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
An association of those engaged in the education, guidance, vocational rehabilitation or occupational placement of the blind and partially-sighted. The organization conducts certification programs, maintains job exchange services and works with local, state, and national governments on legislation affecting services to the blind and visually impaired.
www.aerbvi.org
1-877-492-2708
Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind
Offers programs that enable the blind or visually impaired to remain independent; including early intervention services, training and consultation in assistive technology, career placement services, comprehensive low vision care and rehabilitation services.
www.clb.org
(202) 454-6400
International Association of Audio Information Services
Website includes directory of radio reading services in the U.S., Canada and several other countries.
www.iaais.org
1-800-280-5325
Lighthouse International
Provides education and vision rehabilitation services, and supports research and advocacy.
www.lighthouse.org
1-800-829-0500
Macular Degeneration Support
Provides information for those with macular degeneration and other retinal diseases; assistance in forming and running support groups.
www.mdsupport.org
(816) 761-7080
NFB-NEWSLINE®
Developed and operated by the National Federation of the Blind, offers free nationwide telephone newspaper service for the blind and visually impaired.
www.nfb.org/nfb/newspapers_by_phone.asp
1-866-504-7300
The Seeing Eye
Matches specially bred and trained dog guides with blind people in the U.S. and Canada.
www.seeingeye.org
(973) 539-4425
VisionAWARE
A self-help resource center for those with vision loss.
www.visionaware.org
(914) 528-5120
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Print and Audio Materials for the Visually Impaired
American Printing House for the Blind
Provides special media, tools and materials for the blind and visually impaired.
www.aph.org
1-800-223-1839
Associated Services for the Blind
Offers Braille, tape and large-print materials for the blind and visually impaired.
www.asb.org
(215) 627-0600
Books on Tape, Inc.
Produces, rents and sells unabridged audio books on cassettes, CDs and MP3-CDs.
www.booksontape.com
1-800-733-3000
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
The Library of Congress provides free Braille and recorded materials; loans record and cassette players to eligible borrowers through a network of cooperating libraries. Books and magazines in recorded form (talking books) or in Braille are delivered and returned by postage-free mail.
www.loc.gov/nls/
1-888-657-7323
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic
Provides free, recorded educational books for those with visual, perceptual or other physical disability. The master library contains over 63,000 titles.
www.rfbd.org
1-800-221-4792
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Senior Housing
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities
Offers advice on finding an accredited rehabilitation facility.
www.carf.org
1-866-888-1122
Helpguide.org
“Senior Housing and Care” section of website provides information on long-term care and housing options.
www.helpguide.org
seniorDECISION.com
Offers a list of home healthcare and senior housing options by state and area with consumer ratings and reviews.
www.seniordecision.com
SNAPforSeniors™
Provides a senior housing options guide.
www.snapforseniors.com
1-888-651-7627
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State and Local Resources
Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare providers (physicians, nurses, etc.) are the first source of information for those facing health issues.
State and Area Agencies on Aging
Each state and territory in the U.S. has an Agency on Aging office located in its capital city, as well as local offices. Check the phone book or online by state and area. They provide information on nutrition and support services, elder rights programs, long term care, ombudsman programs, legal services, outreach and elder abuse prevention.
State Departments of Health and Social Services
Each state in the U.S. has these departments, as well as local offices. They can provide information on support and respite services, facilities, financial assistance, and regulations and licensing. Check the phone book or online by state and locality.
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Disclaimer: With the exception of Macular Degeneration Research, the above organizations are not affiliated with the American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF). In addition, AHAF is not responsible for the content of these websites, and does not endorse any particular programs offered by these organizations.
Last Review: 09/27/11
