Helpful Resources and Links for the Blind in Montana
Montana State Programs
Montana Association for the Blind
Helping the Visually Impaired Throughout Montana
You can call them at: (406) 442-9411 .
The State of Montana Blind and Low Vision Services
A division of the State of Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Our mission is to advance work and independence for Montanans with blindness or visual disabilities. Blind and Low Vision Services provides services through three programs to assist individuals in finding or maintaining employment, learning to live with low vision or blindness, and increasing independence. Blind and Low Vision Services are available statewide. Their central office administrative staff is located in Helena.
Blind and Low Vision Services
111 N Last Chance Gulch, Suite 4C
PO Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604-4210
1 (877) 296-1197 (toll-free consumer line)
(406) 444-2590 (voice/TTY)
(406) 444-3632 (fax)
E-mail: vrinfo@mt.gov
Montana Shares
Our Mission Montana Shares is a partnership of Montana-based nonprofit groups devoted to improving the quality of life in the communities throughout the state.
Online Giving Center
So many of our supporters use workplace giving as an easy, simple and painless way to support their favorite nonprofits.
Here are a few options for people that do not have access to workplace giving.
Donate with www.ipledgeonline.org – This is our preferred, and best option, to designate a donation to one or more of our member groups and/or Montana Shares. You can pay with a credit card or e-check, as well as set up recurring monthly donations.
E-mail: shares@montanashares.org or call us at: (406) 442-2218
Montana Talking Book Library
Montana Talking Book Library provides audio books and descriptive videos for people who have vision loss or a physical condition that makes it impossible for them to read. It is a Regional Library of the National Library Service (NLS) for the blind and physically handicapped. For information, you can follow the link above or contact them at: Montana Talking Book Library
1515 East Sixth Avenue
PO Box 201800
Helena, MT 59620-1800
You can call them at: 1 (800) 332-3400
or (406) 444-2064.
MT Blind Veterans Association
Low Vision Clinic for Veterans is located in Fort Harrison. We care for Veterans who have a visual impairment that cannot be corrected with ordinary glasses, contact lenses or surgery. How do you get an appointment? If veterans are already participating in VA care, they can request their primary care provider or their VA eye doctor consult the Low Vision Clinic. If they are not receiving VA care
You can call them at: (406) 447-7350
(406) 447-7460
(406) 447-7409
or 1 (877) 468-8387.
The VIST Coordinator is a case manager who has major responsibility for the coordination of all services for legally blind veterans and their families. Duties include providing and/or arranging for the provision of appropriate treatment modalities, i.e. referrals to VA Blind Rehabilitation Centers and/or other services in order to enhance a blinded Veteran's functioning level. For more information on eligibility and benefits for Blind Veterans, please contact Brittany McKinsey, CVLT, VIST Coordinator at (406) 208-3832 in Billings CBOC.
Montana Office on Aging
Senior and Long-Term Care is a division of the Montana State Department of Public Health and Human Services. Their mission is to advocate and promote dignity and independence for older Montanans and Montanans with disabilities by providing information, education, and assistance; Planning, developing and providing for quality long-term care services; and Operating within a cost-effective service delivery system.
111 Sanders Street
Helena, MT 59604
You can call them at: (406) 444-4788
or Toll-Free Telephone: (800) 551-3191.
MonTECH
MonTech provides services, technology, and support that improve the quality of life for Montanans living with a disability.
You can call the office in Missoula at: (406) 243-5531
or call for the office in Billings at: (406) 657-2089.
The Bozeman MAB Low Vision Center
The Bozeman Chapter of the MAB operates a Low Vision Center. People with vision problems can come to learn about what equipment is available and try it out. The center is staffed by volunteers; it does not sell items, but can direct you to where they are available.
You can call them at: (406) 556-7103.
Ability Montana
Ability Montana - promoting independence for people living with disabilities residing in 14 southwest Montana counties.
You can call them at: 1 (800) 735-6457.
Email: getinvolved@abilitymt.org
Montana Youth Transitions (MY Transitions)
To improve transition services and increase the number of youth with disabilities who achieve their desired post-school outcomes. Montana Youth Transitions
1617 Euclid Avenue, Suite #1
Helena, MT 59601
Fax: 406-443-3796
Email: montanayouthtransitions@gmail.com
You can call them at: (406) 442-2576.
Download Resources for Parents of Disabled Teens (PDF)
Montana Rural Health Initiatives
The Montana RHI's mission is to create a dynamic network linking prevention and community-based wellness programs throughout Montana to stimulate a higher level of wellness across the state.
You can call them at: (406) 994-6043.
Montana School for the Deaf & Blind
The Montana School for the Deaf & Blind provides comprehensive educational opportunities for Montana's deaf, hard of hearing, blind, and visually impaired children.
3911 Central Avenue
Great Falls, MT 59405
You can call them at: (406) 771-6000
or call Toll Free: (800) 882-6732.
Eagle Mount Bozeman
Eagle Mount Bozeman is committed to provide quality therapeutic recreational opportunities for people with disabilities and young people with cancer, and to provide support for families of participants so that "they shall mount up with wings as eagles."
Eagle Mount
6901 Goldenstein Lane
Bozeman, MT 59715
You can call them at: (406) 586-1781
Eagle Mount 'Ski Hut' at Bridger Bowl: (406) 586-9122, (December to March ONLY)
General Email: eaglemount@eaglemount.org
Big Sky Kids Email: bigskykids@eaglemount.org
National Resources
APH Connect Center
Our mission is to empower people toward greater independence and lifelong success by providing free curated information and resources to assist children, parents, job seekers, and adults who are blind or low vision.
You can call them at: 1 (800) 232-5463.
or E-mail: connectcenter@aph.org
Foundation Fighting Blindness
The urgent mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness is to drive the research that will provide prevention, treatments and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, Usher syndrome and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases.
You can call them at: (800) 683-5555.
National Federation of the Blind
The NFB was founded on the guiding principles that blind people have an inalienable right to independence, that blind people have equal capacity, and that only blind people themselves can legitimately speak for the blind community.
Email nfb@nfb.org
You can call them at: (410) 659-9314.
Care and Feeding of the Long White Cane
Practical care tips for your long white mobility cane.
Blind Institute of Technology
We are a leading workforce development and inclusive employment solutions provider helping people with disabilities, and the employers who hire them, achieve success in the workplace.
Contact us at: Braille Institute of Technology.
Caring.com
Caring.com is a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses and other loved ones. Our mission at Caring.com is to help families to find the care required for their loved ones to age with comfort and dignity, and to assist in finding the financial resources to make it possible. This page is designed to help seniors and their families understand medicare advantage plans and find the best one that meets their medical and financial needs.
You can call toll-free at: (800) 973-1540.
RetireGuide
A free web resource dedicated to providing useful information to help older adults fulfill their retirement goals. We recently published what we believe to be the most easy-to-understand guide on the ins and outs of medicare. This free resource highlights coverage, costs, eligibility and enrollment information, along with answers to some frequently asked questions.
Contact us at: RetireGuide Contact Us
GUIDE TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS
Social security disability benefits can be a complicated subject for many of us. Knowing who qualifies, how to maximize your chance of getting approved, and how payments are calculated is crucial information to know. That's why we made an ultimate guide about navigating social security disability benefits and included just about everything we could think of. The benefits have specific rules for those who suffer from blindness, which there is a lot of information.
Navigating College with Visual Impairments
Navigating College with Visual Impairments has great information for college-bound students. Often visually impaired students have had to learn how to be students with their disability for the majority of their lives. We are here to help this transition.
Contact us at: College Consensus.
Able Hire
Able Hire is a nonprofit whose mission is to help people with disabilities get hired.
Resume' Builder
Our team at Resume' Builder are committed to creating equal opportunities for people with disabilities. We recognize the obstacles they face when pursuing their career goals; a reality that's reflected in the fact that only 17.9% of people with a disability are employed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
To help bridge this gap, we have developed a comprehensive, step-by-step guide specifically designed for people with disabilities. Our guide empowers them to create an impressive resume that showcases their unique skills and value. Additionally, we've included vital information on their legal rights, workplace discrimination, and harassment to ensure they have the tools they need to navigate the job market confidently.
You can explore our guide here: https://www.resumebuilder.com/comprehensive-resume-and-career-guide-for-people-with-disabilities/
The National Aging And Disability Transportation Center
News and new resources, a very informative link to resources for Seniors and the Disabled Community.
You can call them at: (866) 983-3222.
The American Council of the Blind
The American Council of the Blind website has links to services and activities for those with vision loss. Phone (202) 467-5081 or visit: http://www.acb.org
American Foundation for the Blind
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has a Vision Aware site for Seniors and various other links for persons with vision loss and their families. They also have the AFB Center on Vision Loss where you can learn about independent living from Esther's Place, an apartment designed especially for persons living with vision loss. Phone (214) 352-7222 or visit: http://www.visionaware.org/info/for-seniors/1
American Printing House for the Blind
The world's largest nonprofit organization creating educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are visually impaired.
Provides textbooks and educational materials for legally blind students. Call toll free at: 1 (800) 223-1839.
The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind
Promotes all phases of education and employment for all ages who are blind and visually impaired.
Support for professionals who provide education and rehabilitation services to people with visual impairments.
Call at: (703) 671 4500.
Bookshare
Bookshare is an Accessible Online Library for people with print disabilities. You can download free books, Braille books, and tools for people who are blind or visually impaired.
This service is only free to students, otherwise it's $50 per year.
The Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI)
Each month, the Council of Citizens with Low Vision, International (CCLVI) provides a forum addressing topics of concerns to people with low vision titled "Let's Talk Low Vision". We are fortunate to have Dr. Bill Takeshita as the moderator and master of ceremonies for these presentations. The presentations occur the third Tuesday of each month and start at 5:30pm (Pacific), 8:30pm (Eastern). To be part of the conversation, please call: (712) 432-3447 enter code: 145330
The Blind Independence Diabetes Group (BID)
The Blind Independence Diabetes Group, or BID Group, is a one-stop source for people living with diabetes and blindness to obtain the best accessible products, accessible education/training, and helpful peer support to enable BID Group members to live healthy and independent lives yet never feel alone. Call: 1 (866) 351-6809.
The Audio Description Project
An initiative of the American Council of the Blind. This is a great resource for audio descriptive programs provided by Amazon.
Braille Bibles International
Braille Bibles International offers Large Print and Audio Bibles at a low price. Phone (800) 522-4253
or visit: http://www.braillebibles.org
All About Vision
This is a resource guide for the legally blind provides a clear definition of "legally blind" and outlines the support available to help people with visual impairment thrive.
https://www.allaboutvision.com/resources/resource-guide-for-the-legally-blind/
Best Practices for Healthcare Professionals With Blind Patients
The Information Access Team at The Pennsylvania Council of the Blind has developed a comprehensive best-practices document for healthcare professionals who have patients that are blind or visually impaired. This is a guideline for Blind patients and professional who have blind or Visually Impaired patients.
Addiction Recovery for Visually Impaired
Addiction Treatment and Rehab For Deaf And Blind Individuals: This website is a wealth of unique and specific guides filled with informative facts and guidance regarding vision and/or hearing loss and addiction treatment that is very useful. Call: (844) 616-3400.
Inpatient Drug Rehab Centers for the Disabled
A website with information about Drug Rehab Centers for the Disabled and information about addiction and why the Disabled community is at a higher risk of becoming an addict. Call: (888) 605-7779.
Mobile Assistive Technologies for People With Low Vision and Blindness
A great article we've put together that focuses on mobile technology and the many tools that are available to the visually impaired so they can still access it. Mobile technology is integrated in nearly everything we do and accessibility to all is something that cannot be ignored. This guide highlights apps and built-in tools available like screen readers, voice-activated commands, color identifiers, and so much more that help people who may have one of the many types of visual impairments to make their daily lives a little easier.
My Blind Spot
My Blind Spot's mission is to advance equal access and promote understanding, respect, and opportunity for people who are blind, visually impaired and print disabled.
My Blind Spot believes that all individuals are entitled to acceptance, encouragement, and respect, as well as freedom from discrimination, labeling, and stereotyping, regardless of their challenges in life.
We believe that every person, at every age and level of ability, has the potential for growth. Call: (212) 363-0330.
Do It Blind
Our goal is to provide workable solutions to the challenges facing blind and visually impaired customers with the software the rest of the world is using.
We are the leaders in JAWS script development and Blind Accessibility. Our goal is to provide workable JAWS scripting solutions for even the toughest programs. With our team of JAWS script developers, we can find a fitting solution for you or your company.
Text2Speech.org
Text2Speech.org is a free online text-to-speech converter. Just enter your text, select one of the voices and download or listen to the resulting mp3 file. This service is free and you are allowed to use the speech files for any purpose, including commercial uses.
Braille Institute of America
Braille Institute of America offers the Sound Solutions Series which promotes independence while educating and empowering the entire family through free audio dramatizations. Phone (800) 272-4553
or visit: http://www.brailleinstitute.org
Ears for Eyes
Ears for Eyes - Enrichment Audio Resource Services provides free audio lessons promoting independent living.
Phone (800) 843-6816 or visit: http://www.earsforeyes.info/index.php/index.html
Internet Accessibility Guide
This is a current initiative about improving web accessibility for individals with low vision. This website helps Visually Impaired by creating key information for website users. This page is a comprehensive summary of practical accessibility tips for vision-impaired users –covering things like using text-to-speech, changing text size and more.
Visit the web page here: https://www.nvisioncenters.com/internet-accessibility-guide/
Vision Loss Resources
Whether you were born with an eye disease or blindness or are new to vision loss, this site is for you. It's also for friends and loved ones and for professionals.
Vision Loss And Personal Recovery
If you have vision loss or became blind, this website has a lot of useful resources. It is divided up into sections to help guide you with, "how to" links, to deal with certain issues after sight loss.
Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired
This institute promotes independent living through lifelong distance education programs at no cost to persons who are blind, their families or their blindness service providers. Phone: 1 (800) 323-4238 TTY 847 441-8111 or visit: http://www.hadley.edu
Heritage for the Blind
Heritage for the Blind's mission is multi-faceted. It includes the preservation of vision, through the promotion of eye health awareness with public service announcements, media campaigns and materials for the visually impaired, as well as improving the health and economic security of individuals in need. Phone: 1 (800) 236-6283
The Blind Life
The Blind Life is a representation of what is going on in my life and what I enjoy, all from the Visually Impaired perspective. I enjoy sharing tips and tricks of navigating life with Low Vision, but I absolutely love showing all the new assistive technology that can help make our lives awesome!
SeeingBlind
Here you will find all the work I do to help educate, raise awareness, promote positive change, and share tips and tricks to live a happy and healthy disabled life. As a blind mom, it is my goal to help serve, share content, and contribute in a positive way in hopes that it will make a difference in someone's life.
Henshaws -Helping the Blind
Henshaws is a charity that has been helping people living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities for almost 180 years. Helping to reduce social isolation and increase independence through empowering disabled people to go beyond expectations and achieve their ambitions.
Elder Care Locator
The Elder Care locator is a free service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. Every state has an Aging Services Division dedicated to providing seniors with home and community-based services, as a resource instead of living in a nursing home. Including home health aides, nursing care, home-delivered meals, help with household chores, transportation to shopping and medical appointments, as well as counseling, advocacy and legal aid. Phone (800) 677-1116 or visit: https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx
Helping Hands 4 the Blind
A non-profit organization whose goal is to promote social, economic and educational opportunities for the blind. This organization can be found at your local church and other key locations. Helping Hands for the Blind is an organization of blind people who want to help other blind people. It is a problem solving organization and it is a guide that blind people can turn to in times of need.
Contact us at: (818) 341-8217.
National Aging & Disability Transportation Center (NADTC)
National Aging & Disability Transportation Center can provide information on transportation sources. Phone (866) 528-6278 or (866) 983-3222 TTY 202 347-7385
e-mail: contact@nadtc.org or visit:http://seniortransportation.net
National Library Service (NLS)
National Library Services and Regional Offices provide a free library service to people who are unable to read regular printed material because of visual impairment (books and magazines in Braille, e-braille, and audio). The materials and free playback equipment needed to read talking books and magazines are sent to borrowers and returned to libraries by postage-free mail. Call: 1 (888) 657-7323.
Future Aids -The Braille Superstore
Future Aids -The Braille Superstore offers a variety of reasonably priced products, software and Braille Supplies.
Phone (800) 987-1231 or visit: http://www.braillebookstore.com
MaxiAids
MaxiAids sells independent living and mobility products for those who are deaf or have low vision. Phone (800) 522-6294
or visit: http://www.maxiaids.com
Independent Living Aids
Independent Living Aids sells low vision aids, magnifiers and other independent living products. Phone (800) 537-2118
or visit: http://www.independentliving.com
ICanConnect
ICanConnect (National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program) is available for those with significant combined vision and hearing loss meeting Federal income guidelines. They can receive communication technology and training to stay connected with family members and friends at no cost. Phone: 1 (800) 825-4595 TTY 888-320-2656 or visit: http://www.icanconnect.org
iCanConnect in Montana
This program can assist Deaf/Blind folks in Montana.
iCanConnect is a national program with local contacts to help people stay connected with friends, family, their community, and the world. iCanConnect provides free equipment and training to people with both significant vision and hearing loss who meet disability and income guidelines. Go to the website: iCanConnect in Montana
Lions Clubs International
Lions Clubs International has Local Lions Clubs which provide resources and support to benefit individuals with vision loss.
Phone (630) 571-5466 or visit: http://www.lionsclubs.org
GoGoGrandparent
GoGoGrandparent turns on demand transportation companies like Uber into services that help families take better care of older adults. Available in all 50 states and Canada!
Call (855) 464-6872 and select a service
Press 1 to get picked up at home;
Press 2 to get picked up where we dropped you off
Press 6 to request an operator
Pickups happen within 15 minutes. To schedule in advance, speak to an agent.
U.S. Bureau of Engraving & Printing Information Line
U.S. Bureau of Engraving & Printing Information Line provides a free Currency Reader for people with vision loss.
Phone (844) 815-9388 or visit: http://www.moneyfactory.gov/
Blinded Veterans Association
Blinded Veterans Association and Regional Chapters give access to national and regional resources and connect with blinded Veterans throughout the United States.
Phone (800) 669-7079 or visit: http://www.bva.org
AppleVis
A website for people who are blind or have visual Impairments that are users of Apple's range of Mac computers, the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and the Apple TV.
AppleVis is a resource containing multiple links and access to useful information concerning the Blind and low vision community who use Apple products.
Microsoft Accessibility Help Desk
If you run into a problem that you cannot figure out, the Microsoft disability answer desk may be able to help you. The Disability Answer Desk agents will provide assistance to customers with disabilities, such as people who are blind, have low vision, are deaf, or may have other impairments.
There is support for customers looking for help with accessibility features such as screen readers, screen magnifiers, or speech recognition commands.
Microsoft Windows Narrator Resourcce Guide/Reference Manual
A complete guide to Narrator.
Narrator is a screen-reading app built into Windows 10. This guide describes how to use Narrator with Windows on desktop PCs so that you can start using apps, browsing the web, and more. It's written for people who use a screen reader regularly.
Computers for the Blind (CFTB)
Computers For The Blind - is a volunteer organization devoted to providing accessible desktop,and laptop computers at very low cost to persons who are blind or visually impaired. Phone (214) 340-6328.
New England ADA Regional Center
The NIDILRR-funded New England ADA Regional Center has released two one-minute videos on Aging, Disability, and the ADA. These new public service announcements are aimed at reaching older Americans with disabilities who may not be aware they have rights under the ADA. The videos feature iconic places in Boston and Worcester, MA with good examples of accessibility that support community participation for older Americans and that benefit all potential users. The videos are available on YouTube and downloadable with open captions from Vimeo.
To call New England ADA Regional Center at: 1 (800) 949-4232.
Vital Tech
Vital Tech is your guide through the world of assistive tech. Our site is managed by blind and partially sighted people, for blind and partially sighted people. Browse our themes for guidance and instructional videos on all things tech.
Recreation Resources
Extreme Mobility Camps, Inc.
Summer and winter camps for blind and visually impaired ages 13-30. Representative Michael Mooney. Phone (406) 672-5285.
Ski for Light Montana
Ski for Light Montana is a program that teaches visually impaired people from all over Montana to cross country ski or snowshoe. It is a unique experience for both the blind or low vision skier and the sighted guide. Call Jason Stanley for more information: (406) 535-5615.
The Blind History Lady
The Blind History Lady has many inspiring stories about people who are blind. Contact us at: The Blind History Lady.
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Would you like to Volunteer?
If you want to be a volunteer, please contact us at: (406) 442-9411.
You can also Open and Fill out the Volunteer form but you must contact us before you can volunteer. All volunteers must be screened and approved before they can participate.