Entering the world of blindness is a learning process for people of all ages. Whether you're the parent of a child who requires accommodations or an adult navigating the workforce and independent living, there are resources to help you.
Early Childhood
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services are designed for young children (aged 3-5) whose disability causes difficulties participating in typical preschool activities. School districts are required by law to ensure that developmentally appropriate ESCE programs and services are available to ensure that all children with disabilities have a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) designed to meet their unique needs. This enables them to make progress in acquiring knowledge and skills, improving social relationships, and learning to take action to meet their needs within the general education program.
Learn more about early childhood special education.
Elementary
If someone becomes blind or visually impaired while in elementary, middle, or high school, it is important to contact their school district immediately. A discussion with the school principal, or Section 504 coordinator at the school district, is often the best first step to address concerns.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law that protects students from discrimination based on disability. This law applies to all programs and activities that receive funding from the federal government, including Washington public schools.
Under Section 504, students with disabilities are entitled to accommodations, aids, and services to access and benefit from education. Section 504 requires that public schools provide a “free appropriate public education” to every student with a disability, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability.
A counselor or coordinator works with the student and their family, teacher(s), and the school to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to support and accommodate the student’s needs.
For detailed information on Section 504, please see the Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools.
Secondary Transition
For Massachusetts students receiving special education services, Secondary Transition begins at age 14 (or earlier, if the IEP team agrees) and continues until they graduate or turn 22. Students on IEPs receive transition services from their public-school districts, which is a results-oriented process that facilitates the student's movement from school to post-school activities. These services are based on the individual student's needs, strengths, preferences, and interests. The goal is helping the student live, work, participate in community, and go on to further education or training as independently as possible when they leave high school.
Learn more about Secondary Transition services.
Higher Education
If a person with visual impairment seeks higher education, they can seek financial assistance via the Categorical Tuition Waiver, a component of the Single Tuition Waiver Program. It’s designed to provide financial support to individuals who might not have the opportunity to achieve higher education without assistance.
To apply, contact the financial aid office at an eligible institution (one within the system of public institutions of higher education section 5 of Chapter 15A of the General Laws).
Learn more about the Categorical Tuition Waiver. You can contact the Department of Higher Education’s Office of Student Financial Assistance by phone at 617-391-6070.
Student Loans and Scholarships
Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge Program
The Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge program is a federal loan forgiveness program for people with long term disabilities such as blindness. It applies to the Willian D. Ford Federal Direct Loan, the Federal Family Education Loan, the Federal Perkins Loan, and the TEACH Grant service obligation.
Learn more about TDP.
Carroll Center for the Blind
The Carroll Center for the Blind is a vision rehabilitation center located in Newton, Massachusetts that serves people of all ages and stages of vision loss, lending support to 75% of school districts in the state. Their services include vision rehabilitation, vocational and transition programs, assistive technology training, education, and recreation, offering programs both on-site and at home or work.
Learn more about the Carroll Center. The center is located at 770 Centre Street, Newton, MA 02458 and can be contacted by phone at 617-969-6200.
New England Low Vision and Blindness
New England Low Vision and Blindness is an assistive technology rehabilitation training provider and product manufacturer with two showroom centers in Worcester, MA and Cheshire, CT. They offer comprehensive eye appointments to personalize which accessibility tools and training best fit the individual.
No-obligation home visits for product demonstrations are available, and they provide a variety of financing options. Note: before you purchase anything, make sure you check with your Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) counselor as many of these products can be acquired free of charge through the state.
Learn more about New England Low Vision and Blindness. Find their corporate office at 799 West Boylston Street, Suite 140, Worcester, MA 01606 and find their technology showroom at 615 West Johnson Avenue, Suite 202, Cheshire, CT 06410. They can be contacted by phone at 888-211-6933, by fax at 508-853-8201, and by email at info [at] nelowvision.com .
Hadley School for the Blind
The Hadley School for the Blind offers free training and support to anyone with a visual impairment as well as their families and the professionals working with them. Their website provides online courses on daily living, adjusting to vision loss, recreation, technology, Braille, and employment. They also host audio podcasts about living with vision loss and offer a selection of remote discussion groups on technology, hobbies, travel, and more.
Learn more about the Hadley School for the Blind. Their address is 700 Elm Street, Winnetka, IL 60093. Contact them by phone at 800-323-4238 or by email at info [at] hadley.edu .
Perkins School for the Blind
Perkins School for the Blind provides education services for children and young adults with multiple disabilities and visual impairments. Established as the first school for the blind in the United States in 1829, Perkins now helps children in 93 countries.
Learn more about Perkins School for the Blind. Their main campus is located at 175 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472. They can be contacted by phone at 617-924-3434.