Bank Services Some banks offer large print checks. These checks also have raised lines for “payable to” and for the signature. Inquire with the local bank customer service representative. Department of Assistive Rehabilitation Service (DARS)
Division for the Blind (DBS)
(800) 628-5115 Previously known as the Texas Commission for the Blind, the DARS Division for Blind Services (DBS) assists blind or visually impaired individuals and their families. Depending upon their goals and needs, DBS offers services to help regain independence or find a job. Some of the services available include computers, software, education, and education related items. In some cases, should the patient not have insurance or funds to cover the necessary medical or surgical treatment for certain eye conditions, DARS can help provide financial assistance. There are certain guidelines that must be met before the patient can qualify for this service. The patient can call the Austin office, or check with directory assistance for local chapters. Directory Assistance Services Most telephone companies, local and long distance carriers, offer free directory assistance service to persons who are unable to read the print in telephone books. They also have a service in which the number can be dialed automatically. Contact the local telephone company to see what services they offer. Some carriers have a form that must be completed by the patient and the physician, while others may just require a letter from the physician to determine eligibility. Disability Homestead Exemption
Harris County Appraisal District
(713) 957-7800
Call to request a form. A person may qualify for this property tax exemption if they are/were under a disability for the purposes of payment of disability benefits under the federal Old Age, Survivor’s and Disability Insurance Act or the patient met the definition of disabled in that Act. Guide Dog Foundation
(800) 548-4337 The Foundation can provide guide dogs free of charge to blind people who seek enhanced mobility and independence. Hadley School for the Blind
(847) 446-8111 (800) 323-4238 Hadley School offers distance education, allowing a person to study individually and at home, or any other location, at no charge. Their courses include the following programs: Adult Continuing Education Program: To qualify, the person must be 14 years or older, blind (or have a prognosis of becoming legally blind), and be able to read and understand courses written in English at the High School level. High School Program: To qualify, a person must meet the criteria for the Adult Continuing Education Program and be a U.S. Resident. Family Education Program: A parent or grandparent of the blind or severely visually impaired child; spouse, parent, adult daughter or son, or adult sibling of a blind or severely visually impaired adult; and able to read and understand courses written in English at the high school level. Handicap Parking
(713) 224-1919 for Harris County Although the patient may not be able to drive, the patient might qualify for a handicap parking sticker or tag for those persons who do provide the patient’s transportation. Applications for handicap parking stickers or tags are obtained through the local County Tax Assessor’s office. These applications have sections that must be completed by the owner of the vehicle, the patient, and the physician. Lighthouse of Houston
(713) 527-9561 The Lighthouse of Houston is a private, nonprofit rehabilitation center that serves the community by offering a wide variety of educational programs, community services, and outpatient rehabilitation for the blind and visually impaired. They also have a unique specialty store that offers adaptive aids such as talking clocks, Braille watches, mobility canes, computer hardware and software and hundreds of other items. Medicare (Memorial-Hermann) Home Health for Low Vision
(713) 596-4663 This service allows for Medicare patient’s to receive services for those with severe vision loss and/or other disabilities. Services include visual rehabilitation tools and a survey of the patient’s home on how to improve and increase activities of daily living. A request must be submitted by the patient’s physician. You may also browse the Medicare website to find out more information about Home Health Services and a Home Health Agency in your area. METRO
(713) 225-0119 Metro offers a variety of services, including free or reduced fares, regarding Metro Lift, Metro bus, or Metro cabs. Metro has an application form that must be completed by the patient and by the physician. National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Texas
(512) 323-5444 The NFB improves blind people’s lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. The NFB can send an introductory packet with information regarding many services available for sight-impaired persons. Newsline®
National Federation of the Blind
(866) 504-7300 (toll free) This free service provides sight impaired persons to access several national, as well as many local newspapers on a daily basis. Newsline® is available to persons who are unable to read conventional newsprint. The person does not necessarily have to be legally blind to qualify.
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic
General Information (866) 732-3585 Member Services (800) 221-4792 This organization lends audio textbooks on a wide range of subjects at all academic levels, from Kindergarten to beyond graduate school. There is a membership fee to join, with an annual fee thereafter. Taping for the Blind, Inc.
(713) 622-2767 This is a private non-profit organization that can provide custom recording and/or equipment (i.e. radio receiver) for eligible persons. Texas Education Agency Special Education Unit
(512) 463-9734 Parents of blind children may contact this agency for helpful resources for schooling a visually impaired child. Texas State Library Division of the Blind and Physically Handicapped
(512) 463-5455 The Texas State Library offers books on tape and in Braille for qualifying persons. Texas Talking Books
(800) 252-9605 The Talking Book Program is available to Texans with visual impairments, physical or reading (learning) disabilities that prevent them from using standard print. In order to receive the free services, print out the application form from their website and have it certified by your eye doctor or other professional. Veteran’s Administration Visual Impairment Service (VIST)
(713) 794-7532 This is a comprehensive rehabilitation program for eligible veterans with serious visual restrictions. This program is offered at little to no cost to the veterans and includes training, education, and services, as well as equipment and supplies to help restore a level of independence. Patients may be eligible if they were honorably discharged after serving as few as five days during war or peace time. Members of the National Guard and Reserves may also qualify if their status was ever upgraded to “Active” for at least ten days. |
