Come back periodically to see new resources added. Let us know if you have a resource you suggest to list here. You may either read down all the resources, or use the Table of Contents links to jump to any particular resource you would like to read. Some resources are short summaries that lead to other web pages with much more information.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
American Council of the Blind (ACB)
Best Cell Phones for Seniors
Centers for Independent Living
Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI)
DNA and Eyesight
Get Set Up
Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI)
Internet Accessibility Guide
Protection & Advocacy System, Inc. (P & A)
Social Security Information
VISION Outreach Services (VOS)
Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR)
Wyoming Low Vision Support Groups
Resource Guide for the Legally Blind
American Council of the Blind (ACB)
Wyoming Council of the Blind (WyCB) is one of 70 State and Special Interest Affiliates. Here is the contact information for ACB.
The American Council of the Blind is a nationwide organization in the United States. It is made up of blind, visually impaired, and sighted people who want to achieve independence and equality.
Contact information:
Website: www.acb.org
Email: info@acb.org
Phones: (800) 424-8666 (Toll Free Hotline), (202) 467-5081 (Main).
Best Cell Phones for Seniors
Caring.com provides information on the best mobile devices for older adults based on their specific needs. We also cover how to get financial assistance, how to choose the right device, and how to help a loved one get the most out of a cell phone. You can view it at:
https://www.caring.com/best-cell-phones-for-seniors
Centers for Independent Living
In Wyoming, we have two primary centers for independent living: Wyoming Independent Living (WIL) and Wyoming Services for Independent Living (WSIL). The Centers for Independent Living have five core services: Information & Referral, Peer Counseling, Independent Living Skills, Individual & Systems Advocacy, and Transition. For more information on the locations and contact info, please go to:
www.wycb.info/cil.
Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI)
CCLVI is one of over 70 State and Special Interest Affiliates of ACB. Check out the low vision resources flyer at the below link.
https://cclvi.info
DNA and Eyesight
Is bad eyesight genetic?
https://knowyourdna.com/is-bad-eyesight-genetic/
Are cataracts genetic?
https://knowyourdna.com/cataracts-and-genetics/
Get Set Up
The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) has arranged free access to a unique online learning opportunity, including live interactive classes, for older Wyoming residents. The “GetSetUp” digital education platform is designed to help older adults bridge the digital divide, combat social isolation, and live more connected lives, and is intended to help older adults feel safe and comfortable online. GetSetUp offers more than 2000 live interactive classes offered around the clock and across diverse subject areas. Read more at:
https://wycb.info/get-set-up
Guide Dog Users Incorporated (GDUI)
GDUI is an affiliate organization of the American Council of the Blind (ACB). This organization has everything to do with different aspects related to dog guide use from promoting laws for traveling with a dog guide, employment issues that may arise for dog guide users, housing concerns that may occur when you have a dog guide, and everything else in-between. Read more at:
https://wycb.info/gdui
Internet Accessibility Guide
A challenge for millions of people with a visual impairment is how they can effectively use the internet for e-learning, shopping, remote working, business, and other key aspects of their everyday living. For more on a recently published guide on accessibility for the blind and visually impaired go to:
https://wycb.info/iag
Protection & Advocacy System, Inc.
Protection & Advocacy System, Inc., (P and A) established in 1977, is a nonprofit corporation authorized by Congress to implement several federal laws to protect the human, civil and legal rights of people with disabilities, including veterans with disabilities. Protection & Advocacy System, Inc. has federal authority to gain access to facilities, records, and persons to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect. Please read more at:
https://wycb.info/panda
Resource Guide for the Legally Blind
https://www.allaboutvision.com/resources/resource-guide-for-the-legally-blind
Social Security Information
There are a few ways you can file a claim for Social Security Disability benefits with the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is recommended that you read one of the Disability Starter Kits developed by the Social Security Administration before you apply: Adult Disability Starter Kit, or SSI Child Disability Starter Kit. These kits include helpful information to get you started. Read more at:
https://wycb.info/ss
VISION Outreach Services (VOS)
State of Wyoming, Department of Education
This is a must-know resource for individuals in the state of Wyoming with B/VI. VOS provides a wide variety of services to individuals with B/VI, including children and adults.
- They ensure school age children with B/VI are receiving materials in a modality that works for them, along with all the necessary training, teaching, and support required of school age children.
- VOS also administers the Older Blind Program in the state of Wyoming that provides services for individuals 55 and older.
Please read much more at:
https://wycb.info/vos
Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources (WATR)
WATR can help with assistive technology for individuals in Wyoming so that they may become more independent in their everyday life. This can be in the form of a device, tool, or adaptation that helps individuals participate in everyday activities.
WATR can help with information and assistance, training and events, device demonstrations, device loans, assessments, and financial assistance.
For more information they can be contacted at:
watr@uwyo.edu
307-746-6187
1-888-989-946
Wyoming Low Vision Support Groups
Buffalo
Buffalo Low Vision Support Group
Phone: (307)-684-9551
Meets the third Monday of each month at 1:00 PM at the Buffalo Senior Center.
Powell
Low Vision Support Group of Powell
Group Leader – Tom Lealos
Phone: (307)-764-3664
Meets the second Tuesday of the month at 1:15 PM at Rocky Mountain Manor.