Medicare Eligibility for People With Low Vision or Blindness

Fact Checked
Contributing expert: Kelly Blackwell, Certified Senior Advisor®
Updated: December 10, 2022


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Kelly Blackwell
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®
Kelly Blackwell
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®

Kelly Blackwell is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®. She has been a healthcare professional for over 30 years, with experience working as a bedside nurse and as a Clinical Manager. She has a passion for educating, assisting and advising seniors throughout the healthcare process.

Medicare Eligibility for People With Disabilities

Most people won’t qualify for Medicare until they turn 65, but you can qualify sooner if you have impaired vision or blindness because it’s considered a disability. You may be eligible if:

  • You’re receiving SSDI: If you’ve previously held a job and paid into Social Security, your blindness or low vision may qualify you for Social Security Disability Insurance. The Social Security Administration considers you legally blind if your eye with the best vision can’t be corrected to better than 20/200 or if your visual field in this eye is 20 degrees or less over at least 12 months. Even if your vision problems don’t qualify as blindness, you may still receive SSDI if your visual impairment prevents you from working. After receiving SSDI benefits for 24 months, you’re eligible for Medicare, no matter your age.
  • You’re receiving disability benefits from RRB: The Railroad Retirement Board pays disability annuities for railroad workers who become totally or occupationally disabled. When you can’t perform any regular work, you’re declared disabled and entitled to a monthly railroad retirement disability annuity, which is payable at any age if you’ve been employed for at least 10 years. If you can’t continue your regular railroad occupation, you’re declared occupationally disabled and entitled to disability, which is payable at age 60 with 10 years of service or any age with 20 years of service. After receiving RRB disability benefits for 24 months, you can get Medicare coverage before age 65.
Eligibility type How to qualify for Medicare When you qualify for Medicare
Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) Everyone eligible for SSDI benefits is also eligible for Medicare After a 24-month qualifying period
U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) Receiving disability benefits for a total disability After receiving disability annuities for 24 months

Can you work while receiving Medicare under a disability?

As long as you’re medically disabled, you can keep your Medicare coverage. While you’re working, you won’t have to pay your Medicare Part A premium for the first eight and a half years, but beyond this period, you will. However, there are some income limits and other rules you should know concerning your disability benefits.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows you to work while receiving disability benefits through its work incentives rules, but your income must be under a set amount. In 2022, you can earn up to $2,260 per month if you have blindness and are receiving disability benefits, while disabled persons without blindness can only earn up to $1,350 per month. These earning limits usually change each year.

RRB benefits work differently and earning rules are stricter for disabled recipients than those who retired based on age and service. If you work for a railroad or other railroad industry employer, you won’t be paid your disability annuity. You will receive it when working for any other employer if your earnings don’t exceed $1,050 after deducting any disability-related work expenses.

Enrolling in Medicare With a Disability

You’re automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, called Original Medicare, the month in which you turn 65 if you’re receiving Social Security retirement benefits or the 25th month of your disability if you’re receiving SSDI. However, enrollment isn’t automatic for Medicare Part C, (an alternative to Original Medicare, called Medicare Advantage) or Medicare Part D, which is prescription drug coverage. You must decide whether you want or need either of these options because there are only certain times when you’re allowed to sign up for them or make changes to your existing coverage .

Automatic Medicare Part A and Part B enrollment

Medicare for people with blindness often means automatic Medicare Part A and B enrollment. If you’ve received SSDI benefits or RRB disability benefits for 24 months, you’re automatically enrolled and your Medicare card is mailed to you before the 25th month of your disability.

If you’re still working while receiving disability and you have insurance coverage through your employer or you have coverage through your spouse’s insurance, you may decide you don’t want to enroll in Part B yet. Since most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A but always pay a premium for Part B, delaying Part B may be a beneficial option for you.

Not enrolling in Part B when you’re first eligible could cost you in the form of a late enrollment penalty, and you could have a coverage gap if you decide you want Part B later. Your monthly premium for Part B can go up by 10% for every 12 months you were eligible for it, but didn’t enroll. The longer you go without it, the higher the penalty, and you’ll usually have to pay this penalty every time you pay your premium for as long as you have Part B.

When to enroll in Medicare

Because enrollment isn’t automatic for Medicare Part C and Part D, be prepared for annual enrollment periods. You must be enrolled in Original Medicare Part A and B to enroll in Medicare Advantage. Part D prescription drug coverage is a stand-alone plan added to your Original Medicare but is often included in Medicare Advantage Plans. If you’re newly eligible for Medicare as a person with blindness, you can enroll during these times:

  • Initial enrollment period: You can sign up for Medicare Part C or Part D plans anytime between the seven-month period that begins three months before your 25th month of receiving SSDI or RRB disability benefits through the three months after your 25th month of receiving these benefits.
  • Open enrollment period: You can make changes to your Part C or Part D coverage from October 15 through December 7. This includes changing from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or vice versa, switching Medicare Advantage Plans or switching from one that doesn’t include drug coverage to one that does, or joining, switching, or dropping a Part D plan.

You can also switch Medicare Advantage Plans or go back to Original Medicare from January 1 to March 31 if you already have Medicare Advantage.

Accessible Medicare information formats for visual impairments

Nearly 8% of Medicare beneficiaries have blindness or low vision and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services wants to ensure that all its electronic and written information is accessible to everyone. Changes CMS has made to facilitate accessibility include auxiliary aids and services to make Medicare for people with blindness more user-friendly, such as providing large-print or Braille materials, audio recordings, and eBook formats that let you use the zoom feature to enlarge the text.

You can request a format that’s more accessible for individuals with blindness or low vision by:

  • Calling 1-800-MEDICARE
  • Emailing [email protected]
  • Faxing 1-844-530-3676
  • Writing to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Offices of Hearings and Inquiries, 7500 Security Boulevard, Mail Stop S1-13-25, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850, Attn: Customer Accessibility Resource Staff

Always include your name, phone number, mailing address, and the type of information you need if known. This request only pertains to Medicare Part A and B information. If you’re enrolled in a Part C Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D Medicare drug plan, you must contact your plan provider to request accessible formats of their information. Contact your local or state Medicaid office to request accessible materials if you also receive Medicaid.

What Does Medicare Cover for People With Visual Impairment?

Original Medicare for people with blindness includes Part A hospital insurance to help cover inpatient hospital care and Part B medical insurance to help pay for doctors’ services. Medicare Advantage often covers services Original Medical doesn’t, including some vision services, and Part D may cover prescribed vision care products.

Medicare Part B low vision services

Medicare Part B covers medically necessary services, including approved outpatient care, doctors’ services, and durable medical equipment your doctor orders for you. In 2022, the deductible for Part B coverage is $233, up from $203 in 2021. Once you’ve met your deductible, you generally pay 20% while Medicare covers 80% of the cost for covered medical services.

Routine eye exams and glasses typically aren’t covered, but certain eye diseases that jeopardize your vision and may cause blindness and exams for these diseases are covered, including:

Part B also covers devices called durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and oxygen equipment. However, it doesn’t cover many low vision devices. For example, Part B covers regular canes, but not white canes intended for persons with blindness. It will cover an artificial eye required due to a birth defect, surgical removal, or trauma. Part B also covers one pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses following cataract surgery with insertion of an intraocular lens and cataract glasses for Aphakia or when the lens of your eye is gone. You typically pay 20% of the cost for DME, as you would other medical services.

Medicare Part D low vision services

Medicare Part D is your prescription drug coverage, which can be a stand-alone plan that complements your Original Medicare coverage or it may be rolled into a Medicare Advantage Plan. Either way, you typically have several options for prescription plans with various benefits and costs.

Medicare Part D premiums vary by plan, but the national average in 2022 was $38.18 per month. You may also have a deductible, which can vary from plan to plan. Some plans don’t have a deductible, but you will have a copayment/coinsurance cost that varies based on the type of drug being purchased. Your overall costs depend on the plan you choose, which is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare to provide drug coverage.

Prescription drug plans cover generic and name-brand drugs only and won’t cover any devices. Some drugs used in devices, such as nebulizers and external infusion pumps, are covered by Medicare Part B, not Part D. Most drugs are covered by Medicare Part D, which may include certain products related to low vision care. These can include eye drops and other vision-related medications prescribed by your doctor to treat specific eye conditions, such as glaucoma.

What’s not covered

Unfortunately, Medicare for people with blindness does not include many low vision services and devices you may need. Medicare typically doesn’t cover low vision exams or refraction, except under specific circumstances, or treatment at a low vision clinic. Medicare Advantage Plans may provide partial coverage for vision care, exams, and correction products. Compare Medicare Advantage Plans to assess vision benefits along with costs.

Since 2008, any device with a lens has been excluded from Medicare coverage. Except for certain situations, this rule effectively leaves out eyeglasses and other low vision optical devices, such as hand-held or stand magnifiers and hand-held, clip-on, or spectacle-mounted telescopes. Medicare also doesn’t cover white canes to assist those with blindness or assistive tools, such as video magnifier systems or specialized software that enlarges computer text or reads text aloud.

Rehabilitation services to teach you skills like using a white cane and vocational services to help make your workplace low vision accessible or provide training for a new career more conducive to visual impairment aren’t covered. Medicare also won’t cover service animals, which can help vision-impaired individuals lead more independent, self-reliant lives. Fortunately, some nonprofit organizations can help place you with a service animal.

Efforts to expand Medicare coverage of low vision devices

There have been many efforts to expand Medicare for people with blindness, particularly for the coverage of low vision devices. Organizations like the American Foundation for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and the American Council of the Blind continually lobby against rules that exclude low vision aids from being considered durable medical equipment and make them eligible for Medicare Part B reimbursement.

The most recent bill, HR 4311 Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2021 seeks to provide coverage of dental, vision, and hearing care to Medicare receipiants. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 2, 2021, though it has not yet been passed.

Medicare Resources for People With Vision Disabilities

There are numerous highly authoritative resources nationwide to help you learn more about getting Medicare for people with blindness and low vision. These organizations often offer free Medicare counseling to help you understand your coverage options and costs.

  • National Council on Aging: NCOA’s Age Well Planner helps you navigate your Medicare choices, including access to resources and tools, and experts can assist you with coverage options, costs, and finding the right plan.
  • State Health Insurance Assistance Programs: SHIP counselors educate and help Medicare-eligible individuals through counseling and training at assistance centers located in every state. You can meet with highly trained volunteers who help 1,000s of people navigate their Medicare options each year.
  • National Federation of the Blind: The NFB is the largest organization of people with blindness or who are losing their vision. You’ll find state affiliates nationwide offering programs on training, education, advocacy, outreach, and assistive technology.
  • Administration on Aging: The AOA helps support local Area Agencies on Aging and SHIP programs to help you with your Medicare options, and the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers program can help disabled individuals apply for special assistance through Medicare.
  • Medicare: Medicare provides a wealth of information to help you learn more about Medicare, explore costs, find providers and health and drug plans, and figure out if you’re eligible for a new plan. It offers a live chat and toll-free number to get answers to your Medicare-related questions.
  • The Medicare Rights Center: The Medicare Rights Center is a nationwide nonprofit consumer service organization that helps you access affordable health care and provides Medicare-related assistance through counseling, educational programs, and advocacy. It provides expert assistance through its free national helpline.
  • Senior Medicare Patrol: SMP assists you with the detection, prevention, and reporting of health care errors, fraud, and abuse. It has local offices in states across the country where you can attend group presentations or receive one-on-one assistance.
  • Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman: The Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman helps you with Medicare-related complaints and information requests, including your rights and protections under Medicare and what you need to know to make health care decisions that are right for you. Each state has a local ombudsman office, usually in its SHIP office.
  • Center for Medicare Advocacy: The Center for Medicare Advocacy’s National Medicare Advocates Alliance provides a collaborative network to share resources and important developments to Medicare beneficiaries throughout the nation.  It also produces informative materials on Medicare-related topics.
  • National Association of Area Agencies on Aging: The N4A administers Aging & Disability Resource Centers in state offices nationwide and are trusted sources of information on long-term support options and access to public long-term support programs and benefits, including Medicare.

State Low Vision Resources

Connect with local resources in your state that offer a variety of programs for those who are visually impaired, ranging from rehabilitation programs to help get the assistive equipment you need to enhance your quality of life. Learn what each state has to offer below.

Alabama

Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services 602 South Lawrence Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
334-293-7500 rehab.alabama.gov/about/contact-us
Alabama Lions Sight 700 South 18th Street
Birmingham, AL 35233
205-325-8519 [email protected]
Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation 600 Bel Air Boulevard
Suite 110
Mobile, AL 36606
251-476-4744 [email protected]
EyeSight Foundation of Alabama 700 South 18th Street
Suite 123
Birmingham, AL 35233
205-325-8620 eyesightfoundation.org/contact-us
Sight Savers America 337 Business Circle
Pelham, AL 35124
877-942-2627 Ext 238 [email protected]

Alaska

Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired 3903 Taft Drive
Anchorage, AK 99517
907-248-7770 800-770-7517 [email protected]
Assistive Technology of Alaska 1500 West 33rd Avenue
Suite 120
Anchorage, AK 99503
907-563-2599 [email protected]
Access Alaska 400 Cushman Street
Fairbanks, AK 99701
907-479-7940 [email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of Alaska 8120 Berry Patch Drive
Anchorage, AK 99502
907-301-6808 [email protected]
Alaska State Library Talking Book Center 395 Whittier Street
Juneau, AK 99801
888-820-4525 [email protected]

Arizona

Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired 3100 East Roosevelt Street
Phoenix, AZ 85008
602-273-7411 [email protected]
Southern Arizona Association for the Visually Impaired 3767 East Grant Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
520-795-1331 [email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of Arizona 5147 East Circulo Las Cabanas
Tucson, AZ  85711
888-899-6322 [email protected]
Arizona Talking Book Library 1030 North 32nd Street
Phoenix, AZ  85008
602-255-5578 [email protected]

Arkansas

Arkansas Division of Services for the Blind 1 Commerce Way
Little Rock, AR 72202
501-682-5463 [email protected]
AAA of Northwest Arkansas Division of Services for the Blind 700 Main Street
Little Rock, AR 72203
800-960-9270 N/A
National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas 844 Lariat Street, #C
Springdale, AR 72764
479-435-8348 [email protected]
Arkansas Increasing Capabilities Access Network 900 West 7th Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
501-666-8868
800-828-2799
ar-ican.org/contact-us

California

California Department of Rehabilitation Blind Field Services 721 Capitol Mall
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-558-5480 [email protected]
Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired 2453 Grand Canal Boulevard
Suite 5
Stockton, CA 95207
209-466-3836 [email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of California 4226 Castanos Street
Fremont, CA 94536
916-382-0372 [email protected]
Blind & Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County 225 Laurel Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
831-649-3505 [email protected]
Blindness Support Services Inc. 3696 Beatty Drive
Riverside, CA 92506
951-341-9244 [email protected]

Colorado

Colorado Department of Human Services, DVR 633 17th Street, Suite 1501
Denver, CO  80202
303-318-7100 [email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of Colorado 2233 West Shepperd Avenue
Littleton, CO 80120
303-778-1130 [email protected]
American Council of the Blind Of Colorado 545 North Broadway
PMB 10
Denver, CO 80203
303-831-0117 [email protected]
Ensight Skills Center 1740 South College Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80525
970-407-9999 ensightskills.org/contact-us

Connecticut

Connecticut State Department of Aging and Disability Services – Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind 55 Farmington Avenue
12th Floor
Hartford, CT 06105
860-424-5055 [email protected]
Lions Low Vision Center of Eastern Connecticut PO Box 43
Colchester, CT 06415
860-377-2063 lionslowvisionctr.org/index.php/contact
Connecticut State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped 198 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
860-721-2020
800-842-4516
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut 111 Sheldon Road, Unit 420
Manchester, CT 06045
860-289-1971 [email protected]

Delaware

Delaware DHSS Division for the Visually Impaired 1901 North DuPont Highway
Biggs Building, Door 3
New Castle, DE 19720
302-255-9800 N/A
National Federation of the Blind of Delaware 24 Monterry Drive
Newark, DE 19713
302-368-2963 [email protected]
Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center 18 North Walnut Street
First Floor
Milford, DE 19963
800-223-9074 [email protected]
Blindsight Delaware 2915 Newport Gap Pike
Wilmington, DE 19808
302-998-5913
888-777-3925
[email protected]
Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative 461 Wyoming Road
Newark, DE 19716
800-870-DATI (3284) [email protected]

District of Columbia

NFB of the District of Columbia PO Box 29141
Washington, DC 20017
202-352-1511 [email protected]
American Council of the Blind 1155 15th Street, NW
Suite 1004
Washington, DC 20005
202-467-5081
800-424-8666
[email protected]
Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind 1825 K Street, NW
Suite 1103
Washington, DC 20006
202-454-6400 clb.org/contact
N4A Aging & Disability Resource Centers 1100 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Suite 350
Washington, DC 20003
202-872-0888 [email protected]
DC Public Library Adaptive Services Division 901 G Street, NW, Room 215
Washington, DC 20001
202-727-2142 [email protected]

Florida

Florida Division of Blind Services 325 West Gaines Street
Turlington Building
Suite 1114
Tallahassee, FL 32399
850-245-0300
800-342-1828
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind Florida 11551 SW 90th Street
Miami, FL 33176
305-972-8529 [email protected]
Lighthouse of the Big Bend 3071 HIghland Oaks Terrace
Tallahassee FL 32301
850-942-3658
888-827-6033
[email protected]
Florida Center for the Blind 1411 NE 22nd Avenue
Ocala, FL  34470
352-873-4700 N/A
Conklin Davis Center for the Visually Impaired 1187 Dunn Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
800-364-1610 [email protected]

Georgia

Georgia DHS Division of Aging Services 2 Peachtree Street NW
33rd Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-657-5258
866-552-4464
dhs.georgia.gov/contact-form
Georgia Tech Tools for Life 512 Means Street, Suite 250
Atlanta, GA 30318
404-894-0541 gatfl.gatech.edu/requesthelp.php
Savannah Center for Blind and Low Vision 1141 Cornell Avenue
Savannah, GA 31406
912-236-4473 savannahcblv.org/contact
National Federation of the Blind of Georgia 1696 West Caribaea Trail SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
404-371-1000 [email protected]

Hawaii

Hawaii DHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Ho‘Opono Services for the Blind 1010 Richards, Suite 217
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-586-5269 [email protected]
National Federation of the Blind Hawaii PO Box 4605
Honolulu, HI 96812
808-722-4243 [email protected]
Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii 200 North Vineyard Boulevard, Suite 430
Honolulu HI 96817
808-532-7112 [email protected]
Hawaii Association of the Blind PO Box 60640
Ewa Beach, HI 96706
808-521-7648 [email protected]

Idaho

Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired 341 West Washington
Boise, ID 83720
208-334-3220
800-542-8688
[email protected]
Idaho Commission on Aging 3380 Americana Terrace, #120
Boise, ID 83706
208-334-3833 [email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of Idaho 1320 East Washington Street
Boise, ID 83712
208-345-3906 [email protected]
Idaho Talking Book Service 325 West State Street
Boise, ID 83702
800-458-3271 [email protected]

Illinois

Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services, Bureau of Blind Services 1151 South Wood Street
Chicago, IL 60612
312-633-3532 [email protected]
National Federation of the Blind Illinois 5128 North Oak Park Avenue
Chicago, IL 60656
312-343-8396 [email protected]
Illinois Assistive Technology Program 1020 South Spring Street
Springfield, IL 62704
217-522-7985
800-852-5110
[email protected]
The Chicago Lighthouse 1850 West Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60608
312-666-1331 [email protected]
Blind Services Association 17 North State Street
Suite 1050
Chicago, IL 60602
312-236-0808 [email protected]

Indiana

National Federation of the Blind of Indiana 6010 Winnpeny Lane
Indianapolis, IN 46220
317-213-7031 [email protected]
Indiana FSSA, DDRS, Blind and Visually Impaired Services 402 West Washington Street, Room W453
Indianapolis, IN 46207
800-545-7763
877-241-8144
[email protected]
Evansville Association for the Blind 500 North 2nd Avenue
Evansville, IN 47710
812-422-1181 evansvilleblind.org/contact
League for the Blind and Disabled, Inc. 5821 South Anthony Boulevard
Fort Wayne, IN 46816
260-441-0551
800-889-3443
[email protected]

Iowa

Iowa Department for the Blind 524 Fourth Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-281-1333
800-362-2587
[email protected]
Iowa Department on Aging 510 East 12th Street, Suite 2
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-725-3333 [email protected]
National Federation of the Blind Iowa PO Box 93071
Des Moines, IA 50393
515-720-5282 [email protected]

Kansas

Kansas Department for Children and Families, Blind and Visually Impaired Services 555 South Kansas, 3rd Floor
Topeka, KS 66603
785-368-7471
866-213-9079
[email protected]
Envision Rehabilitation Center 610 North Main
Wichita, KS 67203
316-440-1600
866-319-4646
[email protected]
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services New England Building
503 South Kansas Avenue
Topeka, KS 66603
785-296-4986
800-432-3535
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of Kansas 120 East 1st Street, Apt. 7N
Wichita, KS 67202
316-734-4839 [email protected]
Kansas Talking Books 1 Kellogg Circle
Emporia, KS 66801
620-341-6280
800-362-0699
[email protected]

Kentucky

Kentucky Career Center Blind Services Division Mayo-Underwood Building
500 Mero Street 4th Floor NE
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-564-4440
800-372-7172
[email protected]
Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Blind Services 1324 Madison Avenue
Covington, KY 41011
859-371-3380 [email protected]

[email protected]

Bluegrass Council of the Blind, Inc. 1093 South Broadway
Suite 1214
Lexington, KY 40504
859-259-1834 [email protected]
KATS Network 8412 Westport Road
Louisville, KY 40242
800-327-5287 [email protected]
National Federation of the Blind Kentucky 4805 South Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40214
502-500-7675 [email protected]

Louisiana

Affiliated Blind of Louisiana Training Center 409 West St. Mary Boulevard
Lafayette, LA, 70506
337-234-6492
800-319-4444
affiliatedblind.org/contact-us/email-us
Louisiana Center for the Blind 101 South Trenton Street
Ruston, LA  71270
318-251-2891
800-234-4166
[email protected]
Louisiana Association for the Blind 1750 Claiborne Avenue
Shreveport, LA 71103
318-635-6471
877-913-6471
[email protected]
Lighthouse Louisiana 123 State Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
504-899-4501
888-792-0163
[email protected]

Maine

National Federation of the Blind of Maine 33 Morse Avenue
Lewiston, ME 04240
207-212-1455 [email protected]
Maine Department of Labor, Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired 2 Anthony Avenue
#150 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
800-794-1110
800-698-4440
N/A
The Iris Network 189 Park Avenue
Portland, ME 04102
207-774-6273 www.theiris.org/contact-us
SeniorsPlus 8 Falcon Road
Lewiston, ME 04240
207-795-4010
800-427-1241
[email protected]

Maryland

Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind 8720 Georgia Avenue
Suite 210
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-589-0894
877-595-9228
[email protected]
Blind Industries & Services of Maryland 3345 Washington Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21227
410-737-2648
888-322-4567
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind Maryland 15 Charles Plaza
Apartment 3002
Baltimore, MD 21201
443-426-4110 [email protected]
Maryland DORS’ Office for Blindness & Vision Services 2301 Argonne Drive
Baltimore, MD 21218
410-554-9442
888-554-0334
[email protected]

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind 600 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02111
617-727-5550
800-392-6450
[email protected]
Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired 200 Ivy Street
Brookline, MA 02446
888-613-2777 [email protected]
American Macular Degeneration Foundation PO Box 515
Northampton, MA 01061
413-268-7660
888-622-8527
macular.org/contact-us
National Federation of the Blind Massachusetts 806 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-819-4632 [email protected]
Lowell Association for the Blind 169 Merrimack Street
2nd Floor
Lowell, MA 01852
978-454-5704 [email protected]

Michigan

Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons 702 West Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48909
517-241-1100
800-292-4200
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind Michigan 29619 Fox Run Circle
Warren, MI 48092
586-754-1325 [email protected]
Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired 456 Cherry SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-458-1187
800-466-8084
[email protected]
Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired 16625 Grand River Avenue
Detroit, MI 48227
313-272-3900 [email protected]
National Council of State Agencies for the Blind PO Box 30007
Lansing, MI 48915
800-292-4200 [email protected]

Minnesota

National Federation of the Blind Minnesota 100 East 22nd Street
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-872-9363 [email protected]
Minnesota State Services for the Blind 2200 University Avenue W
Suite 240
Saint Paul, MN 55114
651-539-2300 [email protected]
BLIND, Inc. 100 East 22nd Street
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-872-0100
800-597-9558
[email protected]
The Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss 4505 West Superior Street
Suite A
Duluth, MN 55807
218-624-4828
800-422-0833
[email protected]
Minnesota STAR Program 358 Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155
651-201-2640
888-234-1267
[email protected]

Mississippi

Mississippi Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind 1281 Highway 51 North
Madison, MS 39110
601-853-5210
800-443-1000
[email protected]
Mississippi Library Commission Talking Book Services 3881 Eastwood Drive
Jackson, MS 39211
601-432-4151
800-446-0892
[email protected]
Addie McBryde Rehabilitation Center 2550 Peachtree Street
Jackson, MS 39216
601-364-2700 [email protected]

Missouri

Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind 615 Howerton Court
Jefferson City, MO 65102
573-751-4249 [email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri 7928 Northwest Milrey Drive
Kansas City, MO 64152
816-741-6402 [email protected]
Missouri Assistive Technology 1501 Northwest Jefferson Street
Blue Springs, MO 64015
816-655-6700 [email protected]
Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services 912 Wildwood
Jefferson City, MO 65102
573-751-6400 [email protected]
Alphapointe Association for the Blind 7501 Prospect
Kansas City, MO 64132
816-421-5848 [email protected]

Montana

Montana DPHHS Blind and Low Vision Services 111 North Last Chance Gulch
Suite 4C
Helena, MT 59604
406-444-2590
877-296-1197
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind Montana PO Box 1325
Great Falls, MT 59403
406-438-1421 [email protected]
MonTECH: Montana’s Statewide Assistive Technology Program 29 McGill Hall
University of Montana
Missoula, MT 59812
406-243-5511 [email protected]
Montana Talking Book Library 1515 East 6th Avenue
Helena, MT 59620
406-444-3115
800-338-5087
[email protected]

Nebraska

Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired 4600 Valley Road, Suite 100 Lincoln, NE 68510 402-471-2891
877-809-2419
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind Nebraska 1026 South 35th Street Lincoln, NE 68510 402-477-7711 ne.nfb.org/contact
Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership 5143 South 48th Street Suite C Lincoln, NE 68516-2204 402-471-0734
877-713-4002
[email protected]
Nebraska Library Commission Talking Book and Braille Service The Atrium 1200 North Street, Suite 120 Lincoln, NE 68508-2023 402-471-4038
800-742-7691
nlc.nebraska.gov/scripts/mail/mail2staff.asp?talkingbook

Nevada

Nevada Rehabilitation Division, Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired 3016 West Charleston Boulevard, Suite 215 Las Vegas, NV 89102 702-486-0372 [email protected]
Nevada Talking Book Services 100 North Stewart Street Carson City, NV 89701 775-684-3367 [email protected]
National Federation of the Blind Nevada PO Box 20041 Reno, NV 89515 702-524-0835 [email protected]
Blind Center of Nevada 1001 North Bruce Street Las Vegas, NV 89101 702-642-6000 [email protected]
Nevada Council of the Blind PO Box 364496 North Las Vegas, NV 89036 702-383-0600 [email protected]

New Hampshire

New Hampshire DOE Services for Blind & Visually Impaired Walker Building 21 South Fruit Street, Suite 20 Concord, NH 03301 603-271-3537
800-581-6881
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind New Hampshire N/A 603-864-8847 [email protected]
Future in Sight 25 Walker Street Concord, NH 03301 603-224-4039
800-464-3075
[email protected]
Assistive Technology in New Hampshire UNH Institute on Disability 10 West Edge Drive, Suite 101 Durham, NH 03824 603-862-4320 [email protected]

New Jersey

New Jersey DHS Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired 153 Halsey Street, 6th Floor Newark, NJ 07101 973-648-3333
877-685-8878
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind New Jersey PO Box 185 Keyport, NJ 07735 732-421-7063 [email protected]
The Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center 210 South Broad Street 3rd Floor Trenton, NJ 08608 609-292-9742
800-922-7233
[email protected]
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark 505 South Avenue East Cranford, NJ 07016 908-497-3950 [email protected]
Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey 155 Morris Avenues Suite 2 Denville, NJ 07834 973-627-0055 [email protected]

New Mexico

New Mexico Commission for the Blind 2200 Yale Boulevard SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 505-841-8844
888-513-7958
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico 700 New York Avenue Alamogordo, NM 88310 575-921-5422 [email protected]
New Mexico Technology Assistance Program 625 Silver Avenue SW Suite 100 B Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-841-4464
877-696-1470
[email protected]
Library for the Blind & Print Disabled 1209 Camino Carlos Rey Santa Fe, NM 87507 505-476-9770
800-456-5515
[email protected]
New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department 2550 Cerrillos Road Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-476-4799
866-451-2901
[email protected]

 

New York

New York State Commission for the Blind 52 Washington Street South Building 201 Rensselaer, NY 12144 518-473-1675
866-871-3000
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of New York 2175 Sheridan Drive Buffalo, NY 14223 716-222-3632 [email protected]
Association for the Visually Impaired 260 Old Nyack Turnpike Spring Valley, NY 10977 845-574-4950 [email protected]
Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment 174 Court Street Binghamton, NY 13901 607-724-2428 [email protected]
Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired 507 Kent Street Utica, NY 13501 315-797-2233
877-719-9996
[email protected]

North Carolina

NCDHS Services for the Blind 2601 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699 919-527-6700
866-222-1546
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of North Carolina 137 Kristens Court Drive Mooresville, NC 28115 704-302-7308 [email protected]
Metrolina Association for the Blind 704 Louise Avenue Charlotte, NC 28204 704-372-3870 mabnc.org/contact-us
SLNC Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped 109 East Jones Street Raleigh, NC 27601 919-814-6780 [email protected]

North Dakota

North Dakota Vision Rehabilitation Services 1000 East Divide Avenue Bismarck, ND 58501 701-328-8954 [email protected]
North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind 500 Stanford Road Grand Forks, ND 58203 701-795-2700
800-421-1181
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of North Dakota 26 Roberts Street Fargo, ND 58102 701-781-2526 [email protected]
North Dakota Assistive Technology 3240-15th Street South Suite B Fargo, ND 58104 701-365-4728
800-895-4728
[email protected]
North Dakota State Library Talking Book Services 604 East Boulevard Avenue Bismarck, ND 58505 701-328-4622
800-472-2104
[email protected]

Ohio

Ohio Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired 400 East Campus View Boulevard Columbus, OH 43235 800-282-4536 ood.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ood/about-us/contact-us
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio PO Box 20544 Dayton, OH 45420 937-396-5573 [email protected]
Assistive Technology of Ohio 1314 Kinnear Road Columbus, OH   43212 614-292-2390
800-784-3425
[email protected]
Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired 2045 Gilbert Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45202 513-221-8558

888-687-3935

[email protected]
Cleveland Sight Center 1909 East 101st Street Cleveland, OH 44106 216-791-8118 [email protected]

Oklahoma

OKDRS Blind and Visually Impaired Services 3535 NW 58th Street Suite 500 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-951-3460 oklahoma.gov/okdrs/information/about-us/contact-us1.html
National Federation of the Blind Oklahoma 505 Baker Street Norman, OK 73072 405-600-0695 [email protected]
New View Oklahoma 501 North Douglas Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73106 855-811-9699 [email protected]
OKDHS Community Living, Aging and Protective Services PO Box 53159 Oklahoma City, OK 73152 405-521-2281
800-211-2116
N/A
Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped 300 Northeast 18th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73105 405-521-3514
800-523-0288
[email protected]

Oregon

Oregon Commission for the Blind 535 Southeast 12th Avenue
Portland, OR 97214
971-673-1588
888-202-5463
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of Oregon 522 65th Street
Springfield, OR 97478
541-653-9153 [email protected]
Oregon’s Statewide Assistive Technology Program 2225 Lancaster Drive NE
Salem, OR 97305
503-361-1201
800-677-7512
[email protected]
Independent Living Resources 1839 Northeast Couch Street
Portland, OR 97232
503-232-7411 [email protected]

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services 1521 North 6th Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
717-787-6176
800-622-2842
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania 108 Parkview Drive
Phoenixville, PA 19460
215-988-0888 [email protected]
Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired 919 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
267-551-0561 [email protected]
Beaver County Association for the Blind 616 Fourth Street
Beaver Falls, PA 15010
724-843-1111 [email protected]
Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh 1816 Locust Street
Pittsburgh, PA  15219
412-368-4400 bvrspittsburgh.org/contact-us/

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired 40 Fountain Street
Providence, RI 02903
401-462-7909 [email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of Rhode Island PO Box 14404
East Providence, RI 02914
401-433-2606 [email protected]
INSIGHT 43 Jefferson Boulevard
Warwick, RI 02888
401-941-3322 [email protected]
Rhode Island Talking Books Library One Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908
401-574-9300 [email protected]

South Carolina

South Carolina Commission for the Blind 1430 Confederate Avenue
Columbia, SC 29202
803-898-8731
888-335-5951
sccb.state.sc.us/contact.php
National Federation of the Blind South Carolina N/A 803-960-9977 [email protected]
Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired SC 1 Carriage Lane, Building A
Charleston, SC 29407
843-723-6915 [email protected]
South Carolina Assistive Technology Program Midlands Center
8301 Farrow Road
Columbia, SC 29203
803-935-5263 [email protected]
South Carolina Talking Book Services 1500 Senate Street
Columbia, SC 29201
803-734-4611
800-922-7818
[email protected]

South Dakota

SDDHS Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired 3800 East Highway 34
c/o 500 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
605-773-4644
800-265-9684
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind South Dakota 708 East 20 Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
605-339-9207 [email protected]
South Dakota Braille and Talking Book Library South Dakota State Library
800 Governor’s Drive
Pierre, SD 57501-2235
605-773-3131
800-423-6665 (Press 1)
[email protected]

Tennessee

TNDHS Blind & Visually Impaired Services 520 West Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville, TN 37902
615-313-4914
800-628-7818
N/A
National Federation of the Blind Tennessee N/A 615-412-9632 [email protected]
Tennessee Technology Access Program James K. Polk State Office Building, 15th Floor
505 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37243
615-313-5183
800-732-5059
[email protected]
West Tennessee Special Technology Access Resource Center The STAR Center
1119 Old Humboldt Road
Jackson, TN 38305
731-668-3888 [email protected]
Lions Volunteer Blind Industries/Opportunity East 758 West Morris Boulevard
Morristown, TN 37813
423-586-3998 [email protected]

Texas

TWC Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center 4800 North Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78756
512-377-0300
800-628-5115
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of Texas 1600 East Highway 6
Suite 215
Alvin, TX 77511
281-968-7733 [email protected]
Texas Technology Access Program J. Neils Thompson Commons Building
Suite 1.154
2901 Read Granberry Trail
Austin, TX 78758
512-232-0740
800-828-7839
[email protected]
Texas State Library Talking Book Program 1201 Brazos Street
Austin, TX 78701
512-463-5458
800-252-9605
[email protected]

Utah

DWS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired 250 North 1950 W, Suite B
Salt Lake City, UT  84116
801-323-4343
800-284-1823
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of Utah 266 Elizabeth Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84102
801-463-6632 [email protected]
Utah State Library Program for the Blind & Disabled Utah State Library Division
250 North 1950 West, Suite A
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
801-715-6789
800-662-5540
[email protected]
Utah Assistive Technology Program 6855 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322
800-524-5152 [email protected]
Utah DHS Aging and Adult Services 195 North 1950 W
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
801-538-4171 [email protected]

Vermont

Vermont Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired 280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671
802-241-0326
888-405-5005
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of Vermont 17 Brault Park
Swanton, VT 05488
802-370-2663 [email protected]
Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired 60 Kimball Avenue South
Burlington, VT 05403
802-863-1358
800-639-5861
[email protected]

Virginia

Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired 397 Azalea Avenue
Richmond, VA 23227
804-371-3140
800-622-2155
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of Virginia 1511 North Jackson Street
Arlington, VA 22201
202-285-4595 [email protected]
American Council of the Blind 1703 North Beauregard Street
Suite 420
Alexandria, VA 22311
202-467-5081
800-424-8666
[email protected]
Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired 401 Azalea Avenue
Richmond, VA 23227
804-371-3151
800-622-2155
dbvireferralsandinquiriesdbvi@dbv
Arlington Library Talking Book Service Arlington Central Library
1015 North Quincy Street
Arlington, VA 22201
703-228-6333 [email protected]

Washington

Washington State Department of Services for the Blind 4565 7th Avenue SE, 2nd Floor
Lacey, WA 98503
360-725-3830
800-552-7103
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of Washington PO Box 2516
Seattle, WA 98111
425-823-6380 [email protected]
Edith Bishel Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired 628 North Arthur Street
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-735-0699
855-665-8547
[email protected]
Lilac Services for the Blind 1212 North Howard Street
Spokane, WA 99201
509-328-9116
800-422-7893
[email protected]
Washington Assistive Technology Act Program University of Washington
UW Box 357920
Seattle, WA 98195
800-214-8731 [email protected]

West Virginia

WVDRS Blind and Visually Impaired Field Services 107 Capital Street
Charleston, WV 25301
304-356-2095 [email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia 5309 Venable Avenue
Charleston, WV 25304
304-206-4044 [email protected]
Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind 38 Washington Avenue
Huntington, WV 25701
304-522-6991 [email protected]
West Virginia Assistive Technology Systems 959 Hartman Run Road
Morgantown, WV 26505
800-841-8436 [email protected]
WV Library for the Blind and Print Disabled 1900 Kanawha Boulevard E
Charleston, WV 25305
304-558-4061
800-642-8674
[email protected]

Wisconsin

Wisconsin DHS Office of the Blind and Visually Impaired 1 West Wilson Street
Madison, WI 53701
888-879-0017 [email protected]
National Federation of the Blind Wisconsin 27824 Nuthatch Road
Kendall, WI 54638
608-622-7632 [email protected]
Vision Forward Association 912 Hawley Road
Milwaukee, WI 53213
414-615-0100 [email protected]
Wisconsin Assistive Technology Program 1 West Wilson Street
Madison, WI 53703
608-514-2513 [email protected]
Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired 754 Williamson Street
Madison, WI 53703
608-255-1166
800-783-5213
[email protected]

Wyoming

WDE Vision Outreach Services 122 West 25th Street
Suite E200
Cheyenne, WY 82002
307-857-9267 [email protected]
Wyoming Independent Living Visually Impaired Program 305 West 1st Street
Casper, WY 82601
307-266-6956
800-735-8322
[email protected]
National Federation of the Blind of Wyoming N/A 319-883-9013 [email protected]
Wyoming State Library Services for the Blind and Print Disabled 2800 Central Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82002
307-777-7281 [email protected]
Wyoming DOH Community Living Section 2300 Capitol Avenue
4th Floor
Cheyenne, WY 82002
307-777-7995
800-442-2766
health.wyo.gov/header-contact-form/?page-id=87

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