Mar 19, 2023

Get the Support You Need from These Federal, State, and Nonprofit Organizations

At the Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA) Association, our goal is to help you find and access the resources to support you, your family, and your loved ones. There are dozens of federal and state government agencies, as well as private and nonprofit groups, that assist children, students, athletes, and adults with low vision and blindness.

One fantastic resource is the Library of Congress’s National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. Their website defines key terms for those navigating the legal and technical aspects of finding support; provides reading materials to learn more about available organizations and resources; and explains laws critical for those with low vision and blindness and their family to understand. Additionally, their website provides a range of federal and state agencies which are also listed at the bottom of this article for ease of access.

Several federal agencies are available to help people with low vision and blindness understand their rights and navigate equal employment opportunities. They assist families with their children’s educational planning, including identifying and accessing technology and educational materials that should be provided to them at low or no cost. They can also help families ensure their rights are being met in public locations and facilities, including that public buildings are equally accessible to all. These agencies and resources include:

Beyond federal and state resources, there are also several private and nonprofit groups that help those with low vision and blindness identify critical resources and educational opportunities. These groups include, but are not limited to, the following:

Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy Association: A research-focused nonprofit aiming to find a treatment or cure for ADOA.
American Academy of Ophthalmology: A medical association that provides information and resources to support people with low vision, and more generally supports Americans with resources to improve eye health.
American Council of the Blind Families: An advocacy group that connects the parents of children with visual impairments for support and resource sharing.
APH FamilyConnect: A service offered by the American Printing House for the Blind that provides information and resources to families of children with low vision.

Today, tomorrow and always we will continue the fight for sight. If you have questions about these resources, or have additional organizations you’d like to share with the ADOAA community, please don’t hesitate to reach out! Fill out the Contact Us form at the bottom of our website. And be sure to follow us on Facebook for frequent updates.

Below is a list of agencies organized by state. Please note, not all states are represented:

StateAgencyAlabama

Alaska

Arizona