Support Services and Resources

Here’s a list of support services and resources for New Yorkers who have visual, physical, or reading disabilities. Some of the links included here, which are in alphabetical order, are from some of our partners and other groups that will take you to websites outside of our New York State Library site.

Blindness and Visual Impairment:

  • American Council of the Blind of New York (ACBNY): ACBNY is the state affiliate of the American Council Of The Blind. It supports and promotes the educational, vocational, and social advancement of blind and visually impaired persons. ACBNY is made up of local chapters organized throughout the state.
  • American Foundation for the Blind (AFB): A national organization that provides advocacy, information, programs, and online communities for people who are blind or visually impaired.
  • Lions Clubs International: A service organization that works beyond borders to provide relief, health support, and vision care.
  • National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of New York: The New York State affiliate of the largest organization of blind people in the United States that promotes the vocational, cultural, and social advancement of the blind.
  • New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB): A division of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) that provides employment, development, and independence-related resources to New Yorkers who are legally blind.

Braille Services:

  • Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library: Our Talking Book and Braille counterparts at the New York Public Library who provide library services and reading materials to people in New York City.
  • Braille Bug: The American Foundation for the Blind's website that teaches children who are typically sighted about braille, and also helps families and professionals support children learning braille.
  • Braille Plus: A company that converts textbooks, exams, study guides, and other print materials into ebraille files or embossed volumes.
  • Lighthouse Guild: An organization that offers services and resources related to braille literacy and access for people who are visually impaired.

Education and School Resources:

Information and Services for People with Disabilities: