resources for the blind and visually impaired in
georgia
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency
GVRA clients with visual impairments receive vision-loss counseling as well as all other necessary vocational rehabilitation. Organizations that employ the visually impaired may be trained in creating a successful work environment for individuals with blindness or low vision.
Services:
Worksite Assessments
Daily Living Skills Training
Orientation and Mobility Training
Access Technology Training
Braille
Adjustment to Blindness Counseling
844-367-4872
www.gvs.georgia.gov/sensory-services/blind-and-low-vision-field-services
LIBRARY SERVICES
Georgia Library Services for the Blind and Paint Disabled
"GLS provides vital reading materials in accessible formats. Individuals are eligible for GLS if they are blind, low vision, or physically unable to hold a book and turn the page. GLS services are also available to persons with reading disabilities such as dyslexia."
GLS Atlanta
First Floor
One Margaret Mitchell Square, NW
Atlanta, GA 40403
1-800-248-6701
(Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm EST)
Georgia Radio Reading Program
"The mission of the Georgia Radio Reading Service (GaRRS) is to improve the quality of life for every Georgian who is blind, visually-impaired, or has difficulty with the printed word. Volunteer readers from across Georgia record approximately 200 different programs each month including essential local information, local and national newspapers, popular books, and an array of magazines and quality-of-life programming. The programming is broadcast 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and accessed by using an Amazon Alexa Dot, special radio, through our online webstream, by telephone, or by using a mobile app. Through these means we are able to provide our listeners with information, entertainment, and connections to their local communities."
Georgia Public Broadcasting Building
260 14th St NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
404-685-2820 or 1-800-672-6173
NONPROFIT & PRIVATE
Center for the Visually Impaired
The mission of the Center for the Visually Impaired is to empower people impacted by vision loss to live with independence and dignity.
Every person with vision loss should be able to live with independence and dignity. This single goal guides the activities of the Center for the Visually Impaired (CVI), and we work in a variety of ways to achieve it.
739 W. Peachtree St., NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 875-9011
Georgia Council for the Blind (ACB affiliate)
A non-profit consumer organization affiliated with the American Council of the Blind. We strive to elevate the social, economic, and cultural levels of the blind. For over 61 years, GCB has been working toward providing a forum for views of the blind, improving education and rehabilitation, and broadening vocational opportunities for the visually impaired. Peer support is an important part of GCB as it encourages and assists the blind in developing their abilities and potential to become independent and responsible citizens in their communities. Peer support is especially helpful for the newly blind who may be confused or bitter. GCB works hard to educate the public about the problems of blindness and the needs and capabilities of the blind. Cooperation with the public and private institutions and agencies for the blind is encouraged. GCB holds a convention each year at different locations throughout the state. This event offers timely and informative resources and tools."
Chapters:
Athens Chapter
Augusta Chapter
East Georgia Chapter
GCBAAVL
Georgia Guide Dog Users
Greater Hall County Chapter
Northwest Georgia Chapter
Rome/Floyd County
Savannah Chapter
South Metro Chapter of GCB
(470) 218-7885
GCB Mailing Address
P.O. Box 381
Trion, Georgia 30753
Savannah Center for Blind and Low Vision
Offers programs and services that promote independence and dignity for people who are vision impaired or blind, their family, friends and the community covering 29 counties throughout southeast Coastal Georgia.
1141 Cornell Avenue
Savannah, GA
Visually Impaired Foundation of Georgia (VIFGA)
Serve as a central resource for visually impaired Georgians.
Services include:
Acquire the tools they need to read and write.
Travel safely in their neighborhoods with the use of a cane or sighted guide.
Be seen at a Low Vision Clinic in their area to identify their special needs.
Receive in-home training and tools to promote and ensure independence.
Feel confident to compete in school and the workplace with the help of up-to-date equipment and/or specialized training.
Learn to deal with vision loss through workshops and support groups.
Become advocates for themselves and others with disabilities.
6595 Roswell Road NE # 224
Atlanta, GA 30328
(877)778-4342
SCHOOLS & CAREER TRAINING
Georgia Academy for the Blind
Mission Statement:
The Georgia Academy for the Blind provides quality education services to Georgia’s students with visual impairments and/or visual impairments in conjunction with other disabilities to prepare them to achieve their highest level of independence in transition to college and career readiness.
895 Vineville Ave.
Macon, GA
Phone: (478) 751-6083
Georgia Department of Education/Special Ed
"The Georgia Department of Education (Division for Special Education Services and Supports) provides necessary infrastructure and supports for leaders, teachers, and families to meet the whole child needs of each student improving student outcomes and school climate resulting in an increased quality of life and workforce ready future. We must commit to effective collaboration across agencies and school-home partnerships to support local school districts in their efforts to provide special education and related services for students with disabilities."
Special Education Questions & Support
404-656-3963
SPEDHelpDesk@doe.k12.ga.us