Links – Disability Sites


This page contains a variety of links related to disability and visual impairment that you may find useful. They are divided into headings if that helps you jump through the page. Please also check out my other links pages dedicated to bloggers I follow, assistive technology and London.

I’ve also put together Youtube playlists of my favourite videos about Aniridia & Nystagmus, visual impairment and disability, so feel free to check those out as well.

Other bloggers have also posted their own lists, such as Holly’s resources for blind and visually impaired people. Please do check them out, as they will contain resources and links that I haven’t mentioned here. It’s also thanks to them that I was inspired to do my own list in the first place. 🙂

If you have any links you think I should add here, feel free to let me know, either by tweeting me, or via the email address on my About Me page.

Contents

Here is a list of the headings on this page. Note that all sections contain UK based links, because that’s where I live – with the exception of the last group for USA Resources, where all the American links I’ve been sent have been collected for convenience.

  • Eye Conditions – Aniridia
  • Eye Conditions – Nystagmus
  • Eye Conditions – Other
  • Royal National Institute For The Blind (RNIB)
  • Disability News & Information
  • Business & Employment
  • Children & Education
  • Equality & Disability Rights
  • Holidays & Travel
  • Mobility
  • Sport
  • Support Organisations
  • USA Resources

Aniridia and nystagmus are my eye conditions, so if you’re curious to find out more about them, check out the sites in the first couple of lists below. Please note this is not an exhaustive list – there are likely to be other groups around the world if you search for them, so feel free to let me know of any you’re aware of.

Eye Conditions – Aniridia

Eye Conditions – Nystagmus

Eye Conditions – Other

  • Keratoconus Self Help And Support Association – “We work to raise awareness of Keratoconus, and provide information and support for people with Keratoconus in the UK. We hold a bi-annual conference for our members and raise money for research.”
  • Macular Society – “National charity for anyone affected by central vision loss. We provide free information and support to improve lives and ensure no one has to face macular disease alone.”
  • Micro and Anophthalmic Children’s Society (MACS) – “We support individuals born with Microphthalmia (small eyes), Anophthalmia (no eyes) and/or Coloboma (cleft of the eye) and their families in the UK.”
  • RP Fighting Blindness – “We exist to find a treatment for Retinitis Pigmentosa, a genetic disease of the eye which results in the deterioration of vision, and often complete blindness. We provide key information and support services to people with RP, their families, and anyone with an interest in the condition.”

Royal National Institute For The Blind (RNIB)

The RNIB provide a number of services and support, many of which can be found on these sites:

  • RNIB Website – “We’re here for everyone affected by sight loss. Whether you’re losing your sight or you’re blind or partially sighted, our practical and emotional support can help you face the future with confidence.”
  • RNIB Connect Radio – Formerly known as Insight Radio.
  • RNIB Newsagent – Providing news publications in accessible formats. This was formerly the Talking Newspapers site.
  • RNIB Sightline – Directory of services that help blind and partially sighted people.

Disability News & Information

Business & Employment

  • Access To Work Scheme – Government scheme that supports disabled people in employment, by funding travel costs and adaptations in the workplace.
  • Association Of Disabled Professionals – “Drawing on the expertise of disabled professionals to improve the educational and employment opportunities of disabled people.”
  • Blind In Business – “Helps people who are blind or have partial sight into work. We offer help and support with finding work, the interview process, and obtaining equipment to help you succeed. We also support employers in hiring and working with people with visual impairments.”
  • Shaw Trust – “Provider of employment services for disabled and disadvantaged people. We work in partnership with public sector organisations and provide diverse services for businesses.”

Children & Education

  • Blind Children UK – “Blind Children UK makes a difference in children and young people’s lives through family support, rehabilitation, education and access technology.”
  • ClearVision – “UK postal lending library of mainstream children’s books with added braille.”
  • New College Worcester – “National residential school and college for young people aged 11 to 19 who are blind or visually impaired.”
  • Queen Alexandra College – “National college for people with disabilities, offering courses for young people aged 16-25 years as well as employment focused and supported living programmes.”
  • Royal National College For The Blind – “Further Education College for those aged 16 plus with visual impairments in the UK.”
  • VICTA Children – “Supports children and young people who are blind or partially sighted and their families across the UK. If you are the parent of a blind or partially sighted child or young person, or you are visually impaired yourself and under the age of 29, then VICTA can help.”
  • WESC Foundation – This is the the school for visually impaired children that I went to in the Westcountry, and I’m very grateful for everything they did for me, so I personally recommend them. All children there have visual impairments, and many have other complex disabilities too, so they are very specialised and knowledgeable.

Equality & Disability Rights

  • Disability Rights UK – “Disabled people leading change, working for equal participation for all. We want a society where everyone can participate equally.”
  • Equality & Human Rights Commission – “We live in a country with a long history of upholding people’s rights, valuing diversity and challenging intolerance. The EHRC seeks to maintain and strengthen this heritage while identifying and tackling areas where there is still unfair discrimination or where human rights are not being respected.”

Holidays & Travel

  • Traveleyes – Commercial tour operator providing independent travel for people who are blind and visually impaired, including sighted assistance and excursions.
  • Seable Holidays – Holiday packages with tailored activities for blind and visually impaired travellers. Assistance from their guides is provided from the moment you arrive to the time you depart.
  • Vision Hotels – Non-profit organisation, part of Action for Blind People, who have developed hotels that people from all walks of life and all abilities can enjoy.

Mobility

  • Guide Dogs – Provides valuable mobility, independence and freedom to blind and partially sighted people, as well as campaigning for their rights and educating the public.
  • Motability – Enables disabled people to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair, by exchanging their mobility allowance.

Sport

  • British Blind Sport – “We help blind and partially sighted people get active and play sport. We encourage adults and children to participate in activities at all levels, from grassroots to the Paralympic Games.”
  • England & Wales Blind Golf – “Provides registered blind people with the opportunity to participate and compete in golf. Blind Golf is played strictly to the Royal & Ancient Rules of Golf with the exception that players are allowed to ground their club in a hazard.  They also require the assistance of a sighted caddie or guide.”
  • Goalball UK – “National governing body for Goalball in the UK. The company’s purpose is to promote and facilitate the playing of Goalball as an amateur sport in all parts of the UK for the purpose of recreation, physical exercise and competition.”
  • Jubilee Sailing Trust – “International disability charity, promoting integration through the challenge and adventure of tall ship sailing. We provide life-changing adventures to people of all ages, backgrounds and levels of physical ability.”
  • Metro Blind Sport – “A London based Charity, our aim is to open doors to sport for all vision impaired people, regardless of age or sporting ability. Our aim is to encourage participation and to create opportunities to take part in a wide range of activities.”

Support Organisations

  • Action For Blind People – “Provides practical and emotional advice and support across England to people who are blind or partially sighted and their friends and family.”
  • Arts Coaching Training – “My name is Lynn Cox, I’m visually impaired and I hope to change your ideas and open your mind up to new ways of welcoming all! My business offers you everything inclusive within the three main areas of Art, Coaching and Training.”
  • BlindAid – “Has over 175 years of experience of delivering emotional and practical support to blind and visually impaired people living in the 12 inner London Boroughs and the City of London.”
  • Blind Veterans UK – “We are here to support anyone who has served in the Armed Forces, or who has done National Service, and who is now living with significant sight loss.”
  • Centre For Resolution – “Represents a group of professionals with a range of specialist skills that work alongside communities to improve people’s lives, aiming to deliver professional services that will inspire positive changes, giving individuals the guidance they need to succeed.”

  • Deafblind UK – “Membership organisation of, and governed by, people who are deafblind or have both a sight and hearing loss. We champion the rights and interests of all people who are deafblind or have a combined sight and hearing loss and deliver quality services to give these individuals autonomy and control over their lives. Through our work we support equality, independence and choice.”

  • Disabled Living Foundation – “National charity providing impartial advice, information and training on independent living.”
  • Fight For Sight – “Our mission is to stop sight loss in its tracks. By funding pioneering eye research, we’re creating a future everyone can see.”
  • Generate – “Generate’s mission is to create better days and better lives for people with a learning disability by working together with them and the people who know them well.  It is our intention to provide purpose, develop independence and encourage connections through people, places and activity.”
  • Home From Home Care – “Care Home For Special Needs, Learning Disabilities, Autism, Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy, PMLD, Complex Health and Mental Health.”
  • London Visual Impairment Forum – “Brings together organisations working with, and on behalf of, blind and partially sighted people throughout London.”
  • National Federation Of The Blind – “The ultimate purpose of the National Federation of the Blind is the complete integration of the blind into society on a basis of equality.”
  • Scope – “We provide support, information and advice to more than a quarter of a million disabled people and their families every year. We raise awareness of the issues that matter. And with your support, we’ll keep driving change across society until this country is great for everyone.”
  • SeeAbility – “Specialist registered charity enriching the lives of people who have sight loss and other disabilities, including learning and physical disabilities, mental health difficulties, acquired brain injury and life limiting conditions.”
  • Sense – “National charity that supports and campaigns for children and adults who are deafblind or have sensory impairments.”
  • Thomas Pocklington Trust – “We are committed to increasing awareness and understanding of the needs of people with sight loss and to developing and implementing services which meet their needs and improves lives.”
  • UK Vision Strategy – “Seeks a major transformation in the UK’s eye health, eye care and sight loss services. A determined and united cross-sector approach will make that change a reality.”
  • Vision 2020 – “Umbrella organisation which leads collaboration and co-operation between organisations within the UK, which focus on vision impairment and operate on a national, regional or international basis.”
  • Visionary – “Membership organisation for local independent charities that support blind and partially sighted people across the UK.  These independent local societies provide practical on the ground services for local people with sight loss.”

USA Resources

Thank you to the people who have submitted links for this section, as noted below.

  • American Foundation for the Blind – Support and resources for people with vision loss in America.
  • Cerebral Palsy Group – Provides educational information and support to people affected by cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities. Submitted by Alison, the Advocacy Directory of the group.
  • Disability Benefits Guide – This article explains how disability benefits work in the USA, and how to apply for them. Submitted by Gabrielle from The Simple Dollar.
  • Disabled World – News and articles about disability.
  • Resources for Travellers With a Vision Impairment – A comprehensive list of resources to help visually impaired travellers and their companions with planning travel, understanding your rights, travel tips, etc. Many links are to American sites, but there are some UK sites listed too. Submitted by Andrea from Upgraded Points.
  • Scholarship Search Platforms – Best of 2017 – This is a comprehensive review of online platforms that allow you to search for scholarships. It also includes general information and tips for scholarship applications. Submitted by Gabrielle from The Simple Dollar.
  • Tutoring for Students with Learning Disabilities – An in-depth guide designed to help students with disabilities who may have a harder time in a larger classroom setting, examining the various methods of tutoring and resources that are available. Submitted by Glenda from Reviews.com.