Blind & Partially Sighted Resources

Resource Information


This page contains information on:
For additional information contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center (253) 798-4600 or (800) 562-0332.

Animal Services


  • Guide Horse Foundation
  • Guide Dogs for the Blind
    • Ph: (800) 295-4050
  • Northwest Aide Dog Foundation
    • Ph: (206) 767-6442
  • Residential Yard Housekeeping Pick-Up Service
    • Dog dropping removal
    • Dinah in Olympia
    • Ph: (360) 349-3384
  • The Seeing Eye Dog
    • Ph: (973) 539-4425

Assistive Technology


  • WATAP - Washington Assistive Technology Act Program
    • University of Washington
      UW Box 354237 
      Seattle, WA 98195-4237
    • Ph: (800) 214-8731
    • Ph: (800) 866-0162 - TTY
  • Department Services for the Blind
    • 949 Market Street, Suite 508
    • Tacoma, WA   98402
    • Assistive Technology and Computer Assistance
      • i.e. Zoom Tech, Jaws, Magic, Dolphin, etc.
      • Tacoma Ph: 253-597-4417
      • Statewide Ph: (800) 552-7103
  • Easter Seals-Devices - Providers - Services to Technology Issues
    • Ph: (800) 214-8731
  • Internet Use
    • Free talking web browser for Windows is available
    • WeMedia.com
  • Northwest ADA Center
    • The Northwest ADA Center has aggressively staffed its project with professionals familiar with disability, rehabilitation, rehab engineering, special education, the built environment, accessibility to buildings and electronic accessibility, civil rights law, and business.
    • Ph: (800) 949-4232
    • VP: (425) 233-8913
    • E-Mail
  • Paying bills via the computer
    • Most banks have this option
    • It cost around $5 a month, it is not an automatic deduction, it is a computer system setup and is great if you have Zoom Tech, etc.
  • Primer
    • TV hook up to enlarge print
    • (800) 854-6554
  • TV Remote Assistance
    • For the large universal remote control - HY-TEK
    • Ph: (800) 835-7278
  • Center Force
    • Jim Watt
    • Has large print keyboards
    • Ph: 253-581-9000
  • Workstation for the Visually Impaired
    • Inventory of hardware and software
    • Parkland and Spanaway Branch
    • 13718 Pacific Ave. South
      Tacoma, WA 98444

Books - Tapes - Videos

 
  • Guide Post
    • Ph: (800) 431-2344
  • Jewish Heritage for the Blind
    • Large print and Braille
    • (718) 338-0653 (FAX)
  • Readers Digest
    • Large Print Edition
    • PO Box 2114
    • Harlan, IA 51593-2308
    • 12 issues - $27.96 as of 6/2008
  • Pierce County Library System
    • For list of large print books available in Pierce County
    • (253) 572-6760 or 1-800-346-0995
  • Washington Talking Book and Braille Library
    • (800) 542-0866
    • They also have Large Print Calendars available

Braille


  • Braille Center
    • Edmonds
    • Ph: (425) 776-4042
  • Braille Information
    • Ph: (800) 272-4553
    • They also have calendars and the Braille Mirror Magazine
  • Braille Repair
    • Selective Doctor, Inc.
    • Maryland
    • Ph: (410) 668-1143
  • The Braillery
    • Robert Simon
    • Ph: (915) 565-0179
  • Hadley School for the Blind
    • Also teaches how to play chess for beginners etc.
    • Ph: (800) 323-4238
  • NW Braille Services
    • (206) 384-6494
  • Dancing Dots
    • Will transcribe music into braille
  • Human Ware (vendor)
    • Braille Note
    • Ph: (800) 722-3393
  • View Plus Technologies (vendor)
    • Oregon
    • Ph: (541) 754-4002

Catalog Numbers - Mail Order


  • American Printing House for the Blind Products Catalog
    • Ph: (800) 223-1839
  • Ann Morris Enterprises, Inc. Catalog
    • Ph: (800) 454-3175
  • Carolyn's
    • Ph: (800) 648-2266
  • Guide to Toys
    • Number belongs to American Foundation for the Blind. Ask them for the catalog for the toys for the visually impaired or blind.
    • Ph: (800) 232-5463
  • Independent Living Aids, INC. Products Catalog
    • Ph: (800) 537-2118
  • Gold Violin (formerly Lighthouse Catalog)
    • Ph: (877) 648-8465
    • Lighthouse Professional Catalog
    • Ph: (800) 826-4200
  • Eschenbach
    • (800) 487-5389 for Professional Catalog
  • LS&S Products Catalog
    • (800) 468-4789
  • Maxi Aids Product Catalogs
    • (800) 522-6294
  • Speak To Me Catalog
  • (800) 248-9965

CCTV, CCTV Repair & Screen Enlarger, Plus - Vendors


  • A.C. TV and Video - Ken Stone
    • Ph: (206) 818-8624
  • Ai Squared - Manchester Center, VT
    • Ph: (802) 363-3612
  • Blinksoft Inc. - Pam Retzloff
    • Ph: (425) 430-8800
  • Desko Audio & Video - Olympia, WA
    • Ph: (360) 943-1393
  • Dolphin Computer Access LLC. - San Mateo, CA
    • Ph: (650) 348-7401
  • Henter-Joyce - St. Petersburg, FL
    • Ph: (727) 803-8000
  • Innoventions Inc. - Littleton, CO
    • Ph: (800) 854-6554
  • Sightec
    • Steven Douglas
    • Ph: (425) 401-5036
  • Telzor Service
    • Ann Price
    • Ph: (503) 222-9716
  • TeleSensory
    • Aileen Zaken (at times she has used items)
    • Ph: (877) 551-6658
  • Vision Aid Services
    • Ralph Sherman
    • Ph: (800) 473-3195
  • Vision Technology, Inc. - St. Louis, MO
    • Ph: (800) 5607226
  • Vision Matters
    • Dennis Foster
    • Ph: (888) 281-1492
    • Serves all of Western Washington
    • New and used equipment available
  • Ray Debuse
    • At times he may have used items for sale
    • Ph: (800) 962-2380
    • Ph: (206) 624-4880

Special Note


  • Freedom Scientific
    • Ph: (800) 444-4443
  • Vera reading edge
    • Around $1,300, will read and speak without a computer, but you can also purchase software for computers around $3,000-4,000 to do the same.

Diabetic Information


  • CAPTEK
    • A division of Science Products
    • Ph: (800) 8887400
  • Choice Medical
    • Ph: (206) 329-1668
  • Diabetic Association of Pierce County
    • Ph: 253-272-5134
  • Diabetes Support Group
    • Good Samaritan Hospital, Puyallup
    • Ph: 253-848-6661, ext 2805
  • Express Med
    • Ph: (800) 678-5733
  • Lighthouse Inc. The
    • Ph: (800) 829-0550
  • Medi-Ject (needle free insulin injection)
    • Ph: (800) 328-3074
  • Science Products
    • Ph: (800) 888-7400

Vendors


  • Bellegrove Pharmacy (vendor) Diabetes Club
    • Ph: (425) 455-2123

Grocery Assistance


  • Albertson's
    • Ph: (888) 746-7252
  • Home Delivered Meals (frozen)
    • Catholic Community Services
    • Ph: 253-474-1300 or 253-474-0400
  • Schwans
    • Ph: (888) 724-9267
    • Tacoma
      • Ph: 253-539-0327
    • Olympia
      • Ph: (360) 943-7050
    • Auburn
      • Ph: 253-735-7346
  • Lutheran Community Services
    • Home-delivered meals (frozen)
    • Ph: 253-272-8433
  • K/R Products
    • Ph: (360) 459-0093
    • 7 meals about $25
    • Ask for Richard or Anna; They may just do Olympia

Home Care Assistance


  • Catholic Community Services
    • Chore workers; volunteer or paid
    • Pierce County
      • Ph: (800) 372-3697
    • Thurston County
      • Ph: (800) 783-8193
    • King County
      • Ph: (206) 322-3637
  • Care Connections in Thurston County
    • Ph: (360) 586-4491
    • Thurston County Council on Aging
      • Ph: (888) 545-0910
  • Lutheran Community Services
    • Chore workers volunteer or paid or senior companions in Tacoma
    • Ph: 253-272-8433
  • South Sound Senior Care - Thurston County
    • Ph: (360) 586-1696

Independent Living Providers

 
  • Bonnie Jindra - IL Provider Rehabilitation Teacher
    • 949 Market St. Suite #508
      Tacoma, WA 98402
    • Ph: 253-597-4422
    • Toll-free: (800) 552-7103
    • Fx: 253-597-4432
    • Service Area: Within City of Tacoma

Information & Assistance


  • Pierce County Aging & Disability Resource Center
    • Information on assistance for older adults and individuals of all ages with physical and/or cognitive disabilities
    • Ph: 253-798-4600 or (800) 562-0332
  • Long-Term Care Ombudsman
    • Ph: 253-798-3789
  • SHIBA Helpline - Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors
    • Ph: 253-596-0918 or (800) 562-6900
  • United Way Help line
    • Ph: 253-572-HELP or (800) 572-4357
  • Sound Outreach Service
    • Ph: 253-593-2111
  • Guardian Calls
    • Reminder calls
    • Ph: (360) 275-9385
    • Free service
  • Senior Media Services
    • Senior Scene Newspaper (free or donation)
    • Where to Turn Guide (free)
    • Ph: 253-722-5687
  • Free Smoke Alarms in Pierce County
    • For the elderly and those who qualify
    • Ph: 253-538-6530

Organizations


  • American with Disabilities Act - Technical Assistance
    • Ph: (800) 949-4232
    • Northwest ADA/IT Center
  • AFB American Foundation for the Blind
    • Ph: (800) 232-5463
  • American Council for the Blind
    • Ph: (202) 467-5081
  • Client Assistant Program
    • Ph: (800) 544-2121
    • Advocacy service info about ADA, DVR, DSB & ILP
  • Department Services for the Blind
    • Ph: (800) 552-7103
    • DSB Blindness Skills Development Program
    • 3411 S. Alaska St.
      Seattle, WA 98118
    • Ph: (206) 721-6455 or (800) 552-7103
    • Fx: (206) 721-6403
    • Email
  • Eschenbach
    • For Practitioners in area
  • Foundation Fighting Blindness
    • Ph: (800) 683-5555
  • Lions Clubs
  • Low Vision Task Force Help Line
    • Ph: (888) 331-7007
  • Macular Degeneration International
    • 6700 N. Oracle Rd., Suite 505
      Tucson, AZ 85704
    • Ph: (800) 393-7634
    • NFBW - National Federation of the Blind OF Washington
      • Pierce County Local Chapter Contact: Judy Jones
      • Meets second Saturday of each month at 12:30 p.m.
      • Lakewood YMCA
        9715 Lakewood Dr. in Tacoma
  • National Federation of the Blind
    • NFB Pierce County Hotline
      • Ph: 253-473-4277 ext 2
    • General Informational
      • Ph: 253-474-5328 ext 2 or (253) 471-9248
  • Northwest Lions Club
    • Ph: (800) 847- 5786
  • Tacoma Lions
    • Richard Kissick
    • Ph: 253-752-7246
  • Washington Council of the Blind
    • Ph: (800) 255-1147
    • East Pierce County Chapter
      • Contact David Wermounth in Puyallup
      • Ph: 253-435-5247
      • Meets the Second Saturday of each month at the Black Angus on South Hill noon
      • 2:00 Berle Colley President: (360) 438-0072 in Olympia
    • Capital City-Olympia Chapter
      • Contact Shirley Atwater
        • Ph: (360) 866-4717
      • Peggy Shoel in Seattle
        • Ph: (206) 722-8477
  • Washington Lions Low Vision Task Force
    • Low Vision Information and Referral Services
    • Ph: (888) 331-7007
    • Email
    • Lakewood First Lions Club
      • Ph: 253-404-8805
  • WCB - Washington Council Of The Blind
    • Donations (cars, trucks etc.)
    • Ph: (800) 255-1147

Recreation & Entertainment


  • Arts and Visually Impaired Audiences
    • Ph: (206) 528-2085
  • Department of the Fish and Wildlife
    • Ph: (360) 902-2200
    • Ask for assistant permits
  • DVS - Descriptive Video Service
    • For your TV or VCR set up guide
    • Ph: (800) 333-1203
    • Ask your local library for descriptive movies on tape etc.
    • i.e. the "Bernie Mac Show," "Boston Public," "The Simpsons," "ET," "Spider-Man," etc.
  • SAP receivers
    • COMPOL, INC
      • Ph: (800) 972-0881
    • Avocet Instruments, Inc.
      • Ph: (800) 443-0728
  • DVS Theater - Seattle
    • Ph: (206) 441-3080
    • Ph: (206) 652-8908
  • Group Travel for Visually Impaired
    • Lynn Mullin
    • Ph: (800) 909-5966
  • Guitar by Ear
    • Beginner Course
    • Bill Brown
      • Ph: (912) 249-0628
  • Oral Hull Foundation for the Blind, Inc.
    • Oregon camp
    • Ph: (503) 668-6195
  • Sailing for those with disabilities
    • Footloose Sailing
      • Ph: (206) 382-2680
  • SKIFORALL Foundation
    • Ph: (425) 462-0978
  • State Parks and Recreation Commission
    • Ph: (360) 902-8563
    • Ask about well-maintained and groomed pathways for hiking, etc.
  • Special Olympics
    • King County
      • Ph: (425) 861-9788
    • Southwest Region
      • Ph: 253-983-8960

Support & Support Groups


  • Celebrate Seniority - Puyallup
    • GSH Volunteer program
    • Ph: 253-848-3153
  • Catholic Community Services - Counseling
    • Tacoma
    • Ph: 253-593-2144
  • Love INC
    • Sherry Phinisey
    • Ph: 253-468-6236
    • Assist those in need or makes referrals. One has to qualify.
  • Lutheran Community Services
    • Counseling - Senior Companion Program
    • Tacoma
    • Ph: 253-272-8433
  • Olympia Vision Support Group
    • Leader / contact - Robert Blackburn
      • Ph: (360) 866-9740
    • Call to verify time and location, etc.
    • Meets Third Tuesday of each month
      • Closed some months in the summer
    • Meets at the Olympia Senior Center on Capital Way
  • American Red Cross
    • 1235 S. Tacoma Way
    • Ph: 253-474-0400

Telephone


To communicate with TTY device users and if you do not have the device to do so call free any time of the day (800) 222-0300.
  • AT&T local carrier
    • Ph: (253) 589-5162 or (888) 824-8288
  • CenturyLink
    • Free directory assistance
    • Special needs department
    • Ph: (800) 223-3131
  • Washington Telephone Assistance Program
    • Ph: (253) 627-5445 ext 106
    • Call to see if you qualify to have a lower phone bill
  • Touch-Tone Telephone Services
    • Tell Me
      • Ph: (800) 555-8355
      • No charge, plus they have the game Blackjack, wake-up calls, etc.
    • Shout Mail
      • Ph: (877) 969-6245
      • No charge to some 360 area codes
    • E-Voice
      • Ph: (800) 438-3864
      • One to be independent to locate and push numbers quickly
    • Audio Point
      • Ph: (888) 382-8346
    • Be Vocal
      • Ph: (800) 428-6225
      • No charge, plus they give directions to anywhere
    • Peggy Shoel with the WCB has info on Tell Me, AOL by phone and Net by phone
      • Ph: (800) 255-1147

Transportation


  • Access Amtrak
    • A Guide to Amtrak Services for Travelers with Disabilities
    • Ph: (800) 872-7245 or (877) 268-7252
  • My Handicap
    • Travel and mobility information for people with disabilities
  • Dial-A-Lift
    • Intercity Transit
    • Olympia
    • Ph: (360) 754-9393
  • Medicaid
    • Free shuttle service for those with Medicaid
    • Ph: (800) 925-5438
  • Para Transit
    • Pierce County
    • Ph: (253) 584-5226
  • Pierce Shuttle
    • Ph: (253) 984-8216
    • Ph: (253) 581-8100
  • Project ACTION
    • Ph: (800) 659-6428

Vision Assist & Information


Assistance for vision aids. Try your local Lions Club. Check phone book for Ophthalmologists and/or Optometrists.
  • Allenmore Optical
    • Tacoma
    • Ph: (253) 759-1484
  • Department Veterans Affairs
    • Visual Impairment Service Team
    • Seattle
      • Ph: (206) 764-2758
    • Tacoma
      • Ph: (253) 582-8440 ext 76787
    • Ph: (800) 329-8387
  • Dr. Spencer Garlick, O.D.
    • Optometric physician
    • 6314 19th Street W.
      Suite # 1
      Tacoma, WA 98466
      • Directly across 19th Street W. from TACID and TCC
    • Ph: (253) 566-2020
  • Lions Clubs
    • Seattle
    • Ph: (206) 363-3314
  • National Eye Care Project
    • Ph: (800) 222-3937
  • Optometric Center of Seattle
    • Ph: (206) 325-1100
  • Optometric Physicians of Washington
    • Provides referrals to Optometric Physicians
    • Ph: (800) 562-1487
  • Statewide Program Coordinator for Blind/Visually Impaired
    • John Olson, Low Vision Specialist
    • Ph: (206) 658-6761
    • Toll Free: (800) 552-7103
    • Email
    • Fx: (206) 764-4098
    • TDD: (206) 764-4051
  • The Washington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons
    • Ph: (206) 441-9762
Check with Medicare to see if they will pay for low vision evaluations with your doctor, then check with your local Lions Club or the Lions Low Vision Task Force to see if they might assist with purchasing aids.