Age-Related Macular Degeneration Counseling, Low Vision and Medical
Associations
AMD Alliance
1929 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
877.263.7171
www.amdalliance.org
The AMD Alliance International is a nonprofit coalition of the world's
leading vision and senior's organizations working to raise awareness of
age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and an understanding of available
options for prevention, early detection, treatment, rehabilitation and
support services.
American Academy of Ophthalmology
PO Box 7424
San Francisco, CA 94120-7424
800.222.3937
www.aao.org
AAO is an association of doctors specializing in eye diseases. The
Academy's Eye Care America help line provides information and
publications and connects eligible older people with ophthalmologists
who provide free eye care at age 65 if the patients have no health
insurance and has not seen an eye doctor for at least 3 years.
American Counseling Association
5999 Stevenson Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22304
800.347.6647
www.counseling.org
ACA offers information to older people on adult psychological
development and aging. A catalog of publications and videos is available.
American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc
4720 Montgomery Lane
Bethesda, MD 20824-1220
800.729.2682
www.aota.org
AOTA offers information on the role of occupational therapy in promoting
functional independence, preventing disability, and maintaining health.
Contact AOTA for referrals to local practitioners and therapy programs.
American Psychiatric Association
1400 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
202.682.6000
www.psych.org
APA is an association of psychiatrists, physicians specializing in
diagnosing and treating people with mental and emotional disorders. Its
Council on Aging establishes standards for psychiatric care to older
people. Contact APA for referrals to local psychiatrists.
Better Vision Institute
1655 North Fort Myer Driver
Arlington, VA 22209
800.424.8422
www.visionsite.org
BVI provides news and information on vision health and care. Contact the
Institute for facts on the detection, treatment, and prevention of eye
diseases.
Ligthouse International
111 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1202
800.829.0500
www.lighthouse.org
Hope when vision fails.
Macular Degeneration Foundation
PO Box 531313
Henderson, NV 89053
888.633.39373
www.eyesight.org
Dedicated to serving the interests of those affected by macular
degeneration and related low vision conditions.
Macular Degeneration International
800.683.5555
www.maculardegeneration.org
The non-profit center operates full time with paid professional staff to
serve persons and families with both juvenile and age-related forms of
macular degeneration. MDI offers information and support as its primary
goal, which is done through personal contact, telephone, correspondence,
Internet, and a variety of seminars and national conferences.
National Association of Social Workers
750 First Street NE
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20002-4241
800.638.8799
www.naswdc.org
NASW is a membership organization promoting, advocating, developing, and
protecting social workers and the practice of social work. Contact NASW
for referrals to counseling resources and specialists, information about
social work, and information on aging issues and health care.
National Eye Institute
31 Center Drive MSC 2510
Bethesda, MD 20892-2510
301.496.5248
www.nei.nih.gov/health/
The National Eye Institute (NEI) was established by Congress in 1968 to
protect and prolong the vision of the American people. As one of the
federal government's National Institute of Health (NIH), the NEI
conducts and supports research that helps prevent and treat eye diseases
and other disorders of vision. This research leads to sight-saving
treatments, reduces visual impairment and blindness, and improves the
quality of life for people of all ages. NEI support research has
advanced our knowledge of how the visual system functions in health and
disease.
National Federation of the Blind
1800 Johnson Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
410.659.9314
www.nfb.org
Founded in 1940, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the
nation's largest and most influential membership organization of blind
persons. With fifty thousand members, the NFB has affiliates in all
fifty states plus Washington, DC and Puerto Rico, and over seven hundred
local chapters. As a consumer and advocacy organization, the NFB is
considered the leading force in the blindness field today.
The Duke Center for Macular Diseases
2351 Erwin Road
Durham, NC 27710
919.681.0896
www.amdcenter.org
The Center provides medical care, education, information, research and
resources for patients and their families who are grappling with
age-related macular degeneration.
The Foundation Fighting Blindness
11435 Cronhill Drive
Owings Mills, MD 21117-2220
888.394.3937
www.blindness.org
The urgent mission of The Foundation Fighting Blindness is to find the
causes, treatments, preventions, and cures for retinitis pigmentosa
(RP), macular degeneration, Usher syndrome and the entire spectrum of
retinal degenerative diseases.
The Vitreous Foundation
8833 Perimeter Park Blvd, Suite 301
Jacksonville, FL 32219
904.998.0853
www.savingvision.org
The Vitreous Foundation is a charitable non-profit organization
dedicated to preventing blindness.
Low Vision Assistive Equipment Organizations
Adaptive Environments
374 Congress Street, Suite 301
Boston, MA 02210
617.695.1225
www.adaptenv.org/
Adaptive Environments is a 25-year-old educational non-profit
organization committed to advancing the role of design in expanding
opportunity and enhancing experience for people of all ages and
abilities. Adaptive Environments' work balances expertise in legally
required accessibility with promotion of the best practices in
human-centered or universal design. Projects vary from local to
international. All are characterized by collaboration and user
participation.
American Foundation for the Blind
11 Penn Plaza, Suite 300
New York, NY 10001
800.232.5463
www.afb.org
Since 1921, the American Foundation for the Blind - to which Helen
Keller devoted her life - has been eliminating barriers that prevent the
ten million Americans who are blind or visually impaired from reaching
their potential. AFB is dedicated to addressing the most critical issues
facing this growing population: independent living, literacy,
employment, and technology.
American Thermoform Corporation
1758 Brackett St
La Verne, CA 91750
800.331.9676
www.atcbrleqp.com
American Thermoform Corporation provides supplies and equipment for use
by and for the blind.
Generations Online
3615 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215.222.6400
www.generationsonline.com
Generations Online is a non-profit website offering resources for older
people unfamiliar with computers or the Internet.
Independent Living Aids
27 East Mall
Plainview, NY 11803
800.534.2188
www.designlinc.com/livaids.htm
Independent Living Aids provides products that allow people with various
types of disabilities to gain independence over their everyday life.
These specially designed products help to decrease the limitations and
makes it easier to function in your home environment.
Library of Congress for the Blind
1291 Taylor Street NW
Washington, DC 20542
800.424.9100
www.loc.gov/nls/index.html
The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
(NLS), Library of Congress, administers the free program that loans
recorded and braille books and magazines, music scores in braille and
large print, and specially designed playback equipment to residents of
the United States who are unable to read or use standard print materials
because of visual or physical impairment.
Narrative Television Network
5840 South Memorial Drive, Suite 312
Tulsa, OK 74145-9082
800.801.8184
www.narrativetv.com
The Narrative Television network makes movies and television programs.
National Association for the Visually Handicapped
22 West 21st Street, 6th Floor
New York, New York 10010
212.889.3141
www.navh.org
Working with millions of people worldwide coping with the difficulties
of vision impairment.
North Carolina Assistive Technology Program
1110 Navaho Drive, Suite 101
Raleigh, NC 27609
919.850.2787
www.ncatp.org
The North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP) is a state and
federally funded program that provides statewide assistive technology
services to people of all ages and abilities.
North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind
2601 Mail Service Center
309 Ashe Ave, Fisher Bldg
Raleigh, NC
27699-2601
www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dsb/
Since 1935, the mission of the North Carolina Division of Services for
the Blind has been to empower individuals who are blind or visually
impaired to achieve their maximum potential through services provided by
competent and caring professionals.
Pulse Data Humanware
175 Mason Circle
Concord, CA 94520
800.722.3393
www.pulsedata.com
Pulse Data Humanware offers the Keynote, a laptop computer with speech
designed specifically for those who can no longer read due to low vision
or are blind.
Recordings for the Blind
20 Roszel Rd
Princeton, NJ 08540
800.221.4792
www.as.wvu.edu/~scidis/terms/rfbd.html
Recordings for the Blind is a national nonprofit organization that
serves people who cannot read standard print because of visual,
perceptual or other physical disability. It provides academic and
professional textbooks from elementary through post-graduate and
professional levels on audio tape. They also have dictionaries,
reference materials, professional books on CDs for sale.
Telesensory Corporation
520 Almanor Ave
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
800.804.8004
www.telesensory.com
For three decades, Telesensory has been helping visually impaired and
blind people achieve greater independence through innovative,
technology-based products.
The Hadley School for the Blind
700 Elm St
Winnetka, IL 60093
800.323.4238
www.hadley-school.org
The Hadley School for the Blind offers more than 90 distance courses to
eligible students completely free of charge. From "Braille Reading for
Family Members" to "Birdsong Tutor," you can select from a wide variety
of Hadley courses. You can study in the comfort of your own home at a
time convenient for you. Course materials arrive in the mail (a few are
downloadable), and for students in the US and Canada, instructors are
just a toll-free call away.
Low Vision Recreational Resources
Achilles Track Club
42 West 38th Street, 48th Floor
New York, NY 10018
212.354.0300
www.achillestrackclub.net
Achilles is a worldwide organization that encourages people with all
kinds of disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics, to promote
personal achievement, enhanced self-esteem, and the lowering of barriers
between people.
American Blind Skiing Foundation
416 East Thornhill Lane
Palatine, IL 60074
Telephone Number
unavailable
www.absf.org
ABSF was founded in 1971 and is a non-profit tax exempt (501-C3)
national organization chartered in the State of Illinois. The purpose of
ABSF is to provide an educational skiing program that is open to any
blind or visually impaired person in the hope of providing both physical
and psychological therapeutic value to that person.
Elder Craftsman
610 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10022
212.319.8128
www.eldercraftsmen.org
EC offers programs and services that promote the skills and creativity
of older people. Training programs are available for many crafts.
Intergenerational programs, community service programs, and
artist-in-residence are also offered.
Elderhostel
11 Avenue de Lafayette
Boston, MA 02111-1746
877.426.8056
www.elderhostel.org
Elderhostel is a non-profit organization providing educational travel
programs to people over age 55. Their catalog, published 10 times a
year, lists thousands of national and international programs.
Fishing Has No Boundaries
P.O. Box 175
Hayward, WI 54843
800.243.3462
www.fhnbinc.org
Fishing Has No Boundaries, Inc. (FHNB) is a non-profit organization
whose goal is to open up the great outdoors for people with disabilities
through the world of fishing.
National Beep Baseball Association
9623 Spencer Highway
LaPorte, TX 77571
No phone number
available
www.nbba.org
The NBBA web site is the adaptive version of America's favorite pastime
for the blind and visually impaired.
Ski for Light
1455 West Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612.827.3232
www.sfl.org
Ski for Light, Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 1975 to
promote the physical fitness of visually and mobility impaired adults,
in an environment where "we can't" is replaced with "we can." Disabled
and able-bodied people join together in a one-on-one partnership to
learn from each other through physically demanding activities.
The Campanian Society, Inc.
P.O. Box 167
Oxford, OH 45056
531.524.4846
www.campanian.org
The Campanian Society, Inc. specializes in travel programs for the Blind
and Visually Impaired. Our travel programs are designed to meet the
special needs of our travelers and to provide a rich educational
experience unavailable on regularly scheduled sighted trips. Each travel
program offers unique opportunities for tactile experiences and hands-on
encounters. On site lectures, readings and audio-description combined
with music enlarge the total sensory and intellectual enjoyment of our
programs. Furthermore, our programs offer unique opportunities for
relaxation and socialization with others who share your passion for
travel and adventure.
United States Association for Blind Athletes
33 N. Institute Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
719.630.0422
www.usaba.org
The mission of the United States Association of Blind Athletes is to
increase the number and quality of grassroots-through-competitive,
world-class athletic opportunities for Americans who are blind or
visually impaired. We do this by providing athlete and coach
identification and support, program and event management, and national
and international representation. We value the life-enhancing aspects of
sports and the opportunity to demonstrate the abilities of people who
are blind and visually impaired.
United States Blind Golf Association
No address available
615.885.2952
www.blindgolf.com/United_States/USHomePage.htm
In 2002 the United States Blind Golf Association partnered with Lions
Clubs International Foundation. Today there are several sanctioned
regional blind golf tournaments. They are in Arizona, Florida, North
Carolina, Ohio and Texas.
Services for Seniors
Administration on Aging: Services for Seniors
Washington, DC 20201
202.619.0724
www.aoa.dhhs.gov/about/contact/contact.asp
Administration on Aging (AoA) is the Federal focal point and advocated
agency for older persons and their concerns. In this role, AoA works to
heighten awareness among other Federal agencies, organizations, groups,
and the public about the valuable contributions that older Americans
make to the nation and alerts them to the needs of vulnerable older
people. Through information and referral and outreach efforts at the
community level, AoA seeks to educate older people and their caregivers
about the benefits and services available to help them.
Alliance for Aging Research
2021 K Street, NW, Suite 305
Washington, DC 20006
202.293.2856
www.agingresearch.org
The Alliance is a national, citizen advocacy organization offering free
publications. The Alliance supports the health and independence of older
people through public and private funding of medical research and
geriatric education.
American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
2519 Connecticut Ave
Washington, DC 20008-1520
202.783.2242
www.aahsa.org
AAHSA is a national, nonprofit organization providing older people with
services and information on housing, health care, and community
involvement. Visit the AAHSA website information for seniors and
caregivers.
American Association of Retired Persons
601 E. Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20049
888.687.2277
www.aarp.org
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age
50 and over, dedicated to enhancing their quality of life. AARP also
provides a wide range of services, benefits, products, as well as
information and advocacy.
Assisted Living Federation of America
11200 Waples Mill Road, Suite 150
Fairfax, VA 22030
703.691.8100
www.alfa.org
ALFA represents for-profit and nonprofit providers of assisted living,
continuing care retirement communities, independent living and other
forms of housing and services. The Federation works to advance the
assisted living industry and enhance the quality of life for consumers.
Children of Aging Parents
1609 Woodbourne Road, Suite 302A
Levittown, PA 19057
800.227.7294
www.caps4caregivers.org
CAPS is a nonprofit organization that provides support services to
caregivers of older people. It serves as a clearinghouse for information
on elder care resources and issues, including Instant Aging workshops to
help communities understand the needs of older people.
Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
800.827.1000
www.va.gov
The VA, part of the Federal Government, provides benefits for eligible
benefits for eligible veterans and their families in outpatient clinics,
medical centers, and nursing homes across the U.S.
Eldercare Locator
Address unavailable
800.677.1116
www.eldercare.gov
The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide, directory assistance service
helping older people and their caregivers locate local support and
resources for older Americans. It is funded by the Administration on
Aging.
Gerontological Society of America
1030 15th Street, NW, Suite 302
Washington, DC 20005-1503
202.842.1275
www.geron.org
GSA is a professional organization providing information, advocacy, and
support for research into the study of aging. GSA distributes
publications on a variety of aging-related topics.
Meals on Wheels Association of America
1414 Prince Street, Suite 302
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.548.5558
www.mowaa.org
MOWAA is a national, nonprofit organization providing training and
grants to programs that provide food to older people, and those who are
frail, disabled, at-risk, or homebound.
MedicAlert Foundation
2323 Colorado Avenue
Turlock, CA 95382
800.432.5378
www.medicalert.org
MedicAlert is a nonprofit, membership organization providing
identification and medical information in emergencies. Contact
MedicAlert for information about its membership services and costs.
Medicare
Address unavailable
800.633.4273
www.medicare.gov
Medicare Rights Center
1460 Broadway, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10036
212.869.3850
www.medicarerights.org
MRC is a national nonprofit service helping older adults, and people
with disabilities get good, affordable health care.
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (N4A)
927 15th Street, NW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
800.677.1116
www.n4a.org
N4A is the umbrella organization for the Area Agencies on Aging.
National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers
1604 N. Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716-3102
520.881.8008
www.caremanager.org
Geriatric Care Managers (GCM) is a nonprofit, professional organization
of practitioners whose goal is the advancement of dignified care for the
elderly and their families. With more than 1,500 members, GCM is
committed to maximizing the independence and autonomy of elders while
striving to ensure that the highest quality and most cost-effective
health and human services are used when and where appropriate.
National Family Caregivers Association
10400 Connecticut Avenue, #500
Kensington, MD 20895-3944
800.896.3650
www.nfcacares.org
NFCA is a grassroots organization providing advocacy, support, and
information for family members who care for chronically ill, older or
disabled relatives. There is no charge for family members to be on the
mailing list and to receive the newsletter, Take Care!
National Institute on Aging
Bethesda, MD 20892-2292
800.222.2225
www.nih.gov/nia
NIA, part of NIH, conducts and supports biomedical, social and
behavioral research on aging processes, diseases, and the special
problems and needs of older people.
National Institute of Senior Health
Address unavailable
888.346.3656
www.nihseniorhealth.gov/about.html
The website's senior-friendly features include large print, short,
easy-to-read segments of information and simple navigation. A "talking"
function reads the text aloud and special buttons to enlarge the text or
turn on high contrast make text more readable. NIH Senior Health makes
every effort to comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, which aims to make federal electronic technology accessible for
persons with disabilities.
Personal Emergency Response Systems
Address unavailable
877.382.4357
www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/pers.htm
Produced in cooperation with the American Association of Retired
Persons. A Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) is an electronic
device designed to let you summon help in an emergency. If you are
disabled or an older person living alone, you may be thinking about
buying a PERS (also called a Medical Emergency Response System).
Senior Net
121 Second Street, 7th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
800.747.6848
www.seniornet.org
SeniorNet is a nonprofit, educational organization that provides
information and services to help older people become computer literate.
Social Security Administration
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21235
800.772.1213
www.ssa.gov
Provides information on social security eligibility and benefits.
Contact SSA for information and assistance with Social Security benefits
as well as eligibility and disability issues.
Volunteers of America
1660 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
800.899.0089
www.VolunteersofAmerica.org
Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, spiritually-based
organization providing local human service programs and opportunities
for individual involvement.
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