Services

Vision Preservation

Services are listed by agency and details about the services for individuals that are visually impaired or blind are also included.  Please contact the agency for specific details.

Alphapointe Association for the Blind
7501 Prospect Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64312
Phone: 816-421-5848

Adaptive Technology Services
Computer evaluation and skills training (basic and advanced), computer training, and training on other equipment to remain competitive in the computer-based workforce

Alpha Arts for Persons with Low Vision
Encourage artistic exploration for persons with low vision

Health and Wellness/Diabetes Management for Adults with or at Risk for Diabetes
Educate individuals on diabetes prevention and self-care; provide classes in diabetes management for those with vision loss; provide one-to-one occupational therapy intervention; and provide referral

Job Training
Assist youth and adults with a visual impairment or blindness to enter and excel in the workplace

Low Vision Services for Seniors
Assess at-home needs, provide training in proficiency in independent living and the use of low-vision equipment, and provide regular in-home visits by volunteers to assist in daily activities and continued care giving

Orientation & Mobility Training
Teach individuals to travel safely and independently in both familiar and unfamiliar settings

Transcription Services
Convert printed text onto audiocassettes and compact discs

Vision Rehabilitation
Evaluation of functional vision and activities of daily living; individualized training program, hands on training with adaptive equipment and visual aids, community resource referrals, and, Volunteer assistance

Vocational Preparation and Job Placement
Designed for adults who have lost or are losing vision and wish to gain entry, or continue working, in a competitive job market

Center for Braille and Narration Production
615 Howerton Court, PO Box 2320, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-2320
Phone: 573-751-4719, VOICE: 800-592-6004

Narration, Braille, Large Print, Floppy Diskette, CD Low-Vision, CD-Voice
Provide the visually impaired and blind citizens of Missouri with quality, low-cost materials that meet their educational, occupational, and recreational needs

Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired-KC
3101 Main, Kansas City, Missouri 64111
Phone: 816-841-2284

Infant Program (Ages birth-2)
Focus on developing all senses and maximizing functional vision.  In-home services and instruction also available

Preschool and Kindergarten (Ages 2-6)
Enhance basic skills while preparing child for inclusion in public or private elementary schools

Itinerant and Consulting Services
Fill the gap for students who returned to their own school system and face limited services

Delta Gamma Center for Children with Vision Impairments
5030 McRee Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
Phone: 314-776-1300

Early Intervention Services (Ages Birth to 3)
Provide a range of highly specialized services to children with diagnosed visual impairments including those with additional disabilities.  Services vary according to the child’s need and are designed to encourage optimal development in the home or other location

Buddy Builder Classes (Ages Birth to 3)
Connect and learn from other parents; a natural way to learn parenting skills while addressing the unique learning needs of your child

Family Support Services (Families of children of all ages)
Assist families learn about their child, their child’s unique strengths and needs, community resources, and skills and information necessary to access community resources

Lighthouse for the Blind-St Louis
10440 Trenton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63132
Phone: 314-423-4333 or 800-542-3697

Camp Barnabas
Designed for blind and visually impaired children, these programs use space to excite and educate students in the fields of math, science and technology

Continuing Education Program
Financial awards in the areas of adaptive equipment, college tuition, and training to assist with continuing education

GRADS (in collaboration with Delta Gamma Center for Children with visual impairments)
Develop self-confidence, form friendships, participate in community activities, become more independent, and have fun.  Programs open to children with visual impairments ages three through high school.

Project STEP (Ages 14-20) (in partnership with St. Louis Society for the Blind)
Provide community experience, orientation and mobility, technology, activities of daily living, self-defense and safety, identification cards, restaurant dining, job shadowing, legal issues, and much more. This is a summer technology and employment program for students who intend to attend college or seek competitive employment upon graduation from secondary school

SKIL Program (Summer Keys to Independent Living) (Ages 14-20)
Teaches teens the skills necessary to help them live independently.  Specifically designed for students who do not plan to attend college or seek full-time competitive employment.  This program includes day-in and day-out activities they’ll need to know to live full and active lives

Space Camp (Ages 9-11), Space Academy (Ages 12-14), Advanced Academy Focus on Space Travel (Ages 15-18), and Aviation Challenge (Ages 9-18)
Designed for blind and visually impaired children, these programs use space to excite and educate students in the fields of math, science and technology

STARS
Explore and learn about adaptive technology for students who are visually impaired or blind.  Training and in-depth evaluations are available

Summer Employment (Ages 16 and older)
Light industrial work for four to twelve weeks.  Call for more information

National Federation of the Blind
7501 Prospect Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64312
Phone: 816-421-5848

Social Security Benefits
Answer questions and help solve problems related to social security benefits

Education of Children
Provide information about how to work with the

Employment Mentoring
Network with experienced blind people who may be doing the job of interest to you, access Jobline, a national toll-free phone service (800-414-5748) that provides easy access to America’s Job Bank, and create a résumé

Scholarships
Provide scholarships to help blind students purchase adaptive technology, hire readers to use when Braille or taped materials aren’t available, and to help meet other expenses.

Products and Aids
Information about Braille watches, note takers and software

Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (RSB)
615 Howerton Court, PO Box 2320, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-2320
Phone: 573-751-4989

Assistive Technology
Tips, resources and information for computer assistive technology for visually impaired and blind computer users

Blind Pension (Ages 18 and older)
Provide cash and medical assistance for blind persons who do not qualify for Supplemental Aid to the Blind or Supplemental Security Income benefits

Business Enterprise Program
Provide self-employment opportunities to legally blind persons

Children’s Services (Ages Birth-14)
Provide free services for children at time of birth through the age of 14.  RSB provides casework and/or counseling to maximize the child’s potential, parent education to enhance the child’s independent living skills, advocacy services, assist with IEP meetings to help identify and meet the child’s needs, referral and resource information for schools and families about vision loss issues, and in-home services.

Children’s Services (Ages 14 and older)
Refer to vocational rehabilitation transition program

Employer Services
Provide on-site job task analysis, placement of well-trained employees, and consultation on ADA requirements to increase efficiency and productivity for employers

Independent Living Rehabilitation
Teach alternative techniques in daily living activities, communication skills in the medium best utilized by the individual, and homemaking activities

Prevention of Blindness
Provide free public education services about blindness and other eye conditions, eye screenings and treatment services necessary to prevent blindness

Older Blind Services
Improve quality of life by learning new ways to live more independently

Supplemental Aid to the Blind
Provide reasonable subsistence for eligible individuals

Transition Services (Ages 14 and older and their families)
Assist visually impaired or blind high school students prepare for the transition from high school to post-secondary education or work