Visual Services

Visual Services

Blind/Visual Impairments Services

Envision

Envision | Dallas

In 2018, the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind, a key provider of vision loss services since 1931, joined forces with Envision, a national organization established in 1933, creating a strategic partnership to broaden opportunities and improve support for blind or visually impaired individuals across Texas and Kansas. Envision Dallas upholds the legacy of the Dallas Lighthouse, empowering those with vision loss to lead independent, fulfilling lives.

Services Provided:

  • Occupational Therapy
  • Serving Our Seniors
  • Assistive Technology Lab
  • Orientation and Mobility Training (SOS specialists conduct a detailed personal assessment to identify any obstacles or barriers to independence and provide recommendations for adaptive devices, adapted techniques, or other services. )
  • Esther’s Place Model Apartment (designed to teach adaptive products, appliances, and techniques for independent living in a safe, equipped environment).

 

Envision Dallas

1801 Valley View Lane
Farmers Branch, Tx

Phone #: 214-821-2375
Email: info@envisionus.com

Texas Workforce Commission

Texas Workforce Commission | Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind (OIB)

A state-administered, federally funded program under the Texas Workforce Commission, designed to help individuals aged 55 and older with significant visual impairments live independently through tailored training, assistive technology, and support services.
Services for Blind Individuals:

    • Independent Living Skills Training: In-home or community-based training on daily living skills, such as cooking, cleaning, personal care, and money management, adapted for visual impairment to enhance independence.
    • Orientation and Mobility Training: Instruction on safe navigation using techniques like white cane use or remaining senses, enabling independent travel in the home and community.
    • Low Vision Evaluations and Devices: Assessments to determine visual capabilities and provision of assistive devices, including video magnifiers, handheld magnifiers, and other adaptive tools to improve functionality.
    • Assistive Technology Training: Guidance on using adaptive devices like screen readers (e.g., JAWS), braille displays, or accessible smartphones to support communication and daily tasks.
    • Counseling and Support: Emotional and practical support to build confidence and address challenges related to vision loss, including peer support through programs like Eye2Eye (a free, phone-based peer support program via Rutgers University).
    • Resources and Referrals: Connections to community resources, such as Centers for Independent Living, for additional services like transportation or home modifications.

Eligibility: Available to Texans aged 55+ whose visual impairment substantially limits independent functioning in the home, family, or community, and for whom OIB services will improve independence. Services are free to eligible individuals.

Contact:

Phone #: (844) NEED-OIB
Help Line #: 512-936-3388
Email: oib.info@twc.texas.gov

Texas Health and Human Services

Texas Health and Human Services | Blind Services

A state agency overseeing a wide range of health, social, and support services to improve the well-being of Texans through programs addressing healthcare, economic assistance, disability support, and community resources.
Services for Blind Individuals:

    • Blind Children’s Vocational Discovery and Development Program: Creates individualized family service plans for blind children (birth to 22), offering educational support, braille training, and transition services to adulthood.
    • Independent Living Services: Connects blind adults to Centers for Independent Living for skills training (e.g., mobility, home management) and assistive technology.
    • Disaster Assistance: Coordinates resources for blind individuals affected by disasters, accessible via 2-1-1

Contact:

Phone: 2-1-1 (Texas HHS) or 800-252-5204 (Blind Services)

Website: www.hhs.texas.gov

Email: Contact via website form

Texas School For Blind and Visually Impaired

Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI)
A state-funded school and resource center providing educational programs and statewide support for blind and visually impaired students (birth to 22).

Services for Blind Individuals:

    • Educational Programs: On-campus and outreach programs for blind students, including braille instruction, assistive technology training, and life skills development.
    • Online Resources: Offers downloadable braille materials, instructional strategies, and parent guides for ARDs (Admission, Review, and Dismissal meetings) to support IEPs.
    • Outreach Services: Although located in Austin, Tx, TSBVI collaborates with Metrocrest schools (e.g., Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, Coppell ISD) to provide technical assistance and teacher training.

 

Note: Parents and educators can access online resources or request outreach support for Metrocrest students.

Contact:

Phone #: 512-454-8631
Toll Free #: 1 (800) 872-5273
Email: info@tsbvi.edu

Texas State Library

Texas State Library | Talking Book Program (TBP)

A free, statewide library service administered by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission in partnership with the National Library Service, providing accessible reading materials for Texans with visual, physical, or reading disabilities that prevent reading standard print.

  • Services:
    • Accessible Materials: Offers audio books, braille books, and large-print materials, mailed directly to users’ homes or downloadable via the BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) app and website.
    • Playback Equipment: Provides free digital talking book players and accessories for audio books, with training on usage.
    • Library Resources: Includes books, magazines, and music scores in accessible formats, covering all genres for children and adults.
    • Additional Services: Free postage for materials, online catalog access, and personalized reader advisory services to select materials.

Eligibility: Open to individuals with visual impairments (e.g., blindness, low vision), physical disabilities preventing holding a book, or reading disabilities (e.g., dyslexia), certified by a doctor, librarian, or other authority. No age restrictions.

 

Texas State Library and Archives
1201 Brazos St.
Austin, TX 78701

Mail: P.O. Box 12927
Austin, TX 78711

Phone #: 800-252-9605 or 512-463-5458
Email: tbp.services@tsl.texas.gov