On employment I can only say that there are many opportunities for the blind and visually impaired and that the "Americans With Disabilities Act" has helped to open many doors. The best place to start if you are looking for employment is to contact your states "Blind Services". All states have a rehabilitation program of one form or another, and they can help you with rehabilitation, job training (if necessary), placement and much else. If you have a specific employment goal in mind, they can help you to achieve it. Try to keep it realistic but don't limit yourself because of your impairment. Much is possible.
After several false starts I spent the last 15 months working for a local contractor doing residential mechanical maintenance. On that same note though I would have no business doing the kind of work I was doing prior to my impairment. I would be a hazzard to myself and everyone around me in a chemical plant or Nuclear Power Plant. That is what I mean about keep your goal realistic.

National Industries for the Blind
1901 N. Beaugard St.
Ste. 200
Alexandria, VA. 22311
(703) 998-0770
Website: www.nib.org/

NIB was incorporated in 1938 as a result of the Wagner-O'Day Act, legislation that established a federal market for the purchase of products manufactured by organizations employing people with severe visual disabilities. The Act was amended in 1971 as the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act to provide for the purchase of both products and services and included federal purchasing from industries serving people with other significant disabilities. A sister organization was formed called NISH to represent these agencies with the federal government.

NIB is a private, not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, NIB accomplishes its mission by developing business opportunities in the federal, state, and commercial marketplaces for over 80 non-profit associated agencies across the United States, operating 120 industries in 38 states. (Skillcraft for ex.)

NIB Technical Center
13665 S. Lakefront Dr.
Earth City, MO. 63045
(314) 739-8005

Public Services

Tell� Me Network
(800) 555-8355
National information network. Voice keyed menu - news, weather, sports and more. Weather report by City or area code.

SBC Ameritech
(800) 660-1000
Provides 411+1 service to the visually impaired at no charge. Ask Customer Service rep. how to apply for 411+1 exemption.

AT&T
(800) 222-0300
Provides Free Long Distance Directory Assistance +1 Service to the visually impaired. Ask Customer Service how to apply for +1 exemption.

Descriptive Video Service
(800) 333-1203
Free service by Boston Public Broadcasting System WGBH provides a narrative description of the action on screen for the Visually Impaired.
To receive DVS you must have a stereo TV, VCR, or an SAP receiver. With the SAP feature turned on or enabled you will hear the descriptive narrative.
Call the toll free number for programming information.
This includes movies on Masterpiece Theater and Turner Classic Movies.
WGBH programming is regularly scheduled on the local PBS stations.
DVS videos are reportedly available to rent at some Blockbuster Video stores.
Call your local Blockbuster for information on availability.

Mopex Project
A joint venture with WGBH and General Cinemas First run movies with DVS are now being shown in some General Cinemas theaters.
Call the toll free number for information on the theater nearest to you.

The area I live in is monopolized by "National Amusement", so I would have to travel several hundred miles to see a movie with the descriptive narrative.

Email: [email protected]