RESOURCES &
HELPFUL LINKS
TRANSPORTATION
Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA):
Road Runner ADA Service Information:
http://lrta.com/what-is-road-runner-ada-service/
ADA Eligibility:
http://lrta.com/ada-eligibility/
LRTA ADA Application:
http://lrta.com/ada-eligibility-application-forms/
Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MVRTA):
Special Services:
http://www.mvrta.com/special-services/
ADA EZ Trans:
http://www.mvrta.com/special-services/ez-trans/
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA):
The Ride:
https://www.mbta.com/accessibility/the-ride
Blind Access CharlieCard:
Apply for a Blind Access CharlieCard:
COMMONWEALTH SERVICES
Definition of legal blindness in the state of Massachusetts:
The definition of “legally blind” is someone with:
Vision with correction of 20/200 or less in the better eye; or peripheral field of ten degrees radius (10º) or less, regardless of visual acuity.
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB)
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-commission-for-the-blind
O&M Services:
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/orientation-and-mobility-o-m
Assistive Technology Services:
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/assistive-technology-for-the-blind-at
Vision Rehabilitation Teaching:
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/rehabilitation-teaching-vision-rehabilitation-therapy
LEISURE/READING
Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library
https://www.perkins.org/library
Bookshare:
LEGISLATURE
MA White Cane Law
https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section14A
SHOPPING RESOURCES
MaxiAids
Braille products:
https://www.maxiaids.com/braille-products
Low Vision & Tools for the Blind:
https://www.maxiaids.com/blind-and-low-vision-store
Long Canes:
https://www.maxiaids.com/producttag/1564/canes-for-the-blind
*LAB offers demoing and assistance with ordering magnifiers. Please feel free to reach out to the LAB Office for assistance and/or inquiries (978) 454-5704.
APPS
Aira:
Audible:
Be My Eyes:
BlindSquare:
KNFB Reader:
TapTapSee:
EDUCATION
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
“The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children.”
Retrieved from:
“Blind Students and the IEP Process” Carlton Anne Cook Walker
https://www.nfb.org/sites/www.nfb.org/files/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr36/2/fr360202.htm
Expanded Core Curriculum
https://www.perkins.org/school/ecc
MA Braille Bill
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/massachusetts-braille-bills-signed-into-law
SCHOOL PERSONNEL
Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI): “A Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (also called a Teacher of the Visually Impaired, a vision specialist, VI teacher, vision itinerant teacher, etc.) is typically a licensed special education teacher who has received certification and specialized training, in meeting the educational needs of students who are blind or have visual impairments ages birth through 21 (states vary on the criteria for certification as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments). This is an instructional position, as opposed to a related service or vision therapy. “
(Retrieved from https://www.teachingvisuallyimpaired.com/teacher-of-students-with-visual-impairments.html)
Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS): “The Orientation & Mobility Specialist is a certified instructor who has received specialized training in teaching people who are blind or visually impaired to travel safely, gracefully and efficiently throughout their environments including indoor and outdoor, familiar and unfamiliar. An Orientation and Mobility Specialist teaches people who are blind and visually impaired specific skills they need in order to know where they are and how to move independently, safely, efficiently to where they want to be. Usually the O&M Specialist works with students individually.”
Retrieved from http://teachingvisuallyimpaired.com/orientation--mobility-specialist.html)