Resources
Empower your knowledge!
Discover and connect with local and national resources that may improve your quality of life.
Discover and connect with local and national resources that may improve your quality of life.
Support Services
Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled (AABD)
To provide safety net assistance to individuals who are age 65 and older, and/or permanently disabled, and/or who do not qualify for federal benefits, or qualify for very little. Interim assistance also is provided to those waiting for a SSA determination of eligibility for SSI or SSDI.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
AARP fights for individuals aged 50 and over and their families at the local, state and national levels. We work on important issues, such as: Leading efforts to update Social Security and promote other retirement savings efforts to help everyone achieve lifetime financial security. Promoting adequate, affordable health care, including prescription drugs and long-term care. Fostering communities with affordable and appropriate housing, as well as supportive community features and options for getting around.
American Council of the Blind (ACB)
ACB advocates for equality of people who are blind and visually impaired, inspires the community, and connects you with education, resources, and each other to support your independence. For information about ACB affiliate in Hawaii visit Hawaii Association of the Blind (HAB).
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
AFB has been a leader in expanding possibilities for the over 32 million Americans living with vision loss. A national nonprofit, they champion access and equality, and stand at the forefront of new technologies and evidence-based advocacy. They address the most pressing needs of people with vision loss and their families, breaking down societal barriers and promoting broad systemic change. Like Helen Keller, AFB’s most famous ambassador, they are committed to creating a more equitable world for people with disabilities.
Blinded Veterans Association (BVA)
BVA is the ONLY congressionally chartered Veterans Service Organization created for, consisting of and led by Visually Impaired Veterans focused on the issues, advocacy and mentorship vital to all veterans and families coping with sight loss regardless of service connection.
Comprehensive Service Center
The Comprehensive Service Center (CSC) is a one-stop support and referral service funded by the Hawai‘i State Legislature and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation through a contract with the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa Center on Disability Studies (CDS).They provide academic classes, workshops, accessibility support, summer youth programs, and fun events that encourage the inclusion of all consumers.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supports citizens and emergency personnel to build, sustain, and improve the nation’s capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Access to Independence Honolulu (ATI)
Access to Independence Promotes Full Participation of People with Disabilities
Hadley Vision Resources
The mission of Hadley is to create personalized learning opportunities that empower adults with vision loss or blindness to thrive – at home, at work, and in their communities.
Hawaii Association of the Blind (HAB)
The Hawaii Association of the Blind is an affiliate of American Council of the Blind (ACB) and a 501c3 non-profit organization, an entity that survives on the generosity of donors who share in the support of Blind and Visually Impaired people in the State of Hawaii.
Hawaii Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Ho’opono Services (DVR)
“Ho‘opono” comes from the Hawaiian word “ho‘oponopono” meaning “to make things right.” Our mission is to create an environment where students gain the knowledge, skills and positive attitude they need to achieve success in life.
Lighthouse for the Blind & Visually Impaired
Founded in 1902, San Francisco’s LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired promotes the independence, equality and self-reliance of people who are blind or have low vision.
Helen Keller Foundation
Integrate laboratory and clinical research to advance the state of vision and hearing research worldwide. Conduct a program of public education on the legacy of Helen Keller emphasizing vision and hearing awareness and the importance of medical research. Develop funding resources and a public relations effort sufficient to support an effective global research and education program.
Medicareplans.com
Dedicated to ensuring access to affordable Medicare plans for persons with disabilities, has published a Comprehensive Guide to understanding Medicare eligibility, coverage and navigating the enrollment process. Living in Hawaii? Valuable information can be found at Medicare eligibility, coverage and plans for Hawaii residents Non-residents can find information for their respective state at Medicareplans.com
National Center on Law & Elder Rights (NCLER)
The national center on law and elder rights provides the legal services and aging and disability communities with the tools and resources they need to serve older adults with the greatest economic and social needs.
National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii (NFBH)
The ultimate purpose of the NFB of Hawai`i is the complete integration of the blind into society on a basis of equality. This objective involves the removal of legal, economic and social discriminations; the education of the public to new concepts concerning blindness; and the achievement by all blind people of the right to exercise to the fullest their individual talents and capacities. It means the right of the blind to work along with their sighted neighbors in the professions, common callings, skilled trades, and regular occupations.
Perkins School for the Blind
Perkins provides unparalleled educational services to children and young adults with blindness, deaf blindness and multiple disabilities. They also share their expertise and collaborate with global changemakers in the fields of education, business, medicine and policy.
Right to Vote - Office of Elections in Hawaii
To provide secure, accessible, and convenient election services to all citizens statewide.
Social Security Administration
Provides information for Retirement, Disability, SSI and Medicare benefits.
Advocacy
Air Carrier Access Act
The Air Carrier Access Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in air travel. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has a rule defining the rights of passengers and the obligations of airlines under this law. This rule applies to all flights of U.S. airlines, and to flights to or from the United States by foreign airlines.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA is one of America’s most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life. to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and to participate in State and local government programs and services. Modeled after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Disability & Communication Access Board (DCAB)
Serve as a public advocate of persons with disabilities by providing advice and recommendation on legislation, rules, policies, procedures (i.e., Grant Endorsements), and plans relating to persons with disabilities and their civil rights or service needs.
Fair Housing in Hawaii – Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
HUD provides housing support & uplifts communities
Hawaii Civil Rights Commission (HCRC)
Enforce state laws prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and access to state and state-funded services/h
Hawaii Disability Rights Center (HDRC)
Promotes and advocates for human, civil and legal rights of persons with disabilities. Provides educational advocacy for students with disabilities.
Housing
Caring.com
The Leading Free Resource for Senior Living & Care Support
Whether you’re looking for a senior living community or help with in-home care, Caring is here to help make this process easier – for free.
Hawaii Section 8
provided to help individuals and families afford safe and sanitary housing. These services are funded on a federal level by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). At the state level, Section 8 is managed by public housing authorities.
Housing Authorities on the Web
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
This site can be a valuable resource for housing assistance information, or for information about the Housing Authority itself.
55+ Communities & Senior Living in Honolulu, Hawaii
Discover senior living and retirement communities in Honolulu, Hawaii currently available for rent. Compare floor plans, amenities, and photos to find what fits your needs and lifestyle.
Guide Dog Training Centers
FIDELCO Guide Dog Foundation
FIDELCO Guide Dog Foundation partners exceptional people who are blind with expertly bred and trained German Shepherd guide dogs, providing all clients with increased independence to improve their lives and the world around them.
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Guide Dogs for the Blind harnesses the power of partnerships—connecting people, dogs, and communities—to transform the lives of individuals with visual impairments.
Guide Dogs Foundation (NY)
To improve the quality of life for people who are blind, have low vision, or have other special needs.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Guiding Eyes for the Blind provides guide dogs to people with vision loss.
Leader Dogs for the Blind
To provide clients with the tools and training to reintroduce them to a life of confidence, safety and independence. Through full-range of services—Guide Dog Training, Orientation & Mobility Training and Summer Experience Camp.
The Seeing Eye
“Breeds and raises puppies to become Seeing Eye dogs; Trains Seeing Eye dogs to guide blind people; Instructs blind people in the proper use, handling, and care of the dogs; Conducts and supports research on canine health and development”
Transportation
Animal Industry Division – Guide & Service Dogs Entering Hawaii
Provides definition of eligible dogs, travel requirement, contact information and FAQ
The Handi-Van Eligibility Center
A guide to help you through the process of applying for TheHandi-Van eligibility.
The Handi-Van Application
Online form to apply for The HandiVan services.
The Bus Holo Card Pass
A contactless smart card used to pay for public transit fares on the island of O`ahu in Hawai`i. The card is used to hold cash value or passes for use on The Bus, and will also be valid on Honolulu’s rail system when it opens to the public.
Technology and Living Aids
Assistive Technology Resource Center of Hawaii (ATRC)
ATRC is a nonprofit organization, whose mission is to link individuals with disabilities with technology and empower individuals through its use.
Freedom Scientific
For over 20 years Freedom Scientific has provided access to print and computers for individuals with blindness and low vision. Allowing blind and low vision individuals the same access to information as their sighted peers.
HumanWare
HumanWare specializes in the design and manufacture of highly intuitive and intelligent solutions for people living with vision loss or visual impairment. From electronic magnifiers to talking GPS to braille devices, HumanWare solutions help all users live independently and participate successfully in today’s world.
Sight Savers America
Sight Savers America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that works to identify and secure the eye care needs of children, from their first pair of eyeglasses to extensive sight-saving treatment and high-tech vision aids for those with severe visual impairment.
Computers for the Blind (CFTB)
Opens the world of information technology to persons who are blind or visually impaired by providing computer equipment, software, and training.
Library & Print Services
American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
The world’s largest nonprofit organization creating accessible learning experiences through educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are blind and visually impaired.
Bookshare
Bookshare® is an ebook library that makes reading easier. Members can access a huge collection of ebooks and read their way with the most customizable ebooks for people with reading barriers. Bookshare operates in the U.S. under a copyright exemption—the Chafee Amendment—which grants nonprofit organizations the ability to make books available to people with print disabilities without publisher permission.
Hawaii Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)
The Hawaii State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) provides books and magazines in audio and braille for patrons who are certified as having a visual impairment or other physical limitation that prevents them from reading standard printed material.
National Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)
National Library Service (NLS) is a free braille and talking book library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical, perceptual, or reading disability that prevents them from using regular print materials.
Health & Safety
AARP - 9
AARP – 9 Ways to Prevent Falls When You Have Low Vision
Here’s expert advice on how to stay strong, improve your balance and avoid injury
Smart 911
AARP – 9 Ways to Prevent Falls When You Have Low Vision
Here’s expert advice on how to stay strong, improve your balance and avoid injury
Falls-Prevention Interventions
Falls-Prevention Interventions for Persons Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.
The purpose of this article is to describe four main areas of falls-prevention intervention for older adults who are blind or visually impaired.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Our mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. Our core values and goals help us achieve it.
