Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) is a private, not-for-profit organization with a long and respected tradition of offering comprehensive services to people who are blind or visually impaired. CABVI services include employment assistance, low vision services, radio reading, rehabilitation training, computer access, orientation and mobility training, talking books, social services, and a speakers bureau.

Provides referrals for seniors (age 65 or over) who do not have an ophthalmologist. Callers who meet the eligibility requirements are mailed the name of an ophthalmologist participating near their home. Participating doctors provide medical eye exams and treatment for conditions or diseases, if necessary. Qualified callers receive treatment at no expense for the doctor`s services. Eyeglasses, prescriptions, hospital services and other medical services are not covered under the program. Doctors accept insurance reimbursement as payment in full. Literature pertaining to eye diseases and medical procedures is available by mail.

• Senior EyeCare Program ensures that every senior has access to medical eye care and promotes annual dilated eye exams. It raises awareness about age-related eye disease (including cataracts), provides free eye care educational materials, and facilitates access to eye care - at no out-of-pocket expense.
• Diabetes EyeCare Program promotes annual dilated eye exams for people with diabetes. The program raises awareness of diabetic eye disease (including diabetic retinopathy), provides free diabetic eye disease educational materials, and facilitates access to eye care - at no out-of-pocket expense.

A mail order company that has an inventory of products available for purchase to assist those who are blind or visually impaired.

For more than 100 years, Lighthouse International has been a leader in meeting the evolving needs of people who are dealing with, or are at risk for, vision loss and blindness. Through services, education, research, and advocacy, the Lighthouse enables people with low vision and blindness to enjoy safe, independent and productive lives.

For questions about vision impairment, eye conditions, and vision rehab services throughout the U.S. General publications are available online.

Products specifically designed to assist those with special needs while promoting a healthy, active and independent lifestyle.

We specialize in product solutions for the Blind, Visually Impaired, those with Low Vision, the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Disabled, Seniors (Elderly), Children, and the Special Needs of those with Medical Conditions. Our goal is to bring you the best products available, including the latest innovations to help you live every day to the fullest! From handheld, stand and electronic magnifiers for those with low vision to talking watches for the blind… from amplified telephones for the hard of hearing to vibrating alarms for the deaf… from blood glucose monitors for diabetics to wheelchairs and walkers for those with mobility challenges… whatever you need, MaxiAids has you covered.

About the Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress provides free recorded and brailled books to eligible adults and children. The Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, located in Cleveland, Ohio at the Cleveland Public Library, provides information and applications to all Ohio residents.

The mission of Opportunities for Ohians with Disabilities is to provide individuals with disabilities opportunities to achieve quality employment, independence, and disability determination outcomes. They do this through the many programs they offer.

The vast majority of working-age Ohioans with a disability would like to work. Moreover, Ohioans with a disability bring many key success factors to the workplace.

 If you want to work but are having trouble because of your disability, you may qualify for services from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities through its Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI).

 BSVI provides direct, personalized services to help individuals with disabilities obtain or retain employment. The BSVI counselor works with you one-on-one to plan an individualized program leading to gainful employment.

Prevent Blindness Ohio is celebrating 50 years as Ohio`s leading volunteer nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight. Founded in 1957 by U.S. Senator John Bricker and Lion`s Club Member, Bob Morrison with support from Nationwide, the Ohio Department of Health and Delta Gamma Fraternity, PBO serves all 88 Ohio counties.  Prevent Blindness Ohio provides direct services to more than 800,000 Ohioans annually and educate millions of consumers about what they can do to protect and preserve their precious gift of sight. Prevent Blindness Ohio is an affiliate of Prevent Blindness America, the country`s second-oldest national voluntary health organization.

From the beginning, Prevent Blindness Ohio`s mission has remained steadfast to prevent blindness and preserve sight.  The goal is to prevent the 50% of vision loss that is needless and help all Ohioans enjoy good sight for life!

Disability Services provides assistance to all qualified students with disabilities, whether they are physical, psychiatric or educational. You are required to register with the office and identify your needs in order to be eligible for academic adjustments. All services are based on individual needs.

The Talking Book Program provides free recorded books, magazines and playback equipment to eligible blind, visually impaired, physically handicapped and reading disabled  Ohio residents. For more information on Talking Books click here.

The Cincinnati Public Library provides a variety of services for people with special needs through its Outreach Services Department. 

Special services of interest to seniors or people with disabilities, may include:

Books to Your Door

The department provides monthly deliveries of library materials to Hamilton County nursing homes, assisted living facilities, correctional facilities, and other congregate living locations. The department supplies deposit collections for residents to share, activity director collections, and books for individuals. Residents may make special requests or have Outreach Services staff select materials for them based on their reading interests.

Books by Mail

Outreach Services mails library materials to individuals in Hamilton County living in their own homes or apartments who are unable to visit the library due to an illness or disability. Homebound residents should contact the department for additional information and to request a questionnaire they can fill out detailing their interests.

Senior Programs

The department provides programming for seniors at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. It also provides materials in a variety of formats for senior book clubs.

Materials for Nursing Home Activity Directors

Bifolkal program kits, videos, music, craft books, trivia, poetry, pictorials, and professional literature. Contact the department for a checklist of available materials. 

The Outreach Services Department can be reached at 513-369-6963.

The Library's Web site also has a special section dedicated to library users age 55 and older: Fifty-five +.
 

Talking Books
Free recorded books, magazines and playback equipment to eligible blind, visually impaired, physically handicapped, and reading disabled Ohio residents

Free Tax Assistance

The Library offers free tax assistance from American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) volunteers. The AARP service takes place on Fridays from 9:00 a.m.--3:00 p.m. from January 27 --April 13 in Room 2A of the Main Library. The service is for taxpayers 50 and over. For these taxpayers, volunteers will also assist in State of Ohio returns. Returns prepared by AARP volunteeers are filed electronically.

AARP tax assistance is by appointment only. For details or to schedule an appointment, contact the Information and Reference Department at 513-369-6900. Walk-ins will not be accepted.