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Frequently Asked Questions

 

  1. Q. I miss reading, is there anything available for me?
    1. Yes. Many libraries have large print book selections, check your local branch for further details. If you are unable to read large print, many people find talking books enjoyable. The talking book library is a free service that publishes all types of books and magazines in recorded form. The necessary equipment is loaned free of charge to those who are qualified. If you are interested in this service, click here.

      Bookshare.org is a great source of electronic books in electronic (audible) daisy or electronic Braille formats.  Access to these books is free for students and some institutions in the US. Bookshare.org books can be read on digital players such as the Victor Reader Stream, Braille Notetakers such as Braille Note & PacMate as well as by  computer.

      Aurora Ministries provides many versions recorded on tape and are available free of charge. If you are interested in this service, click here.
    2.      I can’t see the small print in my bible anymore, is there another solution?

 

  1. Q. I'm not blind, but I have trouble seeing. Is there anything you can do for me?
    1. Only about 5% of individuals who are blind can see nothing at all. Most have some residual vision. Individuals who are legally blind have 20/200 vision or less in their best eye, with corrections, such as glasses or contacts. Individuals qualify as low vision when their corrected vision is 20/60 in their best eye. Some individuals may be more comfortable using tools, such as those from our Low Vision Clinic and our Aids to Independence Store, to increase use of their residual vision. Others, particularly those whose vision is deteriorating or whose vision fluctuates, may prefer to learn non-visual techniques in our Senior, Youth or Rehabilitative Services. We find that these techniques allow individuals to pursue the same vocations and activities as their sighted peers. No matter what your visual acuity, Society for the Blind has a program or service that will meet your needs. 
  1. Q.  I am losing my vision. How do I become a client at your agency?
    1. There are several options for getting services from Society for the Blind. For Adults Aged 55 and Over: Contact our Senior IMPACT Project at (916) 452-8004. Services through our Senior IMPACT Project are free of charge, and transportation is provided. For Youth: Contact our office at (916) 452-8271 and ask about our Youth Enrichment Program, which offers free programs for youth throughout the year. For People with Low Vision: Call (916) 452-8271 and ask for our Low Vision Clinic. Low vision services are covered by many insurances. For the Telephone Reading Program: Call Sacramento Access News at 1-800-665-4667. This is a free program for those who are unable to read conventional print. For our Aids to Independence Store: Visit www.shopsftb.org or call (916) 452-8271 and ask for the store. We take cash, checks, and most credit cards. For Rehabilitative Services, including white cane travel, Braille, computers, and the skills of daily living, you have the following options: 
    1.  
      • Apply for services from the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR). DOR will pay for some of the rehabilitative services and equipment that you may need. Click here to visit their website.
      • Alta Regional is another local referring agency who may pay for the rehabilitative services and equipment you may need. Click here to visit their website.
      • If you are a veteran, check with the Veterans’ Administration to see what they can offer you.
      • Some employers, like state and federal government offices, will pay for training services. Ask your employer for more details.
      • If you are unable to work through a referring agency, you may pay out-of-pocket for services. Please contact us to learn more.
 
  1. Q. I’m having a difficult time seeing the dials on my household appliances, is there anyway I can have these adapted for me?
    1. Yes, there is a way that SMUD or PG&E can help you. Both companies will have a service person come to your home and adapt your appliance dials with raised markings, so that you may use them more independently. For further information, contact SMUD at (888) 459-7683 and/or PG&E (800) 743-5000. You can also purchase "bump" or locator stick-on dots at our Aids to Independence Store.
  1. Q.   I am having a difficult time seeing my checkbook. Is there anything that can help me?
    1. Did you know that large print and raised-line checks are available through most banks? Contact a customer service representative at your branch for further information. In addition, check writing templates are available at our Aids to Independence Store. 
  1. Q.  Are there any special products for visually impaired individuals that might help me?
    What are the hours of your store, and what do you carry? How can I get a catalog?
    1. Society for the Blind's Aids to Independence Store has over 500 adapted aids, such as talking watches and clocks, large print playing cards, large print cookbooks, white canes, and bold line and Braille paper. Feel free to come and browse at our store at 1238 S Street in Sacramento, or browse our catalog online. We're open Monday through Friday, between 10AM and 4PM, and on the web at http://www.shopsftb.org.  Call (916) 452-8271 and ask for the store.

      The Low Vision Clinic offers a wide array of magnifiers,
      2. lamps, glasses and shades for individuals with some usable vision. Call to make an appointment: (916) 452-8271.
  1. Q.  Do you carry magnifiers or magnifying glasses in your store?
    1. Yes, we carry some low powered magnifiers in our Aides to Independence Store. For higher power magnifiers and magnifying glasses for individuals with low vision, please make an appointment with our Low Vision Clinic by calling (916) 452-8271. The Low Vision Clinic doctors will be able to assess your specific needs and help find the right magnifying device for you.
  1. Q.  What programs are available for blind infants or toddlers?
    1. Currently, Society for the Blind offers limited programs for young blind children. We hope to expand in this area in the near future. For now, parents may contact the Blind Babies Foundation, which has offices in Oakland, San Jose and Madera. Phone: (510) 446-BABY or (510) 446-2229. Check with us in early autumn for information on the Northern California Blind and Low Vision Olympics, hosted by Society for the Blind, which has opportunities for children of all ages.
  1. Q.  My mother/father/elderly relative is losing their vision and it is progressively getting worse. What programs are available to them?
    1. For older adults who are losing their vision, we offer free services through our Senior IMPACT Project (SIP). Call (916) 452-8004 for more information.

      For those who are interested in specialized tools to help make the most of their remaining vision, contact the Low Vision Clinic at (916) 452-8271 to book an appointment.
  1. Q.  I need glasses, and I don't have any insurance. What should I do?
    1. If you do not have eye insurance and are unable to pay out-of-pocket for an eye exam and glasses, we recommend you contact your local Lions Club.
  1. Q.  Does your agency provide transportation to appointments for visually impaired individuals?
    1. Society for the Blind provides transportation to and from our facility for our rehabilitative services. We also provide door-to-door transportation for individuals participating in our Senior programs, and some of our youth programs. We are unable to provide other transportation at this time. Many communities provide some type of transportation to medical appointments for individuals who can't drive. Here are a few: Winters Medical Appointments van - (530) 795-4910; Woodland Community Care Car - (530)-662-7800; Davis Community Transit - (530)-757-4408; Sacramento Paratransit - (916) 429-2009; Yolo County Veterans Van - (530) 406-4850; Sutter County Dial-A-Ride - (530) 742-2877; Modesto Dial-A-Ride - (209) 527-4900; Lassen Senior Services - (530) 257-2113; Truckee Dial-A-Ride - (530) 587-7451; Placer County Colfax Seniors First - (530) 889-9500; Placer County Lincoln Dial-A-Ride - (916) 784-6177; Placer County Roseville Dial-A-Ride - (916) 774-5757; Placer County Loomis and Rocklin Dial-A-Ride - (916) 788-2342; Auburn Dial-A-Ride - (530) 889-2342
    1. Q.  When is your agency moving? What is your new address?
      1. Society for the blind does not yet have a move-in date for our new building, located at 1238 S Street near downtown Sacramento. We are continuing to raise money for the renovations to our new facility. Each day brings us closer, but we're not there yet! Visit www.buildindependence.org for more information on our new home.
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    1238 S Street, Sacramento, CA 95811(916) 452-8271