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Questions Related to Blindness
- What to do when I meet a blind person?
- Briefly stated, what is the message blind people want to convey to the public?
- What is the best way to walk with a blind person?
- Is it all right to use the word “blind” when talking to a blind person?
- Is it all right to use words such as “look”, “see” and “watch” when talking to a blind person?
- How can I know when to offer help to a blind person?
- I have a parent losing vision. What do I do?
- How do I contact the Omaha or Lincoln chapters?
- How do I secure rehabilitation services for a blind parent/child?
- Where can I find low vision in-home products?
Questions Related to the Organization
- I want to make a donation. Do you have a tax ID number?
- Do you need volunteers?
- How can I join the organization as a member?
- When do you hold monthly meetings?
- Do you folks provide transportation services for the blind and visually impaired?
- What services do you provide?
Questions Related to Blindness
What to do when I meet a blind person?
Suggestions on what to do when you meet a blind person.
Briefly stated, what is the message blind people want to convey to the public?
Each blind person is an individual having unique interests, personal capabilities and aspirations.
What is the best way to walk with a blind person?
Let the blind person take hold of your arm. By holding on to your arm, most blind people can follow the motion of your body. When going through narrow passages, such as store aisles, between tables in a restaurant or through doorways, draw your arm closer to your body. If it seems that certain directions need to be verbalized, state them in a concise manner.
Is it all right to use words such as “look”, “see” and “watch” when talking to a blind person?
Yes. Blind people use those words as you do.
How can I know when to offer help to a blind person?
Ask the blind person directly; respect his or her wishes.
I have a parent losing vision. What do I do?
Losing vision can be frightening if you don’t know where to turn. The American Council of the Blind of Nebraska wants to be that resource. Our members can provide answers to questions or concerns you might have.
- Your parent might want to consider signing up for the Nebraska Library Service and securing audio books.
- Radio Talking Book is a closed-circuit reading radio service providing access to statewide newspapers, magazines, articles and periodicals for the print disabled.
- The National Federation of the Blind offers Newsline, providing access to nationwide magazines, newspapers, periodicals and other information via telephone and mobile app.
- The Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired provides vocational rehabilitation training for those individuals wishing to return to work after vision loss as well as training in alternative techniques in daily living such as cooking, independent travel, the use of computer equipment with assistive technology and the like.
- Share A Fare affords Nebraska residents affordable travel once application is made for the service.
- Consider also signing up for free telephone directory exemptions. Most nationwide carriers offer this service to the print disabled.
How do I contact the Omaha or Lincoln chapters?
You can contact the Omaha or Lincoln chapters via phone at 402-699-2363 or by sending postal mail at PO Box 6506 Omaha NE 68106-0506
How do I secure rehabilitation services for a blind parent/child?
Contact the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired at 877-809- 2419. More information at Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Questions Related to the Organization
I want to make a donation. Do you have a tax ID number?
The American Council of the Blind of Nebraska is a recognized 501(C)(3) charitable organization by the Internal Revenue Service. Our tax ID number will be provided upon request.
Do you need volunteers?
The American Council of the Blind of Nebraska is always seeking volunteers to assist visually impaired individuals in the area to provide reader services, assistance with grocery shopping, driving services, etc.
How can I join the organization as a member?
You can become a member of the organization by completing the online membership application and submitting dues payment via PayPal.
When do you hold monthly meetings?
The American Council of the Blind Lincoln chapter meets the third Saturday of the month at the Bennett Martin Library on 14th & N in Lincoln. The Omaha Council of the Blind meets every second Thursday of the month (except July and August) at 7pm in Room 112 at the First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass St.
Do you folks provide transportation services for the blind and visually impaired?
No. Our organization founded Share A Fare in Omaha. This program provides affordable transportation services to the blind and visually impaired once application is made for participation in the program.
What services do you provide?
- Information and referral on all aspects of blindness.
- Assistance in chapter development.
- Employment opportunity information.
- Monitoring of existing service delivery systems and avocation for improvement when necessary.
- Representations on boards and advisory committees, both governmental and private.
- Consultations and assistance in technological research and access thereto.