One benefit that you will find very useful is free directory assistance from Southwestern Bell. The phone directories are difficult to read under the best of circumstances but the 1411 calls can add up pretty quickly when you make constant use of it. Low vision and blind individuals are allowed the courtesy of free directory assistance. This does not include long distance directory assistance or the automatic call feature offered by pressing the number 1. To obtain this free service call the Southwestern Bell business office at 1 800 585 7928. The representative will bring up your account information and with the information you provide, that person will then mail you a form to return to them. I use a micro cassette recorder and record the number for later reference.
Literacy for the Blind offers Braille lessons to individuals who need to learn Braille. Even if you do not use Braille as your primary method of communication it is a good thing to learn. The reason being that with Braille you can mark and label items such as food and clothing. Do I sit and read and write Braille? No, it is much to slow for me. I do have Braille labels in my clothing and used to use it for labeling files and canned foods. Ruby Polk runs Braille Skills Training of Kansas City. She is visually impaired herself and has a long history of teaching Braille to those who are suffering from vision loss. You may reach her at 816-505-2700. She is NLS Board Certified (National Library Service Board Certification)
At this time 03 14, 2003 there is a store in Independence Missouri that specializes in low vision products. It is called Nagle's Low vision Resource Center. 2400 Lee summit Rd. Suite 130, Independence, MO. 640555 and the phone number is 816 833 2444. Individuals suffering from low vision have found adaptive equipment there to assist them.
We now have with us a computer engineer who can assist you with learning to used your computer to its maximum efficiency. He is A-1 certified. He does contract work for the states of Kansas and Missouri. He is also under contract with the Tap program and you may request him. They will then pay for his training fee for ten hours of training. He also does it privately and you may discuss with him his hourly rate. He is very good and will come to your home. His name is Reggie george. Contact first Steps for his information.
Hello, my name is Duyahn Walker and I am a resource member of First Steps for the Blind. I enjoy attending the monthly support group meetings and finding out new information. I would like to offer my assistance to people who want to learn the Braille 'N Speak or the Job Access for Windows program (also known as JAWS).
You can contact me by sending a message to the email links.
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At the current time Hy-vee delivers groceries for a fee. You order them on the computer and they arrive at your door. I have used this service for over two years.
Some of the local grocery stores have pharmacies that deliver free of charge. Most Hy-Vees do this, as well as the Price Chopper at Barry Road and North Oak.
This list grows and changes. Call anytime you wish for an updated version.