Websites, Organizations, and Other Resources

Braille 

Seedlings Braille Books for Children is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization founded in 1984 that is dedicated to increasing the opportunity for literacy by providing high-quality, low-cost Braille books for children.

Organizations of Parents of Blind Children: 

Michigan Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (MPVI) MPVI provides support and encouragement to families of visually impaired children. 

National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (of the NFB) Founded in 1983, the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children is a national membership organization of parents and friends of blind children reaching out to each other to give vital support, encouragement, and information.

Parents of Blind Children in Michigan (POBC/MI) (contact information listed under Michigan) 

Scholarships 

Scholarships and Grants for Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired, on the American Foundation for the Blind website.

Services for Blind Children and Youth 

Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Low Incidence Outreach provides resources and expertise in educating children with visual impairments and hearing impairments, to empower teachers and parents to teach, and children to learn.   

Youth Services, Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, provides eye exams and low-vision devices for children and youth, as well as services to help high school youth successfully make the transition from high school to postsecondary education or employment. 

Services for DeafBlind Children and Youth: 

DB Central, Michigan Services for Children & Young Adults Who Are DeafBlind This is a comprehensive, statewide technical assistance project providing information, training, and support for families and/or professionals who are impacted by or associated with a child who is DeafBlind. Services are provided year-round, free of charge, and can be accessed until the individual has left the educational setting.

Sports opportunities: 

United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA)

Summer Camps and Summer Programs: 

Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB) Summer Camps at camp Optimist, Grand Rapids. OUB provides summer camp programs for children and youth who are blind and visually impaired ages 7 - High School. OUB also employs young adults who are blind or visually impaired as well as sighted individuals to serve as camp counselors, mentors and staff. All OUB programs focus on learning skills that will help each camper become a successful, independent adult, all while having fun and a summer camp experience, including cooking, gardening, swimming, boating, field trips and camp fires. Contact OUB at www.oubmichigan.org, 989-255-2430 or gwen@oubmichigan.org.

Camp Tuhsmeheta operated by Michigan Department of Education - Low Incidence Outreach

Lions Bear Lake Camp