We do not do this work alone. The organizations below are partners and resources for blind, low-vision, and DeafBlind Alaskans, and for the families, professionals, and communities who support them. Many of our clients come to us through these partners, and we refer to them often. You are welcome to reach any of them directly, or to contact the Center for help connecting.
Local Resources and Partner Agencies
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
For many people, this is the first step in the journey of blind rehabilitation. Alaska’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep good jobs — serving youth through Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and adults entering or returning to the workforce. Many of our clients come to the Center through DVR.
Alaska Lions Clubs
Since Helen Keller called on them in 1925 to be the “Knights of the Blind,” Lions have served people who are blind and visually impaired. Alaska’s Lions Clubs support sight programs across the state and are longtime friends of the Center.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC)
Alaska’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers support our aging population and people with disabilities, connecting Alaskans to long-term services such as in-home care, transportation, and Medicaid and Medicare options. The ADRC supports many of our clients.
Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA)
ATLA is a statewide nonprofit that helps Alaskans of any age explore and make informed decisions about assistive technology, with many services offered at no cost.
Access Alaska
Access Alaska is a consumer-controlled independent living center serving older Alaskans and people with disabilities, with help on housing, personal care, benefits, transportation, and disability rights.
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC)
AHFC helps Alaskans find safe, affordable housing, including senior housing, weatherization, and energy-efficiency programs.
Alaska Deafblind Project
Part of the Special Education Service Agency, the Alaska Deafblind Project serves individuals from birth through age 22 who have combined hearing and vision loss, at no cost to families, schools, and communities.
Special Education Service Agency (SESA)
SESA provides statewide support for students with low-incidence disabilities, including the Alaska Deafblind Project and the Alaska Center for Accessible Materials.
Disability Law Center of Alaska
The Disability Law Center of Alaska is an independent nonprofit law firm and Alaska’s federally designated protection and advocacy agency, defending the rights of Alaskans with disabilities.
Southcentral Foundation
Southcentral Foundation is an Alaska Native-owned nonprofit health care organization serving Alaska Native and American Indian people in Anchorage, the Mat-Su, and surrounding communities.
Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR)
Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation programs provide culturally relevant employment and rehabilitation services to Alaska Native and American Indian people with disabilities. In the Anchorage area, Cook Inlet Tribal Council operates a TVR program; other regional tribal organizations offer TVR across the state.
RurAL CAP (Rural Alaska Community Action Program)
RurAL CAP is a statewide nonprofit working to improve the quality of life for low-income Alaskans through early childhood, housing, and community development programs.
The Arc of Anchorage
The Arc of Anchorage provides disability services, behavioral health support, employment assistance, and advocacy for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Alaska State Library Talking Book Center
The Alaska State Library Talking Book Center provides free talking books and Braille materials to Alaskans who cannot read standard print, through the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.
Mat-Su Health Foundation
The Mat-Su Health Foundation works to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su, with focus areas that include healthy aging. A grantmaking foundation and community partner, it is a valued supporter of the Center.
National Resources
Perkins School for the Blind
Perkins School for the Blind is a global leader in education for children who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind, and a resource for families and professionals worldwide.
Hadley
Hadley offers free, practical help and learning for adults with vision loss — online, by phone, or through the mail — for individuals, families, and the professionals who support them.
American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
APH is the world’s largest nonprofit creating accessible learning and living products, including braille, large print, talking books, and educational technology.
National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
The National Federation of the Blind is the largest organization of blind people in the United States, advancing equality, opportunity, and independence through advocacy and community.
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
Founded in the era of Helen Keller, the American Foundation for the Blind works to create a world of equal opportunity for people with vision loss through research, education, and advocacy.
VisionServe Alliance
VisionServe Alliance is a consortium of organizations and leaders working to strengthen and expand services for people of all ages with blindness and low vision.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Guiding Eyes for the Blind is a guide dog school that provides guide dogs and training to people with vision loss at no cost.
Leader Dogs for the Blind
Founded by Lions Club members, Leader Dogs for the Blind provides guide dogs, orientation and mobility training, and related programs at no cost to clients.