Resource Guide
Welcome to The Chicago Lighthouse Resource Guide! Contact us by emailing webmaster@chicagolighthouse.org if you:
- Have questions or comments about our Resource Guide;
- Notice inactive links or inaccuracies;
- Would like to recommend a resource.
Advocacy & General Resources (National)
- American Council of the Blind
1703 N. Beauregard St., Suite 420
Alexandria, VA 22201
(202) 467-5081
info@acb.org
Learn more - American Foundation for the Blind
2 Penn Plaza, Suite 1102
New York, NY 10121
(212) 502-7600
afbinfo@afb.net
Learn more - Association of Blind Citizens
PO Box 246
Holbrook, MA 02343
(781) 961-1023
president@blindcitizens.org
Learn more - Blind Planet
(714) 816-4105
Learn more - Blindskills
P.O. Box 5181
Salem, OR 97304
(800) 860-4224
info@blindskills.com
Learn more - Council of Citizens with Low Vision
1703 N. Beauregard St., Suite 420
Alexandria, VA 22311
(800) 773-2258
president@cclvi.org
Learn more - “The Disability Minute” is a weekly segment exploring topics and issues relevant to the community at-large. Segments are produced by people with Disabilities at Chicago Lighthouse Media. Learn more
- Lions International
300 22nd St.
Oak Brook, IL 60521
(630) 571-5466
Learn more - National Eye Institute
31 Center Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
(301) 496-5248
Learn more - National Federation of the Blind
200 E. Wells St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314
Learn more - National Industries for the Blind
1310 Braddock Place
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
(703) 310-0500
Learn more - Vision Aware
(914) 528-5120
visionaware@afb.net
Learn more
Advocacy & General Resources (Regional)
- Blind Service Association
17 N. State St.
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 236-0808
Learn more - Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD)
121 N. LaSalle St., Room 1104
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 744-7050
Learn more - National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Illinois
(773) 991-8050
webmaster@nfbofillinois.org
Learn more
Braille Instruction
- Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired
700 Elm St.
Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 446-8111
Learn more - Blind Service Association
17 N. State St.
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 236-0808
Learn more - ICRE-Wood
1151 S. Wood St.
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 633-3520
See brochure
Brailler Repair
- Ackley Appliance Service
4301 Park Ave., #540
Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 288-3931
aackley@braillerman.com - Perkins Solutions
Brailler Repair
175 N. Beacon St.
Watertown, MA 02472
(617) 972-7308
solutions@perkins.org
Learn more
College Resources for Students with Disabilities
- Affordable Colleges Online
A Guide to Visual Disabilities - All About Vision
Guide for Visually Impaired College Students - Accredited Schools Online
Helping Students with Visual Impairments
Higher Education for Students with Disabilities - BestColleges.com
College Guide for Student with Visual Impairments
Career Guide for Students With Disabilities - College Consensus Navigating College with Visual Impairments
- General College Guide from Maryville University
College for Students with Disabilities: A Guide for Students, Families and Educators
Financial Resources and Discounts for Students With Disabilities
- Mastersdegree.net
Distance Learning For Students With Disabilities
Graduate School and College Guide for Students with Disabilities
Guide to Studying Abroad for Students with Disabilities - Online Master of Legal Studies Programs
Learning Disorders and Law School: Strategies and Resources
Counseling & Support Groups
Learn more about counseling and support group services at The Chicago Lighthouse here or email Dr. Michael Smith, Clinical Psychologist at the Bergman Center.
- Catholic Charities
Holbrook Counseling Center
641 W. Lake St.
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 655-7725
- Council of Citizens with Low Vision
Monthly teleconference calls
Third Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. CST
(712) 432-6100, Passcode: 256613
Learn more - Family Institute at Northwestern University
Bette D. Harris Center
618 Library Place
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 733-4300
family-institute@northwestern.edu
Learn more
- Jewish Child and Family Services
216 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 444-2090
Learn more - Oasis for the Visually Impaired
PO Box 58
Frankfort, IL 60423
(779) 324-2025
Learn more - UIC Department of Psychiatry
912 S. Wood St.
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 996-2200 - UIC InTouch Hotline
(312) 996-5535
Daily Living Resources
- Energy Saving Tips from ComEd Energy Force Ambassador Robert Connors
- Pharmacy: Pill Pack by Amazon Pharmacy
Learn more
Employment Resources
Learn more about employment and training programs at The Chicago Lighthouse here or contact Martha Younger-White at (312) 447-3251. For more information about employment opportunities at The Chicago Lighthouse, please see our Careers page.
- AbilityLinks
Learn more - Accredited Schools Online
Thriving in Trade School with a Disability
Learn more - AFB AccessWorld
Learn more - DisabilityWorks
Learn more - Getting Hired
Learn more - Medical Assisting Career Options
Learn more
Financial Planning & Assistance
- American Elder Care Research Organization
2600 S El Camino Real, Suite 300
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 312-7100
Learn more - Coupon Chief
Retail Savings Guide for People with Disabilities - Illinois State Treasurer’s Office
Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE)
(312) 814-2677
Learn more - Social Security and Supplemental Security Income
(800) 772-1213
Learn more
Guide Dogs & Service Animals
- Eye Dog Foundation for the Blind
P.O. Box 519
Claremont, CA 91711
(800) 313-3641
Learn more - Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation
103 Vision Way
Bloomfield, CT 06002
(860) 243-5200
info@fidelco.org
Learn more - Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
371 E. Jericho Turnpike
Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 930-9000
info@guidedog.org
Learn more - Guide Dogs of America
13445 Glenoaks Blvd.
Sylmar, CA 91342
(818) 362-5834
mail@guidedogsofamerica.org
Learn more - Guide Dogs of Texas
1503 Allena Drive
San Antonio, TX 78213
(210) 366-4081
Learn more - Guide Dogs of the Desert International
P.O. BOX 1692
Palm Springs, CA 92263
(760) 329-6257
Learn more - Guiding Eyes for the Blind
611 Granite Springs Rd.
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
(914) 245-4024
webmaster@guidingeyes.org
Learn more
- KSDS Assistance Dogs
120 W. 7th St.
Washington, KS 66968
(785) 325-2256
ksds@ksds.org
Learn more - Leader Dogs for the Blind
1039 S. Rochester Rd.
Rochester, MI 48307
(248) 651-9011
leaderdog@leaderdog.org
Learn more
- OccuPaws Guide Dog Association
P.O. Box 45857
Madison, WI 53744
(608) 772-3787
info@occupaws.org
Learn more - Paws with a Cause
4646 S. Division
Wayland, MI 49348
(616) 877-7297
paws@pawswithacause.org
Learn more - Pilot Dogs
625 W. Town St.
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 221-6367
jgray@pilotdogs.org
Learn more - Southeastern Guide Dogs
4210 77th St. East
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 729-5665
Learn more - The Seeing Eye
P.O. Box 375
Morristown, NJ 07963
(973) 539-4425
info@seeingeye.org
Learn More
Housing
- Access Living
115 W. Chicago Ave. 3rd floor
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 640-2100
Learn more - Center for Independent Futures
1015 Davis St.
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 328-2044
center@independentfutures.com
Learn more - DuPage Center for Independent Living
3130 Finley Rd., Suite 500
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
(630) 469-2300
Learn more - Eden Supportive Living
940 W. Gordon Terrace
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 572-6491
jwiseman@edenslf.com
Learn more - Friedman Place
5527 N. Maplewood Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 989-9800
Learn more - Progress Center for Independent Living
7521 Madison St.
Forest Park, IL 60130
(708) 209-1500
Learn more
Low Vision Services
Learn more about low vision services at The Chicago Lighthouse here or call (312) 997-3686.
- Illinois Eye Institute
3241 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60616-3878
(312) 225-6200
Learn more - Spectrios Institute for Low Vision
Deicke House
219 E. Cole Ave.
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 690-7115
Learn more - University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary
1855 W. Taylor St.
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 996-6591
eyeweb@uic.edu
Learn more
For Parents
- WonderBaby
Information about raising children who are blind or have multiple disabilities
Learn more
Recreation
- American Blind Bowlers Association
(773) 255-3121
president@abba1951.org
Learn more - American Blind Skiing Foundation
609 Crandell Lane
Schaumburg, IL 60193
(312) 409-1605
Learn more - Bolingbrook Special Recreation Association
230 E. Recreation Drive
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
(630) 739-1124
Learn more - Chicago Park District Special Recreation
(312) 742-7529
Learn more - Dancing Dots: Accessible Music Technology
1754 Quarry Lane P.O. Box 927
Valley Forge, PA 19482
(610) 783-6692
Learn more - Evanston Special Recreation
2100 Ridge Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 488-8045
Learn more - Fox Valley Special Recreation Association
2121 W. Indian Trail
Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 907-1114
Learn more - Gateway Special Recreation
Ray Graham Hanson Center
901 Warrenville Rd., Suite 500
Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 620-2222
ryanc@raygraham.org
Learn more - Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association
400 E. Illinois Rd.
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 283-0908
info@glasa.org
Learn more - Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing
1362 S. Linn White Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 747-7684
info@juddgoldmansailing.org
Learn more - Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation
6820 W. Dempster Ave.
Morton Grove, IL 60053
(847) 966-5522
Learn more - Memorial Park District Special Recreation
700 Speechley Blvd.
Hillside, IL 60162
(708) 547-3900
mempark@msn.com
Learn more - Music for the Blind
(229) 249-0628
billdebb@bellsouth.net
Learn more - National Beep Baseball Association
1501 41st St. NW Apt. G1
Rochester, MN 55901
NBBA Secretary, Stephen A. Guerra
(866) 400-4551
secretary@nbba.org
Learn more - National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability at UIC
1640 W. Roosevelt Rd.
Chicago, IL 60608
(800) 900-8086
Learn more - Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association
1770 W. Centennial Place
Addison, IL 60101
(630) 620-4500
nedsra@nedsra.org
Learn more - Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association
285 Memorial Drive
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
(815) 459-0737
info@nisra.org
Learn more - Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association
3105 McArthur Blvd.
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 509-9400
info@nssra.org
Learn more - Northwest Special Recreation Association
3705 Pheasant Drive
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
(847) 392-2848
bselders@nwsra.org
Learn more - Oak Lawn Park District Special Recreation
4625 W. 110th St.
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
(708) 857-2200
Learn more - Orland Park Recreation and Parks Department Special Recreation
14600 Ravinia Avenue
Orland Park, IL 60462
(708) 403-7275
recreation@orland-park.il.us
Learn more - Skating Association for the Blind and Handicapped
2607 Niagara St.
Buffalo, NY 14207
(716) 362-9600
Learn more - South Suburban Special Recreation Association
19910 80th Ave.
Tinley Park, IL 60487
(815) 806-0384
Learn more - Southeast Association for Special Parks & Recreation
4500 Belmont Rd.
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 960-7600
info@seaspar.org
Learn more - Southwest Special Recreation Association
12521 S. Kostner Ave.
Alsip, IL 60803
(708) 389-9423
Learn more - Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County
290 Oakwood Rd.
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
(847) 816-4866
jbuckner@sraclc.org
Learn more - Special Recreation of Joliet & Channahon
3000 W. Jefferson St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 741-7275
Learn more - United States Association of Blind Athletes
1 Olympic Plaza
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
(719) 866-3224
Learn more - United States Blind Golf Association
info@usblindgolf.com
Learn more - United States Braille Chess Association
Secretary Jay Leventhal
jaylev7@verizon.net
Learn more - Victory Gardens Theater Access Project
2433 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 549-5788
information@victorygardens.org
Learn more - West Suburban Special Recreation Association
2915 Maple St.
Franklin Park, IL 60131
(847) 455-2100
wssra@wssra.net
Learn more - Western DuPage Special Recreation
116 N. Schmale Rd.
Carol Stream, IL 60188
(630) 681-0962
info@wdrsa.com
Learn more
Recreation: Youth Camps
- Association of Blind Citizens
Camp Pride, New Hampshire
(781) 961-1023
Learn more - Boy Scouts of America
(312) 421-8800
Learn more - Bradford Woods (Indiana University Outdoor Center)
5040 State Rd. 67 N
Martinsville, IN 46151
(765) 342-2915
sldawson@indiana.edu
Learn more - Camp Millhouse
25600 Kelly Rd.
South Bend, IN 46614
(574) 233-2202
campmillhouse@gmail.com
Learn more - Camp New Hope
P.O. Box 764
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 895-2341
cnhinc@rrl.net
Learn more - Easter Seals Camping & Recreation
233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60606
(800) 221-6827
Learn more - Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana
650 Lakeview Parkway
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
(224) 207-9246
Learn more - Lions of Illinois Foundation
Camp Lions of Illinois for Blind and Deaf Youth
Various locations in Illinois
2254 Oakland Drive
Sycamore, Illinois 60178
(815) 756-5633
adw@lifnd.org
Learn more - No Barriers USA
Warriors Program
224 Canyon Ave., Suite 207
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 484-3633
info@nobarriersusa.org
Learn more - Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind
Camp Optimist
10433 Lovers Lane NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49544
Gwen Botting
(989) 855-2430
gwen@oubmichigan.org
Learn More - Stepping Stones Ohio
5650 Given Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45243
(513) 831-4660
Learn more - United States Association for Blind Athletes
Sports Education Camps
1 Olympic Plaza
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
(719) 866-3224
Learn more
Resources for Seniors
Learn more about programs for seniors through The Chicago Lighthouse here or contact Melissa Wittenberg at (847) 510-2060.
- Accolade Adult Day Care
112 S. Humphrey Ave.
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 445-1300 - Ada S. Niles Adult Day Care
6717 S. Elizabeth St.
Chicago, IL 60639
(773) 488-5400 - Ada S. Niles Senior Center
653 W. 63rd St.
Chicago, IL 60621
(312) 745-3307 - AgeOptions
1048 Lake St., Suite 300
Oak Park, Illinois 60301
(708) 383-0258
information@ageoptions.org
Learn more
- Blind Service Association
17 N. State St.
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 236-0808
Learn More - Catholic Charities
721 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 655-7700
Learn more - Center for Seniors
5320 N. Kedzie Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 478-1245
Learn more - Chicago Department of Senior Services
30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2320
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 744-4016
aging@cityofchicago.org
Learn more - Council for Jewish Elderly
3003 W. Touhy Ave.
Chicago, IL 60645
(773) 508-1000
info@cje.net
Learn more - Elderday Center
328 W. Wilson St.
Batavia, IL 60510
(630) 761-9750
elderday@elderdaycenter.org
Learn more - Grayslake Senior Center
50 Library Lane
Grayslake, IL 60030
(847) 543-1041 - Housing Opportunities & Maintenance for the Elderly
1419 W. Carroll Ave. Floor 2
Chicago, IL 60607
(773) 921-3200
Learn more - ICRE-Wood Seniors Program
1151 S. Wood St.
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 633-3520
See brochure - Illinois Department on Aging
421 E. Capitol Ave., #100
Springfield, IL 62701
(800) 252-8966
aging.webmaster@illinois.gov
Learn more - Benefit Access Program
(800) 252-8966 - Senior Help Line
(800) 252-8966 - Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly
355 N. Ashland Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60607
(312) 455-1000
general@littlebrotherschicago.org
Learn more - Second Sense
65 E. Wacker Place, Suite 1010
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 236-8569
info@second-sense.org
Learn more - St. Ailbe Adult Day Care
9249 S. Avalon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 721-0177
Scholarships
Learn more about scholarships through The Chicago Lighthouse here or contact Maureen Reid at (312) 666-1331 ext. 3655.
- American Council of the Blind
Attn: Dee Theien
Scholarship Program
6300 Shingle Creek Parkway, Suite 195
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
(612) 332-3242
Learn more - American Foundation for the Blind
$500 – $2,500
1000 Fifth Ave., Suite 350
Huntington, WV 25701
Attn: Scholarship Committee
(800) 232-5463
info@afb.net
Learn more - Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
Two awards of $1,000 each
AER Ferrell Scholarship Fund
1703 N. Beauregard St., Suite 440
Alexandria, VA 22311
(703) 823-9690
Learn more - Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
111 W. Downer Place, Suite 312
Aurora, Illinois 60506
(630) 896-7800
scholarship@cffrv.org
Learn more - Council of Citizens with Low Vision International
Three awards of $3,000 each
(800)733-2258
scholarship@cclvi.org
Learn more - Foundation for Science and Disability
Awards of $1000 each
(352) 374-5774
rmankin@gainesville.usda.ufl.edu
Learn more - Illinois Council of the Blind
Floyd R. Cargill Memorial Scholarship
One award of $1,000
Learn more - Learning Ally
Three awards of $6,000 each
57th National Achievement Awards
Attn: Member Success
20 Roszel Rd.
Princeton, NJ 08540
(800) 221-4792
naa@learningally.org
Learn more - Lavelle Fund for the Blind
Brother James Kearney Scholarship
Up to $15,000 per academic year
Joan Dulitz, scholarship coordinator
(212) 668-9801
lmamrosh@lavellefund.org
Learn more - Lighthouse Guild
Applications due March 31, 2017
Up to $10,000
15 W. 65th St.
New York, NY 10023
(212) 769-7801
scholars@lighthouseguild.org
Learn more - National Federation of the Blind
Applications due March 31, 2017
$3,000 – $12,000
200 E. Wells St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
Chairperson Patti Chang, Esq.
(410) 659-9314 ext. 2415
scholarships@nfb.org
Learn more - National Federation of the Blind of Illinois
Applications due March 31, 2017
Deborah Kent Stein, Chairman
NFBI Scholarship Committee
5817 N. Nina
Chicago, IL 60631
(773) 203-1394
dkent5817@att.net
Learn more - Yes I Can! Council for Exceptional Children
2900 Crystal Drive, Suite 1000
Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 264-9417
andrean@cec.sped.org
Learn more
Transportation
- Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
Accessible Transit Services
Learn more - Pace Paratransit Services
547 W. Jackson Blvd., 10th Floor
Chicago, IL 60661
(800) 606-1282
Learn more - Regional Transit Authority (RTA)
Reduced Fare Permit
(312) 913-3110
Learn more
