Last Updated on April 24, 2022 by Anne-Sophie Reinhardt
Grants for the visually impaired assist individuals in improving their lives and helping them reach their full potential. These grants can help provide operating support.
Adults with visual impairment can still get grants. Financial assistance can be provided in any situation – regardless of whether the recipient is partially blind or blind. Funding is available from government agencies and other organisations.
What Qualifies as Visually Impaired?
One of the most common disabilities among adults is visual impairment. Low vision is caused by cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular damage (AMD). AMD has been reported to have affected approximately 2 million people. Millions of people are at significant risk of developing severe vision loss.
The United States prohibits anyone with vision impairments of greater than 20/200 in their best eye. An individual with less than 20 degrees of vision field is eligible to be classified as disabled. Educational institutions use the terms legally blind, partially blind, legally blind and low vision to describe students with visual impairments.
Description of Visually Impairment
Partially Sighted – A person that is partially blind and may need special education
Low Vision – A person with severe vision impairment and can’t read even when at a normal viewing distance, wearing eyeglasses, or wearing contact lenses.
Legally Blind – A person has less than 20/200 visual ability in the better eye after wearing glasses or contact lenses.
Totally Blind – An individual who cannot see and uses braille or another non-visual media to learn.
Grants for Visually Impaired Adults
Many grant programs and resources are available to assist visually impaired adults. So, let’s find out more.
Federal Student Aid Grant Programs
Federal funding and grants are available. Students with disabilities can apply for special grant funds to help them attend college, career schools, or universities. For more details, visit the Student Aid page.
State Support
Grants are available from state government agencies for the visually impaired. These agencies also offer assistance and support in purchasing eyeglasses, screening and buying adaptive aids for the house. Moreover, lindness is eligible for tax deductions. You can find out more by contacting your state agency.
Assistive Technology Resource Project Resources
The Technology-related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act funds State AT Projects. This Act supports state plans that help consumers to provide assistive technology.
Funding Organisations Offer Grants for Visually Impaired Adults
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) & Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU)
To receive benefits for the disabled, members of the American Association of People with Disabilities may join the Digital Federal Credit Union. Hence, you must first enter the AAPD to utilise DCU’s services. So, for more information, visit their page or call 800-328-8797.
National Assistive Technology Technical Assistance Partnership (NATTAP)
State Assistive Technology Act Programs funded by the Assistive Technology Act provide assistive technology for individuals with disabilities. In short, these programs promote activities that increase the accessibility of assistive technology services and devices for people with disabilities and their families.
National: International Association of Lions Clubs
Many Lions Clubs offer vocational assistance for legally blind people. For example, the International offices of Lions Clubs receive applications for equipment and support from the appropriate district offices.
The Assistive Technology Fund (ATF)
The Association of Blind Citizens manages the ATF. So, funds are available to qualified people to cover 50% of the MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) for the adaptive device.
However, the applicant must be legally blind and a US citizen. They can only submit applications through email.
Getting Back to Work
Adults with visual impairment can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). These insurance policies allow people with disabilities to continue working and receive financial aid and medical assistance.
Grants for Visually Impaired Adults – Conclusion
To foster independence, grants are made available to visually impaired adults to help them access the resources, tools, and opportunities they need to live fulfilling lives. These programs and funds help them become productive, integrated, and entirely accepted members of society.
