Akron Local Resources
Sighted Guide Ohio created a section just for people who locally live in the surrounding areas of Akron, OH and that are visually impaired or blind and are in need of resources and services to be independent, successful and responsible in life. SGO is here is create awareness and help people understand more about people that are visually impaired or blind. If there is something you are looking for and can not find it on our website. Please feel free to let me know and I will find it
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Whether you are getting ready to transition from high school to work, looking for an interesting new job, social/recreational or volunteer opportunity, or preparing for retirement from vocational services, United Disability Services can help. For more information on an Adult Service below, please call our main office at 330.762.9755, find the nearest location, or contact us online now.
SociAbilities
SociAbilities provides a variety of social, recreational and therapeutic activities for people age 18 and over. Participant input, choice making and self direction are encouraged in every activity.
BraVo!
BraVo! helps participants explore community resources, develop community integration and social skills, and enhance personal abilities with a sense of accomplishment gained through a variety of volunteer experiences.
Vocational Services
Vocational Services focuses on development of appropriate work skills and specific job training for adults age 18 and over through a facility-based work experience. This program also includes Buckeye Baskets, all-occasion gift baskets assembled by people with disabilities. Personal care attendant services are also coordinated through this program.
Community Employment Services
Community Employment Services provides people who have a wide variety of abilities at all skill levels with the support and guidance needed to assist them in finding employment. This program also includes Taste Buds which provides job opportunities and training in the food services and catering industry.
Vocational Rehabilitation Private and Public Partnerships (VRP3)
Vocational Rehabilitation Private and Public Partnerships (VRP3) is a two-pronged program that helps students transitioning from high school to work, and adults who are blind or have visual impairments with employment. Transition services include helping students define goals and interests while providing job assessments to obtain successful employment. Individuals with vision issues may be eligible for exams and other vision services to help achieve or maintain competitive employment.
Akron Blind Center
Akron Children's Hospital
Dr. Richard Hertle and his team specialize in diagnosing and treating rare, or orphan, eye diseases.
We offer specialty programs for infants, children and teens with visual impairments to allow them to receive multiple appointments in one day, in one location.
Uveitis Clinic
Uveitis is swelling and irritation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, which provides most of the blood supply to to the retina. It can be caused by autoimmune diseases such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, infection or exposure to toxins.
Nystagmus Clinic
Nystagmus refers to rapid, involuntary movement of the eyes (dancing eyes). It affects one in about 3,000 people, and many of these individuals are partially sighted.
Adult Strabismus Clinic
Strabismus, often referred to as crossed eyes, refers to any misalignment of the eyes. The eyes may turn in, out, up or down. If the same eye is chronically misaligned, amblyopia (lazy eye) may also develop in that eye.
Akron Metro
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METRO is here to help you get where you need to go, how ever you need to get there. Our SCAT and ADA services are designed to meet the needs of our differently-abled passengers.
Check out our how-to video about using mobility aids on METRO buses.
SCAT is an origin-to-destination shared ride service for qualified riders. SCAT uses small buses, cabs or line service buses to transport passengers to and from their desired end point. Unlike regular line service, trips are scheduled in advance. Make sure you use the menu on the left to learn SCAT basics including: SCAT requirements, registering for SCAT and scheduling trips.
A good way to think of ADA (or "Americans with Disabilities Act") service is like a safety net for folks with physical or functional limitations who may not be able to ride line service buses. ADA service takes multiple passengers to multiple locations during the hours line service runs. An ADA trip must begin and end within 3/4 of a mile from a METRO fixed route.
Trinidad Rose Foundation
In October of 2008, the Akron Blind Center and Workshop, Inc. doing business as Vision Support Services of Akron, ceased operations and services to the blind and visually impaired community. The main office and school at 325 East Market Street closed its doors and the membership was forced to abandon its home of over 90 years.
In 2010, we were absolutely thrilled and proud to say that The Akron Blind Center was once again open and operating as a support and social center for the blind and visually impaired community. We offer a wide array of classes that provide social and educational outlets to our members and volunteers alike. The “new” Center offers classes on a daily basis in areas such as Braille, Computer Skills, History, Health and Wellness, Current Events, Travel, Bible Study, a Book Club and a variety of craft sessions.
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Within the Akron Blind Center is a small retail store that offers popular aids and small appliances to the members and to the public. These items include magnifiers and talking items such as watches, alarm clocks, etc. as well as writing implements to help the visually impaired with everyday activities. The Center also functions as a local agency for the Library of Congress Talking Book Program. Recently, the Akron Blind Center, in conjunction with the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank, has begun distributing food items to those members who qualify for the program. The program offers a wide variety of food to supplement the needs of each member based on income and family size. There is no cost to the members of the Center.
The Trinity Rose Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to funding innovative research & medical advances focused on curing childhood eye disorders as well as providing educational services & financial aid for those afflicted & their families. For more information please call them at 330-723-2056.
