Links to other Organizations, Services and Resources:
We do a lot, but we don't do everything. Here are some links to other organizations which provide related services (Presence of a link on this page does not imply any affiliation with ABLE, or any endorsement by ABLE):
Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
The Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, part of the Talking Book Program of the Library of Congress, provides braille and recorded books and playback equipment for those Wisconsin residents who for any physical reason cannot read normal print. All books, equipment and services, including the mailing of materials, are free to the print-handicapped.
Or if you are not a Wisconsin resident, go to:
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), which is part of The Library of Congress
Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS administers a free library program of braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail.
NLS Catalog search
NLS Kids’ zone
American Printing House for the Blind
The American Printing House for the Blind manufactures books and magazines in braille, large print, recorded, and computer disc formats. APH's fully-accessible web site (www.aph.org) features information about APH products and services, online ordering of products, and free information on a wide variety of blindness-related topics.
Fees vary with product or service provided. With the exception of magazine subscriptions, APH products may be purchased by anyone, regardless of disability.
One popular feature of the site is the Louis Database, a free tool to help locate accessible books available from organizations across the U.S. APH products can be ordered through Louis.
APH - Louis Database - Accessible Materials and APH File Repository
National Braille Association
The National Braille Association, Inc. provides continuing education to those who prepare braille and braille materials to persons who are visually impaired.
Badger Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc.
The Badger Association’s programs and services help people at all stages of visual impairment achieve their highest level of self-sufficiency.
They offer vision rehabilitation, residential options, support services and recreational opportunities. Developed according to the participants’ needs, their full spectrum of services create community, communication and independence among, Southeastern Wisconsin’s growing visually impaired population.
Independence First
IndependenceFirst is a non-profit agency which works for full inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of the community. Services offered include: independent living skills training, peer counseling, advocacy, and information and referral services to persons with disabilities in the counties of Waukesha, Washington, Ozaukee, and Milwaukee.
American Foundation for the Blind
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss.
AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. AFB's work in these areas is supported by the strong presence the organization maintains in Washington, DC, ensuring the rights and interests of people with vision loss are represented in our nation's public policies.
AFB is also proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the more than forty years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB.
Wisconsin Braillists
The mission of Wisconsin Braille Inc. is to advance communication and coordinate the efforts of all persons concerned with the availability, quality and distribution of brailled materials in the state of Wisconsin.
WisBrl's on-going activities include continuing education seminars for teachers and transcribers; transcription classes in state correctional institutions; free braille books for Wisconsin school libraries; a braille literacy project pairing students who are visually impaired with adults who are braille readers; collaboration with the Department of Public Instruction regarding issues related to braille; support for the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (WCBVI) and other organizations serving the blind and visually impaired; publication of a newsletter; and maintenance of a website.
Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
The Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired is part of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Division for Learning Support: Equity and Advocacy. dan.wenzel@wcbvi.k12.wi.us
Volunteer Braillists and Tapists, Inc.
Volunteer Braillists and Tapists, Inc., based in Madison, Wisconsin, is a non-profit corporation dedicated to providing print materials in braille or on audio cassette. Their philosophy is that everyone should have the opportunity to read.
Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired
The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired is a private, non-for-profit agency. Its mission is to promote the dignity and independence of the people in Wisconsin who are blind and visually impaired by providing services, advocating legislation and educating the general public.
National Federation of the Blind
National consumer and advocacy organization providing public education about blindness. They offer literature, scholarships, referrals and more.
American Council of the Blind
The American Council of the Blind is the nation's leading membership organization of blind and visually impaired people. They offer scholarship assistance, public education and awareness training, legislative training and more.