For Students

Keys to Success for Blind and Visually Impaired Students

Good adjustment to blindness training and knowledge of resources are the keys to success for blind and visually impaired students are. Below is a summary to help you get started. Networking information for blind students can be found on our page for Maryland Association of Blind Students.

August 2 - August 13, 2010 The BELL summer program is a two-week day program (weekends not included) designed to offer pre-kindergarten and elementary age low vision beginning Braille readers an opportunity to be immersed in Braille and increase the use of tactile skills for reading Braille. Children will receive Braille instruction daily as well as learn alternative techniques through arts and crafts, games, field trips, and other fun activities. Find out more about the BELL program here.

Where can students obtain good adjustment to blindness training?

The National Federation of the Blind operates three adjustment to blindness training centers.

The Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services may provide financial assistance for you to attend adjustment to blindness training. Or click here for information on available youth stipends.

What other types of assistance are available through the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)?

DORS helps to prepare adults with disabilities for employment.  DORS may assist students in higher education by purchasing computers, notetakers, or other equipment; by providing funds for readers; or assisting with room and board and transportation. Read their Blindness Resource Guide.

What scholarships are available from the National Federation of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland?

The National Federation of the Blind offers 30 scholarships annually.  For more information read about their 2010 Scholarship Program.

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland offers at least two scholarships annually. The deadline for 2010 applications has passed. Please check back for more information about the 2011 scholarships. For more information,
Read the 2010 John T. McCraw scholarship information & application in MS Word format.

What are the main sources for accessible textbooks for blind and visually impaired students?

What are additional sources for accessible books, magazines and newspapers?

  • The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped has fiction and non-fiction books and periodicals in Braille, Large Print or Audiotape.  You must register, and be determined as eligible, to use this service. Visit their web site for more information.
  • NFB Newsline® provides access to over 300 newspapers and several magazines via the telephone or Internet.  To register for Newsline® call the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped at (410) 230-2424 or 1 (800) 964-9209.

Is online learning in Maryland community and four-year colleges accessible to blind and visually impaired students?

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland advocated for legislation (enacted in 2005) that requires institutions of higher education in Maryland to establish standards for non-visual access by January 1, 2007.  Read this law in MS Word format or PDF Format.