Visually Impaired Resources in Fairfield County, Ohio
A directory of local services and supports for people who are blind or have low vision. Phone numbers and websites are links.
Adult Education & Job Training
Literacy Services
- Fairfield County Literacy Council: 740-653-2745, ext. #109 (message service through the Fairfield County District Library)
- Lancaster Fairfield Community Action Agency – ASPIRE “Learn More. Earn More.” (GED): 740-653-4146
- Eastland Fairfield Career and Technical College ASPIRE Program: 614-836-4541 ext. 1403
Disability Services
- Fairfield Career Center: 614-836-4541, ext. 1534
- Ohio University – Lancaster Campus: 740-681-3311
- Ohio Christian University: 740-477-7803
Finding a Job
- Fairfield County Job and Family Services: 740-652-7889
- Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired: 800-282-4536, or TTY 614-995-1161, or www.ood.ohio.gov
- Functional Training Services: 740-653-4763
Assistive Technology & Equipment
- Assistive Technology of Ohio Device Trial Program: 800-784-3425 — https://atohio.engineering.osu.edu/device-lending-library
- Maxi Aids Online Store: 800-522-6294
- “Be My Eyes” — free phone app
- Fairfield County District Library (FCDL): 740-653-2745 — JAWS reading software; MAGic magnifying software; and electronic magnifier
- Pickerington Library: 614-265-2520 — WYNN Literacy software
- Southeastern Ohio Center for Independent Living (SOCIL): 740-689-1494 — WYNN Literacy software
- Braille Superstore: 800-987-1231, or www.braillebookstore.com
Transportation
- Lancaster Fairfield Public Transit System: 740-681-5086
- Fun Bus Service On-Demand: 740-653-8294
- Fairfield County Center for disAbilities & Cerebral Palsy: 740-653-1186
Daily Living & Entertainment
- SOCIL (Southeastern Ohio Center for Independent Living): 740-689-1494
- FCDL: Talking Books Program and Outreach Services — 740-653-2745
- Robert K Fox YMCA: 740-654-0616
- Olivedale Senior Center: 740-687-6655
- Independent Living for the Older Blind (ILOB) Ohioans: 800-282-4536
- Local theatres offer Descriptive Video Services
Health Services
- Lions Club Eye: 2-1-1, or 740-687-0500
- Counseling Referral: 2-1-1
- Veterans Affairs Medical Outpatient Clinic: 740-653-6145
Accommodations & Rights
- SOCIL: 740-689-1494
- Disability Rights Ohio: 800-282-9181, or TTY 800-858-3542
Related Websites
- VisionAware — www.visionaware.org
This document was compiled and developed as an information and referral resource by the Fairfield County Blind Literacy Committee. There is no endorsement of any resource listed; our hope is that you are able to connect with the information and resources you are seeking. To report out-of-date information or a broken link, or to suggest additional resources, e-mail lisamsocil@gmail.com.
Additional Resource Information
- 2-1-1
- Trained professionals connect you to a variety of local agencies, including assistance for eye glasses and, in some cases, eye exams funded by the Lions Club Eye program.
- ASPIRE “Learn more. Earn more.”
- A student-driven program providing tools and support to achieve his or her potential, such as a GED or higher education.
- Assistive Technology of Ohio Device Trial Program
- Located on the OSU campus, the program loans a wide variety of assistive technology devices. Visit the center or have devices shipped. A comprehensive application process is required.
- “Be My Eyes”
- A free phone app that connects blind and visually impaired people with sighted helpers via live video connection.
- Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired
- Provides individuals with low vision and blindness the services and supports necessary to help them attain and maintain employment.
- Disability Rights Ohio
- A non-profit with a mission to advocate for the human, civil and legal rights of people in Ohio with disabilities.
- Fairfield County Center for disAbilities & Cerebral Palsy (FCdPC)
- Offers non-medical and medical transportation in-county and out-of-county; wheelchair accessible; door-to-door service.
- Fairfield County District Library (FCDL)
- Administers the Federal Talking Books-by-Mail Program for Fairfield County and provides home delivery of library materials to those with disabilities via Outreach Services.
- Fairfield County Literacy Council
- Provides free one-on-one reading tutoring, including ESL (English as a Second Language).
- Functional Training Services
- In partnership with the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI), offers individualized programs that teach job-seeking skills and provide support to help find and maintain employment.
- Fun Bus Service On-Demand
- Seven-days-a-week, fare-based transportation; reservations accepted; wheelchair accessible vans available; assistance to the door available.
- Independent Living for the Older Blind (ILOB) Ohioans
- Information and referral, adaptive aids and equipment, independent living skills training, supportive services and rehabilitation teaching for individuals age 55+ with severe visual impairment.
- Lancaster Fairfield Public Transit System
- Provides safe, affordable and accessible transportation for anyone in Fairfield County, Monday through Friday by reservation. Five local loop routes also run Monday through Friday.
- Maxi Aids Online Store
- A resource for assistive products, offering low prices on over 9,000 items.
- Olivedale Senior Center
- Affords those aged 55+ a gathering place to socialize, learn new skills and enjoy life. $12 annual dues.
- Pickerington Library
- Full-service public library. WYNN Literacy software, designed to enhance success for individuals with reading and writing difficulties, is available to use in the library.
- SOCIL (Southeastern Ohio Center for Independent Living)
- Assists people with significant disabilities to live more independently.