Blind or Low Vision Resources

This page includes resources to support individuals who are blind or have low vision, along with their families and educators. The links provide information about schools, instructional materials, accessible books, and professional services available in Kansas and nationwide. These resources help ensure access to learning, independence, and support across all ages.

Schools and Educational Programs

  • Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB): Established in 1867, KSSB is a state-funded, accredited school in Kansas City, Kansas, serving students from Pre-K through grade 12. For more information visit the  KSSB website. [external link]

Teacher Preparation and Professional Training

  • Kansas Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TSVI) and Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) Preparation and Mentorship Program: This program supports licensed Kansas educators pursuing TSVI and/or COMS certification by providing tuition assistance, materials, travel support, and mentorship through Kansas State School for the Blind. For more information, visit the Kansas Technical Assistance System Network (TASN) website. [external link] 
  • Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER): A professional organization providing research, training, certification updates, and an annual conference for professionals serving individuals with vision loss. For more information, visit the AER website. [external link]
  • AER Division 9: Orientation and Mobility: This division focuses on research, training, and certification standards for Orientation and Mobility professionals, including Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS). For more information visit the AER Division 9 webpage. [external link]

Accessible Instructional Materials and Media

  • Kansas Instructional Resource Center (KIRC): KIRC helps Kansas school districts obtain braille, large print, audio, and other accessible instructional materials for students who are blind, have low vision, or have print disabilities. For more information, visit the KIRC website. [external link]
  • American Printing House for the Blind (APH): APH provides educational materials, technology, and resources for students with visual impairments and administers federal Quota Funds for eligible learners from preschool through postsecondary levels. For more information, visit the  KIRC website. [external link]
  • National Instructional Media Accessibility Standard (NIMAS): NIMAS is a publishing standard that ensures instructional materials can be converted into accessible formats such as braille, audio, or large print. For more information, visit the NIMAS website. [external link]
  • National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC): NIMAC is a national repository where NIMAS files are stored and made available to authorized users for producing accessible instructional materials under IDEA. For more information, visit the  NIMAC website. [external link]

Library and Reading Resources

  • Kansas Talking Books: Kansas Talking Books offers free library services and accessible reading materials in specialized formats for eligible Kansas residents. For more information, visit the  Kansas Talking Books website. [external link]
  • Learning Ally: A nonprofit organization offering a large library of human-read audio textbooks for students with print disabilities. For more information, visit the  Learning Ally website. [external link]
  • Bookshare: The world’s largest accessible online library, providing books, textbooks, newspapers, and magazines in multiple formats for individuals with print disabilities. For more information, visit the  Bookshare website. [external link]

Advocacy and Community Resources

  • Kansas Advisory Council for the Blind and Visually Impaired (KACB/VI): An affiliate of the American Council for the Blind, KACB/VI shares statewide resources, events, and information through a quarterly publication for individuals of all ages. For more information, visit the KACB/VI website. [external link]

For assistance concerning this page, contact:

Lisa Karney
(785) 296-6765