1-888-625-1616
(Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm)
www.blindline.org

Blindline® is an information and referral service for people who are blind or visually impaired, their family members, friends, and professional service providers.

Our ever-growing database currently comprises more than 500 records of specialized resources located throughout New York State. The database contains a comprehensive list of blindness-related agencies, as well as many commercial businesses that provide accessible services and/or products to people with vision loss. As a “work in progress,” we encourage consumers to let us know about businesses, products or services that should be included in the database, or to comment on any of the products and services we currently catalogue.

Blindline® consists of both the web site and a telephone hotline staffed by trained individuals who are themselves visually impaired. If you are unable to find what you are looking for on the web site, please phone us toll-free, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at 888.625.1616. Our trained Information Specialists will conduct additional research on any blindness-related topic, and return the results to you in the format of your choice (Braille, large-print, via email or phone).

About Our Information Specialists
Before being assigned to call-taking activities, our information specialists undergo extensive training that is based upon curricula developed by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS), the national leadership organization for professional I & R service providers. Blindline® trainees study advanced Internet research techniques, word-processing, data management, and communications skills. Since most of our trainees are ultimately interested in finding paid employment, the training program emphasizes the practical skills and experience relevant to careers in:

• Information and Referral Services
• Human Resource Management
• IT Support Desk
• Marketing/Outreach
• Social Services

Because the Blindline® Coordinator, the Program Administrator, and virtually all of our Information Specialists are visually impaired, universal accessibility is a critical component of the computer equipment and telephony installed at the call center. Blindline® is a stellar example to other call centers, demonstrating that universal access is readily attainable for employees with vision loss. Our staff regularly participate in educational and outreach activities with both the national and New York State chapters of AIRS, and with other I & R initiatives throughout the tri-state region.

VISIONS Partners and Corporate Funders
Blindline® (web site, call center and vocational training program) is an ongoing project of VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired. VISIONS acknowledges the many non-profit partners and corporate funders who support the project.

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has been invaluable to the project, by sharing information from its Directory of Services, and by providing technical expertise in creating both the web site and database.

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) and National Federation of the Blind (NFB) have strongly supported the project from the start.

As the primary source of financial support, the Lavelle Fund for the Blind awarded VISIONS a major grant in support of Blindline®.

American Express responded with a grant for the cost of seven toll-free phone lines and marketing efforts.

IBM graciously donated seven state-of-the-art computer workstations and a printer, to get the call center up-and-running.

An exceptional Advisory Board of blindness professionals, consumers, technology and I&R experts assists our staff in expanding and strengthening the project.

Planning for Growth
Blindline® Headquarters
Located at VISIONS main administrative office in Lower Manhattan (500 Greenwich Street), the call center is well-appointed and spacious. Employers, potential trainees, educators, and/or technical consultants are welcome to tour the center during normal business hours. Please phone or email us to arrange a visit, to learn more about our training program, or to volunteer:

Michael J. Cush, Blindline® Coordinator
888.625.1616
mcush@blindline.info

Dawn M. Suvino, Director of Information Services and Technology Training
Visions/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
(646) 486-4444 Ext. 17
dsuvino@visionsvcb.org

The Blindline® project is just one of many ways in which VISIONS manifests its mission to promote the independence of people of all ages who are blind and visually impaired. VISIONS programs include rehabilitation services, therapeutic recreation for individuals and families at Vacation Camp for the Blind in Rockland County, NY, and a community center for blind adults and seniors at Selis Manor on West 23rd Street in Manhattan.