Internet Resources
Related to Blindness and Visual Impairment

The Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired presents this list of Internet resources of particular interest to the blind and visually impaired.
Click on a Category from the following list:

• World Wide Web resources
• Internet EMailing Lists

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World Wide Web

GSA's IT Accessibility and Workforce
General Services Administration's IT Accessibility and Workforce (ITAW) provides assistive technology solutions to eliminate barriers for people with disabilities. ITAW’s Assistive Technology (AT) Showcase displays state-of-the-art assistive technologies and ergonomic solutions.

ITAW is the governments principal advocate and coordinator for Section 508 implementation that requires agencies to make information technology accessible for people with disabilities. ITAW is recognized as the governmentwide policy resource for Section 508.

Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee
The Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee is a voluntary coalition of individuals and community organizations who have united to secure the passage in Ontario, Canada,  of a new law which would achieve a barrier-free society for persons with disabilities.

EASI: Equal Access to Software and Information
EASI is the premiere provider of on-line training on accessible information technology for persons with disabilities. Their mission is to serve as a resource by providing information and guidance in the area of access-to-information technologies by individuals with disabilities. They stay informed about developments and advancements within the adaptive computer technology field and spread that information to colleges, universities, K-12 schools, libraries and into the workplace.

Universal Internet Access Project
Information on how access technologies work with the Internet can be scarce, even though it represents the largest repository of electronic information now available. Users with disabilities have often relied on their own trial and error methods or avoided the graphical user interface browsers which depict the most complete content on an increasingly graphical World Wide Web. Systematic study by non-commercial parties was lacking, as well as documentation on how enabling technology, often and add-on to most computer systems, is able to work with other more standard interfaces, such as the common Internet Web browsers.

A joint venture between the Diversity Management Directorate(DMD) of the Public Service Commission of Canada and the Adaptive Technology Resource Centre (ATRC) of the Information Commons, University of Toronto began in March 1996 with the ATRC performing the research and the testing of the adaptive technologies and browsers, as well as documenting findings. DMD facilitated and supported this project through funding the ATRC in this endeavor. We are now happy to bring you this information in a manner that is as user friendly as possible through HTML 2.0. and in both French and English at the following locations:
http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/dmd/enable/main.htm
http://www.utoronto.ca/atrc/
The content mirrored on these sites hopes to eliminate some of the trial and error, providing information such as: -keyboard equivalents for some of the most popular Web browsers, -the strengths and weaknesses characteristic of some adaptive technologies in controlling browser functions, -the customization required for effective use of enabling technology products with identified web browsers.

Whenever possible, we have incorporated feedback from adaptive technology manufacturers as to the research performed on their products; throughout the site you will find links to these manufacturers. User testing also added to the reviews. Although funding has not permitted reviews of products with the version 3.0 releases of Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer, released last summer, we hope to add these to the sites in the near future.

Science Access Project
This web site is for an exciting project at Oregon State University. The Science Access project is dedicated to development of technologies that promote full accessibility of electronic information by future generations of people with print disabilities. "Print disabilities" include low vision, blindness, and dyslexia.

Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST)
Founded in 1984, CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to expand opportunities for people with disabilities through innovative multimedia computer technology. They pursue this mission through research, product development, and direct services.

University of Toronto Adaptive Technology Resource Center
This centre provides information, training, and on-site access to adaptive equipment to increase access to electronic information systems for persons with disabilities. This web site serves to expand the centre's outreach to the Internet community.

Dancing Dots
Dancing Dots Braille Music Technology focuses on software development to aid the blind musician. One of Dancing Dots' major projects is providing the service of Braille music production for individuals needing to have musical scores transcribed into Braille.

Internet EMailing Lists

A mailing list is a conference type structure where people send questions or information. Mailing list participants receive e-mail containing the e-mail sent to the mailing list. In other words, messages sent to the mailing list address are re-sent to all list participants.

Instructions for using a mailing list vary depending on the particular mailing list. In the listings below, we have provided links which you can select to send a message to the subscription address for each mailing list. You will need to place the appropriate information in your message to do the actual subscribing. We have included instructions with each listing for how to subscribe, so just follow those instructions to construct your subscription message.

blind-l
blind-l is a mailing list for discussion of information related to computer use for the blind.

To subscribe to blind-1, send an email to: listserv@uafsysb.uark.edu (see link below)
The message subject is not significant.
In the body of the message, type in the following text:
subscribe blind-1 <your name>
where <your name> is your first and last name as you would like them to appear in mail from you to the list.
Click this link to send an email to the blind-l subscription address.

skyclub-1
skyclub-l is a mailing list operated by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind for discussion of a wide range of blindness issues. skyclub-l features monthly guests who engage in discussions with the list participants for a three-week period on any of various subjects.

To subscribe to skyclub-l, send an email to: skyclub-l-request@icomm.ca (see link below)
The message subject is not significant.
In the body of the message, type in the following text:
subscribe <your name>
where <your name> is your first and last name as you would like them to appear in mail from you to the list.
Click this link to send an email to the skyclub-l subscription address.

blindnws
This is a newsletter assembled by North Dakota State University.

To subscribe to blindnws, send an email to: listserv@listserv.nodak.edu (see link below)
The message subject is not significant.
In the body of the message, type in the following text:
subscribe blindnws <your name>
where <your name> is your first and last name as you would like them to appear in mail from you to the list.
Click this link to send an email to the blindnws subscription address.

guispeak
This list is for information related to access to Windows and other graphical user interface computer programs by persons who are blind or visually impaired.

To subscribe to guispeak, send an email to: listserv@listserv.nodak.edu (see link below)
The message subject is not significant.
In the body of the message, type in the following text:
subscribe guispeak <your name>
where <your name> is your first and last name as you would like them to appear in mail from you to the list.
Click this link to send an email to the guispeak subscription address.

adanet
The university coordinators of Americans With Disabilities act is a mailing list devoted to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
To subscribe to adanet, send an email to: listserv@iubvm.ucs.indiana.edu (see link below)
The message subject is not significant.
In the body of the message, type in the following text:
subscribe adanet <your name>
where <your name> is your first and last name as you would like them to appear in mail from you to the list.
Click this link to send an email to the adanet subscription address.

books
books is a mailing list for discussions on books (braille, audio, large print, etc.) read by the blind.

To subscribe to books, send an email to: listserv@nfbcal.org (see link below)
The message subject is not significant.
In the body of the message, type in the following text:
subscribe books <your name>
where <your name> is your first and last name as you would like them to appear in mail from you to the list.
Click this link to send an email to the books subscription address.

The next several mailing lists deal specifically with Braille or with Braille-related equipment.

braille (a mailing list in the Czech Republic)
braille is a general blindness-related mailing list reputed to be based at a university in Prague, Czech republic. It is supposed to be fairly quiet, not carrying a lot of messages a day. It may be an especially good resource for persons living in Europe. Most of the discussion is in English with some other languages represented as well.

To subscribe to braille, send an email to: listserv@cesnet.cz (see link below)
The message subject is not significant.
In the body of the message, type in the following text:
subscribe braille <your name>
where <your name> is your first and last name as you would like them to appear in mail from you to the list.
Click this link to send an email to the braille mailing list subscription address.

braille-l
braille-l is a list devoted to the promotion of braille literacy. Particular emphasis is on braille literacy issues in New Zealand.

To subscribe to braille-1, send an email to: listman@rnzfb.org.nz (see link below)
The message subject is not significant.
In the body of the message, type in the following text:
subscribe braille-1 <your name>
where <your name> is your first and last name as you would like them to appear in mail from you to the list.
Click this link to send an email to the braille-l mailing list subscription address.

brailletech
The purpose of BRAILLETECH is to provide a foundation for the discussion of braille-based and braille-related hardware and/or software technologies.

To subscribe to brailletech, send an email to: majordomo@hoflink.com (see link below)
The message subject is not significant.
In the body of the message, type in the following text:
subscribe brailetech <your name>
where <your name> is your first and last name as you would like them to appear in mail from you to the list.
Click this link to send an email to the brailletech mailing list subscription address.

BRCTR
BRCTR is a technical list devoted to the discussion of the advancement and future of braille.

To subscribe to BRCTR, send an email to: listserv@ulkyvm.louisville.edu (see link below)
The message subject is not significant.
In the body of the message, type in the following text:
subscribe brctr <your name>
where <your name> is your first and last name as you would like them to appear in mail from you to the list.
Click this link to send an email to the BRCTR mailing list subscription address.

BRL-HELP
BRL-HELP, a new component of the American Foundation for the Blind's National Braille Literacy Mentor Project, is dedicated to the promotion of discussion and sharing of ideas about braille instruction.

BRL-HELP is open to all people who wish to ask specific questions about braille instruction or the students to whom they teach braille; to respond to requests for information; to share successful strategies that have worked in teaching braille; and to discuss resources and materials that are available. BRL-HELP welcomes input from special education and rehabilitation teachers of braille, preschool and general education teachers of children who are blind or visually impaired, parents and other family members of blind individuals, and anyone else who is interested in promoting excellence in braille instruction.

To subscribe to BRL-HELP, send an email to: majordomo@afb.org (see link below)
The message subject is not significant.
In the body of the message, type in the following text:
subscribe brl-help <your name>
where <your name> is your first and last name as you would like them to appear in mail from you to the list.
More information about the AFB's Braille Literacy programs can be found online at the
American Foundation for the Blind's web site.

Click this link to send an email to the brl-help mailing list subscription address.

brl_zylx
brl_zylx (Braille As You Like It) is a mailing list for support for a uniform Braille code alternative to the UBC.

To subscribe to brl_zylx, send an email to: majordomo@tango.rahul.net (see link below)
The message subject is not significant.
In the body of the message, type in the following text:
subscribe brl_zylx <your name>
where <your name> is your first and last name as you would like them to appear in mail from you to the list.
Click this link to send an email to the brl_zylx mailing list subscription address.

The next few mailing lists relate to Retinitis Pigmentosa and other retina-related vision problems.

ret-pig: Retinitis Pigmentosa Mailing List
ret-pig is an open forum for discussions, announcements, and questions related to retinitis pigmentosa and allied disorders. Subscribers to the list include molecular biologists, clinicians, (medical or biology) students, patients and other individuals interested in retinitis pigmentosa.

To subscribe to ret-pig, send an email to: listserv@hearn.nic.surfnet.nl (see link below)
The message subject is not significant.
In the body of the message, type in the following text:
subscribe ret-pig <your name>
where <your name> is your first and last name as you would like them to appear in mail from you to the list.
Click this link to send an email to the ret-pig mailing list subscription address.

rplist: Retinal Degeneration and Low Vision Discussion List
The title describes the function of this list pretty well.

To subscribe to rplist, send an email to: listserv@sjuvm.stjohns.edu (see link below)
The message subject is not significant.
In the body of the message, type in the following text:
subscribe rplist <your name>
where <your name> is your first and last name as you would like them to appear in mail from you to the list.
Click this link to send an email to the rplist mailing list subscription address.

rpliste-fr: Groupe de discussion sur les degenerescences retiniennes
rpliste-fr is a discussion list for French-speaking persons with retinal degeneration and low vision.

To subscribe to rpliste-fr, send an email to: listserv@sjuvm.stjohns.edu (see link below)
The message subject is not significant.
In the body of the message, type in the following text:
subscribe rpliste-fr <your name>
where <your name> is your first and last name as you would like them to appear in mail from you to the list.
Click this link to send an email to the RPLISTE-FR mailing list subscription address.

guide-dog-pol: Guide Dog Policy Discussion List
GUIDE-DOG-POL is an unmoderated and open forum for persons who use guide dogs and service animals and for those interested in learning more about the issues involved in the use of Guide Dogs or service animals.

Likely topics for discussion are (1) issues of access; (2) the relationship between the guide dog or service animal handler and the school or training center which produces the animal; (3) the relationship between the owner or handler of a guide dog or service animal and the general public; and (4) any other topic of interest to the list membership concerning the interface between the guide dog or service animal handler and the world that surrounds that handler.

To subscribe to guide-dog-pol, send an email to: listserv@maelstrom.stjohns.edu (see link below)
In the subject of the message, type in the following text:
subscribe guide-dog-pol <your name>
where <your name> is your first and last name as you would like them to appear in mail from you to the list.
Click this link to send an email to the guide-dog-pol mailing list subscription address.

BlindLaw
BlindLaw is a project of the National Association of Blind Lawyers, a division of the National Federation of the Blind.

The list serves at least two purposes. First, it is a place where individuals and organizations can ask legal questions. The list will be monitored by members of NABL and they hope to help people with matters connected to the law and blindness, such as ADA questions and the like. Secondly, the list is a vehicle for members of the National Association of Blind Lawyers to stay in contact with each other and other blind attorneys and individuals working in or interested in the legal field.

To subscribe to BlindLaw,, send an email to: listserv@nfbnet.org (see link below)
Leave the subject blank
In the body of the message, type in the following text:
subscribe blindlaw
Please note that "blindlaw" is one word, not two.

Click this link to send an email to the BlindLaw subscription address.

dev-access: Access to Software Development Mechanisms Mailing List
dev-access is designed to permit discussion on the accessibility of software programming tools such as programming editors and compilers to persons with disabilities.

To subscribe to dev-access, send an email to: majordomo@world.std.com (see link below)
The message subject is not significant.
In the body of the message, type in the following text:
subscribe dev-access

Click this link to send an email to the dev-access subscription address.

nfb-bpj: Blind Professional Journalists EMail List
This list is an informal gathering place for people who want to ask questions and exchange ideas on how blind people succeed in journalism. We welcome working journalists or those who expect to write for a living, on deadline. We expect our group will include writers employed at newspapers, magazines, TV, or public affairs departments.

We also welcome students wanting to pursue journalism careers or former journalists who, after becoming blind, wish to acquire effective alternative techniques for working in our highly-competitive arena. There will probably be little of interest on this list for poets or novelists.

The Blind Professional Journalists Group formed in July, 1996, during the National Federation of the Blind's annual Convention in Anaheim, California. Among its founding members are students, reporters, editors and the former dean of the journalism department at Arizona State University.

We expect to spend the next several months finding blind journalists in the US and beyond and getting them subscribed to our new Listserv, NFB-BPJ. Among the topics we expect to discuss in the listserv are:

• Technology that lets you manipulate information quickly and on deadline.
• Reportorial techniques specific to blindness, ranging from managing the interview to managing visual aspects of the story.
• Nuts-and-bolts solutions concerning transportation and techniques for working with reader/driver/assistants.
• Employment issues specific to blind professionals, from how to get hired to how to fund adaptive equipment.
• Ways of cracking informational barriers in order to keep you informed so you can do your job exceptionally well.

The NFB-BPJ list may grow to include discussions far more diverse than these, but we request that subject matter be confined to those things directly relating to the techniques and issues directly affecting blind journalists.

To subscribe to NFB-BPJ, send an email to: listserv@lothlorien.nfbcal.org (see link below)
Leave the subject field blank.
In the body of the message, type in the following text:
subscribe nfb-bpj <your name>
where <your name> is your first and last name as you would like them to appear in mail from you to the list. If all goes well, in a matter of hours you'll recieve a welcome message and you're subscribed.

Click this link to send an email to the nfb-bpj subscription address.


Comprehensive Index of Blindness-Related EMailing Lists
Gregory Rosmaita has put together a huge index of blindness-related emailing lists  and blindness-related newsgrroups. His index website is located at http://www.hicom.net/~oedipus/blist.html.
Please note that the index has not been updated since 2002 and may be out of date.