The following are resources that may be helpful. These include state, parent, and national resources. If you have questions or additional resources to recommend: please contact us.
Resources for Parents
We are building a strong network for blind parents and parents of blind children. Connect with our Minnesota parent contact, Briley O'Connor at 703-380-8876 or brileyoc@gmail.com.
Blind Parents
Along with connecting, please explore the below resources:
The Blind Parents Connection Podcast is a Blind Parent Education Initiative supported by the Gibney Family Foundation and brought to you by National Federation of the Blind. The following episodes provide tips and support for blind parents by blind parents.
- Resources (Episode 1 MP3)
- Feeding (Episode 2 MP3)
- Traveling (Episode 3 MP3)
- Child-Proofing and Playing Inside (Episode 4 MP3)
- Supervising and Playing Outside (Episode 5 MP3)
- Making Back to School Successful (Episode 6 MP3)
- Household Tasks (Episode 7 MP3)
Parents of Blind Children
Founded in 1983, the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC) is a national membership organization of parents and friends of blind children reaching out to each other to give vital support, encouragement, and information. We have over 3,000 members in all 50 states and divisions and parent contacts in about 30 states plus Puerto Rico. Learn more about NOPBC resources.
State Resources
Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library
388 SE 6th Avenue
Faribault, MN 55021-6340
Librarian: Catherine A. Durivage
Library Code: MN1A
Telephone: 507-333-4828
Toll Free (in state): 800-722-0550
Fax: 507-333-4832
Email: mn.btbl@state.mn.us or catherine.durivage@state.mn.us
Website: https://education.mn.gov/MDE/fam/mbtbl/
BLIND, Inc.
100 East 22nd Street
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: 612-872-0100
Toll Free: 800-597-9558
Email: info@blindinc.org
Website: blindinc.org
Minnesota State Services for the Blind
2200 University Avenue West, Suite 240
St. Paul, MN 55114-1840
Phone: 651-539-2300
Toll Free: 800-652-9000
Department of Education
Division of Special Education
Barbara L. Troolin, Director
1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113-4266
Phone: 651-582-8614
Fax: 651-582-8729
Email: mde.special-ed@state.mn.us
Website: education.state.mn.us/MDE/StuSuc/SpecEdProg/index.html
DeafBlind Services Minnesota
Paul Deeming, MS, CI, Program Manager
1936 Lyndale Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55403
V: 612-362-8454
TTY: 612-362-8422
VP: 612-362-8433
Fax: 612-362-8437
Email: inform@dbsm.org
National Resources
Independence Market
Our Independence Market is a store that offers hundreds of products and literature created by and for the blind community. The online store is still under development, however you may still place orders by email or by phone at (410) 659-9314, extension 2216 (Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CT).
Free White Cane Program
The white cane gives blind people the ability to achieve independence, allowing us to travel freely and safely. The National Federation of the Blind provides free white canes so that every blind person can have one. Order a white cane today.
National Divisions, Committees, and Groups
Much of the work, mentoring, and building of relationships within the National Federation of the Blind is done through our divisions, committees, and groups. These entities provide support, information, and resources for a wide range of professions, recreational activities, special interests, legislative issues, fundraising projects, and other areas related to blindness.
Connect with a NFB of Minnesota Division:
- Minnesota Association of Blind Students (WABS)
- Minnesota Seniors Division
Learn more about the National Divisions, Committees, and Groups.