Support From Other Organisations

Albinism Fellowship Australia

Become aware of the condition, understand the challenges faced and how they generally can be overcome.

Amaze

Find information on understanding autism better, training opportunities, support groups for autistic people, NDIS advice, ideas for creating change in the community to respect the dignity of autistic people. 

Aspect

Get information about autism, assessment, diagnosis, schooling, employment, therapy services, workshops, etc.

Association for Children with a Disability (ACD)

ACD is the leading advocacy and information service for children with any type of a disability and their families living in Victoria. We provide free telephone information and support, training for professionals and parent workshops, policy development and system change and NDIS funded supports.

Austism Connect

Free, national autism helpline, providing information over phone, email and webchat. It supports autistic people, their families and carers, health professionals, researchers, teachers, employers and the broader community.

Batten Disease Support and Research Association

Blind Citizens Australia (BCA)

BCA is the united voice of Australians who are blind or vision impaired. Our mission is to achieve equity and equality by our empowerment, by promoting positive community attitudes, and by striving for high quality and accessible services which meet our needs.

CHARGE Syndrome Association of Australia

Charles Bonnet Syndrome Foundation

Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA)

CYDA is the national peak body which represents children and young people (aged 0-25) with disability. CYDA is a not for profit, community organisation.

eFriend

Free virtual sessions (phone or video) to talk to a peer if feeling lonely, isolated and/or stressed, who can listen and provide support (18+)

FamilyConnect (APH)

FamilyConnect is an online, multimedia community created to give parents of visually impaired children a place to support each other, share stories and concerns, and link to local resources.

Fragile X Association of Australia

Genetic Alliance Australia

Genetic Support Network Victoria

The Genetic Support Network Victoria (GSNV) is a vibrant and active organisation committed to promoting the interests and well-being of people affected by genetic conditions. The core of our enquiries involve assisting in access to services, connecting with others, education, advocacy, support and information.

Marfan Association Victoria

A Marfan Support Group was initially formed in 1989 by a group of volunteers either affected by or interested in Marfan syndrome. Following the group’s success and interest from the public and medical fraternity, The Marfan Association Victoria Incorporated was established in 1997.

Norrie Disease Association

The NDA is a diverse organisation eager to serve individuals with Norrie Disease (ND), as well as their families, social circles, educators, employers, and medical professionals.

Playgroup Australia

Find a playground for an autistic child aged 0-6.

Puggles Parent Facebook Group

This closed group is for parents and families of children with vision impairment. Search for ‘Puggles Parent Group’ to locate them on Facebook.

Rare Voices Australia (RVA)

RVA is Australia’s peak body for rare disease, advocating for Australians living with rare disease. We provide a strong, common voice to advocate for health policy and a healthcare system that works for people living with rare disease.

Retina Australia

Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities

Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities facilitates and influences the production and use of quality alternative formats for people with print disabilities by optimising the evolving Round Table body of knowledge.

Stargardt’s Australia

Stargardt's Disease, a disease of the eye, is a form of macular dystrophy that begins early in life. Dr. Stargardt first described this condition in 1909 giving it its name.

Starting With Julius

Starting With Julius was established as a project in 2013 by people who are committed to promoting the inclusion of people with disability in Australian advertising, media and beyond.

Vision 2020 Australia

Part of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight, an initiative of the World Health Organization and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. Vision 2020 Australia’s role is to ensure that eye health and vision care remains high on the health, disability and international development agendas of Australian governments.

WonderBaby

WonderBaby.org is dedicated to helping parents of young children with visual impairments as well as children with multiple disabilities. Here you’ll find a database of articles written by parents who want to share with others what they’ve learned about playing with and teaching a blind child, as well as links.

Youth Disability Advocacy Service (YDAS)

YDAS works alongside young people with disability aged 12 to 25 to raise awareness of their rights and to support them to achieve what they want.

American Printing House for the Blind (APH)

Since 1858, APH has operated in Louisville, Kentucky as the world’s largest nonprofit organization creating accessible learning experiences through educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are blind and visually impaired.

Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET)

In order to facilitate successful outcomes and improve the educational experience for students with disability, ADCET provides information, advice and resources to disability practitioners, academics, teachers and students on inclusive practices within the post-secondary education sector.

International Council for the Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)

ICEVI is the world’s major association of individuals and organisations concerned with equality of access to appropriate education for children and youth with vision impairment.

Paths to Literacy

This website is the result of a joint project between Perkins School for the Blind and Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI). By combining our resources and expertise, we hope to assist educators and families in the quest to provide literacy experiences for children who are blind.

Perkins School for the Blind

Perkins is a progressive, multi-faceted organization committed to improving the lives of people with blindness and deafblindness all around the world. Through Perkins eLearning, educators and parents can find the tools and inspiration they need to encourage every student who is blind or visually impaired to discover their skills, passion and potential.

NextSense Institute (formerly RIDBC Renwick Centre)

NextSense Institute is committed to providing high-quality continuing professional education. Our program includes conferences, webinars, and workshops conducted by leading national and international experts for education and health professionals who support people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision.

NextSense (formerly RIDBC)

NextSense is Australia’s largest non-government provider of education, therapy and cochlear implant services for children and adults with vision or hearing loss, their families, and the professionals who support them.

Royal National Institute for Blind People (RNIB)

We’re one of the UK’s leading sight loss charities and the largest community of blind and partially sighted people. If you are working with blind and partially sighted learners from birth to 25, including those with complex needs, at RNIB we want to offer you support.

South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment (SPEVI)

SPEVI Inc. acts as the professional body in matters pertaining to the education and support of children and young people who are blind or have low vision within the South Pacific region. Membership is open to professionals and parents/caregivers supporting children and adults with vision impairment, including general teachers.

Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSVBI)

TSBVI staff are continually writing and creating resources for parents, educators, community members and individuals with visual impairments. The Online Learning site is intended to serve the needs of teachers, instructors, other professionals, paraprofessionals, family and community members, and even students to watch, read, or to interact at their own pace.

CareerConnect (APH)

CareerConnect is an employment information resource developed by the APH for job seekers who are blind or visually impaired. CareerConnect provides employment information, career exploration tools, and job seeking guidance for individuals with vision loss and the professionals who work with them.

Expression Employment

Expression Employment (formerly SensWide Employment) has been delivering Disability Employment Services (DES) to job seekers for over 25 years. We have been providing support to people with low vision and blindness for over two decades.

National Disability Coordination Officer (NDCO) Program

The NDCO Program aims to improve the transition of people with a disability aged 15 to 64 into tertiary education and employment. Your National Disability Coordination Officer can help provide information, coordination and referral for people with a disability

Vision Australia Employment Assistance

If your aim is to get work-ready, find a job or make the most of the one you have, Vision Australia can help by tailoring a plan to your needs and supporting your employment journey.

Australian Tax Office

Specialised assistive technology designed for people with disability may be claimed as a tax deduction. According to the Australian Tax Office, some equipment designed for people who are blind or have low vision is now eligible for the Medical Expenses Rebate. Consult with your tax agent or the Australian Taxation Office.

Better Start for Children with Disability

Individualised funding under the HCWA and Better Start programs is transitioning to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and is due to cease on 31 March 2021.

Carer Allowance (Centrelink)

The Carer Allowance is a fortnightly supplement if you give additional daily care to someone who has a disability, serious illness, or is frail aged.

Carer Payment (Centrelink)

The Carer Payment is an income support payment if you give constant care to someone who has a severe disability, illness, or an adult who is frail and aged.

Companion Card (Victoria)

Companion Card promotes the rights of people with a disability, who require a companion, to fair ticketing at events and venues. It simply ensures that people who are unable to attend venues and events without a companion to provide attendant care support, are not charged two admission fees.

Disability Support Pension (Blind) (Centrelink)

A payment issued to men aged 16 to 65 years and women aged 16 to 60 – 65 years (depending on birthdate) who are legally blind. This pension is free of income and asset testing and is not taxable.

Mobility Allowance (Centrelink)

A payment to help with travel costs for work, study or looking for work if you have a disability, illness or injury that means you can’t use public transport.

Pensioner Education Supplement (Centrelink)

A regular extra payment to help with study costs if you get certain income support from Centrelink.

Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation

As a charitable community foundation, our role is to connect people, ideas and funding to create positive social change and address Melbourne’s future needs.

National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The NDIA is an independent statutory agency. Our role is to implement the NDIS, which will support a better life for hundreds of thousands of Australians with a significant and permanent disability and their families and carers.

Private Health Insurance

Some private health insurance companies will reimburse the partial cost of some items, such as magnifiers, depending on your insurance coverage. Contact your health insurance provider before purchasing any equipment.

Sport Access Foundation

The Sport Access Foundation offers grants to Australian children with a disability, so that they have an opportunity to play and participate in sport.

Taxi Subsidy for people with vision impairment

Contact the Victorian Taxi Directorate on 03 9320 4360 or 1800 638 802.

Vision Australia Further Education Bursary

Each year, Vision Australia awards Further Education Bursaries to a select number of students who are blind or have low vision. The bursaries provide adaptive technology to help the students fully participate and succeed in their chosen studies.

Vision Impaired Travel Pass

The Vision Impaired Travel Pass is for people who are legally blind and are permanent residents of Victoria, NSW, or Queensland and entitles you to free public transport travel.

Access For All Abilities (AAA Play)

Operated by Reclink Australia, Access for All Abilities (AAA Play) provides Australia’s only ‘first point of call’ service connecting people with a disability to sports and recreational opportunities in Victoria.

Achilles Running Club Melbourne

Achilles Melbourne is Melbourne’s premier running club for people with a disability. We also connect people with a disability with local running clubs and public running events.

AFL Blind (Victorian Blind Football League)

The sport of AFL Blind is a modified version of Australian Football played in an indoor football field. The Victorian Blind Football League provides an environment that promotes fitness, fun, friendship and a sense of belonging, enhancing life skills, developing self-esteem, confidence and improved health.

Australia Paralympic Committee

At Paralympics Australia, we help Australians with disabilities participate in sport and compete at the Paralympic Games through partnerships with governments, business, sporting bodies and the community.

Blind and Vision Impaired Football Victoria (Melbourne Blind Football Club)

Football Victoria works with Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria, City in the Community and Melbourne Blind Football Club to provide opportunities for people with a vision impairment of all ages to play football.

Blind Golf Australia

Blind Golf Australia was formed to promote the game of golf amongst blind and vision impaired people and to co-ordinate blind golf between the states of Australia.

Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria (BSRV)

BSRV enhances the lives of people throughout Victoria who are blind or vision impaired through sport and recreation. Through our range of diversified sport and recreation programs for children, adults, and seniors, we offer choice and a tailored experience across all life stages.

Blind Sports Australia (BSA)

BSA is a national not-for-profit organisation whose members are blind sporting organisations.

International Blind Sports Association (IBSA)

IBSA is in charge of a wide range of sports for athletes who are blind or partially sighted. IBSA manages athlete registration and licensing, classification management, and supports blind sports development around the world.

Victorian Blind Cricket Association (VBCA)

The VBCA is the home of blind cricket in Victoria. The VBCA provides an important role in the community by developing and providing opportunities for people who are blind or vision impaired to enjoy the recreational and social benefits of cricket.

Victorian Goalball Association (VGA)

Goalball is a team sport specifically designed for blind and vision impaired athletes. As the state body that facilitates Goalball within Victoria we aim to continue providing opportunities to all members of the community making it our mission to promote and foster the advancement of and participation in the sport.

Victorian Vision Impaired Table Tennis Association (Kooyong Swish Club)

Swish is a modified version of table tennis that can be enjoyed by people who are blind, vision impaired and fully sighted. The Kooyong Swish Club is a vibrant and energetic club whose members are some of the holders of domestic and national tournament titles.

APH Technology Products

Software demos, product information, and product support for products such as Talking Typer software, the Orion TI-30XS MultiView talking scientific calculator, audio and low vision games, and more.

Humanware Australia

HumanWare is the global leader in assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision.

Independence Science

Independence Science is an assistive technology company that specializes in providing tools to help students with print disabilities to have equal access and opportunities to perform independently in STEM fields without sighted assistance.

Pacific Vision

Pacific Vision International provides a range of quality and innovative assistive technology for people with low vision and blindness.

Pentronics

Master Distributor of Index Braille products for Australia and New Zealand.

Quantum Reading Learning Vision (RLV)

For over 30 years, Quantum has been providing products and services to people with a print disability (low vision, blindness or a learning difficulty).

APH Shop

Featured product categories include low vision materials, tactile graphics, early childhood, core curriculum, technology, and more.

Future Aids (The Braille Bookstore)

Thousands of braille books, toys, games, kitchen aids, and talking products.

Independent Living Aids

Products for your active, independent life. Vision product categories include games and education, braille, magnifiers, books and reading, and much more.

MaxiAids

We specialize in low vision products and product solutions for the Blind and Visually Impaired, including children.

RNIB Shop

Product categories include technology, magnification, reading, home and leisure, health and mobility, braille and labelling, and children and learning.

Vision Australia Shop

Products include optical and electronic magnifiers, items for the home, everyday technology, children’s products, time keeping, lighting, reading and writing, smart home products, leisure, and more.

Children’s Mobility Services

Orientation & Mobility is a training framework where children learn how to navigate their home and outdoor environments safely. Our Orientation & Mobility specialists teach children specific new skills by building on their existing abilities. We offer individual programs, camps, group programs, consultant services, and more.

Guide Dogs Victoria

At Guide Dogs Victoria, we provide vital support for Victorians with low vision or blindness. Since 1957, our services have grown far beyond just the dogs themselves to include a wide range of community initiatives, and training and education programs.

Vision Australia

Vision Australia is a leading national provider of blindness and low vision services in Australia. We work in partnership with Australians who are blind or have low vision to help them achieve the possibilities they choose in life.