INFORMATION AND REFERRAL

Help Line is a state wide information and referral resource and crisis assistance service. 24 hour telephone service provides information on social services and emergency help. It provides referral to appropriate agencies help in solving any problem, aid in crises, and assistance in locating basic needs such as food, housing, fuel, clothing and financial support. CALL 1-800-852-3388; TDD #225-4033

LOW VISION RESOURCES

The National Eye Care Project is a national program that provides medical and surgical eye care for eligible persons in need who are age 65 or older and who are US citizens or legal residents. It is a public service program sponsored by the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, and state ophthalmological societies. For additional information or help call 1-800-222-EYES (3937).

Low Vision Specialists evaluate a person's functional vision and prescribe the appropriate optical low vision devices. Examples include high powered spectacles, magnifiers, and telescopes. Specialists also recommend adaptive devices such as special lighting. These professionals provide training in how to use these devices properly. (A Statewide list of low vision specialists that are approved, vendors for the State of New Hampshire's Services for Blind and Visually Impaired is located in Appendix C)

ORGANIZATIONS FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED

New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Department of Education, Division of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation, Services for Blind and Visually Impaired is the State agency that provides services to New Hampshire residents age 14 and older who are blind or visually impaired. Eligibility criteria is that vision be 20/40 or worse with best correction, or that there be a loss in the field of vision. Comprehensive services are provided to help eligible persons obtain and maintain employment or independent living status. Services include job placement, skills training, low vision, technology and rehabilitation engineering, orientation and mobility, personal and household management, counseling, and guidance, employer services, and consultative services on ADA, job and task analysis, and reasonable accommodation. Counselors are located in regional offices. For more information call 271-3537. (See Appendix D for a list of regional offices).

Sight Services for Independent Living is a grant funded project administered by NH Department of Education, Division of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation, Services for Blind and Visually Impaired. This manual has been generated as part of the Independent Living program. The program provides comprehensive services at no cost to develop and Promote the independence of visually impaired older adults living at home. For information call 1-800-581-6881.

New Hampshire Association for the Blind is a statewide, nonprofit organization that serves blind and visually impaired persons of all ages. NHAB provides a broad range of services including: social work counseling and consultation, low vision services, daily living skills training, orientation and mobility, information and referral, and public education. For information call 1-800-464-3075.

National Federation of the Blind of New Hampshire is a volunteer organization providing peer counseling, advocacy, monthly meetings in various locations around the state, an annual state-wide convention, and a free semi-annual newsletter. For information call 1-603-524-1945.

The M.I.C.E. Program (Multi-sensory Intervention through Consultation and Education) is a program that serves any child age birth to three who is suspected of having a visual impairment. Services include vision and developmental evaluation, and coordination of services related to the visual impairment. For information call 226-2908.

New Hampshire Department of Education provides support services to students who are identified as having a visual impairment according to the New Hampshire Special Education definition and guidelines. Through it's statewide project the Department provides vision services to regular and special educators, teachers of persons with visual impairments, other school personnel, and parents. Services are intended to meet the specialized needs of students with visual impairments. For information call 271-3537.

The V.I.S.T. Program (Visual Impairment Services Team) is a program provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs that provides medical and rehabilitation services to severely visually impaired and blind veterans. For information call 1-603-624-4366 ext. 6475.

National
There are many resources nationally for visually impaired persons. Some of these organizations provide information on eye health and safety, vision loss, and aging. Other organizations offer directories of services, sponsor research, and disseminate information about research. (For a comprehensive list of national organizations see Appendix E)

COMMUNICATION RESOURCES

Talking books is a service administered by the New Hampshire State Library System. It is a library of specialized resources such as recorded or 'talking" books and Braille publications for people who are Unable to read regular print. The library services are free to registered users. There is no fee or charge for books, equipment, equipment repair, or postage to receive or send the talking books. The library has over 'thirty thousand titles. To apply for library services call 1-800-491-4200. The library will send an application that needs to be completed and signed by an O.D., M.D., social worker, nurse, teacher, librarian, or other professional person. There are additional resources for recorded materials. (See Appendix G for a complete list)

Large Print Reading Materials: A number of organizations and publishers have large print reading materials available for visually impaired persons to purchase. (See Appendix H for a listing of large print resources and reading materials)

Telephone and Directory Assistance Exemption Information: Visually impaired and blind persons are eligible for an exemption for the charge for directory assistance as well as for the extra charge for operator assisted calls. To be exempt from the charges for operator assistance, a person dials "0" and announces themselves as "special". To be exempt from directory assistance charges an application form needs to be completed. Contact your telephone company's customer service representatives for additional information. To receive an exemption form from AT&T call 1-800-872-3883. To receive an exemption form from NYNEX call 1-800-474-9999.

Mail: The Free Matter for the Blind privilege enables blind persons to mail articles free of postage charges through the US Postal Service. The privilege is for large print, Braille, recorded materials, 18 point type, or 1/4 inch letters. The words "free matter for the blind" must be written in place of the stamp. Mailed materials must not be sealed to allow for postal inspection.

HOME MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE RESOURCES

Homemaker Services: These are generally found through home care agencies such as local visiting nurses associations (VNA) or other private home care providers. Homemakers are trained to do light housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation, and supervision. Fees for these services vary among agencies. Many have fees based on means. To find a home care agency, look in the yellow pages under home health or contact the statewide Helpline at 1-800-852-3388.

Fuel Assistance: This program provides grants to income eligible households to help pay for energy related expenses. Contact your local Community Action Program (CAP) office for more information or an application form. (See Appendix I, for a statewide list of all Community Action Programs)

Weatherization Assistance: This program funds the installation of energy improvements in the homes of income eligible households. Priority is given to elderly and handicapped persons. To apply contact your local CAP agency. (See Appendix I)

Neighbor Helping Neighbor: This program provides energy assistance for electric and natural gas customers who are experiencing hardships, have disconnects pending, and are unable receive help from the Fuel Assistance Program. This is a cooperative effort between the electric and natural gas utilities in New Hampshire, the six Community Action agencies, the Governor's Office of Energy and Community Services, and other community service groups. Customers of participating utilities can apply directly through their energy suppliers. For more information contact your local CAP agency. (See Appendix I)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH RESOURCES

Behavioral Health Care providers offer counseling and treatment services for depression, anxiety, alcoholism and substance abuse, adjustment problems, etc. A wide range of clinical services including emergency services is provided by Community Mental Health Centers. Persons experiencing psychiatric crises such as feeling suicidal can call Community Mental Health Centers or walk in to local hospital emergency rooms. Private practitioners also provide a range of treatment services. Many insurance companies offer coverage for counseling services and many agencies offer services payable according to income. A statewide list of the Community Mental Health Centers is located in Appendix J. To locate private practitioners look in the Yellow Pages under Counselors, Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Social Workers, Physicians, and Mental Health Services,

Medical services are available from home health care agencies. Community services such as blood pressure checks and immunizations are periodically offered to the general public. health aids are trained to provide personal care. Nursing are offered including assessment, planning, monitoring, and evaluation to those individuals referred by a physician. To locate a home health care agency look under home health in the yellow pages or contact Helpline at 1-800-852-3388.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE

The Senior Citizens Law project is provided by the NH Legal Assistance Offices. It offers free civil legal services to senior citizens age 60 and older with no income eligibility requirements. The issues that are dealt with include: property tax problems, mobile home and other landlord tenant issues, advance directives and Medicaid eligibility, help with social security denial, and help with state and local welfare benefit denials. For more information call 1-800-562-3174.

The Legal Advice and Referral Center (LARC) is a new organization that serves low-income New Hampshire citizens. It provides legal advice and referral services for issues regarding housing, family, and public benefits. It also has self-help materials available. The LARC can be reached between 9 AM and noon weekdays by calling 1-800-639-5290.

The Governors Commission on Disability offers information, referral, and consultation regarding the rights of persons with disabilities. There are a number of laws including the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that give disabled persons rights and protections from discrimination. If you feel that you have been discriminated against, or have questions regarding these issues, call 1-800-852-3405.

The NH Bar Association offers a legal advice and referral center. Pro bono referrals are also available. Call 1-800-639-5290.

Law Line is a service provided by the NH Bar Association that offers free advice on the second Wednesday of each month from PM. Call 1-800-868-1212.

SENIOR SERVICES

Meals on Wheels is a program that provides meals delivered to homebound individuals. Service may be short term in the case of recuperation from an illness, or long term for homebound seniors. To find out about a Meals on Wheels program in your area contact the Helpline at 1-800-852-3388.

Congregate Meal Sites are available in many towns across New Hampshire. Many are located in senior centers and in housing complexes. These midday meals are nutritious as well as an opportunity to socialize and participate in programs and activities. To find a meal site in your area call the Helpline at 1-800-852-3388.

Senior Centers offer individuals a chance to socialize and develop new friendships. Most Centers offer a mix of recreational and educational programs. Activities vary from center to center. Most centers provide a midday meal. Contact the Helpline at 1-800-852 3388 to find a senior center near you.

Transportation Resources are available in many communities. The organizations that provide or arrange for transportation each have their own eligibility requirements. A list of transportation resources for Seniors is located in Appendix K.

Granite State Independent Living Foundation is a private nonprofit organization committed to equality of opportunity for all people with disabilities. They offer the following services: advocacy, information and referral, peer support, and independent living skills training. Granite State Independent Living Foundation also offers specialized services and programs such as accessibility services, interpreter services, personal care attendant programs, a deaf and hard of hearing program, social and recreational .activities, and transportation. To find out more about GSIL call 1-800-826-3700.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

There are emergency housing shelters, homeless prevention resources, and food pantries available in many locations in New Hampshire. Soup kitchens are located in some communities and they offer a nutritious meal to those in need. Each NH town and city offers direct relief in the form of vouchers for such needs as food, rent, heat and utilities. The help is available to those who have no other means of support, who require temporary assistance, or whose minimum expenses exceed their customary income. To locate emergency services in your area contact HelpLine at 1-800-852-3388.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES