Adaptive Technology

  • Canadian Assistive Technology  Providing state of the art low vision and blindness solutions

  • Canadialog  Exclusive Partner of Freedom Scientific in Canada

  • Frontier Computing  It Can be Done.

  • Humanware  Tools that empower our customers to compete effectively in a sighted world.

  • Be My Eyes Be My Eyes is an iPhone app that connects people with a visual impairment to sighted people to handle big and small tasks, while the sighted get the joy of helping someone in need in an easy and informal way.

  • Seeing AI (ai) Seeing AI is a free iPhone app from Microsoft, created for people who are blind and low vision. Using the phone’s camera, it is able to describe nearby people, text and objects.

  • GTT (Getting Together with Technology) Are you blind or visually impaired? Are you a high school or post-secondary student using technology to support your learning? Do you use technology in your workplace to accommodate for barriers to employment? Do you use technology to support your daily living, communication, or leisure activities?

    If the answer is “yes,” check out GTT Edmonton’s monthly meetings! GTT is a community of blind and visually impaired folks working together to solve problems, reduce barriers, and improve accessibility through the use of technology. Members have a wide range of backgrounds and expertise and are eager to help! Every month includes a new topic related to the use of technology for blind/visually impaired people, as well as a time for Q&A to help members troubleshoot tech problems.

    GTT meets the second Monday of each month at 7pm via Zoom. You can sign up for their email list by contacting gtt.edmonton@gmail.com.

BrailleNote Touch

Advocacy

  • World Access for the Blind is an organization dedicated to equalizing opportunities for the success of blind people by providing innovative technology and strategies to enhance or replace vision.

Braille Materials

Diagnoses

  • NOAH - The National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation

  • NDA - Norrie Disease Association

  • The Achromatopsia Network An information network for individuals and families who are affected by achromatopsia and for professionals interested in learning about achromatopsia.

Education

Alberta Education Low Incidence Team

A provincial low incidence team is available to support school authorities in meeting the needs of students from low incidence populations (blindness or visual impairment, deafness or hard of hearing, deaf blindness and complex communication needs). The provincial low incidence team is comprised of specialist professionals from each of the low incidence areas.

Activities of the provincial low incidence team include:

  • supporting school authorities in understanding the essential components for educational programming for low incidence populations and providing input on implementation;

  • providing mentorship supports to school authority low incidence service providers, including providing expert advice on challenging cases;

  • coordinating low incidence professional development for a wide variety of stakeholders;

  • coordinating professional learning communities for low incidence specialists; and

  • delivering Travelling Low Vision Clinics. These clinics provide comprehensive low vision assessments to support educational programming. Clinics are held in a variety of communities across the province.

Should you require support from the provincial low incidence team, or for more information, please contact the Provincial Low Incidence Support Services Unit at edc.liss@gov.ab.ca or contact Crystal Thompson at 780-446-0024, Toll Free 310 0000.

Online Libraries for Alternate Format

  • Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) CELA is an online service in Canada that “provides immediate access to books, newspapers, and magazines in formats that people with disabilities can read, such as audio, digital text, and braille” (CELA, n.d., para 1). The materials are available in DAISY (audio), e-text for use with a screen reader, text to speech or refreshable braille display, MP3, print braille, and described movies to be used with a number of devices. You can find a list of compatible devices and software on their website.

Registration for this service can be done on CELA’s website or through the local public library. Individuals must have a public library card to register for CELA. The online registration process directs the user to select their local library. Books and other accessible materials can be accessed in a couple of ways:

  • Downloaded directly from the CELA website (can be downloaded directly to a device).

  • Braille books, DAISY audiobooks and magazines, and described videos can be sent by mail.

  • Checked out at member libraries (many public libraries have a collection of DAISY audiobooks and described movies, and they can order requested titles to be delivered to the library).

The CELA website provides detailed information on who qualifies, how to register, and the process for getting materials. CELA users can also sign up for a free Bookshare membership.For more information: https://celalibrary.ca/collections

  • Bookshare - Bookshare is another accessible online library from the United States that can be accessed by Canadians who have a print disability. In addition to completing a sign-up form on the CELA website, applicants must also complete a Proof of Disability form signed by a qualified expert. This can include a special education teacher, school psychologist or family doctor. For a complete list of qualifying experts go to the Bookshare website. 

E-Books

  • Amazon.com Offers free e-books

  • Audible Books Offers Books, Newspapers, Magazines in audio format.

  • Tumble Books Online Collection of animated, Talking picture books, reading comprehension quizzes, educational games, and teacher resources.

Networking

  • Family Connect - A New Web Community Brings Together Parents of Visually Impaired Children

Leisure, Recreation and Sports

  • The Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind -They are a volunteer organization dedicated to the provision of recreation and sports opportunities for Albertans who are blind or partially sighted.

  • Canadian Blind Sports - They will let you know about junior and adult goalball programs in your area, as well as other sports such as lawnbowling and powerlifting.

  • Paralympic Sports Association - They run programs all year long and have sports such as, Adapted Floor Hockey, Indoor Soccer, Teen & Adult Group, Sledge Hockey, Wheelchair Square Dancing, Swim Club, and Tae Kwon Do.

  • Special Olympics Edmonton - They operate 37 sport programs in 23 sports in Edmonton. Over 550 athletes participate in weekly or bi-weekly practices in various venues throughout the city.

  • AMI - AMI is a not-for-profit media company for Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. You can watch original AMI content online, access a described video guide for your TV provider or listen to AMI podcasts.

Related Organizations

  • ASVI Calgary Is the Southern Sister Organization to ASVI Edmonton

  • CNIB is a national voluntary agency providing services to individuals whom are blind or visually impaired across Canada.

Shopping/Miscellaneous

Toys