APH ConnectCenter: Revamped and Making a Difference

In 2018, APH took over stewardship of several important information resources that connect people who are blind, or losing their vision, to information and resources. Since then, APH has transitioned websites to APH servers, hired the staff needed to move the program forward, and updated and written new content for users. Lots of changes are still to come, including redesigned websites, but it’s time to celebrate all the progress made so far. Here’s what we’ve been working on:

FamilyConnect

Familyconnect.org is a place parents and professionals can get support and advice on raising or teaching a child with a visual impairment. The ConnectCenter staff has been hard at work, connecting with new authors to write more blogs and professional articles. We’ve teamed up with parents and professionals who will provide not only expertise and information, but also encouragement. FamilyConnect started offering webinars that provide panels of parents and experts that users can engage with through interactive Zoom meetings.

VisionAware

Visionaware.org is a place for adults who are visually impaired or who are losing their vision, and the people who love and care for them. It’s where you’ll find information on eye conditions, and blogs about how to use assistive technology, and adjust to life with vision loss. An exciting project coming from VisionAware is “Getting Started 2020: A Guide for People New to Vision Loss.” Getting Started is a resource updated with new information and filled with tips and techniques that will help people learning to navigate vision loss.

CareerConnect

APH CareerConnect is an employment information resource that can help connect job seekers with vision loss to the resources they need to get a job. We are working with NSITE to link job seekers to open positions with employers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors through their job board, NSITE Connect. Visit NSITE Connect today to search for your next job or employee. Also, the Job Seeker’s Toolkit is an accessible, self-paced, free online training course that helps students and job seekers who are blind or low vision, develop career exploration and job-seeking skills.

Information and Referral Line

The ConnectCenter I&R line is an 800 number that connects people across the U.S. and Canada with resources in their area. The call line now has expanded hours, taking calls from 8am-8pm EST. Call 1-800-232-5463.

ConnectCalendar

This brand-new calendar can be found at aphconnectcenter.org, but it belongs to the field of blindness. The calendar is a place people or organizations can share information about events taking place across the country. Have an event related to blindness that you want people to know about? Add it here!

New Director of the APH ConnectCenter

APH has hired Olaya Landa-Vialard as the new Director of the APH ConnectCenter. As a long-time educator, professor, and author, she has the expertise and energy needed to make the ConnectCenter an even greater resource. Read our announcement about Olaya to learn more.

Ready to see all the exciting updates for yourself? Head over to aphconnectcenter.org to get started.