Blind/Visual Impairment

BLIND/VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

1) BERKSHIRE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND

P.O. Box 778

413-499-0207

Pittsfield, MA 01202

Socialization and support group for the legally blind of Berkshire County; some limited financial assistance for its members. Holds monthly meetings with occasional speakers. (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

2) BERKSHIRE TALKING CHRONICLE

c/o Jeanette Thomas 413-684-0880

8 Depot Street Dalton, MA 01226

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Supplies 24 hours daily of radio programming to blind or print handicapped (persons who are unable to physically read or hold printed material). When the person is furnished with a special receiver, The Berkshire Eagle newspaper is read with an emphasis on local news events. Produces specialty programming. (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

3) MASSACHUSETTS COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

436 Dwight Street

413-781-1290

Springfield, MA 01103

1-800-332-2772

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:45a.m.- 5 p.m.

Provides services to legally blind individuals from birth to elderly. Services include information and referral, home rehabilitation, teaching, vocational rehabilitation, orientation and mobility (white cane), social services, individualized case management, aids and appliances, medical assistance through Mass Health, assistance with access to community resources including transportation and handicapped placards, and assistance with tax exemptions and abatements. Service area is the four western Massachusetts counties, Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden. (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

4) RECORDING FOR THE BLIND & DYSLEXIC – BERKSHIRE UNIT

Lenox Studio:

55 Pittsfield-Lenox Road

413-637-0889

Lenox, MA 01240

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Studio Hours: Monday – 1 – 4 p.m.

Tuesday – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Wednesday – 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Thursday – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Friday – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Williamstown Studio:

173 Water Street

413-458-3641

Williamstown, MA 01267

Hours: Monday, 1- 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-noon, 1:30 p.m.- 5 p.m. Closed on Friday.

Lenox and Williamstown are two of thirty-three recording studios nationwide that produce recorded educational textbooks and materials (K-12, college, post graduate and beyond) for individuals who cannot read standard print because of blindness or visual impairment, perceptual or other physical disability.