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RESOURCES

At the Vision Resource Center, we believe that knowledge is power. This resources page brings together clear, reliable information about blindness and visual impairment, along with local and national services. If you are living with vision loss, supporting a loved one, or simply want to learn more, here you’ll find helpful tools, facts, and connections to guide you.

types

Understanding Blindness

WHAT IS BLINDNESS?

Blindness is a loss of vision that cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or medical treatment. It ranges from partial sight (low vision) to total blindness. In the U.S., “legal blindness” means vision of 20/200 or worse in the better-seeing eye with correction, or a very limited field of vision (20 degrees or less).

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TYPES OF BLINDNESS

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Low Vision

Some vision remains, but everyday tasks may require adaptive devices. This applies to individuals who cannot read a newspaper at a normal viewing distance, even with glasses or contact lenses. They may need adaptations such as improved lighting, large print, or in some cases, Braille.

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Partial Blindness

Significant loss of vision but not total. Indicates some type of visual impairment that results in the need for special education.

 

Total Blindness

No light perception at all. Applies to an individual who can see nothing. Learning must be done by Braille or other non-visual media

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Congenital Blindness

Present at birth.

 

Acquired Blindness

Vision loss that occurs later in life due to injury, disease, or age-related conditions.

CONDITIONS LEADING TO VISION LOSS OR IMPAIRMENT

Vision loss can result from a variety of medical conditions, injuries, or age-related changes. Understanding the most common causes helps individuals, families, and caregivers recognize early signs, seek timely care, and explore available support and adaptive strategies.

Glaucoma

Damage to the optic nerve, often linked to high eye pressure.

Glaucoma

Macular Degeneration

Affects central vision, causing blurred vision and, in some cases, leading to blindness. It is most common in older adults.

Macular Degeneration

Diabetic Retinopathy

Blood vessel damage from diabetes that impacts the retina.

Diabetic Retinopaty

Retinitis Pigmentosa

A genetic condition causing gradual vision loss.

Retinitis Pigmentosa

Cataracts

Clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to blurred vision.

Cataratas

BLINDNESS IN THE UNITED STATES

  • Over 7 million Americans report significant vision loss.

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  • About 1 million people are legally blind.

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  • Rates are higher among older adults, but vision loss also affects children and working-age adults.

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  • 93,600 blind school age children.

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  • By 2050, the number of Americans with vision impairment is expected to double due to aging and chronic health conditions.

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  • ​Only 1% of the blind population is born without sight. The vast majority of blind people lose their vision later in life due to macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetes. There are treatments to delay these conditions, but there are no cures.

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Blindness can create barriers in education, employment, and community life. But with support, adaptive technology, and inclusive programs, people who are blind or visually impaired lead full and independent lives.

language

Inclusive Language and Communication

RESPECTFUL LANGUAGE MATTERS

VRC Exploring

The words we use shape the way we see and treat one another. For people who are blind or visually impaired, respectful language is an important part of creating inclusion and dignity.

 

Top 5 Respectful Practices

1. Use person-first language: Say “a person who is blind” instead of “the blind.”

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2. Ask before offering help: Do not assume someone needs assistance; let them decide.

 

3. Avoid negative terms: Replace phrases like “suffers from” with “lives with” or simply state the condition.

 

4. Be clear and direct: It is okay to use the word “blind” when accurate, rather than vague alternatives like “visually challenged.”

 

5. Think beyond words: Provide accessible materials, describe visual content aloud, and create inclusive spaces.

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Inclusive communication extends beyond words. Providing materials in accessible formats (large print, braille, audio, or digital screen-reader friendly versions), describing visual content aloud, and designing accessible digital spaces all contribute to a culture of respect.

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By choosing inclusive language and communication practices, we affirm the value of individuals with vision loss and help build a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected.

North Carolina and Cumberland County

DIRECTORY OF SERVICES AND SUPPORT

Statewide

Fayetteville and Cumberland County

  • North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind (Link)
    Provides a variety of core services to people who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind across the state, including:

    • Vocational Rehabilitation (help to find, keep, or return to work) 

    • Independent Living Services (training and resources to live independently) 

    • cMedical Eye Care Program (financial assistance for eye exams, surgeries, medications, etc.) 

    • Deaf-Blind Services, community services, and assistive technology / computer training.

    • Business Enterprise Program, Client Assistance Program (CAP)

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  • North Carolina Lions Foundation (NCLF) / Lions Support Programs (Link)

    • Camp Dogwood: A recreational escape for blind and visually impaired individuals, offering accessible nature, social, and skill-building activities. 

    • Free mobility canes: The Lions donate white canes to individuals with vision loss.

    • Low Vision Aid Loan / Donation Programs: Working with assistive technology programs to loan or donate magnifiers and low-vision devices. 

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  • Governor Morehead School  (Link)
    A K-12 public residential school for students who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind. Offers educational programs, outreach support, and resources statewide.

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  • DSB Fayetteville District Office (Link)
    This is your local branch of the NC Division of Services for the Blind, handling vocational, independent living, and community services locally. ​

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