Information
The Philomatheon Society of the Blind
2701 West Tuscarawas Street
Canton, Ohio 44708
330-453-9157
MONDAY thru FRIDAY 9 am to 2 pm
Fax: 330-453-9157 (during business hours only)
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Now Accepting: PayPal
IF YOU MEET A BLIND PERSON
Questions And Answers
Blindness can happen to anyone through accident or illness, but most blind persons are able to lead useful and independent lives. When you meet a Blind Person, don't be ill at ease. It will help if you remember these simple rules of courtesy as suggested by the blind, themselves.
- I am a normal person who happens to be blind. Treat me as you do any acquaintence.
- Speak to me in normal tones. Don't as my companion, "Does he or she take cream in his coffee?" Ask me directly.
- I can walk more easily with you than with a dog or a cane. Don't pull my arm, but let me take yours.
- A person with a white cane has the legal right-of-way crossing a street. When driving a car, always stop for a person with a white cane.
- When I enter a bus don't leave me standing at the door, but offer to guide me to a seat.
- When in a restaurant with me, please read the menu to me.
- When handing money to me, separate the bills into denominations and identify them for me.
- When entering the same room or area where I am, please identify yourself and others with you.
- When introducing me to another person, please indicate his location.
- An open door of a room or a car is a hazard for me. So are toys on the floor.
- Whenever you meet a blind person with a guide dog, be sure to explain to any children nearby that the dog is a working dog and should not be distracted by petting.
- When dining, I will tell you how I am accustomed to having things arranged, and I may need help to cut my meat. Please tell me where my napkin and glass is and locaiton of food on my plate.
- I will discuss blindness with you if you're curious, but I have as many other instrests as you. Radio broadcasts, braille materials, talking books, and yes, even TV keep me generally well informed, but I depend upon otehr people for further information.
"How to Approach A Guide Dog Team"
A TEAM consists of a guide dog and its owner.
When a guide dog is in harness, it is at "WORK" and is responsible for guiding its owner and should not be distracted.
Here are some hints on what to do (and NOT do) when you come across a guide dog team.
Always greet the owner first. Whatever side the guide dog is on, approach from the other side. Do not make eye contact with the guide dog.
Do not approach or call out to a team while it is in the middle of a task.
Do not pet a guide dog without asking the owner's permission. The dog should not be petted in harness. Do not get your feelings hurt if the owner says 'NO'.
Do not call out or whistle at a guide dog. The owner's safety is dependent on the guide dog maintaining focus.
Do not allow your pet to come near a guide dog team. Always keep your pet on a leash. And please let me know if there is another animal in the area.
Do not feel or offer the guide dog food or treats. Guide dogs are fed on a schedule that is strictly maintained. Because they often visit restaurants and grocery stores, they are trained to ignore food.
Please do not be afraid to ask questions, it is how we learn. Be kind and courteous and let's enjoy each other's company.
This page will be used to give you links to additional web sites, that will help you along the path to find the information you may be seeking.
If a link does not work, please search the web for information you are looking for, or contact our Office 330-453-9157, we may have other information or could assist in a search.
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
- nfb.org - National Federation of the Blind
- acb.org - American Council of the Blind
- afb.org - American Foundation for the Blind
SCHOOL - EDUCATION
- ossb.oh.gov - Ohio State School for the Blind
- hadley.edu - Hadley School for the Blind
- perkins.org - Perkins School for the Blind
- clevelandsightcenter.org - Cleveland Sight Center
READING MATERIAL - BOOKS
- olbph.cpl.org - Ohio Library for the Blind & Physically Disabled/Cleveland Public Library
- aph.org - American printing House for the Blind
- nbp.org - National Braille Press
- nfbnewsline.org - NFB News Line
- actionfund.org - American Action Fund
- seedlings.org - Seedlings Braille Books for Children
- brailleinstitute.org - Braille Institute of America
- xaviersociety.com - Xavier Society for the Blind
- lbwinc.org - Luthern Braille Workers, Inc.
- braillebookstore.org - Braille Book Store
- biblesfortheblind.org - Bibles for the Blind and Visually Handicapped International
- choicemagazinelistening.org - Choice Magazine Listening
- goodwillakron.org - WEYE Seeing Eye radio/Radio Reading Service
- christianrecord.org - Christian Record Services
VENDORS - CATALOGS - EQUIPMENT
- independentliving.com - Independent Living Aids
- maxiaids.com - Maxi Aids
- lssproducts.com - L S & S Products
- freedomscientific.com - Freedom Scientific
- humanware.com - Pulse Data - Human Ware
- ulva.com - Universal Low Vision Aids - Columbus, OH
- enhancedvision.com - Enhanced Vision - cctv's
STARK COUNTY - GOV'T AGENCIES
- services4aging.org - Area Agency on Aging
- eastersealsneo.org - Easter Seals Northeast Ohio - Senior Friends
- communityservicesofstark.org - Community Services of Stark County
- habitatstark.org - Habitat for Humanity
- hammerandnails.org - Hammer and Nails
- colemancenter.org/renovation - J. R. Coleman Community Renovation Corp.
- uwgsc.org - United Way of Greater Stark Co Info & Referral Service
- ccstark.org/ea - Catholic Charties of Stark County Emergency Assistance
- foltzcetner.com - Foltz Community Center of East Canton
- rsc.ohio.gov - Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission - BSVI-Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired
- va.gov/blind rehab - Dept of Veterans Affairs - Blind Rehabilitation Services
MISCELLANEOUS
- aoa.org - American Optometic Assoc - low income - free eye exam
- akronblindcenter.com - Akron Blind Center
- earsforeyes.org - E.A.R.S. for Eyes - free cassette tapes regarding Independent Living
We have a small show case of items for the Blind and Visually Impaired
It includes, but not limited to:
- Talking Watches
- Talking Clocks
- Braille Paper, Slate & Stylus
- Raised line paper
- 20/20 pens (felt markers)
- Check guides and signature guides
- Large Print Calendars
Can't find what you need? We have a couple catalogs that you can order from.
Now accepting PayPal.
AND, through the generosity of others, we also have available a free loan program of CCTV's (closed circuit televisions) A CCTV is a magnification system, a self contained unit which allows the user to magnify the item they are wishing to read onto a television or monitor to the size they need to be able to read it comfortably. The CCTV's we have available, have been donated to the Philomatheon Society and we loan them out to individuals in need. This is first come, first serve basis.