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For the Visually Impaired

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Stanford Students are fortunate to have access to specialized support services through several local and state agencies.

Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

2470 El Camino Real, Suite 107
Palo Alto, CA 94306-1701
(650) 858-0202

Vista Center empowers individuals who are blind and visually impaired to improve their quality of live and become independent. The center was founded in 1936 by citizens of Palo Alto. It is one of the premier resources for individuals with vision loss, serving more than 1,400 clients each year.

Services for Stanford students

  • On-campus orientation and mobility instruction.

To arrange for this service please contact your Disability Adviser or call the Office of Accessible Education at (650) 723-1066.

Other services

  • Low vision evaluations
  • Counseling and Social services including support groups facilitated by professional counseling staff
  • The Health Library
  • The Store @ Vista Center (products for purchase include low vision aids, talking clocks, magnifiers, mobility canes and much more)

California Department of Rehabilitation

SAN MATEO: (650) 358-4180
1065 E. Hillsdale Blvd.
Foster City, CA 94404

SAN JOSE: (408) 277-1355; TTY: (408) 277-1043
100 Paseo de San Antonio Rm. 324
San Jose, CA 95113

Branch offices are located in San Mateo or San Jose, but students can request to have their vocational counselor visit campus for a meeting. Students from outside of California can continue to receive support from their home state rehabilitation office, or can request to have their case file transferred to the local branch office.

Services for qualified applicants

  • Assistance funding tuition, books and supplies
  • Evaluation of assistive technology needs for school or work

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)

1-800-232-5463

AFB is a national nonprofit and innovative organization that addresses the most critical issues facing blind and visually impaired persons, including independent living, employment, literacy, and technology.

California Council for the Blind (CCB)

(916) 441-2100

CCB is the statewide membership organization dedicated to increasing the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and quality of life for all Californians who are blind and visually impaired. The Council provides information and referral, technical assistance, advocacy, leadership development, publications, emergency funds, accessible technology loans, and scholarships.

Offices are in several locations: the Bay Area, Sacramento and Los Angeles.

Guide Dogs for the Blind

(415) 499-4000
1-800-295-4050 (toll free)

350 Los Ranchitos Rd.
San Rafael, CA 94915

  • Organization provides enhanced mobility to persons through partnership with dogs whose unique skills are developed and nurtured by dedicated volunteers and a professional staff.
  • Services are provided to students from the United States and Canada at no cost.