LOUISVILLE, KY / AGILITYPR.NEWS / August 11, 2023 / American Printing House for the Blind’s (APH) ConnectCenter is celebrating its five-year anniversary, along with a new and improved website, and name changes to some of the services provided. The APH ConnectCenter serves as a free resource hub for those impacted by blindness and low vision in a myriad of ways. These sites were originally developed by the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and were transitioned to APH for oversight in 2018.

“Seeing the ConnectCenter grow has been extremely rewarding,” said Olaya Landa-Vialard, ConnectCenter Director. “The new website is greatly needed and I know will continue to provide so many great services people who are blind or low vision throughout their lives. By pulling our resources together under one site we hope to make information more readily accessible to anyone who needs it.”

ConnectCenter for Families (formerly FamilyConnect), aids parents and family members of children who are blind or low vision, along with professionals who work with them, with a supportive place for sharing and finding resources on raising their children from birth to adulthood. ConnectCenter for Job Seekers and Employers (formerly CareerConnect) is an employment information resource for job seekers who are blind or low vision. VisionAware is an easy-to-use informational service for adults with vision loss, their families, caregivers, healthcare providers, and social service professionals.

The new, enhanced website will bring ConnectCenter for Families, CareerConnect to for Job Seekers and Employers, and VisionAware together on the same website. Before, the various services were on separate websites. The new website also has improved accessibility features which will make information easier to find.

“The APH ConnectCenter is key to the success of jobseekers who are blind or low vision. Carefully curated resources and information provide everything jobseekers need to identify job opportunities and prepare themselves for career success. One of my personal favorites: The APH Jobseeker’s toolkit. From steps that help you identify your career interests all the way to job interview preparation – and everything in between: the Toolkit is the ultimate resource to learn, practice, and prepare for the job market in a safe environment,” said Marianne Haegeli, Program Director, NSITE Learning and Leadership.

“The ConnectCenter represents our dedication to innovation, growth, and the creation of equal opportunity for all the people we serve,” said Craig Meador, Ed.D., APH President. “The website is a long time coming and brings together so many great resources all in one place.”

Another popular service provided by the ConnectCenter is the Information and referral Line (I&R). The service connects people across the U.S. and Canada with resources in their area. The I&R line is toll-free, and manned live from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. The number is 1-800-232-5463. Visitors can also email questions at connectcenter@aph.org. The questions are always answered in a timely fashion.

Visit the ConnectCenter website. The ConnectCenter was recently featured on APH’s Change Makers podcast. Listen to the podcast, to learn more about the services provided, new website, and its future.

About American Printing House for the Blind’s ConnectCenter

The APH ConnectCenter offers curated advice and resources to assist children, parents, adults, job seekers who are blind or low vision and their associated professionals, leading to greater independence and success in their lives. Trained staff at the ConnectCenter Information and Referral Line are always ready to help. Those looking for resources and services related to vision loss can call 800-232-5463, or visit www.aphconnectcenter.org. American Printing House for the Blind is headquartered at 1839 Frankfort Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky. To visit APH’s website, please go to www.aph.org.