i3s Foundation, Inc. provides resources, and support to improve the lives of persons with disabilities, specifically those with low vision, visually impaired, or blind. i3s Foundation, Inc. Welcomes You Hope Is Where the Heart Is Who We Are i3s Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit focused on improving the lives of people with disabilities, especially those with low vision or blindness. "The Inspirational 3," has been recognized for its outstanding contributions: 2015 Prince George's Community Outreach Award 2019 Outreach Award from the National Federation of the Blind, DC Chapter Home: Who We Are Purpose Our organization aims to address the shortage of services, resources, and support for people with disabilities, especially those with low vision and blindness. Vision Statement Empowering lives with disabilities. Mission Statement Providing services, resources and support to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. Home: What We Do "Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." ~ Helen Keller Join us on Zoom Every Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM Eastern Time Join Us On Zoom Now Activities Providing Information for the Blind Technology training Independent travel skills Community resource support Audio Files Inspirational Three Support (i3s): Empowering the Visually Impaired Community I3S Introduction by Ms Lois January 8 2025 (Autery Weekes production 2024) 00:00 / 05:57 Helpful Tips for the Sighted Community Understanding how to interact with someone who is blind or visually impaired can help create more respectful, confident, and comfortable experiences for everyone. Here are a few helpful reminders: Tip #1 I am a person first. Please respect me as an individual, not just for my blindness. Home: Quote Help us make a difference. We need your support. These services are vitally needed. All donations should be made payable to the i3s Foundation, Inc. Please mail your 100% tax deductible donation to the address or cash app listed below: Joyce Brooks, Vice-President 4405 73rd Avenue Hyattsville, Maryland 20784 (301) 529-8218 i3s.Foundation.Inc@gmail.com Cash App: $i3sFoundation Zelle: i3s.foundation.inc@gmail.com We thank you in advance for your generous donation. Home: Quote Contact i3s Foundation, Inc. First name* Last name Email* Phone Write a message Submit Home: Contact Get in touch with i3s Foundation, Inc. to learn more about our work and how you can get involved. Hyattsville, Maryland 20784 info@i3sfoundation.org (301) 529-8218 Up

Frequently Asked Questions Accessibility, Mobility, and Support Options 1. My father is a senior and is beginning to lose his vision. He could use some emotional support. What should I do? He would benefit from a peer-to-peer support group. 2. I recently moved to a new area and I am losing my vision. I don’t know what to do. You could find national organizations in your area. There are local chapters that you may acquaint yourself with. Examples include: LightHouse for the Blind National Federation of the Blind (NFB) American Council of the Blind (ACB) American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) 3. I have been an avid reader, but I can no longer read print. What should I do? Contact a Low Vision Specialist. 4. I would like to go back to school and continue working on my degree. Now that I am blind, I don’t know how to get started. Is there any help available? Colleges and universities have Disability Resource Offices on campus. National organizations for the blind may also be a good resource for services to aid and assist. Additionally, you should contact your local Vocational Rehabilitation Office . 5. I am starting a new job in a large facility. I don’t want to ask my coworkers for help all the time. Where can I get assistance? Contact Vocational Rehabilitation Services in your area and ask for Orientation and Mobility training . Independent Living and Daily Life 6. How can I travel independently while experiencing vision loss? There are several blind organizations that can help with mobility training to teach someone how to travel in their area and other locations, such as: Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM) Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) National Federation of the Blind (NFB) training schools There are also independent cane travel instructors available. Other options include: Public transportation with a companion or sighted guide assistant Para-transit ride-share services such as Mobility or MetroAccess , which have trained instructors to assist you in navigating public transit routes Additional ride-share options associated with your para-transit service Uber, Lyft, or local taxi services 7. How do I talk to my family about my vision loss? You can speak to someone who has experienced vision loss themselves, such as a support group where others can answer questions and provide encouragement. You may invite your family and friends to the I3s Foundation support group , which meets on Zoom every Tuesday and Thursday . Other options include in-person meetings with the NFB or similar organizations so your loved ones can learn how you can live confidently as you adapt to blindness or visual impairment. 8. I am still working. How can I keep my job while losing my sight? There are educational and technical programs available that can help with adaptive technology and alternative techniques so you can continue performing your job duties. These programs can also work with your employer to recommend devices and accommodations you may need to learn to use. 9. How much do I have to pay for services to help me adapt to blindness? Upon an evaluation by your doctor and a service such as the Department of Rehabilitation Services , there should not be a charge for services if you are eligible. 10. What are some common accessibility skills I will need to develop for daily life? You will need to learn independent living skills and develop strategies for tasks such as: Grooming and hygiene Cleaning and cooking Using smart devices with speech recognition, large print, or magnifiers 11. Is there a way I can continue my education? Yes, you will be evaluated by one of the above organizations to determine your strengths and needs. A low vision specialist might be recommended. Colleges also have disability support services that offer accommodations such as: Audio textbooks Assigned readers Assistance around campus Other accommodations If you have any further questions or need additional support, please send us a message. We understand the challenges of vision loss, and our community is here to help.