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Originally Posted On: https://cannondisability.com/blog/utah-resources-for-the-blind/
UTAH RESOURCES FOR THE BLIND
UTAH RESOURCES & SSD BENEFITS FOR THE BLIND
If you need help with Utah SSD benefits or other resources because you are blind, then you have found the right law firm. Because, our law firm is on your side. We can help you receive monthly SSD payments and also win past due SSDI benefits. Additionally, we have Utah resources on this page to help you.
We can help you file for SSDI & SSI benefits. Some people worry about filing their application. It can be hard to do so on your own. We can help you if you are filing for disability benefits in Utah. You can file an application on Social Security’s website. If you have questions about the application, then please contact us. We can help.
SSA’s regulations for blindness are hard to understand. However, SSA states that benefits can be paid for visual conditions or problems with the eyes, the optic nerve, the optic tracts, or the brain. These problems may cause blindness, a loss of visual acuity, or a loss of the visual fields. A loss of visual acuity happens when you are not able to see detail, read, or do fine work. A loss of visual fields occurs when you are not able to use your side vision. If you cannot work due to your visual condition, then you should qualify for SSDI and SSI benefits.
If you have already been denied benefits by the SSA, then we can also help you appeal the denial. Most people, after they apply, are surprised to receive a denial in the mail. However, almost 90% of people receive a denial after the first application. You only have 60 days to file an appeal when you receive a denial. Do not miss the SSA’s 60 day time limit. If you need help, then contact us.
UTAH RESOURCES FOR THE BLIND AND THOSE WITH VISUAL LOSS
Utah resources for the blind and those with visual loss are available below in a list format. Fortunately, there are many resources available in Utah. Most of the services assist blind individuals to obtain a job. Some services retrain you for the job market. Likewise, some services help you get assistive devices for work and to do daily activities.
Our law firm lists as many Utah resources for our blind clients as we can find. We have information on our website if you have questions about a representative payee for your benefits. If you know of other resources that are not on this list and should be, then please contact us. We will add them to the list.
ACCESS UTAH NETWORK
155 South 300 West, Suite 100
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Phone: (801) 533-4636 1-(800) 333-8824
Fax: (801) 533-3968
E-mail: mlsmith@utah.gov
Website: https://www.accessut.state.ut.us/
Contact Name: Mark Smith
Organization Type: Assistive Technology, State and Local Agencies Disabilities Served: General / Non-disability Specific
Access Utah Network is a state wide service that provides information on issues related to people with disabilities. The website provides information, services, and products. They sponsor events, such as Bingo Nights, canoeing trips, workshops, and other types of activities.
Computer Center for Citizens with Disabilities
1595 West 500 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84104-5238
Local Telephone: (801) 887-9380
Toll Free Telephone: (888) 866-5550
Email: cboogaar@utah.gov
Friends for Sight
6715 South 1300 East, Suite 250
Salt Lake City, Utah 84121
Local Telephone: (801) 524-2020
Toll Free: 1-800-675-LOOK
Email at: 2020@friendsforsight.org
Friends For Sight is an organization dedicated to preserving sight through vision testing. For example, they test children for Amblyopia, which is lazy eye blindness. They also do Visual Acuity and Glaucoma testing. Free tests are available by calling 801-524-2020.
John A. Moran Eye Center
University of Utah Health Care
65 Mario Capecchi Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84132
Local Telephone: (801) 581-2352
Library for the Blind and Disabled, Utah State Library Division
250 North 1950 West, Suite A
Salt Lake City, UT 84116-7901
Local Telephone: (801) 715-6721
Toll Free Telephone: (800) 662-5540
TDD/TTY Telephone: (801) 715-6721
Email: blind@utah.gov
MOUNTAIN PLAINS REGIONAL RESOURCE CENTER
1780 North Research Parkway, Suite 112
Logan, UT 84341
Phone: (435) 752-0238 (435) 753-9750 (TDD) Fax: (435) 753-9750
E-mail: John.Copenhaver@usu.edu
Contact Name: John Copenhaver
Organization Type: Assistive Technology, National Organizations and Associations
University of Utah: Multi-University Consortium Teacher Training Program
1705 E.Campus Center Drive Room 221
Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9253
Local Telephone: (801) 585-3925
Email: Jan.Day@ed.utah.edu
Utah Assistive Technology Program
Center for Persons with Disabilities
6855 Old Main HillLogan, UT 84322-6855
Local Telephone: (435) 797-3824
TDD/TTY Telephone: (435) 797-7089
Utah Department of Health: Division of Family Services, Baby Watch Early Intervention Program
44 North Medical Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4720
Local Telephone: (801) 584-8226
Toll Free Telephone: (800) 961-4226
Email: babywatch@utah.gov
Utah Division of Aging and Adult Services
120 North 200 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Local Telephone: (801) 538-3910
Fax: (801) 538-4001
Email: dirdhs@utah.gov
Utah Ophthalmological Society
540 East 500 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Local Telephone: (801) 355-7477
Email: uos@utahmed.org
Utah Optometric Association
230 West 200 South, Suite 2110
Salt Lake City, UT 84101-3409
Local Telephone: (801) 364-9103
Email: uoa@xmission.com
Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind: Utah School for the Blind
742 Harrison Boulevard
Ogden, UT 84404
Local Telephone: (801) 629-4700
Toll Free Telephone: (800) 990-9328
TDD/TTY Telephone: (801) 629-4701
Email: Communications@usdb.org
Utah State Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
250 North 1950 West , Suite B
Salt Lake City, UT 84116-7902
Local Telephone: (801) 323-4343
Toll Free Telephone: (800) 284-1823
TDD/TTY Telephone: (801) 323-439
Email: bgibson@utah.gov
SOCIAL MEDIA FOR THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
TWITTER – twitter.com/NFBUtah
(Salt Lake Chapter): twitter.com/nfbutah_slc
(Utah Valley Chapter): twitter.com/NFBUUVC
(NFBU Project STRIVE): twitter.com/Project_STRIVE
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblindofutah
(Salt Lake Chapter): facebook.com/saltlakechapter
(Weber Davis Chapter): facebook.com/WeberDavisChapter
(Utah Utah Valley Chapter): facebook.com/NationalFederationOfTheBlindUtahValleyChapter
(NFBU’s Project STRIVE): facebook.com/ProjectSTRIVE
(Utah Association of Blind Students): facebook.com/Utahblindstudents
(Utah Parents of Blind and Visually Impaired Children): facebook.com/groups/upbc2011
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/nfbutah
OTHER UTAH RESOURCES FOR THE BLIND AND THOSE WITH VISUAL LOSS
The American Council for the Blind has a list of resources for those that are blind or who are dealing with visual loss. For example, this list includes information such as banks that have talking ATM machines. Also, it has information on where to obtain a guide dog. We recommend you explore their website for more information. There is also other information at sites such as:
- ACB Leadership List Guidelines
- ADA Signage
- Banks with Talking ATM Machines
- Best Practices and Guidelines for Large Print Documents
- Braille Resources
- Diabetic Resources for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- Educational Scholarships
- Filing a Video Description Complaint with the FCC
- General Resources
- Guide Dog Resources
- Homes for the Blind
- Mailing Free Matter for Persons Who are Blind or Visually Impaired
- Medical Information Resources
- Microsoft Office Accessibility Resources
- Music Resources
- Outreach RE Requesting Alternate Formats From SSA
It is important to use the resources available to you, so that you can try to work. However, if you cannot work, then our law firm is here to help you apply for SSD benefits.
UTAH’S ASSISTIVE EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY FOR THE BLIND
Bookshare
Bookshare makes reading easier. People with dyslexia and visual loss and other reading barriers can shape their experience to suit their learning style and find any book they need for school, work, or the joy of reading.
JAWS Screen Reader
Job Access With Speech (JAWS), is the world’s most popular screen reader. It was developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse. JAWS provides speech and Braille output for the most popular computer applications on your PC. You will be able to view the Internet, write a document, read an email and create presentations from your office, remote desktop, or from home.
Kurzweil Text Reader
Kurzweil literacy software and products gives blind and vision impaired users access to classroom curriculum, workplace documents, emails, and personal reading. They do this all while having the freedom to read and write without the need for a tutor or human assistant.
Learning Ally (formerly RFB&D – Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic)
Learning Ally is a leading nonprofit education solutions organization that transforms the lives of early and struggling learners through proven solutions from Pre-K through high school. Their goal is to help students reach their potential. They also help college students.
LiveScribe Pulse Smart Pen
LiveScribe is pens that record everything you hear, say, and write, while adding your audio recordings to your notes. Quickly replay audio from your smartpen or mobile device with a simple tap on your notes.
Maxi Aids – Products for Independent Living
For more than 35 years, Maxi Aids have been a source for thousands of innovative products designed to assist blind or low vision individuals. They also help those who are deaf, seniors, children with special needs, veterans, and those with mobility issues.
Utah Assistive Technology Program (UATP)
The Utah Assistive Technology Program (UATP) is part of the Institute for Disability Research, Policy and Practice at Utah State University. Their mission is to put technology into the hands of people who need it. They also help people afford those devices. Their program also promotes independence in education, employment, and the community. Additionally, they serve individuals of all ages throughout the state of Utah.
Utah Assistive Technology Foundation (UATF)
The Utah Technology Foundation (UATF) is a private, nonprofit organization under UATP. UATF helps Utahns of all ages obtain loans and grants to purchase the assistive technology that allows them to be independent, productive and successful at home, at school, at work and in the community.
Utah State Library for the Blind and Disabled
The Utah State Library for the Blind is found on the Utah State Campus.
WebAnywhere
WebAnywhere are specialist providers of web based learning platforms, bespoke content, phone apps and online resources.
Zoom Text Reader/Magnifier
Zoom Text Reader is a fully integrated magnification and reading program for low vision users.
UTAH SSDI & SSI BENEFITS FOR THOSE WHO ARE BLIND
If you cannot work due to problems with your vision, then you should use our list of Utah resources for the blind. Also, you should file an application for SSDI benefits. The SSA states that if you are partially, legally, or totally blind, you may qualify for SSDI or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The SSA also has different rules for the blind with regard to being insured for benefits. Even if you are working part time, you may still be able to win SSDI benefits.
Our legal team has over 30 years of experience handling vision claims like yours. We also have experience winning vision cases in Federal Court.
If you want to learn more about the attorneys at our law firm, then read our About Us page. For instance, Andria Summers can help you choose your Medicare advantage plan. She has also won thousands of SSD cases. Dianna Cannon has been helping clients win benefits for over thirty years. Brett Bunkall also has years of legal experience helping people obtain their SSI and SSD benefits. We are Social Security experts. Therefore, you can trust us to help you win SSDI and SSI benefits.
In the past 30 years, we have won over 20,000 SSDI and SSI cases for our clients. Likewise, if you need an appeal, we can help you with that too. The SSA also has many forms you will need to fill out. But, don’t worry. If you have questions about these forms, then we will answer them. You can also learn more about SSA’s appeal forms. Call us for free today.
OUR LAW FIRM IS ONE OF THE BEST RESOURCES FOR THE BLIND IN UTAH
Remember, you do not need to try to win SSD benefits on your own. Our law firm can help file your SSD application. Also, we can help you file an appeal after every SSA denial. That way, you can focus on your health. For example, our attorneys and staff can:
- Send you the paperwork you need to become our client
- Help you file your application for SSD and SSI benefits
- Request an appeal if you receive an initial denial
- Help you confirm your attendance at a free SSA doctor exam
- Request a Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
- Prepare you to testify at your SSA hearing
- Represent you at your hearing and question the expert witnesses
- Read more about job experts
- Learn more about medical expert testimony
- Request review of an SSA decision with the Appeals Council
- Request review of an Appeals Council denial in Federal Court
If you file your application for benefits online at Social Security’s website, then you have 6 months to complete it. Once you submit your application online, the SSA sends you an application summary in the mail. You must sign the summary and mail it back. Do it as soon as possible, so you don’t lose benefits.
FREE REVIEW FOR UTAH SSD BENEFITS
Hopefully, our list of Utah resources for the blind will help you find tools to make your life better. We also want to help you by giving you a free review of your SSDI and SSI benefits. When you contact our law firm, you will receive a free review of your case. Even better, you do not have to pay any money upfront to hire us to help you with your case. We represent all of our client on a “pay only if you win” basis. This means that if we do not win your case, then you do not owe us an attorney fee.
We also offer a free consult. What does a free consult mean? It means that we will answer your questions about your Social Security case for free. If you don’t know how to apply for benefits, then we will help you. Likewise, if you want to become a client or you are wondering if you have a good SSD case, then we will tell you. Also, we can explain whether events like marriage effect your SSI benefits. You may also have questions about retirement benefits and Social Security benefits. Likewise, we are happy to answer all of your questions.
HOW WILL YOU PAY THE ATTORNEY FEE?
We will use our legal skills to help you through the SSA appeal process. It is our goal to win your vision benefits. But, it also our goal to make filing for SSDI and SSI benefits easier for you. We also offer a free review of your case. If you call, then there is no pressure to become a client. You can simply ask questions. If we don’t accept your case, then we will still try to help you.
It also doesn’t cost you any upfront money to hire us. Why? Because you only pay us an attorney fee if we win your case. If we win your SSD benefits, then you pay us out of your past due benefits. If you do not win, then you do not pay an attorney fee.
How much is the fee? It is 25% of your back benefit. Also, there is a fee cap currently set at $7200 by the SSA. The fee cap will go up to $9200 in November 2024. It can also go up in the future, but the SSA sets the cap. Therefore, you never pay more than the fee cap at the hearing stage of your case. And, 25% of your back benefit is usually less than the cap. If you win, then you will pay whatever amount is less, between 25% and the cap. And, you will only pay an attorney fee if we win your benefits. Therefore, you have nothing to lose by hiring our legal team.
THE COST WHEN YOU DON’T HIRE THE RIGHT LAWYER
You need Utah resources for the blind, but you also need to find a lawyer that you can afford. What will it cost you if you don’t hire a lawyer with the legal experience to win your SSD benefits? For example, if you win benefits at 50 years old, then you will be paid for the next 17 years. You may also win two of years of past due benefits. Therefore, if you are 50 years old, then you are looking at an award of 19 years of SSD payments.
Nineteen years is is 228 months. At $1200 a month (which is a lower than average monthly benefit amount), that is $273,600. Additionally, you will win a higher retirement benefit after the age of 67. Let’s say the average higher retirement benefit is $300 a month and you live to be 90 years old. That is another $82,800.
It costs 25% of your back benefit OR the attorney fee cap from your back benefit to pay your attorney. You pay us whatever is less and only if you win. If we win your case, then you win $356,400, plus early Medicare benefits. Your attorney will be paid $7200 and you will be paid $349,200.
All attorneys charge the same fee. Even attorneys with no experience can charge the same fee. If you are going to pay an attorney fee, then you should hire an attorney with years of experience. Or, you can go it alone and not hire an attorney, but chances are you will lose $356,400. Or, you can hire an attorney with over 30 years of experience with no money upfront. If you win benefits, then you will pay the attorney fee cap. However, you will also win $349,200. The choice is yours.
HIRE OUR LAW FIRM TO HELP YOU WIN SSDI AND SSI BENEFITS
Winning benefits in Utah for those who are blind or have visual loss is difficult. However, at Cannon Disability, we have won over $100 million in ongoing and past due benefits for our clients. Therefore, we have the experience you need in court to win your vision case.
No matter where you live, we can help you, because we have clients in Utah, Nevada, Idaho, and California. We also have Utah SSD benefit information. Likewise, we have Nevada SSD information and Idaho SSDI benefit information. California SSDI and SSI information is also available.
In order to fight the SSA’s denials, you need a law firm with years of legal experience. Hire us, because you need a law firm you can trust. We will do everything we can to win your benefits. Put our experience to work for you and win SSDI and SSI benefits. We want to be your legal team. Our law firm is one of the best resources for the blind in Utah. Call us for your free review of your case today. Contact us now.
