VIP Resources  

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Absentee Ballots: available through local voter registration office at least 30 days prior to any election. For further information call 339-6300 (Lee County) or 774-8450 (Collier County).

Aurora Ministries: both the Old and New Testaments and Bible messages are available free upon request. These are yours to keep.

Free Postage: a person who is blind or who cannot read or use conventionally printed matter due to a physical handicap is eligible to mail items free of postage. CLICK HERE to read the United States Postal Service PUB 347.

Free Admission to National Parks: Park Pass A great benefit from the National Forestry & Wildlife Division. It is a free lifetime access pass for any person with a disability or for the caregivers of a person with a disability. It allows access to ALL national parks for free. All that is required is a letter from the physician stating the disability and you take it to your local National Forestry & Wildlife Division to get the pass. Each pass will admit up to 4 adults and children under 16 are always free. CLICK HERE for additional information:

Federal Income Tax Exemption: If you have become legally blind within the past three years, you can file an amended return and receive a healthy refund. Remember, the first time you file your taxes after you have been declared legally blind you must include proof such as a doctor’s statement. 

Florida Homestead Exemption: There are exemptions available in the amount of $500.00 each. These exemptions are available for those people who own their own homes. If you have lived in the home and paid taxes for five years and your income is less than $19,076 (singles) or $24,000 (couples) you qualify for total property tax exemption.

Florida Personal ID Card: This card is similar to a driver’s license and is the best form of identification available. This card can be obtained from your local motor vehicle bureau. For further information, call your local office.

Handicapped Parking: This allows you to park in any handicapped parking space at any time. The cost of this is a processing fee of $1.50 for one and $1 for a second. These are good for five years. The check should be made payable to the Tax Assessor’s Office. A completed application should accompany your check. For additional information call 339-6000. 

Medication Assistance: There are various programs available to assist the client in purchasing medication, most of which are based on income.

LeeTran Identification Card (Lee County): Available from LeeTran for handicapped or senior citizens allowing them to travel by bus for half fare. For further information contact LeeTran at 533-8726.

Descriptive Video Service: If you own a VCR you can enjoy movies with an additional audio channel that describes actions, scenery, costumes and facial expressions without interfering with the original dialogue.

Directory Assistance Exemption: This service is available to any visually impaired or blind person. It allows you to dial 411 with no charge to your phone bill. At present there is no limit to the calls per month.

Radio Reading Service: Special two-channel radio that features volunteers reading our local newspaper, other area newspapers, magazine articles, stock reports and other interesting features. The second channel features music on Concert 90. There is a $40.00 fee for the radio, or it can be obtained through a grant. For information call 590-2500. 

Talking Books: A large variety of books and magazines recorded on cassette are available. A 4-track cassette player to play them is provided – all free of charge. Call toll free 1-800-226-6075 (Collier) or 995-2665 (Lee County). 

Please see Rehab Team for additional details or assistance regarding any of the last four services.

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