HOW TO OBTAIN AID FOR THE BLIND FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA LIONS FOUNDATION

The North Carolina Lions Foundation , Inc. makes available many types of aid for the visually handicapped persons. Under normal conditions, the request for aid should come through the county social worker for the blind. The social worker can be located by calling the county Department of Social Services. The following kinds of aid are available:

1. CANES.   White Canes of three types are available for blind Persons.

A. The wooden mobility cane in lengths of 32" to 50".

B. The aluminum support cane in lengths of 36" to 42".

C. The auto-fold canes in lengths of 40" to 54"...The social worker plays an important role in this.service. The worker has the proper forms for making the cane request. The worker can determine the correct cane length needed by the.blind person and can arrange for mobility instructions, if needed.

2. RADIOS. Any blind person who does not have a radio may obtain .one ....from the N.C. Lions Foundation. The county social worker has.the ....forms and can handle the request.

3. SCHOLARSHIPS. Any high school senior who is the child of a blind .....parent may apply for aid in continuing their education. Scholarship .....applications and information may be obtained from the N.C. Lions .....Foundation.

4. CAMP DOGWOOD. Any blind person is eligible to attend Camp .....Dogwood during the summer. The fee may be paid by the blind .....person, a Lions Club, or any outside organization. Complete ....information and applications are available from Camp Dogwood, or ....the N.C. Lions Foundation.

5. EMERGENCY AID. Emergency aid may include medical aid, food, . .....fuel, clothing, rent, or any one of dozens of other human needs. Any ....Lion who knows a blind person who needs some type of emergency ....aid should first attempt to contact the county social worker for the ....blind. If the contact cannot be made, call the N.C. Division of Services ....for the Blind at (919) 733-9822. After all attempts to obtain aid from ....the State have been exhausted without meeting the need, call the ....N.C. Lions Foundation, Inc. at 1-800-552-7401. Policy calls for the ....NCLF to become involved where the State has to leave off. NCLF is ....available through the unspecified services aid.

The local Lions Club should proceed as follows:

A. Investigate the request and determine that an unmet need exists.

B. Determine the amount of financial aid the Club can give............

C. Ask NCLF to match the Club contribution.

D. Send Club check.and any invoices obtained to the NCLF for payment.

1. OTHER AID. Often Lions Clubs get requests for help that does not seem to fit any of the above categories. These cases can best be handled by calling the N.C. Lions Foundation or the N.C Division of Services for the Blind. Either agency should be able to direct you to the proper source if aid is available.