How to Protect the Financial Assets of a Blind Person

People who are blind must employ different methods to protect their financial interests as reading bank and investment statements is often impossible. While having a trustworthy reader and advisor is a wonderful asset for a blind person, independence in financial matters is equally important. Through technology, a blind person can effectively protect and manage personal financial resources.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Use a bank that provides statements in braille. Most areas have freelance braillers who will turn any document into braille for a fee. Contact your state Library for the Blind for referrals to local braillers.

2. Insist on ADA-compliant websites from all the companies with which you invest. While all banks and financial services companies offer interactive websites, not all are user-friendly for a blind person who uses assistive technology.

3. Enroll in a class or seminar at your local Center for Independent Living. A directory of centers can be found at the ILRU (Independent Living Research Utilization) website. They often have financial workshops for the visually impaired. Your state services for the blind department also can direct you to educational opportunities.

4. Hire a lawyer who respects your rights as a blind person. Find an attorney willing to fight for you to receive your personal financial documents in a format that you can read.

5. Buy a safe with a keypad for your personal valuables. You can open it yourself without having to give anyone else the combination. Learn your way around a bank's safety deposit box room so that you can be the only person who uses the key to your box.

Resources

• Provides information about the ILRU.

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[whiteflowr]

on 3/4/2008 My sister is blind and retarded/(mentally about two or three years old. She was born July 13, 1951 and I was born 1950. As birth she weighed 1 1/2 lbs. and as a preemie she was placed in an icubator and the retina of her eyes were burned that is why she is blind. The Regional Center took her out of my home when I was away and have been telling me untruths. Over the years things have progressed and gotten out of hand. She can walk but they have her strapped in a wheel chair now. We grew up together. I took care of her for ten years before they came into my house and removed her while I was at the grocery store. My children were with her. She has never been an epileptic but now they say she has seizures. They are giving her extreme amounts of pills daily, 10 in the morning and at night. They will not allow me access to her medical records. The will not allow me to accompany

[bugmenot2]

on 9/17/2007 Of the articles on how to help somebody who is blind, this is the best written, and least condescending.