Public Policy and Policy Research

Public Policy

The primary focus of the American Foundation for the Blind's Public Policy Center is federal and state programs affecting education and rehabilitation of blind persons, as well as laws that relate to economic status and civil rights. Information about AFB's public policy efforts, including statements to Congress and regulatory agencies, can be found here. A sample of the public policy topics we cover:

Access to Information Policy
   Technology (Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act)
   Telecommunications Policy(Sec. 255 Telecommunications Act)
   Copyright; Digital Rights Management Policy(DRM)
   Video Description

Civil Rights Policy
   Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
   Section 501 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
   Accessible Voting (Help America Vote Act)

Education Policy
   Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
     -- Instructional materials
     -- Transition School to Work

Employment and Rehabilitation Policy
   Employment
   Rehabilitation
   Chapter 2 Independent Living Program

Health and Social Insurance Policy
   Medicare; Medicaid
   Social Security Entitlements

Policy Research

As an integral function of the Public Policy Center, AFB's policy research work is designed to achieve several goals.

• Evaluate gaps in existing research and advocate for the establishment and funding of research priorities;
• Interpret currently available survey and related data to articulate the size and characteristics of the various populations of individuals with vision loss;
• Conduct and oversee specific research projects to investigate critical issues;
• Synthesize research findings and persuasively advocate evidence-based policy and programmatic change.

Also see related documents at Statistical Snapshots.

Advocacy Resources

A Capital Idea!

The sustained and focused attention of concerned citizens does get the attention of legislators and public policy makers. Our web site contains extensive resources and information about public policy and the policymaking process to help individuals and organizations take action to ensure that government programs and policies meet the needs of individuals with vision loss and their families. You will find the information on public policy affecting people with vision loss you need and resources such as A Capital Idea! to help you work more effectively with public officials.

AFB DirectConnect (AFB-DC)

AFB DirectConnect, our public policy information and action network, is the leading means in our field to keep abreast of developments in the legislative, regulatory and policy formation arenas. AFB-DC, offered free of charge to all interested individuals, is an effective tool to use in your own personal and professional policy monitoring and advocacy work. AFB-DC replaces Words from Washington.

You'll also find documents on additional advocacy resources.