The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) understands that information is power. We are committed to connecting parents and guardians of children who are blind or visually impaired to life-changing information, resources, local services, and a vibrant and supportive community.

That’s why AFB launched FamilyConnect—which as of July 1, will be stewarded by the American Printing House for the Blind—a free, comprehensive resource of information and support for parents of children who are blind or visually impaired.

portrait of several families with children who are blind or visually impaired

Recommended Links from FamilyConnect

  • FamilyConnect is a website created to give parents of visually impaired children a place to support each other, share stories and concerns, and find resources on raising their children from birth to adulthood.
  • The "After the Diagnosis" section addresses many common concerns of those who have children recently diagnosed with an eye condition. It provides eye condition-specific information as well as general guidance such as instructing parents on successfully working with a child’s medical professionals, adapting the family home, and obtaining helpful products and toys. This section also introduces parents to success stories of those living well with vision loss.
  • The "Browse by Age" section provides articles on age-specific information on raising a visually impaired child—addressing family relationships and social activities, growth and development, pertinent education issues, assistive technology, and more.
  • The "Multiple Disabilities" section delivers information to support the learning, communication, and independence of children who are visually impaired and have an additional disability.

Know Your Rights as the Parent of a Visually Impaired Child

The "Know Your Rights" section on the American Foundation for the Blind's website presents information on the United States' current special education law and outlines the assessments and services many children with low vision and blindness are eligible to receive. Additionally, you can find information on early intervention services, accommodations and modifications your child is entitled to, and how to be an effective advocate for your child.

The Cogswell-Macy Act

The Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act has been introduced in the House of Representatives as H.R. 1120 and in the Senate as S. 2087. AFB and organizations across the blind, deafblind, and deaf communities are working hard to drum up support for these bills so that this legislation can become a reality. The Cogswell-Macy Act would ensure specialized instruction, increase the availability of services and resources, enhance accountability, and increase research into best practices for teaching and evaluating students with visual impairments.

Learn more about the Cogswell-Macy Act by visiting the following links on AFB.org.

For more information about Americans of all ages with vision loss, visit "Statistical Snapshots from the American Foundation for the Blind."

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