Students who are blind or visually impaired should have the same educational opportunities and programs as their peers without disabilities. Through research, advocacy, and policy initiatives, AFB is working to create a world of no limits for students who are blind or have low vision. We speak up for children who are blind or visually impaired, to make sure every student has an equal opportunity to succeed.
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It is easy to recognize the dramatic ways technology has evolved and influenced how we interact with the world. Some of us grew up turning a dial to enter a single digit into the household’s shared telephone, now many of us have microcomputers in our pockets that not only allow us to dial telephone numbers with a single gesture, they provide instant access to a digital world that is designed to allow us to perform every function under the sun, from attending work meetings on the go, to buying last-minute party supplies, and everything in between.
The American Foundation for the Blind is concerned that the extensive and rapid downsizing at the US Department of Education could harm the services, funding, and civil rights protections that people who are blind, have low vision, or are deafblind rely on. The Department plays a critical role in enforcing rights and funding services required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Rehabilitation Act. In 2021, more than 7.7 million children received services through IDEA.
Cerebral visual impairment (CVI), also referred to as cortical or brain-based visual impairment, occurs when damage to the brain’s visual pathways or networks affects visual processing. It can result from premature birth, genetic disorders, brain malformations, or trauma. Importantly, children with CVI grow into adults with CVI, requiring lifelong tailored interventions and services.
On Friday, May 19, the Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division and the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Joint Dear Colleague Letter on the participation of people with disabilities in online activities made available by colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions.
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) just released its Barriers to Digital Inclusion study, which identified the key areas where accessibility gaps still exist for online and mobile application content. And, as one would expect, education still rises to the top when it comes to accessibility hurdles. To close the gap, AFB wanted to share some valuable resources we have prepared for parents, students, and advocates over the past year.
Study shows majority of blind and visually impaired schoolchildren have been significantly disadvantaged during pandemic remote learning; inadequate digital tools are leaving these children behind.
On October 11, 2021, the FDR Memorial Legacy Committee (FDR Committee) hosted a celebration to commemorate the 137th birthday of former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt with a wreath-laying ceremony at the FDR Memorial in Washington, DC.
The wreath-laying coincides with the 75th anniversary of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt becoming chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights and drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
First some good news:
U.S. Eliminates Student Loan Debt For Some Borrowers With Disabilities
NPR, August 19, 2021