History of Visual Impairments

Learn more about the history of visual impairments. People who were blind were not always treated well. These pages provide a historical perspective on how people who are blind and visually impaired have been viewed by society and the chronological events in the education of those who are blind and visually impaired.

Timeline of VI

The history and documentation of visual impairments dates back to Biblical times. There are numerous references in the scriptures specific to blindness. This page provides a timeline of events in the history of visual impairments.

Biblical Passages Concerning People who are Blind

This page provides the Biblical history and perspective of people who are blind and visually impaired as well as scripture specific to blindness.

Notable People

This page provides a list of many notable people throughout history who were or are blind or visually impaired and what made them noteworthy.

Helen Keller

Although there are a number of famous people who were blind, Helen Keller is by far one of the more well known. This page provides information on her life and achievements.

APH Museum

​The history and documentation of visual impairments has been skillfully and beautifully maintained by through the tireless efforts of Michael Hudson, APH Museum Director and the American Printing House for the Blind. After 20 years in the vision field, I finally visited the museum during the APH Annual Meeting in October 2018. Learn more about the APH Museum on this page and plan your visit!

Leaders & Legends

The Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field, located in the Migel Library at the American Printing House for the Blind, is dedicated to preserving, honoring, and promoting the tradition of excellence manifested by the specific individuals inducted into the APH Hall of Fame and through the history of outstanding services provided to people who are blind or visually impaired.

History of Braille Writers

I had the privilege of  seeing the War of Dots and Braille Writers traveling exhibits from the American Printing House for the Blind during the GVEST (Georgia Vision Educators Statewide Training) conference in 2013. This page shows how braille writers have changed over the years.

Legislation

Legislation has impacted the field of visual impairments for many years. Early legislation related to adults. Legislation at the end of the 20th century changed how students with visual impairments were educated. This page lists legislation that has impacted the education of students with visual impairments. ​

Resources to Support You in Teaching Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired

ECC Instructional Resources

eCourses

Purchase VI Job Posting

Braille Jewelry

Live Presentations & Workshops

Free Membership

Sign up for free membership to access the FREE downloadable handbooks and handouts on the Free Printable pages (Program printables, FVLMA & Service printables, and VI AT printables) along with access to the Goal Bank pages. Simply click on the Log In | Register link in the navigation bar. If you haven't joined yet, you will be prompted to create a password. ​