Journal Resources

By Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​Updated June 20, 2025
Staying current with professional literature is essential for anyone working in the field of visual impairments. Reading peer-reviewed journals, newsletters, and association publications can help you keep up with best practices, legislation, assistive technology, and evolving philosophies in education and rehabilitation. The following resources are especially valuable to teachers, parents, and professionals serving individuals who are blind or visually impaired. 

​Key Journals and Newsletters in the Field

​Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB)
Published by the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) in partnership with the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI), JVIB is the premier international, peer-reviewed journal in the field. It offers original research, practice reports, literature reviews, commentary, and a calendar of events. CEUs are available for reading and responding to select articles.
  • Published: Bimonthly
  • Access: Subscription required; CEU options available
  • Website: afb.org/jvib
Future Reflections
Published by the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults in partnership with the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC), Future Reflections is a free magazine for parents and educators of blind and visually impaired children. It emphasizes a positive philosophy of blindness and provides practical guidance from birth through college.
  • Formats: Print, digital, USB drive, email, and online
  • Frequency: Quarterly
  • Cost: Free to U.S. addresses
  • Website: nfb.org/resources/future-reflections
The Braille Forum
Published by the American Council of the Blind (ACB), this magazine features articles on advocacy, legislation, technology, and personal stories from individuals who are blind or have low vision.
  • Formats: Braille, large print, audio, digital, email
  • Frequency: Monthly
  • Cost: Free to members; $25/year for non-members (free email version available to all)
  • Website: acb.org/braille-forum
The Braille Monitor
The official publication of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the Braille Monitor offers a strong, empowering perspective on blindness. It includes civil rights news, policy discussions, and stories that reinforce the capacity of blind individuals to live independently and productively.
  • Frequency: Monthly
  • Formats: Print, audio, online
  • Cost: Free
  • Website: nfb.org/braille-monitor
DIALOGUE Magazine
Published by Blindskills, Inc., this quarterly magazine is written primarily by and for people with visual impairments. Topics include adaptive techniques, personal stories, technology, career development, recreation, and self-advocacy.
  • Formats: Large print, braille, audio, email, and digital cartridge
  • Website: blindskills.org
InFocus and InFocus Online
Published by the Foundation Fighting Blindness, these newsletters provide updates on retinal research, personal stories, and coping strategies. They also highlight the Foundation’s advocacy and fundraising activities.
Awareness Newsletter
Published by the National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI), Awareness contains legislative news, personal stories, activity ideas, and conference updates.
  • Frequency: Quarterly
  • Cost: Free to members; sample issues available
  • Website: lighthouseguild.org (NAPVI is now part of Lighthouse Guild)

Additional Journals of Interest

TEACHING Exceptional Children (TEC)
Published by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), TEC provides strategies and research-to-practice insights for teaching students with diverse disabilities, including visual impairments.
  • Frequency: 6 issues per year
  • Audience: Special educators, administrators, support personnel
  • Website: cec.sped.org
British Journal of Visual Impairment (BJVI)
This peer-reviewed journal from the UK covers research and practice in the education and rehabilitation of people with visual impairments. It includes international studies, theoretical articles, and practical reports.
  • Publisher: SAGE in association with RNIB
  • Website: journals.sagepub.com/bjvi
Insight: Research and Practice in Visual Impairment and Blindness
Previously published by AFB and the Perkins School for the Blind, Insight offered practical and research-based articles for professionals. Though no longer in publication, past issues may still be accessed online or through university libraries for archived content.

​Did I Miss Any?

If you know of other valuable journals or newsletters specific to visual impairments and blindness, especially those offering unique perspectives or international content, please contact me so we can include them here.