US Government Agencies

by Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated June 20, 2025
The following U.S. federal agencies provide services, supports, and resources to individuals of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. These programs address education, vocational rehabilitation, independent living, research, and support for veterans.

Children and Youth 

U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
  • OSEP administers the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures that children with disabilities, including those who are blind or visually impaired, receive free appropriate public education (FAPE).
  • OSEP funds technical assistance centers, model demonstration projects, and professional development to improve outcomes for students with visual impairments.
  • Within the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the Division on Visual Impairments and Deafblindness (DVIDB) focuses on improving services and instruction for children with visual impairments.
American Printing House for the Blind (APH) – Federal Quota Program
  • Operated in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, this program provides specialized educational materials to eligible students.
  • Ex Officio Trustees in each state manage the distribution of APH materials to students who meet the definition of blindness or function at the definition of blindness.

Youth & Workforce

Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)
  • A division of the U.S. Department of Education, RSA administers the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) programs.
  • Supports individuals with disabilities in preparing for, obtaining, and retaining employment through skills training, counseling, and assistive technology.
  • Oversees the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind (OIB) program, funding states to help individuals aged 55+ live independently.

Elderly & Aging

Administration for Community Living (ACL) – Aging and Disability Networks
  • Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACL includes the Administration on Aging (AoA).
  • Through state and local agencies, AoA supports older adults (60+) with services including in-home support, assistive devices, and information and referral services.
  • The Administration on Aging (AOA) funds services like meals, transportation, and vision-related support for older adults with disabilities.

All Ages

National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) 
  • Provides free accessible reading materials to U.S. residents who are blind, visually impaired, or print disabled.
  • Materials are available in braille, large print, and digital audio, with free mailing through Free Matter for the Blind.
  • NLS also offers Braille transcription training and certifies volunteer transcribers.
National Eye Institute (NEI) 
  • Leads federally funded research on eye diseases, visual disorders, and vision health.
  • Offers resources including publications, clinical trials, vision research news, and statistics.
  • NEI supports public health education through its NEHEP (National Eye Health Education Program).
Social Security Administration (SSA)
  • Provides Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for qualifying individuals who are blind or disabled.
  • The Ticket to Work program supports career development and vocational rehabilitation for adults receiving SSI or SSDI.

Veterans

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Blind Rehabilitation Services (BRS)
  • Provides comprehensive services for veterans with vision loss, including:
    • Visual Impairment Services Teams (VIST) Coordinators
    • Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialists (BROS)
    • Blind Rehabilitation Centers (BRCs) for inpatient services
  • Offers training in orientation and mobility, daily living skills, assistive technology, and low vision therapy.
Veterans Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
  • Offers disability compensation, vocational rehabilitation, and educational assistance to eligible veterans with vision loss.
  • Includes services under the Chapter 31: VR&E (Veteran Readiness & Employment) program for career development and job training.
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
  • Provides medical treatment, mental health services, nursing home care, and rehabilitation to eligible veterans, including those who are blind or visually impaired.

Additional Agencies And Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Vision Health Initiative
  • Tracks national data on vision loss and eye disease.
  • Promotes vision health awareness and partnerships with state and local health departments to reduce preventable blindness.
U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)
  • Promotes inclusive workplace practices and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, including individuals with visual impairments.
  • Offers tools like the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) to assist employers and job seekers.

​Did I Miss a Resource?

​If you know of a federal agency or program that provides services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired that’s not listed here, please reach out so I can keep this page current and helpful for others!

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