VI Consumer Organizations

Advocacy, Information, and Resources for People with Visual Impairment
Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​Updated June 17, 2025

​Advocacy, Education & Public Awareness

  • American Council of the Blind  (ACB). Consumer-led advocacy group offering conferences, seminars, and assistive technology exhibitions.
  • American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). Promotes education, employment, and technology access; provides leadership training and policy advocacy.
  • Foundation Fighting Blindness. Funds research for inherited retinal diseases and provides support networks and educational programs.
  • National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR). A coalition of professional, consumer, and industry organizations that advocates for vision research funding through federal agencies such as NIH, NEI, and VA. Affiliated with the Alliance for Eye and Vision Research.
  • National Federation of the Blind (NFB). The largest and most influential membership organization of blind Americans. Advocates for civil rights and offers education, technology training, scholarships, and parent support through NOPBC.
  • Prevent Blindness America. Delivers public and professional education, vision screening, and advocacy to reduce preventable blindness and increase access to care.

Government-Affiliated Institutes & National Research Bodies

  • National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials (NCRTM). A centralized resource library for training materials funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), focused on vocational rehabilitation.
  • National Eye Institute (NEI). Part of the NIH, NEI funds vision research and provides public education tools like the Healthy Eyes Toolkit and the National Eye Health Education Program.
  • National Rehabilitation Association (NRA). Oldest professional member organization promoting the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.
  • National Rehabilitation Counseling Association (NRCA). Supports rehabilitation counseling as a field focused on holistic approaches to community inclusion.
  • National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision. Focuses on improving employment and independent living through research and training. Offers resources to consumers, service providers, and businesses.
  • National Technical Assistance Center on Blindness and Visual Impairment (NTAC-BVI) Offers free continuing education for professionals in blind rehabilitation and accessible online courses with certification options.

Braille Literacy & Accessible Publishing

  • American Printing House for the Blind ​ (APH). Produces educational materials and technologies, hosts webcasts, and supports literacy and access initiatives for all ages.
  • National Braille Association (NBA). Provides continuing education for transcribers and narrators to improve the production of accessible braille reading materials.
  • National Braille Press (NBP). Publishes braille books and materials to promote braille literacy and empower blind individuals in work, family, and community life.

​Technology & Access Tools

  • AccessWorld (via AFB). A monthly online magazine focused on assistive technology reviews and strategies for people with visual impairments.
  • Bookshare. A free digital library providing accessible ebooks for students with print disabilities, including those with visual impairments.
  • Do It Blind. Develops JAWS screen reader scripts and supports screen reader users in customizing digital accessibility.

​Education & Professional Development

  • Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired ​(AER). Offers resources and conferences for professionals in vision services and rehabilitation.
  • Closing the Gap. Publishes a digital magazine and hosts conferences and webinars on assistive technology for people with disabilities.
  • Northeast Regional Center for Vision Education (NERCVE). Based at UMass-Boston, provides training, job boards, and professional development for vision educators, with content applicable nationwide.
  • Paths to Literacy. A project from Perkins School for the Blind and Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired offering strategies, blogs, and instructional materials to support literacy in students with visual impairments.
  • Positive Eye (UK). Offers training and curriculum access ideas for TVIs and families. Shared ideas pages and tips are useful globally, even though based in the UK.

​Youth, Family & Specialized Populations

  • Helen Keller National Center (HKNC). Serves individuals who are DeafBlind through vocational training, independent living instruction, and employment support.
  • National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC). A division of NFB supporting families, offering resources, support groups, and advocacy opportunities.
  • National Resource Center for Blind Musicians. Supports blind musicians, particularly students, with resources for learning braille music, test prep for music theory, and referrals to tutors and mentors.
  • Safe Toddles. Promotes the use of toddler canes for early mobility. Offers educational videos and distributes wearable canes for young children.

​Veterans & Employment

  • Blind Veterans Association ​ (BVA). Provides rehabilitation, employment services, and peer support for U.S. veterans who are blind.
  • Blind American Veteran Foundation  (BAVF). Offers peer support, advocacy, and awareness for veterans adjusting to vision loss.
  • National Industries for the Blind (NIB). Develops employment opportunities for individuals who are blind through federal contracts, including SKILCRAFT products under the AbilityOne Program.

Condition-Specific & Medical Education

  • All About Vision. Educational website featuring comprehensive guides on eye conditions, safety, and vision care.
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Offers EyeSmart patient education and a directory of licensed ophthalmologists.
  • American Optometric Association ​AOA). Provides educational resources on low vision, vision development, and links to optometric services.
  • BrightFocus Foundation. Funds research and offers information on age-related eye diseases including macular degeneration and glaucoma.
  • Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). Canadian nonprofit providing services and support for those with vision loss across all ages.
  • Glaucoma Research Foundation. Supports research, public education, and offers tools for managing glaucoma.
  • National Keratoconus Foundation. Shares support group information, clinical updates, and resources for people with keratoconus.
  • National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH). Offers education, family support, and conferences for individuals with albinism and their families.