• Of this combined 7 million people, 1.6 million are under the age of 40.

• 20% of people age 85+ have permanent vision loss.

• Women are 42% more likely to have vision loss and 40% more likely to be blind.

"The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications and access to state and local government’ programs and services."

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a national law that protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability. The nondiscrimination requirements of the law apply to employers and organizations that receive financial assistance from any Federal department or agency, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). These organizations and employers include many hospitals, nursing homes, mental health centers and human service programs.

Section 504 forbids organizations and employers from excluding or denying individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to receive program benefits and services. It defines the rights of individuals with disabilities to participate in, and have access to, program benefits and services.

The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities.

IDEA ensures that children with disabilities, including those who are blind or visually impaired, have access to a free and appropriate public education. It requires schools to provide special education services and accommodations to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities.

The Assistive Technology Act of 2004 (AT Act) is a federal law designed to maximize the ability of people with disabilities to select, obtain, and use assistive technology. Through a system of comprehensive federalstate funded technology-related programs, those needing AT can access appropriate technology to help them do the things they want to do—such as work, play, recreate, live independently, etc.

Create equal opportunities and expand possibilities through advocacy, thought leadership, and strategic partnerships.

What they offer:

• Scholarships for students with blindness and/or low vision

• Helen Keller Achievement Awards for those dedicated to improving the quality of life to the blind community

• AFB Leadership Conference dedicated to improving quality of programs and services dedicated to the blind and visually impaired

Perkins School for the Blind:

• provides support for blind children

• provides education & inclusion in their classes including braille

• Present in 100+ countries