Legislative Priorities

The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives we want. 

Legislative Alerts

These alerts inform members about the status and progress of legislation that impact the rights and lives of blind Americans.

Explore our legislative alerts to learn how we are working to advance the lives of blind Americans.

Mock Meetings

We create this mock meeting to demonstrate how to advocate to your political official regarding our legislative priorities.

Reduction in Force at the Department of Education

A Reduction in Force notice threatens to undermine the Department of Education's ability to provide essential educational and employment services to blind children and adults.

Watch the videos below for an example of how to advocate for these critical services when meeting with your political official.

Video One

Department of Education Reduction in Force Mock Meeting Transcript

Video Two

The transcript is coming soon.

Fact Sheets

Each fact sheet is available in various formats, including HTML and Word. 

Increase Funding for Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind (OIB) Program 

Protect Education, Employment, and Independent Living Programs

Access Technology Affordability Act

The cost of critically needed access technology is out of reach for most blind Americans. The Access Technology Affordability Act will improve affordability of critically needed access technology necessary for employment and independent living.

Blind Americans Return to Work Act

Current Social Security law contains policies that have the unintended consequence of discouraging blind Americans from maximizing their earnings potential. The Blind Americans Return to Work Act will eliminate the Social Security Disability Insurance earnings cliff and make other reforms to create true work incentives for blind Americans.

The Reduction in Force at the Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and the Office for Civil Rights

Employees at the Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and the Office for Civil Rights received reduction in force (RIF) notices. Learn how this action will decimate the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act programs, the Randolph-Sheppard Program, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 programs, and the Office for Civil Rights' enforcement of disability rights laws.

Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act

Websites are required by law to be accessible, but without implementing regulations most businesses and retailers have little understanding of what accessible means. The Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act will end website and mobile application inaccessibility for blind Americans.

Laws and Funding

Learn more about the federal laws and federally funded programs that support blind people.

These priorities will remove obstacles to economic opportunity, medical devices, websites, and civil rights. We urge Congress to support our legislative initiatives.