We are the experts in advancing and promoting nonvisual accessibility. We provide training, beta testing, and more to help businesses and institutions incorporate equity and opportunity. The Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility is a concentrated center of expertise, best practices, and resources that enables businesses, government, and educational institutions to more effectively provide accessible information and services to the blind community.
Founded by the National Federation of the Blind in 2014, CENA works to:
- Share the considerable knowledge that the NFB and its partners have of web accessibility and access technology in order to bring about greater accessibility in government, education, and business
- Promote best practices nationwide
- Increase awareness of accessibility and the tools available to blind users
Building on the expertise of the blind, CENA seeks to create a more accessible world.
International Braille and Technology Center for the Blind
The International Braille and Technology Center for the Blind is a comprehensive technology evaluation, demonstration, and training facility located at our national headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland.
Events, Trainings, and Accessibility Boutiques
Experts at CENA offer various training events and workshops throughout the year to share best practices in web accessibility and access technology. Learn more about our events and trainings.
Self-Advocacy Toolkit and Tracking Form for Nonvisual Accessibility
The National Federation of the Blind believes that technology and digital platforms should be accessible to all. Use this digital accessibility advocacy packet to advocate for accessibility. Learn more about the Self-Advocacy Toolkit and Tracking Form.
Access On Podcast
Access on is the National Federation of the Blind’s podcast devoted to technology. It is hosted by Jonathan Mosen, the NFB’s Executive Director for Accessibility Excellence. Whether you’re a technology expert, or just trying to make sense of it all, Access On has something for you. We taps into our extensive networks in the tech sector, the knowledge of our Center For Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility, and the experiences of listeners like you, to bring you technology news, reviews, and interviews. Subscribe and listen on your podcast client. Learn how to subscribe with the Access On RSS feed.
Blind Driver Challenge
The Blind Driver Challenge is a collaborative research and education project with the active participation of the blind that began over ten years ago. The National Federation of the Blind is committed to increasing the speed at which we move toward the design, development, and implementation of accessible technology that presents us with opportunities to live, work, and play as active members of society. Learn more about the Blind Driver Challenge.
Accessibility Switchboard
Announcement: Accessibility Switchboard is Under Development
We are in the process of redesigning the Accessibility Switchboard. This process includes updating the resources available. If you have questions about accessibility resources, please contact us at [email protected]. We appreciate your patience at this time.
The Accessibility Switchboard is a web portal that provides freely available resources and guides for those who want to improve accessibility in their organizations. This is one of the many projects funded through the state of Maryland’s Nonvisual Access Initiative grants administered by the Maryland Department of Disabilities. This dynamic portal was developed with support from Accessibility Track Consulting, LLC, and members of the Accessibility Switchboard Community of Practice.
Accessibility Inclusion Fellowship Program
The Accessibility Inclusion Fellowship program helps instructors begin to include accessibility concepts in at least one course offering in their institution with help from the nation’s blind.
Blind Users Innovating and Leading Design (BUILD)
The NFB is establishing a database of blind users to test and evaluate the accessibility of websites, home-use medical devices, home appliances, fitness equipment, and other products and services. We need your help to ensure that this technology is accessible to blind people. Apply to become a tester today.
Higher Education Accessibility Online Resource Center
The Higher Education Accessibility Online Resource Center is an online resource designed for colleges and universities that includes examples of digital accessibility policies, legal requirements, and links to accessibility standards and procurement policies.
National Center for Nonvisual Election Technology
The National Center for Nonvisual Election Technology shares best practices about blind voters' needs and houses accessible voting machines that are available for demonstration and evaluation at no cost to officials or the public.
More Information
For more information about CENA or to inquire about potential partnership opportunities, please call us at 410-659-9314, option 5 or email us at [email protected].