Ever Lee Hairston: A Black leader in the blindness field and civil rights

Ever Lee Hairston is not only one of the countless Black leaders who work in the field of blindness, or have done so through the years. She is also a civil rights leader – and her experience with the civil rights movement inspired her to help others who are blind, like her.  Lighting the flame  … Continued

Provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for Your Son or Daughter with a Visual Impairment

This time each year we celebrate the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Each year—is that really necessary? YES! The ADA is the United States of America’s first comprehensive civil rights law protecting people with disabilities from discrimination. I know you’d agree—that can’t be over-celebrated! Provisions of the ADA And just what are … Continued

Happy Anniversary to IDEA Part C: Early Intervention! #babyIDEAis30

This week AFB FamilyConnect is joining the Office of Special Education Programs to celebrate 30 years of Public Law 99-547, which established Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Won’t you join us in celebrating 30 years of early intervention services to children ages birth to three? Show your support of early … Continued

Do Students Who Are Blind or Low Vision Face a Digital Gap?

We read a recent news article in the Salt Lake Tribune highlighting “just how difficult it can be for disabled parents, students and others to access school websites and curriculum available to their peers,” in part because American schools still are awaiting specific guidance from the Department of Justice to take effect six years since … Continued

A Celebration of 26 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and a Call to Action

Twenty-six years ago President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is one of civil protection to Americans with health issues, military combat injuries, and disabilities alike. ADA prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for said persons in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, telecommunication, commercial … Continued

Seeking Family Members for a Focus Group Study on Unified English Braille eLearning Platform

Editor’s note: This is the second blog entry that both informs and requests the assistance of families in answering important questions that impact all who use braille. Please help Holly Lawson and Kathryn Botsford with this effort. Unified English Braille (UEB) is almost here… Braille is getting a makeover. In January 2016, students, adult consumers, … Continued

Unified English Braille (UEB) Is Almost Here…

Editor’s Note: Braille is important to everyone who is blind as it provides tactile access to the written word. Holly and Kathryn want you to be aware of the upcoming changes to the braille code, and also assist them by participating in a discussion of families learning braille through online courses. You may have heard … Continued