The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is a national organization established to promote the independence, dignity and well-being of blind and visually impaired people. Members are blind, visually impaired, or fully sighted people from all walks of life. The Council helps to improve the lives of the blind by working to enhance civil rights, employment, rehabilitation services, safe and expanded transportation, travel and recreation, Social Security benefits, accessibility and works in coalition with other disability groups. The concerns of various professions and special populations are addressed by ACB's many national special interest affiliates and committees. These affiliates help the Council address the special interests and concerns of women, minorities, students, families, guide dog users, braille readers, and many others.
ACB publishes a monthly magazine, the Braille Forum, subscriptions to which are available free in braille, large print, cassettes and DOS diskettes. They annually award scholarships to outstanding blind post-secondary students in academic, professional, and technical training programs and offer legal assistance and advice on the rights, services and benefits available to blind people. The Council hosts a National Convention each July; call for further information.
The Blind Children's Fund collects, develops and disseminates information, materials and services for parents of infants and preschool blind children and the professionals who serve them. They foster, encourage, and develop activities and programs pertaining to any and all areas of growth, development, education and welfare of these children. They have a resource and equipment demonstration center.
The National Organization of Parents of Blind Children is a national organization of parents of blind and visually impaired children, whose purpose is to facilitate the sharing of experience and concerns among parents of blind children; to provide information and support; to develop and expand resources for parents and their children; and to help parents gain understanding of blindness through contact with blind adults. Their ultimate goal is to create a climate of opportunity for blind children in home and society, to eliminate discrimination and prejudice against the blind and to achieve for the blind security, equality, and opportunity.
The Organization offers, Future Reflections, a magazine for parents and educators of blind children, an annual Braille Readers are Leaders contest for Braille students, a Braille pen-pal service, Slate Mates, and many other networking services, special summer activities, and national, state and local seminars. They distribute free literature; help establish cane banks, and provide assistance to parents and blind children whose rights have been denied.
The Organization has local chapters, will assist in starting local support groups and provide parent-to-parent matching. They offer a new parent packet that includes four large-print paperback books with resource information, a question and answer section, and inspirational articles. They will also provide referrals as requested. The Organization hosts an annual conference; call for further information.