Organizations of and for the Blind

Most of the time when people discuss the part that organizations play in the lives of the blind, they are speaking of bureaucratic organizations that were formed to serve the blind. These organizations usually have "... for the blind" in their titles and are comprised of benevolent sighted workers. I am not denying that these organizations are quite helpful. There certainly are some challenges that blind people routinely face. Blind children have specific educational concerns. Newly blind individuals experience independent living challenges. Some tasks need assistive technology and skills to operate the equipment. There are certain challenges that blind college students face. There is a 70% unemployment rate among the blind. there are bills that are presented and laws that are passed that directly and indirectly effect the blind. If the organization is not dedicated to the advancement of the blind in every way, the societal stigma and stereotypes will prevent that blind person from becoming involved in the decision making body.

As a blind person, sometimes, it is difficult to stay connected with other blind people and to feel as if you are making a difference. some blind people live in small towns. Transportation is always an issue. Many times, blind people are looking for a blend of support and advocacy in their groups. They want to involve themselves in the inner workings of the organization. In order for blind people to do this, the organization must have an open policy, whereby all blind people are welcome to join the organization. Many times blind people are discouraged from leading or taking a dynamic role in organizational goals. A substantial amount of time, blind people are underrepresented in organizations that directly affect them. Having the blind speak for themselves will ensure that they receive the services and assistance that they need while keeping their dignity that they should never lose and increasing their confidence that they should always possess.

When looking for an organization to join, there are many different factors to consider. Of course, there is physical proximity and time convenience. With free conference calling, proximity is less of an issue. There are many different organizations that profess to work on the behalf of the blind. It is difficult to choose the one that supports your style of interaction and communication. Here is a review of the top three organizations for the blind: their focus and the programs and actions that they perform.

The national Federation of the Blind is the most well known organization. This organization advocates for the rights and opportunities for the blind. This organization professes not to speak "for the blind," but, it is "The blind speaking for themselves." Their primary focus is advocacy. There are many different divisions of this organization to specifically fit your interests and needs. There is a parent division for sighted parents to address their children's needs. There are divisions such as the human service division, people of faith division and the division of blind lawyers. There is the Ham Radio division and the Sports division to discuss blindness and each specific hobby. This organization is made up of mostly blind people. They are first and foremost an advocacy group; however, more and more attempts are being made to socialize and support on an individual level. They discuss legislation that effects blind people. They are avid promoters of the blind gaining their independence and performing all tasks without sighted assistance. They Also seem to be the most competent and prompt when it comes to organizational action and most comprehensive with their activities and interest groups. They provide independent living skills, provide lessons in mobility, support and demonstrate many different types of assistive technology, advocates for training in Braille, promotes Braille for both children and adults, grants scholarships, mans email listservs for support, provides leadership training and hosts many different seminars for blind people.

One of the most damaging accusations of the NFB is its inflexibility with their blind members' life skills and their Rigid definition of independence . in their attempt to prove themselves as capable, they minimize their blindness to a mere nuisance. Critics of the National Federation of the Blind suggest that this organization is too confrontational and a bit too aggressive in their approach. Critics also note that the NFB tends to focus on issues that will warrant them the most publicity instead of those issues that might more directly affect individuals.

Next is the American Counsel of the blind(ACB). This organization boasts that it is the largest organization of the blind and its members consist of blind, visually impaired and sighted members. This organization also does some lobbying for the blind. It's focus is obtaining benefits for the blind and helping the blind live richer and fuller lives. Usually people who are members of this organization are not members of the National Federation of the Blind. This is because the philosophies that drive these organizations are quite different. It is more compromising when dealing with legislation. Both sighted and blind people take equal and active roles in this organization. Critics of this organization state that it is much too passive. There are many more sighted people in this organization and a large percentage of the more sighted members are office holders. Also, some critics site that this organization is not as specialized in terms of divisions and chapters. This group makes a distinction between "blind," and "visually impaired." some believe that this distinction contributes to the stereotypes instead of assists the public in their understanding.

The American Foundation for the Blind is the third organization. This organization is less known. Its focus is to advocate for adequate services for the blind. AFB's priorities include focusing on access and technology, enhancing the tools that will aid professionals in assisting or teaching those with vision loss and providing individuals, family and friends with timely resources to assist in independent living. A large proportion of its members are not blind and it has had a strong bond with federal and state organizations who serve the blind. They are often being chided for their loyalty to organizations who are suppose to be serving the blind instead of advocating for the individual blind consumer.

Taking an active role in one of these organizations is making an attempt at controlling your own services, resources and independence. It is important, as a blind individual that you consider your own goals, dreams and opportunities and choose the organization which will be most likely to assist you in achieving them.