Organizations for the Blind: NFB, ACB, AFB and Services

Organizations for the blind are the nonprofits, membership groups and public programs that work with people who are blind or have low vision: some are run by blind people and speak for them, some provide training, books and products, and some are government services. The three best-known national names in the US sound almost alike: the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). The NFB and the ACB are membership organizations governed by blind people; the AFB is a foundation that works through research, publishing and advocacy. As the ACB puts it, "There is an inherent distinction between organizations "of the blind" and those "for the blind."" (ACB).

Key points

• Two kinds of groups. Organizations of the blind are run by blind people and speak for their members. Others provide services, research, books or products. Government agencies run many of the core services.
• NFB: founded in 1940, headquartered in Baltimore, with affiliates in every state, DC and Puerto Rico (NFB).
• ACB: founded on July 7, 1961, with "more than 8,000 members and a nationwide network of state and special-interest affiliates" (ACB).
• AFB: founded in 1921. Helen Keller worked with it from 1924 until her death in 1968 (AFB).
• Most services run through your state: vocational rehabilitation agencies, the NLS network of libraries and APH's Federal Quota for students.
• Many services cost nothing: NLS books and players, NFB-NEWSLINE, the NFB's white canes and Hadley's help.

Organizations of the blind vs organizations for the blind

The ACB explains the difference in its FAQ: "Organizations "of the blind," like the American Council of the Blind, are governed both literally and through core principles by blind and visually impaired people." It adds: "We do, however, respect the fact that each of these types of organizations has its own place and advances its own set of beliefs and activities for its members." (ACB).

The NFB was founded on the principle "that only blind people themselves can legitimately speak for the blind community" (NFB). In its words: "We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership." (NFB).

The groups in this article fall into three kinds:

• Organizations of the blind: the NFB and the ACB, with their state affiliates, local chapters and special-interest groups. Members pay dues and vote at a national convention.
• Service, research and publishing organizations: the AFB, the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), Hadley, Perkins, Lighthouse Guild, Braille Institute, National Braille Press, Bookshare and the guide dog schools.
• Government programs: state vocational rehabilitation agencies, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), APH's Federal Quota, VA Blind Rehabilitation and the Randolph-Sheppard vending program.

They don't replace each other. A blind teenager might get school materials through the Federal Quota, books from an NLS library, job training from the state agency, and mentors from an NFB or ACB chapter.

National Federation of the Blind (NFB)

In its own words: "The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico." (NFB).

History and how it is run

The first meeting was held on November 16, 1940, at the Redington Hotel in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania: "Blind people from seven states—California, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—attended that first meeting." (NFB). Jacobus tenBroek was its first President. According to the NFB's timeline, it bought a warehouse in Baltimore for its headquarters in 1978, opened the NFB Jernigan Institute there in 2004, and elected Mark A. Riccobono President in 2014 (NFB).

The national convention is the top authority: "It is the Convention that elects our board of directors and our President." (NFB). The NFB calls its convention "the largest gathering of blind people in the world" (NFB). Headquarters is at 200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place, Baltimore; phone 410-659-9314 (NFB).

What the NFB offers

• Free white canes. "Any blind individual in the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico can request a cane for their personal use. Requests can be made as often as every six months." (NFB). More in our white cane guide.
• NFB-NEWSLINE. "NFB-NEWSLINE® is a free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, deafblind, or otherwise print-disabled that offers access to more than 500 publications, emergency weather alerts, job listings, and more." To sign up, call your state's library for the blind and print-disabled or the NFB at 866-504-7300 (NFB).
• BELL Academy. A summer braille program that "prepares blind and low-vision children to grow into confident and independent blind people who live the lives they want." (NFB).
• Training centers. The NFB lists three affiliated centers: BLIND, Inc. in Minneapolis (marked temporarily closed), the Colorado Center for the Blind in Littleton and the Louisiana Center for the Blind in Ruston (NFB).
• Braille transcriber courses. The NFB runs the Library of Congress courses in braille transcribing and proofreading: "Courses are provided without cost to the volunteer and may be taken through correspondence or through local classes." (NFB). See how to become a braille transcriber.
• Divisions. For example, "The National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU) is a proud division of the National Federation of the Blind." (NAGDU). More in our guide dogs article.

Who can join the NFB

"The National Federation of the Blind welcomes all blind people, parents of blind children, blind students, those losing vision, and more." "Membership in a chapter or division will automatically grant you membership in your state affiliate and the national organization." (NFB). To find yours: "We have affiliates in every state, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Connect with your local affiliate to access resources, support, and activities near you." (NFB).

American Council of the Blind (ACB)

The ACB describes itself as "a national organization of blind, visually impaired and sighted individuals whose purpose is to work toward independence, security, equality of opportunity, and improved quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people." Its national office is at 225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 660, Alexandria, Virginia; phone 1-800-424-8666 (ACB). Its roots are older than its name: "The American Council of the Blind (ACB) was founded in 1961 but many of its state affiliates and local chapters have a history that can be traced back to the 1880s." (ACB).

What the ACB believes and works on

From the ACB's About page (ACB):

• "We accept all people who are blind or visually impaired, regardless of their skills or abilities."
• "we do not believe that there is a single “right” way to be blind."
• "we believe in the autonomy of our state and special interest affiliates for determining and acting in accordance with the best interests of their individual members and chapters."

The same page lists the ACB's work on the rules behind Section 504, Section 508, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA), plus accessible paper currency, the expansion of the Randolph-Sheppard vending program, Accessible Pedestrian Signals and voting machines that let blind people vote privately. The ACB has also served on the boards of "National Industries for the Blind, the National Accreditation Council of Agencies Serving People Who Are Blind and the American Foundation for the Blind" (ACB).

ACB programs

Besides its convention, scholarships and a national information hotline, the ACB runs these programs (ACB):

• Audio Description Project. "The ADP advocates for high-quality audio description in television, movies, performing arts, museums, educational materials, and other visual media." (ACB). See what audio description is.
• Magazines. The ACB Braille Forum and The ACB E-Forum: "Both magazines are published every other month" (ACB).
• Community Events. "a free, daily platform of learning, sharing, socializing, & worldwide connections for people who are blind or low vision." (ACB).

Membership and convention

"Members of the American Council of the Blind have paid dues in an ACB state affiliate or special-interest organization or are members-at-large." "In July each year, the ACB holds its annual convention lasting seven days." "The convention and membership are the ultimate authority in policy-making for the Council" (ACB). For local help: "To learn about services and resources in your area, please contact your state affiliate." (ACB).

Why are there two national organizations of blind people?

The NFB and the ACB have been separate since 1961, and each tells the story of that year in its own way. We don't take a side. Here is what each one publishes:

• The NFB's timeline records conflict inside the Federation. For 1960: "The Federation formalizes a series of governing principles that had been implicit since the beginning. Several states choose to suspend their affiliation." For 1961: "Due to factional strife within the Federation, Dr. Jacobus tenBroek resigns as President. John Taylor assumes the Presidency." tenBroek returned as President in 1966 (NFB).
• The NFB's view of the ACB. In a statement read at the 2001 NFB convention and printed in the Braille Monitor, then-President Marc Maurer said of the ACB: "It was formed as a splinter group of the National Federation of the Blind." (NFB, 2001).
• The ACB's account starts with its founding meeting: "Fifty years ago, in 1961, 29 people met in a hotel in Kansas City, Mo., and the American Council of the Blind was born." (ACB, 2011). It gives the date as July 7, 1961 (ACB). The ACB pages we read describe that meeting and the work since, not the dispute.

Today the two are alike in structure: both are governed by blind members through a national convention, both have state affiliates and special-interest groups, and both publish braille magazines and give scholarships. Where they differ is in how they describe themselves, in the quotes above.

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)

"The mission of the American Foundation for the Blind® is to create equal opportunities and expand possibilities through advocacy, thought leadership, and strategic partnerships." (AFB).

"AFB was formed through the support of M.C. Migel, a philanthropist who wanted to help the large number of veterans blinded in World War I." "Helen Keller—the world-famous author, activist, and advocate—helped to raise AFB's profile when she began working with the organization in 1924." "Keller remained active with AFB until her death in 1968" (AFB). More in Helen Keller and braille.

The AFB played a part in services blind Americans still use:

• Braille books in libraries. "M. C. Migel, Robert B. Irwin, and Helen Keller testify before Congress in 1930 in support of a bill to provide braille books to blind adults. The bill is signed into law March 3, 1931, making books available in libraries around the country." (AFB). That law is the start of the NLS, below.
• Talking books. "1932: AFB developed Talking Books and Talking Book machines." (AFB).
• One braille code. "AFB works side by side with the National Institute for the Blind in London to establish a uniform braille code throughout the English-speaking world." (AFB). See the history of braille.
• The ADA. The AFB lists "Advocating for and passing the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990" among its achievements (AFB).

Today, "We expand and share knowledge through a variety of initiatives, including original research and our peer-reviewed Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness." The AFB also stewards the Helen Keller Archive, advises companies on accessible products and websites, and advocates for blind students: "We advocate for children who are blind or have low vision, to ensure they have necessary resources, including textbooks and classroom materials." (AFB). Its magazine AccessWorld reviews technology (AFB). On money: "Most of our funding comes from individuals, not corporate sponsors." (AFB).

NFB, ACB and AFB at a glance

Sources: NFB, ACB, AFB.

• Who votes on policy: at the NFB and the ACB, members at the national convention.
• Magazines: the NFB's Braille Monitor, the ACB's Braille Forum and E-Forum, and the AFB's Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness and AccessWorld.

Other national organizations for the blind

Sources: APH, NLS, Hadley, Perkins, Lighthouse Guild, Braille Institute, BVA, The Seeing Eye, National Braille Press, Bookshare.

National Braille Press and the NLS are covered in where to get free braille books, Hadley and other free courses in our list of free braille resources, and Perkins and the state schools in schools for the blind in the US.

Outside the US, the umbrella group is the World Blind Union: "Founded in 1984, the World Blind Union (WBU) has been leading global advocacy for blind and partially sighted people for more than 40 years." (WBU). Two of the oldest national groups abroad are the RNIB in the UK, founded in 1868, and the CNIB in Canada, founded in 1918 (RNIB, CNIB).

How to find services for the blind

Most public services for blind people in the US run through your state. This table is a starting point; each program sets its own eligibility rules.

Job training: your state VR agency

The federal rule for who qualifies: "To be eligible for the VR program, individuals must have a physical or mental impairment that results in a substantial impediment to employment and who require and can benefit from VR services to achieve employment and maximize career goals." VR agencies can also offer "pre-employment transition services to students with disabilities who are potentially eligible for the VR program." (RSA).

"Some states may have more than one VR agency, one for individuals who are blind and one for all other individuals with disabilities." Nationally, "This results in a total of 78 VR agencies: 34 Combined VR agencies, 22 General VR agencies, and 22 Blind VR agencies." The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) lists every agency on its state VR agencies page. For career ideas, see jobs for blind people.

Help at home after 55: Older Individuals Who Are Blind

Federal law defines who this program serves: "the term "older individual who is blind" means an individual age 55 or older whose significant visual impairment makes competitive employment extremely difficult to attain but for whom independent living goals are feasible." (29 U.S.C. 796j).

According to RSA, the services include meal preparation, housekeeping, grooming, orientation and mobility, and learning to use assistive technology. The grants go to the state VR agency for the blind or, where a state has no separate one, to the general VR agency (RSA). The law's list of services also includes "the provision of eyeglasses and other visual aids" (29 U.S.C. 796k).

Hadley focuses on this age, too: "Hadley provides both practical and social/emotional help to older adults adjusting to vision loss, empowering them to adapt and thrive." (Hadley). If you're learning braille later in life, see learning braille as an adult.

Free books: the NLS

"The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) is a free audiobook and braille library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical, perceptual or reading disability that makes it difficult to read print." (NLS).

• Who qualifies: "Any resident of the United States or American citizen living abroad who is unable to read or use regular print materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical limitations may receive service through NLS." (NLS).
• How to apply: "visit Find Your Library or call 888-NLS-READ (888-657-7323)."
• Equipment: "NLS loans equipment free of charge to patrons who need devices to play NLS audiobooks and magazines or read electronic braille." (NLS).
• Veterans: "Veterans receive priority service from NLS — whether or not their blindness or disability is service-related." (NLS).
• Where: "Beginning with 19 libraries in 1931, the network has expanded to 55 regional libraries, 26 subregional libraries, and 13 advisory and outreach centers serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Guam." (NLS).

School materials: APH's Federal Quota and Bookshare

"In 1879, Congress enacted the Federal Act to Promote the Education of the Blind to provide specialized educational materials to students who are blind or visually impaired and is referred to as “The Federal Quota Program.”" (APH). In APH's words:

• "Educators and parents can use these funds to obtain specialized educational products and materials for students who are blind or low vision."
• "To register a student, you must speak with the Trustee who manages the account where the student resides in your state."
• "Federal law limits registration to persons working at less than college level but places no restriction on the ages of eligible students."
• "Adults in vocational or rehabilitation programs who have received a minimum of 120 hours of documented instruction in the previous calendar year also qualify for registration in this program."

Our schools for the blind guide explains how state schools and Trustees fit together.

For ebooks: "Thanks to funding from the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), Bookshare is free for all qualified US students and schools." "Qualified individuals who are not students pay a nominal annual fee for their membership" (Bookshare).

Veterans

"The Department of Veterans Affairs provides Blind and Visual Impairment Rehabilitation Services to eligible Veterans and active duty Service members." (VA). The Blinded Veterans Association, founded on March 28, 1945, by about 100 war-blinded soldiers, works for blinded veterans and their families (BVA).

Running a business: the Randolph-Sheppard program

"The Vending Facility program authorized by the Randolph-Sheppard Act provides persons who are blind with remunerative employment and self-support through the operation of vending facilities on federal and other property." State licensing agencies recruit, train and license the vendors (RSA).

The legal definition of blindness

Many programs start from the Social Security Act: "the term "blindness" means central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens." The law adds a visual field limit of 20 degrees (42 U.S.C. 416). Our article on what legally blind means goes through the numbers.

Where Braillito fits

Braille runs through almost every organization above: the NLS lends braille books, the NFB trains transcribers, and the ACB's magazine is the Braille Forum. "Simply put, Braille is vital to literacy for the blind," says the NFB (NFB). Braillito, our app, teaches braille. It teaches the braille cells in lessons with exercises you play, with lives, levels and a daily streak: 59 lessons in 8 worlds in English. It also has a translator, a dictionary and a cell builder. It is meant for anyone learning the code, such as adults who are losing their sight (learning braille as an adult) or sighted family members of a braille reader (learning braille as a sighted person).

Braillito is a subscription with no free version; depending on the plan, it starts with a free trial or a discounted first period, if it's your first subscription (is Braillito free?). Get Braillito.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the NFB and the ACB?

Both are national organizations of blind people, governed by their members at a yearly convention, with state affiliates. The NFB was founded in 1940 and is based in Baltimore; the ACB was founded in 1961 and has its office in Alexandria, Virginia. The NFB stresses that blind people speak for themselves; the ACB says there is no single right way to be blind.

Is the American Foundation for the Blind the same as the American Council of the Blind?

No. The ACB is a membership organization founded in 1961. The AFB is a foundation founded in 1921, known for its work with Helen Keller, its research journal and its advocacy. The ACB has served on the AFB's board.

How do I find services for the blind in my state?

Start with your state's vocational rehabilitation agency, or its agency for the blind if it has one; RSA lists them all. For books, call 888-NLS-READ. For a student, ask your state's APH Ex Officio Trustee about the Federal Quota. For peers and local advice, contact your NFB or ACB state affiliate.

Are services for the blind free?

Many are: NLS books and players, NFB-NEWSLINE, the NFB's white canes and Hadley's help. Bookshare is free for qualified US students; other members pay a small yearly fee.

Who can join the National Federation of the Blind?

Blind people, parents of blind children, blind students and people losing vision, among others. Joining a local chapter or division makes you a member of your state affiliate and the national organization.

What services are there for blind seniors?

Every state runs an independent living program for people 55 and older who are blind, through its VR agency. It teaches daily skills such as cooking, grooming and getting around, and can include visual aids. Hadley also offers free help for older adults.

How can I get free braille books?

Through the NLS: if you can't read regular print, your network library will mail braille books for free or let you download them. Students can also use Bookshare. More in where to get free braille books.