The National Foundation for Blind Children has its roots in the unique and sometimes groundbreaking programs for blind children developed by private agencies to meet the needs of these children in communities across the country. Developing and disseminating programs that prepare children who are blind or severely visually impaired for independent living are the main focus of Foundation efforts.

The mainstreaming of these children has presented a challenge for those who are charged with the goal of preparing them for the rest of their lives. Fortunately, blindness in children is not a high incidence disability, but the rarity of incidence presents it own unique set of problems. Since blind children are not present in high numbers, they tend to be isolated, being the only blind child in their family, church or school. As a result, those who typically teach and interact with blind children often have little experience in dealing with vision loss and may not have the tools and skills necessary to assist blind students in achieving maximum independence. It is not unusual for blind and visually impaired students to sit on the sidelines while their sighted counterparts are careening down sliding boards, playing kickball, sled riding, roller skating, etc. Schools try to do their best but do not always have the resources and skills needed to include these children. This disparity spills over into the classroom as well. An example is in technology skills. Schoolchildren at an early age are using computers and navigating the internet for research and projects. Schools are usually willing to acquire assistive technology for blind students, but rarely have anyone on staff who knows how to instruct the blind student on how to use it to its maximum potential. Additionally, assistive technology changes rapidly and it is difficult for a school system with one blind child to stay current on what is available.

 So, the question is, “What can be done about this situation?” That is where the National Foundation for Blind Children can play a role. There are many agencies, schools and organizations across the country that have developed unique and effective programs to address these and other problems encountered by blind and severely visually impaired children. The central task of the Foundation is to identify “best practices and programs” from the field of children’s programs and to provide a forum for sharing those practices.

We hope you find the program outlines on the website useful in developing meaningful activities for blind and severely visually impaired children in your communities. And, we invite you to share your successful programs with us. Submitted programs will be reviewed and, once accepted, will be posted on the web site along with other innovative ideas that help prepare blind children for a successful, independent life.

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