National Federation of the Blind of California

The National Federation of the Blind of California knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness does not hold us back. Together with love, hope and determination, we transform dreams into reality. Since 1971, the National Federation of the Blind of California has been helping members live the lives they want! With our chapters, divisions, committees, programs, and projects, the National Federation of the Blind of California is making the public aware that the real problem concerning blindness is not blindness itself but the lack of knowledge, understanding, and opportunity from our sighted peers. Get involved in the largest organization of the blind in the nation and in the state. Get involved in the National Federation of the Blind of California and help us live the lives we want 1. Who We Are The National Federation of the Blind of California is a 501c(3) nonprofit volunteer membership organization comprised of blind and interested sighted persons of all ages, their families and friends. Our committed local chapters, divisions, committees, programs, projects and well-trained leaders help newly blind people adjust to vision loss, and promote the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities. We bring our collective experiences together to effect change at the state and national level. 2. What We Do Assist blind persons to acquire the skills of independence Help blind persons to develop confidence in themselves through our many service activities Teach blind persons the skills of leadership through active participation in conventions, chapter meetings, and civic activities Encourage blind seniors to continue their active and meaningful lifestyles Prepare blind students for productive tax-paying careers through academic and training scholarships Inform diabetics about their options for coping with vision loss Support parents and friends of blind children with information about the capabilities of the blind Protect and promote the civil rights of blind persons through public education and legislative action Advocate for policies that eliminate discrimination and guarantee equal access to educational programs and high quality rehabilitation Educate the public through seminars, community activities and our publications 3. History of NFBCA-Sponsored Legislation AB-2312 John Dutra, Point-of-Sale machines was recently signed by Governor Schwarzenegger. Because of the installation of touchscreen point-of-sale machines, legislation was necessary to make these machines accessible once again to the blind and visually impaired population. AB-1010 (Yee) Forgiveness loans for VI teachers. Died due to budget. Rewritten by Pavley to require publishers to issue all books on diskette to students in grades K-12 — vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger, 2004 AB-2616(Lowenthal) Provided forgiveness loans and distance learning programs for teachers of the visually impaired – vetoed by Governor Davis, 2002 AB 2525(Jackson) Mandated non-visual access to voting machines – signed by Governor Davis, 2002