AFB has identified five areas of policy advocacy for the 2022 calendar year. Supported by an active research agenda, AFB works independently and in coalition to identify and create opportunities for change that remove barriers and expand the possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision.

1. AFB is advocating for full digital inclusion.

  • We will advocate for web accessibility regulations issued by the US Department of Justice.
  • We will support legislation that expands access to websites, applications, video programming, and other digital platforms.
  • We will oppose any legislation that would weaken ADA requirements for physical and digital accessibility.
  • We will work to improve accessibility in key focus areas, including educational technology, employment platforms, and telehealth.
  • We will continue to participate in the Disability Advisory Committee of the Federal Communications Commission.

2. AFB continues to work toward equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Using AFB’s research, we will support inclusive and equitable policies that help blind and low vision children and adults recover from the pandemic.
  • We will advocate for the removal of barriers to accessing COVID-19 testing and vaccines.
  • We will support efforts to close the digital divide.

3. AFB advocates for reliable, high-quality, accessible transportation options for people who are blind or have low vision.

  • We will advocate for the Disability Access to Transportation Act.
  • We will advocate for autonomous vehicle policy that creates a clear path to accessibility and safety.
  • We will follow federal implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and advocate for the access needs of people who are blind or have low vision.

4. AFB works to ensure all students have access to high-quality education.

  • We will support ongoing “return-to-school” efforts and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic with insights from the Access and Engagement studies.

  • We will advocate for better accessibility and usability in educational technologies.

5. AFB works to reduce barriers to employment opportunities and leverage federal workforce policy to move more people into employment.

  • We will support community-wide efforts to pass the Transformation to Competitive Employment Act and support policies that improve access to competitive integrated employment.
  • In conjunction with AFB’s programs, we will monitor national workforce policy to promote innovative paths toward employment for people who are blind or have low vision.
  • We will disseminate findings and recommendations from our Workplace Technology Study to improve practices around applications, on-boarding, training, procurement, and retention efforts for blind and low vision employees in the public and private sector.
Next 2021 Public Policy Priorities