LEARN
What is the Braille crisis?
Only 10% of children in CA schools can read Braille. Read this full article to learn why Braille is so important.
https://nfb.org/images/nfb/documents/pdf/braille_literacy_report_web.pdf
Technology used by the blind
Blind Americans use a variety of technology to navigate their everyday lives! Check out some of the cool equipment, widgets and gadgets on this resource page.
https://www.nfb.org/technology-resource-list
Legal issues
Learn about this California legislation and read the task force report at the California Department of Education website.
History of NFBC-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
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 195(Yee)
Recognized the need for Braille instruction and additional teachers of the visual impaired – signed by President of the Senate, Burton, and Assembly Speaker Nuñez
AB-2312(Dutra)
Provided non-visual access to point of sale machines – signed by Governor Schwarzenegger, 2004
AB-467(Dutra)
Provided non-visual access to ticket vending machines for public transportation – signed by Governor Davis, 2003
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
SB-105(Burton)
Created Division within the Department of Rehabilitation for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Deaf and Hard of Hearing – signed by Governor Davis, 2002
AB-2326(Frommer)
Braille Reading Standards – signed by Governor Davis, 2002
AB-2326(Frommer)
Braille Reading Standards – signed by Governor Davis, 2002
AB 306(Frommer)
Braille Literacy – signed by Governor Davis, 2001
AB 609(Wildman)
Braille Literacy – vetoed by Governor Davis, 2000
