More than five hundred thousand people in the United States are legally blind, and each year at least fifty thousand more will become blind. Studies show that, after AIDS and cancer, blindness is the medical condition people fear the most. When blindness strikes, many people turn to the National Federation of the Blind .

The National Federation of the Blind of Alabama is a self-help group of blind people who provide peer support for one another. The NFB of Alabama can help you understand that blindness need not be a tragedy. We work together to promote the goal of integrating blind people into society as equals and productive members. We work towards this goal by helping people outgrow their many misconceptions about blindness and by changing laws that affect the blind.

The NFB of Alabama is one of the 52 state affiliates, including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, of the National Federation of the Blind, an organization comprised of over fifty thousand blind and interested sighted members. It is the voice of the blind, organized to speak for ourselves.

The National Organization of Parents of Blind Children Division has given many parents the courage to hold the same hopes and expectations for their blind children as they have for their sighted ones. Through our organization, blind children meet other youngsters who are blind and competent blind adults, who can serve as role models. The National Organization of Parents of Blind Children publishes a quarterly magazine, Future Reflections, which addresses the growth and development of healthy blind children. Alabama parents of blind children can obtain further information about the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, (NOPBC), its programs, and activities by selecting the link above to visit the NOPBC'S National Web Site.

the National Federation of the Blind National Office and the NFB Alabama Affiliate awards scholarships to blind students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in order to achieve an academic degree, and to high school seniors preparing to enter post-secondary programs. When awarding scholarships to worthy blind students the scholarship committee considers academic excellence and community service as well as financial need.

Through the National Association of Blind Students, blind students share ideas and techniques for academic success and address important issues for blind students, including academic use of the alternative techniques of blindness such as Braille, readers, recorded textbooks, and independent mobility, as well as topics like student aid, internships, and undergraduate and graduate entrance exams.

The NFB Diabetics Committee and the NFB Diabetes Action Network promote the independence of blind diabetics. Voice of the Diabetic, the group's quarterly magazine (published in ink print and on cassette), provides information on the methods used by blind diabetics to manage the disease independently. It also discusses current medical developments in dealing with diabetes and its many complications. Above all, it shows diabetics that they have options, regardless of the complications they may face. In Alabama, you may contact Lois Williams,Alabama Spokesperson for the NFB Diabetes Action Network.

Lois' story is a must-read for anyone who has, or knows someone who has Diabetes.It was first published in Quality Perspectives, a monthly publication of the Alabama Quality Assurance Foundation, and a much-expandedversion more recently in Voice of the Diabetic the quarterly publication of the NFB Diabetes Action Network.

The NFB of Alabama advocates for blind Alabamians who are not receiving services to which they are entitled or who have faced discrimination. Blind Alabamians can receive information about social security benefits, supplemental security income, rehabilitation, and library services.

NewsLine for the Blind is a growing digitized newspaper reading service accessed by telephone and available to any blind or visually impaired who cannot read print.   The NewsLine service recently underwent a modernization program.  In March of this year, NewsLine became available in Alabama.  And, through use of 800 numbers, it is available to all who want it without incurring long-distance charges. 

The NFB sells white canes, Braille watches, talking clocks, Braille writing materials, and other aids and appliances to the blind at or below cost through a Independence Market at the NFB Headquarters.  We also provide assistance in the research, development, and evaluation of new technical aids and appliances.  Much important information for blind persons is available in Braille and recorded formats.

The National Federation of the Blind publishes the Braille Monitor, a monthly magazine in large print, Braille and on cassette. Subscriptions are available through our office. The Kernal Books series of short, large print paperbacks is a lively source of information about blindness written by blind people. Contact us for more information.

The NFB of Alabama concerns itself with all matters having to do with blindness. You can learn more by writing to the addresses below. Your support of the National Federation of the Blind of Alabama, an independent non-profit corporation, can help blind people today and those who will become blind tomorrow.  Thank you for your support, and for remembering the National Federation of the Blind in your will. You can make the difference. For more information about blindness or the NFB contact: