Links

Connect with other parents nationwide. The National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPOBC), part of the National Federation of the Blind, supports families raising blind or visually impaired children. It provides guidance, resources, and community connections to help parents advocate effectively and set high expectations for their children. POBC also promotes equal access in education and encourages independence, confidence, and opportunity for blind youth.

Come to the State convention. The National Federation of the Blind Virginia (NFBV) advocates for the rights, independence, and full participation of blind and visually impaired Virginians. It offers peer support, education, mentorship, and community programs that empower individuals to live self-sufficient, confident lives. NFBV also works with policymakers and agencies to advance accessibility and strengthen opportunities across the state.

Register for Transition Programs and More. The Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) in Virginia supports people who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind with services that promote independence and employment. It provides rehabilitation, training, and assistive technology. The agency also partners with schools, employers, and communities to improve accessibility and opportunities.

Many great resources for parents! Perkins School for the Blind — founded in 1829 as the first school for the blind in the United States — is a long-standing leader in education and accessibility for people who are blind or deafblind. For non-residents, Perkins offers a wealth of services: an accessible library with braille, large-print and talking-book materials, assistive-technology support, and outreach/community programs — including early intervention and school-district consultative services — helping hundreds of visually impaired students and families beyond its Massachusetts campus. 

Learn Braille as a parent. Hadley is a U.S. nonprofit founded in 1920 that provides free, nationwide support for adults experiencing vision loss. It offers free online Braille classes open to parents. Beyond practical help (like lessons on using adaptive technology, navigating daily tasks, or reading with low vision), Hadley offers social and emotional support, peer discussion groups, and resources for families and professionals, all delivered online, by phone, or by mail.

Learn about a specialized school option. The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind is a state-run school in Virginia serving students who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired. It provides education and support to help students develop academic, social, and independent living skills.

Check for great outreach programs. The Maryland School for the Blind is a statewide resource center serving blind or low-vision children from birth through age 21, with both on-campus education and outreach programs. MSB’s outreach supports students across Maryland — and also serves out-of-state students from neighboring states like Virginia — offering low-vision assessments, braille/assistive-technology services, and support to local schools.