Contributed by Lynelle Ross

The college experience poses unique and often trying obstacles for students with visual disabilities. Yet, earning a college degree is far from impossible. Universities and private organizations are doing more than ever to help visually impaired students. Between counseling, accommodations, learning tools, and specialized housing, there is much to understand about the options available to college students with visual disabilities. In this guide, we take an in-depth look at the evolving college experience for blind and low vision students, as well as offer useful tips and resources. 

Earning a college degree is no easy feat, regardless of circumstance or background. As such, for those with visual disabilities, educational success at the college level can be exceptionally difficult. The path to the graduation ceremony is lined with unique and often difficult challenges for blind and low vision students.

The good news, however, is that colleges are doing more than ever to help level the playing field for those with visual impairments. School accessibility departments, on campus clubs, and private non-profit organizations often work in tandem to make college life for those with vision loss easier and more enjoyable.

From testing accommodations, to reading tools, to special housing, there is a lot to learn about the college experience for those with visual impairments. In this guide, we explore how having a visual disability impacts the college experience, what universities are doing for visually disabled students, tips for visually impaired college students and their families, and other resources. 

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Creating Accessible Content for Content Creators: The Basics

November 30, 2022 | 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET

What does accessible content mean, and why is it important to your customers and employees? The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are a set of principles intended for content and web creators to ensure that all people, including those with disabilities, can view, interact and share information. This course will teach you how to create accessible content.

Tuesday, November 29, 2022, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom | Register for the virtual Social Media Accessibility Boutique

Social media has become a regular part of our daily lives. Whether it is keeping up with your family and friends’ latest activities on Facebook, engaging with people on Twitter, or watching the latest viral video on TikTok, there’s always something competing for our attention. But the lack of accessibility of social media platforms and content make it difficult for blind users to keep up with the latest trends and activities on social media.

The National Federation of the Blind in partnership with the Maryland Department of Disabilities is hosting a Social Media Accessibility Boutique where you can learn strategies for successfully navigating social media platforms as a blind person. The boutique will also feature tips on how you can make social media content accessible to blind and low vision users.

The Social Media Accessibility Boutique will focus on the Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram platforms. The training will include:

• Tips and recommendations on navigating the platforms with screen readers;
• Tips on finding and engaging with content; and
• Best practices for posting accessible content on social media.

Register today for the Social Media Accessibility Boutique, November 29, 2022, 2:00-3:30 p.m.

About Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility

The National Federation of the Blind is the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind people. Our Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility (CENA) provides resources and events with access technology experts. Learn more about CENA. Nonvisual accessibility is creating equal access for blind and low-vision users.

Accessible PDF Link