Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) Investigates Extent of Rideshare Denials
In an effort to identify the ever-increasing challenges Guide Dogs for the Blind graduate’s face in patronizing rideshare services, GDB surveyed its alumni in the US and Canada in January and February of 2023. The goal of the research was to identify common experiences among surveyed individuals that reveal a need for intervention and/or increased awareness to improve the daily experiences of alums and members of the broader blind community.
NFB-C, CCB File Federal Complaint Against California’s Vote by Mail Requirement
Advocates for blind people and other groups of disabled voters in California say the state's rules require them to hand their ballot to another person to vote by mail. "California's paper-based ballot return requirement discriminates against voters with print disabilities because it requires these voters to unwillingly accept the assistance of others in order to vote by mail," lawyers for the National Federation of the Blind of California, California Council of the Blind and other groups said in a court filing in early April.
Advocacy and Public Policy Overview by NIB’s Public Policy Team
Rick Webster, vice president, public policy at National Industries for the Blind (NIB), is responsible for the organization’s efforts in advocacy and outreach to Congress on key issues impacting the employment of people who are blind. Mr. Webster seeks to harness the power of NIB associated nonprofit agencies in this work, including members of the Advocates for Leadership and Employment program, which trains employees who are blind working in NIB associated agencies to represent their agencies’ interests before the U.S. Congress and with state and local policymakers.