Advocacy and Public Policy
At the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, we focus on advocacy and public policy, specifically with regard to rehabilitation services and information.
Effecting public policy on matters that impact the visually impaired and advocating for the rights of all persons with a disability are carried out at the executive and upper management levels. We work closely with consumer groups and individuals at the local state and federal levels in order to have the greatest impact on the decisions affecting the lives in the community we serve.
Guide to Accessible Voting
The right to vote is a fundamental right granted to all Americans, and blind and visually impaired Americans are entitled to the same protections under the law. Visually impaired voters have the right to an accessible voting facility where they can vote independently.
To learn about the various laws and regulations, read People With Disabilities Vote - a document that discusses, not only the importance of voting, and explains how to register and what to do on election day. Read the Secretary of State’s Review of Voting Machines Certified for Use in California.
Visit the Federal Election Commission's HAVA website for more information
on the Help America Vote Act.
Pedestrian Safety
In June of 2007, the LightHouse reached a historic agreement with the City of San Francisco to equip a minimum of 80 intersections with Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), over the next two and a half years. In addition, San Francisco will develop a procedure for individuals to request the installation of an APS. The City is committed to working closely with the blind community to improve safety for persons with disabilities.
Resources on Pedestrian Safety can be found in our Materials Resource Center
Tips for Filing a Complaint
Individuals who are blind or visually impaired occasionally face challenges in obtaining the services or assistance they are entitled to by law. Most often, these challenges result from a lack of education on the rights of blind and visually impaired persons. The vast majority of these issues can be overcome through self-advocacy.
If you believe that your rights have been violated, and you need to file a complaint, there are some important things to keep in mind.
- Try to write down as much information as possible about the event. Keeping a log will help you keep track of everything.
- Write down who you talked to and what they said.
- Get the person to tell you what action steps they will take regarding your issue. For example, if you had a problem with a bus driver, learn how the transit agency will handle it. Will the driver be reprimanded informally, in writing, sent to sensitivity training, etc.
- Do not underestimate the power of collective action. Consider partnering with a consumer group, such as the National Federation of the Blind or the American Council of the Blind. Visit www.nfb.org or www.acb.org to locate your nearest affiliate. It is likely that the difficulties you are having have been experienced by others, and a collective voice is always more powerful.
Often, it is a challenge to figure out exactly where to file a complaint with. For issues regarding California state law, such as the Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Unruh Civil Rights Act, contact the Department of Fair Employment and Housing.
For questions on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), there are a number of agencies responsible for enforcement. It is important to determine the issues and organizations relevant to your complaint. To obtain contact information for the agency that addresses your specificconcern, go to List of ADA Enforcement Agencies (DOC).
If you have questions, please feel free to contact the LightHouse's Vision Loss Resource Center. Though we cannot provide legal advice or representation, we would be happy to direct you to the best agency that will address your concerns.
