Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness

Research

The Institute on Blindness conducts a variety of research activities that address serious obstacles facing blind people in areas such as Braille literacy, access to employment, and integration within the community. A fundamental tenet of the program is a belief that given proper training and opportunity, blind people can compete in virtually all areas of employment and community life. This simple philosophy is revolutionary in that it is counter to traditional views of blindness that have guided educational and employment services for blind people in the United States. The Institute’s research activities reflect a belief in the ability of blind people to live full and normal lives. Accordingly, research activities center on finding ways of addressing barriers to full integration, such as high rates of illiteracy and unemployment.