Why I’m in Washington, D.C. This Week—And Why You Should Take Action Too

A Message from Penny Forward Founder and CEO, Chris Peterson

This week, I took some time away from Penny Forward to travel to Washington, D.C., and stand alongside my fellow advocates from the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). Our mission? To ensure that the voices of blind and low-vision Americans are heard loud and clear on Capitol Hill.

We’re here to push for changes to laws that will improve our financial capability, employment opportunities, and daily independence. But NFB isn’t the only organization advocating for these changes. The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is also actively engaged in federal advocacy and will be holding their D.C. Leadership event in March. Their efforts, like ours, aim to secure critical legislative wins for blind and low-vision Americans.

If you’re reading this and thinking, Well, that’s great, but I can’t drop everything and go to D.C., I’ve got good news for you: You can still make a difference from wherever you are.

Before I get into how, let’s talk about what’s at stake.

The Fight for Equal Access and Economic Empowerment

Our government, by design, is supposed to recognize us as equals. The Declaration of Independence says so. The Constitution says so. And yet, policies and laws that disproportionately disadvantage people with disabilities—especially blind people—persist.

Even worse, the current administration is actively working to weaken the rights and protections we do have. While Penny Forward’s financial education and counseling programs don’t directly rely on federal funding, many of our members do. Programs that support independent living, employment, and education for blind people are under constant threat.

That’s why I’m here. To strengthen, not weaken, that support.

Here are some of the key legislative priorities we’re advocating for:

1. The Blind Americans Return to Work Act

Right now, if a blind person receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) earns one dollar over the earnings limit, they lose all their benefits. That’s not an incentive to work—that’s a financial death trap.

The Blind Americans Return to Work Act would eliminate this “earnings cliff” and introduce a gradual phase-out instead. If passed, for every two dollars a blind worker earns above the limit, their benefits would be reduced by just one dollar. This means blind people would never be penalized for trying to work more.

2. The Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act

Many medical devices—blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, CPAP machines—now come with digital interfaces that are completely inaccessible to blind users. This is not just inconvenient; it’s dangerous.

The Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act would require manufacturers to design accessible interfaces on new medical devices so blind Americans can manage their own healthcare safely and independently.

3. The Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act

In 2025, it’s still shockingly common for websites and apps to be completely inaccessible. Businesses claim there’s no clear definition of “accessibility,” while millions of blind and disabled Americans struggle to use essential online services.

This bill would set clear accessibility standards, protect small businesses from liability when a third-party developer creates an inaccessible site, and provide a dedicated technical assistance center to help businesses comply.

4. Fully Autonomous Vehicles Legislation

Self-driving cars have the potential to be a game-changer for blind Americans—if they’re accessible. This legislation would ensure that autonomous vehicle technology is designed with nonvisual access in mind, giving us the same transportation freedom as everyone else.

5. The Access Technology Affordability Act

Screen readers, Braille displays, and other access technologies are not luxuries—they’re essential tools for employment and independence. But they’re expensive.

This act would provide a $2,000 refundable tax credit over three years to help blind Americans afford the technology they need.

6. The Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act

It’s 2025, and disabled people in the U.S. can still legally be paid less than the federal minimum wage. That’s because of Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, a relic from 1938 that allows employers to pay disabled workers pennies on the dollar.

This act would finally end this outdated, discriminatory practice and ensure that all disabled workers are paid fairly for their labor.

The American Council of the Blind’s Upcoming Advocacy Efforts

While NFB is in D.C. this week, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) will be holding their D.C. Leadership event in March. ACB also advocates for many of these same legislative priorities, along with other issues affecting the blind community. If you couldn’t make it to D.C. this week, consider supporting their efforts next month.

Both organizations are working toward the same goal: ensuring blind and low-vision Americans have equal access, economic opportunity, and independence.

What You Can Do Right Now

You don’t have to be in Washington, D.C., to make a difference. Here’s how you can take action from wherever you are:

1. Read Up on These Issues
   The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and the American Council of the Blind (ACB) both have excellent resources on these legislative priorities. While their agendas aren’t identical, they share a great deal of overlap.
2. Find Your Elected Officials
   Go to www.usa.gov/elected-officials to look up your representatives in the House and Senate.
3. Make a Phone Call
   Call your senators and representatives and tell them you support these bills. A simple message like this works: “Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a [constituent/advocate/blind person/etc.] from [Your City, State]. I’m calling to ask [Representative/Senator’s Name] to support [Bill Name]. This bill is critical for blind and low-vision Americans because [reason]. I would appreciate their support.”
4. Spread the Word
   Share this information on social media, email it to friends, and talk about it in your community. The more people who contact their lawmakers, the better our chances of getting these bills passed.

Our Rights Are Not Up for Debate

We shouldn’t have to fight for basic rights and equal treatment in 2025, but here we are. The good news? We’re not powerless.

Our elected officials work for us, and it’s time we remind them of that. These laws aren’t just policy proposals—they’re about our right to live, work, and participate in society on equal footing.

So, whether you’re here in D.C. or calling from home, your voice matters. Let’s make sure Congress hears it.

Strongly yours,

Chris Peterson, AFC®
Founder and CEO, Penny Forward