A Message from Penny Forward Founder and CEO, Chris Peterson
If you’ve been paying attention to the news, you might be feeling frustrated, uncertain, or even afraid about recent executive actions coming from Washington. You’re not alone.
On January 20th, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order titled Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing The next day, he followed it with Ending Illegal Discrimination And Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity
Then, on January 27th, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a memo temporarily pausing all federal grants and loans (You can read the memo here).
For those who rely on federal funding—including organizations that support blind and disabled people—this was a shock.
By January 28th, the White House released a Q&A statement trying to reassure us that this wasn’t a full freeze, and that programs like Social Security, Medicare, and SNAP wouldn’t be affected. They said this was just a temporary review to ensure federal funding aligns with the administration’s policies. (Read the full Q&A here).
Sounds harmless, right? It’s not.
Why This Matters to the Blind and Low Vision Community
It’s important to understand what’s happening here. While they insist that not all programs will be affected, the executive orders being enforced specifically target hiring practices and accessibility programs that help people with blindness and low vision live and work independently.
In other words, the very policies that have helped us gain access to jobs, education, and equal opportunity are being thrown out.
That means:
- Government agencies may no longer have to prioritize hiring disabled workers.
- Federal contractors—who employ many blind and disabled people—may no longer have to meet accessibility standards.
- Funding for accessibility programs, workplace accommodations, and assistive technology could disappear.
Even if nothing changes today, the uncertainty alone is dangerous. Organizations that provide services for us don’t know what will still be funded and what won’t. That makes it harder for them to plan, hire, and continue supporting us.
If We Stay Silent, We Lose
Let’s be honest: these policies are meant to scare us into silence.
When people in power push changes like these, they’re hoping that we’ll feel so overwhelmed, so discouraged, that we won’t fight back. They’re counting on our exhaustion.
But here’s the truth: silence is not an option. Silence is a green light for them to keep cutting our rights, our access, and our future.
Policies don’t change on their own. They change because people like us make noise.
What You Can Do—Right Now
We might not be able to stop these policies overnight, but there are concrete actions we can take to make sure our voices are heard—and that they carry weight.
1. Contact Your Elected Officials—Because They Work for You
This is not a time to sit back and hope for the best. Every senator, congressperson, governor, and state legislator needs to hear from us right now.
Why? Because the people who support these policies will be calling them. If we don’t, our side of the story will be ignored.
It doesn’t have to be intimidating or complicated. You don’t have to be a policy expert. Just tell them how these changes affect your life.
Here’s a simple message you can send:
“I’m a blind voter, and I am deeply concerned about how the recent executive orders will affect my ability to work and live independently. Removing accessibility programs and workplace protections for disabled Americans is unacceptable. I urge you to fight for equal opportunities for blind and disabled people.”
You can email, call, or write a letter. Here’s where to find your elected officials: Find and Contact Elected Officials | USAGov.
Even if you’ve never done this before, do it now. It takes five minutes, and it makes a real difference.
2. Mobilize Your Community
We are strongest when we act together. Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues—especially those who aren’t blind or disabled—about what’s happening. Ask them to contact their representatives too.
Not sure what to say? Here’s an example:
“The recent executive orders could eliminate programs that help blind and disabled people get jobs, receive workplace accommodations, and access technology that allows us to live independently. We need people like you to stand with us. Can you take five minutes to call your senator and tell them you support accessibility programs?”
Many people want to help but don’t know how. Be the person who gives them that push.
3. Protect Your Own Future
Government policies can change overnight, and that instability can put our financial security at risk. While we keep fighting for systemic change, we also need to focus on what we can control.
Here’s what you can do:
- Keep looking for work. If you’re job searching, don’t wait—keep going.
- Build additional income streams. If you’ve thought about starting a small business or side hustle, now is the time.
- Strengthen your skills and network. The stronger your position, the less vulnerable you are to sudden policy shifts.
No, this isn’t fair. And we shouldn’t have to think this way. But taking action now gives you more control over your future.
4. Tell Your Story—Loudly
Policies like these gain traction because most people don’t understand what it means to be blind or disabled. They don’t see us as part of the workforce. They don’t realize how much accessibility matters.
If we want to change minds, we have to show them.
That means:
- Sharing personal experiences on social media, in blogs, or even in conversations.
- Writing letters to newspapers or speaking at public meetings.
- Advocating for blind and disabled voices in workplace discussions, schools, and community spaces.
Some people won’t listen, and that’s fine. We’re not trying to change everyone—we’re looking for those who are willing to learn and stand with us.
We Have Power—Let’s Use It
This is a difficult time. It’s frustrating, it’s scary, and it’s exhausting. But we’ve faced barriers before, and we’ve overcome them.
Every right we have today—accessible voting, disability hiring initiatives, workplace accommodations, equal education opportunities—exists because people before us refused to stay silent.
Now it’s our turn.
We are not alone. We are not powerless. And we are not going anywhere.
So let’s speak up. Let’s organize. Let’s fight for our rights.
And let’s remind the world that we are here to stay.
Empowering Regards,
Chris Peterson, AFC®
Founder and CEO, Penny Forward
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