Governmental Affairs

The National Federation of the Blind of Texas San Antonio Chapter regularly participates in legislative and advocacy activities at the local, state, and the national level. Assistance is given to blind persons who are the victims of discrimination or whose rights have been denied. Such assistance may take the form of attempting amicable resolution of disputes, initiating court action, negotiating with public officials, conferring with private groups or individuals, and seeking publicity in the press and otherwise.

Important Legislative Action Needed!

Posted Monday March 21, 2011

The current state budget crisis in Texas may if not challenged by the blind and their friends could have detrimental effects on the availability and delivery of services to blind Texans. Action is needed on several legislative considerations which could have a negative impact on state services for the blind. The documents listed below provide additional information concerning the legislative process in Texas, our legislative initiatives and how you can help us preserve vital programs for the blind in Texas:

We are enlisting the assistance of current and past blind high school and college students in Texas by asking them to take a few minutes to complete this survey, which is aiming to help us collect data about the tuition exemption for blind students. Please answer questions truthfully and timely. The responses will be used to develop a fact sheet on this issue. You can take this survey at:

Texas College Student Survey

For additional information concerning our legislative efforts visit our Governmental Affairs Page

Washington Seminar

Chapter members travel to Austin and Washington, DC to speak with our state and national senators and representatives about concerns that affect the blind across the nation. Nationally, we work on strengthening Social Security laws affecting the blind, improving access to printed materials, and expanding educational opportunities for blind children.

Locally the chapter participates in city forums and activities aimed at improving oppportunities for our blind citizens. These activities include educating members of the San Antonio City Council to the need for improved public transportation, representing area blind individuals before city and county social service providers, insuring that area blind students of all ages receive a quality education from area public schools, colleges and private institutions, advocating on behalf ofblind San Antonians who have been wrongfully discriminated against due to their blindness and more.

United StatesLegislative Directory

Blind Texans are called upon to urge their U.S. House and Senate Members to support or oppose particular pieces of Federal legislation. The links below allow you to find contact information for your Texas U.S. Representative or Senator.

United States House of Representatives, (Texas)

United States Senate Directory, (Texas)

Texas State Legislature

The Texas State Legislature meets biennially in Austin. During some legislative sessions members and their friends are urged to contact their Texas State Representative or Senator asking them to support or oppose particular pieces of legislation. The following links allow you to access directories of Texas House of Representatives and Senators.

Texas House of Representatives Directory

Texas Senate Directory

San Antonio Mayor and City Council

The link below will take you to the Web site of the San Antonio Mayor and City Council. Want to know who your local elected officials are? Use your street address to find out who your City, County, School Board, State and Other Representatives are by visiting this Web site.

 Official Website of the City of San Antonio City Council

Texas Laws of Concern to the Blind

This section of our Governmental Page is still under development. Check back often to review and obtain copies of laws effecting blind persons in Texas.