Causes I Believe In
I’ve been lucky enough to build a career around accessibility and advocacy, but the work doesn’t stop when I clock out. These are the organizations and causes I personally support — ones I believe are doing real, meaningful work for the blind and low vision community and beyond. If any of these resonate with you, I encourage you to get involved however you can.
Computers for the Blind
Computers for the Blind provides refurbished computers pre-loaded with assistive technology software to blind and visually impaired individuals at an incredibly low cost. For many people in the blind community, access to a properly configured computer is the difference between independence and isolation. This organization makes that access real and affordable.
How you can help: Donate a used computer, make a financial contribution, or spread the word to anyone in the blind community who needs access to technology. Even a $10 donation helps put a configured system in someone’s hands.
World Services for the Blind
World Services for the Blind is a comprehensive rehabilitation and vocational training center based in Little Rock, Arkansas. They offer life skills training, career development, assistive technology instruction, and job placement support for blind and visually impaired adults. WSB gives people the tools to live independently and pursue meaningful careers on their own terms.
How you can help: Donate financially, refer someone who could benefit from their programs, or volunteer your professional skills to support their mission.
NV Access (NVDA Screen Reader)
NV Access is the nonprofit organization behind NVDA — NonVisual Desktop Access — the world’s most widely used free and open-source screen reader. NVDA has given millions of blind and low vision people around the world access to computers without the financial barrier of expensive commercial software. The entire thing runs on donations and community support. As someone who built NVDA Coach on top of this platform, this one is personal for me.
How you can help: Make a donation directly on their website, share NVDA with anyone who needs a screen reader, or contribute to the open-source codebase on GitHub. Even a small recurring donation keeps this essential tool alive and developing.
American Council of the Blind
The American Council of the Blind is one of the leading advocacy organizations in the United States for people who are blind or visually impaired. They work on legislation, accessibility standards, community programs, and resources that directly impact the quality of life for blind Americans. ACB also runs a wide network of state and special-interest affiliates, so there’s likely a chapter near you.
How you can help: Become a member, attend or volunteer at ACB events, donate, or contact your representatives in support of accessibility legislation that ACB is championing.
National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. NFB operates from a philosophy of self-determination — blind people defining what blindness means and leading the charge on advocacy, education, and opportunity. From scholarships and job programs to legislative battles and community building, NFB has been shaping the landscape of blindness for decades.
How you can help: Join your local NFB chapter, donate to their scholarship fund, participate in their advocacy campaigns, or attend the annual convention to connect with the broader community.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people. They operate a 24/7 crisis lifeline, a safe online community, and research and advocacy programs that fight for the safety and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth. As someone who is openly gay and advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusion, this cause hits close to home. Young people deserve to feel safe, seen, and supported — period.
How you can help: Donate, volunteer as a crisis counselor, share their crisis line (1-866-488-7386) with anyone who might need it, or advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusive policies in your school, workplace, or community. You can also text START to 678-678 or chat at TheTrevorProject.org.
These organizations do work that matters. Whether you give time, money, or just amplify their message — it all adds up. Thank you for caring.
Stay groovy. Lots of love.
— Tony
Tony Gebhard 