Blind Children’s Center Applauds California’s Legislative Progress in Supporting Individuals With Visual Impairments

The Blind Children’s Center (BCC) celebrates California’s continued efforts to promote greater support and inclusivity for individuals with visual impairments and the workforce supporting young children of ALL abilities. Recent legislation has provided educators and visually impaired individuals with critical resources to enhance their roles in the community. 

“Our commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for all children is strengthened by these new laws,” said Chief Executive Officer Sarah Orth. “Not only do they enhance support for our dedicated educators, but they also empower our students, ensuring they have the tools to navigate the world with confidence.”

On September 27, Assembly Bill 1930 was signed into law, removing the 10-year limit on Associate Teacher Permits. Under this new law, permits can now be renewed every five years upon completion of 105 professional development hours, with no maximum number of renewals. This change allows associate teachers to continuously renew their permits and maintain long-term contributions in the classroom.

Further progress has been made with Assembly Bill 1902, which was signed into law on September 21. Assembly Bill 1902 mandates that pharmacists provide accessible prescription labels, at no extra cost, to individuals who identify as blind, print disabled or have low vision.

“Here at the BCC, we have immense appreciation for all those who advocated for legislation that can help provide our students and families with exceptional care and education,” continued Orth. “We aim to give our students the resources and skills to thrive, regardless of the obstacles they may face. These steps empower visually impaired individuals to lead more independent lives.”

To learn more about these legislative advancements, visit Assembly Bill 1930 and Assembly Bill 1902. And for further information about BCC, visit https://www.blindchildrenscenter.org/.