The German Federation Of The Blind and Partially Sighted (DBSV)

The German Federation of the Blind and Partially Sighted (DBSV) is the national organisation of visually impaired persons and patients who suffer from a disease leading to sight loss. As self-help organisation, DBSV strives for an inclusive, forward-looking society free of discrimination.

DBSV aims to make lasting improvements to the living conditions of blind and partially sighted persons in Germany. To achieve this, DBSV engages for instance in the following tasks:

Influencing the political process from start to finish
Advocating for accessibility in all spheres of life, including the built environment and digital areas
Upholding adequate compensatory measures for the disadvantages resulting from the disability.
Supporting the development and provision of assistive devices
Promoting tailored education and vocational training
Developing needs-based counselling and support services
Organising events to raise awareness about the blind and partially sighted community and their demands
Serving as contact point and partner for the media, interest groups, ophthalmologists and opticians as well as the general public
The work of DBSV is grounded in the understanding of equal rights for and equal participation of blind and partially sighted people as a human right. Therefore, DBSV works towards the full implementations of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Germany and in Europe.
Network
On the national level, DBSV in engaged in multiple network organisations, among them the German Disability Council (DBR), the National Association of Senior Citizens' Organisations (BAGSO) and the National Association of self-help organisations of people with disabilities and chronic diseases (BAG SELBSTHILFE). DBSV also initiated the German Foundation of the Blind (Blindenstiftung Deutschland) and is shareholder in the German School for the Blind (Blista) and the Legal Aid Office for Persons with Disabilities (rbm).

On the international level, DBSV is an active member of the European Blind Union and the World Blind Union. DBSV coordinates campaigns and projects for the European Blind Union and cooperates with other European Associations of the Blind in youth work and knowledge exchange. Through its members and networks, DBSV is also connected to the European Disability Forum, the European Deafblind Union and ICEVI Europe.

Der Deutsche Verband der Blinden und Sehbehinderten (DBSV)

Der Deutsche Verband der Blinden und Sehbehinderten (DBSV) ist die nationale Organisation für sehbehinderte Personen und Patienten, die an einer Krankheit leiden, die zu Sehverlust führt. Als Selbsthilfeorganisation strebt der DBSV eine integrative, zukunftsorientierte Gesellschaft ohne Diskriminierung an.