Since its establishment in 1984, the World Blind Union (WBU) has grown into a powerful global network of nearly 190 member nations dedicated to advocating for the rights of blind and partially sighted people.
Representing organizations from six continents, WBU unites efforts to address critical issues facing the blind community worldwide. Membership in the WBU connects organizations and individuals to this vibrant global movement, offering exclusive access to resources, events, and initiatives that enhance advocacy and capacity building. Join us in our mission to create a more inclusive world for the 338 million blind and partially sighted people around the globe.
WBU members are categorized into four distinct groups:
National Members
Organizations of and for the blind that represent their countries and work to drive national-level advocacy and change.
International Members
Organizations that coordinate large-scale, cross-border programs benefiting the blind community on a global level.
Honorary Life Members
Individuals recognized for their long-standing and outstanding service to the blind community, either regionally or globally.
Associate Members
Individuals, organizations, or foundations with a strong interest in supporting the WBU's mission and being part of the global advocacy network.
Afghanistan Association of the Blind
The Afghanistan Association of the Blind (AAB), established in 1996, supports the visually impaired across Afghanistan through vocational training, education, and mobility programs. It has empowered nearly 4,700 individuals, including high school and university graduates, while also promoting blind cricket and representing Afghanistan in global blind unions like WBU and ABU.
Albanian Blind Association / Shoqata e te Verberve te Shqiperise (SHVSH)
The Albanian Association of the Blind is an organization established on January 8, 1991, focused on protecting the rights and providing special services for blind citizens in Albania.
Associaçao Nacional de Cegos e Amblíopes de Angola
The ANCAA – National Association of the Blind and Amblyopic of Angola is a philanthropic organization recognized by the Angolan State under No. 01401/10 in the Official Gazette and registered with the Ministry of Justice under No. 02/2011. It has over 5,000 members and representations in 10 provinces, including Luanda, Uíge, Namibe, Huambo, Cabinda, Bengo, Cuanza Sul, Cuanza Norte, Bié, and Malanje.
Federación Argentina de Instituciones de Ciegos y Amblíopes (FAICA)
Federación Argentina de Instituciones de Ciegos y Amblíopes (FAICA) builds alliances and advocate at the national level with government agencies and civil society organizations to promote rights, accessibility, full participation, and autonomy for blind and low-vision individuals. The human rights paradigm, the social model of disability, the 2030 Agenda, and federal and gender perspectives are fundamental pillars of our work and political positioning.
Bill Jolley
Honorary Life Member 2021
Blind Citizens Australia
Blind Citizens Australia is the national representative organisation of people who are blind or vision impaired. Our purpose is to inform, connect, and empower Australians who are blind or vision impaired and the broader community.