About

About

Our Vision: We envision a world of equal opportunity for everyone who is blind or has low vision.

Our Mission: Enhance employment and independent living outcomes for individuals who are blind or have low vision through research, training, education, and dissemination.

Founded in 1981

The National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision (NRTC) is the nation’s only federally funded center focused on employment outcomes for people who are blind or have low vision. The NRTC produces field-leading research and provides training to professionals ranging from direct-service practitioners to administrators of state agencies and federal programs.

Recap of 40 Years Recap of 40 Years (Screen Reader Version)

About

The NRTC is primarily funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). Our current NIDILRR funding is for a Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Employment for Individuals with Blindness or Other Visual Impairments (learn more about our current research projects here). The NRTC has also received research funding from the Institute of Education Sciences, the Office of Special Education Programs, and the National Institutes of Health, and currently receives funding for training and technical assistance activities for the Older Individuals who are Blind program through the Rehabilitation Services Administration.

NRTC Highlights

Research

Produced by NRTC staff over decades of study, we have contributed significantly to the field of employment for people who are blind or have low vision. Over 110 peer-reviewed publications have been produced by staff since 2011.

Training

Training is a key focus for the NRTC. We offer training for agencies providing services under the Older Individuals who are Blind program, and online continuing education courses. (Learn more about our training activities.)

Technical assistance

Provided to professionals who work with individuals who are blind or have low vision, these individuals themselves and their family members, employers, and anyone who has a question about blindness or low vision. We have a website dedicated to providing technical assistance. If you have a question for us, email us or call 662-325-2001.

Publications Research History Current Research

Faculty & Staff

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NRTC Employment Opportunities

Communications Specialist

Looking for a communication role where your work truly matters? Join the National Research & Training Center on Blindness & Low Vision (NRTC) at Mississippi State University as a Communications Specialist and help promote innovative research, training, and products that support people who are blind or have low vision across the country.

Apply via MSU's careers page.

The contents of this website were developed under grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant numbers 90RT5040, 90RTEM0007, 90RTEM0015). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this website do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.