About > History
Our History
Since its founding in 1952, ICEVI has evolved from a small gathering of educators into a global membership network contributing to inclusive education systems for learners with visual impairment. This timeline highlights key milestones in ICEVI’s collaborative journey—marking how members and partners have helped shape policy, practice, and innovation across regions and decades.
Key Milestones
1952-1962
Foundations of Global Collaboration
ICEVI was established as a platform for educators working with children with visual impairment to connect, share practices, and foster early international collaboration. These formative years focused on supporting peer learning across countries, laying a foundation for long-term partnerships.1962-1972
Raising Quality and Voice
In consultation with members and education professionals, ICEVI supported improvements in the quality of education and launched The Educator journal to share perspectives and practices globally. Dialogue expanded to include learners with deafblindness and those with multiple disabilities.1972-1982
Expanding Reach and Inclusion
With increased input from members and regional educators, ICEVI promoted more inclusive teaching approaches for learners with low vision and additional disabilities. Regional conferences, hosted in partnership with local institutions, enabled greater knowledge exchange and participation.1982-1992
Prioritizing Equity in LMICs
ICEVI worked alongside members in low- and middle-income countries to improve educational opportunities for learners with visual impairment. The first regional conference in Africa, co-hosted in Kenya, reflected growing efforts to localize expertise and expand regional leadership.1992-2002
Building Advocacy and Regional Power
Marking its 50th anniversary, ICEVI supported members in strengthening regional representation and shared advocacy. The first South American conference, organized with partners in Brazil, reflected increased collaboration around national and regional education agendas.2002-2012
Global Partnerships for Inclusion
ICEVI contributed technical input to inclusive education initiatives in collaboration with international partners including UNESCO, UNICEF, and WHO. Its support focused on policy dialogue, training, and resource development, always through partnerships with its regional and national members.2012-2022
Technology and Accessibility
In response to member-led initiatives and global shifts, ICEVI supported the integration of accessible digital tools in learning environments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ICEVI shared open-access resources and highlighted local solutions developed by members to ensure learning continuity.2022-2024
Strategic Action and Systems Change
ICEVI contributed to systemic change by launching the Global Campaign for Inclusive Education, developed in alignment with global frameworks such as the UNCRPD and SDG 4. Working with members and partners, ICEVI supported the co-development of regional action plans, updated its digital platforms, and introduced indicators to help track shared progress toward more inclusive education systems.2025-2026
Launch of the ICEVI-WBU Global Braille Literacy Campaign
ICEVI and the World Blind Union launched a joint Global Braille Literacy Campaign to promote braille as a fundamental right and a foundation for literacy, education, and inclusion worldwide. The campaign brings partners together across regions to advance advocacy, develop resources, and strengthen research under the theme “More Braille: More Empowerment.”