There are barriers to full participation in society by the blind. The National federation of the Blind stands ready to help blind people overcome these barriers when collective action is necessary. Many blind mothers and fathers are currently experiencing challenges from social service agencies who want to take their children. The recent increase in the number of such reported instances reflects not just an increase in government meddling or custodialism (although there is plenty of that), but heightened awareness and determination to take action on the part of the blind and their friends. The national Federation of the Blind is responding to a challenge. A blind mother in Florida is once again busy raising her child without interference from a social service agency. The agency backed down when the national Federation of the Blind came to her defense. Several cases are currently under way in which blindness is a central question in a custody suit. Because the national Federation of the Blind was not contacted, it is already too late for some blind mothers and fathers. The organization is determined to establish sound case law on this issue.