Paul Schroeder serves as Vice President of Government Relations for the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB).  He is also the Senior Contributing Editor for AccessWorld: Technology for Consumers with Visual Impairments which is published by AFB Press.

Schroeder joined the staff of AFB in 1994 as National Program Associate in Telecommunications and Technology.  Prior to joining AFB, Schroeder served for three years as Director of Governmental Affairs for the American Council of the Blind in Washington, D.C.

He is responsible for AFB's activities related to legislative and public            policy issues and collaborates with other organizations working on policy matters in the field of blindness and visual impairment. In this capacity, he regularly provides input on a variety of issues to governmental agencies, private industry, and nonprofit organizations. 

Schroeder currently serves as President of the Alliance for Public Technology and as President of the International Coalition for Access Engineers and Specialists (ICAES).  He served as the vice chair of the Telecommunications Access Advisory Committee, a federal committee comprised of representatives from the disability community and the information technology industry, which compiled a report and set of guidelines for accessible telecommunications equipment. 

While with the American Council of the Blind, Schroeder helped to negotiate an agreement with the Regional Bell Operating Companies resulting in the inclusion of ground-breaking disability access language in various telecommunications reform bills -- including the landmark Telecommunications Act of 1996, which was signed into law in February.

During his career, Schroeder has been an active advocate in several areas including the Americans with Disabilities Act, health care reform, telecommunications policy, transportation and vocational rehabilitation. 

From 1985 to 1991, Schroeder was the Special Projects Coordinator for the Governor's Office of Advocacy for People with Disabilities in Columbus, Ohio.  While in Columbus, he served on the Board of Directors for the Central Ohio Radio Reading Service, which provides information to individuals unable to read newspapers and other print periodicals. 

Schroeder holds a B.A. in Political Science and International Studies from American University.  He lives in Maryland with his wife, Lori and daughters, Hannah and Leah. 

February, 2001