This paper discusses building smart communities (i.e., communities that provide an advanced communication and information infrastructure and that enable residents and organizations to make good and independent use of these technologies) that benefit blind and visually impaired persons. The first section summarizes ways that the potential of smart communities for blind and visually impaired people can be realized. The second section provides a definition and description of a smart community. The third section lists areas for the application of technology. The fourth section summarizes barriers to the development of smart communities for blind and visually impaired people. The fifth section, presents an action agenda for building smart communities that includes: (1) vision--developing and communicating a clear vision; (2) community engagement, including conducting an inventory/needs assessment; (3) smart services, including principles for smart services and accessible World Wide Web portals; (4) infrastructure, including building an accessible information technology infrastructure, providing equitable and affordable access, adaptive technology, and a high speed connectivity plan; (5) training and education--training people to use the information technologies in creative and innovative ways; (6) strategic partnerships--building a coordinated, multi-member, community-wide partnership; (7) identify smart community champions; and (8) develop a business plan. The appendix presents examples of smart community developments in Canada, France, and Scotland. (MES)