Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Empowering Blind Lives Through Advocacy & Education
We are the National Federation-The Blind, a collective force dedicated to transforming the lives of blind individuals across the United States. Since our founding in 1940, we have championed the belief that blindness does not define a person's potential. Our organization focuses on raising societal expectations of blind people through advocacy, education, and community-building initiatives. We provide critical resources such as the Free White Cane Program, the Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility, and the Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium. Our advocacy efforts span employment rights, educational equity, and voting accessibility, ensuring blind individuals have the tools to achieve independence. Through programs like Career Quest and the Blind Parent Mentoring Program, we empower diverse demographics, from students to seniors.Our research initiatives, including the National Center for Nonvisual Election Technology, drive innovation in accessibility standards. With a network of state affiliates and partnerships, we amplify our impact nationwide. Our leadership, rooted in lived experience, ensures our mission remains aligned with the needs of the blind community. We prioritize transparency, ethical governance, and member-driven decision-making to maintain trust. By fostering a culture of mutual support and resilience, we continue to break barriers and redefine what it means to live boldly as a blind person in America.
Services
Advocacy Programs
Educational Resources
Employment Support
Scholarship Programs
Accessibility Initiatives
Details
- Year established: 1940
Highlights and features
- We have advocated for blind rights since 1940 with a proven track record of policy impact.
- Our programs address the full spectrum of blind individuals' needs from childhood to career.
- We pioneered the Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility for technology innovation.
- Our leadership includes blind professionals with lived experience driving decision-making.
- We offer nationwide support through 50 state affiliates and specialized training centers.
Services
Advocacy Programs
We drive systemic change through legislative and legal advocacy to protect blind individuals' rights. Our initiatives focus on employment equity, educational access, and voting rights. With a network of state affiliates, we amplify grassroots efforts to influence national policy.
Educational Resources
We provide specialized tools like the Nemeth Code Curriculum for STEM education and Braille literacy programs. Our resources support educators, parents, and blind students from early childhood through higher education. The NFB BELL Academy offers immersive learning experiences.
Employment Support
Our Career Quest program offers pre-employment transition services for blind students. We connect job seekers with blind-owned businesses through the Blind Owned and Operated Marketplace. Training includes resume development and workplace advocacy.
Scholarship Programs
We award scholarships to blind students pursuing higher education and vocational training. The Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards recognize outstanding blind professionals. Our Blind Educator of the Year Award honors teaching excellence.
Accessibility Initiatives
Our Center of Excellence develops nonvisual accessibility standards for medical devices and voting systems. We certify accessible technology through the International Braille and Technology Center. The Self-Advocacy Toolkit empowers users to report inaccessibility.
People
Mark A. Riccobono
President
President of the National Federation-The Blind since 2014, Mark Riccobono leads efforts to expand opportunities for blind Americans through advocacy and innovation.
Pam Allen
Board Member
Serving on the NFB Board of Directors, Pam Allen contributes expertise in organizational governance and community engagement to advance the federation's mission.
Jessica Beecham
Board Member
Jessica Beecham works with the NFB leadership to develop programs supporting blind parents and educators, focusing on practical resources for daily challenges.
Shawn Callaway
Board Member
Shawn Callaway advocates for blind students' rights through NFB's educational initiatives, ensuring access to STEM programs and adaptive learning technologies.
Tracy Soforenko
Board Member
Tracy Soforenko champions accessibility in voting technology as part of the NFB's policy work, leading the National Center for Nonvisual Election Technology.
Questions
How can I join the National Federation of the Blind?
Visit our website to complete the membership application. Membership is open to blind individuals, families, and supporters committed to our mission.
Does the NFB offer financial assistance for blind students?
Yes, we provide scholarships through our Blindness Experience Teaching Internship and Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards programs for qualifying applicants.
What resources exist for blind parents?
Our Blind Parent Mentoring Program and Essential Guide to Effective Communication offer tailored support for navigating parenting challenges.
How does the NFB advocate for employment rights?
We partner with agencies to create job training programs like Career Quest and operate the Blind Owned and Operated Marketplace for business connections.
Can I donate equipment to the NFB?
Yes, we accept vehicle donations and other contributions through our planned giving programs to support our initiatives.
