Reading Resource Profile for the NFB
National Federation of the Blind a Leading Braille Literacy Advocate
Dec 1, 2008
The National Federation of the Blind (the “of” is crucial) is the largest and most influential blindness organization in the United States, with over 50,000 members and chapters in every US state.
NFB advocacy has made airlines, restaurants, and websites accessible the blind, has fought misconceptions of what it means to be blind, and for over 60 years, has provided programming, technology, and strategies that elevate and empower blind people.
Brief History of the NFB
The NFB was formed in 1940 as a national advocacy organization to improve the lives of blind people. From its inception, NFB founders (who included Dr. Jacobus tenBroek, its first president) were determined that blind people would lead the organization. During its early campaigns for accessible housing, transportation, and equity in employment, the NFB’s approach sparked a new era of assertiveness for blind people. Conflicts over organizational structure led to a split and the formation of the American Council of the Blind in 1961.
The NFB regained its momentum and in 1968, when Dr. Kenneth Jernigan became its president, the organization’s influence continued to grow. The NFB established its current national headquarters (in Baltimore) in 1978, and in 2004, opened the $20 million Jernigan Institute, where the majority of NFB programming and research takes place.
How the NFB Helps Blind Readers
The NFB champions braille literacy, offering products, products and services to promote independent reading, such as mentoring programs, its Braille Transcription Resource List, and braille books for every reading level.
Materials Center: The NFB offers hundreds of free publications – books, speeches, pamphlets, and reports – on all aspects of blindness, including accessibility, legislation, and life skills
Braille Readers Are Leaders: A program and contest that encourages and instills pride in braille literacy (one of the highest predictors of professional success) among blind and low-vision students.
National Center for Blind Youth in Science: Web portal providing resources on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) subjects and careers, including: adapting science lessons; accessible math programs; effective nonvisual learning techniques; and biographies and audio interviews of successful blind scientists.
NFB Youth Slam: A five-day academy providing hands-on experience with STEM subjects and the opportunity to meet blind and low-vision youth from across the United States.
NFB Scholarship Program: The NFB wards annual scholarships recognizing the achievements of blind students pursuing or planning to pursue postsecondary education or a fulltime employee attending school part-time.
NFB-LINK: Online program pairing individuals seeking information (from blindness resources to gardening) with experienced Federationists.
NFB-NEWSLINE®: This free information service reads articles from many national and regional newspapers over the telephone.
Braille Is Beautiful: A program that teaches sighted students (targeting grades 4-6) how to read and write the braille alphabet to increase understanding and sensitivity of blind persons.
How to Contact the NFB
National Federation of the Blind
1800 Johnson Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
410.659.9314
In addition to its products and programs, the NFB offers blind people confidence-building, actionable information, a spirit of independence, and the assurance that life's obstacles can and will be overcome.
 |
