THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF ILLINOIS

The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois

WELCOME TO

THE HOME PAGE OF

THE NATIONAL FEDERATION

OF THE BLIND OF ILLINOIS

Your source for information about the Illinois affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind

We're changing what it means to be blind in Illinois!

Vision Statement

Our VISION is to create a world where people who are blind share opportunities to lead satisfying and independent lives, equal to those who are not blind.

We commit ourselves to improving the lives of blind people in Illinois by living the VALUES of:

SECURITY

EQUALITY

AND

OPPORTUNITY

assuring comparable choices

to pursue our dreams.

Our MISSION as a grass roots “people’s movement” is to work together to advocate for ourselves and to encourage each other to achieve self-determined independence.

The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois demonstrates its commitment through statewide activities, advocating for children and adults of all ages. This includes developing and nurturing strong and informed relationships with both public and private schools and agencies responsible for providing services to the blind; seeking legislative solutions through cooperative ventures with our state representatives; and seeking private funding to support scholarships, work-study grants and internships for promising students. The NFBI Board of Directors also sponsors many low- income members in attending seminars, conventions and legislative events in order to provide mentoring and for them to learn more about possibilities for their futures. In many instances, attendance at such an event is the first time a newly blinded person has met other blind people with rich and interesting stories of success to share.

The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois carries out its work through collaboration and resource sharing with its strong National organization, through meetings and activities of its local chapters and through the education and mentorship activities of its more than 300 members scattered throughout the state. While the organization affirms its grass roots emphasis by reserving its leadership for people who are blind, all people who support our values and aspire to our vision are welcome to join our movement.

NFB Braille Literacy Initiative
The Braille Literacy Initiative includes information about the importance of Braille literacy,
The "Braille Readers Are Leaders Initiative," and information on purchasing the
2009 Louis Braille $1 coin.

NFBI Braille Literacy Initiative
The NFBI Braille Literacy Initiative page includes copies of proclamations
and Braille stories from NFBI members.

2010 NFBI Scholarship application. (Microsoft Word format)
2010 NFBI Scholarship application. (Adobe Reader PDF format)

2010 NFBI Internship application. (Microsoft Word format)
2010 NFBI Internship application. (Adobe Reader PDF format)

Announcements and Fund Raising Events Including NFB Certificates

Press Releases and News

NFBI Calendar of Events

NFBI Photos

Local Chapters

Illinois Association of Blind Students (IABS)

State and Chapter Constitution and Protocols

NFB of Illinois Board of Directors

NFB National Convention Information