You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.
The National Federation of the Blind of IL knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams.
Since 1968, the National Federation of the Blind of IL has been helping members live the lives they want! We know that the real problem concerning blindness is not blindness itself but the lack of knowledge, understanding, and opportunity. Get involved in the NFB of IL, the largest organization of the blind in the nation and in the state, and help us live the lives we want!
What is the NFB?
The National Federation of the Blind is an organization of the blind speaking for ourselves. Click here to learn more.
National Federation of the Blind COVID-19 Policy Relating to Public Events
Please give immediate attention to the policy directive from the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind related to the immediate postponement of public meetings of the organization. You can read the policy directive and hear an emergency Presidential Release related to this matter at https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-covid-19-policy-relating-public-events.
COVID-19 Resources
The National Federation of the Blind is closely monitoring the COVID-19 emergency, which is changing everyone’s lives but has unique effects on blind people. The health and safety of all of our members, colleagues, and friends is always our top priority. Information on the NFB’s COVID-19 Resources page, www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources, along with the NFB of Illinois’s COVID-19 Resources page, www.nfbofillinois.org/covid-19-resources, provides resources that may be particularly useful to blind people facing challenges during the emergency. If you have found other resources that you believe are useful, please email the information to communicationsteam@nfb.org and president@nfbofillinois.org. For the latest happenings with the NFB surrounding COVID-19, please visit www.nfb.org.
National Federation of the Blind Voting Resources
The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois wants to insure that all blind voters can vote privately and independently. For information on requesting an accessible vote by mail ballot and other voting information, please click here.
Illinois Board of Elections to Provide Accessible Vote-By-Mail Option for Blind, Deafblind, and Print-Disabled Voters
Springfield, Illinois (May 31, 2022): The Illinois State Board of Elections (SBE) announces the launch of a remote accessible vote-by-mail system for the June 2022 primary election. Click here to read the full press release.
National Convention
The National Federation of the Blind National Convention is the largest gathering of blind people in the world. Click here to learn more.
State Convention
The NFBIL State Convention is the largest gathering of blind people in the state. Click here to learn more.
Illinois Independent
The Illinois Independent is the flagship publication of the NFBIL covering events and activities , issues we face as blind people, and member highlights. Click here to learn more or contact Deborah Kent Stein, editor, at 773-203-1394 or dkent5817@att.net.
NFB BELL (Braille Enrichment for Literacy & Learning) Academy
The NFB BELL (Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning) Academy is a two-week summer day program that teaches confidence and independence skills through Braille, crafts, games, field trips, and interaction with blind mentors. Children ages 4 -12 learn that their blindness or low vision does not define them or their future. They can live the lives they want. Click here to learn more or contact Deborah Kent Stein, coordinator, at 773-203-1394 or dkent5817@att.net.
NFB-NEWSLINE
NFB-NEWSLINE is a free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, or print-disabled that offers access to 500 publications, job listings, weather alerts, and more. Access through the phone, apps, computer, Alexa, and more. Click here to learn more or contact David Meyer, coordinator, at 708-606-7091 or datemeyer@mysero.net.
KNFB Reader
KNFB Reader is an award-winning mobile app for blind, low-vision, dyslexic, and other print-disabled users that converts text to speech or text to Braille. Click here to learn more or contact Patti Gregory-Chang, coordinator, at 773-307-6440 or pattischang@gmail.com.
We Need Your Help! Monitor Uber and Lyft Compliance with Service Animal Agreement
If you use Uber or Lyft and have a service animal or travel with someone who does, please complete our Uber and Lyft survey. For questions, contact Leslie Hamric, coordinator, at 847-636-1662 or lhamric930@comcast.net.
NFB Vehicle Donations Program
Donate a vehicle to the NFB by calling 855-659-9314 or by making an online donation. For more information, contact Patti Gregory-Chang, coordinator, at 773-307-6440 or pattischang@gmail.com.
Additional Information
For additional information about the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois or how to send us a donation, please contact NFBIL President Marilyn Green at the following:
National Federation of the Blind of Illinois
5128 N. Oak Park Ave.
Chicago, IL 60656
Phone: 312-343-8396
Email: president@nfbofillinois.org