The National Federation of the Blind is the largest membership organization of blind people in the nation, having chapters in every state and approximately 50,000 individual members. It is the blind speaking for themselves. The National Federation of the Blind seeks to integrate the blind into society on the basis of equality with the sighted so that the blind are seen as normal, participating citizens--as people you would want to know, to hire, to work with, associate with in clubs and recreation.
We seek to show the public that we are just normal people who cannot see--not helpless and dependent, not blessed with special powers and gifts. We help the newly blinded learn that life can still be good. We show blind children that they can have a meaningful future. With proper training and skills, the blind can take a normal part in society--education, a job, a home, a family, normal recreation (camping, bowling, water skiing), and participation in community affairs.
We help blind persons find jobs--and the confidence to get and keep those jobs. Many willing, capable blind people have never had a job. Seventy percent of the blind are unemployed. Many of the rest are underemployed.
Our work is in the best interest of every American--our work to reduce blindness from a tragedy to a mere nuisance, our work to help the public accept the blind as normal people, our work to see that blindness does not mean isolation and dreadful loneliness.
How Can I Help?
You can inform yourself about blindness and help inform others. You can write
for our literature, and you can get to know blind persons in your community. Blindness can happen to you or to one of your friends or to a member of your family. Don't wait for it to happen before doing something about it. You can begin today.
You can also help by making cash contributions to our organization or remembering the National Federation of the Blind in your will. The National Federation of the Blind is supported by public contributions. Donations are tax deductible and may be sent to: National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230-4998.