2012 NFB LAW Program

The National Federation of the Blind Announces the
NFB Leadership and Advocacy in Washington, D.C.,
Program for Students

Engaging the Voice of America’s Blind Youth

Program Details
About the Program
Eligibility
LAW FAQs

Program Details:

Who: Youth who are in grades six to nine or ages twelve to sixteen during the time of the program
When: April 13-18, 2012
Where: Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland
Cost: There will be a $250 fee per student/chaperone pair. Families will also be responsible for paying for their own lunch for two days while in Washington, D.C. (estimated around $10 per person per day.) Other expenses including meals, transportation, room, and board will be provided for students and their chaperones.  All accepted students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian, teacher, or blind/low-vision mentor from their home state. A total of twenty-four participants from across the country will be accepted.

The Application period has ended.  

Applications are DUE by Feburary 1, 2012.

About the Program:

The NFB Leadership and Advocacy in Washington, D.C., (LAW) Program is a four-day experience that will provide blind and low-vision students with a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of our country’s government, its history, and its culture while staying at the national headquarters for the National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore, Maryland.  In addition to learning about the history of the organized blindness civil rights movement, how resolutions are passed, and how blindness legislation is created, participants will learn more about the inner workings of the National Federation of the Blind, its advocacy work for blind individuals, and available resources for blind students and adults.  This program also strives to help empower youth with valuable resources to enhance their transition to high school including technology, blindness skills training, and information about scholarships.

Read about the NFB Law Program in the Summer 2011 Edition of Future Reflections

National standards addressed by this program.

Highlights of the Program include:

• Visits to historical sites in Washington, D.C. (Please note: because of the nature of these activities, selected applicants should expect lengthy periods of walking and standing.)
• Meetings with influential government leaders
• Presentations by prominent leaders from the largest blindness advocacy group in the country
• Tours of the National Federation of the Blind national headquarters
• Opportunities to interact with staff and technology from the International Braille and Technology Center, the largest lab of Braille and speech products for the blind 

Eligibility:

Eligible applicants include those who are in grades six to nine during the time of the program, or ages twelve to sixteen.  Students must be able to perform basic self-care skills; have some degree of independent travel skills; be able to read Braille, print, or both; and should, at a minimum, be able to understand content appropriate for students entering middle school or junior high.

For all other questions about the NFB LAW Program, please contact: 

Natalie L. Shaheen, MEd

Director of Education