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National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of...
National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind 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. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. The National Federation of the Blind believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power, influence, diversity, and determination to help transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people. Our democratically elected leaders and our diverse nationwide membership are made up of blind people, our families, and our friends. We are bound together by the shared belief that we are capable of achieving our dreams and living the lives we want. We support one another, act with courage and determination when we encounter barriers or experience setbacks, and engage in collective action to improve our lives.
General information
Firm type
other
Year founded
1940
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Baltimore
Corporate office
Ann Arbor, MI, United States
Additional offices
New York · Menlo Park · Chicago · San Francisco · Baltimore
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Is the National Federation of the Blind a charity or a membership organization?
The NFB is a membership organization run by blind people, not a traditional charity. Members pay annual dues, elect their own leadership, and set policy through an annual convention. It does not employ sighted executives or boards to direct its programs.
How does the NFB relate to the American Foundation for the Blind?
Both organizations advocate for blind people but differ in structure and governance. The NFB is member-led and operated entirely by blind individuals, while the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a nonprofit run by a board that historically has included sighted members. The two organizations sometimes collaborate but have distinct approaches.
Does the NFB offer direct services like job placement or training?
Yes. The NFB operates the Jernigan Institute, which runs training programs for blind youth and adults, including the NFB BELL Academy for children and the NFB Train the Trainer program for professionals. It also runs NFB Newsline, a free audio newspaper service available by phone or app.
What is the NFB's position on guide dogs versus technology?
The NFB supports both guide dogs and technology as tools for independence but emphasizes that blind people should have the right to choose. It does not promote one over the other. The organization has been a major advocate for accessible technology, including screen readers and self-driving cars.
How does the NFB fund its operations?
The NFB is funded primarily through member dues, individual donations, grants from foundations and corporations, and income from NFB Newsline subscriptions. It does not accept government funds that could compromise its advocacy independence. Financial disclosures are filed publicly as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Does the NFB invest in companies or manage an endowment?
The NFB manages a modest endowment to support its programs, but it does not function as an investment firm or family office. The organization's primary financial activity is grantmaking and program funding, not asset deployment. No public data exists on an AUM or investment portfolio.
What is the NFB's position on changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act?
The NFB actively monitors and lobbies for ADA protections and has opposed rule changes that could weaken enforcement or narrow the definition of disability. It supported the ADA Education and Reform Act in 2017 but later opposed a version it viewed as weakening standards (per NFB legislative alerts, 2018).
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