Orlando, Florida (July 5, 2024): The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) announced today that Dori Senatori has been selected as the 2024 Distinguished Educator of Blind Students. This prestigious award recognizes an educator who has made a significant impact in the lives of blind students, empowering them with the skills and confidence to live the lives they want. 

Ms. Senatori currently serves as the Day Student Coordinator at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) and has been instrumental in transforming the educational experiences of her students. Her role has encompassed a range of responsibilities, from providing explicit instruction in the Expanded Core Curriculum to creating individualized learning opportunities that prepare students for all aspects of adult life.

Ms. Senatori's colleagues and students alike speak highly of her dedication, creativity, and collaborative spirit. "Dori possesses knowledge, experience, the ability to approach problems creatively, and the ability to lead a team in a collaborative manner," said Tad Doezema, Assistant Principal at TSBVI. "Her commitment to the mission of TSBVI and to each student and family she supports is unwavering."

One of Ms. Senatori's notable achievements has been strengthening the relationship between TSBVI and the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). After participating in the NFB’s Teacher of Tomorrow program in 2021, she began working with the organization’s Texas affiliate to bring career mentoring to the TSBVI campus, providing her students with invaluable access to blind professionals and mentorship opportunities that extend beyond their school years.

Norma Crosby, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas, expressed her enthusiasm for Senatori's selection: "Dori's dedication to her students and her commitment to the values of the NFB are truly commendable. Her efforts to connect students to life-long mentorship and resources have placed them on the path towards lives of possibilities and prosperity."

The impact of Ms. Senatori's work is perhaps best summed up by Madison Flores, a former student who attended the EXIT transition program at TSBVI: "Dori encouraged me to take control of my own life. She always reminded me that I am the driver, and that really stuck with me. I am incredibly grateful for the impact she had on my life."

“Dori Senatori has shown outstanding commitment not only to preparing her students to succeed academically and to develop blindness skills, but in helping them to build a network of mentoring and friendship that will sustain them long after they leave school,” said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. “Her work is living testimony to what can be achieved when teachers of blind students collaborate with blind people to help blind children and youth internalize the truth that blindness does not define them or their future. The National Federation of the Blind is proud to recognize the invaluable contributions that Dori is making to her students and to our community.”

The Distinguished Educator of Blind Students award carries with it a 1,000 dollar cash prize and an opportunity to address hundreds of parents of blind students and network with other blind individuals and teachers of blind students at the 2024 National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind, which is taking place in Orlando through July 8.