We Dare to Be Remarkable

by Anil Lewis

From the Editor: Anil Lewis is the Executive Director for Blindness Initiatives at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute. As such he oversees many of our professional collaboration initiatives, including efforts to build bridges between our organization and workers across rehabilitation, education, employment, and other areas. Here he writes about the most recent iteration of Dare to Be Remarkable, an ongoing effort to address the need for these collaborative relationships in the vocational rehabilitation field. More presentations from the Dare to Be Remarkable conference follow this introductory article. Here is Anil’s overview:

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Dare to Be Remarkable conference, held November 11-13, 2024, at the NFB Jernigan Institute, brought together professionals and advocates in the blindness education/rehabilitation community from across the country for an enriching and empowering event. This gathering was a unique platform for participants to engage in discussions, workshops, and presentations on the latest methodologies, challenges, and solutions in the field of blindness and low-vision services. The conference emphasized the transformative power of Structured Discovery (SD), a client-centered approach that fosters independence and self-determination for blind individuals through hands-on, nonvisual techniques. The schedule was packed with dynamic sessions and keynote speakers, each providing invaluable insights into improving rehabilitation practices and fostering greater inclusion in society for blind and low-vision individuals.

The opening keynote presentation by Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, set the tone for the first day of the conference, focusing on advocacy, education, and training initiatives informed by the lived experience of blind people and connections with the organized blind that are essential to empowering blind people. The two subsequent mornings brought keynotes from Danté Allen, Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, and Carlos R. Serván, Executive Director of the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Their addresses and others further explored the broader impact of effective blindness rehabilitation on employment and societal inclusion. All of the conference presenters, covering a variety of topics, emphasized the importance of innovation and continuous professional development in shaping the future of blindness services. Sessions were also designed to help participants learn how to meet the needs of various students with different cultural and life experiences, including those learning English as a second language, LGBTQ students, and students with additional disabilities including neurodivergence and cognitive challenges. Other topics included preventing students from “backsliding” after graduating from Structured Discovery training and specific techniques for teaching Braille, cane travel, and other skills. There were sessions for administrators, too, including one on successfully negotiating government contracts and requirements.

Some of the breakout sessions were inaugural meetings of groups of blindness professionals focusing on a specific area of training. These affinity workgroups offered a unique opportunity for attendees to network and plan for personal and professional growth. Conference attendees participated in diverse and thought-provoking discussions that were tailored to their specific professional roles, including instructors and administrators, with a focus on cultivating a deeper understanding of blindness rehabilitation techniques. These groups offered a chance for participants to interact with peers, exchange ideas, and share best practices in specialized areas such as orientation and mobility, home management, Braille, assistive technology, and administration of vocational rehabilitation programs.

The Dare to Be Remarkable conference served as an invaluable space for learning, networking, and growth. By bringing together experts and practitioners from across the nation, the event fostered a collaborative environment where participants can enhance their skills and broaden their perspectives on blindness rehabilitation, ultimately driving the vision of a more inclusive and accessible world for all.

We are already planning the next Dare to Be Remarkable conference, which includes determining whether to meet every two or three years. The affinity workgroups will continue to meet virtually between conferences. For more information, please email [email protected].