2021 Year in Review

“From our education programs to our employment initiatives and accessibility efforts and beyond, we are demonstrating that blindness is not the barrier that blind people face, and by connecting members of our organization, we help to break down the true artificial barriers in society.”

– Mark A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind

ENRICHING EDUCATION

A young blind BELL participant smiles and rings her bell.232 blind and low-vision students in NFB BELL® Academy In-Home Edition from fifty states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico

“The Teachers of Tomorrow cohort program has been such an enriching program, allowing us access to experienced professionals and individuals in the field. The sessions left us always with so much information, ideas and thoughts and enlightened us about all the different support groups and services we can connect through by joining the NFB.” – Teacher of blind students

Participants in Teachers of Tomorrow workin in the kitchen wearing sleepshades.22 teachers of blind students in Teachers of Tomorrow

564 children and families in Braille Reading Pals

898 winter celebration and Santa letters sent to young blind children

A young blind boy smiles as he tracks Braille on an index card.615 participants in Early Explorers

When I think of inclusion, I automatically think of NFB! Offering winter celebration letters in addition to letters from Santa is yet another example of how NFB honors and celebrates diversity! My students hale from all over Chicagoland and come from a variety of cultures. The winter celebration letters will warm hearts and put smiles on faces as students eagerly practice reading Braille. Thank you, NFB!” – Paula

FOSTERING INCLUSION

NFB-NEWSLINE® – a free audio service for people with disabilities*

  • A distinct log in to NFB-NEWSLINE every 17.6 seconds
  • Updated weather, job postings, tv listings, and more every day

*NFB-NEWSLINE can be accessed with Braille devices for blind and deafblind people.

126,823 subscribers served by telephone, mobile access points, and internet

Free White Cane Program

5,321 people received free white canes

RAISING EXPECTATIONS

“My Federation family is always there when I call: they are people who encourage me out of my comfort zone, advise me when I become confused, and support me in times of disappointment and celebration. I’ve grown as a leader, advocate, and traveler, but more importantly I’ve gained a support system that pushes me just as hard as I push myself.” – NFB Member

Two blind adults walk across a bridge one uses a guide dog, the other a cane.6,061 registered participants for National Convention

PLANNING AHEAD

You can discover more about the programs highlighted here and more of our important initiatives at https://nfb.org. We are a membership organization innovating all the time so that blind and low vision people can live the lives they want.

ACCOUNTABILITY & TRANSPARENCY

The National Federation of the Blind meets the most rigorous standards for charity accountability and transparency.

BBB Accredited Charity, give.orgCFC Combined Federal Campaign Approved CharityGuide Star Exchange Gold Participant

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Pie chart graphic representing: Management & General 3% and Fundraising 5% the rest of the pie chart is Program Services2021 Fundraising and Management & General as a percent of Total Public Support. To read our 2021 annual report, visit https://nfb.org/annual-report.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We could not do this critical work without our many generous supporters. Here are some ways that you can help us continue to help blind people live the lives they want.

CONTRIBUTE ONLINE

Three blind adults sit at a table having conversation.You can make a credit card contribution online at https://nfb.org/donate.

GIVE BY PHONE

Call 410-659-9314, extension 2282.

CONTRIBUTE BY MAIL

Checks should be made out to the “National Federation of the Blind” and mailed to the National Federation of the Blind, attention Outreach, at 200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place, Baltimore, Maryland 21230.

PLANNED GIVING

Including the National Federation of the Blind in your future plans is a thoughtful way to transform dreams into reality and ensure the next generation accelerates beyond the previous. It’s easier than you think. Learn more at  https://nfb.org/planned-giving or call 410-659-9314, extension 2422.