Ben Dallin’s story is one of resilience, adventure, determination, and a deep commitment to community and advocacy. Born in Anchorage, Alaska, on September 9, 1988, Ben’s early life unfolded in McGrath, a small, remote town two hundred and fifty miles northwest of Anchorage. His parents, Phyllis and Norvil, both schoolteachers, instilled in Ben a sense of curiosity and tenacity, qualities that would serve him well in navigating life as a blind person.
Diagnosed with Leber’s congenital amaurosis (LCA) at just three months old, Ben’s blindness was identified by a family member who noticed he wasn’t responding to visual cues. Despite the challenges of growing up in a town not connected to Alaska’s road system, Ben’s parents sought out resources and support. However, such resources were limited, and much of Ben’s early education in blindness techniques, such as learning Braille, fell to aides who were often learning just ahead of him. Despite these obstacles, Ben recalls the dedication of his community, which included family friends who were deeply invested in his success.
Ben’s early schooling was filled with adaptations. He learned Braille at a young age, though his education in the skill wasn’t comprehensive. He regrets not being encouraged to read with his left hand, a gap he worked to fill later in life. Despite this, Ben’s enthusiasm for reading flourished, aided by his parents’ belief that he should do as much as possible alongside his peers.
Ben’s middle school years were spent immersed in the rugged outdoor activities Alaska is known for—dog sledding, fishing, and hunting—opportunities that fostered a sense of independence and adventure. However, his family’s move to Spring Creek, Nevada, before his high school years marked the beginning of significant transitions.
In Nevada, Ben attended a school much larger than what he was accustomed to. He anticipated greater resources but quickly realized he would need to advocate for himself. The absence of timely Braille materials and knowledgeable support highlighted systemic challenges, yet his parents’ teaching backgrounds helped bridge many gaps. Ben excelled in extracurricular activities, especially Quiz Bowl, where his team captured the state championship three times, and he served as captain in his senior year. His pursuits weren’t limited to academics. He participated in band, all-state and honor choirs, and drama. While challenging, he found his high school years quite delightful.
Ben’s first year at Brigham Young University (BYU) was a dramatic change. He expected that this large university would understand blindness but was told it had been a long time since it had had a totally blind student. Ben lacked any substantial contact with other blind people, had limited travel skills, and found far less success in his first year than he had hoped. Unaware of many resources available to blind students, Ben struggled but began to find direction when he attended his first National Federation of the Blind event.
The turning point came when Ron Gardner, then president of the Utah affiliate, invited Ben to the Washington Seminar. Witnessing blind people confidently traveling, advocating, and contributing to legislative efforts inspired Ben profoundly and helped him gain confidence in his own abilities. This experience solidified his connection to the Federation and led him to attend the Louisiana Center for the Blind (LCB) for further training.
At LCB, Ben honed his travel and daily living skills, gaining the confidence to take on the world as a blind person. The thing he gained the most from his travel experience was understanding that, whether it looks glamorous or not, he can get where he wants to go when he wants to go there, and he is not limited to route travel that requires special training any time he goes into a new environment.
Following his training, Ben worked in various capacities, from teaching Braille and technology at training centers to roles in government and private organizations. He embraced challenges, such as moving to El Paso, Texas, for a job with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, where he quickly rose through the ranks. Later, he transitioned to a remote position with the Department of Education, conducting quality assurance and mentoring staff. These experiences broadened his skill set and prepared him for leadership roles.
Although the message the Federation sends is predominantly positive, Ben’s life experience means he is well-equipped to deal with the more difficult sides of being blind. It is difficult to be on a Federation high while surrounded by people who believe in blindness, only to go back out into the world and find that your church isn’t ready for you to be a missionary, and when those plans fall through and you make a decision to return to school, you find that it is the same old slog in dealing with the lack of accessible hardware, software, and digital information. Experiencing the depression that many of us have familiarity with is not something we would invite, but it does mean that empathy is more than a word in knowing and caring about blind people.
Ben’s involvement with the Federation deepened over the years. After moving to Wisconsin and marrying Chelsea, an equally dedicated Federationist, Ben quickly became the legislative director for the affiliate. He was elected as the affiliate’s treasurer, and after proving successful at that, it was clear to leadership and membership alike that he had plenty of energy and talent. By 2022, he was elected president of the Wisconsin affiliate, and in 2024, he joined the National Board of Directors. His passion for Braille, technology, and legislative advocacy remain cornerstones of his contributions, and he takes pride in mentoring new members and promoting a welcoming Federation culture.
Ben Dallin’s leadership is characterized by humility, empathy, and a drive to uplift others. He strives to bring his adventurous spirit to leadership and encourage and help others to pursue challenges and new opportunities. He focuses on helping people recognize their potential, breaking down barriers, and fostering connections. Whether through legislative efforts, mentoring, or simply welcoming new members, Ben’s impact is felt across the Federation.
His story is a testament to the power of community and the importance of self-advocacy. His journey reflects the Federation’s mission to transform dreams into reality, and his leadership exemplifies the spirit of giving back and paving the way forward for others. As Ben continues to lead and inspire, he remains grounded in his core belief: “The work we do is essential—not just for the blind of today but for future generations who deserve a world without barriers.”