New Orleans, Louisiana (July 10, 2025): The National Federation of the Blind, the transformative membership and advocacy organization advancing the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States, proudly presented its 2025 Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award to Dan Kelley, a dedicated coach, band director, teacher, and technology specialist whose career has empowered generations of blind students across the state of Ohio and beyond. The award was conferred during the organization’s annual convention, held this year in New Orleans.

For more than twenty-five years, Dan Kelley has transformed classrooms, band halls, and technology labs into places of innovation, independence, and achievement for blind students. Currently serving as an Assistive Technology Specialist for Ohio Deaf and Blind Education Services, Mr. Kelley has brought cutting-edge technology tools, Braille literacy, and hands-on learning experiences to students, families, and educators throughout Ohio.

From his early days as a teacher at the Ohio State School for the Blind, Kelley has led by example—whether marching with students in national parades or mentoring future educators in the finer points of screen reader software. He founded and led the first marching band comprised entirely of blind students, guiding them through performances across the country, including a historic appearance in the Rose Parade. He also played a key role in expanding Braille literacy opportunities by helping establish a second regional location for the Braille Challenge in Ohio, dramatically increasing access to this vital competition.

“Dan Kelley has spent his entire career reminding students—and the public—that blindness is not a barrier to excellence,” said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. “Whether he’s teaching a child to code with a refreshable Braille display or leading a band formation that spells ‘Ohio’ in Braille on a football field, Dan helps blind students claim their rightful place in every aspect of life. We are proud to honor him for his unwavering dedication, his innovative spirit, and his deep belief in the capacity of blind people to live the lives they want.”

Kelley’s work extends beyond the classroom. He has trained adults who are blind or deafblind in the use of access technology through programs like I Can Connect and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. He has also mentored students through extracurricular programs in goalball, podcasting, and STEM education.