Orlando, Florida (July 2, 2016): The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) has named Kathy Nimmer, a teacher at William Henry Harrison High School  in West Lafayette, Indiana, as its 2016 Blind Educator of the Year. Kathy was presented with the award at the NFB’s seventy-sixth annual national convention, held at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, Florida.

Ms. Nimmer has been teaching English and creative writing at William Henry Harrison High School since 1992, while also serving a four-year period as an accessibility consultant and as a workshop coordinator on writing and Braille for home-schooled students, as well as teaching a summer program for sighted students at her alma mater, Trinity Christian College, regarding Braille and guide dog etiquette. 

Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: “Kathy’s exceptional work in the education field is proof of our conviction that blind people can compete on terms of equality. Ms. Nimmer has dedicated herself to proving that blindness is not what defines her. The National Federation of the Blind commends Ms. Nimmer for her outstanding professional accomplishments as well as her commitment to living the life she wants.”

Ms. Nimmer received her bachelor’s degree in English education from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois, and her master’s in English from Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana. 

The Blind Educator of the Year Award carries with it a $1,000 prize. While in Orlando, Ms. Nimmer will address several hundred people and have an opportunity to share the experiences and insights that she has gained from being a blind educator.