An immersive, professional development program connecting teachers of blind students to the lived experiences of blind people.
The program will equip the participants with knowledge of the skills and attitudes that can help blind students thrive in school and beyond.
This program is free to participants.
Program Schedule and Locations
The program will launch in fall 2026 and run through the 2026–2027 school year, combining monthly virtual sessions with several in-person learning experiences.
Participants will meet once a month (October-June) via Zoom for two-hour sessions, with meeting times determined collaboratively to best accommodate everyone’s schedules.
In addition, participants will engage in four in-person events throughout the year:
- Kickoff Weekend: September 17–20, 2026 — Baltimore, Maryland
- Washington Seminar: January 31–February 3, 2027 — Washington, DC
- Immersive Weekend: March or April 2027 — Ruston, Louisiana
- National Federation of the Blind National Convention: July 1–8, 2027 — Austin, Texas
Note: Programming is subject to change; however, advance notice will be provided if any updates occur. In-person events typically run Thursday through Sunday, with the exception of the National Convention, which is a seven-night, eight-day event.
The National Federation of the Blind will cover transportation, lodging, and pre-approved travel expenses for all required in-person events.
Program sessions will explore topics such as Braille literacy, orientation and mobility, access technology, accessible STEM instruction, diversity, and additional areas identified by participants.
Central to the program is the perspective of the blind community—participants will learn directly from blind mentors and educators who model effective strategies for supporting students and families.
The following are just some of the topics and goals that we will cover in events throughout the year:
Understanding Blindness from a Blind Perspective
Participants will learn how the blind have organized to instill self-agency and mobilize for collective action. They will listen to tell-all educational accounts from blind adults and parents of blind children.
They will create a philosophical framework that will aid the teachers in promoting positive identity development with the blind youth they serve while stretching future educators to evaluate their attitudes about blindness by engaging them in nonvisual challenge activities.
Introduction to Advocacy
Participants will interact with NFB members during the organization’s annual legislative program (Washington Seminar), witnessing firsthand the power of consumer advocacy to advance opportunities for blind people.
Through formal and informal interactions with a wide variety of blind people, the teachers will expand their knowledge based on blindness which will support them in educating blind youth.
Successful Instructional Strategies from the Perspective of the Blind
Engagement with professionals at the Louisiana Center for the Blind and the Professional Development and Research on Blindness at Louisiana Tech University. Topics will include hands-on demonstrations focusing on Braille, access technology, and cane travel skills for students. Participants will explore the benefits and controversies of using blindfolds as teaching tools.
National Convention
Teachers will attend the National Convention, the largest gathering of blind people in the world. They will participate in a variety of sessions, particularly those focused on education. The teachers will observe, and where appropriate, help facilitate activities for blind youth designed to foster positive attitudes about blindness.
With access to thousands of blind people, parents of blind children, and teachers of the blind, members of the cohort will continue to build their professional learning networks.
Members of the cohort will be encouraged to participate in an NFB affiliate convention in their state or a neighboring state. These events will provide teachers with further opportunities to learn about blindness from blind people, observe blind mentors work with blind youth, and make invaluable connections with local community members and resources.
Who Should Apply
Individuals in the United States who are currently studying to be teachers of blind students or career teachers who are currently employed teaching blind/low-vision students in PK-12 settings.
How to Apply
The application is closed.
Qualifying applicants will be notified by May 8 to participate in a virtual interview. All applicants will be notified of their application status by June 19.
Supporters
Thank you to the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults.
Additional Information
For more information, contact us at [email protected] or 410-659-9314, extension 2418.