The National Federation of the Blind of Utah (NFB) is the largest organization of the blind in the state of Utah. Founded in 1957, the Federation’s purpose is to help blind people achieve self-confidence, self-respect, and self-determination. The NFB of Utah represents Utah as part of the National Federation of the Blind. This organization of the blind has members in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Our goal is the complete integration of the blind into society on a basis of equality. We are a not for profit 501C (3) charitable organization that consists of both blind and sighted members. The NFB of Utah has chapters located in St. George, Utah County, Salt Lake, and Weber/Davis. We have a Parents Division for both Parents of blind children and blind parents. We have a Spanish speaking division and we have groups for students, guide dog users, and an at-large group. The Chapters, divisions, and groups meet monthly either in person or via zoom. We are a membership organization working towards transforming the lives of blind and low vision individuals. Most of us are volunteers, and through hard work we make our dreams of independence and productivity come true. If the problems facing the blind are to be solved (and we believe they can be), the blind of Utah, working collectively, must do it. We dare to dream of a bright tomorrow for ourselves, for blind children, and for those who come after us; and we are prepared to work together to bring that future into being. This is the essence of the National Federation of the Blind of Utah.
What does the NFB of Utah do to enhance opportunity for the blind?
The National Federation of the Blind of Utah is committed to changing common myths and misconceptions of blindness by:
- Providing a vehicle for collective action by blind people themselves acting through an organizational structure consisting of a network of local chapters and divisions across the state of Utah.
- Educating the public about the true nature of blindness through our literature, through public appearances, and through our daily lives as independent and productive citizens.
- Promoting the interests of the blind in the Utah state legislatures, in the halls of Congress, and in the courts.
- Helping families with blind youth ensure that their children learn the skills for coping with blindness and have access to information and educational opportunities that will allow them to keep pace with their sighted friends as they grow.
- Creating and promoting specific activities that help blind children gain independence through Braille, Cane Travel, Social Skills, and so much more.
- Working with transition age students in a program called Project STRIVE (Successful Transition Requires Independence, Vocation, and Education) this program directly impacts transition aged students in both blindness skills and much needed soft skills that will help throughout their lives.
- Helping blind children achieve literacy by teaching them braille, this program is called BELL (Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning)
- Providing support, information, networking, and resources for Blind Seniors and providing support to their sighted spouses and families.
- Awarding scholarships to Blind students in Utah to assist them with getting the tools they need to be successful college and University students