An Opportunity To Make A Difference is Knocking…Will You Answer?

For thousands of blind students, the doors to literacy, independence, and self-confidence have been shut too long. Today, only about 10% of blind and visually impaired students are taught Braille. Only 45% of the blind possess high school diplomas; further, and perhaps not surprisingly, 70% of Blind adults find themselves unemployed and living highly limited lives. These trends have emerged for a variety of reasons, most of which are based on low expectations for blind students, and misconceptions about the way these students function in school, at home, and in the community. Essentially, since many people don’t know what blind students can accomplish, these students are rarely pushed out of their comfort zones to tackle new and demanding learning opportunities. Fortunately, you can make a difference!

Make A Difference

Passionate, prepared, and knowledgeable teachers can make a tremendous change in the lives of blind students; regrettably, there is a huge, nationwide shortage of teachers of the blind. Often, children will go months without seeing a teacher of the blind because there is not one in the area. What this means is that a blind student can go weeks, or even months, without learning how to read or write Braille, without learning how to use a computer with speech access, or without learning how to get around safely and competently in their community. Our country stands firmly on the belief that a good, high-quality education can open doors and transform lives. We need your help in giving blind students an education that will give them a key to a new kind of future—a future of dignity, self-sufficiency, happiness, and service to others. The need for teachers of the blind is extreme, and the rewards from this career are immeasurable. If you have a love for teaching, a talent for connecting with students, and an interest in helping change the world, then you should consider becoming a teacher of the blind! Opportunity is knocking—open the door and see for yourself the difference you can make in the lives of blind students.

Want to help others join the field of blindness education?

If you are a teacher, a parent of a blind student, or a person who is interested in making a difference, please consider joining our Teacher Recruitment Network. The NFB Teacher Recruitment Network is a nationwide team of volunteers who go into their communities to make presentations to high school and college students about the rewarding career of teaching blind students. If you want to learn a bit more about this initiative, visit our Teacher Recruitment Network page! If you are ready to join, complete our short Teacher Recruitment Network form to join!