You Can Contribute to the NFB of CT

The National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut is an inspirational and innovative but inviting organization of blind people. Our goals are to achieve equality, opportunity, energy, hope, determination, creativity and forward movement for blind people. In other words, the improvement of the lives of blind people is very important to us. Our philosophy is that, with proper training, opportunity, and the ability to come together and support one another, blindness can be reduced to a nuisance. A blind person can lead the full life that he or she wants; blindness is not what holds us back. We reach out into our communities to promote this positive philosophy about blindness.

We are a non-profit organization and do not use the services of a professional fundraiser. We are proud of the fact that last year, 83% of our income was used for programs and services, the purpose for which we were formed.

We grant substantial scholarships to legally blind individuals who are full-time college students. It is a well-established fact that advanced education plays a key part in anyone’s future. For advancement, we also have a grant program for blind people seeking technology adapted for use by the blind for our daily independent needs and/or on the job. Brand new in the summer of 2015, we will host a Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) Program for blind students to learn Braille and other skills.

We offer seminars at both our state and national conventions on topics important to the blind. Topics include job seeking, parenting of blind children, technology updates, and issues concerning people with diabetes, guide dog users, students and the senior blind. Do you detect a common theme in all of the above? It’s called networking in today’s world.

In 1997, we introduced NFB-Newsline® in Connecticut. This versatile service enables blind people to read a number of Connecticut newpapers as well as hundreds of newspapers nationwide and a growing number of magazines.

So often when a person becomes blind, he or she finds it difficult to know where to turn for help. We want to share our knowledge and experience with every blind person looking for information and help solving blindness issues. We also want to share in fun activities such as bowling, crafts and outings. We have several chapters and a member-at-large-by-phone meeting for monthly support. Our goal is, quite simply, to achieve a level playing field for the blind.

We need your help, and we are asking for your contribution. Checks may be made payable to the NFB of CT. Thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth Rival, President
National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut