Welcome to the World-Wide Web Site of the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri.

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest organization of blind individuals with local chapters and state affiliates in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. There are a number of local chapters throughout Missouri along with several state-wide divisions. You can get further information about our local chapters and state divisions, becoming a member, along with information about our activities and initiatives on behalf of the blind of Missouri from this Web Site.

Just as the admission of Missouri to statehood played a pivital role in our nation's history with respect to the exploration and settlement of the Western United States, the spread of slavery, the expansion of America's Railroads in to the West, and many other contributions to our nation's history Missouri was one of the original seven states present when the NFB was organized in 1940. Since then the NFB has grown to become the strongest force in the affairs of the blind of Missouri and the nation.

What's New

This area will include information concerning the latest news and happenings of our affiliate. We encourage all site visitors to check back frequently for the latest information on our activities we're undertaking to change what it means to be blind in Missouri and the nation.

Posted Tuesday June 9, 2009

For decades, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB)––the country’s oldest and largest organization of blind people has been the leading champion for Braille literacy. With the passing of the Louis Braille Bicentennial--Braille Literacy Commemorative Coin Act, the President of the United States and the U.S. Congress recognized the critical role Braille plays in the independence, freedom, and success of the blind and the central role the NFB plays in improving literacy among the blind.

Since 2009 brings the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille, creator of the primary system of reading and writing used by people who are blind, there is no more fitting time to recognize the history, achievements, and mission of the National Federation of the Blind.

In an exciting new video, "Braille, Unlocking the Code" the history and power of Braille is explored with commentary from successful Braille readers.

Braille: Unlocking the Code
(Video 37 MB)

For additional information on Braille, and how sales of the Louis Braille By Centennial Coin will increase Braille Literacy, benefit blind Missourians, and further the work of the National Federation of the Blind visit our Braille Coin Promotion Center and http://www.braille.org

Those interested in ordering a coin should visit http://www.usmint.gov or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). For more information about the National Federation of the Blind and the Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, visit www.braille.org.

National Federation of the Blind Youth Slam

Once again, the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute will coordinate the most dynamic gathering of blind youth in the United States. Have you ever wanted to build and launch a rocket? Are you interested in learning about forensics? Or do you have an interest in journalism? Even if science isn't your thing, the possibilities are plentiful at the NFB Youth Slam!

Two hundred blind and low vision students from Missouri and all across the country will attend this five-day academy that will engage, inspire, and encourage the next generation of blind youth to consider careers falsely believed to be impossible for the blind.

Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity! If you are interested in being a youth or mentor participant, or just need more information about the program, view the, 2009 NFB Youth SLAM Video or visit the 2009 NFB Youth Slam page.

You can also learn more about the Youth Slam by watching the Youth SLAM Video or visiting the NFB Youth SLAM 2007 program page.

NFB Launches Largest-ever
White Cane Initiative
Posted Wednesday August 20, 2008

On August 19, the NFB announced an initiative to ensure that any blind person in the United States and Puerto Rico who needs a long white cane will have one, regardless of ability to pay.  The NFB will provide a free cane to anyone in the fifty states, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico who is blind or has low vision and who uses or desires to use a white cane in order to travel independently.  For more information, please read the official press release about this landmark program.  To order a free cane, visit the Free Cane Program page.

NFB Braille Commemorative Coin-and Literacy Campaign

For decades, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the country’s oldest and largest organization of blind persons has been the leading champion of Braille literacy. With the passing of Public Law 109-247: The Louis Braille Bicentennial-Braille Literacy Commemorative Coin Act, the President of the United States and the U.S. Congress publicly recognize the critical role that both Braille and the NFB play in the independence, freedom, and success of the blind.  The coin design unveiling occurred at the 2008 National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind in Dallas, Texas.  View the coin design!  Note that this is a limited edition coin, and any coins not sold by the end of 2009 will be destroyed to retain their collectible value.

The launch of the NFB-Braille Commemorative Coin by the U.S. Mint in 2009 will present a great opportunity to bring exposure to the current Braille literacy crisis facing the blind in this country. Braille is vital to all blind individuals, yet the rate of Braille literacy among blind Americans is alarmingly low. Today in America only 10 percent of blind children are learning to read Braille in school. This continues despite the fact that studies have shown that 80 percent of all employed blind people read and write Braille fluently. These studies reinforce what the NFB has been advocating for years: Braille literacy is the key to employment and full participation in society.

With the upcoming 200^th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille, creator of the Braille code, there is no more fitting time to recognize the importance of Braille literacy. Please join us in honoring the achievements and mission of the National Federation of the Blind as we work to end the Braille literacy crisis.

Whether it is through purchasing an NFB-Braille Commemorative Coin, providing matching funds for the Braille literacy campaign, or simply helping to raise awareness of this important issue, we need your help. Please be sure to check, http://www.braille.org regularly for new information. Together we can change what it means to be blind.

For Further Information

For further information about blindness, and the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri contact us at: