National Federation of the Blind of Texas

05/13/2025

The application for the 2025 Silver Bells Senior Training Program is now available!

Too many people over the age of 50 who lose their vision feel like their lives are over, but it doesn't have to be. You can live the life you want, blindness is not what holds you back.

04/03/2025

Breaking Legal News: Disability Advocates Sue Social Security Administration and DOGE to Stop Unlawful Cuts to Social Security Services. We filed a federal lawsuit on April 2, 2025, with several disability advocacy organizations and individual plaintiffs. President Riccobono shared in the press release, “Many blind Americans rely on Social Security benefits for their survival and for the support of their families...In the most severe cases, these cuts could endanger people’s very lives. The National Federation of the Blind supports greater government efficiency and recognizes that much can be done to improve the SSA, but careful planning and collaboration with blind Americans and other disability advocates are the right ways to handle reform.” Read and share the full press release: https://buff.ly/SwGsuzM

American Association of People with Disabilities, Deaf Equality, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Mass Senior Action Council

04/02/2025

Our own Liz Wisecarver was on the Nation's Blind Podcast! Check it out below.

The Nation's Blind Podcast highlights different themes related to blindness, independent living, and news from the National Federation of the Blind.

04/02/2025

The 2025 NFBTX Scholarship Program is now accepting applications.

Each year, the National Federation of the Blind of Texas offers scholarships to some of the best and brightest blind students in Texas. This year, we are offering four scholarships: three worth $2,000 each and one worth $3,000. The scholarships are based on merit, and if you or someone you know meet...

04/01/2025

You may now RSVP for the Waco NFB-NEWSLINE Open House on May 17:

Join members of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas on May 17 at 10:30 a.m. until noon as we introduce blind and print disabled Waco residents to our audio newspaper service. You don’t need to be a technology whiz to enjoy access to over 500 publications, including: the Waco Tribune Hera...

01/16/2025

Please visit the link below to comment your support for ending subminimum wages for workers with disabilities. Your comment can be as simple as "I believe people with disabilities should be paid at least the minimum wage, and 14(c) certificates should be phased out.”

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA or Act) authorizes the Secretary of Labor to issue certificates allowing employers to pay productivity-based subminimum wages to workers with disabilities, but only where such certificates are necessary to prevent the curtailment of opportunities for employment....

12/09/2024

We close out the year with our last Person to Know, Bryan Baldwin, of the San Antonio Chapter. Bryan joined the NFB in 2007, when he attended his first meeting and left as the Treasurer, a position he still holds.

Bryan was born blind from optic nerve hypoplasia. He is the oldest of three children, with a younger sister and brother. He is the proud father of two daughters, from whom he has four grandchildren, ranging in age from 6 to 14. Bryan grew up in Atascosa, Texas, and attended the Southwest Independence School District in San Antonio. He subsequently moved to San Antonio.

Bryan uses Fusion on his PC and VoiceOver on his iPhone. He began working with blind individuals in 1985 as a machine operator for the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind. Later he worked in Quality Assurance using JAWS and a video magnifier. Today, he is an Employment Assistance Specialist at the Working Texas Commission for the Blind in 2002.

Bryan’s hobbies include woodwork, laser work and sublimation. He loves peanut M&M’s because they’re healthier. He credits his family, friends, and faith for getting him through good times and bad.
Thank you to all the chapters, the affiliates, and The National Federation of the Blind for having such a great people to lead by example in our mission.

Everyone be safe and take care of each other!

11/10/2024

Congratulations to our scholarship winners! From left: Suzette May (NFBTX Chapter Scholarship), Amanda Matheny (Tommy Craig and Mike Vandervoort Memorial Scholarship), Erik Hernandez (Harley Fetterman Memorial Scholarship), and Frank Ritter (NFBTX Member Scholarship)

11/08/2024

Who's ready for ?

10/29/2024

The Convention Agenda is now available! You can download it from the State Convention webpage.

Each year, members of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas come together for a weekend packed with speakers, hands-on workshops, technology demonstrations, networking, love and support. The convention—our organization’s ultimate governing authority—sets the legislative priorities that...

10/24/2024

Our October Person to Know is Mrs. Sharon Williams of the Fort Worth Chapter. From Austin to Fort Worth, she has been a revolving member of the NFB for 50 years.

Sharon has been blind since birth due to retinopathy of prematurity, or ROP. She is completely blind and has prostheses. She is 70 years old and has been married for 40 years and has one daughter. Sharon is originally from Fort Worth, but her mother moved the family to Austin so that she could get an education at the Texas School for the Blind.

Sharon has been a white cane user since she was eight years old. She is also a guide dog user. She has had six guide dogs: two from Guide Dogs for the Blind, two from Guide Dogs of America, and two from Guide Dogs of the Desert. She got her first guide dog in 1986.

Sharon has had many roles in her life. She has been a Girl Scouts troop leader, a teacher, and done volunteer work with many organizations that she became involved with through her daughter. She has also been involved in the Beeping Easter Egg Hunt for blind children for the past three years.

Sharon went to Austin Community College, and then attended Texas State University in San Marcos. She began working in Early Childhood as a volunteer, which eventually led to a paid position and ultimately led her to Discovery Christian Preschool, where she would become the assistant director.

Sharon enjoys cooking and baking. She loves reading recipe books. Her favorite food is Mexican. Sharon shares with us her favorite words of wisdom: “Get out there and live the life you want. Do what you want. Get out there and volunteer while you’re trying to grind the pavement!”

10/20/2024

Our friends at 64 Oz. Braille and Games have designed a commemorative t-shirt! Click the link for information about how to order.