We know that the correlation between education and employment is high. We know that low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Good rehabilitation insists upon high expectations. Less than 10 percent of blind students are taught Braille. Less than 50 percent of blind students graduate high school. Thirty percent of the blind enjoy full-time employment. But of those who are employed 80 percent read Braille.
All of that explains why the first pillar of our new strategic plan focuses on education, rehabilitation, and employment. Our vision for this pillar says:
The National Federation of the Blind develops, leads, and supports high-impact programs and initiatives that offer best practices to rehabilitation professionals, educators, and employers, while also ensuring blind people build skills and confidence to thrive in twenty-first-century classrooms, careers, and everyday life.
In our pillar I objectives we address employment readiness of blind people, education of blindness professionals, and unbiased employment decision-making. We focus on setting high expectations throughout. Blind people deserve literacy, great education, access to quality rehabilitation, and meaningful employment. The Federation and our supporters will make it happen. Read more about our strategic plan in the February Braille Monitor.