The National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma Responds to HB1895 2023

The National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma is the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind people in Oklahoma. Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Oklahomans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from the majority of our members to our democratically elected leaders. Oklahoma House Bill 1895 (2023) profoundly threatens the livelihoods of blind and otherwise disabled business owners whose businesses operate in … Continue reading The National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma Responds to HB1895 2023

NFBOK to Host Webinar for Blind Oklahomans

Attention all Blind senior Oklahomans! Mark your calendar and join us from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 27, as we kick off our senior focused conference series on Zoom. This is a seminar for blind Oklahomans by blind Oklahomans. Attend our meeting and meet other blind seniors. Share experiences with us. Find out how others handle their day-to-day activities. Here how you can use accessible adaptive technology. Learn about the National Federation of the Blind and what it has to offer for blind seniors. Share your hints and how-tos you have discovered to help you live the life … Continue reading NFBOK to Host Webinar for Blind Oklahomans

NFBOK to Host Legislative Reception at State Capitol

The National Federation of the Blind Oklahoma will host a reception and legislative seminar at the State Capitol on Tuesday February 13, 2018. National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma members, family and friends from across Oklahoma are invited to attend to advocate for legislative initiatives of interest to blind Oklahomans. The seminar will begin with a Gathering-In on Tuesday morning at 9:00 AM In the Oklahoma State Capitol (Room 412-A) and will adjourn promptly at 10:00AM. The Gathering-In serves as our opening session to our Oklahoma Legislative Seminar. We will pump up our energy and gear up our strategy … Continue reading NFBOK to Host Legislative Reception at State Capitol

Blind Teens Fight Challenges in New Documentary

National Federation of the Blind promotes Film to Increase Understanding Among Educators and Public Muskogee, Oklahoma (October 16, 2017): Connor wants to be a sponsored skateboarder. Sarah wants to travel the world. Nick dreams of being a rock star. Carina wants to be the first member of her family to graduate high school. These four teenagers are each trying to achieve their dreams. But they face an additional challenge: they are blind. Blind people of all ages, their families, educators, and others who face discrimination based on low expectations will learn from these inspiring young people and their stories in … Continue reading Blind Teens Fight Challenges in New Documentary

Celebrate White Cane Awareness Day

Sunday, October 15 is White Cane Awareness Day. White canes help blind people live the lives we want. The white cane does more than tell the sighted that we’re blind; it is a tool for freedom and self-determination because it allows blind people to come and go on our own. Since we can travel safely and independently, we can contribute in the workplace, in our communities, and in society. To see what the white cane means to blind people, check out this video The National Federation of the Blind believes that all blind people should have access to a white … Continue reading Celebrate White Cane Awareness Day

NFBOK Urges Veto of HB 2230

Despite all of our work, HB 2230 has passed through the Oklahoma Legislature. The fight is not over. The following letter was sent to Governor Fallin urging her to veto HB 2230 which exempts county jails from the BEP program and puts blind business owners to work in certain vending facilities in government buildings. We still need your help contacting the Governor and demanding a veto. You can call the Governor’s office at (405) 521-2342 or fax a letter to Governor Fallin at 405-521-3353. Unfortunately, the Governor does not have a direct email address however you can fill out this … Continue reading NFBOK Urges Veto of HB 2230

Blind Push Back on HB 1861

The National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma with support from the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council and the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Association issued the below letter in opposition to HB 1861 currently pending in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. This bill will go before the House Committee on Appropriations and Budget on Wednesday, March 1. We encourage all our members, family and friends to contact your Representative and tell them that this measure will limit services to the older blind of Oklahoma and that you oppose the bill. If you do not know who your representative is, you can search by visiting … Continue reading Blind Push Back on HB 1861

Call to Action: Blind Push Back

The Blind Push Back in Oklahoma! CALL TO ACTION! We need you, Wednesday, March 1st! If you are Blind, know or love someone who is blind, you need to be at the Oklahoma State Capitol on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, to let our legislators know that we, the blind of Oklahoma, are not OK with legislation being written about us without our input, expertise and experience of living as blind people. Further, that we do not want or need either of the bills currently in question. We need everyone to show up in opposition to HB 1861 and HB 2230. … Continue reading Call to Action: Blind Push Back

Chili Supper Rescheduled

Due to the threat of inclement weather due to hit the Oklahoma City metro this weekend, the Central Oklahoma Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind has elected to reschedule its annual chili supper fundraising event. The Chili Supper, originally scheduled for January 14, 2017 will now be held on February 18, 2017. Chapter President Rex Schuttler stated, “The Chapter board reached the difficult decision to reschedule the event in order to ensure the safety of our guests. The likelihood of icy road conditions was significant enough that we felt it was in everyone’s best interests to do what … Continue reading Chili Supper Rescheduled

2017 Central Oklahoma Chapter Chili Supper

2017 Chili Supper The Central Oklahoma Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind is hosting its annual Chili Supper. This fundraising event supports the programs and initiatives of the chapter, including the Elmer Wright Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship, awarded annually to a deserving blind Oklahoma college student, was created in loving memory of Elmer Wright. Mr. Wright was a founding member of the Central Oklahoma Chapter. His passion and enthusiasm were instrumental in the chapter’s formation and growth. He was particularly concerned with the education of blind children and ensuring that blind students are given opportunities to succeed. He … Continue reading 2017 Central Oklahoma Chapter Chili Supper