I Am A:
Welcome to the NFB of Virginia!
The National Federation of the Blind of Virginia (NFBV) is a nonprofit made up of blind people of all ages, their families and friends. Our members and leaders provide advocacy and support to blind and visually impaired Virginians across the commonwealth. We work together to promote full participation and integration of blind people in all areas of life, and we serve as an advocate for change when equal access and treatment of the blind is denied. Chapters and divisions across the commonwealth offer community based forums for the blind and visually impaired to interact and work together on issues at the local level. As a state-wide group, the NFBV brings the collective experiences of our members together to identify problems or needs and work for change at the state and national levels. The NFB of Virginia believes that the real problem of blindness is not the loss of eyesight but the general misunderstanding and lack of information about blindness that exist. We believe that with the proper training, opportunity and positive attitudes, blindness can be reduced to a mere physical nuisance.
Silver BELLS Gears Up for Round 2!
Silver BELLS is our program designed to empower blind senior citizens with a variety of home management and life and advocacy skills training opportunities. The program, hosted in strategically chosen locations in Virginia, will prepare blind and low-vision seniors to take control of their personal and professional lives through direct and individualized attention based on physical ability, personal skills, and goals. Learn more.
Important Dates
Please consider signing up for the Virginia Announcement List to have event updates delivered straight to your inbox.
Silver BELLS Meet and Greet
Date: March 4, 2023
Haven't heard of Silver BELLS yet? Do you have questions? Please attend our kickoff meet and greet, via zoom from 1 thru 3 PM, We’ll give you a sneak peak of what’s in store at one of our weekend sessions.
The details for accessing the January 7 Open House via Zoom or your telephone are provided below:
Join the meeting at:
https://zoom.us/j/8297256345?pwd=SFAyamlQNU44ZTJ6dUZNMTV4RmhCQT09
One tap mobile
tell: +13017158592,,8297256345#
Telephone Dial: 1 (301) 715-8592
Meeting ID: 829 725 6345#
If needed the password is 20201940
Silver BELLS Weekend Sessions
Are you 55 and older and experiencing vision loss? Consider joining one of our weekend sessions to learn how to overcome negative perceptions and learn how to be the best independent version of yourself. For more information about these Silver BELLS events, please visit our Silver BELLS pages.
Note: Registration for the closest weekend session to you will close approximately a month before the events themselves. Please do not waste time in registering if you are interested. Spaces fill up fast.
Silver BELLS: 1st Weekend Session
Dates: Check In Thursday, February 23 at 5 PM, Check Out Sunday, February 26 at 11 AM
Location:
Hyatt Place
335 Independence Blvd,
Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States, 23462
Phone: 757-431-7000
Silver BELLS: 2nd Weekend Session
Dates: Check in Thursday, March 23, Check Out Sunday, March 26
Location:
Hyatt House
45520 Dulles Plaza
Sterling, Virginia 20166
Phone: 703-435-9002
Silver BELLS: 3rd Weekend Session
Dates: Check In Thursday, April 27, Check Out Sunday, April 30
Location:
Hyatt House
11800 West Broad Street
Suite 1098
Henrico, Virginia 23233
Phone: 804-360-7021
National Academic Scholarships
Date: March 31, 2023
The National Federation of the Blind's annual scholarship program is the largest of its kind in the nation. Every year, we award more than $250,000 in cash and prizes to blind scholars across the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico in recognition of their achievements and professional aspirations. Learn more about the national scholarship program.
Convention Scholarships
Date: April 15, 2023
Are you interested in attending your first national convention and find yourself needing a little financial assistance? Consider applying for our McDonald Fellowship Program through the NFB of Virginia,or our Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship.
National Convention 2023
Dates: July 1-6, 2023
Houston, Texas
Save the date! And check the national convention landing page for all the details coming soon.
State Convention 2023
Dates: November 2-5, 2023
Williamsburg, Virginia
Details coming soon!
Will You Join Us?
We are a welcoming organization and want to meet you!
Are you a blind student?
Join our student association, apply for scholarships, explore training possibilities, connect with mentors. We think you’ll find the NFB to be a solid support system as you build your future prospects.
Are you a parent of a blind child or blind parent yourself?
Parenting is not easy under the best of circumstances. Blindness will add a unique dimension to your activities, but you need not fear you are alone. Connect with either our parents of blind children or blind parents’ group, and you’ll see just how much a part you are of a positive collective.
Are you a senior?
Connect with other seniors! Learn about the technology, services, and other resources that will make your golden years something to feel great about and not something to dread. Whether you have been blind all your life, or just recently lost your sight, we’ll introduce you to people who get it and want you to lead a lively and productive life.
Joining the NFBV is as simple as contacting your local chapter. Though annual membership dues may vary, the typical amount is $5, and joining your local chapter makes you a member of the national organization. As a member you will have the opportunity to:
- Network with persons from a diverse range of professions, backgrounds, and interests.
- Participate in local chapters and divisions
- Learn about the techniques used to travel safely, manage a household, and obtain employment
- Help others experiencing vision loss
- Advocate for other blind Virginians on state and national issues affecting the blind.