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  • What are the components of Blind Unbound?
  • Will we have lessons and resources for schools?
  • What will the digital experience entail?
  • What is the National Archives of the Blind People’s Movement?  
  • What do we mean by an "inclusive and innovative" initiative?
  • Why us?
  • What will we accomplish?
  • How can I give?
  • What are the perks of being a donor?

What are the components of Blind Unbound?

We are still imagining what this innovative initiative will entail!

A key aspect of this initiative is building the infrastructure and laying the path to be able to amplify our stories. We have already begun work on upgrading our Archives to meet world-class standards, which will allow us to share the stories from the archives through other types of innovative platforms and public experiences. These culminate in the National Museum of the Blind People's Movement, which is not just about a physical space but about public education across a variety of formats.

Currently, we are developing ideas across four project areas:

  1. The National Archives of the Blind People's Movement, including expanding our oral history program and sharing our historic collections with the public online;
  2. Educational resources and programs, such as lessons for K-12 students;
  3. Innovative collaborations in arts, media, and entertainment; and
  4. Exhibits across multiple platforms, including online exhibits, traveling exhibits, and displays at the NFB Jernigan Institute.

This is still evolving, and input from partners is critical to imagining and shaping our future direction. What other ways can you imagine telling our stories?

Will we have lessons and resources for schools?

Yes, Blind Unbound will develop tools and programs for K-12 educators to use with both blind and non-blind students in a variety of classrooms and informal learning environments. We will provide background and context for educators who are not familiar with our movement. Blind Unbound will also empower our members with tools to become even more effective public educators in their local communities.

What will the digital experience entail?

A robust online museum will include interactive exhibits, storytelling platforms, and community engagement to reach audiences worldwide (accessibly and inclusively) and foster continuous dialogue. In addition, a redesigned Archives website will be a scholarly resource for discovering the literature and other content created by the blind through the movement.

What is the National Archives of the Blind People’s Movement?

From the beginning, the Federation has emphasized archiving, publishing, and sharing the real experiences of blind people and the positive effects of the movement for decades. The National Archives of the Blind People’s Movement, a program of the National Federation of the Blind, is the leading repository documenting this history and housing rare artifacts, archival materials, oral histories, and personal narratives that cannot be found anywhere else. Our collections represent blind people telling our authentic stories and taking control of our own destiny—organizing, advocating, innovating, and transforming society.

What do we mean by an "inclusive and innovative" initiative?

By inclusive, we mean experiences where blind people are fully welcomed, represented, and able to participate through accessible design and collaboration. A person should experience equal access and feel that they didn’t have to leave missing a thing. Importantly, inclusive means non-segregated experiences unlike many accessible experiences where audiences are often separated on disability/non-disability.

By innovative, we mean pushing boundaries with adaptive technology, universal/inclusive design, and multisensory experiences that challenge traditional approaches and provide meaningful experiences and solutions.

Blind Unbound prioritizes accessibility and representation as foundational principles, enriching the experience for everyone.

Why us?

No one else can authentically tell our stories and there is no organization better equipped to tell the story of blind people. The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people—that’s over eighty years of leadership, advocacy, and archives of our collective power, self-determination, and diversity. Blind people themselves have been leading the way, and we will not ever wait for someone else to take this bold step on our behalf.

What will we accomplish?

We will grow the movement, develop allies, and create the following:

  • A shift in the public perception of the capacity of blind people
  • Motivation to act against systemic barriers that are harmful to blind people
  • Celebration of the voices and experiences of blind people in our journey to take ownership of our stories, lives, and aspirations
  • An enduring legacy of respect, inclusion, and innovation
  • A meaningful place in society for our stories, with a stronger infrastructure for collecting and sharing those stories into the future

How can I give?

You can contribute through multi-year pledges, one-time donations, or legacy gifts. Every contribution builds momentum for this transformative initiative.

What are the perks of being a donor?

  • Recognition opportunities
  • Access to the latest Blind Unbound news and exclusive supporter celebrations
  • The pride of building a groundbreaking institution that centers blind people