[Blindtlk] National Federation of the Blind Names Dr. Dean Stenehjem 2011 Distinguished Educator of Blind Children

[Freeh, Jessica]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
cdanielsen at nfb.org

National Federation of the Blind Names Dr. Dean Stenehjem
2011 Distinguished Educator of Blind Children

Baltimore, Maryland (July 5, 2011): The National 
Federation of the Blind (NFB) has named Dr. Dean 
Stenehjem, the superintendent at the Washington 
State School for the Blind, as its 2011 
Distinguished Educator of Blind Children.  Dr. 
Stenehjem was presented with the award at the 
NFB’s seventy-first annual national convention, 
held at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, Florida.

Dr. Stenehjem has worked with blind students for 
more than thirty-seven years.  He began working 
with blind children as an instructor of the 
visually impaired at Grand Forks Central High 
School in North Dakota.  Since 1986, he has 
worked at the Washington State School for the 
Blind (WSSB), a renowned residential school for 
the blind.  In his current role as superintendent 
of the WSSB, Dr. Stenehjem oversees the education 
of blind students from birth to twenty-one years 
of age.  Under his leadership, WSSB established 
the Ogden Resource Center, which provides Braille 
textbooks to elementary- and secondary-school 
blind students in Washington.  Dr. Stenehjem also 
spearheaded the effort to make WSSB a pioneer in 
adaptive technology—WSSB offers its students (and 
any other blind persons in Washington) access to 
and training in the latest in accessible technology.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National 
Federation of the Blind, said: “Dr. Stenehjem has 
dedicated his career to ensuring that blind 
students are given the tools for independence and 
academic success.  Dr. Stenehjem’s dedication is 
exemplified in his work developing partnerships 
with local school districts in Washington, 
ensuring that all blind students, not just those 
enrolled at WSSB, are given the opportunity to 
succeed.  The National Federation of the Blind 
commends Dr. Stenehjem for his unwavering 
commitment to the education of blind students.”

Dr. Stenehjem received his master of education 
with a cognate in special education from the University of North Dakota.

The Distinguished Educator Award carries with it 
a $1,000 prize and a trip to the 2011 NFB 
National Convention in Orlando.  While in 
Orlando, Dr. Stenehjem will address several 
hundred parents and educators of blind children 
and have an opportunity to share his experience 
and insights with many people interested in 
improving the education of blind students.


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About the National Federation of the Blind

With more than 50,000 members, the National 
Federation of the Blind is the largest and most 
influential membership organization of blind 
people in the United States.   The NFB improves 
blind people’s lives through advocacy, education, 
research, technology, and programs encouraging 
independence and self-confidence.  It is the 
leading force in the blindness field today and 
the voice of the nation's blind.  In January 2004 
the NFB opened the National Federation of the 
Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and 
training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.