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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is with a heavy heart that I forward an announcement from BLIND, Inc. below my signature.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>From its founding in 1986, the Minnesota affiliate has been a special partner of BLIND, Inc., and we remain committed to one another’s success. Early next year, members of the NFB of Minnesota will meet to discuss this news, decide on a path forward for our building, and develop new solutions for adjustment-to-blindness training in Minnesota. In the immediate term, I ask that you join me in steadfast support of the staff and students who are most directly affected in the ways that you individually feel called.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Knowing that many of you will want to contribute your time, talents, networks, and finances during this transition, I encourage you to connect with Ryan Strunk—who chairs the BLIND, Inc. board – via email at <a href="mailto:BoardChair@BLINDInc.org">BoardChair@BLINDInc.org</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Corbb<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Corbb O'Connor (he/him), President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.nfbmn.org">www.nfbmn.org</a> | (612) 872-9363<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><h1><span style='color:black'>Announcement: BLIND, Inc. Pauses Services </span><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Board of Directors of Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions, Inc. (BLIND, Inc.) regrets to announce that we will temporarily suspend all of our programs and services as of January 1, 2024. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We take this action with heavy hearts. After extensive deliberation over our current financial and organizational obligations, we believe suspending operations at this time in order to make future plans is the best and most responsible available course of action. This decision comes after a review of compounded circumstances that have developed over a period of years, leaving our organization with inadequate resources to advance our mission at this time. One factor of this evaluation is that our current building, the Pillsbury Mansion, which is on the national historic registry, needs millions of dollars in renovations that must be done in a manner that preserves its historic character. Unfortunately, we have determined that we are not in a position to undertake the necessary building renovations while still providing quality adjustment-to-blindness training.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We recognize that this decision will be painful to our students, our dedicated staff, and to all of our supporters in the community. We acknowledge that it comes at a particularly difficult time, with the holiday season and new year upon us. We were not able to find a viable way to alter the timing of this decision. Our leadership is working with the National Federation of the Blind, Louisiana Center for the Blind, and Colorado Center for the Blind to help during this transition. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We deeply appreciate all of the work everyone affiliated with BLIND, Inc. has done over the past three decades to help blind people build the skills and confidence to live the lives they want. Our high-quality training has impacted thousands of people, not only the many students that have walked with us, but also the blind community who connect with the positive philosophy and high expectations demonstrated from our alumni and friends. With the continued support of our board, partners, and community, our goal in the coming months is to re-imagine what adjustment to blindness training can be, and to reopen our doors with fresh approaches and insights and on a sound financial footing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>BLIND, Inc, established in 1986, is a training center and community of blind and low-vision people, proudly affiliated with the National Federation of the Blind. We believe blind people can do anything. Every day, we encourage and challenge each student. When you believe in yourself and experience a thriving community of positive blind people, nothing can hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Our mission and values will continue to guide us to dream without limits, be bold, and work with love. Thank you for your support.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>