[NFBOH-Cleveland] Announcement regarding BLIND, Inc.

Sat Jan 6 18:20:02 UTC 2024

From: National Federation of the Blind <webmaster at nfb.org> 
Sent: Saturday, January 6, 2024 10:01 AM
To: Suzanne Turner <smturner.234 at gmail.com>
Subject: Announcement regarding BLIND, Inc.

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BLIND, Inc. Pauses Services

The board of directors at Blindness Learning in New Dimensions,
Incorporated, (our affiliated training center in Minnesota) announced its
intention to suspend operations in order to reimagine and rebuild the
programming in Minnesota. The National Federation of the Blind is working
with our affiliate leaders in Minnesota and the leadership team at BLIND,
Incorporated, to determine how to transition to new and stronger programming
in the future. President Riccobono shared additional information regarding
training centers and this announcement in the January Presidential Release
<https://u32452178.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=mTCu8dGvOkl-2BXqaCK8sZ2XZsIV
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ifGptaOBeMP1ny3bPpQY7fSifeSek0QF6uvfEZAQ-3D> .  

Below is the full announcement from the BLIND, Incorporated, board of
directors. 

Minneapolis, Minnesota (December 18, 2023): The Board of Directors of
Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions, Incorporated (BLIND, Inc.) regrets to
announce that we will temporarily suspend all of our programs and services
as of January 1, 2024. 

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.

We recognize that this decision will be painful to our students, our
dedicated staff, and 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. 

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 who 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.

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.

###

Please direct all media inquiries to Chris Danielsen, Director of Public
Relations, National Federation of the Blind, cdanielsen at nfb.org
<https://u32452178.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=mTCu8dGvOkl-2BXqaCK8sZ2XZsIV
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ZrKBTzeBFa6BJcOlzitOBRH7b7reQSC391MnTzXSlg-3D> , 410-659-9314, extension
2330.

How to Support

Your support is greatly appreciated and will help us move forward and reopen
the doors of the training center. Here are ways to give to BLIND, Inc
<https://u32452178.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=mTCu8dGvOkl-2BXqaCK8sZ2XZsIV
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GbMZPdRkhSLcOF2atYhIeIleoZssofEhjso1KE-3D> .

If you are interested in additional ways of supporting BLIND, Inc. during
this time, please contact boardchair at blindinc.org
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