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Welcome to the National Federation of the Blind of Utah

Your source for information about the Utah affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind. We’re changing what it means to be blind in Utah!

Vision Statement

Our VISION is to create a world where people who are blind share opportunities to lead satisfying and independent lives, equal to those who are not blind. We commit ourselves to improving the lives of blind people in Illinois by living the VALUES of:

• Security
• Equality
• Opportunity
• Assuring comparable choices to pursue our dreams

Our MISSION as a grass roots “people’s movement” is to work together to advocate for ourselves and to encourage each other to achieve self-determined independence.

The National Federation of the Blind of Utah demonstrates its commitment through statewide activities, advocating for children and adults of all ages. This includes developing and nurturing strong and informed relationships with both public and private schools and agencies responsible for providing services to the blind; seeking legislative solutions through cooperative ventures with our state representatives; and seeking private funding to support scholarships, work-study grants and internships for promising students. The NFBU Board of Directors also sponsors many low- income members in attending seminars, conventions and legislative events in order to provide mentoring and for them to learn more about possibilities for their futures. In many instances, attendance at such an event is the first time a newly blinded person has met other blind people with rich and interesting stories of success to share.

The National Federation of the Blind of Utah carries out its work through collaboration and resource sharing with its strong National organization, through meetings and activities of its local chapters and through the education and mentorship activities of its more than 300 members scattered throughout the state. While the organization affirms its grass roots emphasis by reserving its leadership for people who are blind, all people who support our values and aspire to our vision are welcome to join our movement.

Since being incorporated in 1982, Medical Review Institute of America has provided external physician review to assist in the benefits administration process for organizations across the country.

Focusing on "Bringing America's Medical Experts to You," MRIoA utilizes a nationwide network of over 750 active practicing and board-certified physician specialists and other healthcare professionals in all specialties and sub-specialties of medicine. MRIoA has reviewers in 49 states, offering extensive same-state reviewer resources.

Mission

MRIoA's mission is to provide balanced, well-supported, expert medical review services to ensure clinically appropriate healthcare coverage determinations.

Values

At MRIoA we show our dedication to client satisfaction through attention to personal customer service, thorough quality assurance, surprising response times, and constant innovation.

Organizational Profile

The American Council of the Blind is the nation's leading membership organization of blind and visually impaired people. It was founded in 1961 and incorporated in the District of Columbia.

Members: The Council's membership numbers in the tens of thousands. The majority of its members belong to one or more of its 71 affiliated organizations. There are also members-at-large. Membership is not limited to blind or visually impaired individuals. There are many sighted members. Legal blindness is a requirement to serve on the ACB Board of Directors (with the exception of the Secretary and Treasurer positions).

Affiliates: ACB has 51 state and regional affiliates and 20 national special interest and professional affiliates. The state/regional groups meet statewide once or twice yearly and many of these organizations also have local chapters. Many of these local chapters meet monthly. The national special interest affiliates meet annually during the ACB national convention and many of these groups have state/metropolitan chapters.

Purposes: The Council strives to improve the well-being of all blind and visually impaired people by: serving as a representative national organization of blind people; elevating the social, economic and cultural levels of blind people; improving educational and rehabilitation facilities and opportunities; cooperating with the public and private institutions and organizations concerned with blind services; encouraging and assisting all blind persons to develop their abilities and conducting a public education program to promote greater understanding of blindness and the capabilities of blind people.

Publications: The Braille Forum is a free monthly national magazine with a readership of approximately 26,000. It is produced in braille, large print, cassette, and IBM-compatible computer disc and contains articles on employment, legislation, sports and leisure activities, new products and services, human interest and other information of interest to blind and visually impaired people. The Council produces a monthly half-hour radio information program, ACB Reports, for radio reading information services. It also distributes TV and radio public service announcements highlighting the capabilities of blind people.

Services: Countless numbers of blind and sighted people benefit from these and other ACB services:

• Toll-free information and referral on all aspects of blindness
• Scholarship assistance to blind/visually impaired post-secondary students
• Public education and awareness training
• Support to consumer advocates and legal assistance on matters relating to blindness
• Leadership and legislative training
• Consulting with industry regarding employment of blind and visually impaired individuals
• Governmental monitoring, consultation and advocacy including the "Washington Connection," a national legislative hotline
• Annual national convention

Issues: Some of the major issues in which the American Council of the Blind is or recently has been involved include:

• Advocating for improved education and rehabilitation services for blind children and adults
• Implementation and Enforcement of Americans with Disabilities Act of1990
• Advocating for improved health care for blind and visually impaired individuals
• Promotion of accreditation of agencies serving blind people
• Advocating for improved services to older blind Americans to enable them to live independently outside of costly institutions
• Litigation to preserve and expand employment of blind persons as fast- food service operators through the Randolph-Sheppard Act
• Encouraging the production and use of reading materials in accessible media including braille, recording and large print
• Reauthorization and expansion of the Targeted Jobs Tax Credit legislation which grants tax benefits to employers who hire persons with disabilities
• Training of airlines personnel on how to serve blind passengers, and implementation of Air Carriers Access Act