Three blind people walk down the street with their canes

The Missoula Chapter Welcomes You to the Movement

We advance the lives of our members and all blind people in the United States. The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. The Missoula chapter is part of the Montana Affiliate and consists of members who live, work, learn, socialize and recreate in the greater Missoula area.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Current Initiatives

Barrier Reports

As part of our ongoing advocacy efforts, we are cataloging barriers in the Missoula area in both physical and digital spaces. Help us make Missoula more accessible by filing a barrier report.

Assistive Tech Training

We are excited to offer free, private tutoring in the use of screen readers for iOS, Android and Windows computers.

FIND OUT MORE HERE

IEP Advocacy

If your blind child is not receiving a proper free, appropriate public education through Missoula County Public Schools, we may be able to help.

FIND OUT MORE HERE

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Can I Get A Ride?

Most adults in the U.S. take the ability to drive for granted. But what if, because of your vision loss, driving isn’t an option? Arguably, one of the most difficult aspects of being blind is finding transportation. While some areas on the east coast have excellent public transit systems that can make a car unnecessary,…

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Universal Design: Inclusion From the Ground Up

Have you ever listened to an audiobook? Dictated a note into your smartphone? Ridden an elevator because your luggage was just too awkward for the escalator? If so, you’ve been the beneficiary of “universal design”. Also known as design for all, inclusive design and barrier free design, this means that a product, service or technology…

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Fake Service Dogs Are A Problem For Real Service Dogs

By now, most of us have seen a fake service dog. The animal wears some sort of vest or harness that makes it look official. However, the dog clearly isn’t well trained as it doesn’t respond to commands promptly, if at all. It lunges at other animals, snaps or barks, and is generally disruptive. When…

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Trusting Your Life To A Dog

For a person with a visual impairment, getting around outside their home can be challenging. Curbs, stairs, streets without sidewalks, and intersections with heavy traffic are just a few things that can be hazardous to navigate. Specialized training that teaches the use of a white cane and the skills needed to travel safely to a…

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A Guide Dog’s Journey

As you walk along a sidewalk in downtown Missoula, you notice a pedestrian coming towards you. Their head is up, and they move confidently along the congested sidewalk. They grasp a U-shaped handle in their left hand which is attached to the harness of their guide dog. As you watch, the dog deftly maneuvers the…

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