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welcome to nfadbThe National Family Association for DeafBlind (NFADB) is the largest national nonprofit organization empowering families with individuals who are DeafBlind. | What is DeafBlind?What does the term "DeafBlind" mean? The answer to this and other questions are here. | What NFADB BelievesNFADB believes that individuals who are DeafBlind are valued members of their communities and should have the same opportunities and choices as others in the community. |
Supporting families to ADVOCATE for servicesHelping families CONNECT for supportProviding information and training to TEACH families and professionals | nfadb in action |
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| In Memoriam Steve was instrumental in the development of NFADB and a longtime supporter of families with individuals who are DeafBlind. Steve was a kind, caring friend to all and will be dearly missed by our DeafBlind community. NFADB Call for Nominations for the Steve Perreault Award The nomination period for The Steve Perreault Award will open January 8, 2024. In 2024 NFADB will honor the contributions of a professional (paid or unpaid) who has shown outstanding service to an individual (or individuals) who is DeafBlind. A complete nomination requires submission of 1) the Nomination Form (link below) and 2) two letters of support. Nominations for this award will close on February 29, 2024. The award will be presented at NFADB’s annual general membership meeting on July 8, 2024.
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NFADB is proud to posthumously recognize Mary O’Donnell, past NFADB President, as the recipient of the 2024 Steve Perreault Award. During the 2024 NFADB Annual General Membership meeting, Nancy O’Donnell reflected on the beginnings of NFADB and shared: “Mary O’Donnell was one of the original 12 parents of this National Parent Network Advisory Committee. It didn’t take long for everyone to realize that parents needed to do more than advise. They needed to advocate, to lobby, to educate beyond the educational years. Leadership needed to shift from professionals to parents and siblings. A 501(c)(3) needed to be established. The early organizational meetings were a hoot. I say that with great love and affection, as I was a front-row witness to this evolution. I got to work with Joe (McNulty), Steve (Perreault), Mary, and other parents as they shepherded this new group from an advisory committee into a national nonprofit.” As described in an excerpt from the DB Link Newsletter: “A private, understated person who shunned the spotlight and preferred working behind the scenes, she somehow always seemed to end up in a leadership position. For those lucky enough to have known her personally, it was easy to see why. She possessed a wealth of knowledge but never tried to impress others with it—she simply offered her support and counsel. She had an inner strength and tenacity that enabled her to stay focused, even in times of great confusion. She was a great listener who was open to differing points of view and never failed to recognize the contributions of others. She was a lovely, thoughtful person who carried herself with class and dignity in all she did. She is greatly missed.” (Excerpted from the September 1996 Deaf-Blind Perspectives) Mary O’Donnell served as NFADB President after NFADB became a non-profit organization in 1994, leaving a lasting legacy through her dedicated leadership. Although she is no longer with us, her commitment and passion continue to inspire and empower the success of families in the DeafBlind community through her family and NFADB. | 2024 Steve Perreault Posthumous Award Winner!
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Meet Our FamiliesRead stories from our community and learn more about our family association. | Family spotlightThe National Family Association for DeafBlind (NFADB) is pleased to spotlight Lisa Lopatofsky and family | State Resources |