National Federation of the Blind Congratulates Dr. Fredric K. Schroeder

NFB First Vice President Elected to Office in World Blind Union

BALTIMORE, Nov. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the oldest and largest nationwide organization of the blind in the United States and a world leader in advocating for the rights of blind people, today announced that Dr. Fredric K. Schroeder has been elected as first vice president of the World Blind Union (WBU).  Dr. Schroeder, who also serves as first vice president of the NFB, was elected to the position at the Eighth General Assembly of the World Blind Union, recently held in Bangkok, Thailand.

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Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "We congratulate our longtime friend, colleague, and leader Fred Schroeder on his election as first vice president of the World Blind Union.  Fred will bring invaluable skill, experience, and knowledge to the many challenges faced by blind people throughout the world, as he has done so capably for blind Americans throughout his career."

Dr. Schroeder said: "I am honored to have the opportunity to represent the blind of the United States within the World Blind Union, and I look forward to helping to advance the WBU's important agenda to improve the lives of blind people across the globe.  I thank the members of the WBU for placing their trust and confidence in me."

Dr. Schroeder has a long and distinguished career in service to the blind.  He served as the first executive director of the New Mexico Commission for the Blind.  His success in making its rehabilitation and employment programs the most successful in the country led to his appointment in 1994 by President Bill Clinton as commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) in the United States Department of Education.  Following his service as RSA commissioner, he joined the faculty of the Interwork Institute at San Diego State University.  He now works as a research professor specializing in leadership and public policy in vocational rehabilitation, and also serves as president of the Virginia affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind.

The National Federation of the Blind needs your support to ensure that blind children get an equal education, to connect blind veterans with the training and services they need, and to help seniors who are losing vision continue to live independent and fulfilling lives. To make a donation, please go to www.nfb.org.

About the National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest, largest, and most influential nationwide membership organization of blind people in the United States.  Founded in 1940, the NFB advocates for the civil rights and equality of blind Americans, and develops innovative education, technology, and training programs to provide the blind and those who are losing vision with the tools they need to become independent and successful.  We need your support.  To make a donation, please go to www.nfb.org

SOURCE National Federation of the Blind