National Federation of the Blind Names Casey L. Robertson 2012 Distinguished Educator of Blind Children

DALLAS, July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) has named Casey L. Robertson, an itinerant teacher of blind students in Mississippi, as its 2012 Distinguished Educator of Blind Children.  Ms. Robertson was presented with the award at the NFB's seventy-second annual national convention, held at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas.

Ms. Robertson has been a teacher since 2000, and began specializing in the education of blind students four years ago.  She currently works as an independent contractor, teaching five blind students across four different school districts in Mississippi.  She instructs her students in everything from Braille to adaptive technology to orientation and mobility.  In addition to her teaching, Ms. Robertson also spearheaded the effort to start a new Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) program in Nebraska  and actively advocates for blind children, both in her area and throughout the country, to receive Braille instruction.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "Ms. Robertson has dedicated both her career and a great deal of her personal time to ensuring that blind students are given the tools for independence and academic success.  Ms. Robertson's dedication is exemplified in her advocacy and her work with the BELL program, ensuring that blind students all over the country, not just those that she teaches, are given the opportunity to succeed.  The National Federation of the Blind commends Ms. Robertson for her unwavering commitment to the education of blind students."

Ms. Robertson received her bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in gifted studies from the Mississippi University for Women, and her master's degree in education from Louisiana Tech University.   

The Distinguished Educator Award carries with it a $1,000 prize and a trip to the 2012 NFB National Convention in Dallas.  While in Dallas, Ms. Robertson will address several hundred parents and educators of blind children and have an opportunity to share her experience and insights with many people interested in improving the education of blind students.

About the National Federation of the Blind

With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence.  It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind.  In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.

SOURCE National Federation of the Blind