National Federation of the Blind Names Laurel Hudson 2010 Distinguished Educator of Blind Children

BALTIMORE, Md., June 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) has named Laurel Hudson, a teacher of blind students at the Coralwood Diagnostic Center in Atlanta, Georgia, as its 2010 Distinguished Educator of Blind Children.  Hudson will be presented with the award at the NFB's seventieth annual national convention, to be held July 3–8, 2010, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas.

Hudson has taught blind students for more than thirty-nine years.  She began working with blind children at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, Massachusetts, and then switched to working in mainstream settings within public schools.  She has taught as both a teacher of students with visual impairments and an orientation and mobility specialist.  In her current role at the Coralwood Diagnostic Center, Hudson teaches orientation and mobility, Braille literacy, and technology skills to students aged four to fourteen.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "Laurel Hudson's dedication to blind students is unparalleled.  As an orientation and mobility specialist and a teacher of Braille, Hudson gives her students the tools for independence and academic success.  With only one out of ten blind children learning Braille today, it is clear that many teachers of blind students are simply not teaching Braille.  Hudson's conviction in the importance of Braille literacy sets her apart and makes her an obvious choice to be the NFB's Distinguished Educator of the year.  The National Federation of the Blind commends Hudson for her commitment to the education of blind students."

Hudson received her master of education in orientation and mobility and her doctorate in visual impairments and blindness from Boston College.  She was previously honored with the Georgia Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award in 2009.

The Distinguished Educator Award carries with it a $1,000 prize and an all-expense-paid trip to the 2010 NFB National Convention in Dallas.  While in Dallas, Hudson 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