Barbara Cheadle, President Emerita
Barbara Cheadle, President Emerita of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC), is a renowned advocate who has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of services, resources, and opportunities for blind children and their families. As one of the founding members of the NOPBC and the founding editor of Future Reflections magazine, Barbara has dedicated her life to ensuring that blind children are empowered to live independently and succeed in all areas of life.
Together with her late husband, John, Barbara’s work within the blindness community has been nothing short of transformative. The Cheadles’ advocacy efforts were particularly focused on Braille literacy and the critical role it plays in the academic and personal development of blind students. Their most notable achievement was their tireless fight to secure Braille instruction for their son, Chaz, who has partial vision. In the early 1990s, when educational policies often overlooked the needs of children with low vision, Barbara and John took up a highly publicized battle to ensure that their son, and others like him, received the proper Braille instruction.
Their fight garnered national attention and played a crucial role in the movement to strengthen Braille literacy provisions within the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Thanks to their advocacy and that of many others in the blind community, Braille literacy provisions were included in the 1997 amendments to IDEA, ensuring that blind and visually impaired children would have access to the education and resources necessary for success. This victory set the stage for future advocacy efforts that would continue to promote Braille literacy as an essential tool for blind children’s academic achievement and independence.
Barbara’s leadership within the NOPBC has been instrumental in shaping the organization into a vital resource for parents of blind children. She served as the president of the NOPBC from 1989 to 2012, leading the organization for 23 years. During her tenure, she helped build a strong and supportive network for parents, caregivers, and educators of blind children. The NOPBC has provided families with invaluable information on everything from navigating educational systems and advocating for appropriate services to fostering independence and promoting social inclusion. Through Barbara’s leadership, the NOPBC developed numerous programs and initiatives aimed at empowering parents to advocate effectively for their children and connect with others facing similar challenges.
Beyond her work with NOPBC, Barbara and John were deeply involved in the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and its mission to create a world where blind individuals have equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and play. Barbara worked at the National Federation of the Blind’s National Center for the Blind, now known as the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, in Baltimore, where she directed children’s programs and served in various capacities, helping to build a lasting infrastructure that supports blind children and their families across the United States.
John Cheadle, who was equally dedicated to the cause, was an important partner in Barbara’s advocacy efforts. Together, they were a powerful force in the blindness community, co-leading initiatives and creating opportunities for blind children and their families. Their advocacy reached beyond their son, Chaz, and aimed to raise awareness about the need for more comprehensive educational and social support for blind children everywhere.
Chaz, now a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and a successful computer support specialist, is a testament to the impact of his parents’ advocacy. Chaz and his wife, Emily, are now raising two children, including their first son, born in 2023. The Cheadle family’s legacy continues through the next generation, ensuring that the work Barbara and John started will live on, creating a lasting impact on future blind children and families.
In addition to her advocacy in education, Barbara’s leadership has expanded the vision of NOPBC to ensure that blind children and their families are provided with resources for every aspect of life, from education to independent living and beyond. The NOPBC’s Future Reflections magazine, which Barbara helped to establish, has served as an essential tool for parents, educators, and advocates alike, providing valuable insights, resources, and success stories to inspire families of blind children.
Barbara Cheadle’s legacy, strengthened by the tireless advocacy of her late husband, John, who passed away in 2024, has left a profound and lasting impact on the blindness community. Their contributions have improved the lives of countless blind children and their families, shaping policies and programs that continue to promote equality, independence, and opportunity for the blind community. Through their work, they have helped to ensure that blind children are not only given the tools to succeed but are empowered to live their best lives with confidence, dignity, and independence.