Tabby Mitchell
Email: tabbymitchell@gmail.com
Tabby Mitchell is a passionate advocate, leader, and mother whose deep commitment to improving the lives of blind individuals and their families has made her a prominent figure in the blindness community. Through her work with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC), Tabby has worked tirelessly to create more inclusive, accessible, and supportive environments for blind people, with a focus on the education, empowerment, and advocacy of blind children and their families.
Tabby’s advocacy work is deeply rooted in her own personal journey as a parent of a blind child. Having navigated the challenges of raising a child with vision loss, she knows firsthand the importance of creating a supportive and empowering environment for blind children to grow and thrive. This experience has been a powerful motivator in her work, fueling her dedication to ensuring that blind children and their families have access to the tools, resources, and services they need to succeed.
Her involvement with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and NOPBC began as she sought to connect with other parents facing similar challenges. Through these organizations, she found a supportive community of families, advocates, and educators working together to fight for the rights and independence of blind individuals. Tabby has taken on numerous leadership roles within these organizations, advocating for better resources, legislation, and access to services for blind individuals, particularly children. Her passion for Braille literacy, educational access, and assistive technologies has made her a powerful voice in the NFB and NOPBC.
Tabby has been actively involved in organizing national and local NFB events, including conferences, workshops, and advocacy days, where she plays an important role in educating the public and engaging policymakers on issues affecting blind individuals. She has worked closely with state and national NFB chapters to promote initiatives that support Braille education, independent living skills, and the right to accessible materials for blind students. Her dedication to inclusive education and empowerment extends beyond the classroom, as she has helped establish programs for blind children to engage in extracurricular activities, like sports and arts, fostering well-rounded personal development.
In addition to her work with the NFB, Tabby has been an integral part of NOPBC's mission to support parents of blind children. Through parenting workshops, mentorship programs, and advocacy training, she has helped guide numerous families in their journey to secure the best educational opportunities for their blind children. Her advocacy efforts have included working with local school systems to ensure that specialized services, Braille resources, and accessibility features are integrated into the classroom environment. She has also helped develop outreach initiatives to assist families in securing necessary tools and programs for their children's success, including providing support for early intervention services, socialization opportunities, and academic resources.
Tabby has also worked on the NOPBC's national initiatives to ensure that policies and legislation are shaped to meet the needs of blind children and their families. She advocates for laws that ensure equal access to education, disability rights, and Braille literacy across the country. Her role as a leader within these organizations extends to collaborating with other parent advocates, educators, and policy makers, both locally and nationally, to create systemic change for blind children.
Outside of her advocacy work, Tabby is an active participant in her community, where she enjoys spending time with her family and engaging in activities that promote social inclusion and independence. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and volunteering with local initiatives that support individuals with disabilities. Tabby is also passionate about traveling, and she enjoys exploring new places and learning about different cultures with her family. Her dedication to both her personal life and her advocacy work creates a balanced approach that positively impacts the lives of those around her.
Tabby continues to raise her child with vision loss while remaining heavily involved in local, state, and national advocacy for the blind community. Her unwavering commitment to Braille literacy, inclusive education, and the empowerment of families makes her a respected leader in the blindness advocacy community. Her work continues to inspire others to take action, raise awareness, and advocate for the rights of blind children, helping to build a brighter, more inclusive future for all individuals living with blindness or vision loss.