Andrea Benoit

Email: andrea.benoit@expro.com

Andrea Benoit is a passionate and dedicated advocate for blind and low vision children, a long-standing board member of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC), and an influential leader within the National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana (NFBLA). A resident of Louisiana, Andrea combines her personal experience as the mother of a blind son with a professional background in education and disability advocacy, striving to improve the lives of blind individuals and their families.

Andrea’s journey into advocacy began when her son was diagnosed as blind, prompting her to learn everything she could about raising a blind child and accessing resources that could benefit her family. This personal experience deepened her commitment to supporting other families and providing them with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to navigate the educational system, secure accommodations, and promote their child’s independence. Her firsthand understanding of the challenges parents face has become the foundation for her advocacy work, ensuring that blind children have access to the same opportunities for success as their sighted peers.

In her professional life, Andrea has built a strong foundation in education and disability advocacy. She holds a background in education and has worked in various capacities to support the academic and personal development of children, particularly those with disabilities. Throughout her career, Andrea has collaborated with teachers, school administrators, and disability service providers to ensure that blind and low vision children receive the accommodations, resources, and assistive technology they need to thrive in an inclusive educational environment.

Andrea’s work has extended beyond the classroom to community outreach initiatives aimed at empowering parents and families of blind children. She has led training programs for teachers and school staff, helping them better understand the unique needs of blind and low vision students, as well as advocating for more inclusive educational practices. Andrea has also organized workshops and support groups for parents, helping them gain the confidence and knowledge necessary to advocate for their children's rights and education.

In addition to her work in education, Andrea has contributed significantly to policy advocacy. She has worked with local and state officials to push for stronger laws and policies that protect the rights of people with disabilities, particularly blind and low vision children. Her efforts have focused on creating a more inclusive environment for blind children in Louisiana by advocating for improved educational accessibility, the availability of assistive technology, and public accommodations.

Within NFBLA, Andrea has been a driving force in pushing for positive change at the state and local levels. She serves as a board member for NFBLA’s Parents of Blind Children division, where she has played an integral role in advocating for the needs and rights of blind children and their families across Louisiana. Her roles within NFBLA have included helping to organize events, providing a voice for blind children and their families, and ensuring that the needs of the blind community are heard at both the state and national levels. Andrea has worked with NFBLA members to advocate for more inclusive educational programs and increased awareness of issues affecting the blind community in Louisiana.

Andrea’s involvement with NOPBC has allowed her to further extend her advocacy efforts, ensuring that parents of blind children across the nation have access to the information, resources, and networks they need to support their children’s growth and development. Through NOPBC, Andrea has helped guide parents in their advocacy efforts, empowering them to fight for educational accommodations, assistive technology, and resources that promote the independence and success of blind children.

In her personal life, Andrea is deeply committed to her son’s educational journey and ensures that he has access to the same opportunities as sighted peers. Her advocacy is driven by a desire to create a world where blind and low vision children are empowered to achieve their full potential, and she works tirelessly to ensure they have the necessary resources, support, and education to do so.

Andrea’s professional background, combined with her personal experience as a parent of a blind child, has made her a powerful advocate for the blind community. She continues to use her knowledge and leadership to push for systemic change, raise awareness, and provide support to families. Through her ongoing work with NOPBC, NFBLA, and in her local community, Andrea Benoit remains a dedicated leader, committed to improving the lives of blind and low vision children and their families.