Cassandra/Cassie McKinney, President
Email: president@nopbc.org
Cassandra (Cassie) McKinney is a devoted mother, passionate advocate, and leader within the blindness community, with a strong personal background that drives her work as the President of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC). Her journey into advocacy began with her own experience raising blind children, and it has since evolved into a lifelong commitment to supporting other families in similar circumstances.
Cassie’s path to leadership within the NOPBC was shaped by her own family’s experiences. She is a proud mother of two blind children, and like many parents in the blindness community, she faced the overwhelming emotions and challenges that accompany raising children with vision loss. Early on, Cassie recognized that blind children, including her own, have unique needs, but they are also capable of achieving greatness with the right guidance, resources, and support.
Before entering the world of advocacy, Cassie worked in various roles where she developed the skills that would later support her work with NOPBC. Her professional background includes experience in education, where she worked closely with children of diverse needs. This experience gave her a solid understanding of the importance of creating accessible and inclusive environments for all children, including those who are blind or visually impaired.
As a mother of blind children, Cassie faced the same challenges many parents do: finding appropriate educational resources, ensuring access to Braille literacy, and navigating the special education system. She quickly became an advocate for her children’s rights, attending IEP meetings, fighting for the necessary accommodations, and seeking out the best tools and services available to help her children thrive. Cassie’s personal journey fueled her desire to help other parents in similar situations, and this passion led her to become involved in NOPBC, where she could make a difference on a larger scale.
Her involvement with NOPBC began with a desire to connect with other parents who understood her struggles and triumphs. As she became more engaged, Cassie found her voice as an advocate for the rights of blind children, becoming a source of knowledge and support for others in her community. Her leadership within NOPBC was a natural progression, and she quickly rose to the position of president. In this role, Cassie works tirelessly to create programs, initiatives, and events that support parents and caregivers of blind children. She advocates for greater access to early intervention services, supports Braille literacy, and champions inclusive education policies.
Cassie’s leadership is also influenced by her belief that raising expectations for blind children is crucial to their success. She has worked hard to challenge the outdated stereotypes surrounding blindness and to demonstrate that blind children are capable of achieving great things, whether in academics, sports, or other areas of life. Her own children have shown this potential, excelling in areas such as academics, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.
Throughout her personal journey, Cassie has maintained a focus on family support, mentorship, and building a strong, supportive community. She understands that no parent should feel alone in their advocacy for their blind child, and she has worked to foster a network of parents, educators, and professionals who are committed to creating a more inclusive and accessible world for blind children.
Cassie’s personal background, both as a mother and a dedicated advocate, has shaped her leadership at NOPBC. She believes that every blind child deserves the same opportunities for success as their sighted peers and is committed to working toward a future where blind children are seen for their capabilities, not their limitations. Cassie continues to inspire and empower parents to advocate for their children’s rights, always striving to create a world where blind children can grow up with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive.