National Federation of the Blind
Valerie Yingling has over two decades of diverse experience in educational and legal environments, currently serving as the Legal Program Coordinator and previously as a Paralegal at the National Federation of the Blind since May 2012. Prior roles include Director at Humanim from 2009 to 2012, Special Educator at Kennedy Krieger from November 2003 to August 2009, Parent and Community Education Organizer at Greater Homewood Community Corporation from 2002 to 2003, and AmeriCorps VISTA at Habitat for Humanity of Omaha from 2000 to 2001. Valerie holds a Master's degree in Special Education from The Johns Hopkins University (2004-2007) and a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Quincy University (1996-2000).
National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. The National Federation of the Blind believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power, influence, diversity, and determination to help transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people. Our democratically elected leaders and our diverse nationwide membership are made up of blind people, our families, and our friends. We are bound together by the shared belief that we are capable of achieving our dreams and living the lives we want. We support one another, act with courage and determination when we encounter barriers or experience setbacks, and engage in collective action to improve our lives.