Foundation for Blind Children
Ryan Smolko is a skilled Braille Technician at the Foundation for Blind Children, responsible for transcribing and producing braille and large print media while managing a digital and physical library. Previously, Ryan served as a Large Print Technician, processing orders for large print and braille transcription. Ryan has diverse experience, including serving as a Digital Archival Intern at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library, a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Texas A&M University, and an Editorial Intern at Texas A&M University Press. Early career roles include cashier at Teaching and Learning Stuff, Admissions Ambassador, and Resident Assistant at Hastings College. Ryan holds a Master of Arts in American History from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Arts in History with a French Minor from Hastings College.
Foundation for Blind Children
The Foundation for Blind Children was founded in 1952 by parents of blind children who wanted services for their blind children in Phoenix, instead of having to send them to the State Institution for the Blind in Tucson. The Foundation for Blind Children is the largest non-profit agency of it's kind in the United States serving the blind and visually impaired of all ages, from birth to currently 102 years old. As the only agency of its kind in Arizona, the Foundation for Blind Children is an essential resource to families and children with blindness or low vision. With three Valley locations (East Valley, West Valley and Central Phoenix), we strive to serve as "the" community's resource for blind, visually impaired, and multi-handicapped children, adults, and their families. As the only agency of its kind in Arizona, the Foundation for Blind Children is an essential resource to families and children with blindness or low vision. Without FBC, blind children would not get the opportunities that should be available to every child - to learn, play sports, participate fully in the world around them and become successful, productive adults. We provide a comprehensive system of services, which optimizes the blind, or visually impaired child's development and which provides many opportunities to lead a meaningful and productive life--starting with infancy, through preschool, elementary and secondary education throughout college and adulthood. Many of our children graduate from college, pursue successful careers and lead lives filled with enriching possibilities