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National Federation of the Blind Names Dr. Dean Stenehjem 2011 Distinguished Educator of Blind Children

Dr. Stenehjem has worked with blind students for more than thirty-seven years. He began working with blind children as an instructor of the visually impaired at Grand Forks Central High School in North Dakota. Since 1986, he has worked at the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB), a renowned residential school for the blind. In his current role as superintendent of the WSSB, Dr. Stenehjem oversees the education of blind students from birth to twenty-one years of age. Under his leadership, WSSB established the Ogden Resource Center, which provides Braille textbooks to elementary- and secondary-school blind students in Washington. Dr. Stenehjem also spearheaded the effort to make WSSB a pioneer in adaptive technology-WSSB offers its students (and any other blind persons in Washington) access to and training in the latest in accessible technology.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "Dr. Stenehjem has dedicated his career to ensuring that blind students are given the tools for independence and academic success. Dr. Stenehjem's dedication is exemplified in his work developing partnerships with local school districts in Washington, ensuring that all blind students, not just those enrolled at WSSB, are given the opportunity to succeed. The National Federation of the Blind commends Dr. Stenehjem for his unwavering commitment to the education of blind students."

Dr. Stenehjem received his master of education with a cognate in special education from the University of North Dakota.

The Distinguished Educator Award carries with it a $1,000 prize and a trip to the 2011 NFB National Convention in Orlando. While in Orlando, Dr. Stenehjem will address several hundred parents and educators of blind children and have an opportunity to share his experience and insights with many people interested in improving the education of blind students.

About the National Federation of the Blind

With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.

National Federation of the Blind
Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
410-659-9314, extension 2330
410-262-1281 (Cell)
cdanielsen@nfb.org