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Leadership

The National Braille Association is led by a dedicated team of volunteers from around North America. Our Board of Directors consists of professionals with experience in braille transcription, education, accessibility services, and program leadership.

The Board provides governance and strategic oversight for the organization while supporting the work of our Executive Director, who leads the operations of our national headquarters in Rochester, New York.

Cynthia Laurent, NBA President

Cindi Laurent

President

Message from the President

"I'm honored to serve in the capacity of President because I believe in this community. I want to do all I can to share my love and knowledge of braille in a way that ultimately impacts braille readers. By way of helping our membership to better understand the intricacies of braille codes and their importance, we aim to help transcribers grow and develop their skills. Our work to directly serve those in the braille community has a very real impact in the lives of the many people who rely on accessible materials."

"Continue to get involved. Serve on a committee. Share your knowledge with others. I invite you to join us and be a part of this wonderful community."

- Cynthia Laurent (Minnesota)
Christopher Clemens, NBA Executive Director

Chris Clemens

Executive Director

Message from the Executive Director

When I first joined the National Braille Association in 2011, braille—and the process of transcription—was still new to me. I had volunteered with NBA a few years earlier, but it wasn’t until I began working with the organization every day that I truly came to understand the immense talent, precision, and dedication required of a transcriber.

Though I’ve spent my entire career in nonprofit work, NBA has offered me a unique perspective on the deep sense of commitment and community that defines those who produce accessible media. Now, as Executive Director, I strive to mirror that same commitment and sense of purpose to my work in supporting our members, Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers.

My goal for the future is to help NBA continue to grow and evolve with a changing industry—always finding new ways to support those who need it most.

My hope for the future is that you will join us and be part of our vital work.

- Christopher Clemens (New York)

Board Members

Members of the NBA Board of Directors serve as volunteers who dedicate their time, expertise, and passion to advancing the mission of the organization.

Board members are elected based on their professional experience, leadership, and commitment to strengthening the future of the NBA. Their responsibilities are not limited to, but include:

  • Ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the organization
  • Providing governance and oversight to the National Office
  • Establishing and carrying out initiatives that support the NBA’s mission
  • Representing the organization within the broader community

The NBA Board of Directors plays a uniquely active role in the work of the organization. One day, members may be reviewing budgets and organizational strategy; the next, they may be writing a workshop about t- and p- pages.

For more than 80 years, board members have helped shape the educational resources, professional development opportunities, and member services that support braille readers and professionals not just here, but around the world.

List Of Current Board Members And Their Titles/Roles

Committee

The work of the National Braille Association is supported by committees that represent a wide range of topics and skills areas within the field of braille and accessibility.

Some committees focus on technical subject areas such as Tactile Graphics or Unified English Braille (UEB) Literary, while others support organizational initiatives including conference planning, membership engagement, and prison braille programs.

Nearly all committee work is carried out by dedicated volunteers. Braille transcribers, teachers of students with visual impairments, and professionals from related fields contribute their expertise and experience to support the NBA’s programs, services, and educational mission.

List Of Committees With The Name/Location Of Each Chair

Invitation To Serve

If you are interested in serving the National Braille Association as a board or committee member, we encourage you to reach out and share your interest.
The NBA is always looking for new perspectives, fresh ideas, and dedicated volunteers to help advance our mission. You may contact a member of the Board of Directors or a committee chair directly to learn more about opportunities to get involved.
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