LOUISVILLE, KY (August 4, 2022)—Christopher Fendrick of Bakersfield, California, graduated from the Blind Leaders Development Program at the American Foundation for the Blind’s (AFB) special commencement ceremony on August 2, 2022.
Launched in 2020, the Blind Leaders Development Program was created by AFB to increase upward mobility and create meaningful leadership experiences for individuals who are blind or low vision, who are already employed and in the early stages of their careers.
While in the program, Mr. Fendrick and his fellow graduates received extensive training in leadership, networking, communication, and other key skills for advancing in their careers and improving their effectiveness as they achieve higher levels of authority and influence. Other facets of the program included following the Leadership Challenge curriculum, attending a series of webinars, and being paired with a successful blind or low vision mentor who provided honest advice and feedback about what it takes to succeed in the workforce. Mr. Fendrick was among 18 graduates of the Centennial Cohort, named as such in light of AFB celebrating 100 years advocating on behalf of those who are blind or have low vision throughout 2021.
Mr. Fendrick is a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) with the Kern High School District in Bakersfield, where he has also taught social studies and served in school administration. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Fresno State University in 1994, Master’s in Educational Management from the University of La Verne in 2003, and Education Specialists Credential in Visual Impairments from San Francisco State University (SFSU) in 2012. He has served on the Department of Rehabilitation Blind Advisory Committee since 2017 representing education and is currently chair of the committee. He also serves as president of his local chapter of the California Council of the Blind. In 2019, he joined the California Transcribing and Educators of the Blind and Visually Impaired (CTEBVI) board of directors and currently serves as president. Since 2021, he is co-teaching a class for SFSU on Issues in Blindness for the Teacher of the Visually Impaired teacher preparation program.
“These 18 professionals, including Chris, have honed their knowledge and skills to take on greater authority and responsibility in their professional fields,” said Neva Fairchild, who oversees the program. “Due to their intensive learning and practice, as well as the work of their mentors, for whom we are all grateful, Chris and his fellow graduates now have the imperative to create and sustain a more inclusive workforce.”
Since its inception in 2020, the program has seen a steady rise in applicants. The recently-launched third cohort is the largest class to date. For more information, visit AFB.org/BlindLeaders.
