Scanlan's Life Experiences Shaped Her Commitment To Advocacy
February, 2021
By Access Pess Staff
Joyce Eileen Scanlan, a passionate advocate for the rights of individuals with visual disabilities, passed away. She attended the North Dakota School for the Blind and later earned a B.A. and a master's degree in English.
Losing her vision due to glaucoma, Scanlan faced discrimination in her teaching career but found inspiration at the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) convention in Minneapolis in 1970. There, she met her future husband, Tom Scanlan, and became a dedicated advocate for disability rights.
Scanlan was crucial in adding disability protections to the Minnesota Human Rights Act and advocating for Braille instruction in public schools. She served as the president of NFB-Minnesota from 1973 to 2007 and contributed nationally as a board member of the NFB.
One of her significant achievements was founding BLIND, Inc. (Blindness: Learning In New Dimensions) in 1988, a rehabilitation center for adults with visual disabilities. Scanlan's commitment to empowering individuals with visual disabilities extended to her involvement in various organizations and advisory councils.
Scanlan was crucial in adding disability protections to the Minnesota Human Rights Act and advocating for Braille instruction in public schools. She served as the president of NFB-Minnesota from 1973 to 2007 and contributed nationally as a board member of the NFB.
One of her significant achievements was founding BLIND, Inc. (Blindness: Learning In New Dimensions) in 1988, a rehabilitation center for adults with visual disabilities. Scanlan's commitment to empowering individuals with visual disabilities extended to her involvement in various organizations and advisory councils.
Despite retiring as BLIND, Inc.'s leader in 2003, Scanlan continued her advocacy and maintained a love for cooking, reading, and humor. She is survived by her husband, a sister, a brother, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Scanlan's life experiences shaped her commitment to advocacy | Access Press