Belinda Banks

Email: banksbelinda21@gmail.con

Belinda Banks was born and raised in Saint Mathew’s South Carolina. She attended school there until the 6th grade and deeply felt the struggle of being a blind student receiving limited services. At the start of her sixth grade year, Belinda and her family decided she would attend the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind in Spartanburg, SC.

 

Belinda’s time at the SC School for the Blind played an important role in shaping her views on blindness. While the early days were difficult, she was empowered with independent living skills, learning Braille and socializing with new, blind friends. She shares that some of her fondest memories involve traveling across the state for sports and as a part of the Blind Pride Clubb. This club worked to teach public school students that it was respectable to be blind.

 

While at the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind, Belinda was also first exposed to the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina, as the school had its own chapter. She describes herself as having an on again off again relationship with the NFB of SC and the national organization for a time, but when her son Derique had difficulties receiving the services he needed for education, she knew her Federation family were the only ones who could help. Belinda now proudly serves as the president of the Spartanburg Chapter of the NFB of SC, the president of the SC Blind Merchants Division and on the board of the National Association of Blind Merchants.

 

Belinda is the newest member of the NFB of SC Board of Directors.  When asked what thoughts she would like to share with the membership she said:

“Never give up. No matter what you’re going through, always have hope.”

Belinda also says that she loves talking to people and is excited to help anyone however she can.

 

Phone Number: (864) 909-5587