Overview
The Commission for the Blind, established under
ORS 346.120, is a governing body that provides leadership, financial oversight, and policy direction to the agency. Commissioners are selected by the Governor and their appointments require confirmation by the Oregon Senate. Members of the Commission represent key stakeholders that relate to the work of the agency and include consumer organizations, education, ophthalmology / optometry, business, and Oregon citizens who are blind. It is required that the majority of the seven members of the Commission are persons who experience blindness.
The Commission is a public body, and their meetings are open to the public. Meeting notices, agendas, and minutes are available on the
board meeting page. You can also
send an email to the Commission.
Nadeera Broome, Commission Chair
Represents Oregonians who are blind.
Nadeera was born and raised in Barbados, and moved to Oregon in 2016. She is an ESL and Spanish tutor with a background in customer service, tourism, and freelance writing. Nadeera is very passionate about the rights of marginalized groups in society, including people who are blind, immigrants, and people of color. She is committed to the upliftment and advancement of blind people and changing the negative and misinformed perceptions that the public has about them. She has a passion for helping others and actively volunteers with the elderly. Nadeera enjoys reading, writing, cooking (especially Barbadian food), trivia, and dancing.
Cassie Coyner
Represents American Council of the Blind of Oregon.
Cassie Coyner serves at the local, regional and national levels of American Council for the Blind (www.acb.org) in several roles including: Secretary Next Generation, Co-chair Next Generation Convention (www.acbnextgeneration.org), and President of the Veterans of ACB. Locally, Ms. Coyner serves as both the Oregon Chapter's Secretary and Membership Chair, as well as holding the Southwest Chapter's Secretary and Program Chair positions (www.acboforegon.org).
Ms. Coyner is honored to serve as a Commissioner at Oregon Commission for the Blind. She is a U.S. Army Veteran who learned they would go blind later in life. She has made it her mission to serve other citizens who may be facing, or going through, vision loss.
Ms. Coyner holds an AAS from Southwestern Oregon Community College (Coos Bay) and a Medical Assisting Certificate from Everest College (Tacoma). She is the proud mother of three children, ages nine, 16, and 20 years old.
Lillian Goodman
Represents Oregonians who are blind.
Ms. Goodman is a student at Portland State University, studying Accounting and Business. She is an advocate for individuals who are blind to be able to fully engage in any life activity of their choosing, including a career. She is committed to informing the policies and priorities for the Commission for the Blind that impact the services received by many Oregonians who are blind. In her free time, Lillian, accompanied by her guide dog Spinoza, enjoys activities such as dragon boating, rowing, tandem cycling, hiking, skiing, paddle boarding, and kayaking.
Laurel Hudson
Represents Business.
Laurel Hudson graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management then began her career in the hospitality industry, learning the ins and outs of excellence in customer service. After 10 years of being a manager in hotels, restaurants, and retail, she is now on the marketing team for Allmade Apparel. Laurel enjoys spending time in her garden and hanging in the great outdoors as much as possible.
Alan Labrum, O.D.
Represents Optometry/Ophthalmology.
Dr. Labrum is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the Casey Eye Institute Vision Rehabilitation Clinic at the Oregon Healthy and Science University (OHSU). Dr. Labrum’s practice includes individuals who have a visual impairment. He also provides clinical instruction to the Ophthalmology residents as they rotate through the Vision Rehabilitation Clinic, and he serves as the Assistant Director of the Optics course. Dr. Labrum actively seeks opportunities to further advocate for individuals who have a visual impairment and looks forward to leading the agency’s efforts to create better opportunities and programs to help individuals with a visual impairment return to the workforce to perform the type of work they are passionate about.
Stephanie McGary
Represents National Federation of the Blind.
Stephanie McGary is legally blind and resides in Southern Oregon where she is employed as a drug and alcohol counselor. In her work, Stephanie has a deep understanding of the importance of diversity, equality, and inclusion as she engages with each of her clients. Stephanie believes that no person should be left out due to what they have or do not have, and that inclusion is vital to all people and should not limited due to stereotypes or stigmas. Stephanie is a passionate individual and is an advocate for those who do not speak for themselves. Stephanie is the First Vice President of the National Federation of the Blind and the local Oregon Chapter President. As a member of the Commission, Stephanie wants to ensure that those who are blind or with other disabilities or limitations are able to be heard and to ensure that no one is left out because of their differences.
Scott Wall
Represents Education.
Scott Wall has worked with students who are visually impaired for over 25 years as a teacher, Orientation and Mobility (cane travel) Specialist, and Program Administrator at Columbia Regional Inclusive Services with Portland Public Schools. Scott is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities have the resources and opportunities to live the lives of their choosing. Scott is particularly interested in strengthening the connection between the secondary educational system and adult rehabilitation services to optimize outcomes for Oregon’s future workforce. Scott holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education, an Administrator Certificate from Portland State University, and an Orientation and Mobility Certification from Pennsylvania College of Optometry.