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.
Lillian Goodman
Represents Oregonians who are blind.
Ms. Goodman graduated from Portland State University with a degree in 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 various adaptive sports and traveling in addition to reading.
Laurel Hudson
Represents Business.
Laurel Hudson loves good people, great adventures, and making a difference. After graduating from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, she spent 15 years leading teams across hotels, restaurants, and retail, fueling her passion for creating unforgettable experiences. Today, she brings that same energy to the marketing team at Allmade Apparel, where she champions sustainable fashion that puts people and the planet first. When she's not at work, you'll find Laurel getting her hands dirty in the garden, playing games with her husband and friends, or exploring the great outdoors with her favorite sidekick—her dog, Gene Parmesan.
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 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 be 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 President of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon. 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.
Nelacey Porter
Represents Oregonians who are blind.
Nelacey Porter was born and raised in Portland and graduated from Benson
Polytechnic High School; class of 2002. Nelacey is a champion of
digital access and is currently the Digital Accessibility Trainer for
the Oregon Health Authority's (OHA) Digital Accessibility Team; a team
within OHA's Accessibility, Inclusion, and Education unit. Nelacey has
utilized the many services that OCB offers throughout the years and is
dedicated and determined to give back and serve the agency that helped
get him to where he is now. Nelacey is a retired Paralympian, who
competed in the 2004 Athens Greece and 2008 Beijing China summer games.
In his free time, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife
and guide dog Atlas, visiting family and friends, serving his community
and local church, and barbecuing a variety of meats on his smoker and
charbroil grill.
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.