Chris Minkler

I grew up in a large family in East Aurora, New York, a suburb of Buffalo. There was always a lot of music in our home. I played alto saxophone in Middle and High School and sang in musicals and choruses. I graduated from East Aurora High School in 1987. I served 2 years in the Navy. I was discharged after losing my sight. I lost my sight from Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, which is a deterioration of the optic nerves. I attended Buffalo State College and graduated in December, 1993. I worked for 20 years for the Early Intervention Program/Children with Special Needs Division, a division of the Erie County Health Department. I joined the National Federation of the Blind in 1995. I have been active in the NFB since then. I currently serve as the Vice President of the Buffalo Chapter after I have served as President for 8 years. In addition to the NFB, I serve on the Erie County Core Advisory Group and serve in a Blind Veterans Group. I currently live in Williamsville, a village in the town of Amherst, New York.