“Thank you to everybody who has already contributed to our recipe for success here at the end of 2024,” President Mark Riccobono said. “A big part of that recipe is partnerships. And if you have already contributed to our end of the year campaign, then you are truly a partner in the work of the organized blind movement to make a difference, change what it means to be blind, and empower blind people to live the lives they want.”

President Riccobono and Jonathan Mosen, executive director of accessibility excellence, connected with our friends at Blazie Technologies and HumanWare on a recent Facebook live. Thanks to the generosity of both organizations, David from Minnesota won the BT Speak Pro from Blazie Technologies and Beverly from California won the Victor Reader Stream 3 from HumanWare. Both products are small, but powerful, and contain a wealth of information at your fingertips and in your pockets. 

We've had a great year in the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), and part of that is empowering blind people to tell our stories in order to educate society on the true blind experience. Those stories are also a big part of changing the hearts and minds of people who don't have experience with blindness or maybe who have bought into the centuries of stereotypes about us. That work to change those misconceptions is a big part of our own dignity as blind people. 

CEO of Blazie Technologies, Bryan Blazie, emphasized why it was important for him and his father to consult the nation’s blind when creating products such as the Braille n’ Speak. “I'm fortunate my father taught me very early that we don't do this for ourselves,” Bryan said. “We're doing this to make the lives of blind people better, and you can't do that without listening to your customer. There's a certain fulfillment that comes in working with people and making a difference.” 

Peter Tucic, director of strategic partnerships at HumanWare, shared that their partnership with the NFB, allowed them to interact with a wide variety of users, and not only blind staff like himself. Testing with professionals, students, and retirees, helps their products work for people of all ages and of all walks of life. 

Jonathan asked if there was a need for blindness-specific products now that there are smart phones. David Goldfield, director of marketing at Blazie Technologies and a blind user of both types of products, said yes, explaining that blindness-specific products can have more beneficial features, such as built-in Braille displays. Peter agreed, stating that although smart phones are accessible, blindness-specific products are both accessible and easier to use.

Living the life you want is about having more options and the power to make your own choices. Blindness-specific products and other accessible tools are both valuable.  President Riccobono highlighted that the NFB’s engagement with tech companies, allows blind people to be involved at the cutting edge of technological advancements. Thank you to all of our supporters who help fund the important work we do every day at the National Federation of the Blind to advance the lives of blind people.

It’s not too late to participate in our Gift Matching Challenge. Thanks to HumanWare and anonymous donors, every dollar you contribute will be doubled. Give online at nfb.org/contribute/give or contribute by calling 410-659-9314, extension 2430.