On April 19 the Escondido Chapter of the NFB of California held elections. The results were as follows: President Denise Bravell; Vice President Dave Faiman; Secretary Raquel Montoya; Treasurer Yvette Lee; Board Member Mark Fletcher. Congratulations to these leaders.
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Attention blind and low-vision chess players and those wanting to learn the game. The United States Blind Chess Association (USBCA) is the country’s main grassroots network for blind and low-vision chess players. Founded in the late-1960s, it has evolved from postal Braille correspondence games to a vibrant online, email correspondence, and over-the-board community that runs year-round tournaments, publishes its own magazine, curates accessible study materials, and advocates for better digital accessibility in mainstream chess platforms. Join their email list by sending a blank message to [email protected]. After joining, when ready, become a dues-paying member. Further questions may be directed to Kim at: [email protected].
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A proposed settlement has been reached that would resolve the class action lawsuit Douglass v. Whitestone Home Furnishings, LLC, Case No. 2:25-cv-00460 (W.D. Pa.). The lawsuit alleges that Whitestone Home Furnishings, LLC d/b/a Saatva violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101, et seq., by failing to take the necessary steps to ensure its website and mobile apps do not discriminate against individuals who are Blind and/or who have a Visual Disability. Under the settlement, Saatva agrees to make its website and any new website or mobile app it develops or acquires accessible to individuals who are Blind and/or who have a Visual Disability. For a more complete summary of the terms of the proposed settlement, please visit https://www.SaatvaADAsettlement.com. Have questions? Contact East End Trial Group at https://eastendtrialgroup.com.
The silver-white winters of Colorado call Ski for Light, Inc. (SFL) back to Granby and Snow Mountain Ranch to celebrate its Fifty-first International Week. Active adults with visual or mobility impairments will gather to learn the basics of cross-country skiing February 1-8, 2026.
This will be the organization’s fifteenth visit to Colorado and thirteenth visit to Snow Mountain Ranch (YMCA of the Rockies). “There’s always a reason to get excited about Ski for Light returning to Snow Mountain Ranch,” says Event Chair David Fisichella. “The variety of terrain, consistent snow conditions, and regional hospitality make Granby, Colorado, a favorite among SFL skiers and guides.”
Founded in 1975, Ski for Light is an all-volunteer nonprofit that attracts participants from across the U.S. and around the world. Based on a Norwegian program called the Ridderrenn, each blind, low-vision, or mobility-impaired participant is paired with an experienced sighted cross-country skier who acts as instructor and on-snow guide for a week of skiing, sharing, and learning. First-time skiers will be introduced to basic technique while returning skiers will have an opportunity to enhance existing skills.
“When the cold bites, when the frost stings, when I’m feeling bad, I simply remember Snow Mountain Ranch, and then I don’t feel so sad,” croons veteran guide Tim Feldman with a smile. “But seriously, it’s the wonderful and dependable snow, expert grooming, gentle trails—the skiing at Snow Mountain Ranch is perfect for us.”
“Snow Mountain Ranch is my favorite place to ski,” says skier Krista Erickson. “There’s such a variety of nature to experience, including sometimes having to stop if inadvertently skiing upon a moose or two snacking on the trailside foliage.”
While the focus of the week is cross-country skiing, there are plenty of after-ski activities including presentations, workshops, and evening entertainment, where participants have an opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones.
So, grab your warm woolen mittens and join the fun by participating as a skier, a guide, or a volunteer. Applications and additional information will be available in the summer at www.sfl.org; meanwhile, join our community on Facebook (Ski for Light, Inc.), and check out our YouTube channel (Ski for Light International).
The experience of a lifetime awaits!
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.