Nation's Blind Podcast

The Nation's Blind Podcast highlights different themes related to blindness, independent living, and news from the National Federation of the Blind.

Hosts: Anil Lewis, executive director of the NFB Blindness Initiatives department, and Melissa Riccobono, First Lady of the NFB.

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For episodes of our special series dedicated to blind parents, please visit the Blind Parents Connection Podcast page

Recent Episodes

Here is a list of episodes that include the show notes, the podcast episode, episode transcripts, and important relevant links as needed.

Increasing Employment Opportunities for the Blind

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Lia Stone, a co-chairperson of our employment committee, Shawn Callaway, an employer liaison, and Janice Forbes, a jobseeker liaison. They discuss what needs to be done to increase employment for the blind, as well as resources that we offer to remove barriers and strengthen opportunities for blind jobseekers.

Important Links

Increasing Employment Opportunities for the Blind Transcript

NFB Employment Resources

Blindness Journey

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by Carla McQuillan, executive director of Main Street Montessori. They’re also joined by Sean Seward, our independence market manager, and Grace Pires, board member and president of the NFB of Rhode Island. They discuss whether they describe themselves as blind/low vision or visually impaired and why it matters.

Blindness Journey Transcript

Media Representation and Pop Culture

In today’s episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil Lewis and Melissa Riccobono are joined by colleagues, Danielle McCann, our membership coordinator, and Nikki Jackson, our employment programs coordinator. They discuss how blind people are portrayed in the media and in pop culture, and what should change to ensure that the portrayals are accurate and positive representations.

Media Representation and Pop Culture Transcript

Jonathan Mosen Introduces Access On

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil Lewis and Chris Danielsen are joined by Jonathan Mosen, former producer and host of the Bolotin award-winning Living Blindfully podcast and our incoming executive director for Accessibility Excellence. They discuss Access On, our new podcast that focuses on the role that technology plays in living the life we want. Jonathan also provided advice and tips for new podcasters.

Jonathan Mosen Introduces Access On Transcript

Preserving our Dignity as Blind People

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by two of our new board members, Jamie Richey and Ben Dallin. They discuss how to protect our dignity as blind people and how to properly respond to individuals who may challenge our dignity. They also reflect and share their thoughts on President Riccobono’s 2024 banquet speech that focuses on dignity.

Preserving our Dignity as Blind People Transcript

Important Links

2024 Banquet Speech

More Information

To listen to previous episodes, please visit the Nation's Blind Podcast archiveIf you have any questions about the Nation's Blind Podcast, or if you would like to contribute to future episodes, please email us at [email protected] or call 410-659-9314, extension 2444.