Presidential Releases

The presidential release is a monthly audio message from President Mark A. Riccobono that highlights the current activities of the National Federation of the Blind. It is shared with every chapter of the organization.

Mark Riccobono smiles casually while looking off to the side.The presidential release is typically available in English, Spanish, and as a text transcript in both languages. You can subscribe to the English and Spanish versions of the presidential release via your podcast client by searching for "National Federation of the Blind."

Upcoming Live Release

Presidential Release #529, August 1, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time

June 2023

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #528. He provides perspective and celebration of Pride Month and the recent lawsuit win against Los Angeles Community College District. He provides updates on the exciting upcoming national convention. President Riccobono shares Federation Family news and customary endings.

May 2023

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #527. He provides perspective and updates on social media engagement specifically regarding Mastodon, traveling by air with guide dogs, our Teachers of Tomorrow program, and convention resolutions. President Riccobono shares Federation Family news and customary endings.

April 2023

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #526. He provides perspective and updates on the national convention virtual experience registration, increased appropriations request for the independent living services for older individuals who are blind program, the equal employment opportunity commission regarding discriminatory driver’s license requirements on job applications, and our new 2023 campaign, Route 66 Ride for Literacy with Dan O’Rourke. President Riccobono shares Federation Family news and customary endings.

March 2023

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #525 before a live virtual audience and the 92nd leadership seminar participants. He provides perspective and updates regarding our advocacy efforts including a breaking news on our legislative priorities. He also discusses subminimum wages, the Orozco case, a new Department of Justice 508 compliance report, education programs, and the biggest event of the year. National Convention registration now open. President Riccobono shares Federation Family news and customary endings.

February 2023

President Mark Riccobono presents Presidential Release #524 from the National Federation of the Blind recording studio. He reflects on January events, celebrates Black History Month, and shares the significance of Washington Seminar presented at Great Gathering-In. President Riccobono also gives updates on the museum, Federation Family news, and customary endings.

January 2023

President Mark Riccobono presents Presidential Release #523, the first Presidential Release for 2023. President Riccobono celebrates World Braille Day, announces the new name of the Digital Tactile Display developed by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), discusses the upcoming Washington Seminar, tells members how to make 2023 National Convention hotel reservations, shares NFB family news, including the passing of long-time Federation leader Scott LaBarre, and announces the creation of the new Scott C. LaBarre Leadership and Justice Fund.

December 2022

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #522 before a live virtual audience from Members Hall at the Jernigan Institute. He provides perspective and updates with Lyft, Indeed pre-employment assessments, 2023 Washington Seminar, Scholarship Program, and PSAs. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news, reflection from the year, and the customary endings.

November 2022

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #521 before a live virtual audience in San Diego at the NFB of California state convention. He provides perspective and updates on voting, rideshare transportation, Braille literacy, advocacy and policy information regarding the introduction of the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and the customary endings.

October 2022

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #520 before a live virtual audience in Jackson, Mississippi at the Mississippi School for the Blind. He provides perspective and updates regarding Blind Equality Achievement Month, advocacy and policy information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act and the introduction of the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act, and shares details about the upcoming open house for prospective members. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and the customary endings. This release includes the location announcement for the next presidential release from NFB of Mississippi President, Candice Chapman. 

September 2022

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #519 before a live virtual audience and the 91st leadership seminar participants. He provides perspective and updates regarding back to school, our strategic planning and DEI work, advocacy and policy information, and encouraging member to get out to vote. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and the customary endings. This release includes the exciting location announcement for the next presidential release from Dr. LaShawna Fant.

August 2022

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #518 before a live virtual audience. He provides perspective and updates regarding the 2022 National Convention, our advocacy and policy efforts including the recent anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and planning for Blind Equality Achievement Month. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and the customary endings.
•    Presidential Release 518, August 2022 (English Audio) - For Chapter Meetings
•    Presidential Release 518, August 2022 (English Transcript) - Chapter Version
•    Presidential Release 518, August 2022 (YouTube) - Full Live Recording
•    Presidential Release 518, August 2022 (English Transcript)

July 2022

There is no July presidential release. Enjoy the 2022 banquet speech from President Riccobono or more #NFB22 convention highlights.

June 2022

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #517 before a live virtual audience. He provides perspective and updates regarding upcoming strategic planning and constitutional amendments of the National Federation of the Blind, our advocacy and policy efforts, request for NFB Code of Conduct feedback, and National Convention. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and the customary endings.

May 2022

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #516 before a live virtual and in-person audience from NOLA. He provides perspective and updates regarding the We're With U concert, upcoming employment training opportunity, social security administration kiosks, at-home COVID-19 tests, and National Convention. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and the customary endings.

April 2022

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #515 before a live virtual audience. He provides perspective and updates regarding legislative issues, the Teachers of Tomorrow program, transportation concerns, the Blind Driver Challenge Guinness World Records attempt, World Blind Union’s Ukrainian Unity Fund, and National Convention.

March 2022

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #514 before a live virtual audience. He provides perspective and updates regarding legislative issues from Washington Seminar, National Convention registration and important convention protocols, COVID testing progress, and RAINN training. 

February 2022

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #513 before a live virtual audience. He provides perspective and updates regarding the upcoming Washington Seminar, important details on at-home COVID-19 tests, the Blind Driver Challenge, Lyft denials to service animals, and requesting feedback for the planning of our state-of-the-art civil rights museum. 

January 2022

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #512 before a live virtual audience. Bringing in the new year and celebrating World Braille Day, he provides perspective and updates regarding the upcoming National Convention, exciting changes to our scholarship program, and KNFB Reader transition. He also shares details regarding Washington Seminar, the Code of Conduct, and Federation Family news. 

Previous Presidential Releases

To listen to previous presidential releases, please visit the presidential release archive.