The National Federation of the Blind distributes magazines, newsletters, speeches, reports, books, and other pieces of literature to inform the public (blind and sighted) about the true nature of blindness and about issues of interest to the blind. As a leader in the Federation, familiarize yourself with these publications in order to let chapter and affiliate members know of them, and to spread our positive philosophy and message of hope. Collectively, these publications offer coverage of a wide range of topics and information to help all blind people live the lives that they want and to truly understand that blindness is not what holds us back. Frequently articles from our publications provide an excellent resource for discussion during chapter meetings or at state convention break-out sessions regarding our philosophy. Electronic versions can be accessed from the NFB website at nfb.org/publications.
Braille Monitor
Overview
Our national flagship publication is the monthly magazine, the Braille Monitor, which has become by far the most influential publication in work with the blind. It is available in Braille, large print, online, audio, podcast, email, and on NFB-NEWSLINE®. The articles contain philosophy, stories of blind people living the lives we want, updates on initiatives and events, and news regarding the blind community. There is no charge for the Braille Monitor, but many members and chapters make annual contributions toward it.
There are several ways to subscribe.
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As a leader, it’s great to review the Braille Monitor and provide the resource to those of interest. For example, if someone is interested in membership, the April 2019 issue shares many member stories. All members of the NFB should subscribe to and read the Braille Monitor. Some chapters ask various individuals to report on certain articles during regular business meetings, which may help new members understand the significance of some of our activities and projects.
Participate
Members are welcome to send information or articles to the Braille Monitor for consideration by the editor. You will observe that there is a series of announcements in most issues of the Monitor called “Monitor Miniatures.” As you read the information, you will realize that announcements about occurrences in your chapter can be printed in the Braille Monitor. In order for this to happen, you must send the information to the editor. Other articles are also welcome. In the print issue of the Monitor, there are pictures that are described in the other media. Send in pictures of people in your chapter and pictures of activities in which you participate. Pictures are filed at the national office and may be used in other publications in addition to the Braille Monitor. Pictures in the Braille Monitor have become very popular among readers in both the print and online editions.
Take full advantage of the Braille Monitor. Read it carefully and send the editor appropriate information.
Future Reflections
Overview
Future Reflections is a quarterly magazine for parents and teachers of blind children to emphasize the importance of high expectations while showing that we are not only a source of information, but also a community bound together by shared values and a commitment to helping others. It is published by the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults in partnership with the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC), a division of the National Federation of the Blind. Issues pertain to blind children from birth through young adulthood.
Each issue provides resources and information for parents and teachers and a positive philosophy about blindness, and hearing from blind adults looking back upon their grow-up years. Each year one issue is designed around a pertinent theme such as Braille, orientation and mobility, technology, advocacy, low vision, or the IEP process. Another annual issue features presentations and workshops from the national convention, heightening the reader's interest in attending.
Future Reflections is available free of charge to subscribers in the United States in a hard-copy, print edition. It is also available via email, NFB-NEWSLINE, and on the NFB website.
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All of the past issues of Future Reflections, back to 1982, are archived at nfb.org under Publications. Thus, readers and researchers can find a wealth of information on a broad variety of topics.
Copies of Future Reflections can be handed out at state conventions and seminars. When parents and teachers are signed up for free subscriptions, the message of the NFB enters their homes on a consistent basis. When chapters or affiliates encounter new families of blind children, Future Reflections can serve as an ambassador.
Participate
If you are interested in submitting an article, send an email to [email protected].
The Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research
Overview
The Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research (JBIR) is the first international, interdisciplinary, open-access journal created by blind people, parents, teachers, administrators, and academic researchers designed to further efforts to address the real problems of blindness. Articles from the JBIR are good beginnings to engage and interest professionals who are not yet familiar with the National Federation of the Blind and the truths that we know about blindness. JBIR is available online and through our NFB-NEWSLINE program. You can subscribe to be on the notification mailing list for updates.
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JBIR is a great tool to provide those looking for research on blindness that is not related to the medical aspect of it. Examples could be the education/rehabilitation of the blind, innovations related to Braille and the use of Braille, techniques and tools for independent movement and travel by the blind, development of innovative technological approaches, findings that can affect advocacy related efforts, analysis of data sets providing descriptive information about the blind, and innovative practices in preparing professionals and paraprofessionals to work with the blind.
Participate
Authors seeking publication in JBIR should be sure to read the JBIR submission guidelines prior to the preparation of a manuscript. JBIR is not a medical journal and will not publish information related to the medical aspects of blindness.
Nation’s Blind Podcast
Overview
The Nation’s Blind Podcast is one more way members and friends can feel connected with the National Federation of the Blind. Every month Chris Danielsen, Anil Lewis, and Melissa Riccobono have conversations with a variety of guests, and with one another, on topics ranging from education of blind children to new technology to tactile art to so much more. The Presidential Privilege is a recurring segment. It is a chance for listeners to get to know President Riccobono in a more personal way. There are also bonus episodes of the podcast from time to time featuring topics such as education, parenting tips and tricks, and content from our governmental affairs staff. The Nation’s Blind Podcast is available on iTunes, or anywhere else you can get podcasts. You can download it onto a Victor Reader Stream or even ask Alexa to “play the Nation’s Blind Podcast.”
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Let people know about the podcast if they are interested in hearing about more blind people stories. It is great to share episodes on social media or in your emails.
Participate
If you have an interesting story or member story that would be interesting on the podcast, send an email to [email protected].
Voice of the Nation’s Blind Blog
Overview
Our blog is another way to help people connect to the National Federation of the Blind and is also a valuable resource for educating family and friends. Each week new content is published to our blog. Topics include technology, parenting, general information, education, and stories. Subscribe to the blog on nfb.org and get emails when new content is posted. Also, you can be notified about new blog posts by using the NFB Connect app.
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Take the opportunity to share our blog posts to social media. They may also be wonderful topics for discussion at chapter meetings.
Participate
If you have an interesting story or member story that would be great to include on the blog, send an email to [email protected]. See Appendix L Blog Guidelines for more details.
Imagineering our Future
Overview
Imagineering Our Future (IOF) is our monthly newsletter. We intend it to be a quick read for members and nonmembers. One of our target audiences is our supporters. Each issue contains two stories/articles, an action item or items, happenings or news briefs, and an upcoming events calendar.
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All of our members and anyone connected with the Federation should be signed up. IOF identifies reasons to be active in the Federation. The articles tell stories of our members and people we help. This is the most contemporaneous publication we have to convey Federation events and milestones.
To sign up for or to access past issues visit nfb.org/email.
Annual Report
Overview
The National Federation of the Blind publishes its annual report mid-year, typically just before convention. The annual report is our way of sharing significant achievements, the status of programs and initiatives, and an overall picture of our finances. Annual reports work much like tax returns: the most recent report will always be for the prior calendar year. The annual report consists of a brief overview of our organization, a message from our President, and a description of our initiatives accompanied by stories from our members. The stories serve to illustrate how each of our initiatives directly impacts the lives of blind children and adults across the country. The last section of the report is a snapshot of our finances, which includes our revenue and expenses broken down into a few categories.
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The annual report is an elegant and useful tool for leaders to use for fundraising, outreach, and education of the general public. The report has specifics on how to donate to our national organization. However, on the local level it is the perfect way to share stories of our impact with potential donors. Visit the Annual Report page to view annual reports from previous years.
State and Chapter Publications
Newsletters
State affiliates generally find that a quarterly or monthly newsletter makes it possible for members to be better informed about activities. It also gives members an opportunity to share their thoughts about matters affecting the blind. A few states have actually distributed weekly publications to chapter leaders if the state has a lot of activity, but circulating quarterly newsletters is probably the most common practice.
Choose an editor who knows something about writing and has a good working knowledge of the affiliate and its projects. They should be prepared to read the publications of other affiliates for ideas and material, diligent in contacting chapter leaders to learn what is going on at the local level, and able to persuade them to write stories for the publication. Generally speaking, the secretary is left to handle the mailing list and email list. It is best not to expect the newsletter editor to manage the mailing lists as well.
Monthly Note
It is a good idea for chapter and affiliate presidents to produce a monthly note. This monthly message usually highlights upcoming events or activities or comments on past events or activities. It is another method of keeping in touch with the membership and of helping members get to know you as a leader.
Content and Distribution
NFB affiliate publications may be distributed in Braille, print, large print, or email or by placing them on the state website or on the local channel of NFB-NEWSLINE. The content of the publication is up to the editor, but in addition to the state and chapter presidents’ column, editors must usually request articles from various members. Other members may be happy to submit material voluntarily.
Large print or Braille can be sent free of charge through the mail to blind readers, as long as it is marked “free matter for the blind.” Print documents or publications that are thirteen-point or smaller must be sent first class, or you can buy a nonprofit bulk mail permit for sending material at reduced postage. More information about bulk mail permits can be obtained from your local post office. Information about the “free matter for the blind” mailing privilege is below.
Free Matter for the Blind Mailing Privilege
It is possible to send reading material in large print (fourteen-point or larger), Braille, or recorded formats to blind people as “free matter for the blind.” Libraries for the blind can send books on loan without a postage charge, and blind people can return these books to the libraries without paying for postage. The sender just writes or stamps “free matter for the blind” in the spot where postage is normally placed. Congress made this possible because blind people cannot run down to the library or the store for something to read the way sighted people can. This means that the NFB can send its publications to blind people using the “free matter for the blind” privilege, and so can chapters and state affiliates.
Title 39 U.S.C. § 3403(a) and (b) of the postal code shows what is permitted and what is not. It is a good idea for those sending out mailings to know where to find this information in case the post office personnel raise questions. Generally, there are no problems. If there are, they are easily solved by showing the person in charge at the post office a reference to this section.