July 2025

Letter from the President

Dear Friend,

We have just concluded the 2025 National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind, and I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together. I am reenergized by your passion and deeply grateful to serve as your President. Spending time with you during convention is always a privilege and this year it left me more hopeful than ever about our shared future.

One of the standouts for me this convention was our diversity. As I shared in my banquet speech:

"From the beginning, the National Federation of the Blind has been comprised of leaders of diverse backgrounds and experiences who all happen to be blind. Our experience has been that our truth is more evident and guides us to more effective collective decisions when it is built on a strong diversity of personal characteristics, brought together in unified purpose. Please do not misunderstand; working collectively is not always easy. It takes real effort, emotional intelligence, and patience. But we are all better when it is successful."

We know that blindness does not discriminate—it affects people from every race, faith, economic background, and identity. That’s why inclusion isn’t just an ideal in the Federation, it’s a lived value. Diversity builds the organized blind movement. At this year’s convention, I learned from a broad cross section of our members, and I’m better for it.

If you haven’t already, I invite you to visit—or revisit—our convention highlights . Let’s keep building on the energy we created in New Orleans as we continue to transform the future.

Sincerely,
Mark A Riccobono, President
National Federation of the Blind

Inclusion Helps Everyone

The National Federation of the Blind is a movement of blind people built on the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Fostering inclusion is not just an ideal, it is a core value, and we live it every day. We recognize and celebrate the diverse strengths, talents, and experiences of our members, staff, and allies.

Our community is one where every individual is welcomed, supported, and empowered to contribute fully. Welcoming different perspectives strengthens all organizations and benefits everyone.

"As someone who is blind and has Asperger’s, I know that true inclusion goes beyond access—it creates opportunity. When people take the time to be inclusive, everyone benefits. Clear, step-by-step directions help me navigate more confidently and re-wording something when I don’t understand right away isn’t just helpful for me—it often improves communication for the whole group." - Brian

"Inclusion and diversity fuels my company. It builds strong teams. People from different backgrounds work together like a dream. Sharing ideas, collaborating, sharing backgrounds and perspectives make us stronger than one monolithic workforce would be."– Kevan

Learn more about our brand values, how we build inclusion at the Federation, and our efforts to foster inclusion in the world.

Latest News at the NFB

New Podcast Trailer Announced

The trailer for Walking Alone and Marching Together podcast, which brings the National Federation of the Blind’s rich history to life in a compelling, accessible format has been released. Based on the landmark book chronicling the Federation’s first fifty years, the podcast breaks the story into manageable, engaging chapters.

Launching this fall, the series is designed to make the movement’s past more approachable for both longtime members and those recently discovering the organized blind community. Listen to the trailer for Walking Alone and Marching Together.

Blind-Owned Business Directory Launched

Blind entrepreneurs are leading businesses in every corner of the economy. In addition to the typical challenges of business ownership, they often face accessibility barriers in everything from inventory tracking to website management.

To amplify and support these businesses, the National Federation of the Blind has launched the Blind Owned and Operated Marketplace—a live directory of blind-owned businesses across the country.

The Marketplace provides an easy way for consumers to discover, support, and celebrate these enterprises, helping blind business owners thrive with the backing of the Federation family. Support blind-owned and operated businesses and visit the Marketplace today.

Braille Monitor Early Access Blog Coming Soon

The National Federation of the Blind launched a new Braille Monitor Early Access blog, allowing members to read articles online and on NFB-NEWSLINE® before the print edition is released. Read the first Braille Monitor Early Access articles for a legislative update and more.

Take Action This Month

Throughout our local chapters and state affiliates to our national headquarters and diverse committees, the National Federation of the Blind is an organization of collective action. Here’s what you can do to get involved this month.

Important Dates

We certainly are a busy organization. Don’t miss these upcoming events, workshops, and deadlines.