Mark Riccobono:
Our final item for this morning is definitely an exciting one and one intended to stretch our imagination. This is the Museum of the Blind People's Movement. Building support to shatter misconceptions. This program item is to talk about something that is not easy to accomplish, but I'm confident we'll do it. We have here to lead us in this effort. Our outstanding first vice president. Here's Pam Allen.
[Music]
Pam Allen:
Good Morning Federation family. I am so honored to lead this important conversation about something that belongs to all of us, the National Federation of the Blind Museum of the Blind People's Movement. And before we begin our panel, I want to acknowledge someone who has played a bold and instrumental role in bringing this effort forward.
As we all know, Patti Chang is listening to us virtually. So I want to give a shout out to Patti who would love to be with us in person, but is here for sure with us. And so Patti, thank you so much for all of your leadership.
I also want to acknowledge Alison Tyler and all our team working on the museum, and most importantly, president Riccobono for challenging us as we make this a reality. Since 1940, the National Federation of the Blind has been pushing back against misconceptions, low expectations, and exclusion.
We have organized, advocated, and told the truth about blindness, and now we are taking the next step. Our Museum of the Blind People's Movement is not just about preserving history, it is about claiming our space. It is about changing how blindness is understood, not through someone else's perspective, but on our terms.
It is about our stories in all our depth, power and complexity and pride, and it will not be like other museums. And that is exactly the point. It will grow in stages starting digitally, but the heart of the museum already exists.
Our people, our movement, our belief that blind people have the right and responsibility to define ourselves. Today, you will hear from several panelists who will each speak briefly about why this museum matters to them united in the understanding that we cannot wait for someone else to get it right.
We will build it, we are building it. But before we hear from our panelists, let's start with a short presentation that sets the stage for what this museum is and what it can be. And we need all of us to make it a reality.
[Video Clip Starts]
Narrator 1:
Throughout history, blind people are told, you can't. You can't be independent. You can't access information, you can't be employed, you can't have a family. You can't reach your dreams.
Sanho Steele-Louchart:
So we made a movement where we believe in blind people and we lead courageously and we expose misconceptions and we dare to dream big.
Narrator 2:
The Museum of the Blind People's Movement could serve as a true physical manifestation of what we have accomplished, allowing visitors to more fully understand the breadth of the work of the Federation and what we have accomplished. Walking Alone and Marching Together. This museum is essential.
Mark Riccobono:
It's a blind people's museum, right? So we should get blind people to decide what feels like, what it looks like. We're trying to really also iterate what a museum experience would be like, what a blind centered experience would be like. We want to do things from the beginning, design all the way to building that, make sure we're including the true perspectives of blind people.
Narrator 3:
It's up to us to tell our story. It is our duty to tell that story.
Anil Lewis:
It's important for blind people to tell our own stories because if society tells it, it's told from a flawed perspective,
Narrator 4:
History is typically written and communicated by those with privilege. And in American history, that hasn't been the blind community. So this is actually our chance to step into that role, that responsibility to accept the privilege that we have to share not only what we want to share, but what reality has really been.
We get to learn from the highs, the lows, and everything in between. And that is what I would love to see in our movement. Just the authentic representation of where we started, where we are now, and where we get to go next.
Sean Seward:
We get to show people that you can be independent and you can live the life that you want and it become real for them because they actually get to see it in person.
Narrator 5:
It tells us that individuals can be part of something that's much greater than us, that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to. It's important to understand the power of one comes in thousands. I have a blind granddaughter. I want her to be able to come one day and experience what I'm experiencing as a shell, as a reality of our movement.
Mark Riccobono:
What's that one misconception you want to feel and experience shatter in the museum?
Jonathan Mosen:
For me, it would be that blindness is a tragedy.
Narrator 6:
I think it's important to shatter some of the misconceptions and stereotypes.
Narrator 1:
Oh, you're just faking. You're not blind because you walked from point A to point B without stumbling.
Narrator 6:
I think there's still a very big misconception that making technology accessible for blind people is hard.
Narrator 3:
We have our work cut out for us, but there's no doubt in my mind that we could do it. How can I be a part of this movement? How can I join? How can I do my part? How can I be an ally to this group to make sure that we're helping to advance the lives of blind people?
Sanho Steele-Louchart:
Imagine what we can build together. Join the journey to boldly shatter perceptions of blind people to transform the future, support the Museum of the Blind people as movement beyond expectations.
[Music]
[Video Ends]
Pam Allen:
I am delighted to introduce Roland Allen, whose steadfast leadership and unwavering dedication to our mission have cultivated growth and unity across our NFB community.
Whether working with someone during a cane travel lesson at the Louisiana Center for the Blind, serving as a leader in the National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana, or helping spread the word about the work of the National Federation of the Blind. Roland serves with excellence and heart in everything that he does. Here he is for his reflections.
Roland Allen:
Hello everyone. I am proud to be here today, not just as a member of this incredible movement, but as someone who grew up right here in New Orleans and growing up I didn't know any blind people. Well, let me clarify.
The only image I had of blindness was a man I saw downtown, not too far from this hotel, he was standing on the street corner with a wooden cane and a sign that said pencils for sale. As a kid, that image stuck with me. And somewhere inside I thought, is that what being blind means? Is that what I have to look forward to? Or two, I was not afraid of going blind. I was afraid of the story that blindness seemed to tell.
And that is why this museum, the Museum of the Blind People's Movement matters so deeply because we are not just building a museum, we're reclaiming the narrative. It's about the lives we've lived, the barriers we've broken, the truth we've told, and the futures we are building.
For too long, society has told our story for us, usually wrong, usually tragic and always without us. But through the National Federation of the Blind, I learned a different story. I graduated from the Louisiana Center for the Blind. That's where things began to change.
I met successful blind people, confident blind people, people living lives that did not fit any of the stereotypes I had grown up. Fearing that transformation, going from fear to pride is why this museum matters.
Our Museum of the Blind People's Movement is not just a collection of artifacts, it's a declaration. We are here, we've always been here, and we've always mattered. This museum tells us stories we never learned in school. It shines light on the blind people who organized, who fought and built a civil rights movement, a movement still growing strong today.
This museum gives us history, it gives us dignity, but maybe most importantly, it gives young blind people and the rest of the world a different image of what blindness means. [Applause]
I think back to that little boy here in New Orleans, afraid of what his future might look like. I wish he could have visited this museum. I wish he could have witnessed the strength, the struggle, and the success of blind people throughout history. I wish he could have known that blindness is not the end of the story.
It is the beginning of a different kind of journey. So why a museum? Because our stories deserve to be told. Because truth is powerful. Because when we tell the truth about blindness, we change lives just like mines changed. Thank you.
Pam Allen:
Thank you so much, Roland. And it is now my pleasure to introduce our next panelist. For over 30 years, Dan Goldstein had the honor and joy of representing the National Federation of the Blind in many legal matters. Although he is retired, he is definitely not ridden off quietly into the sunset, and he continues to remain an active supporter. And part of our NFB family here is our friend Dan Goldstein.
Dan Goldstein:
Hello Fellow Federationists. It is such a joy every year since 1991, but one, to come to convention to see old friends and make new ones. It heals my heart every year. Why should this museum also be important to sighted people? Well, 39 years ago in July, 1986, there was this fellow who called my office named Marc Maurer or as I came to know him, sir, who invited me to come to the center to discuss handling a case for the National Federation of Blind.
I'm now going to tell you everything I know, knew at the time about blindness and blind people. [Pause]. Now that I've told you what was worse was that I didn't know about my ignorance because what I had in my head was a collection of misconceptions and stereotypes.
Fortunately before Dr. Maurer talked to me, he had me read a number of articles and speeches by Dr. tenBroek and Dr. Jernigan. And by the time I had finished reading those pieces, first I knew that I had a lot to unlearn and a lot to learn.
And second, that this was a civil rights struggle for equal opportunity that I wanted to be part of and could be if I recognized how much I had to learn. And I'm still learning. So as you all know from your life experiences, I'm not the only sighted bozo out there.
The world is full of sighted people who don't know to use the technical legal term, didley squat about blindness. And you encounter that hard fact every day of your lives. But sighted people who are taught about the blind people's movement as I was, can learn, become part of the movement alongside you. And that is why the sighted as well as the blind need this museum. Who needs to go to this museum?
Everybody, parents of blind children, teachers of blind children, employers, policymakers, advocates, legislators, and well, as you said, everybody else needs to come and to learn about the struggle. And when they leave, support the struggle and recognize that blind people have the right and the capacity to live the lives they want.
And when those folks leave the museum, we want them to go home and tell their friends and neighbors how exciting it was to visit the museum, tell their employers what great problem solvers blind people can be, tell their elected officials that it is their job to remove artificial and gratuitous barriers. This museum in its content and design will be a powerful monument to human dignity.
By the way, I've heard that big donors may get an opportunity to name a hall or a room or something. And I've been thinking about that because Patti explained to me that when you make a pledge or a gift, there's then an edit box that opens up that asks if you want to give in honor of somebody.
And I've been missing a voice from the PAC table this year and last year. And so I can tell you when I make my pleasure gift, I'm going to say that it's an honor of Scott. And if everybody in this room who loved and respected it made their gift in honor of Scott, we would raise a boatload of money.
And I just feel it was appropriate. He was the embodiment of our spirit and devoted himself to bringing us to the point we've reached. This museum will be a message to the world of what we stand for, what we've fought for, and what our future will be. And while there have been new obstacles to our progress, we're strong, we're together, and we shall overcome. Thank you.
Pam Allen:
Thank you so much, Dan. I first met our next speaker at a leadership seminar. Ramona Walhof has held multiple leadership roles on our organization, both on the national level and in the National Federation of the Blind of Idaho.
She joined the Federation in 1965, and I believe this is her 57th convention. Ramona is known currently for her tireless work to collect videos telling the truth about blindness on Idaho's Blind channel. And as of the other day though, I know there have been filming happening at our convention, there were over 556 videos to date. So now I will turn the microphone to Ramona for her remarks.
Ramona Walhof:
Thank you, Pam. My mother was born in 1923 and we're lucky to still have her with us. Her name is Ruth Ireland. Some of you know her. When she turned a hundred, she said, I don't need anything. And I think that was the truth, but we still wanted to honor her, not just with a cake.
S,o we collected from family members somewhere around $40,000 and gave her a certificate saying this amount is being given to the new upcoming Museum of the Blind People's Movement. And you know what? I think that amount may increase in her honor.
She's not going to live forever and my family has a lot of blindness involved. My brother is Curtis Willoughby. Some of you know him. He's now living in Arkansas. My sister is Susan Ford. Some of you know her. They're both blind members of the Federation. My nephew is Brent Ford in Missouri.
And my mother, although that the blindness is not hereditary, my mother lost her vision to macular degeneration in her nineties. So the Federation has had a huge effect on our family. I joined in 1965. That convention was in Washington DC the only one we've ever had there.
Bobby Kennedy came, made a speech, got an award. Look it up. I'm not going to tell you all about it. Hubert Humphrey came, made a speech, got an award, not going to tell you the details. I sat at a banquet table with three out of more than 100 congressmen and senators.
They were interested in the Federation and interested in us personally. So that taught me that the Federation changes the world. There was one person at that roll call in 1965 that said, this was in the roll call of States. He said, our state got five pieces of legislation through the legislature this year.
You can't ignore things like that. Did we hear things like that in our roll call? Yes, we did. Not the same exact things but worth remembering. So when you have someone who's turning 90 or 95 or a hundred or even 80 or retirement party and they have what they need, they don't need a lot of stuff, but it's an honor to remember them with gift to the Museum of the Blind Person's Movement. Would you like to see a contrast between the Optacon and the Monarch?
I would. I can think of dozens of things. The past is interesting. The future is exciting and the present ties them together. So what do we have? But a wonderful opportunity. Do you like challenge? I like challenges and I think we respond to challenges. Well, the museum is a very exciting challenge.
Would you like to make videos available to people in your hometown? I would. So it's up to us to find the teams to build the Museum of the Blind Person's Movement. And we can all do it together. But we need to be creative in finding contributors. And don't forget your family cares about you and what you care about.
Pam Allen:
Thank you so much, Ramona. Next we will hear from Shane Ostermeier, also from the great state of Idaho. Shane retired from working in higher education for over 25 years and now owns and operates two family businesses. He is honored to be serving as second vice president of the NFB of Idaho. And first vice president for the Treasure Valley chapter in Boise. Hear Shane to share his perspective.
Shane Ostermeier:
Good morning everyone. I was diagnosed with RP when I was 16 and my twin brother as well. My mom was shattered because the small town doctor said to her, these boys aren't going to go anywhere. Now my mom, a third grade teacher said, no way. She started to research and find the truth about blindness, not the falsities of blindness.
And that's why this museum and its digital exhibits and a physical location are so vital. I grew up in a very small town in Idaho where the cows, and yes, the potatoes outnumber the people. But through my mom's dedication and her drive, her two boys accomplished their dreams. My brother before his passing was a personal athletic trainer. He received his degree from Boise State University in health nutrition.
He was even hired to help train a very famous NBA player. For myself, I went on to earn three degrees. I have a bachelor's from Idaho State University, a master's from the University of Nebraska, and a doctorate degree also from Idaho State University.
The reason that this museum is important is because like my mom, she was trying to find the truth and wouldn't it be great if there was a dedicated place that had our stories? Not the stories that have been made up, but the truth, the reality that all of us can reach our dreams. That is why when my mom passed, I made a gift in her honor.
In the honor of all of our teachers and our mentors, I invite you to do the same. This museum will be there for the moms that hear those awful words, that their children may not accomplish anything. And this museum, as in the promo said, will shatter that and prove that any child can accomplish their goals and dreams. Thank you everybody.
Pam Allen:
It is now my pleasure to introduce someone whose leadership has helped shape the future of accessible technology and who is a true partner to the blind community. Troy Otillio is the Chief Executive Officer of AIRA, a company that is breaking barriers every day.
Under his leadership, AIRA has not only expanded its reach, but also deepened its partnership with the National Federation of the Blind, working with us to build a world where access and independence are the norm, not the exception. I am happy to turn the microphone to Troy for his comments.
Troy Otillio:
Good Mid-morning National Federation of the Blind, every state, every chapter, and everyone here. Aira is proud to be at our 11th National Federation of the Blind Convention, and we are proud to be a financial sponsor of this vision. We're thankful to spend time with you and I'm here to share our passion, the NFB Museum, to speak directly to the companies and organizations who will hear this message about why they should and I believe will support this vital cause.
At Aira, we have the privilege of seeing what the world too often doesn't or overlooks. We see up close what most people miss, the creativity, determination, and everyday victories of the blind and low vision community.
Through millions of visual interpreting sessions, we've been invited into some of the most personal and powerful moments. Solo ventures, airport chaos, first job offers, first dates, homework, cooking, shopping, cleaning, art, finding what's lost, reading accessible forms, and museum visits from the mundane to the thrilling.
These aren't just calls. These are windows into how this community is rewriting the definition of independence every day. Access isn't just a right. It's also about being seen from day one. Aira was built on a bold belief.
Access is a human right, but access alone isn't enough. If this world doesn't see your story, if no one knows about the ingenuity and leadership in this room, then the job isn't done. That's why the museum matters so much. It will tell the stories that too often go untold to show the world not just what blind people can do, but what they are doing.
And it's not just a building, it's a beacon. The museum isn't just a destination, it's a spark. It reshapes public perception, influences policy, fuels, pride in the community. And because it's digital first, a blind child in Europe or a researcher in Montana can feel the same pride and connection wherever they are.
And we're here in New Orleans. So let's talk about jazz. Yeah. Who here has already heard some live jazz this week? Yeah. So jazz is beautiful because it is about improvisation. Taking what life gives you the rhythm, turning it into something new and brilliant and in real time, then that sounds familiar.
Yes. That's what you all do every day. You don't wait for someone to hand you the sheet music. You write your own. The NFB calls it structured discovery, and it's one of the most inspiring philosophies I know, and I think it's jazz.
So future sponsors supporting this museum is good business and great citizenship. It's not just about the right thing to do. It's smart. When employers and partners understand the stories this museum will tell, they'll stop seeing blindness as a cost and start seeing it as untapped potential.
When we share this vision with our business partners and customers like the state of Colorado, Alabama, Google, Microsoft, Target, Walmart, Starbucks, and so many more, it resonates.
They see how it strengthens their own diversity goals, mission and brand. So at Aira, we're not just witnessing history. We're helping it with millions of these stories and data points. Aira serves as one portal into this museum. Our contribution isn't just financial.
We'll help uncover and share themes, stories that would otherwise stay hidden because we have the privilege of hearing them every day. So every gift builds a legacy. Every donation is a vote for the story of blindness, for who gets remembered and how society sees blindness 50 years from now, we're not just funding a building, we're funding a memory of a movement.
And if we don't do it, someone else might and they might not tell it, right? So let's not wait for the world to catch up. Let's lead it. So many individuals have stepped up and that collective commitment is inspiring. But now it's time for those with the capacity to make a larger pledge, to join them because this isn't just the Museum of the Blind People's Movement.
It's a museum for all of us who believe in dignity, history, and power reclaimed. So let's keep playing the song. Let's honor the jazz in this room, the unscripted brilliance of this community. Let's make sure the world not only hears it, but never forgets it. Thank you for letting Aira be a part of your ensemble for building a legacy worthy of the music you create every day.
Pam Allen:
Thank you so much, Troy. Next I have the honor to introduce a very special family whose commitment, compassion, and generosity have profoundly shaped our shared journey as first family of our NFB DC affiliate, the Callaways, Sean, Dr. Latonya Callaway, and the real star Camille, better known as the Princess, demonstrate exceptional leadership and community spirit supporting our initiatives and uplifting us all. Let's extend a warm welcome to the Callaways where the Federation really is a family affair.
Latonya Callaway:
So, hi, I am Dr. Latonya Callaway. Everyone. Hello. I'll start off for the family. So when I thought about the Blind People's movement in the museum, I thought about what would I want Camille to gain from attending the museum. And in thinking about that, I thought about not only her but children younger than her, as well as older.
And I envisioned classes going to the museum to really learn and listen. So this is what I came up with, and hopefully you all can agree with this as well. So I would hope that Camille would gain from the Museum of the Blind People's Movement. I would want her to learn the history of the Blind People's Civil Rights Movement, how blind people fought for their rights. I would love for her to understand and develop empathy and respect for people with disabilities and understand what it's like to live as a blind person.
Specifically. I would love for her to understand. Thank you so much. I would love for her to understand the importance of accessibility and inclusion. I want her to see why making spaces accessible to everyone matters. I would want her to be inspired by blind leaders and activists.
I would love for her to hear the stories of blind people who made and continue to make a difference. I would want her to recognize the power of advocacy and social change to learn how people can create change by speaking up, mobilizing, and putting that into action for the good of all and others.
I would definitely want her to appreciate adaptive tools and technologies for the blind. I would love for her to discover how these tools help blind people in their daily lives. I would want her to cultivate awareness of fairness and equity.
I want her to think about what's fair and unfair in society and advocate and make a difference, continue to make a difference. I would want her to explore the cultural contributions of blind individuals. Enjoy the music, the art, the stories from blind creators. See the value of diverse perspectives and experiences.
Understand why different life experiences are important. And last but not least, I would want Camille to embrace the idea that everyone deserves dignity and belonging. Believe that everyone deserves respect and a place in the world so that they can live the life that they would like what they want.
Shawn Callaway:
Good morning everyone.
Audience:
Good morning.
Shawn Callaway:
I happen to be the husband of Dr. Latonya Callaway and father of the Princess Camille Callaway. As many of you know and heard, prior to becoming a Federation, I did not the confidence to be a father. I didn't believe I could be a blind father. But after joining this wonderful family called the Federation, I don't think it was ironic that a few years later I became a father.
One of the things that makes me proud is that my daughter has a sense of awareness about the capabilities of blind people. I'll never forget visiting her school for the first time, and I met her teacher, this was when she was three years old. She said, Ms. Brown, this is my daddy. He's blind, but he can do anything anyone else can do.
I never forget overhearing her, talking to her friends and telling some of her friends that my daddy's coming home from work. And she said, somebody said, well, your daddy works. She said, yeah, a lot of blind people work. So like my wife, I always have this vision.
When I heard about the museum and this initiative for the first time as a board member, I just envision school trips up to Baltimore with kids visiting the museum. Kids like Camille's age, high school students, junior high school students. Because when I give talks on the behalf of the Federation, I often have these discussions on the importance of planting the seeds of capabilities.
Not in college, not when someone gets a job in a private or public sector. The seeds need to be planted on an elementary school level. And so this is why this museum is important to me, but I'm just going to take a second to have Camille tell you all why the museum is important to her.
Camille Callaway:
Hello, everyone. I think that having a museum for us is important because children from all around the world, including me, can learn about the everyday challenges and struggles that blind people have to go through as well as how they overcome them. We can also learn about the resources they use. I think it's important for us kids to learn these things.
Shawn Callaway:
Now, I want to say this. I have President Riccobono has asked for many ideas, artifacts from across the country. But one picture I hope that is put in the museum is a picture of my child and I playing Uno. And so I wanted to ask Camille, when you and I play Uno baby, who's better? Me or you?
Camille Callaway:
Me.
Shawn Callaway:
I guess I taught her well. Again, thank you all. And when I dedicate, when dedicate a name for this museum, it's going to be my baby. So thank you all.
Pam Allen:
Thank you. Thank you so much. Let's have a round of applause for all of our panelists. Thank you so much for sharing your authentic perspectives. And I don't know about you, but I am really excited and energized about the Museum of the Blind People's Movement. And I ask everyone to think about your journey and how you can be a part of this.
Many of you in this room have been with us for a long time as members, as partners, as champions of our work. You have given generously of your time, your resources, your belief in what we do. And for that we are deeply grateful. Our Museum of the Blind People's Movement campaign is not about replacing that support.
It is about inviting you to be part of something additional, something lasting. Some of you are hearing about our Museum of the Blind People's Movement for the first time at this convention and wondering how to get involved to together.
We have a chance to leave a legacy, to create something that future generations will benefit from, and they'll make a difference today because of the choices we are making. Now, I hope that you are considering joining us in this next step because we are building this future, but we cannot do it without you.
This is our call to act, a call to invest in something that is ours, a museum created by blind people, not to fit into someone else's mold, but to reflect our reality, our lived experiences. This is not charity. This is change built with intention built by our community.
And that is where you come in. We are building this museum and to build it right, we need support. Whether you are able to give a large gift, a modest one, or to share the effort with your network, it all makes a difference. Every donation counts, and every voice that spreads the word helps our museum take shape.
So I invite you as a member of our Federation family, as a community partner, as someone who believes in a more complete and honest narrative of blindness, to go to www.nfb.org/contribute/museum. Again, that's nfb.org/contribute/museum. You can learn more and share the link with others.
And please give at whatever level you feel comfortable, every dollar makes a difference. This is our time. This is our chance to define who we are, what we have done, and what we are building next. And we need your voice, your energy, your support, and the support of your friends, colleagues, families, partners.
Because our NFB Museum of the Blind People's Movement will not just tell about our history. It will make history and it will change perceptions of blindness and transform the future. And we are the ones who will make it happen. Thank you. And let's go build the National Federation of the Blind Museum of the Blind People's Movement.
Mark Riccobono:
Well done. Awesome. Thank you. Thank you very much to Pam and all of our panelists, all of these folks that you have heard from on this panel, including both Pam and Roland, have already made financial contributions and pledges to this campaign.
As have the Riccobonos, as have a number of others of you out there. I do also ask you to do what you can and to make your commitment soon so that we can make this museum effort a reality sooner rather than later. So thank you all to our panelists for being here today.