April 2024

President’s Letter

Dear Friends,

When I first got to know the National Federation of the Blind, I felt a strong pull towards raising expectations in the education of blind children because of my own experience in the education system. I started by organizing the Wisconsin Association of Blind Students—a division of our Wisconsin affiliate and part of our National Association of Blind Students. I quickly learned the power of bringing people together and also the tremendous need for advocates with real lived experience as blind people.

While I was still a college student at the University of Wisconsin, I became involved with efforts to rewrite the authorizing statue for the school for the blind in Wisconsin. Through that work, I studied the writings of blind people who had attempted to create new models of education for the blind. I talked with professionals in the field who were seeking to do something new and dynamic, and I heard from families about their struggles. This experience ultimately led to my being hired to serve as the first Director of the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

That position gave me a different seat at the table with the individualized education program (IEP) team. Although I was an advocate at heart, I was now bringing my lived experience to the administrator role. I encouraged parents to have a blind advocate with them in their IEP meetings to provide perspective to the team including the family. Advocates were often helpful in getting better outcomes for the student because they were not emotionally wrapped up in the situation (unlike the parents, the teachers, and, yes, even the administrators who all have a certain bias coming into the meeting).

I share this story because I am thrilled that we have launched a new IEP Advocacy Academy within the National Federation of the Blind. This is the next step in our long history of developing strong advocates who can bring their expertise and lived experience as blind individuals into the IEP meetings of future blind leaders. In addition, this program allows us to engage some of our non-blind allies who work daily to center the experience of blind people and raise expectations within the educational setting and beyond. I am anticipating our first training later this spring and the results that will come from this core of dedicated advocates.

On a more personal note, I want to thank those in our Federation community who have reached out to me personally about the passing of my father Sebastian Riccobono—someone who created opportunities for me as I grew up as a blind child. The love and support of this Federation family is felt even more deeply at a critical time such as the one my family is currently experiencing. Thank you, let’s continue to build opportunities in the spirit of those who have come before.

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

Parent Advocates Looking Forward to IEP Academy 

Parents can easily feel overwhelmed by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process that is required to establish special education services for their child, and these parents often reach out to the National Federation of the Blind for advocacy and support. There is currently a limited number of people that possess the necessary knowledge to assist these families. 

To address the extreme shortage of knowledgeable parent advocates for blind and low-vision students across the nation, the National Federation of the Blind, with support from the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, The Lavelle Fund for the Blind, and the Professional Development Research and Institute on Blindness, developed a training program.

We’ve heard many stories which demonstrate the need for such a program, including Kinshuk’s experience in school:

My parents were immigrants and, since English was not their first language, navigating the IEP process was difficult and I did not always get the best services. Using a magnifier year after year when it proved inefficient for me exemplifies the problem. Other families should have better experiences that result in better education for their children. I want to give back and this is the next step in my active participation in the Federation. Learning more about our history and programs at a recent leadership seminar at the Jernigan Institute in Baltimore inspired me to apply for this opportunity and I am very excited about being selected.

The goals of training are to equip participants to serve as volunteer advocates in preparation for and/or attendance at IEP meetings for blind and low-vision students and to prepare participants to train others as advocates. 

For more information, please reach out to our education team at [email protected] or 410-659-9314, extension 2418. 

Latest News at the NFB

Federation Update on Key Bridge Collapse in Baltimore

Thanks to all our members, supporters, and others who have reached out to us following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on March 26. We are grateful to confirm that all of us in Baltimore are safe and accounted for. Like all Baltimoreans, we are thinking of and praying for those directly affected, their families, and our first responders. Thank you to all of the first responders who have been working on recovery efforts. We know that many of our readers will want to help, and we will advise of needs as we learn about them. The National Federation of the Blind will be doing our part to help our community to recover from this shocking event.

2024 STEM2U Applications Open - Accessing the Accessible Side of STEM in Space

The National Federation of the Blind works to improve opportunities for blind students in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This year, in collaboration with the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) and with the support of General Motors, we will become astronomers through the study of astrophysics and engineering. Participants will build models of the James Webb Space Telescope, learn about the Earth’s atmosphere, discover why the Webb was sent to space, and explore how it studies space. Telescopes can be accessible too; let us show you how! Learn more and register for STEM2U.

Congratulations go to NLS Transcribers and Proofreaders! 

Under a contract with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress, the National Federation of the Blind administers the courses leading to certification of Braille transcribers and proofreaders. Administration of this program is only one way the National Federation of the Blind promotes the use of Braille. Successful completion of these rigorous courses requires a great deal of time and effort on the part of the students. In the first quarter of 2024, seventy-six transcribers were certified. Email [email protected] for more information about certification.

NFB BELL® Academy Application Period Open!

This summer our young blind and low-vision BELL ringers will grow their leadership capabilities as they strengthen their Braille skills and confidence in nonvisual learning. Our theme this year is, "I Can Lead!" Children love getting to know other blind and low-vision children as they learn Braille and other nonvisual skills through games, crafts, interactive lessons, and field trips. They will learn from highly qualified teachers and confident blind adult role models. Our list of participating states continues to grow. Learn more about our BELL® Academies.

Recent AbilityOne Comments Submitted

On March 14, the National Federation of the Blind submitted public comments on AbilityOne draft policy 51.401, regulating the process of nonprofit agencies to become eligible to operate federal contracts under the AbilityOne program.

We commended the AbilityOne Commission for banning the discriminatory practice of paying blind people less than the minimum or prevailing wage through 14(c) certificates. We urged the AbilityOne Commission to take the final step to prohibit nonprofit agencies that hold a 14(c) certificate, for any purpose, from becoming an AbilityOne qualified nonprofit agency, and also encouraged the AbilityOne Commission to establish a firm deadline for the complete disqualification of any qualified nonprofit agency holding a 14(c) certificate. Read our comments on AbilityOne.

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