April 2025

Letter from the President

Dear Friends,
In our movement, we know that blindness is not the characteristic that defines our future. However, we as blind people are part of the broader world, and the persistent misunderstandings we encounter and the artificial barriers throughout society often cause us to internalize the external low expectations.

Before I met the National Federation of the Blind, the beliefs I held were not ones of equality and opportunity, but rather disparity and anonymity. I did not want to learn Braille or identify as a blind person because I thought it was shameful. But this belief held me back. Finding blind mentors, receiving guidance in evaluating my own beliefs, and being challenged to take action made all the difference. Members of the Federation taught me that I could direct my own future, and they shared with me everything they knew about living life as an independent blind person. I found that my destiny was being constrained by my own misconceptions about blindness. Only when I began participating actively in our shared mission did I truly develop the habits and values required to fulfil my destiny or, to put it in the words of today’s Federation, to live the life I want.

With every generation of our Federation, our philosophy has led us to raise the standard of excellence for blind people. But we still struggle against persistent low expectations from the media, from many in the education system, and sometimes even from our own families. These low expectations have a real impact on the lives of blind people. Imagine the impact on a blind parent and their children when custody is challenged because of false safety concerns. When a military veteran is advised to retreat to a care facility rather than live in their own home. How painful is it when every career dream a blind person has is extinguished by an unimaginative rehabilitation counselor? Where are the opportunities for the blind student who is barred from physical education, math, or dozens of other academic activities? 

We have built our Federation programs to focus on opportunities for blind people to perform daily activities, travel independently, be treated as equal members of society, and direct their future themselves. We do so with hope and our authentic understanding that it is respectable to be blind. Programs like our IEP Academy, our technology experts in our Center for Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility, and development of STEM education curricula enhance the perception of blind people because we define the solutions to the problems we face, rather than waiting for the charity of others to do it for us. Our advocacy efforts preserve our dignity and equality by providing a platform for blind people to speak and act for ourselves. 

Being part of the Federation challenges us to raise our own expectations, just as those who preceded us raised theirs for themselves and for us. What gives us boundless hope for the future is the solidarity of dignity we have found in the National Federation of the Blind. Thank you for playing a part in our mission to raise expectations, whether it is through the words that you use, the programs you support, or by being an example of a proud blind person in your community. 

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

Challenge Expectations Every Day

Because we in the National Federation of the blind know that it is respectable to be blind and we belong in the world, we raise expectations and diminish barriers so that we can live the lives we want. Blind people frequently encounter and internalize low expectations. We might face the belief that we need a caretaker, pose a fall hazard, cannot cook, don’t parent, can’t operate firearms, are incapable of performing certain jobs, or a plethora of other misconceptions. 

Low expectations have an impact on how blind students are taught in schools and the careers that many people think are possible. But we know that blind people are capable and there are no limits to what we can accomplish.

“I am obtaining my Doctor of Pharmacy degree from University of Kansas School of Pharmacy. I always wanted to study science, and I craved a deep understanding especially of the things people said were visual and out of reach for me. I won’t let barriers stand in my way. The National Federation of the Blind helps me know that refusing to accept low expectations is not just okay but essential. The Federation drives expectations in ways I never dreamed of before joining.” – Emily Schlenker 

President Mark Riccobono addressed ways blind people respond to low expectations and retain dignity in his banquet speech from 2024, “Dignity, Respect and Determination: the Momentum of the Blind People's Movement”.

Latest News at the NFB

NFB Responds with Video to Popular Radio Show Discussion of Misconceptions About Blindness

An example of low expectations was displayed in a recent segment of The Breakfast Club radio show regarding a news story of a blind man who acquired a gun license. The Breakfast Club members discussed their disparaging perceptions about blind people’s capabilities. 

The National Federation of the Blind responded with a video that addresses those misconceptions. It features Jim Marks, a blind hunting instructor who has been teaching firearm safety for more than twenty years, as well as Federationists, Shawn Callaway, Danielle McCann, and Anil Lewis.

Watch the video “Serving Up the Truth: A Breakfast Response on What it Really Means to be Blind”.

Disability Advocates Sue Social Security Administration and DOGE to Stop Unlawful Cuts to Social Security Services

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), Deaf Equality, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, and Massachusetts Senior Action Council, along with individual plaintiffs, filed a federal lawsuit this month against the Social Security Administration (SSA) and administration officials. The lawsuit alleges that recent mass staffing reductions, policies requiring individuals to seek services in person at field offices, and the elimination of critical offices within the SSA unlawfully harm Americans with disabilities and older adults who rely on Social Security services.

Read more about the lawsuit in our Press Room. 

National Federation of the Blind Comments on Reduction in Force at Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights Urges Administration to Reconsider Action

The National Federation of the Blind is gravely concerned about the devastating reductions in force affecting the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and the closing of many of its field offices, since OCR is responsible for protecting the rights of blind and disabled students at all educational levels.

Read our full statement about the Department of Education.

Winners of the Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest Announced

The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults shared a video announcing the first, second, and third place winners of the Braille Readers Are Leaders contest. The annual contest promotes the joy of reading for pleasure; promotes pride in Braille as a viable literacy medium equal to print; and demonstrates the importance of independent reading in the development of Braille literacy skills.

Watch the Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest announcement video.

Take Action This Month

Important Dates

Throughout our local chapters and national divisions, we certainly are a busy organization. Here are some deadlines, webinar, and conference dates to keep in mind.