May 2024

President’s Letter

Dear Friends,

We are now in what we call “convention season” here at the National Federation of the Blind headquarters, and I am working every day on the great programs that the blind will undertake at our convention. I hope you plan to join our efforts this summer.

One of our members recently asked about my favorite convention—a difficult question to answer. Every convention is special for different reasons. Our 2015 seventy-fifth anniversary convention comes to mind because of the milestone year and because we demonstrated our capacity in a unique way by breaking a world record for the largest umbrella mosaic ever. I recall my first convention and the convention where I was first elected to serve as the President of the National Federation of the Blind. But the answer I have settled on is that my favorite convention is always the one coming up next. Our convention is the supreme governing authority for the National Federation of the Blind and serves as our annual meeting. We sometimes call our conventions family reunions because of the deep connections that are forged between participants. Our convention is unique as it establishes the priorities for the organized blind movement—a movement that is centered on, led by, and authentically driven by the blind themselves. All indications are that this summer’s convention will be an energizing and important part of building the movement.

I anticipate connecting with thousands of blind people and our allies in Orlando. If you have not already committed to attending the convention, please consider it. I urge you to visit our convention page where you can register for the largest gathering of the blind and find the latest updates about our 2024 National Convention including information about overflow hotels, the agenda, and more.

Finally, I hope that each of you has plans to advance our cause on Global Accessibility Awareness Day!

Sincerely,

Mark A. Riccobono, President
National Federation of the Blind

Medical Device Accessibility Matters

Access to nonvisual information presents a significant barrier to the blind in many areas. We often think about computers and mobile phones when discussing accessibility, but perhaps we experience the most impactful barriers in healthcare, especially when trying to utilize now-ubiquitous medical devices intended for in-home use. People with diabetes manage their care with modern insulin pumps and even administer their dialysis treatments at home. People who need supplemental oxygen change levels on the go. But most medical devices designed for home use lack a means to access information and change settings nonvisually so the blind cannot take advantage of these technologies. This is yet another reason why the National Federation of the Blind tirelessly advocates for greater accessibility.

Non-accessible medical devices have a profound effect on the every-day lives of blind people:

“I was diabetic from age nine until 2002 when I received a pancreas transplant which cured my diabetes until my transplant was rejected in 2022. Imagine my shock at finding that, after twenty years, insulin pumps which provide me with good health and a longer life expectancy remain inaccessible. Without an insulin pump that I can use myself, my diabetes proves difficult to control which leads to a plethora of complications and hospitalizations. It is hard to stay upbeat when the medical equipment I need is inaccessible. Every aspect of my life is impacted, and my quality of life is less because artificial barriers make me sick. It really makes me sad. That is why I enthusiastically support the National Federation of the Blind’s work around nonvisual access to medical equipment.” – Sherry

We recently met with the Advanced Medical Technologies Association to educate and advocate about inaccessible medical devices, and our legislative priorities for 2024 include work to pass the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act. You can learn more about our legislation by reading about the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act (H.R. 1328/S. 3621) in the March 2024 issue of the Braille Monitor.

Latest News at the NFB

Dream Big: Give $25 Drive Adds a Prize

Each year thousands contribute to support blind people, but we still need your help. When you give 25 dollars or more between May 16 and July 6, you're entered into the Dream Big: Give $25 Drive drawing. Each 25 dollar contribution is a chance to win. Why dream big? Because blindness doesn't hold you back. You can win prizes like round trip transportation for two to the 2025 national convention, hotel accommodations, registration, banquet tickets, or 2,000 dollars cash. Thanks to our partners, the American Printing House for the Blind and HumanWare, you could also win a Monarch tactile display. New this year, friends and family can donate in your name and support your entries. Go to the Give $25 Drive Contribution Page to give.  Call 410-659-9314, extension 2430, or send a check to National Federation of the Blind and mention Give $25 in the memo. The winner will be announced on July 8, 2024.

Rubik’s Cube Rolls Out Accessible Cube

The National Federation of the Blind has partnered with Spin Master, a leading global kids' entertainment company and the owner of the Rubik's Cube brand to include nonvisual elements to the classic cube to engage the blind community in this puzzle. Since the official Rubik’s Cube has never contained nonvisual elements, many blind people have never tried to solve this popular puzzle. Because of our work together, Rubik's has now created the Rubik's sensory cube which reimagines the classic Rubik's Cube by including nonvisual tactile elements. The Rubik’s cube will be sold on Amazon and in our Independence Market.

Museum of the Blind People’s Movement Awarded Grants

The Museum of the Blind People's Movement has been selected for Fiscal Year 2024 Congressionally Directed Spending funding at the level of $301,000. The FY24 Omnibus Spending bill, recently passed by Congress and signed into law, is a testament to the importance and impact of our work.

In addition to this federal funding, we are delighted to share that the State of Maryland approved funding in the amount of $250,000 during the recent legislative session. This further demonstrates the commitment of our local community to our cause, and we are deeply grateful for their support.

DOJ Issues Long-Awaited Rule for Government Web and App Accessibility

We applaud the United States Department of Justice for announcing the finalization of its web and mobile content accessibility rule for state and local government entities under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This landmark rule will ensure that the blind and other Americans with disabilities have equal access to information, programs, and services provided by state and local government entities through websites and mobile apps. Read our press release on the new DOJ rule, and learn about the efforts to ensure its issuance on our policy statements page.

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.