May 2025

Letter from the President

Dear Friends,

Champion Collective Action: the Power of Blind People is the theme of our National Convention this year, but our work always starts at the local level. Many of the best ideas and national policies in the Federation started from conversations and community discussions at a local chapter meeting and worked through the networks of Federationists and allies across the country. 

Policy decisions of the Federation come about from blind people working with each other, debating, finding commonalities, and having important discussions about what we can do together and how we can change society. And the only way we can determine whether something really has an impact on more than one blind person is by working with other blind people to see if there is a systemic issue that can be improved. When we find a widespread problem across states and different blind people, we find that it's important to have our national organization take this up as a priority.

Collective action is always a focal point for us at our national convention, but this year we're focusing on it as a theme because there is a great need across the country. There have been other times in our history when there was a great need, and the Federation members and leaders have always responded to protect and improve the lives of blind people. Today we're encountering a number of challenges to and attacks on fundamental programs for the blind that we've relied on at the federal, state, and local levels. Courts are hearing briefings in a case that could have significant ramifications for students with disabilities in local school districts, blind employees are losing their jobs, and across the country, people with disabilities are finding it harder to access the services they depend on.

The way that we get society to pay attention to what's important to us as a community of blind people is by organizing and building the vehicle that we have for collective action. As the most authentic voice in blindness, we should be developing the policies and programs that impact our lives. That is why when we come together in our local chapter meetings and over coffee at our state conventions we talk not just about the problems that we face, but about the solutions to those problems. 

I am looking forward to continuing those conversations at the national convention and building the power of blind people even further. You can learn more about the official policies of the National Federation of the Blind that are established every year by reading the annual resolutions. Thank you for being part of our community and contributing to the work that we do for all blind people.

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

Champion Collective Action

In the National Federation of the Blind, we know that real change doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes the collective power of our members, acting through our democratic movement, and the support of valued partners to drive progress. Together, we champion the right of blind people to live the lives we want—grounded in self-determination and full participation in all aspects of society.

In 2025, much of our advocacy is centered on protecting the essential programs and services that blind people rely on. During the 2025 Washington Seminar, hundreds of Federation members gathered in Washington, D.C., to educate members of Congress about the critical issues facing our community. This year, we focused on the urgent need for stability and continuation in federal programs and policies that uphold our rights—such as rehabilitation services, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“The Washington Seminar reminds me I am a part of a people’s movement. We share personal stories with our members of Congress and educate them about our community. It is the collective action and its power that keep me grounded in the organized blind people’s movement.” - Marilyn

Our priorities are shaped by blind people themselves, discussed and voted on by our membership through resolutions and democratic dialogue. This process ensures that our advocacy is not only inclusive and informed but deeply rooted in the real-life experiences and aspirations of blind individuals.

Learn more about our policy priorities on our Legal Program and Advocacy pages, and read about the Washington Seminar in the March issue of the Braille Monitor. 

Latest News at the NFB

Lead and Drive: Give $25 in ’25 Campaign Launched with Matching Gift

Each year, thousands of Federation members and friends contribute before and during National Convention to various funds that support blind people. This support will help fund our great programs that bring blind people to the national convention, fuel innovation and education, and power possibilities for the next generation. And this year, the first 25,000 dollars that we raise will be matched dollar for dollar with a gift from an anonymous donor.

Each 25 dollars contributed is an entry in the Lead and Drive: Give 25 Drawing for a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip for two for the 2026 NFB National Convention in Austin, Texas or 2,025 in cash. Learn more about how to contribute and win other great prizes at nfb.org/give25.

NFB BELL® Academy Registration Now Open for NFB Affiliates

The NFB Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning® Academy is a nationwide summer program that prepares blind and low-vision children to grow into confident and independent blind people who live the lives they want. This summer, seventeen states will be hosting programs. Learn more about registration and available program dates at nfb.org/bell.

NFB Holds University Accountable

The National Federation of the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia, and two blind graduate students are standing up for the rights of blind students by challenging West Virginia University (WVU) in federal court. WVU is failing to meet its obligations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Blind students have been denied access to essential course materials, educational technology, and field placement opportunities required for graduation. Learn more about their efforts and the student’s experiences. 

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.