November 2024

Letter from the President

In my day-to-day work it is sometimes easy to get bogged down in the challenges, struggles, and ordinary annoyances that blind people face. The misconceptions about the abilities of blind people make it hard for blind people to live equally and with dignity in our society. Luckily, it is not hard to find stories that remind me that we are headed in the right direction, and there is much to be thankful for. 

We have made it our mission to correct the public understanding about blindness, break down those misconceptions, and help the average person in society know the stories of blind people in an authentic way, from the everyday to the extraordinary. There is a real need to continue to gather more of our stories, so that we can continue to move the needle on the public understanding of blindness. Our stories are one of the most powerful tools we have to talk about the work of the National Federation of the Blind, our philosophy, and the difference it makes in our lives. 

Speaking of sharing stories of everyday accomplishments, I encourage you to read a personal story about an unconventional Thanksgiving written by Barbara Pierce, one of the Federation’s long-time leaders from Ohio. This past weekend I had the pleasure of celebrating Barbara’s eightieth birthday, surrounded by many friends and fellow Federationists.

Through the many challenges our movement faces, I am grateful to have this community of members and supporters who are working together to create opportunities for blind people and make this world a better place for us all. We have strong divisions like the National Association of Blind Veterans, which is a constant source of support and mentorship for blind people who have served our country. I am grateful that I have the opportunity to travel the country and meet with people who are new to the organized blind movement and connect with them on their journey. I am also thankful that I have the opportunity to be with blind people who were leaders in this organization long before I came along and celebrate all that they have achieved and all that we have learned from them. 

I thank all of our supporters for taking time to read and share our stories. I am especially grateful for our members who open their lives to the rest of us to help raise expectations in society. I believe all of our lives are richer for the shared perspective that comes through our collective action.

With gratitude,
Mark A. Riccobono, President
National Federation of the Blind

Celebrating and Supporting Blind Veterans

The National Association of Blind Veterans is a proud division of the National Federation of the Blind that focuses on issues that impact veterans and provides support. Anyone who has attended a national convention knows that every year the division presents our celebration of freedom, and members of the division make up our color guard that helps kick-off the largest gathering of the blind, but the division also helps blind veterans to live the lives they want year-round. Sharing, caring, and networking is a large part of what the National Association of Blind Veterans does.

“We're there to support one another and make sure that we're all okay because there is a severe problem with veteran suicides. So, without somebody checking and saying, ‘Are you okay?’ a lot of times they fall through the cracks.” - Vernon Humphrey, Division President

Learn more about the National Association of Blind Veterans and check out the wide range of divisions, committees and groups within the National Federation of the Blind where much work, mentoring, and building of relationships occurs. These entities provide support, information, and resources for a wide range of professions, recreational activities, special interests, legislative issues, fundraising projects, and other areas related to blindness.

Latest News at the NFB

Blind Voters Survey 

The National Federation of the Blind has long advocated for the rights of blind voters to cast their ballots securely and independently. Part of that advocacy is collecting data that can be used at the local, state, and national level. Our online Blind Voters Survey is available, and we encourage anyone who voted this year to complete it so that your experiences, whether positive or negative, can be documented. There are three versions of the survey depending on how you voted: Voted in person, voted absentee, or the Spanish language survey (which includes both in-person and absentee voting options).

More information is available on our Voting Resources page. 

New Podcast from the National Federation of the Blind with Focus on Technology

Hosted by Jonathan Mosen, Access On features breaking technology news, product demonstrations, reviews and comparisons, and interviews about the fast-changing world of technology. Access On listeners will benefit from the resources of the National Federation of the Blind, including our Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility, our extensive networks in the technology sector, and our many members with specialist knowledge of technology.

Follow Access On for news about computers, smartphones, AI, accessible appliances, blindness-specific devices including Braille displays, and more. Find Access On wherever you get your podcasts.

National Federation of the Blind Announces Landmark Settlement with Social Security Administration on Electronic Signatures

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), together with plaintiffs Jack C. Stephens and Maryann Murad, is pleased to announce a significant settlement agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The agreement marks a victory for blind Americans by providing more accessible options for interacting with the SSA through electronic signatures. 

Read more about the case and the implementation of the new signature processes in our Press Room.

Rideshare Advocacy on Unlawful Implementation of Self-Identification

In follow up to the National Federation of the Blind Rideshare Rally, President Mark Riccobono sent a letter to Uber regarding the implementation of self-identification of blind and service-animal users in the app. Read the letter to Uber in the Voice of Nation’s Blind Blog.

Letter to the US Department of Education

Earlier this year, the United States Department of Education announced that it would be dismantling the Digital Accessibility Unit. On Wednesday, October 30, we sent a letter to the Department of Education to communicate our displeasure and frustration with this decision. The letter can be read in its entirety on the Policy Statements page of our website. 

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