October 2025

Dear Friend,

October is Blind Equality Achievement Month, and it’s a time to celebrate the accomplishments of blind people and highlight our successes. It’s big news when blind people do things like summit Mount Everest, become surgeons, and break world records for driving speed, but blind people do things every day that challenge expectations. You don’t have to be extraordinary to shatter barriers.

When I think of the things that society tells blind people they can’t do, I think of all of the blind people I know who have surpassed the expectations of their families, their communities, and even themselves. I know students who have been told by science teachers that they couldn’t participate equally in classes, but with a little bit of guidance and creativity, they figured out a way.

I know parents who have been told by doctors and social workers that they couldn’t care for their own children, but with mentorship from the Federation and a lot of love, they have successfully raised happy and healthy people. Each time a blind person does something that they were told isn’t possible—big or small—they shatter the artificial barriers that are put in place because of low expectations. They break down the preconceived notions that the people around them may have, and in doing so, open opportunities for more blind people to be successful.

This month, I urge blind people to celebrate the normal, everyday things that you do that shatter barriers in your own life. Did you navigate independently to a store that you have never been to before or participate in a community run/walk? Did you cook a new recipe for your family or get an A in a class you were nervous about?

Let’s also celebrate the people in our history who built the organized blind movement and advanced equality for all of us. Amplifying our stories will expand our impact, break down the persistent misconceptions, challenge low expectations within the average person about blind people, and transform the future.

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

We Shatter Barriers

Low expectations, more than anything else, create barriers between blind people and our dreams. That is why the National Federation of the Blind shatters barriers in both small and large ways every single day. We know that when blind people raise expectations for ourselves, we achieve what others believe to be impossible.

One memorable example is Erik Weihenmayer, a blind adventurer who, with the sponsorship and encouragement of the National Federation of the Blind, successfully summited Mount Everest. This historic accomplishment showed the world what we already know—that blindness is not the characteristic that defines us or our future.

In his interim report to the 2000 National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind, Erik said:

"This climb can go a little way in helping blind people in particular to live their lives as they see fit, to make their own rules, to build their own parameters, to shatter perceptions, to blow through stereotypes, and to throw out the sighted world’s expectations and rise to the level of our own internal potential. If I can be a part of that through this climb, then I’m very proud. I’m also proud to be part of the National Federation of the Blind. I think it is appropriate that the NFB, the most powerful blindness organization in the world, is climbing the highest mountain in the world—a perfect match."

Erik’s climb reminds us that when we take on challenges together, we really can reach new heights. Read more in "The Blind Climber on Mt Everest."

Latest News at the NFB

We Move Together Matching Gift Challenge Announced

To kickoff Blind Equality Achievement Month, we announced a matching gift challenge to fuel progress and advance the lives of blind people. From October 1 to December 31, all contributions to the National Federation of the Blind will be doubled up to $50,000, thanks to a generous matching gift from HumanWare.

During the week of White Cane Awareness Day an additional match triples your contribution. Learn more about how you can move, explore, and give today.

NFB of Colorado Aurora Chapter Provides Back-to-School Bags to Braille Readers

The Aurora Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado learned that blind kids in the Denver area were not getting enough Braille reading and writing practice and stepped in to provide materials so that they could do their homework independently, along with inclusive tools so families could work with them.

Each bag included items that encourage the reading and writing of Braille, tactile literacy, and inclusive family time. Learn more by reading Peggy Chong’s recent article in the Braille Monitor.

National Federation of the Blind Commends House Introduction of Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act

The National Federation of the Blind commends Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) for her reintroduction of the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act of 2025 (H.R. 5605) in the United States House of Representatives with twelve originating cosponsors from both political parties.

This legislation will ensure that medical devices are designed and manufactured with nonvisual accessibility features, enabling blind and low-vision individuals to use and access these critical devices safely and independently.

Read more in our Press Room.

Take Action This Month

Blind Equality Achievement Month is a great time to get moving in the organized blind movement. Here’s what you can do to remember history, advance equality, and celebrate accomplishments.

Important Dates

We certainly are a busy organization. Don’t miss these upcoming events and save the dates for our big 2026 events.