September 2024

Letter from the President

Dear Friends,

The past few weeks have kicked off a season of building in the National Federation of the Blind. We are building on the resolutions and priorities set at our 2024 National Convention and building up the networks, leaders, and programs that will empower the next generation of blind people to dream bigger and transform their dreams into reality. The Caravan for Disability Freedom and Justice visited our national headquarters earlier this month, and I was inspired by their drive to bring awareness of important issues to communities across the country and build a national coalition to address these issues. We know we have a lot of work do to and it can’t be done alone.

We also hosted the 96th Leadership Seminar in Baltimore this month. The leadership seminar is one of the most impactful ways that we build capacity in the National Federation of the Blind. These emerging blind leaders from across the country come together to learn from each other, and experienced leaders build their own personal networks, and they bring that knowledge and energy back to their communities. During each leadership seminar I also gain more understanding about the challenges and opportunities that face blind people. 

Because we have just wrapped up the sixteenth summer of NFB BELL® Academies and our children are back in school, I have been thinking about how Braille education can build our capacity as blind people and as a movement. While knowledge of Braille is not the only requirement for success, it has been an integral part of my professional development and ability to work in service to my community. Braille is a tool that allows me to be independent and confident. Braille literacy represents equality and opportunity for blind people, and so the Federation commits a significant amount of energy and resources into advocating for its inclusion in everyday life, getting Braille materials into the hands of blind people, and teaching blind children and their families about how they can achieve their full potential by learning Braille.

Building a movement that advances the lives of all blind people requires a belief in blind people. Our members and partners demonstrate this belief every day by sharing best practices, developing local resources, creating innovations that break down artificial barriers, supporting our efforts, and so much more. Thank you for your work to build our movement.

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

NFB BELL® Academies Change Lives!

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. NFB BELL® Academies are full of Braille and nonvisual instruction and impact families long after the summer programs finish. Exposure to blind mentors raises expectations of children and parents alike by demonstrating what is possible. One parent said:

“BELL was the highlight of our year. We were desperate for resources, as our daughter only received four hours of services from a teacher of blind students and saw a certified orientation and mobility specialist once last year. 

Everyone at BELL was so welcoming, kind, and exceeded all our expectations. Amelia thrived. She learned how to travel independently, the entire Braille alphabet, and how to track lines. Her social skills exploded, and she was able to interact with peers. She began quoting ‘I can do hard things’ every time she needed encouragement to complete a task on her own. Her progress continued even after BELL as she is still doing things now she would not attempt before BELL. We cannot express how grateful our family is for this experience." – Ashley

The Federation hosted twenty-three in-person NFB BELL® Academies in twenty-three cities across the country this summer. To learn about 2025 programs, check our NFB BELL Academy page next spring.

Latest News at the NFB

National Federation of the Blind Dreamers to Participate in the Bay Bridge Run

The National Organization of Parents of Blind Children is leading a team of runners and walkers across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in the Bay Bridge Run on November 10, 2024. The team will be demonstrating the capacity of blind people and bridging the gap between blind people and our dreams. Anyone can participate in the run in person, virtually, or by supporting a runner. Learn more about the NFB Dreamers Team.

Jonathan Mosen Brings His Expertise to the National Federation of the Blind

Last week we announced that we have engaged Jonathan Mosen to help advance our strategic priorities in technology, accessibility, and communications to build further capacity within the organized blind movement. Jonathan Mosen has been a well-known and trusted voice in the blind community for over a quarter of a century—his most recent work includes the Living Blindfully podcast and the internet radio station Mushroom FM. Along with podcasting and commercial radio experience, Jonathan is or has been a CEO, thought leader, advocate, change agent, government relations professional, author, information technology consultant, internet start-up founder, candidate for Parliament, IT product designer, and non-profit chair. Learn more about Jonathan’s work with the NFB.

Upcoming Global Accessibility Summit

The National Federation of the Blind is excited to participate in the M-Enabling Summit from October 15-17, 2024, at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel. This three-day event assembles global executives and accessibility experts to discuss the latest research in digital accessibility, present new accessibility technologies, and deliberate on how to create an inclusive world for people with disabilities. The summit will offer networking and educational opportunities for organizations using accessible technologies already and a forum on ways to integrate accessibility into a mature organizational structure.

For more information on the schedule of events, explore the 2024 M-Enabling Summit agenda. To register visit the 2024 M-Enabling Summit registration webpage.

Rideshare Rally in San Francisco

The National Federation of the Blind announced an upcoming Rideshare Rally to protest rideshare discrimination against blind people using guide dogs and white canes. The rally will take place at the Lyft and Uber headquarters on October 15 in San Francisco, California. To learn more and let us know if you are interested in attending this demonstration, please submit the Rideshare Rally Interest Form. 

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.