December 2022

President's Message

Dear Friends,

Earlier this month our board of directors met in-person and attended our Presidential Release Live after our supporter celebration. It was great to be back together. In reflecting on the past year, I share my hope, energy, and love with all of you. we have already begun laying the groundwork for so many powerful things.

We have had a great year in the National Federation of the Blind, coming back to in-person meetings again. Federationists came together in New Orleans and experienced an outstanding national convention. Hundreds of new members joined our movement. We've achieved victories at all levels, from person to person, helping with individual advocacy, to making cities better, changing the laws in states to improve voting, to our national work, and turning the government around on making COVID-19 tests accessible. We even helped a blind person set a Guinness World Records title, and we are building for the future by working on a new strategic plan.

Our work in partnership with HumanWare and the American Printing House for the Blind to build a dynamic tactile display will revolutionize access to information for blind children. The strength of our organization is demonstrated by our taking on bold new ideas like the Museum of the Blind People’s Movement. 

We've already started building the next great phase of work in the National Federation of the Blind. Each of you make that building possible, and I am truly thankful and blessed to be part of our community.

From the Riccobono family, I want to extend our warmest season's greetings to you and your family. Enjoy a safe, blessed, and joyous holiday season. In 2023 let's build the National Federation of the Blind bigger, better, and bolder than we have ever imagined.

Sincerely,

Mark A. Riccobono, President
National Federation of the Blind

Giving Makes a Difference: We thank You

The National Federation of the Blind community includes our supporters. Contributors give for a variety of reasons–they want to help other people, our message resonates with them, a blind person made a personal impact on their life, they care about blind children or seniors in particular, our emphasis on collective action proves effective, or maybe education and employment attract them. Sometimes, individuals give to honor a loved one. 

A family member of a NFB member who passed recently shared:

“The reason I included the National Federation of the Blind in the obituary is that I am so very grateful for what NFB did for Jane's self-esteem, supporting her sense of self-worth and agency, helping her understand she was not alone. NFB changed her life for the better.

Thank you for carrying on the work. I'll be making personal contributions and encouraging friends to do so, including using my social media accounts, but if there is anything I can do beyond that to help you, please do not hesitate to ask.”

Whether you give dollars, volunteer, share our messages on social media, or contribute in a different way, we are grateful for our supporters and invite you to view our new Thank You Video to learn more about the impact you have and allow us to express our appreciation. 

Latest News at the NFB

Lyft Adds National Federation of the Blind to Its Round-Up & Donate Organizations

On Giving Tuesday 2022 Lyft added us to its Round-Up & Donate program. We are one of only fourteen nonprofits invited to participate. Now you can select the National Federation of the Blind to receive contributions every time you ride–a great option for our friends and family. Please share the following blurb to help encourage people to participate.
An exciting and easy giving option for everyone: the organized blind movement has joined the Round-Up & Donate program, so you can contribute every time you ride with Lyft. The program will round up the cost of your ride to the nearest dollar and donate the difference. In the Lyft app, simply go to the menu, navigate to donate, and choose National Federation of the Blind.

Fall State Convention Season Closes

The National Federation of the Blind boasts fifty-two affiliates, one in each state and affiliates in Puerta Rico and the District of Columbia. In each affiliate the convention is the supreme authority. The 2022 fall convention season just closed, and across the country we held conventions full of mentoring, advocacy, information, programming, fellowship, and fun. To learn more, reach out to your state affiliate. 

Scholarship Application Period Opens

The National Federation of the Blind's annual scholarship program is the largest of its kind in the nation. Every year, we award more than $250,000 in cash and prizes to blind scholars across the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico in recognition of their achievements and professional aspirations. Visit our scholarships page for more information or to apply. 

NFB-NEWSLINE® Announces Limited Access Accounts for Children

NFB-NEWSLINE now offers two types of accounts. The traditional full access account or a new limited access account. NFB-NEWSLINE is a valuable resource for blind children to access content for leisure or educational purposes. The NFB-NEWSLINE limited access account provides a restricted level of publications and content. It is a structured set of materials and features recommended for children twelve years old and under. Learn more about NFB-NEWSLINE limited access accounts for children. 

BANA Fall 2022 Semi-Annual Meeting Hosted by National Federation of the Blind

We recently hosted the Braille Authority of North America’s Fall 2022 meeting at our headquarters in Baltimore. The mission of the Braille Authority of North America is to assure literacy for tactile readers through the standardization of Braille and/or tactile graphics. The board reviewed formal reports from BANA's technical committees such as music, Nemeth, and chemistry, and tactile graphics, as well as its general committees and task forces, such as the BANA General Committee on UEB and the BANA Publications Committee. The Board acted on recommendations and issued committee charges. The National Federation of the Blind is a proud member organization of BANA and was pleased to host the BANA board. Read more about BANA.

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.