October 2023

President's Message

Dear Friends,

October is Blind Equality Achievement Month, and we are engaged in raising awareness of the capacity of blind people across the country. The best way to acknowledge this month is to share the stories of blind people and how they are living the lives they want because of the tireless work of our organization. These stories also help to counteract the significant barriers that come from people having misunderstandings about blindness and what it means or does not mean in our lives.

I started the month by working with a group of fifteen blind individuals in our new Kenneth Jernigan Leadership-In-Service program. In bringing the stories of these emerging leaders together, we are creating a new cohort of support for raising expectations that will positively impact efforts for blind people all over the nation. This new year-long leadership development program is a significant investment in providing leadership across the field of blindness. I am confident you will be reading the stories of these individuals in this newsletter and other important spaces in the future.

From there, I went to Louisville where I delivered the keynote address at the American Printing House (APH) for the Blind’s annual meeting. We believe that this is the first time a leader in the organized blind movement has been invited to do so. That speaks to our partnership building with APH and the recognition that the blind must have a voice in anything that affects us. After Louisville, I joined many friends at our Florida state affiliate convention. I was moved by the stories of what blind people are doing in their state to advance the status of the blind in society, ensure that blind people receive appropriate services and innovate new approaches to educating the public about our capabilities.

In all of this, I am amazed at how little experience people have with how blind people live in the world. While traveling, an Uber driver to whom I was giving directions told me I was doing pretty well “for a blind person.” I asked him if he knew any blind people and he said “no.” This allowed me an opportunity to politely challenge his statement and reframe it so he could recognize that he was actually perpetuating low expectations. I hope that the next blind passenger he meets will have a better experience because of my efforts to educate the driver. This emphasizes why we need to find more innovative ways to educate people about the truth about blindness.

As I reflect on the work we do together, whether that work entails our local chapters reaching out to their community during Blind Equality Achievement Month, engaging teachers of blind students, or the launch of intensive leadership development programs, I am hopeful and confident that we will continue to change the world to ensure that blind people are valued and respected members of society. Please join our work by participating in one of our Blind Equality Achievement Month events and help the public to understand our capacity by sharing one of our publications. It takes all of us to change what it means to be blind. We can do this one story at a time.

Sincerely,

Mark A. Riccobono, President
National Federation of the Blind

Working Toward Understanding and Inclusion

It hurts when blind people are excluded or treated differently because people around us are uncomfortable or unaware. It can be hard to speak up when people do not know how to be inclusive. Changing this dynamic is one of the major pillars of our mission. The 2023 Strategic Plan of the National Federation of the Blind sets forth our aspirational statement. It states:

“We imagine a world where blind people can live the lives they want as valued and respected members of society.”

To help those who are unfamiliar with blind people feel comfortable getting to know us, our Courtesy Rules of Blindness present some simple tips like:

  • Please talk to me rather than a companion and if you think I might need help, please just ask me.
  • Blind people are ordinary. It feels awkward if you think I am amazing for doing ordinary things like walking or tying my shoes.
  • It’s ok to still use words such as see and look. I will talk with you like everyone else, although I may not be able to make direct eye contact.

We communicate respect and value to others by being courteous, so helping people understand how to be more inclusive and less awkward is an important part of achieving our goals. You can help by sharing the Courtesy Rules of Blindness and participating in events to bring public awareness to the real problems of blindness that stem from low expectations.

Latest News at the NFB

Triple Your Impact with Matching Gift Opportunities

During our October Presidential Release President Riccobono announced that HumanWare has generously offered a matching grant. HumanWare will match gifts to the National Federation of the Blind up to 50,000 dollars during the months of October, November, and December. In addition, to that challenge grant, an anonymous donor has offered a 25,000 dollar matching grant for gifts to the National Federation of the Blind during the week beginning October 15 in honor of White Cane Awareness Day. Donors can triple their impact by giving from October 15 through October 22. Participate by visiting our donate page and share with your friends and family. Learn more about the HumanWare challenge grant and watch our launch video.

Free Accessible Covid-19 Tests Available

The National Federation of the Blind shared that free accessible Covid-19 tests are available thanks to a partnership between the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Strategic Preparedness and the United States Postal Service. Fill out the accessible Covid test order form or call 800-232-0233 to obtain the test made by Ellume.

Comments on Proposed Regulations Submitted

The Federation recently submitted comments critical of the US Department of Justice’s Notice of Proposed Rule regarding the accessibility of websites and mobile apps. Currently the notice contains seven exceptions that, if maintained, will allow covered entities to avoid making their digital information and services accessible to people who are blind or have print disabilities.

In addition to working to improve proposed rules, the Federation has championed the Websites and Mobile Applications Accessibility Act and applauds its recent introduction in Congress.

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.