Presidential Releases

The presidential release is a monthly audio message from President Mark A. Riccobono that highlights the current activities of the National Federation of the Blind. It is shared with every chapter of the organization.

Mark Riccobono smiles casually while looking off to the side.The presidential release is typically available in English, Spanish, and as a text transcript in both languages. You can subscribe to the English and Spanish versions of the presidential release via your podcast client by searching for "National Federation of the Blind."

Upcoming Live Release

The National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release #531 will be broadcast from Louisville, Kentucky, on October 3, 2023, at 8:00 p.m., eastern. Closed captions and Spanish interpretations will be available. 

September 2023

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #530, live from Chicago. He shares updates on the 50th Leadership Seminar, LEGO Braille Bricks, Membership Profile, legislative priorities and the Washington Seminar. President Riccobono shares Federation Family news and customary endings.

August 2023

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #529. He provides perspective and celebration of a successful #NFB23 convention. He shares updates on the U.S. Access Board, rideshare discrimination, ADA Title II Website Regulations, and the Route 66 Ride for Literacy. President Riccobono shares Federation Family news and customary endings.

July 2023

There is no July presidential release. Enjoy the 2023 banquet speech from President Riccobono (audio and transcript listed below, or access more #NFB23 convention highlights.

June 2023

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #528. He provides perspective and celebration of Pride Month and the recent lawsuit win against Los Angeles Community College District. He provides updates on the exciting upcoming national convention. President Riccobono shares Federation Family news and customary endings.

May 2023

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #527. He provides perspective and updates on social media engagement specifically regarding Mastodon, traveling by air with guide dogs, our Teachers of Tomorrow program, and convention resolutions. President Riccobono shares Federation Family news and customary endings.

April 2023

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #526. He provides perspective and updates on the national convention virtual experience registration, increased appropriations request for the independent living services for older individuals who are blind program, the equal employment opportunity commission regarding discriminatory driver’s license requirements on job applications, and our new 2023 campaign, Route 66 Ride for Literacy with Dan O’Rourke. President Riccobono shares Federation Family news and customary endings.

March 2023

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #525 before a live virtual audience and the 92nd leadership seminar participants. He provides perspective and updates regarding our advocacy efforts including a breaking news on our legislative priorities. He also discusses subminimum wages, the Orozco case, a new Department of Justice 508 compliance report, education programs, and the biggest event of the year. National Convention registration now open. President Riccobono shares Federation Family news and customary endings.

February 2023

President Mark Riccobono presents Presidential Release #524 from the National Federation of the Blind recording studio. He reflects on January events, celebrates Black History Month, and shares the significance of Washington Seminar presented at Great Gathering-In. President Riccobono also gives updates on the museum, Federation Family news, and customary endings.

January 2023

President Mark Riccobono presents Presidential Release #523, the first Presidential Release for 2023. President Riccobono celebrates World Braille Day, announces the new name of the Digital Tactile Display developed by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), discusses the upcoming Washington Seminar, tells members how to make 2023 National Convention hotel reservations, shares NFB family news, including the passing of long-time Federation leader Scott LaBarre, and announces the creation of the new Scott C. LaBarre Leadership and Justice Fund.

Previous Presidential Releases

To listen to previous presidential releases, please visit the presidential release archive.