Presidential Releases

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.

En español

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 #542 will be held on Tuesday, October 15, at 8:30 p.m. eastern.

October 2024

September 2024

August 2024

June 2024

May 2024

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release number #538. He shares more updates about the 2024 National Convention, including important information about our overflow hotels, the need for members to volunteer as ambassadors, how and when to submit resolutions, and the national convention career fair.

All members are encouraged to exercise their legal right to vote privately and independently in primary elections and in the general election in November, and to report to the Department of Justice and the national office, if they are unable to do so. President Riccobono also shares information about our “Dream Big: Give $25 Drive” and the chance for those who contribute to win a Monarch (a Braille and tactile graphic display), a new official and accessible Rubik’s Cube (developed in partnership with the Federation), and more. He wraps up with Federation family news and customary endings.

April 2024

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #537. He shares more updates about the 2024 National Convention including the Service Support Provider volunteers, the annual Book Fair, and NAGDU opportunity. President Riccobono discusses how employers illegally require driver’s licenses in job applications when driving is not an essential function of the job and how we can combat that, and he announces the Teachers of Tomorrow program, the Self-Advocacy Toolkit and Tracking Form for Nonvisual Accessibility, the 2025 Washington Seminar, and more. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and customary endings.

March 2024

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #536 on Leap Day with the ninety-fourth Leadership Seminar at the Jernigan Institute. He shares reminders about the scholarship applications and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion calendar for planning Federation events. President Riccobono discusses the importance of national convention and announces the convention theme, registration, first timer opportunities, the ambassador program, and the convention ally network. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and customary endings. 

February 2024

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #535, recorded in the NFB studio. He gives us a recap on the Great Gathering-In and congressional reception, the anniversary of the Jernigan Institute groundbreaking, and a request for members to share their stories. He discusses our publications, the Federation’s award programs, and more. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and customary endings.

January 2024

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #534. He celebrates World Braille Day and shares a difficult announcement regarding our affiliated training center, BLIND, Inc. He discusses Washington Seminar, our opposition on Cogswell and Macy Act, and membership reminder. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and customary endings.

Previous Presidential Releases

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