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.
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.
- Presidential Release #530, September 2023 (Audio for Chapter Meetings)
- Presidential Release #530, September 2023 (Transcript for Chapter Meetings)
- Presidential Release #530, September 2023 (YouTube) - Full Live Recording
- Presidential Release #530, September 2023 (Full Transcript)
- Presidential Release #530, September 2023 (Spanish)
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.
- Presidential Release #529, August 2023 (Audio for Chapter Meetings)
- Presidential Release #529, August 2023 (Transcript for Chapter Meetings) coming soon
- Presidential Release #529, August 2023 (YouTube) - Full Live Recording
- Presidential Release #529, August 2023 (Full Transcript)
- Presidential Release #529, August 2023 (Spanish)
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.
- 2023 Banquet Address-Belief, Courage, and Wisdom: Centering on the Blind People's Movement (audio)
- 2023 Banquet Address-Belief, Courage, and Wisdom: Centering on the Blind People's Movement (transcript)
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.
- Presidential Release #528, June 2023 (Audio for Chapter Meetings)
- Presidential Release #528, June 2023 (Transcript for Chapter Meetings)
- Presidential Release #528, June 2023 (YouTube) - Full Live Recording
- Presidential Release #528, June 2023 (Full Transcript)
- Presidential Release #528, June 2023 (Spanish)
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.
- Presidential Release #527, May 2023 (Audio for Chapter Meetings)
- Presidential Release #527, May 2023 (Transcript for Chapter Meetings)
- Presidential Release #527, May 2023 (YouTube) - Full Live Recording
- Presidential Release #527, May 2023 (Full Transcript)
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.
- Presidential Release #526, April 2023 (Audio for Chapter Meetings)
- Presidential Release #526, April 2023 (Transcript for Chapter Meetings)
- Presidential Release #526, April 2023 (YouTube) - Full Live Recording
- Presidential Release #526, April 2023 (Full Transcript)
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.
- Presidential Release 525, March 2023 (English Audio)
- Presidential Release 525, March 2023 (Transcript)
- Presidential Release 525, March 2023 (YouTube) - Full Live Recording English
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.
- Presidential Release 524, February 2023 (English Audio)
- Presidential Release 524, February 2023 (Transcript) - coming soon
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.
- Presidential Release 523, January 2023 (English Audio) - For Chapter Meetings
- Presidential Release 523, January 2023 (YouTube) - Full Live Recording English
- Presidential Release 523, January 2023 (Spanish Audio)
- Presidential Release 523, January 2023 Chapter Version ( English Transcript)
- Presidential Release 523, January 2023 ( English Transcript)
Previous Presidential Releases
To listen to previous presidential releases, please visit the presidential release archive.