[GreaterPhilly] Fwd: [Brl-monitor] The Braille Monitor, April 2026

[Stacie Leap]

Hello all,

Please see the current issue of the Braille Monitor, one of the many
publications offered by the National Federation of the Blind.  It is below.

Thanks,

Stacie

Stacie Leap
President, Greater Philadelphia Chapter &
President, Pennsylvania Organization of Blind Parents (POBP),
National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania

 stacie.leap at gmail.com | 215-776-6741
LinkedIn <http://www.linkedin.com/in/stacieleap>

The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and
all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination,
and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.


---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Brian Buhrow <buhrow at nfbcal.org>
Date: Wed, Apr 1, 2026 at 11:17 AM
Subject: [Brl-monitor] The Braille Monitor, April 2026
To: <brl-monitor at nfbcal.org>


The Braille Monitor, April 2026
BRAILLE MONITOR

Vol. 69, No. 4 April 2026

*Chris Danielsen, Editor*

Distributed by email, in inkprint, in Braille, and on USB flash drive, by
the

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND

Mark Riccobono, President

telephone: 410-659-9314

email address: nfb at nfb.org

website address: http://www.nfb.org

NFBnet.org: http://www.nfbnet.org

NFB-NEWSLINE® information: 866-504-7300

Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind

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Letters to the President, address changes, subscription requests, and
orders for NFB literature should be sent to the national office. Articles
for the *Monitor* and letters to the editor may also be sent to the
national office or may be emailed to cdanielsen at nfb.org.

*Monitor* subscriptions cost the Federation about forty dollars per year.
Members are invited, and nonmembers are requested, to cover the
subscription cost. Donations should be made payable to *National Federation
of the Blind* and sent to:

National Federation of the Blind

200 East Wells Street *at Jernigan Place*
Baltimore, Maryland 21230-4998

*THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND KNOWS THAT BLINDNESS IS NOT THE
CHARACTERISTIC THAT DEFINES YOU OR YOUR FUTURE. EVERY DAY WE RAISE THE
EXPECTATIONS OF BLIND PEOPLE, BECAUSE LOW EXPECTATIONS CREATE OBSTACLES
BETWEEN BLIND PEOPLE AND OUR DREAMS. YOU CAN LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT;
BLINDNESS IS NOT WHAT HOLDS YOU BACK. THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
IS NOT AN ORGANIZATION SPEAKING FOR THE BLIND—IT IS THE BLIND SPEAKING FOR
OURSELVES.*

*ISSN 0006-8829*

© 2026 by the National Federation of the Blind

Each issue is recorded on a thumb drive (also called a memory stick or USB
flash drive). You can read this audio edition using a computer or a
National Library Service digital player. The NLS machine has two slots—the
familiar book-cartridge slot just above the retractable carrying handle and
a second slot located on the right side near the headphone jack. This
smaller slot is used to play thumb drives. Remove the protective rubber pad
covering this slot and insert the thumb drive. It will insert only in one
position. If you encounter resistance, flip the drive over and try again.
(Note: If the cartridge slot is not empty when you insert the thumb drive,
the digital player will ignore the thumb drive.) Once the thumb drive is
inserted, the player buttons will function as usual for reading digital
materials. If you remove the thumb drive to use the player for cartridges,
when you insert it again, reading should resume at the point you stopped.

You can transfer the recording of each issue from the thumb drive to your
computer or preserve it on the thumb drive. However, because thumb drives
can be used hundreds of times, we would appreciate their return in order to
stretch our funding. Please use the return envelope enclosed with the drive
when you return the device.

[PHOTO CAPTION: Crystal Sanford enjoys a celebration of her win!
Illustration: Meet a Texas Member and Special Olympian

As we highlight our Texas affiliate leading up to our Austin convention,
and as the Federation encourages athletic participation, we thought we
would share that Crystal Sanford is an active and enthusiastic member of
the National Federation of the Blind of Texas and has participated in the
Special Olympics for twenty-five years. Here she is pictured receiving a
silver medal for bowling. Congratulations Crystal!

Vol. 69, No. 4 April 2026
Contents

Convention Bulletin

The Continued Fight to Protect Section 504 and the Integration Mandate

by Sanho Steele Louchart

My Walk with Astronomy as a Blind Scientist

by Cary Supalo

A Troubling Tragedy in Buffalo

by Chris Danielsen

Friendship in Action: Nyal McConoughey’s Story

by Nichole Chrissis and Alison Tyler

New Jersey’s Blind Refused to Be Collateral Damage
by Linda Melendez

Finding Your Caregiving Superpower: Reflections from a Blind Caregiver of a
Parent with Dementia

by Catherine Samuel

>From the UK to the USA: Moving Forward Together

by Sania Kellogg

>From the President’s Desk

[PHOTO/CAPTION: The JW Marriott at dusk.]
Convention Bulletin 2026

The National Federation of the Blind’s National Convention brings together
blind people from across the country and around the globe. We come from all
walks of life. Some of us have been blind all our lives, while others may
be new to blindness. Some are young, some have been around the sun more
than a few times. Some are convention first-timers, while others have been
attending for decades. Our patchwork of individual experiences makes us
stronger together, and it means that our national conventions are a
celebration of our diversity.

Over the course of eighty-five annual conventions, nearly three dozen
cities reflecting similar diversity have played host to the NFB’s biggest
event of the year. Yet, among this broad list of destinations, our
convention has never come to the capital city of Texas to gather and
celebrate. This will change next July when we head to the JW Marriott
Austin for our annual National Convention!

Austin is widely known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” having
been home to the PBS program *Austin City Limits* for more than fifty years
and host to the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) music and media festival.
Austin also boasts a vibrant arts scene with many public art displays
throughout the city. But Austin isn’t just fueled by creative energy. A
strong technology sector thrives here, with many tech companies
establishing headquarters in the city. Waymo and Tesla are two notable
names, as both companies offer autonomous vehicle rides within Austin. The
University of Texas at Austin, with over 50,000 students, sits just north
of downtown. Visitors will notice an emphasis on local retailers over
national chains. This broad and eclectic diversity perpetuates the popular
“Keep Austin Weird” vibe and makes for a truly unique destination.
Our Convention Hotels

The upscale JW Marriott Austin will serve as our headquarters hotel and all
convention events will take place here this July. As of this writing in
mid-March, our block of sleeping rooms at the headquarters hotel is almost
full. However, there are room blocks with plenty of space at several nearby
hotels, including the recently opened Austin Marriott Downtown. The hotels
are all within a couple blocks’ walk to the JW Marriott. Visit our
convention webpage at nfb.org/convention and choose the Planning for Your
Trip link to explore your options.

Our 2026 convention hotel rate is $139 per night for singles and doubles.
Triples and quads are available for $155 per night. Sales tax and a tourism
fee total a combined 19.7 percent.

You may call 800-627-7468 to book your room at the Austin Marriott
Downtown. Specify our room block code, BL1, to ensure you receive our
convention room rate. For each room you book, the hotel requires a deposit
of the first night’s room rate, taxes, and fees, payable by credit card or
a personal check. If a reservation is cancelled before Sunday, June 1,
2026, half of the deposit will be returned. Refunds will not be issued
after that date.
Registration

In-person registration for convention is now open. Registration costs $25
per person plus $85 per banquet ticket. Register early because prices go up
if you register onsite in Austin. Registration includes the biggest event
of the year, access to the mobile app, and communications on the latest
news and events. Registration for the Convention Virtual Experience is also
open. The Virtual Experience registration fee is $10. Virtual Experience
registration includes access to the mobile app and the opportunity to win
door prizes. Links to both registration forms are at nfb.org/convention.
Convention Schedule

The 2026 Convention of the National Federation of the Blind will be an
exciting and memorable event, with an unparalleled program and renewed
dedication to the goals and work of our movement.

   -

   A wide range of seminars for parents of blind children, technology
   enthusiasts, job seekers, and other groups will kick the week off on
   Friday, July 3. Onsite registration and registration and packet pick-up
   will also open on Friday.
   -

   Breakout sessions continue Saturday, July 4, along with committee
   meetings.
   -

   Sunday, July 5, begins with the annual meeting, open to all, of the
   Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind. National
   division meetings will follow that afternoon and evening.
   -

   General convention sessions will begin on Monday, July 6, and continue
   through noon on Wednesday, July 8. This year there will be no general
   session on Wednesday afternoon prior to the banquet; instead there will be
   more breakout sessions.
   -

   Convention ends on a high note with the banquet Wednesday evening, so be
   sure to pack your fancy clothes. The fall of the gavel at the close of
   banquet will signal convention’s adjournment.

Make plans to be a part of it.
Request for Door Prizes

Remember that we need door prizes from state affiliates, local chapters,
and individuals. Prizes should be small in size but significant in value.
Cash, of course, is always appropriate and welcome. As a general rule, we
ask that prizes have a value of at least $25 and do not include alcohol.
Drawings take place throughout the convention sessions, and you can
anticipate a grand prize of truly impressive proportions to be drawn at the
banquet.

Important note for both in-person and virtual attendees: You must be
registered to win a door prize!
First-Time Attendees

If you or members of your chapter are first-time attendees, please learn
about convention through the *First-Timer’s Guide* available at
*nfb.org/convention* <https://nfb.org/convention>.
Countdown to Austin

The best collection of exhibits featuring new technology; meetings of our
special interest groups, committees, and divisions; the most stimulating
and thought-provoking program items of any meeting of the blind in the
world; the chance to renew friendships within our Federation family; and
the unparalleled opportunity to be where the real action is and where
decisions are made—all of these mean you will not want to miss being a part
of the 2026 National Convention. We look forward to seeing you in Austin in
July!

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[PHOTO CAPTION: Sanho Steele-Louchart]
The Continued Fight to Protect Section 504 and the Integration Mandate

by Sanho Steele-Louchart

*From the Editor: Sanho Steele-Louchart coordinates the legal program of
the National Federation of the Blind. In this article, he updates us on a
case that, sadly, is still in the court system and threatens our rights and
the steps we are taking to counter that threat. Here is his update:*

A year ago, the *Braille Monitor* reported on the case of *Texas v. Kennedy*,
which attacked the Constitutionality of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 and thus sought to undermine one of the foundations of modern
jurisprudence concerning people with disabilities. A year later, the
parties and their allegations have changed slightly, but the core is the
same. The right of blind people and other people with disabilities to live
in our communities is threatened now more than ever.

The good news is that eight states dropped out of *Texas v. Kennedy*
entirely, and the remaining nine (Texas, Alaska, Florida, Indiana, Kansas,
Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, and South Dakota) said that they would no
longer ask that Section 504 or its enforcement be ruled unconstitutional.
The bad news, however, is that those same nine states began to attack
Section 504 as it pertains to the integration mandate from the landmark
United States Supreme Court decision of *Olmstead v. L.C.*, 527 U.S. 581
(1999). Olmstead’s integration mandate requires that states make
specialized services available to us in our local communities. These
services include Braille instruction, Orientation and Mobility, activities
of daily living, training to use accessible technology, and services from
rehabilitation counselors.

The careful reader may note that overturning Olmstead’s integration mandate
does not automatically alleviate the government’s need to provide those
services. Instead, it would alleviate the government’s need to provide
those services in our local communities. The question then becomes: Where
might the government provide such services? And therein lies the rub.

The expectation is that blind people and other people with disabilities
would travel to specialized centers to receive training in specialized
skills. Consider for a moment all of the services we receive in our
communities. The vast majority of blind students receive itinerant services
in their local schools, colleges, and universities. Blind adults receive
services in their homes and workplaces. All of those revolve around
Olmstead’s community integration mandate. If the integration mandate is
overturned or unenforced, the reality is that funding for these vital,
community-based services would disappear, and with them, the services
themselves. Importantly, we are not talking about cutting-edge facilities
like the Federation’s affiliated training centers or certified Structured
Discovery centers. Blind people could instead be forced to attend schools
for the blind or state-run rehabilitation centers for everything. It is not
inconceivable that many blind people would ! be forced into long-term care
facilities if they were ineligible for training or if that training didn’t
lead to their living independently and autonomously at home.

What’s more, the community integration mandate doesn’t stop at the
provision of services like Braille, mobility, and technology. There’s also
an argument to be made that it applies to access to information. What would
happen to government websites, software, and mobile applications? What
would happen to a disabled person’s right to request reasonable
accommodations and effective communication from local agencies? It’s true
that those things should be protected under Title II of the ADA, but
remember that the ADA is an extension of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act. It is not a great leap to wonder if the overruling of the community
integration mandate would dovetail with the rolling back of the DOJ’s Title
II rule currently set to go into effect in April 2026.

The National Federation of the Blind is hard at work defending Olmstead,
Section 504, and Title II at every level. In February, nine of our
affiliate presidents wrote a letter addressing the attorneys general of the
remaining plaintiffs. Here is the full text of that letter:

February 12, 2026

Dear Attorneys General Paxton, Cox, Uthmeier, Rokita, Kobach, Murrill,
Hanaway, Knudsen, and Jackley:

The National Federation of the Blind, the transformative membership and
advocacy organization of blind Americans, urges Attorneys General
throughout the United States  to acknowledge the full importance of Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) and *Olmstead v. L.C.*,
527 U.S. 581 (1999) (“*Olmstead”*) by immediately withdrawing their support
for *Texas v. Kennedy* and its attacks on the integration mandate in the
United States.

On January 23, 2026, the nine remaining plaintiffs in *Texas v. Kennedy* filed
to overturn the *Olmstead* decision’s community integration mandate,
thereby laying the groundwork for the forced institutionalization of
disabled people nationwide.

Specifically, the January 23 filing again seeks to declare the entire
Section 504 rule as illegal, stop the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) from enforcing the rule, and stop HHS from instructing
states not to take actions which place people with disabilities at “serious
risk” of institutionalization. The National Federation of the Blind
unequivocally condemns this action and is inherently opposed to the forced
institutionalization of people with disabilities or any action which may
lead to forced institutionalization.

As the National Federation of the Blind indicated in our letter from
February 2025, “The United States has long recognized a disabled person’s
value as a student, employee, and a member of the public.” Overturning
*Olmstead* would mean that rather than receiving services in our homes,
neighborhood schools, and local communities, we would be forced out of
public life entirely and into institutions which neither value nor serve
us. Such a move could neither be interpreted as equitable nor as equal
treatment under the law. Americans with disabilities are not inferior to
our non-disabled peers and we will not be hidden away.

The ultimate goal of the National Federation of the Blind is complete
integration of the blind into society. Throughout the course of our
eighty-six-year history, the Federation has worked diligently and
tirelessly to combat discrimination based on misconceptions and low
expectations.

We believe that disabled Americans have the right to receive the education,
training, and opportunity required to lead productive lives, and we do not
believe that law-abiding people with disabilities who are simply trying to
live the lives we want should be forced into any facility against our will.
Such a move would not only be legally wrong, but also morally reprehensible.

We urge you to immediately withdraw your support for *Texas v. Kennedy* and
the dismantling of *Olmstead*, including its community integration mandate
and Section 504.

Sincerely,

Norma Crosby, President
National Federation of the Blind of Texas

Kevin Whitley, President
National Federation of the Blind of Alaska

Camille Tate, President
National Federation of the Blind of Florida

R. Diane Graves, President
National Federation of the Blind of Indiana

Tom Page, President
National Federation of the Blind of Kansas

Pam Allen, President
National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana

Shelia Wright, President
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri

Jim Marks, President
National Federation of the Blind of Montana

Ismael Collazo, President
National Federation of the Blind of South Dakota

All is not lost. As said by Dr. Jacobus tenBroek himself, the National
Federation of the Blind is committed to defending our right to live in the
world. Whether it’s writing letters to attorneys general, suing in federal
court, joining lawsuits already in progress, working with Congress to
maintain or create legislation, training attorneys and non-attorney
advocates to amplify our message, or working with existing service
providers to help them do the same, we are unflinching in our
determination. We know this is hard work. We know all the same that to our
members, hard work is merely an opportunity for advocacy, and where
opportunity is knocking, there are countless Federationists already
knocking alongside.

----------

[PHOTO CAPTION: Cary Supalo]
My Walk with Astronomy as a Blind Scientist

by Cary Supalo

*From the Editor: Cary Supalo is a blind chemist. He has a faculty
appointment as an honorary professor of chemistry at the University of
Sydney in Australia and founded Independence Science, an access technology
and consulting firm that specializes in the development of talking
scientific data loggers for the blind. In this article, adapted from
remarks he delivered as part of a panel discussion entitled Sharing
Astronomy with Blind and Low-Vision Audiences at the 2025 American
Astronomical Society’s national meeting held in Anchorage, Alaska, on June
10, 2025, he shares his story about some of his earliest days as a budding
scientist, which we now share with our readers in celebration of National
Astronomy Month:*

Imagine a time when you dreamed about traveling to the stars. Or a time
when you looked up into the night sky and had visions of faraway places
with species from other worlds. From those dreams of distant stars and
alien worlds, you then took a liking to science-fiction shows and movies
where your imagination thrived. In my case, I took an interest in *Star
Trek* and *Star Wars*. These shows fueled my curiosity about the universe,
and in fourth grade I had the transformative experience of exploring the
universe through my first planetarium show at a community college in
Joliet, Illinois. I could not see much of the visual content projected on
the dome above me. I relied on the narration to imagine the stars I was
hearing about.

This immersive experience motivated me to choose the topic of planets in
the Milky Way solar system for my fourth-grade science project. I took a
piece of black burlap and glued construction paper, cardboard, and
Styrofoam half-spheres to represent the planets in a tactile way. (At that
time, we had nine planets. Now we just have eight.) Then I stapled orange
and yellow tissue paper on the far end of the black burlap to represent the
sun. I then gave estimates in miles for the distances from the sun to
Mercury to Venus to the Earth and beyond.

Building that tactile model deepened my fascination with the cosmos. Next
school year was my first visit to the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, which
opened my mind to even more wonders of the universe. I remember its dome
theatre, where I saw a planetarium show that taught me about other moons,
constellations like the Big and Little Dippers and Orion, and whether there
was water and ice on other planets. The wonders I discovered at Adler
motivated my fifth-grade term paper on the Milky Way solar system. I even
did library research to use data from the original Voyager mission for much
of the evidence in this report. Learning about the stars really inspired my
imagination and love of science. I wanted to find planets around stars
light-years from Earth. My hometown newspaper even wrote an article
featuring me, in which I was quoted stating I wanted to be an astronomer
when I grew up!

However, in sixth grade, our science curriculum had very little content
about space or astronomy. I was introduced to general science, life
science, and physical science. This trend in my school curriculum continued
into high school, where I enrolled in the biology, chemistry, and physics
science course sequence. I never had the chance to return to my initial
love of astronomy.

While my journey in studying astronomy diverged in middle school, my love
for the subject never faded. In college, I pursued chemistry. However, my
fascination with space exploration remained a constant source of
inspiration. I took immense pride in seeing technological innovations
related to space exploration. I marveled over Space Shuttle missions and
later the construction of the International Space Station as
accomplishments by humanity to try to learn more about the cosmos. As an
adult, I experienced a half-day program at the US Space and Rocket Center
in Huntsville, Alabama, where I engaged in a simulated Space Shuttle
mission with other blind participants. Braille-labeled controls in the
shuttle simulator and Braille and tactile documents brought to life the
specific scenarios we were investigating. This experience sustained my
dream of someday travelling to the stars and beyond. I realize this aspect
of my experiential learning was make-believe; however, I do love! to
imagine.

We as blind scientists want to be inspired by astronomy. This subject
triggers us to imagine and dream about what is out there. We do not need to
see the stars to feel their pull. We just need the freedom to dream. It is
the audacious power of the dream that inspires children—sighted or blind—to
explore astronomy. These dreams may be the first seeds planted for a
lifelong journey towards scientific discovery.

Yet today’s planetarium shows, as inspiring and breathtaking as they are,
often leave blind learners like me in the shadows. Now, when I visit
planetaria and observe various shows, it is more difficult for me because
modern displays lean heavily on dazzling visuals, sidelining the rich,
descriptive narration that once brought the cosmos to life for me. While
audio sonification can give a qualitative representation of astronomical
phenomena through sound, it can put the observer one step further removed
from the visual representations used to convey astronomical phenomena and
distances between stars. These and other challenges for blind learners, and
the need for more accessible tools to bring astronomy to life for the
blind, fuel my resolve to contribute to change. Astronomy belongs to
everyone, not just the able-bodied.

Imagine a world where blind students can trace the contours of
constellations with their fingertips, feeling the universe come alive
through two-dimensional and three-dimensional tactile models. These tools
are no longer a distant hope—they’re here, ready to revolutionize how we
engage with astronomy. We can pair meticulously crafted and properly scaled
3D representations of constellations and other astronomical structures and
phenomena with detailed raised-line drawings and tactile graphics. With the
advent of the new paradigm-shifting access technology of refreshable
tactile displays (RTDs), we can deliver real-time data from NASA and global
space agencies directly to the fingertips of blind learners. By embracing
these innovative accessibility solutions and quality enrichment programs
that are inclusively designed for maximum participation, it is my hope we
can unlock a universe of knowledge, inspiring a new generation of blind
children to not just dream of the sta! rs but to reach for them as future
scientists, engineers, and explorers.

As humanity returns to the moon and figures out how to travel to Mars and
beyond, astronomy can become a field where blind individuals are not just
inspired but empowered to contribute meaningfully to humanity’s cosmic
journey. Many in the STEM ecosystem get hung up on how we as blind people
can comprehend and understand astronomical and scientific phenomena. It is
our responsibility to educate these individuals as to our true
capabilities. We also must raise the expectations of the blind as to what
is possible and how we can visualize, interpret, and most importantly,
communicate scientific principles to our sighted colleagues. The
contributions we can make as blind scientists and engineers should not be
diminished or marginalized. These contributions and accomplishments can and
should be included in this crack-in-time moment in human history.
Astronomy’s call to dream without limits and reach for the stars beckons
the blind as it does the sighted. By harnessing the ! unique perspectives
and talents of blind individuals, we can enrich the scientific community
and redefine what is possible.

I leave you with this famous quote from one of my favorite movies of all
time, *Back to the Future*. The character Dr. Emmett Brown says, “If you
put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.” I believe that if we can
inspire current and future generations of blind children, we can make real
a more inclusive STEM workforce that welcomes the blind. Let us build a
future where every child, regardless of disability, can touch the cosmos
and claim their place in the grand adventure of discovery. The stars are
calling us all. Let us ensure that no one is left behind.

----------

[PHOTO CAPTION: Chris Danielsen]
A Troubling Tragedy in Buffalo

by Chris Danielsen

The National Federation of the Blind is saddened and troubled by the recent
and tragic death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a blind Rohingya refugee whose
body was found in Buffalo, New York, in February, 2026, a few days after
being released from federal custody and reportedly left alone miles from
home. His death has prompted investigations, widespread concern, and, we
hope, renewed attention to how blind and other vulnerable people are
treated by public authorities.

According to reports from multiple news sources, Mr. Shah Alam, fifty-six,
had come to the United States from Myanmar with his family in December 2024
after fleeing persecution faced by Rohingya Muslims there. He spoke little
English, and he was reportedly blind in one eye and had limited vision in
the other, relying on a cane for mobility. On February 19, 2026, he was
released from the Erie County Holding Center in Buffalo following a year in
jail related to what his family said was a misunderstanding stemming from
his being lost and his cane, or something that he was using as a cane
(perhaps a curtain rod), being mistaken for a weapon or being perceived as
being used in a threatening manner. Federal Border Patrol agents took him
into custody upon his release but later determined he was not subject to
deportation. Instead of returning him to his family or ensuring he reached
a safe destination, agents allegedly drove him to a Tim Hortons coffee and
donut shop and left hi! m there alone. The shop was reportedly five miles
from his home, although the Border Patrol claimed that at his own request,
he had been left at a safe, warm location near his last known address.
However, doubts about the Border Patrol’s assertions are reasonable, since
Mr. Shah Alam spoke limited English and does not appear to have been
provided effective communication or accommodations. There are also
conflicting reports as to whether the shop had already closed for the
evening when he was left there.

Mr. Shah Alam disappeared that night. His family began searching for him
after learning he had been released somewhere in the city. Five days later,
police found his body near downtown Buffalo’s sports arena. Authorities
have said the precise circumstances of his death remain under
investigation, while city officials, members of Congress, and the state
attorney general have called the situation a preventable tragedy and
demanded accountability.

In response, the National Federation of the Blind issued a statement
expressing sorrow and deep concern over the circumstances surrounding Mr.
Shah Alam’s death. Here is the statement:

*Baltimore, Maryland*: The National Federation of the Blind is deeply
saddened by the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a blind Rohingya refugee who
passed away in Buffalo, New York, after being released from federal
custody.

Although many details about Mr. Shah Alam’s final days remain unavailable,
this tragedy underscores the need for a careful and comprehensive review of
the procedures in place for blind people who come into contact with law
enforcement, immigration authorities, or detention facilities. This
includes evaluating whether a proper white cane was offered, how
information was communicated to someone with limited English proficiency
and no access to written or digital formats, and how agencies plan and
provide resources for blind individuals. Effective communications and
reasonable accommodations are required by law.

“Mr. Shah Alam’s death is a somber reminder of why accessible,
disability-aware practices are essential across all stages of custody and
release. There is currently no indication he was provided effective
communication or reasonable accommodations,” said Mark Riccobono, President
of the National Federation of the Blind. “The lack of accommodations and
disability support among law enforcement has long been a concern of our
organization. We urge federal, state, and local agencies to conduct a
thorough investigation into the accommodations provided and to identify
solutions to strengthen policies that protect the safety and dignity of
blind immigrants and refugees. We remain prepared to serve as an expert
resource to any agency seeking to improve their practices.”

The National Federation of the Blind has fought for blind people who are
incarcerated or have contact with law enforcement throughout our history.
In the past few years, we have settled litigation with the corrections
bureaucracies in both Colorado and Virginia, and we continue to work on
enforcing these agreements. Equal treatment and effective communication are
not rights that stop in custody or at the gates of correctional facilities,
and law enforcement at all levels has legal and moral obligations to blind
individuals regardless of their status in the judicial system. This tragedy
emphasizes that the consequences of failing to recognize these obligations
can be severe and even irreparable. We will continue to follow this story
and hope that it leads not only to justice for this refugee and his family,
but real improvements in the operations of all of the agencies involved.

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[PHOTO CAPTION: Nicole Chrissis]

[PHOTO CAPTION: Alison Tyler]
Friendship in Action: Nyal McConoughey’s Story

by Nichole Chrissis and Alison Tyler

*From the Editor: Nichole Chrissis, MA, is the archivist of the National
Federation of the Blind, and Alison Tyler is the project lead for the
Museum of the Blind People’s Movement. Here is what they want to share with
readers about an exciting recent addition to the archives that sheds new
light on part of the history of our movement:*

For the staff of the National Archives of the Blind People’s Movement, a
program of the National Federation of the Blind, early June is often a
whirlwind before the storm of our annual National Convention—our own
sessions are planned, final Braille text is sent off for production,
artifacts are pulled from the shelves and carefully packed for
transportation, and any last-minute fact-checking and research for speeches
and awards looms. It was in June 2025 that Amy Porterfield of Arizona-based
SAAVI Services for the Blind made an introduction to her coworker, Reginald
Laister, sending us on a path through time and highlighting the depth of
our archives.

Reggie, who is SAAVI’s Community Development Manager, had met a woman named
Jan E. through his work with the local Lions Club. Jan’s father was a man
named Nyal McConoughey. Nyal, as we would come to learn, was the first
blind man to work in the United States foreign service as a civilian. He
would subsequently serve as the head of a printing reproduction shop at
Tachikawa Air Base in the Tokyo prefecture of Japan. Jan, we were told,
still had a number of items that had belonged to her late father that she
was interested in potentially sharing with us.

We were instantly hooked. Nyal’s story was great on its own, but the
thought of having tangible artifacts that would help interpret his life was
a dream for people working with historic collections, and we were eager to
speak more about it. However, with the 2025 National Convention in New
Orleans just a few weeks away, we scheduled a call with Jan for mid-July.

Our first phone call with Jan lasted almost an hour and a half. We both
left with a page full of scribbled notes and promises to do additional
research on our end and get back in touch. One thing was clear, however:
this was a collection of items that would be beneficial to documenting the
story of the organized blind movement. And with that arose another
question—did we have anything in our existing collections related to Nyal
McConoughey that would help enhance the items Jan had just told us about?
It wasn’t a necessary prerequisite, but it might be helpful to make the
link back to the National Federation of the Blind.

Typically, in terms of archival research, we are able to identify a range
of years and locations that then correspond to unique folders in our
collections, which *might* hold the content we’re looking for after combing
through each individual page of print. Then again, of course, the search is
much simpler when your catalogs provide an entire folder dedicated solely
to your research subject. In this case, the Jacobus tenBroek Personal
Papers Collection, Box 66, Folder 34, “Nyal D. McConoughey, Ohio,
Negotiations with Air Force,” told the following fascinating story.
“Not the Slightest Doubt”

In the fall of 1955, a recently blinded federal employee named Nyal
McConoughey reached out to the National Federation of the Blind. He
explained in a letter, “I am newly blind with a multiplicity of problems,
ambitions and frustrations.” The previous year, while working for the US
government in Japan, McConoughey had lost his sight as the result of
retinal detachment and cataracts. He was facing additional surgeries and
felt uncertain about the future, but he expressed “hope that it may be
possible to resume my former occupation.”

Jacobus tenBroek, President of the Federation, responded with a firm and
encouraging message. He urged McConoughey to “give serious thought to the
possibility of retaining your federal government job even assuming the
continuation of your blindness. There are not many jobs which cannot be
performed by blind persons. You would be much better off to continue at
your present work if that is at all possible.” He asked McConoughey for
more details about his duties and assured him that the Federation stood
ready to help.

In January of 1956, McConoughey replied. He reported that he did not expect
to regain “useful eyesight,” and so he had decided to “redouble my efforts
toward necessary adjustment to blindness.” McConoughey had recently
received a letter from his employing agency suggesting that “it does not
appear certain that I would be considered acceptable” as a candidate in
this role. However, he explained that his job duties depended far more on
planning, coordination, and supervision than on visual inspection. Tasks
requiring sight had long been delegated to other staff. He believed that,
with reasonable adaptations, he could continue to perform effectively, and
he asked tenBroek for his opinion.

tenBroek’s reply left no room for doubt. He insisted that McConoughey
should “do everything in [his] power” to regain his job. As tenBroek
explained, “There is not the slightest doubt but what you could continue
the work. As a matter of fact, for the general supervisory functions you
carried on, sight is not at all necessary.” The Federation offered concrete
assistance: advocacy through its Washington office; a letter testifying to
“the jobs blind people are doing” and “the methods you would employ in
doing your work;” and guidance on obtaining training in travel methods and
Braille.

McConoughey took tenBroek’s words to heart. By early 1956, he was enrolled
in Braille classes, using a Braille writer, and preparing to travel to
Washington, DC, to make his case. He recognized that the greatest obstacle
was not his blindness but the lack of understanding about what blind people
could do. As he wrote, “The biggest problem, I feel, is to get a chance to
demonstrate the matter in which such little-understood abilities [as
Braille] could compensate [for] the loss of physical sight.”

Securing McConoughey’s job was not easy. According to an article
<https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/images/nfb/publications/bm/abm/bm1957/thebraillemonitornovember1957.html>
in the November 1957 issue of the *Braille Monitor*, “McConoughey and
Federation representatives talked with the highest official in Washington
in charge of civilian personnel appointments for the Army-Air Force. This
official became convinced that McConoughey could do the work and should be
reinstated, but those in charge at Tachikawa [Air Base] were adamant in
their opposition.” New job requirements were even written to require visual
inspection of work products, effectively excluding blind applicants.

Finally, as described in the *Braille Monitor*, “an agreement was reached
that McConoughey would be given the first possible job at Tachikawa Air
Base in Japan. On May 27, 1957, he was appointed administrative assistant
to the military officer in charge of all billeting arrangements on the
entire air base. He is now on the job and performing successfully.”
McConoughey became the first blind person employed in a civilian federal
position overseas.

More than a year later, writing again from Japan, McConoughey reported to
tenBroek that he was thriving. He explained that he was able to “keep
ahead” in his work, which was “quite often a surprise to my sighted
counterparts.” Further, he said, “It has taken some time but, [I] can now
report that I am being taken at face value by the ordinary business
contact.” Along with his letter, he sent a family photograph and warm
holiday greetings.

A 1958 *Braille Monitor* article
<https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/images/nfb/publications/bm/abm/bm1958/braillemonitorapril1958.html>
reported on letters of commendation McConoughey received for his work. As
McConoughey wrote in a letter to tenBroek, “These letters indicate some
pretty solid achievements and I am grateful for the successes that I have
had. Frankly, I do not see how it would have been possible without the
effective representation provided by the Federation.”
“With Respect and Dignity”

Nyal McConoughey’s story reflects the stories of so many blind people, both
in the United States and around the world. His story of resilience and
perseverance, a desire to work and to provide for his family, was just as
relatable in the 1950s as it is in 2026. These are themes that are constant
in the Federation’s archives. And while it is easy for us to explain these
ideas as concepts, they are so much more powerful and impactful when shown
through the actual writings, possessions, and photographs of people who
have lived and are living the philosophy of the National Federation of the
Blind.

In November 2025, after much correspondence and quite a few phone calls
with Jan and Reggie, the National Archives of the Blind People’s Movement
received its first shipment of five boxes of artifacts related to Nyal. A
precursory inventory was taken of the items, which include a flag flown
over the US Capitol; items with Japanese Braille; copies of the publication
“Friendship in Action” that Nyal managed; awards, photographs, and small
Braille writers; and a subsequent Deed of Gift sent to Jan to complete the
donation. As of January 2026, the items are in the legal possession of the
Federation and are in the process of being fully accessioned and cataloged
into the archives. This ensures not only the industry standard archival
preservation in the stewardship of the items, but the dedication of the
National Federation of the Blind to help interpret and make public the
blind people’s movement. In one of our many phone calls, Jan said the
following regarding the don! ation of her father’s items: “The goal was to
hope to inspire future blind and low-vision people with respect and
dignity.”

If you have items in your possession that you think might also help enhance
our ongoing documentation of the organized blind movement, please contact
our staff at archives at nfb.org. <archives at nfb.org>

----------
We Need Your Help

*Through the Federation, I learned that most of what I was taught to
believe about blindness was untrue. Being blind wasn’t something to be
ashamed of. Using my cane in public wasn’t weird. If I wanted to pick up my
cane or my [guide] dog and walk somewhere, I could just do it because the
fears of other people didn’t have to be my fears too.* - Julie

Blind people across the United States are making powerful strides in
education and leadership, but we need to continue helping people like
Julie. For more than eighty years, the National Federation of the Blind has
worked to transform the dreams of hundreds of thousands of blind people
into reality. With support from individuals like you, we can continue to
provide powerful programs and critical resources now and for decades to
come. We hope you will plan to be a part of our enduring movement by
including the National Federation of the Blind in your charitable giving
and in your estate planning. It is easier than you think.
With your help, the NFB will continue to:

   -

   Give the gift of literacy through Braille.
   -

   Mentor young people.
   -

   Promote independent travel by providing free, long white canes to blind
   people in need.
   -

   Develop dynamic educational projects and programs to show blind youth
   that science and math careers are within their reach.
   -

   Deliver hundreds of accessible newspapers and magazines to provide blind
   people the essential information necessary to be actively involved in their
   communities.
   -

   Offer aids and appliances that help seniors losing vision maintain their
   independence.

Below are just a few of the many tax-deductible ways you can show your
support of the National Federation of the Blind.
Vehicle Donation Program

We accept donated vehicles, including cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, or
recreational vehicles. Just call 855-659-9314 toll-free, and a
representative can make arrangements to pick up your donation. We can also
answer any questions you have.
General Donation

General donations help support the ongoing programs of the NFB and the work
to help blind people live the lives they want. You can call 410-659-9314,
extension 2430, to give by phone. Give online with a credit card or through
the mail with check or money order. Visit our online contribution page at:
*https://nfb.org/donate* <https://nfb.org/donate>.
Pre-Authorized Contributions

Through the Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) program, supporters sustain
the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind by making recurring
monthly donations by direct withdrawal of funds from a checking account or
a charge to a credit card. To enroll, call 877-NFB-2PAC, or fill out our
PAC Donation Form *https://www.nfb.org/pac* <https://www.nfb.org/pac>.
Plan to Leave a Legacy

The National Federation of the Blind legacy society, our Dream Makers
Circle, honors and recognizes the generosity and imagination of members and
special friends who have chosen to leave a legacy through a will or other
planned giving option. You can join the Dream Makers Circle in a myriad of
ways.
Percentage or Fixed Sum of Assets

You can specify that a percentage or a fixed sum of your assets or property
goes to the National Federation of the Blind in your will, trust, pension,
IRA, life insurance policy, brokerage account, or other accounts.
Payable on Death (POD) Account

You can name the National Federation of the Blind as the beneficiary on a
Payable on Death (POD) account through your bank. You can turn any checking
or savings account into a POD account. This is one of the simplest ways to
leave a legacy. The account is totally in your control during your lifetime
and you can change the beneficiary or percentage at any time with ease.
Will or Trust

If you do decide to create or revise your will, consider the National
Federation of the Blind as a partial beneficiary.

Visit our Planned Giving webpage (
*https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/planned-giving*
<https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/planned-giving>) or call
410-659-9314, extension 2422, for more information.
In 2025 our supporters helped the NFB:

   -

   Host career fair and employment mentoring events for over three hundred
   and fifty job seekers.
   -

   Distribute over six thousand free white canes to blind people across the
   United States, empowering them to travel safely and independently
   throughout their communities.
   -

   Deliver more than five hundred newspapers and magazines to more than
   135,000 subscribers with print disabilities free of charge.
   -

   Give over six hundred Braille-writing slates and styluses free of charge
   to blind users.
   -

   Mentor 153 blind youth during our Braille Enrichment for Literacy and
   Learning® Academy.
   -

   Distribute over twenty-three thousand Braille books to children and
   adult readers alike.
   -

   Award thirty scholarships each in the amount of $8,000 to blind students.

Just imagine what we will do in 2026, and, with your help, what can be
accomplished for years to come. Together with love, hope, determination,
and your support, we will continue to transform dreams into reality.

----------

[PHOTO CAPTION: Linda Melendez]
New Jersey’s Blind Refused to Be Collateral Damage

by Linda Melendez

*From the Editor: Linda Melendez is the energetic and infectiously
enthusiastic president of the National Federation of the Blind of New
Jersey. Here she shares a recent victory for the affiliate she leads:*

On the evening of Tuesday, January 13, 2026, I received alarming news that
the transition team for Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill had requested the
mass resignation of hundreds of employees within the New Jersey Department
of Human Services (DHS) through an email communication sent that morning.
Included in that sweeping directive were employees of the New Jersey
Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI)—the very
professionals blind New Jerseyans rely on to learn Braille, travel safely
with a white cane, secure employment, and live independently. The timeline
was immediate, and the potential damage was staggering.

Teachers of blind students and orientation and mobility instructors are not
political appointees, which are usually the category of state workers asked
to resign when a new governor takes office. They are specialized,
credentialed professionals. At a time when CBVI already faces a serious
shortage of these experts, the forced resignation of even a handful would
have destabilized services statewide. The reported eighteen-hour window for
resignation submissions signaled urgency—but not the right kind.
Transitions of power are part of democracy. Destabilizing blindness
services must never be.
The Decision to Act

We decided right away to issue a public call to action. Silence was not an
option. Within hours, we began drafting what would become the first of
several coordinated advocacy messages. The following day, January 14, our
first social-media public post went live. It reached more than 14,000
people within twenty-four hours and was shared more than 130 times. The
blind community, our allies, and professionals across the state responded
immediately.

At the same time, we drafted a resolution condemning the proposed action
and demanding explicit protection for CBVI’s specialized staff. That draft
was sent via email to the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
Board of Directors on January 14. By January 15, after a majority of the
Board had voted yes (two board members who are CBVI employees rightfully
abstained), Resolution 2026-01 was formally adopted. We did not convene in
a hotel ballroom or wait for a quarterly meeting. We used the tools
available—email, phones, and determination. Here is the full text of the
resolution:
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF NEW JERSEY
RESOLUTION 2026-01 Regarding the Immediate Protection of Specialized
Blindness Services Staff at the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and
Visually Impaired

WHEREAS, the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey (NFB of NJ),
through its duly elected Board of Directors, speaks with authority on
behalf of blind people throughout the State of New Jersey, including all
chapters, divisions, members, and the broader blind community we represent;
and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
(CBVI), within the Department of Human Services, is legally and morally
obligated to provide essential education, rehabilitation, and independent
living services to blind children and adults; and

WHEREAS, Teachers of Blind Students (TBS) and Orientation and Mobility
(O&M) Instructors are highly trained, credentialed professionals whose work
is indispensable to Braille literacy, safe independent travel, employment
readiness, and full participation in society; and

WHEREAS, CBVI is already operating under a severe and well-documented
shortage of qualified TBS and O&M professionals, resulting in unacceptable
delays and unmet needs across the state; and

WHEREAS, the NFB of NJ Board of Directors is deeply disturbed and
profoundly disappointed by reports that the governor-elect’s transition
team has demanded the mass resignation of Department of Human Services
personnel, including specialized CBVI staff who are not political
appointees and whose positions are mission-critical; and

WHEREAS, forcing or accepting the resignation of these professionals would
recklessly destabilize blindness services, immediately harm blind students
and adults, and place New Jersey in jeopardy of failing its legal
obligations under state and federal law; and

WHEREAS, blind New Jerseyans cannot and will not accept being treated as
collateral damage during a political transition, particularly when the
consequences include loss of independence, educational neglect, and
exclusion from the workforce; and

WHEREAS, blindness is not the characteristic that limits opportunity, but
rather the removal of competent services and the imposition of low
expectations: NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the
Blind of New Jersey, speaking on behalf of all blind New Jerseyans, on this
fourteenth day of January, 2026, that we unequivocally condemn any action
that results in the resignation, displacement, or loss of Teachers of Blind
Students, Orientation and Mobility Instructors, or other specialized CBVI
personnel; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NFB of NJ demands the immediate and
explicit exemption of all CBVI specialized staff from any requested or
implied resignations within the Department of Human Services; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NFB of NJ expresses its strong
disappointment that such a harmful proposal was advanced without
consultation with the organized blind community or consideration of its
devastating consequences; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NFB of NJ demands a clear, public
commitment from the governor-elect to protect the continuity, integrity,
and staffing of blindness services in New Jersey; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NFB of NJ insists that no restructuring,
transition action, or administrative directive affecting CBVI occur without
meaningful engagement with the blind community and its representative
organizations; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the
governor, governor-elect, Department of Human Services leadership, members
of the New Jersey Legislature, and all relevant officials.
Coordinated Advocacy

Each evening for the next few days, a small team of leaders worked late
drafting letters and social media posts for distribution the next morning.
These were sent widely to members, to elected officials (including our
members of Congress), and to the transition team itself. The Federation’s
national leadership was copied on each letter distributed. Multiple
organizations and individuals forwarded our messages. My phone rang
constantly. My inbox filled. It was a very busy time! Here is the letter
that we sent to the governor-elect and her transition team:

Dear Governor-elect Sherrill,

On behalf of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey (NFB of
NJ), we write to express our profound alarm and deep disappointment
regarding reports that the governor-elect’s transition team has requested
the mass resignation of hundreds of employees within the New Jersey
Department of Human Services, including highly specialized professionals
serving the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
(CBVI).

If accepted, this action would create an immediate and devastating crisis
for blind New Jerseyans. Teachers of Blind Students (TBS) and Orientation
and Mobility (O&M) Instructors are not political appointees. They are
frontline educators and rehabilitation professionals whose expertise cannot
be quickly replaced. These professionals teach blind children to read and
write Braille; instruct blind adults in safe and independent travel; and
provide the skills that make employment, education, and full participation
in community life possible.

CBVI is already facing a critical workforce shortage. There are simply not
enough certified TBS and O&M instructors to meet current demand. Removing
experienced professionals—whether temporarily or permanently—will not
improve efficiency. It will cripple service delivery statewide.

If these resignations are accepted, the consequences will be severe and
immediate:

   -

   Waiting lists for blindness training and rehabilitation services will
   expand dramatically.
   -

   Blind adults will lose the tools necessary to live and work
   independently.
   -

   Blind students will be denied legally mandated instruction, placing New
   Jersey at serious risk of noncompliance with state and federal law.

Blindness itself is not the barrier. The real barrier is the loss of
timely, competent services delivered by trained professionals who hold
blind people to high expectations.

Therefore, the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey demands the
following actions:

   1.

   Immediate and explicit exemption of all CBVI specialized staff,
   including Teachers of Blind Students and Orientation and Mobility
   Instructors, from any requested or implied resignations within the
   Department of Human Services.
   2.

   A public commitment from the governor-elect to protect the continuity,
   integrity, and staffing of blindness services during the transition and
   beyond.
   3.

   Meaningful engagement with the organized blind community before any
   administrative or structural changes affecting CBVI are implemented.

Transitions of power must never endanger essential disability services.
Administrative efficiency cannot come at the cost of civil rights,
independence, and opportunity for blind New Jerseyans.

The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey stands ready to work
collaboratively with the incoming administration. However, we will not
remain silent while the infrastructure that enables equality and
independence for blind people in this state is placed at risk.

Respectfully,

Linda Melendez
President
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey

Here is an example of one of our social media posts, issued on the third
day of the crisis:
D3 CALL TO ACTION: STILL NO RESPONSE — WE CONTINUE

For the third time, we are publicly stating the facts: the transition team
for Mikie Sherrill has not contacted us in any way. No response. No
acknowledgment. No meeting.

This silence continues despite three clear, documented attempts to engage
in good faith.

First attempt: At an Inclusivity Summit, we were given the opportunity to
leave a recorded message directly for the transition team, clearly
requesting an in-person meeting.

Second attempt: At the New Jersey League of Municipalities conference, we
spoke directly with a member of the transition team and provided
information about our organization, again requesting a meeting.

Third attempt: At a nonprofit conference, we provided information directly
to the Lieutenant Governor–elect about our organization and formally
requested an in-person meeting.

At every encounter, we asked for dialogue.

At every encounter, we requested a seat at the table.

Yet here we are, on the third phase of this public campaign, with no
feedback and no response.

Let this be unmistakably clear: we will not stop.

We will continue this campaign until we receive notification, sit down with
the transition team, and reach a resolution that protects blindness
services and respects the lived experience of the blind community.

We are walking alone and marching together.

This is our strength. This is our unity. This movement is not going away.
TAKE ACTION

Contact the governor-elect’s transition team and demand engagement with the
blind community.

Call the State House: (609) 292-6000
Transition team portal: https://www.nj.gov/govelect

Suggested message:

“I am calling to urge the governor-elect’s transition team to respond to
the blind community and schedule an in-person meeting. Three good-faith
attempts have been made with no response. We are walking alone and marching
together, and we will not stop until we are heard.”

The door remains open. The invitation stands.

The pressure continues until we are heard.
The Response

As advocacy intensified, we began to receive responses. The Executive
Director of CBVI and the Assistant Director both responded directly.
Finally, after three days of our sustained campaign, we learned that the
reported demand that seventy unclassified employees submit resignations
within eighteen hours—including CBVI personnel—was rescinded.

On Friday morning following our initial call to action, CBVI leadership
confirmed this and personally expressed appreciation for our swift
advocacy. The outcome was achieved through the collective efforts of our
members, our supporters, and the union representing affected employees.

Let me be clear: this victory did not happen by accident. It happened
because organized blind people acted immediately and in unity.
Accountability Continues

On January 21, 2026, I spoke with Deputy Commissioner for Aging and
Disability Services Kaylee McGuire of DHS. While that conversation was
constructive, I am still awaiting a formal meeting with the newly appointed
DHS Commissioner. We have requested that meeting, and we expect it to occur.

Our work is not finished. A rescinded directive is not the same as a
structural safeguard. Political transitions will occur again. The question
is whether blindness services will be insulated from unnecessary disruption
in the future. We are insisting that they will.
What This Means

This experience reinforced several truths. First, speed matters. We began
responding the same day the issue came to light. Second, unity matters. Our
members amplified the message, and our allies joined us. Third,
documentation matters. By adopting Resolution 2026-01 within forty-eight
hours, we created a formal record that could not be ignored.

Organized blind people must always have a seat at the table when decisions
are made about programs that shape our education, employment, and
independence. Blind New Jerseyans will never accept being treated as an
afterthought. Being adversarial is never our default position, and so we
will communicate and collaborate when we can. But we will also act
decisively when our rights and services are threatened.

The record reflects that in January 2026, we refused to be collateral
damage. Because we stood together, blindness services in New Jersey remain
intact.

That is the power of the National Federation of the Blind.

----------

[PHOTO CAPTION: Catherine Samuel]
Finding Your Caregiving Superpower: Reflections from a Blind Caregiver of a
Parent with Dementia

by Catherine Samuel

*From the Editor: Catherine Samuel serves as the Director of Disability
Resources at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, while
also working part-time as a consultant for a data management company. For
fun, she plays the trumpet with two community musical ensembles; enjoys
hiking, tandem biking, kayaking, and cooking; and is studying Hindi. Yet
somehow she still found the time to write this helpful article about her
experience as a blind caregiver. Here is what she shares:*
Beginning the Caregiving Journey

My mom’s cognitive and physical health has been declining for some years
now, and she was recently diagnosed with dementia. My brother and I are
both in our forties and have very full and busy lives. He is sighted and
lives in Virginia, about fifteen minutes away from my mom’s assisted living
facility. I have been totally blind since birth and live in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania.

As her condition deteriorated, I began thinking seriously about what role I
could play in caring for my mom. When I was much younger and she was caring
for her aging parents, she was constantly dropping everything in order to
drive six hours each way to their assisted-living home to see to their
affairs in person. Consequently, the model of caregiving that I was
accustomed to was one that required a very frequent in-person presence, and
so at first I feared that I wouldn’t be able to be of much help, given that
I live about three hundred miles away and cannot jump in the car to head to
Virginia on short notice. I also worried that on the financial side, there
would be loads of physical paperwork to sort through, a daunting prospect
even with great tools like Be My Eyes, Seeing AI, AIRA, and others. But I
did not want to leave my brother “holding the caregiving bag,” so to speak,
nor did I want to perpetuate the stereotype that blind people can only be
the recipients! of care, not the givers of care.

When Mom moved into assisted living, she updated her Living Will and
Durable Power of Attorney (POA) documents, naming my brother as her medical
POA and me as her financial POA. This was a surprise to my brother and me
when we received these documents in the mail. I think we both imagined that
he, as a sighted person, would have an easier time with the financial
management and that I could do a lot of the coordination of her medical
care by phone, no vision required. But that’s not how my mom set things up,
so my brother and I took on our designated roles with open minds. And
though my mom’s cognition is impaired, this decision that she made in a
rare moment of clarity turned out to be absolutely the correct one.
Division of Labor

My brother is able to transport Mom to medical appointments and has been
able to come to the hospital to support her during the few times she has
been hospitalized in the last year. That’s not something I could do, blind
or sighted, because of how far away I live. But it turns out that financial
caregiving is almost as easy to do from a distance as it is in person. With
everything being online now, I have not had to sort through mountains of
physical paperwork to find records, review statements, and the like. All
her bills are set up on auto-pay, and thanks to the POA, I have gained
access to her accounts at the five financial institutions where she has
assets. I have set up text alerts so that I am immediately notified of any
transactions. This has proven to be important in thwarting some fraudulent
and ill-advised transactions, since her reasoning and judgment have become
more and more impaired as time passes.

I am a very organized person with an electronic filing system that helps me
keep all of Mom’s financial records easily locatable and accessible. I keep
track of when all her bills are due so that I can make sure there is enough
money in her accounts. As blind people, we probably tend to rely less on
paper records than sighted people do, so I would venture a guess that many
of us have very organized electronic record-keeping systems—a real leg up
when seeing to the financial affairs of a loved one.

However, financial caregiving cannot all be done remotely. Though I live
out of state, I have found it important to visit my mom several times a
year. For example, her two banks required that I present myself in person
with my mom to submit the Durable Power of Attorney in front of a banker.
They essentially interviewed my mom and me to ensure that I was competent
to manage her finances and that she indeed desired that I do so.

Gaining online access to her credit card and investment accounts was also
challenging at first because she had lost or forgotten all of her
passwords. It was much easier for us to reset those together in the same
place, with me operating the computer and her doing the multifactor
authentication processes on her phone. While a last-minute trip to Virginia
would be expensive and difficult, I am able to plan ahead by shopping for
reasonably-priced plane tickets and making arrangements to be away from
work for a few days.

In the last year, my mom’s finances have gotten a lot more organized and on
solid footing. She has limited resources, but I have set up CDs and a
high-yield savings account to maximize the liquid assets she has. This also
means that my mom is less vulnerable to phishing scams such as the one she
fell victim to recently. With her consent, she now has much more limited
access to funds, so that if she were to inadvertently grant a scammer
access to her account, they can do significantly less damage now than they
could in the past.
Other Caregiving Opportunities

While I have found the financial caregiving side of things to be the area
where I can contribute most, that may not be everyone’s experience. For a
blind caregiver who lives closer to their loved one than any other family,
helping with more of the day-to-day tasks may be the more logical path.
While we cannot drive our loved one to medical appointments, we can call a
rideshare service or lean on a friend for transportation. We’re the expert
in helping them apply for paratransit, since many of us have navigated that
process ourselves. We can be the ears, notetaker, and advocate at the
doctor’s office or hospital. We can access their electronic health record
through relatively accessible platforms like MyChart. Using tools such as
Be My Eyes or AIRA, we can help them organize their medication. We can grab
our trusty white cane or guide dog harness to head to the pharmacy and pick
up a prescription for them. We can use apps like Instacart to order grocery
delivery for ! them, prepare a meal, and do kitchen clean-up. We can help
with bathing and toileting, if necessary, as long as we can communicate
well and work together.
It Takes a Village

It is very much okay that we may need to ask for help for some tasks. For
example, my brother helped me by physically locating, scanning, and sending
me all Mom’s old tax records so that I could get them to the accountant.
When my mom and I were clearing out her house and bringing everything she
needed over to her assisted-living apartment, I located and hired a college
student to help me find and pack her belongings and transport them to the
new place. She reimbursed me, but I did the legwork she could not do in
finding the helper and organizing the weekend.

As is the case for any caregiver, we do not need to do it all by ourselves
or play the hero. If we find the part of caregiving where we are best
suited to help and collaborate with friends and family to do the rest, we
can make an incredibly meaningful contribution to our loved one’s quality
of life in their golden years.
Tips for Financial Caregiving as a Blind Person

   -

   While your loved one is still able to make decisions, talk with them
   about your potential role as their financial caregiver. Get a sense of how
   they would like you to manage things when the time comes.
   -

   Have them review with you important documents such as their will,
   advanced medical directives, tax records, mortgage records, account
   passwords, and the like. Get electronic copies of these if you can. Since
   many of our older loved ones might rely on paper a lot more than we do, do
   what you can to avoid having to sort through piles of paper in an emergency
   situation just to keep their bills paid.
   -

   If they are willing, have them work with an elder law or estate law
   attorney to sign a Durable Power of Attorney (POA) document that will allow
   you to start managing their affairs if they are no longer able to do so. If
   they become cognitively incapacitated and a POA is not in place, it will be
   much more difficult for you to gain access to their accounts. So having
   them prepare the POA ahead of time is the best course of action, even if
   you don’t need to start using it until many years later.
   -

   Keep electronic copies of the POA documents, tax documents, and login
   usernames and passwords to their accounts in an accessible, organized,
   secure, and password-protected place.
   -

   Keep the original POA paperwork and label it in Braille if needed so you
   can easily identify it. Some financial institutions require that you show
   them the original, notarized POA, not an electronic copy.
   -

   When meeting with a financial institution to submit the POA and set up
   joint access to your loved one’s account, have all your paperwork organized
   and all the information you may need at your fingertips. Your trusty
   laptop, Braille notetaker, or tablet may be helpful to bring along. The
   representative may have biases and pre-conceived notions about your
   capabilities as a blind financial caregiver, and you can avoid unnecessary
   and uneducated questions by showing them right away that you are organized
   and competent.
   -

   If you find that the online interface for your loved one’s financial
   institution is not screen-reader-accessible, consider moving their assets
   to a more accessible platform. If you do this, remember to update all
   auto-pays that might be connected with the old account.
   -

   Stay in regular communication with other family or friends who are also
   serving as caregivers for your loved one. For example, if someone else
   takes them to the doctor and you’re paying the bills, you’ll need to know
   if a bill for a co-pay will be forthcoming.
   -

   Be clear with fellow caregivers about the tasks you’re able to do and
   the aspects of caregiving where you may need help so that you can agree
   upon who’s doing what.

Conclusion

As children, most people do not contemplate the role reversal that many of
us find ourselves in as adults, where we become the caregiver and
decision-maker for our parents. As blind teenagers and young adults, we may
not have been the ones grandpa and grandma relied upon to run errands, put
together their new mobility scooter, or drive them to the doctor. We may
constantly receive subtle and not-so-subtle messages from society that we
should accept help from others and that we are not expected to be the
givers of help. So we may feel uncertain about taking on this
responsibility.

Yet most of us likely also feel a duty and desire to care for our aging
loved ones, much as we observed them caring for us as children and for
their elders years ago. Our own life circumstances likely dictate to what
degree and in what manner we are positioned to care for a loved one. So, we
each chart our own path to lend a hand in the ways that are most feasible
and needed. My hope in writing this piece is to empower anyone who is or
may soon be a caregiver to not let blindness stand in the way of fulfilling
this important role. With the help of access technology and modern
conveniences like rideshare services and grocery delivery, we now have much
greater access to the tools we need to be excellent, reliable, and loving
caregivers.

----------

[PHOTO CAPTION: Sania Kellogg receives her graduation certificate for
completing her blindness training.]
>From the UK to the USA: Moving Forward Together

by Sania Kellogg

Content warning: This article discusses honor-based abuse.

*From the Editor: Sania Kellogg is a board member of the National
Federation of the Blind of Nebraska Lincoln Chapter and currently serves as
a Braille instructor at the Nebraska Center for the Blind, where she
received her own blindness skills training. Originally from the United
Kingdom, she recounted her story to the 2025 Convention of the National
Federation of the Blind of Nebraska, whose president, Jamie Richey, sent it
to us. Here is what Sania shared:*

My mother often told me that I wouldn’t be independent, that I would rely
on her for the rest of my life, that I would always need looking after. She
said it would be difficult for me to get married, that no one would want to
marry a blind person. And when it came to work, she told me the best job
for me would be to become a writer, because at least I could do that from
home, in a safe, sheltered space. Those words stayed with me for a long
time, and for a while, I believed them. But as time went on, I realized
something: I wasn’t going to let anyone, not even the people who were
supposed to love me, define my limitations. I was determined to prove that
my future could be one of independence, fulfillment, and endless
possibility.

It’s a true honor to be here with you today at the National Federation of
the Blind state convention. My name is Sania Kellogg, and I’m originally
from the UK. Nearly two years ago, I made the decision to move to Nebraska,
and it has been an exciting and fulfilling experience to be part of such a
warm and welcoming community. In 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to
train at the Nebraska Center for the Blind, where I spent the year learning
and growing alongside inspiring individuals whose journeys fueled my own
growth. The training was a life-changing experience, and it deepened my
understanding of independence and the tools available to blind people. It
was here that I truly learned how to navigate the world with confidence,
gaining new skills and perspectives that have shaped who I am today. After
completing my training, I’m now proud to be stepping into the role as the
new Braille Instructor at the Nebraska Center for the Blind. It’s a
position I’m deepl! y passionate about, and it’s a privilege to share my
knowledge of Braille with others, empowering them to achieve independence
in their own lives.

My connection to the National Federation of the Blind began in 2023 when I
attended my first national convention in Houston, Texas. That experience
was transformative, and it sparked my desire to become more involved. Since
then, I’ve joined the Lincoln chapter, and I’ve been honored to serve as a
board member since the start of 2024. Being part of this community has been
incredibly fulfilling, and I’m excited to continue contributing, learning,
and growing alongside all of you.

Outside of my work and NFB involvement, I’m a person who loves to stay
connected with the world around me. I’m an avid reader and love diving into
books that transport me to new places. I also enjoy socializing, traveling,
and meeting new people, as it broadens my perspective and brings me joy.
Music is a constant companion in my life, and I love winding down with a
good TV show or movie. I’m excited to share my story with you today and to
explore how our journeys shape who we are. To start, I’d like to take you
back to where it all began, growing up in the UK, and the experiences that
helped shape my perspective and determination.

My early years were shaped by a combination of formal education and
personal challenges. I started out at a primary school for blind students,
which in the UK covers children from ages four to eleven. It was there that
I learned essential skills like using the white cane, Braille, and
computers to navigate my world. I also began learning basic skills for
everyday life, such as taking care of simple tasks and becoming more aware
of my environment, which laid the groundwork for my future independence.
However, when I was around nine or ten, the school closed down. I moved to
a mainstream primary school. As one of the few blind students, I received
help in classes, and any materials that weren’t accessible to me were
transcribed into Braille. While this was an adjustment, I had a strong
network of people who made sure I wasn’t left behind. When I finished
primary school, I transitioned to a secondary school, which in the UK
includes both middle school and high school. He! re, I continued to receive
support in my classes, and materials were made accessible. But as I got
older, I realized the importance of not only academic learning but also of
developing the confidence to advocate for myself and assert my independence.

At home, life was far from easy. My family dynamic was shaped by what is
known as honor-based abuse, where every aspect of my life (my decisions, my
movements, and my future) was controlled in the name of family honor. This
environment was suffocating. My mother was extremely controlling. She
limited my freedom, believing that my blindness meant I needed constant
supervision and protection from the world. I wasn’t allowed to make my own
choices or even experience the normal freedoms that other children enjoyed.
I felt trapped, as if my life was already written for me by someone else,
based on their fears and restrictions, rather than my own hopes and dreams.
But I didn’t want to accept that. I knew I deserved more, more than being
confined by someone else’s beliefs and limitations. It took years of
internal struggle, of feeling like my wings were clipped, but deep down, I
knew I had to break free.

In July 2013, two months before my eighteenth birthday, and with still a
year left of secondary school, I made the life-altering decision to leave
home. With the support of school staff who believed in me, I gathered the
courage to walk away from everything I had known, stepping into the
unknown. It was terrifying, but it was also liberating. I moved into
supported accommodation, where I had my own apartment, and began learning
how to navigate life on my own while still continuing my studies. Leaving
home was not just a physical act; it was a declaration that I would no
longer allow anyone to define my limits. I was determined to create my own
future. I learned how to manage my education while developing the skills I
needed for independent living and travel. It wasn’t easy, but every small
victory felt like a triumph over the circumstances that had once held me
back. I then went on to university in September 2014, where I lived in my
own apartment and continued to grow ! in my independence. In November 2017,
I graduated with a degree in English Literature, proud of all I had
accomplished. After university, I continued to live independently,
maintaining my own apartment and pursuing various voluntary roles. In
September 2020, I began my first job, an apprenticeship as a customer
service advisor. I qualified in 2021 and continued in the role until 2023,
when I made the life-changing decision to move to the US, ready to embark
on a new chapter of my journey.

The decision to move to the US was one of the most significant steps in my
life, and it was motivated by love. In 2012, I met my husband online, and
from the very beginning, there was something undeniably special between us.
We made our relationship official in August 2013. Our connection grew
stronger with each passing day, and over the years, we built a bond based
on trust, laughter, and shared dreams. We visited each other every year,
taking turns to travel between the UK and the US. While these visits were
always too short, they were filled with joy and anticipation as we explored
new places together and strengthened our relationship, despite the
distance. The long-distance nature of our relationship wasn’t easy, but it
taught us the true meaning of patience and commitment. In 2017, after years
of building our connection, he proposed, and in that moment, I knew my
future was with him. But love, as beautiful as it is, isn’t always without
its challenges. As much as! we cherished our visits, we both dreamed of a
life where we didn’t have to say goodbye each time. We wanted to be
together, to share a home, to create our future side by side. In 2021, we
officially embarked on the immigration journey together. It was a long and
challenging process, but we knew the reward would be worth it. After
navigating the paperwork, interviews, and waiting periods, I finally
received my fiancée visa in 2023. It was a dream come true, and I was ready
to start our life together in the US. This move was more than just a change
of location; it was a commitment to our love and our future. It was an act
of courage, filled with hope, as we faced the unknown together. A new life,
new adventures, and endless possibilities awaited us.

As I prepared to settle in the US, I also looked forward to the
opportunities I would have to grow and expand my knowledge. In the UK,
while there was some training available for blind people, it didn’t offer
the same in-depth resources as the US. The UK lacks the kind of dedicated
training centers that provide comprehensive programs for blind individuals
to gain full independence. Although I received some training in the
UK—learning Braille, independent living skills, and travel—there were gaps.
The training wasn’t as immersive or as extensive as the programs available
here. Arriving in Nebraska, I was blown away by the difference in resources
and opportunities. I had the chance to train at the Nebraska Center for the
Blind, where I was able to immerse myself in a structured, hands-on
environment that provided the depth and range of skills I had longed for.
It was here that I learned to master independent living and travel, gaining
the confidence I needed to live! life to the fullest. The level of support,
the expertise of the trainers, and the community of blind individuals
working together made all the difference. This move wasn’t just about a
change of location; it was about fully embracing a new life, filled with
opportunities for growth and empowerment. And now, with my husband by my
side, I’m more excited than ever to continue this journey together, one
that blends love, independence, and the desire to continually push forward.

As I settled into life in Nebraska, I realized there was one more step I
needed to take to fully embrace my new life and the independence I had
worked so hard to build: finding a community that could support, inspire,
and challenge me. That’s when I discovered the National Federation of the
Blind. The Federation is not just an organization. It’s a movement, a
community of individuals who, like me, are committed to living
independently, advocating for their rights, and breaking down barriers that
stand in our way. When I first learned about the Federation, I felt an
immediate connection. Here was a group that not only provided the tools and
training I needed, but also shared a vision of a world where blindness
isn’t a limitation, but an opportunity for growth and self-determination.
Joining the NFB has had a profound impact on my life. It’s given me the
chance to connect with others who share similar experiences, to learn from
mentors who have navigated challenges ! with grace and resilience, and to
find my own voice in advocating for myself and others. The NFB has
empowered me to take control of my future in ways I never imagined, and I’m
honored to be part of such a vibrant and supportive community.

As I reflect on my journey (my move from the UK to the US, my personal
growth, and the incredible opportunities I’ve had to learn and thrive), I’m
reminded that no challenge is insurmountable. Every step I’ve taken has
been driven by a belief in my own potential and the desire to live a life
full of independence, joy, and purpose. And as I look forward to the
future, I’m excited to continue growing, to keep pushing boundaries, and to
share my experiences with others who are on their own journeys.

For anyone who feels uncertain or unsure of their path, I want to leave you
with this: You are capable of so much more than you realize. The road ahead
may have its obstacles, but each challenge you face is an opportunity to
learn, to grow, and to prove to yourself that you can overcome anything. No
one else can define your potential; only you can do that. Keep pushing
forward, trust in your abilities, and know that you are never alone in this
journey. Let’s continue to live the lives we want and make our dreams a
reality. Thank you.

----------

[PHOTO CAPTION: President Riccobono]
>From the President’s Desk

*From the Editor: The following are recent letters that President Riccobono
sent to key senators and to the administrator of the Office of Information
and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), an executive agency. The first letter urges
Senate action to advance legislation that would establish a national
framework for the advancement of autonomous vehicle technology, including
important nondiscrimination and accessibility provisions. The second seeks
to protect the integrity of the forthcoming regulations applying Title II
of the Americans with Disabilities Act to websites operated by state and
local government entities, including K-12 school systems and institutions
of higher education. OIRA has issued an announcement that, while vague,
signals that it may delay, amend, or otherwise undermine the new
regulations which, as the letter documents, were well over a decade in the
making. Here are the letters:*

February 2, 2026

The Honorable Ted Cruz
Chair
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
167 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Maria Cantwell
Ranking Member
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
511 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell:

The National Federation of the Blind is the nation’s transformative
membership organization of blind people. We advance opportunity, equality,
and independence for our members and all blind Americans. We write to ask
the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to include an
urgently needed national autonomous vehicle framework in the Surface
Transportation Reauthorization Act.

You have a truly historic opportunity to expand transportation access for
seven million blind and low-vision Americans and millions more with
travel-limiting disabilities. The blind community, the autonomous vehicle
industry, and the public need congressional leadership to establish a clear
federal framework for this pivotal technology.

Many members of the National Federation of the Blind’s state affiliates and
local chapters across the country have ridden in SAE Level 4 fully
autonomous vehicles, including those functioning with the technology
spearheaded by Waymo in the states where the service commercially operates
today.

For blind Americans, fully autonomous vehicles can provide a convenient,
private, flexible, reliable, and discrimination-free transportation option
that supports access to work, education, and community engagement. However,
the autonomous vehicle industry needs regulatory certainty and a framework
within which to expand. A national autonomous vehicle framework would
create a necessary baseline for this technology, ensuring innovation
continues to move forward.

Congress faces a watershed moment. The United States must lead globally in
autonomous transportation policy rather than allowing other nations to
define the future of this technology. We urge the committee to seize this
bipartisan opportunity to demonstrate American leadership while expanding
transportation access for all.

As you develop this framework, we ask that you explicitly protect the civil
rights of blind people by including a provision that prohibits requiring a
driver’s license—for any human operator—to hail or use a fully autonomous
vehicle. This protection is reflected in the AV Accessibility Act (H.R.
4419), introduced in the United States House of Representatives, and is
essential to ensuring that blind people can benefit from this technology on
equal terms.

For more than eighty-five years, the National Federation of the Blind has
worked collaboratively with Congress to ensure that the lived experience of
blind people informs public policy. We are positioned to continue that
partnership and eager to work with you to develop a national autonomous
vehicle framework that will shape transportation access and independence
for generations to come.

Sincerely,
Mark A. Riccobono, President
National Federation of the Blind

March 5, 2026

Mark Paoletta
Administrator
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
New Executive Office Building
725 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20503

RE: Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web
Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities Final Rule

Dear Mr. Paoletta:

The National Federation of the Blind is the transformative membership and
advocacy organization of blind Americans. Throughout the course of our
eighty-six year history, we have sought to advance the lives of all blind
people in the United States. A major driver of that advancement during our
existence has been equal access to information, particularly digital
information. It is for this reason that we oppose any attempt to delay,
rescind, or otherwise undermine the effectiveness of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II website regulation that is set to take
effect on April 24, 2026.

While reflecting a compromise between the needs of people with disabilities
and the resources of covered entities, the clarity provided by the website
regulation is important to the lives of people with disabilities, in
particular to blind students in public and higher education. Blind students
are too often excluded from the curricula their sighted peers experience
because educational materials are offered digitally through inaccessible
websites and mobile applications. As a result, they are often unable to
compete on a level playing field with their peers, are unable to benefit
fully from their education, and are delayed in attaining their degrees and
entering the workforce. The inaccessibility of educational materials is one
of the most significant barriers to blind people being able to achieve
their full potential and make their rightful contribution to American
society.

The website regulation provides exactly the clarity state and local
government institutions have been requesting regarding their obligations
under Title II of the ADA to make their websites and mobile applications
accessible. Since 1990, Title II of the ADA has required state and local
governments to ensure their communications with individuals with
disabilities are “as effective as” communications with nondisabled
individuals. Since 1996, the Department of Justice has made clear that this
obligation includes their communications via the internet and mobile
applications.

Moreover, the communications of recipients of federal funding have been
subject to that same requirement pursuant to Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act since 1973. In the decades since, courts and other
federal agencies have agreed, and the Department of Justice has issued
several guidance documents providing technical assistance to covered
entities.

Yet, educational institutions and other state and local government entities
have claimed to be unclear exactly how they should comply with the “equally
effective communication” obligation. In 2024, more than thirty years after
the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act into law, the Department
of Justice issued the website rule. Far from being a surprise to covered
entities, the Department first issued an advance notice of proposed
rulemaking (“ANPRM”) in 2010, which sought information from covered
entities and individuals on what should be included in the rule. The
Department received approximately four hundred comments.

In 2016, the Department issued a supplemental ANPRM, again soliciting
public input, which received more than two hundred comments. In 2023, the
Department issued a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding website and
mobile application accessibility requirements, setting forth the
Department’s proposals and including more than sixty questions for public
comment. The Department received nearly three hundred fifty comments. In
addition, the Department attended a variety of listening sessions to gather
additional input. The final rule was issued on April 24, 2024.

The final rule clarifies what is required to meet Title II’s equally
effective communication requirement in the context of state and local
government websites and mobile applications. It provides a clear technical
standard based on an internationally recognized and widely adopted
consensus standard. It also provides flexibility by allowing covered
entities to achieve equivalent facilitation and preventing liability for
inaccessible elements that do not substantively affect the usability of a
website or mobile application.

Notably, the website rule also provides a series of exceptions, presumably
implemented at the behest of covered entities, establishing web and mobile
application elements and content that do not have to be made accessible.
These exceptions are not available under the pre-existing equally effective
communication requirement. Although the equally effective communication
requirement has been in effect for decades, the final rule also provides
delayed effective dates of two or three years, depending on the size of the
affected government. Thus, rather than burdening state and local
governments, the rule actually reduces the burdens on those entities.
Further, the rule included a comprehensive and careful analysis of the
benefits and costs of the regulation, showing that the benefits
substantially outweigh the costs.

The website regulation reflects exactly what public entities have been
seeking since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990–a
clear, transparent shared understanding of the applicable legal
requirements. The final rule is clear and comprehensible, does not stray
from legislative intent (which made clear that the effective communication
requirements of the Rehabilitation Act should be incorporated in the ADA),
accurately estimates the costs and burdens, and provides clear safe harbors.

There is no basis for reconsidering the website rule, which has already
gone through fourteen years of consideration, public input, and adjustment,
and which is based on a requirement in existence for nearly fifty years.
Additionally, public entities have had nearly thirty-six years to prepare
for the requirements that were initially established in the ADA, clarified
by the final rule, and have been actively requested by stakeholders on all
sides. Conversely, delaying or amending the regulation at this point would
severely harm blind and other disabled Americans by denying us access to
important civic information.

Thank you for your attention to this important issue.

Sincerely,
Mark A. Riccobono, President
National Federation of the Blind

----------
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to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its
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