[IL-Talk] President Riccobono's notebook for the week of August 25

Fri Aug 29 14:32:16 UTC 2025

News:

NFBnet Status

The National Federation of the Blind is actively engaged in resolving
delivery issues with NFBnet, our longstanding communication and hosting
platform. Users whose email accounts are hosted by providers such as Yahoo,
AOL, Verizon, and Bellsouth may not be getting messages from NFBnet
discussion lists. If you know of someone who is not receiving list emails
but ought to be, please send their contact information to
communications at nfb.org <mailto:communications at nfb.org>  regardless of their
email domain, so we may investigate further. We will continue to share
updates. We apologize for any inconvenience members are experiencing.

National Convention Highlights

Thanks again to our members, sponsors, exhibitors, and everyone who made
#NFB25 a success. Access the 2025 National Convention highlights
<https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/past-conventions/2025-nati
onal-convention>  now to relive the most powerful moments.

Secure Continued Access to the National Library Service for the Blind and
Print Disabled for Blind Children: 

According to NLS Operations Alert No. 25-73, effective December 31, 2025,
accounts for patrons under the age of eighteen without a completed parental
acknowledgment will be suspended. To ensure uninterrupted access to library
resources, parents are encouraged to contact their local Talking Book
Library as soon as possible to complete the acknowledgment process.

Letter to Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, Regarding the
Randolph-Sheppard Program:

Earlier this month, we became aware of a letter that Secretary of Defense
Hegseth sent to Secretary of Education McMahon requesting a suspension of
the Randolph-Sheppard priority for blind vendors on military installations.
On Wednesday, August 20, we sent a letter to Secretary Hegseth
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-secreta
ry-defense-regarding-randolph-sheppard>  reminding him of the great service
and benefit that blind entrepreneurs in the Randolph-Sheppard program
provide to our nation's military, including earning numerous awards for
their excellent services on bases across the country. We urged him to
withdraw his request to suspend the priority. We encourage you to read the
full letter on our policy statements page
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements> . 

Bay Bridge Run:

This November we're hitting the bridge again! Take part in the Bay Bridge
Run, a one-of-a-kind 10K journey across the Chesapeake Bay. Whether you want
to run, walk, or cheer us on from home, this is your chance to be a part of
something special. On Tuesday, September 16, at 8:00 p.m., eastern, join us
for an energizing informational session and rally to:

*	Share important registration details and deadlines.
*	Learn how chapters and divisions can get involved to sponsor
participants and raise funds.
*	Get inspired by stories from past participants.
*	Build excitement for the trek across the bridge.

Let's come together, get our team ready, and show the world what's possible
when we walk with purpose. Mark your calendar and bring your Federation
spirit! Learn more at https://nfb.org/movers.

Virtual Career Fair: 

Calling all employers and jobseekers! The National Federation of the Blind
invites you to our 2025 Virtual Career Fair taking place on October 28,
2025, from 1:00-4:00 p.m., eastern via Zoom. 

.     Hosted by the national Employment Committee, this event is a fantastic
opportunity for jobseekers and employers to connect. You can find more
information at nfb.org/employment.

.     This event is free for jobseekers, and you must register by October
14.

.     For questions, jobseekers should contact Brianna Murray at
brianna2393 at gmail.com <mailto:brianna2393 at gmail.com> . Employers, contact
Lia Stone at first.vp at nfbnj.org <mailto:first.vp at nfbnj.org> . 

We look forward to your participation.

Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research: New issue and Update:

The Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research (JBIR) has published its
newest issue
<https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/jbir/jbir25/jbir1501tc.html> . JBIR
is now indefinitely pausing the publication of articles. All previously
published articles will remain available online at nfb.org/jbir
<http://nfb.org/jbir> . We are developing a plan to relaunch JBIR; however,
we do not have a definitive timeline for resuming publication. To receive
notifications about the status of JBIR as information becomes available,
please complete the
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/journal-blindness-innovati
on-and-research/interest-form> Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research
interest form. While JBIR is on hold, we encourage interested authors to
submit an abstract of your article to the Braille Monitor, our flagship
magazine. 

Dates to Keep in Mind:

(all times eastern)

*	September 16: Bay Bridge Run informational session
*	October: Blind Equality Achievement Month
*	October 28: Virtual Career Fair (registration deadline October 14)
*	November 9: Bay Bridge Run
*	January 26-29, 2026: Washington Seminar
*	July 3-8, 2026: National Convention; Austin, Texas

Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement

*	Wednesday, November 5

Chapter Presidents Calls

*	Thursday, September 11 and Sunday, September 14
*	Thursday, December 11 and Sunday, December 14

Marilyn Green, President

National Federation of the Blind of Illinois

312-343-8396

 <mailto:president at nfbofillinois.org> president at nfbofillinois.org

 <http://www.nfbofillinois.org/> www.nfbofillinois.org

Live the life you want!

The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois advances the lives of its
members and all blind people in Illinois. 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.