[IL-Talk] President Riccobono's notebook for the week of December 15

Tue Dec 16 17:08:16 UTC 2025

News:

Scholarship Program Application Open:

The National Federation of the Blind is now accepting applications for the
2026 scholarship program. This year, each scholarship winner will receive
$10,000 to support their educational and professional goals. Students can
now apply for the 2026 scholarship program.
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-progr
am>  The application deadline is March 31, 2026.

Museum of the Blind People's Movement Press Conference:

On Friday, December 5, the Jernigan Institute hosted a
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPjZSmJeass> press conference inside our
Jacobus tenBroek Library announcing the introduction of the National Musuem
of the Blind People's Movement Act (H.R. 6467/S. 3371). When passed, the
bill will designate our forthcoming Museum of the Blind People's Movement as
the National Museum of the Blind People's Movement. I was the leadoff
speaker at the press conference and was proud to welcome and introduce US
Representative Kweisi Mfume (MD-7) and US Senator Chris Van Hollen (MD),
both of whom are the sponsors of the bill in their respective chambers of
Congress, as well as our very own Ever Lee Hairston. There were
approximately one hundred people in attendance, including our board of
directors, staff, and a few local news outlets. 

Update on Recurring Donation Processing:

Several weeks ago, we announced a change to how we are processing recurring
monthly donations. Though we thought we would be processing at this point,
we are still working with our vendors to make sure there are no issues. As
soon as we can, hopefully this week, we will start processing December
contributions and then catch up on November PAC contributions. If you do not
want us to process your November contribution, please send an email to
PAC at nfb.org <mailto:PAC at nfb.org>  with your name and direction to not
process November's PAC transaction. We appreciate your patience as we work
through unforeseen challenges. Please contact Bridgid Burke at
bburke at nfb.org <mailto:bburke at nfb.org>  or 410-659-9314, extension 2271,
with any questions or concerns. 

>From the President's Desk: The Federation Shares Pressing Concerns with
Vispero's CEO:

In
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/braille-monitor/early-acce
ss-articles/presidents-desk-federation> an article in the upcoming Braille
Monitor, I released my recent correspondence with Vispero's new CEO
regarding urgent member concerns about changes to the company's access
technology products and policies.

National Museum of the Blind People's Movement Legislative Alert:

Just this past Sunday, December 14, we sent out a
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/legislative-priorities/legislati
ve-alerts/pass-national-museum-blind> legislative alert regarding the
National Museum of the Blind People's Movement Act (H.R. 6467/S. 3371). The
purpose of this legislative alert is to create a surge in cosponsor support
for the bill so that it can ultimately be passed and signed into law and our
museum will have the national recognition that it deserves. Please be sure
to contact your senators and representative and ask them to cosponsor the
National Museum of the Blind People's Movement Act (H.R. 6467/S. 3371)!

Latest Podcast Episodes:

Tune into our
<https://podcasts7m.podbean.com/e/communicating-with-blind-people-what-sight
ed-people-should-know/> new episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast where
Melissa and Anil are joined by board members Marilyn Green and Tracy
Soforenko. They share interesting and sometimes surprising social
interactions that they've had with sighted people while traveling, hanging
out with friends, and even while spending time with family members,
especially during the holidays. They also discuss the best ways that sighted
people should communicate with blind people. 

Listen to episode seven of our Walking Alone and Marching Together podcast
entitled "
<https://walkingaloneandmarchingtogether.podbean.com/e/episode-7-chapter-4-d
emocracy-in-transition-the-second-generation-part-1/> Episode 7: Chapter 4 -
Democracy in Transition: The Second Generation, Part 1."

 <https://buff.ly/DnyeSos> Episode 55 of Access On is now available.
Jonathan discusses Zoom's accessibility journey with Samuel Greene, product
manager for Zoom North America. He also talks to our new accessibility
excellence advocate for home and independent living, Ron Miller. Ron
outlines his history in access technology and discusses the difference we
can all make together to improve accessibility.

Reminders:

Braille Readers Are Leaders:

Registration for the Braille Readers Are Leaders contest will last through
the end of the contest on January 16. This year, we will have the youth,
adult, and teachers of blind students contests. You will want to complete
the first activity, as that will give us your address so that we can send
any prizes you win along the way. Completing other activities will earn you
badges of honor. Use the
<file:///C:/Users/LamkinSeth/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Conte
nt.Outlook/PXN5EKPU/actionfund.beanstack.org> Beanstack website or the
Beanstack app to log your reading minutes each day. Have fun and challenge
your friends, family members, and colleagues who read Braille to join you.  

Dates to Keep in Mind:

*	January 26-29, 2026: Washington Seminar
*	July 3-8, 2026: National Convention; Austin, Texas
*	July 2-7, 2027: National Convention; Austin, Texas
*	July 3-8, 2028: National Convention; Chicago, Illinois
*	July 2-7, 2029: National Convention; Chicago, Illinois

Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement Calls

*	Wednesday, February 4
*	Wednesday, May 6
*	Wednesday, August 5
*	Wednesday, November 4

Chapter Presidents Calls

*	Thursday March 12 and Sunday March 15
*	Thursday, June 11 and Sunday, June 14
*	Thursday, September 10 and Sunday, September 13 
*	Thursday, December 10 and Sunday, December 13

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.