[IL-Talk] President Riccobono's notebook for the week of August 4

Thu Aug 6 14:15:42 UTC 2026

Critical Actions:

August Presidential Release Available:

Access and
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases>
share the latest Presidential Release. Save the date for the next
Presidential Release Live on Thursday, September 3, at 8 p.m., Eastern. More
details are coming soon.

News:

Congressional August Recess:

The House of Representatives has already returned to their districts for
their August recess, and the Senate is expected to do the same later this
week. We urge you to take this time to try and schedule a meeting with your
members of Congress while they are back in the districts. Many of you have
reported having very productive and engaging meetings with representatives
and senators in their district offices, so we encourage you to try and get a
meeting with your members while they are away from DC. 

Big Advocacy Win:

A federal court has vacated the Department of Education's December 2025
decision limiting the Randolph-Sheppard priority for Army dining facility
contracts. The ruling protects blind entrepreneurs, reinforces the required
public process, and recognizes that the department's closed process caused
substantial prejudice. This victory follows the National Federation of the
Blind's December statement and January lawsuit with blind entrepreneurs and
partners. Read and share our press release on the update:
<https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/federal-court-vacates-department-educat
ion-decision-limiting-randolph-sheppard> Federal Court Vacates Department of
Education Decision Limiting Randolph-Sheppard Priority for Army Dining
Contracts

Advocacy and Policy Job Openings:

Our Advocacy and Policy Department has two job openings that need to be
filled. We are looking for a qualified NFB-NEWSLINE contract specialist and
an Independence Market specialist. For more information on both of these
positions, please visit our  <https://nfb.org/about-us/career-opportunities>
Career Opportunities page. 

Legislative Alert on Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act,
H.R. 8884:

On July 23, the Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act, H.R.
8884, passed the House of Representatives. In short, this bill authorizes
the Social Security Administration to conduct demonstration projects, like
the one outlined in the Blind Americans Return to Work Act, within the
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. The bill still needs to
pass the Senate before it can be signed into law by the president, which
means we need your help to advocate for this. For more details, please
review the
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/legislative-priorities/legislati
ve-alerts/removing-barriers-work> legislative alert on H.R. 8884 that was
sent out by our Advocacy and Policy Department last week. 

Fall Conference for Blindness Professionals:

The National Federation of the Blind invites education and rehabilitation
professionals to the Dare to Be Remarkable Conference, November 18-20, 2026,
at the NFB Jernigan Institute in Baltimore. This immersive training
challenges us to teach with purpose, lead with high expectations, and
strengthen outcomes for blind people nationwide. Grounded in Structured
Discovery, this national training brings together practitioners,
administrators, and emerging leaders for practical skill-building and
thought-provoking discussions. Registration is now open.
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/dare-be-remarkable> Dare to Be
Remarkable | National Federation of the Blind

Plan Today. Build Tomorrow:

August is Make-A-Will Month, a good reminder that planning for the future
helps sustain the programs and services of the National Federation of the
Blind. Please consider joining our Dream Makers Circle by including the NFB
in your estate plans or naming the Federation as a beneficiary of your IRA,
life insurance, or retirement plan. For more information, contact Patti
Chang at extension 2422 or  <mailto:pchang at nfb.org> pchang at nfb.org.

Student Seminar in September:

The National Federation of the Blind Southwest Student Seminar, "The Power
of Connection: Networking with Intention," September 18-20 in Tucson,
Arizona. Designed for blind students at all stages of their educational
journey, the seminar is hosted by the National Association of Blind Students
and will feature interactive workshops, engaging discussions, and
opportunities to connect with blind peers and mentors from across the
region. Participants will explore topics ranging from accommodations and
advocacy to identity, leadership, and building meaningful professional
networks. NABS is committed to ensuring that finances are not a barrier to
participation and encourages interested students to
<https://nabslink.org/civicrm/event/info?id=8&reset=1> learn more and
register by August 21.

Dates to Keep in Mind:

*	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, August 5
*	Wednesday, November 4

Chapter Presidents Calls

*	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 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
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.