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

Tue Jun 16 16:31:41 UTC 2026

Convention:

Virtual Experience Registration:

Registration for the virtual experience is open throughout convention; there
is no deadline. 

Convention Agenda is Available in Multiple Formats:

The 2026 national convention agenda
<https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2026-national-convention-a
genda>  is now available in Word, BRF, and Spanish formats. An audio version
will be posted once it's finalized.

NEW: Convention Agenda DIY Builder:

We're pleased to offer the Convention Agenda DIY Builder
<https://nfb26.atguys.com/> , created by A. T. Guys. This member-driven
contribution allows attendees to select sessions they plan to attend and
generate a custom calendar file that can be imported into their preferred
calendar app.

The builder is intended to complement the official convention agenda. As
schedules may change, the most current and accurate information will always
be available at nfb.org. We welcome feedback from those who choose to use
this additional planning option. Please share your feedback by emailing
communications at nfb.org <mailto:communications at nfb.org> .

Employer Registration Deadline Extended:

The National Employment Committee will host an in-person career fair during
the NFB National Convention, connecting employers and job seekers from
across the country.

Complete the employer registration form by June 24
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=644> . For more information
on the career fair, contact Manahil Jafri at manahiljafri at gmail.com
<mailto:manahiljafri at gmail.com> .

News:

The State of Kansas Withdrew from Texas v. Kennedy:

Our advocacy continues to pay off as Kansas Attorney General Kobach withdrew
from Texas v. Kennedy.

https://www.wibw.com/2026/06/12/disability-advocates-cheer-kansas-withdrawal
-lawsuit-challenging-federal-protections/ 

Unfortunately, The Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act Has Been
Reintroduced in Congress:

The Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act (H.R. 9195/S. 4676) has been
reintroduced in the US Senate and House of Representatives. The bill was
introduced in the Senate on June 3, 2026, and in the House on June 8, 2026.
The National Federation of the Blind has opposed this legislation for many
years and since the bill text has not changed from the 118th Congress
version, we continue to oppose it. If anyone reaches out to you, please
inform them that we stand ready to work to improve this bill but that in its
current form, we oppose it.

A Harmful Amendment in the BUILD America 250 Act (H.R. 8870):

We oppose an amendment, which was included in the version of the Surface
Transportation Reauthorization Act marked up by the US House of
Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on May 18, 2026.
Watch for a policy statement expressing our objections to the unnecessary
limitations placed on legal challenges to civil rights and violations of
negligence committed by rideshare drivers and rideshare network providers.

Volunteers Needed for Independence Market During National Convention:

If you are interested in volunteering at the Independence Market during the
2026 National Convention, please contact Danielle McCann at dmccann at nfb.org
<mailto:dmccann at nfb.org>  for more information. Opportunities are available
for demonstrators and storekeepers, and all assistance is greatly
appreciated.

NFB Youth Slam Reunion - National Convention 2026:

Are you a former NFB Youth Slam participant attending National Convention in
Austin? Join us for the NFB Youth Slam Reunion on Monday, July 6, from
6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Brazos Room at the JW Marriott Austin! Reconnect with
fellow alumni, network with past participants and mentors, learn about
upcoming NFB youth programming, and take part in fun engineering challenges
inspired by past Youth Slam activities-including marshmallow towers and
index card fractals. Whether you attended recently or years ago, we hope to
see you there!

Nation's Blind Podcast, Access On Webinar, and Walking Alone and Marching
Together Podcast: 

Listen to "Mother's Day and Father's Day: Honoring Blind Moms and Dads." In
this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by
Corbb O'Connor and Deja Powell to discuss their experiences as blind parents
and share advice for new or future moms and dads: https://buff.ly/vtm5tk4 

Episode 79 of Access On, is on. This week, it's a recap of Apple's WWDC
keynote. We delve deep into the new Siri AI, other Apple Intelligence
features, new trust and safety features, and more. You can look forward to
sharing your views in future episodes on what Apple announces. Subscribe to
Access On wherever you get podcasts, or download the audio for this episode
at: https://buff.ly/JifwSxN

Tune in to episode thirty-three of our Walking Alone and Marching Together
podcast titled, "Episode 33: Chapter 10 - Sheltered Workshops and Blind
Alleys, Part 1." Listen at https://buff.ly/MsJb4L2 or on Spotify, Apple
Podcasts, or on Amazon Music.

Dates to Keep in Mind:

*	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, 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.