[Massachusetts-NFB] From President Riccobono

Wed Aug 5 01:22:52 UTC 2026

Seeking Members for Blind Unbound Focus Group:

As part of Blind Unbound, we are developing resources for educating students
in grades K through 12 about blind people. To shape this project, we would
like to hear from members who have given a presentation or lesson about
blind people in their local school, scout group, or other community youth
group. Your input will help ensure that these educational resources reflect
authentic stories of blind people and break down misconceptions. We are
holding focus groups on Thursday, September 17, at 4:00 p.m., Eastern, and
Monday, September 28, at 8:00 p.m., Eastern. If you have participated in a
lesson about blind people for students in any grades from kindergarten
through 12th grade and would like to share your experience, please email
<mailto:atyler at nfb.org> atyler at nfb.org with your name and your preferred
focus group date. Thank you for sharing your story and shaping Blind
Unbound.

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.

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