[Massachusetts-NFB] National NFB News some very important Please read

Mon Feb 9 21:58:41 UTC 2026

NFB Scholarship Program:

The National Federation of the Blind is accepting applications for the 2026 NFB Scholarship Program. We offer an array of scholarships to blind students to support their educational and professional goals.

In addition to the $10,000 cash award, each recipient receives funding to attend our national convention, opportunities to network with other blind students, and avenues to connect with hundreds of blind professionals.

 <https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program> Apply for the 2026 scholarship program. The application deadline is March 31, 2026. Students may  <https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program/scholarship-program-faqs> review the eligibility requirements, rules, and submission checklist for more information.

2026 Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium:

This year’s Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium will take place March 26–27 at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. Our theme for 2026 is "Collaboration and Creativity: Addressing Challenges and Advancing Opportunities Now and in the Future." Attendees will experience interactive workshops and in-depth plenary sessions focused on intersectional representation in the disability rights community. Registration opens later this week. A hotel block is available at the Courtyard Baltimore Downtown McHenry Row (1803 Porter Street, Baltimore, MD 21230), with a room rate of $159, plus taxes and fees, per night. To reserve your room, call 443-853-9918 and mention the "National Federation of the Blind JTLS2026," or  <https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1765306812041&key=GRP&app=resvlink&_branch_match_id=1302272576938599399&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXTywo0MtNLCrKzC8p0UvOz9UvSi3OyczLtgdK2ALZZSCOWmaKraG5mamxgZmFoZGBiaFadmqlrXtQgFpdUWpaKlB3Xnp8UlF%2BeXFqka1zRlF%2BbioAWF4%2Bd2AAAAA%3D> book online through the Marriott website. The hotel block deadline is Wednesday, March 9, 2026. We will operate complimentary shuttles between the Courtyard and the NFB Jernigan Institute throughout the conference. To learn more about the symposium, visit  <https://nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/jacobus-tenbroek-disability-law-symposium> Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium | National Federation of the Blind. 

Independence Market Specialized Product Support:

Here at the National Federation of the Blind our Independence Market is committed to providing excellent customer service. That includes answering general questions about the products we offer to our members and customers, and while many items are familiar to our team, some specialized products may require customers to contact the manufacturer directly for detailed support. If this is the case, an Independence Market specialist is happy to assist with providing the appropriate contact information. To reach us, call 410-659-9314, then press 3, email us at independencemarket at nfb.org <mailto:independencemarket at nfb.org> , or you can browse the catalog and shop online on the NFB website at  <https://nfb.org/programs-services/independence-market> Independence Market.

NEW: Federal Lawsuit Challenging Army-Wide Waiver of Randolph-Sheppard Act:

The National Federation of the Blind, the National Association of Blind Merchants, and several blind entrepreneurs have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the US Department of Education’s approval of an Army‑wide waiver that eliminates the Randolph‑Sheppard Act priority for blind vendors operating dining facilities on Army installations. Filed in the District of Maryland, the suit argues that the Department of Education exceeded its authority, failed to follow required procedures, and relied on unsupported claims. This action threatens the livelihoods of blind vendors nationwide. Read the press release announcement at “ <https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-and-blind-entrepreneurs-file-federal-lawsuit> National Federation of the Blind and Blind Entrepreneurs File Federal Lawsuit Challenging Army-Wide Waiver of Randolph-Sheppard Act.”

Wednesday: Blindness Rehabilitation Panel:

In recognition of Black History Month, the National Federation of the Blind National Organization of Blind Black Leaders Division will host a panel discussion featuring three Black Federationists who are succeeding in the field of blindness rehabilitation. Roland Allen, Monique Melton, and Jordan Moon will share their experiences and answer questions related to their work as rehabilitation specialists.

This event will be held on Wednesday, February 4, at 8:00 p.m., Eastern.

Zoom link:  <https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/8204086286?omn=96185224498%23success> nfb-org.zoom.us/j/8204086286

Thursday: Where the Blind Work Webinar:

Join the National Federation of the Blind for the “Where the Blind Work Webinar: Orientation and Mobility” on February 5, 8:00–9:00 p.m. Eastern, via Zoom. This informative discussion will feature a panel of blind professionals sharing insights into their typical workdays, how they advocate for job accommodations, and the techniques they use to succeed at work. Our panelists are:

Carley Mullen, NOMC, Cane Travel Instructor, Maryland

Joni Martinez, NOMC, Blindness Skills Trainer, Admissions Coordinator, Texas

Dezman Jackson, NOMC, Independent Contractor, Maryland

 <https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-blind-work> Register for the Where the Blind Work Webinar. Registration closes February 5.

Upcoming Webinar: Strengthen Your Emergency Readiness:

Be ready before disaster strikes. Join the National Federation of the Blind, the American Red Cross, and Operation HOPE for a webinar on February 11 at 2:00 p.m., Eastern, on emergency and financial preparedness. Learn strategies to stay safe, explore Red Cross tools and apps, and build financial resilience. <https://nfb.org/programs-services/training-and-education/disaster-and-financial-preparedness-webinar>  Register for the Disaster and Financial Preparedness Webinar.

Catch up on Content and Share on Social Media:

*	Read the  <https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm26/bm2602/bm2602tc.htm> February Braille Monitor.
*	Tune into  <https://podcasts7m.podbean.com/e/living-in-purpose-through-service/> "Living in Purpose through Service," our newest episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast. In this episode, Anil and Melissa are joined by Dorothy Griffin and Brian Mackey. They discuss the importance of service and how it can help you fulfill your purpose.
*	Listen to  <https://storage.pinecast.net/podcasts/6bf32133-3166-4b95-b747-1785b44b401d/audio/8beb0c0d-5cde-428b-aad5-857488cd114f/AO060__The_Dot_Pad_multiline_Braille_tablet__Adobe_fixes_an_accessibility_regression__and_more_feedback_on_changes_at_Vispero.mp3?fbclid=IwY2xjawPtpR9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeP3D4lSSW0LMD_6Io1Z-lU3dhtvjDahJQr4kR-Qbk5oOfLxGlcb8bwB_zxks_aem_qQP9e4t2AP-cWidcLwYWQA> episode 60 of Access On; Dave Williams from Dot Inc. tells us about the Dot Pad Braille tablet and helps answer one of our most frequently asked questions of the moment: “How do I know if Dot Pad or Monarch is right for me?” Adobe has fixed a regression that was causing screen-reader users problems when completing PDF forms. And there’s more feedback on recent changes at Vispero.
*	Catch up on the weekly  <https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/walking-alone-and-marching-together> Walking Alone and Marching Together podcast, episodes one through thirteen.
*	 <https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/nfbrn> Access NFBRN, our always-on audio experience. 

Shara Winton

President, National federation of the Blind of Massachusetts

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

 <mailto:sharawinton at gmail.com> sharawinton at gmail.com

617-304-0347

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/massachusetts-nfb_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260209/0e181b93/attachment.htm>