[NFB-Utah] Latest edition of the Blindness Matters Newsletter

[nfbutah at gmail.com]

Hello Federationists!

 

Feast your fingers and ears upon the latest edition of the NFB of Utah
newsletter. It is full of chapter news, division updates, seminars,
conventions and all things Utah so far in 2026. If you wonder what Utah
Federationists will be doing the rest of the year, you will not want to miss
reading this edition. 

 

• 

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND 

Blindness Matters 

Newsletter of the National Federation of the Blind of Utah 

2026: Volume:2 Issue: 3

 

>From the editors 

Dr. Kenneth Jernigan once said. "And the time is now. Our revolution will
not wait and it will succeed. But only if we take the lead and take the
risks. It is for us to persuade, to participate, to persevere, and to
prevail and prevail we will. The time is now and the challenge is real.”

Blindness has never been a barrier to leadership. In fact, throughout the
history of the National Federation of the Blind, blind people have proven
time and again that when we step forward, speak up, and work together, we
shape the future, not only for ourselves, but for generations to come. 

Leadership in the Federation does not only happen at the podium or in
elected positions. It happens in our chapters and divisions, in classrooms
and workplaces, in our communities, and in the everyday moments when blind
people choose independence, advocate for access, and lift one another up.
Across Utah, Federationists are doing exactly that; building stronger
chapters, mentoring new members, advocating for accessibility, and
demonstrating through action what blind leadership truly looks like.

In this issue of Blindness Matters, we shine a light on that leadership. You
will read about the work happening across our chapters and divisions, the
newly elected  voices guiding our affiliate forward, and the many ways blind
individuals are leading in their families, professions, and communities.
These stories remind us that leadership is not reserved for a few, it
belongs to all of us who believe in the power, potential, and promise of
blind people.

Allow me to remind you of the first phrase of the NFB pledge,  “I pledge to
participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the
Blind
”. As you read this issue, I encourage you to think about the role you
play in shaping the future of our movement.

If you would like to include an announcement, highlight, meaningful story,
or other interesting piece in a future issue, please contact the Editor
Casey Reyes via email caseyry3s at gmail.com <mailto:at_caseyry3s at gmail.com>  

Stay even further connected with all things NFB of Utah by subscribing to
our affiliate listserv. To do so, send an email to
nfb-utah-subscribe at nfbnet.org <mailto:to_nfb-utah-subscribe at nfbnet.org>
with the word "subscribe" in the subject line. 

Casey Reyes, Editor

 

 

Bacon's Bits 

Spring is definitely getting closer and while we may have had a mild winter
this year, our spring is definitely warming up! Our annual family reunion is
drawing near and I hope all of you are able to join us in Ogden! All of the
details are below, please reach out if you have any questions.2026 NFB of
Utah State Convention:

Possibilities in Motion

Join Us for the 2026 NFB of Utah Annual State Convention!

Dear Federation Family,

It is time to gather, grow, and gear up for action! We are thrilled to
invite you to the 2026 National Federation of the Blind of Utah Annual State
Convention. This year, our theme is "Possibilities in Motion: Bridging
Policy, Purpose, and Personal Potential."

To register go to this link

https://www.cognitoforms.com/NationalFederationOfTheBlindOfUtah/_2026NFBOfUt
ahConventionRegistration

 

We are honored to announce that our National Representative this year is
Jesse Shirek, the Director of Advocacy and Policy at our national
headquarters. Jesse brings a wealth of knowledge regarding the legislative
landscape and a deep commitment to the lived experiences of blind Americans.

Special Guest Speaker

David DeNoteras

Blind Speaker, Author, Trainer, and Motivator

David has been in the field of motivating blind and low vision people to
gain employment, independence and so much more for over 25 years.

Learn more about his company at

Www.PossibilityThinkers.net <http://www.possibilitythinkers.net/> 

 

Registration Information

Don't wait to secure your spot! Please use the link below to register for
the convention:

The convention will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott Ogden. 

801-627-1190

247 24th St. Ogden Utah

 

Convention Highlights

* Insightful Keynotes: Hear from Jesse Shirek on the future of advocacy.

* Dynamic Workshops: Explore the intersection of policy and personal
potential.

* Community & Connection: Network with friends and colleagues from across
the state.

We look forward to seeing you in Ogden as we move forward together to turn
possibilities into reality.

Live the life you want.

Best regards,

The NFB of Utah Board of Directors

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter and Division News and Events 



Salt Lake Chapter 

We are thrilled to share the exciting lineup of events we have planned for
the upcoming months! Here’s a preview of what’s in store:

*	March 28 from 11 - 1pm at the DSBVI: March into New Beginnings – Get
to Know Our Chapter Members Join us for an engaging session where we’ll
connect with fellow chapter members and enjoy delicious spring-themed
cuisine. 
*	April 25 : State Convention at the Ogden Marriott hotel.  This will
be the Saturday session with amazing topics and speeches.
*	May 23 from 11 – 1pm: Memory Walk and Talk with Members Take a
leisurely walk and enjoy meaningful conversations with fellow members. This
is a wonderful opportunity to connect, share stories, and appreciate the
great outdoors.
*	June 27 from 11 – 1pm at the DSBVI: Blindness Philosophical
Discussion Dive into thought-provoking topics with our philosophical
discussion group. This event promises to spark deep and stimulating
conversations that you won’t want to miss.

Warm regards, The NFB Salt Lake Chapter Board

 

 

Red Rocks Chapter 

Congratulations to one of our younger members and chapter treasurer, Matthew
Robinson! He is graduating from Southern Utah University in April with a
degree in English Education, Spanish with a TESOL (teaching English to
speakers of other languages) certificate. 

For our Red Rocks Chapter March meeting we are meeting in the park in sunny
St George!

RRCI is hosting their annual 5K Donut Dash at Crosby Confluence Park 2099 S.
Convention Center Drive in St George. The Donut Dash begins at 9am. Our
meeting will follow at 1:00 p.m. We will meet at the pavilion near the
parking lot. Bring lunch if you would like. There are restrooms near the
parking lot. We will have our NFB banner so if you have someone sighted with
you, have them look for us! You can call me if you can't find us (435)
616-7130. 

We will plan our May meeting at this time and also talk about the State
Convention and plans for chapter door prizes, donations, etc. 

There will not be an April meeting as we will be going to a state
convention!

 

President Jessie Kramer and Secretary Karen Robinson have been working hard
at DSBVI TAS Program (Division of Services for the Blind and Visually
Impaired, Training and Adjustment Services). They are both in their 2nd
month of classes including, braille, computers/keyboarding, home management,
cane travel and fiber arts. They are participating weekly in discussions and
activities including snow tubing and water aerobics at the Rec Center.
Training shades are required and promote the learning of basic blindness
skills non-visually. They encourage students to minimize their dependence on
vision, overcome the fear of blindness, develop confidence in blindness
skills and in themselves. They allow the individual to focus on mastering
the non-visual skills so they can better blend non-visual and visual skills
effectively. Shade training leads to higher levels of independence and
success. Learning non-visual skills is similar to learning a foreign
language; immersion significantly aids in the learning process.

The Red Rocks Chapter recently held elections. Here are the results. 

President: Jessie Kramer

Vice President: Karen Robinson (Newly Elected) 

Secretary: Karen Robinson

Treasurer: Mathew Robinson

Board Member: Kester Tapaha 

Board Member: Joey Montague

 

Big thanks to outgoing board member Milo Waddoups

 

 

Northern Utah Chapter (Formally Weber/Davis Chapter)

The Northern Utah Chapter  has already had a busy start to the year. In
January, members attended a performance of Les Misérables at Layton High
School to support chapter member Grant Christensen, who delivered a
fantastic performance.

In February, the chapter held a planning meeting to map out the year ahead.
The Weber/Davis Chapter is also proud to serve as the host chapter for the
National Federation of the Blind of Utah State Convention, which will take
place at the Marriott Hotel in Ogden in late April.

The chapter  held elections on March 20, 2026.  Results are as follows

President: Brynnli Cherry (newly elected)

Vice President: Jerry Nealey (newly elected)

Secretary: Juliet Christensen (newly elected)

Treasurer: Barbie Elliott

Board Member: Willie Black

Board Member: Cheralyn Johnson

Board Member: Grant Christensen (newly elected)

 

Beginning this year, chapter meetings will move from Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.
to the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. Because many
chapter activities are held in person, Zoom meetings will take place usually
no more than three times per year.

The Northern Utah Chapter continues to grow as it serves members across
Northern Utah and looks forward to strengthening the Federation through
increased membership and community engagement.

Upcoming Events

*	April 16: Convention Basket Work Meeting


*	May 21 – 7:00 p.m.: Chapter Zoom Meeting


*	June 26: Summer Party at the Elliott home (date subject to change)

 

Student Division 

The Utah Association of Blind Students (UTABS) has been continuing work to
promote various resources for blind students anywhere from scholarships to
social meetings and everything in between; our meetings occur every second
Friday evening of the month. As we approach a new year for the NFB of Utah,
the Student division is preparing for our annual Spring Student Seminar that
takes place in conjunction with the State Convention; our theme will be
following closely with the main convention theme for this year. In addition,
we also would encourage all blind college students or high school seniors in
Utah to apply for the NFB of Utah Scholarship this year! We hope you join us
at the State Convention!

As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or if you'd like
to get involved! 

 

Reflections from Washington Seminar: From Grant and Juliet Christensen

Sometimes, leadership begins with a realization. This year’s Washington
Seminar proved that in more ways than one. A powerful snowstorm and subzero
wind chills disrupted travel, leaving some Federationists stuck in their
hotels and others unable to attend in person. But even then, the work did
not stop. Whether in the room or joining online, people showed up, stayed
engaged, and made their voices heard. That is what leadership looks like.

For Grant Christensen, a high school junior, this experience was
eye-opening. He saw firsthand that advocacy is not as out of reach as it
might seem. Leadership does not always mean standing in front of a room, it
can be as simple as making a phone call or sending an email. More
importantly, he witnessed the power of a nonpartisan movement, where people
from all backgrounds come together with a shared purpose: to ensure blind
people are seen, valued, and given the opportunity to succeed.

For Juliet Christensen, the experience carried a different, but equally
powerful perspective. As a parent, she understands the importance of
stepping back and allowing blind individuals to speak for themselves. At the
same time, she brings the perspective of someone who wants nothing more than
a future where her son, and all blind Americans, can live independently and
succeed without unnecessary barriers. Issues like access to technology, fair
employment, and the SSDI earnings cliff are not abstract, they are personal.

One of the most powerful moments of the week came during the congressional
reception at the Capitol. At one point, the number of blind individuals in
the room outnumbered the government officials themselves. It was a powerful
reminder that our movement is strong, growing, and impossible to ignore.

Even in the quieter moments, waiting out the storm, connecting with one
another, adapting to unexpected changes, there were lessons to be learned.
Leadership is not only about formal meetings. It is about resilience,
connection, and showing up, no matter the circumstances.

Grant’s confidence in speaking with lawmakers, even before he is old enough
to vote, is a glimpse into the future. Juliet’s advocacy reflects the
strength and determination of families who believe in that future.

Together, their experiences remind us that leadership is not something we
wait for. It is something we step into. And through the National Federation
of the Blind, we are shaping that future  together.

 




 

A New chapter of Leadership in the NFB of Utah

The National Federation of the Blind of Utah is entering an exciting new
chapter. One defined by growth and opportunity. We are proud to announce
three new chapter presidents who represent not only the future of our
organization, but the strength of its foundation: Zachary Ledford of the
Salt Lake Chapter, Kirt Manwaring of the Utah Valley Chapter, and Brynli
Cherry of the newly named Northern Utah Chapter.

This moment is especially meaningful because each of these leaders has
already demonstrated a deep commitment to the Federation. All three have
held prominent leadership roles within the Utah Student Division and are
former scholarship winners. Clear examples of dedication, initiative, and
belief in the mission of the National Federation of the blind of Utah..

Their journeys remind us of something powerful: leadership in the Federation
is not reserved for a select few, it is cultivated from within. The same
students, volunteers, and members who show up, contribute, and grow in our
organization are the very individuals who go on to lead it. This transition
is not just about new titles; it is about the continuation of a strong,
member-driven movement.

At a time when the NFB of Utah is experiencing meaningful change, these new
chapter presidents embody the opportunities available to every member. They
are proof that leadership can begin anywhere; through participation,
service, and a willingness to step forward.

As we celebrate this new chapter, we also celebrate what it represents:
possibility. May Zachary, Kirt, and Brynli serve as an example of what the
National Federation of the Blind is all about; that is through growth,
empowerment, and the belief that with the right support and determination,
anyone can lead.

We are proud of them, and we are excited for what lies ahead.

 

 

 

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