[NFB_of_Georgia] NFB President's Notebook - Week of 02/18/2026

Fri Feb 20 15:35:53 UTC 2026

Dear Federation Family,

Today I am writing from the city of Atlanta, Georgia. I was reflecting upon
our last national convention here in 2007 and the inspiring experience of
hearing from Congressman John Lewis in Centennial Park. Congressman Lewis
has a prominent place in the history of Black Americans and the struggle
for equality in this nation. His intersection with our movement was no
accident, and it continues to serve as a lasting motivation for how
critical it is that we coordinate our efforts and synergize them with other
allies in our communities. It is no exaggeration to say that our 2007 March
for Independence and Congressman Lewis's charge of "make good trouble"
inspired the multiple generations represented at our convention to continue
pushing for equality. It was not too much later that we got a number of
bills through Congress, including the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act—an
issue for which we are still doing work on the national stage.

Congressman Lewis's presentation is an important piece of our National
Archives of the Blind People’s Movement, and we last featured it during our
2020 virtual convention—during which we learned of his passing. These
connections and the collecting of these kinds of stories are at the heart
of our Blind Unbound initiative through which we want to change the
understanding of blindness and the capacity of blind people in society. As
we move through Black History Month, consider what stories of blind Black
Federationists we might not have captured and archived to more fully tell
the stories of our march together. Please let us know and help us collect
that content.

While you are considering that, remember to make some good trouble today
for the movement.

*Critical Actions:*

   - Legislative alert
   <https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/legislative-priorities> via
   email coming week of February 23
   - National convention
<https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention> registration
   opens March 1

 *News:*

*Promote the Scholarship Program:*

Please help us spread the word about the NFB Scholarship Program. Please
encourage students of all ages to apply. You can promote the program by
sharing the informational flyer
<https://scholarships.nfb.org/sites/scholarships.nfb.org/files/2025-12/NFB-2026-Scholarship-Program-Flyer.docx>,
posting the application link on social media, and highlighting the
achievements of past recipients.

*2026 Washington Seminar Review:*

Your hard work and perseverance during this year’s Washington Seminar
continues to pay dividends. Since the end of this year’s event, we have
gained twelve new cosponsors on the Access Technology Affordability Act in
the House, five new cosponsors on the Access Technology Affordability Act
in the Senate, and four new cosponsors on the Blind Americans Return to
Work Act in the House. This is great progress in just a few weeks’ time! Be
sure to keep up the advocacy by working to get meetings in your home
districts.

ed.

*S**ummer Internship Opportunity:*

The National Federation of the Blind’s (NFB) 2026 Summer Internship Program
offers a unique opportunity to make an impact while gaining professional
experience. Interns work on projects that advance innovation and raise
expectations for blind people nationwide.

This paid, ten-week internship runs from June 1–August 7 at NFB
headquarters in Baltimore and includes participation in the NFB National
Convention in Austin, Texas. Apply by March 14 to help shape the future and
build leadership skills
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/summer-internship-program>.

*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 is now open. 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 book online through the Marriott website
<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>.
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 Jacobus
tenBroek Disability Law Symposium | National Federation of the Blind
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/jacobus-tenbroek-disability-law-symposium>
.

*Access On** Webinar: Working with 1Password:*

1Password is a powerful, accessible password and information manager that
works on multiple operating systems and browsers. In this *Access On* webinar,
Tuesday, February 24, 2:00-3:30 p.m., we’ll introduce you to the key
features of 1Password, ensuring you have a unique password for every
website you visit, available on every browser and every device you use.
Learn how to get started with 1Password and integrate it into your daily
computer and smartphone use.

Register at
https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events/accessibility-boutique-reg
.

*2026 NFB Youth Programs: NFB BELL Academy and NFB STEM2U:*

The National Federation of the Blind is excited to announce its 2026 youth
programming through the NFB BELL? Academy and NFB STEM2U programs. The NFB
BELL Academy builds Braille literacy, nonvisual skills, and confidence for
blind and low-vision children through hands-on learning. NFB STEM2U offers
accessible, hands-on STEM experiences that encourage exploration,
problem-solving, and interest in STEM careers. Programs will be offered in
multiple locations in 2026. Learn more and register at nfb.org/bell and
nfb.org/stem2u.

*Letter to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Regarding Autonomous Vehicles:*

On February 2, we sent a letter to the chair and ranking member of the
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The letter urged
the committee leaders to include a national autonomous vehicle framework in
the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act. The full letter can be
found on the policy statements page
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements> of our
website.

*Letter from Nine Affiliate Presidents to their Attorneys General Regarding
Section 504 Lawsuit:*

On February 12, a coalition of nine affiliates of the National Federation
of the Blind (Texas, Alaska, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri,
Montana, and South Dakota) sent a joint letter to each state’s attorney
general regarding a new Section 504 lawsuit. This letter can be read in its
entirety on the policy statements page
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements> of our
website.

*Reminders:*

*Student Regional Seminar: Registration Closes Friday:*

Encourage blind students to register for the NFB Regional Student Seminar,
hosted by the National Association of Blind Students, taking place from
March 13–15, in Chicago, Illinois. Students will learn effective
communication for success in school, employment, and advocacy. Participants
will learn from their peers, explore access technology, and build
relationships with Federation leaders and professionals. Learn more about
the program and register for the Midwest Student Seminar.
<https://nabslink.org/civicrm/event/info?id=7&reset=1> The deadline is this
Friday, February 20. For more information, contact Riley Letterman at
rileyletterman07 at gmail.com.

*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, May 6
   - Wednesday, August 5
   - Wednesday, November 4

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 the
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.

 Mark A. Riccobono, President

National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
410-659-9314 | Officeofthepresident at nfb.org

Please engage with me through Riccobono Personal AI
<https://riccobono.personal.ai/messaging/profile>
Mastodon: @President at nfb.social
Pronouns: he, him, his

-- 
Dorothy Griffin - President
National Federation of the Blind of Georgia
dgriffin at nfbga.org
770-374-4832

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
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.
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