[NFBMD] Community Impact: We Believe in Blind People

[Mark Riccobono]

BUILDING BONDS THAT PROPEL A MOVEMENT ACROSS GENERATIONS

> _"For more than eighty-five years, we, the blind, have been building the
> bonds that have propelled a movement across generations. When
> discrimination threatens to divide us, when low expectations deny us
> equal opportunity and equal treatment, we find strength in the bonds we
> share. After 250 years, America has not yet fully realized the value
> blind people offer our nation, but every day we raise expectations for
> the blind, because we believe in blind people, and we act on that truth."
> _-- President Mark Riccobono in his 2026 Presidential Report [1].

CELEBRATING TRAILBLAZERS AND FUTURE LEADERS

In addition to being a gathering for fellowship, education, and setting the
organizational priorities for the coming year, the annual national
convention offers an opportunity to recognize trailblazers in the blindness
space and award scholarships to outstanding blind scholars. Check out all
of the 2026 convention highlights [2] and read more about the outstanding
award winners [3]. 

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS GAIN SUPPORT AND MENTORSHIP

> _"One of the biggest benefits of the Scholarship Program for me was being
> able to attend the NFB Convention. I can confidently say that this was
> one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life so far. Not only was I
> able to connect with blind and low vision students from across the
> country, but I was also able to connect with incredible mentors, many of
> whom I still talk to regularly, and realize how I can use the resources
> of the NFB to enhance my professional and personal life."_ - Tom,
> National Scholarship winner

Thirty merit-based scholarships were awarded to blind students at the
convention banquet on July 8. The winners are selected from hundreds of
applicants and awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community
service, and leadership. Not only are they given financial support to
complete their education, but they are matched with mentors who guide them
through the national convention week and beyond. Read more about the 2026
National Scholarship Winners [4]. 

HONORING DR. JACOB BOLOTIN'S LEGACY

Dr. Jacob W. Bolotin (1888-1924) was the world's first physician who was
blind from birth. Not only did he realize his own dream, but he also went
on to mentor others and motivate future generations. The nineteenth annual
Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards honored five individuals and organizations who are
a positive force in the lives of blind people and whose work advances the
goal of helping transform their dreams into reality. Read more about the
inspiring 2026 award winners [5]. 

CONVENTION SPONSORS: PARTNERS WITH THE BLIND COMMUNITY

Fifty-one partners and allies of the Federation demonstrated their
commitment to the blind-led movement by serving as sponsors for the 2026
National Convention. These organizations support the work of the Federation
and by participating in the convention gain valuable feedback from blind
consumers and connect with our dynamic and diverse community. Thank you to
the 2026 National Convention Sponsors [6]. 

UNTIL NEXT TIME: WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM AUSTIN

If you missed any of the convention activities earlier this month, watch
recordings of the events on YouTube [7] and save the dates for next year,
July 2-7, 2027, in Austin, Texas. 

Thank you for helping us show the world that we can live and create the
lives we want. You are subscribed to our monthly community impact email,
where we share how we are advancing the lives of the Nation's blind. The
National Federation of the Blind is a network of members, friends, and
people like you who believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people. 

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 		 National Federation of the Blind | 200 E Wells Street | Baltimore, MD
21230 | 410-659-9314 

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Links:
------
[1] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=44021&qid=12851671-and-reports/presidential-reports/2026-presidential-report
[2] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=44022&qid=12851671-involved/national-convention/past-conventions/2026-national-convention
[3] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=44023&qid=12851671-services/scholarships-and-awards
[4] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=44024&qid=12851671-us/press-room/celebrate-outstanding-blind-students-1
[5] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=44024&qid=12851671-us/press-room/nineteenth-annual-dr-jacob-bolotin-awards-presented-2026-national-convention
[6] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=44022&qid=12851671-involved/national-convention/sponsors
[7] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=44013&qid=12851671
[8] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=44014&qid=12851671
[9] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=44015&qid=12851671
[10] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=44016&qid=12851671
[11] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=44017&qid=12851671
[12] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=44019&qid=12851671
[13] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/unsubscribe?reset=1&jid=26651&qid=12851671&h=f9929cdb59a13beb
[14] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/optout?reset=1&jid=26651&qid=12851671&h=f9929cdb59a13beb
[15] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=44020&qid=12851671
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