[NFBMD] Community Impact: Access Equals Opportunity

Fri May 15 20:02:53 UTC 2026

WE LEAD COURAGEOUSLY FOR ACCESS AND EQUALITY

Members and partners of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) count on
our expertise and resolve to surmount obstacles and raise expectations in
pursuit of richer, fuller lives for all blind people. Accessible technology
is especially important because it is key to how every single blind person
and future generations interact within their community and function in
daily life. Because of our advocacy and knowledge, we have made significant
progress on the road to greater access and opportunity for the blind, but
that fight is not over. 

ACCESS TO INFORMATION IS ESSENTIAL FOR DAILY LIFE

The National Federation of the Blind has been raising the bar for decades
for how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is implemented in daily
practice in society, including how the ADA is applied to state and local
government digital accessibility. Companies, governments, schools, and
other entities must prioritize accessibility and can benefit from the NFB's
expertise. We have the power to create and collaborate on solutions using
our everyday lived experiences. 

> "I currently use assistive technology like a refreshable Braille display,
> which I use to work right along with others in G Suite applications. I
> also use VoiceOver on my iPhone and iPad, which can convert any text into
> speech. My assistive technology has been a life changer for me because I
> am able to do the same type of work my sighted peers do." - Cindy, a
> blind college student

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT DELAYS WEB ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS; FEDERATION CALLS
FOR IMMEDIATE REVERSAL

> "Blind people have been waiting to get access to paying our taxes, to
> education, to so many government services--waiting." - President Mark
> Riccobono

Accessible digital services are essential for blind people to access
education, pay taxes, obtain public benefits, and participate fully in
civic life. But in April, the United States Department of Justice delayed
compliance dates for web accessibility standards. Originally finalized in
2024, the now-delayed rules require state and local governments to ensure
that their websites, mobile applications, and other digital services are
accessible to people with disabilities, including blind and deafblind users
who rely on screen readers and other nonvisual access technology. 

Read more about the decision and how the Federation is fighting back [1]. 

GLOBAL ACCESSIBILITY AWARENESS DAY

There are more than one billion people across the world with disabilities
and Global Accessibility Awareness Day [2] (GAAD) is celebrated each May to
bring focus to the importance of digital access and inclusion. Digital
accessibility refers to the ability of people with disabilities to
independently consume and interact with digital applications and content on
the web and on their mobile devices. Members of the National Federation of
the Blind are always working on accessibility, but this year it is an
important opportunity to capture the imagination of developers and
innovators. Check out our upcoming Accessibility Events and Trainings [3]
to learn more. 

KEEP NFB ADVANCING CONNECTIONS, COMMUNITY, AND OPPORTUNITY

Each year, thousands of Federation members and friends contribute to
various funds that support blind people. In 2026, your generosity continues
to advance programs that expand opportunity, build community, and connect
blind people across the country. When you give $25 or more between May 15
and July 7 at 5:00 p.m., you will be entered into the Keep NFB Advancing:
Give $25 Drawing. Each increment of $25 is a chance to win. 

Your support helps bring blind people to their first National Convention,
raises expectations, and expands opportunities for blind people nationwide.
Learn how to enter the drawing and be a Federation Connector by asking your
friends and family to contribute at nfb.org/give25 [4]. 

UNTIL NEXT TIME: GIVE. GROW. WIN.

Don't forget to contribute to Give $25 for a chance to win prizes and share
the Federation's mission with others. Give online at
https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=43139&qid=12617866 [5]. 

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:
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[1] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=43132&qid=12617866-and-media/braille-monitor/early-access-articles/justice-department-delays
[2] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=43135&qid=12617866
[3] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=43131&qid=12617866-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events
[4] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=43141&qid=12617866-involved/national-convention/give-25
[5] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=43138&qid=12617866
[6] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=43124&qid=12617866
[7] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=43125&qid=12617866
[8] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=43126&qid=12617866
[9] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=43127&qid=12617866
[10] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=43129&qid=12617866
[11] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/unsubscribe?reset=1&jid=26413&qid=12617866&h=87df93a9ae818117
[12] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/optout?reset=1&jid=26413&qid=12617866&h=87df93a9ae818117
[13] https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=43130&qid=12617866
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