[NFBMI-Talk] The Informant 2025, Vol. 6

Fri Jul 25 19:36:07 UTC 2025

National Federation of the Blind of Michigan (NFBMI)

The Informant 

Vol. 6: The Effective Express

Date: July  25, 2025 

Affiliate Zoom Link:

https://zoom.us/j/9612695221?pwd=dHlxZDNwcVVZbUVTYUM5cEU4cDlndz09 

Message from the President

Happy Friday and welcome to the July issue of "The Informant." Apologies for
the delay in our publication this month, my friends, the Michigan Blind
People's Movement has been active and excited. With so much to look forward
to and be grateful for, our efforts in supporting blind people in turning
their dreams into reality are blossoming in the summer's glow and adding a
perfume that can be labelled effective. The month of July provides a myriad
of reasons to be excited. This issue will outline our work at our national
convention, individual chapter and division activities, our plans for our
upcoming state convention and the unveiling of programs we have all been
waiting for. Yes, my NFBMI family, we are in convention season, and I invite
you all to join me on the effective express, as we celebrate our success and
hold true to President Riccobono's call to action: uniting with the
Federation family and its message. Your good faith  efforts and voice are
both needed and welcomed.

Important National Updates

National Resolutions

The National Federation of the Blind outlined the direction and priorities
of our organization during our resolutions process in New Orleans. Our
national convention, the supreme authority in our organization, voted 21
resolutions into effect that address a wide breadth of issues affecting the
nation's blind.

To learn about our 2025-2026 resolutions, please visit:

https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/resolutions1

2025 National Convention Banquet Speech

During our 2025 convention banquet in New Orleans, President Riccobono gave
a riveting speech titled "the Blind Explorers and the Elephant.," which
highlighted common societal misconceptions about the capabilities of the
blind and how to address these challenges effectively. The theme of the
speech, unity in the face of adversity, is one that resonated throughout the
banquet hall and across our 52 affiliates. To read the speech, please visit:

https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/banquet-speeches/creativity-p
ersistence-and-hope-reclaiming-our

National Federation of the Blind Radio Network

Have you tried out NFBRN yet? At our 2025 Washington Seminar, President Mark
Riccobono shook the room when he unveiled the National Federation of the
Blind Radio Network (NFBRN). This all-new, always-on radio network offers
updates, presidential releases, classic banquet addresses and so much more
Federation content that continue to help blind people raise their
expectations. To get connected and learn more, visit
https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/nfbrn.

Legislative Updates

Both the Blind Americans Returning to Work Act (HR 1175) and the Access
Technology Affordability Act (HR 1529), introduced into the 119th Congress
needs your support. By connecting with your representative in Congress, you
can be the force we need to ensure that blind people are not penalized for
having ambition in employment. If you are interested in learning more about
this bill and how your voice can be helpful in working toward this goal,
please contact our affiliate legislative chair, Sheila Fulmore, to learn
about methods of communicating with their office or attend our upcoming
legislative committee meeting.

New Legislative Updates

Social Security Administration:

The National Federation of the Blind responded directly to the Social
Security Administration (SSA) on their proposed field office closures and
employee reductions. To read our organization's full response to the SSA's
acting commissioner, visit
https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-social-s
ecurity-administration-regarding-recent

Department of Education:

The National Federation of the Blind responded to the Secretary of Education
following the federal government's executive order to close the Department
of Education. To read our letter emphasizing the importance of maintaining
programs for blind and disabled people, visit
https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-secretar
y-education-regarding-executive-order

Library Services

The National Federation of the Blind also sent a letter to chairs and
ranking members of the House and Senate respective appropriations
subcommittees following the federal government's executive order aiming to
eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which funds state
libraries for the blind and print disabled. To read our full letter to
Congressional decisionmakers, visit
https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-chairs-a
nd-ranking-members-house-and-senate

NFB Newsline

Have you registered for NFB Newsline? This service offers access to over 500
publications, weather updates and job listings to blind, deaf-blind and low
vision people around the country. Register here:

https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-newsline

Access On Podcast

Our technology podcast, Access On, offers in-depth reviews from industry
experts, interviews and more informational content. Subscribe today and stay
connected with the latest updates by clicking:

https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/access-on-podcast

Important State Updates

The Informant

Visitors and members of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan can
now view this issue and past issues of "The Informant" on the NFBMI Webpage,
as well as NFB Newsline. You can access these issues by visiting
www.nfbmi.org/informant <http://www.nfbmi.org/informant>  or accessing the
Michigan state-specific channel on NFB Newsline.

Announcement, BELL Academy

The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois (NFBIL) will hold its 2025
BELL Academy in Springfield, IL August 4-8. BELL stands for Braille
Enrichment Literacy and Learning, and includes a week-long residential
program for blind youth. Families travelling from outside of Springfield are
provided hotel accommodations and meals are included. For more information
or to register for this program, please visit:

https://www.nfbofillinois.org/education-programs/bell-academy

State Convention

The 2025 NFBMI State Convention will take place October 30- November 2 at
the Marriott Hotel Auburn Hills Pontiac. The address is 3600 Centerpoint
Parkway, Pontiac, MI 48341. For information about the convention and how to
register, please visit

www.nfbmi.org/convention.

State Scholarships

The 2025 NFB of Michigan scholarship program is open and currently accepting
applications. If you are a blind student enrolled at a college or university
in our state, please consider applying for this opportunity. Each year, the
NFB of Michigan supports four students with an invitation to empower
themselves with our affiliate as they are welcomed into the Michigan Blind
People's Movement at state convention with our scholarship program.
Applicants must be blind, attend a college or university in Michigan and
prepare to attend the entirety of the 2025 NFBMI state convention. For
details on eligibility or to apply, please visit:

https://nfbmi.org/scholarship25

Auction and Door Prizes

The NFB of Michigan is now accepting donations for door prizes and auction
items for our 2025 state convention. Each year, attendees and members are
excited and grateful for the generosity of our donors. Likewise, our live
auction during our convention banquet is one that has the entire hall
jumping with good will and competition. If you are able to support this
activity or receive pledges for donations, please contact Pat Pyle, senior
division president, or email Donna Posont at 

donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com.

Affiliate Board Meeting

The third quarterly board meeting of the NFB of Michigan will take place
August 24 at 3pm. The meeting will be held via Zoom on our affiliate line,
which can be accessed using the provided link in this newsletter.

Washtenaw County Open House

The residents of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and surrounding areas have spoken.
Throughout the past few months, questions about how the NFB of Michigan can
have an in-person presence in these areas have been on the rise. The NFB of
Michigan is happy to announce the 2025 Washtenaw County virtual open house.

On July 31, 2025, at 8pm, join us in the NFBMI Zoom room if you are a
resident of this county and are interested in the foundational work of
creating a local chapter presence. Leaders that are committed to making this
opportunity a reality will be there and happy to converse on what steps need
to be taken.

NFBMI Soundboard Updates and Changes

The monthly NFBMI Soundboard is receiving a fresh coat of paint. For the
past year, our monthly Soundboard has been helpful in supporting members
that have challenges with BSBP. Recognizing the need for more inclusive
programming and support for job seekers, our affiliate is happy to introduce
the NFB of Michigan's "Job Seeker Saturdays." Every fourth Saturday at 6pm,
We are excited to provide virtual, or in-person programming aimed at
supporting Job Seekers in their efforts to learn about job opportunities,
develop skills that make them employable or connect with individuals that
create opportunities for blind people. Our first Job Seeker Saturday, taking
place July 26, is titled "Employment Empowerment" and will include
interactive discussions about what it means to be considered employable, as
well as activities like Job Seeker Jeopardy for prizes.

Leadership Fellows

The NFB of Michigan applauds its 2025 Michigan Fellows for its leadership
throughout the national convention. During the week of July 8,
leaders-in-training rose to their roles' expectations in a new city by
leading affiliate projects that supports our members' memorable experience
in "The Big Easy." A heartfelt thanks goes to Ather Jammoa, Damontae Scott,
Faye Chenault-Johnson, Kashonia Graham and Sam Rau for their support in our
projects in New Orleans.

Professionals in Blindness Education (PIBE)

The NFB of Michigan congratulates Ather Jammoa, At Large chapter secretary
and affiliate communications chair, on his election to the board of the
National Professionals in Blindness Education (PIBE). We are excited for all
that Ather will bring the national division in leadership, empathy, and
professionalism during his term.

NFB of Michigan Convention Delegation

The NFB of Michigan delegation stood proudly during our national president's
report at the general session of the 2025 NFB convention. We applaud the
leadership and resilience of our members like Jerusalem Crawley, our MIABS
President, who was highlighted during the report. To review the 2025
president's report, please visit:

https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/presidential-reports

National Scholarship Finalists

The NFB of Michigan congratulates all 30 scholarship finalists in the
2025-26 NFB scholarship program. Our delegation was excited to celebrate the
accomplishments of these students, including our members Kashonia Graham and
Riley Letterman, who were both part of this year's scholarship class. For a
full list of the scholarship finalist and information on the program, please
visit:

https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-progra
m

Blind Gamers Guild

Are you a member of the Michigan Blind Gamer's Guild? We are excited to
invite you all to consider joining this innovative and fun group within the
NFB of Michigan. If you are a fan of games, whether it's on your PC, gaming
console or mobile device, the Gamer's Guild plans to provide fun activities,
ideas, resources, and programming for affiliate members to connect on a
social level. We are excitedly preparing for our first in-state gaming
program, QC Game Night, and would love for all interested to join us for a
night of laughs and fellowship. For information about joining the Blind
Gamer's Guild, or BGG, please email:

secretary at nfbmi.org.

Chapter/Division Updates

Flint Genesee Chapter

Please join us for our monthly chapter meeting! We meet every third Thursday
from 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM at the Flint Public Library. If you're outside the
Flint area, you're welcome to join us via the Michigan Zoom line. We value
your presence and participation!

A big congratulations to the members of the FLINT Genesee Chapter who
attended the National Convention in person this year!

Special salute to Jessie Davis of the FLINT Genesee Chapter a proud veteran
and this year's Jernigan Award winner. Jessie was honored on stage during
the Veterans Ceremony. Thank you for your service and leadership! 

Kudos to our chapter treasurer, Gail Bowman, who represented the FLINT
Genesee Chapter on the Mayor's Podcast this month. When asked how the
community could support us, Gail clearly stated our need for a building in
downtown Flint. Thank you, Gail, for being a strong voice for our chapter! 

Community Picnic - You're Invited!

Everyone is welcome to our Annual Community Picnic on Saturday, July 26,
from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Cook Park, Flint, MI. Bring your friends,
family, and neighbors. Let's enjoy food, fellowship, and fun together!

Michigan Blind Seniors Advocating for Seniors (MBSAS)

Hello Michigan Seniors!  We will have our next meeting on Monday, July 28th
at 8:00 PM.  We'll be sharing our convention experiences!  Several of our
members attended the convention in person.  Several of our members listened
online.  Robert will also be sharing information on how seniors can receive
training through the Michigan bureau for the blind.  Hope to see you there.

New Wayne County Chapter

On Monday, July 21 the New Wayne County Chapter organized a sense-sational
tactile tour in Greenfield Village. Included were tours of the print shop,
hat shop, weaving shop and the old General Store. If you are interested in
participating in the future we can schedule another tactile tour.

Join us Saturday, August 2, noon to three for our regular monthly chapter
meeting which will be held at the Caroline Kennedy library, 24590 George
Street in Dearborn Heights.

Michigan Association of Blind Students (MIABS):

The Michigan Association of Blind Students was well-represented at our 2025
national convention. Huge thanks to Shaneice Milledge, board member, for her
representing of our division and commitment to connecting with student
division members across the country. Congratulations to our president,
Jerusalem Crawley, for his advocacy and to our 2025 scholarship winners,
Kash onia Graham and Riley Letterman for all their hard work. We invite all
students to join us for our monthly meeting, where we will be discussing our
state convention activities.

Committee Reports:

Resolutions Committee

The 2025 NFBMI resolutions committee is searching for members. If you are
passionate about helping the Michigan affiliate determine its official
position on issues affecting the blind, consider joining or submitting a
resolution for consideration. To learn more about resolutions committee
participation and your role at our state convention as a committee member;
contact maryann Murad, chair at:

secretary at nfbmi.org <mailto:secretary at nfbmi.org> .

Communications Committee

The Communications Committee thanks everyone who was able to attend our
meeting on July 3, 2025. Please join us at our next meeting on Friday,
August 1, 2025 at 8:00 PM. A member from each chapter and division from the
state of Michigan should attend this meeting.

Membership Committee

Please all membership coordinators and chapter and division presidents; be
sure to add new members to the portal asap! Also, be certain to update the
status of those who are not current members as well. This is crucial at the
chapter and division level, affiliate level, and national level also!
Keeping your portal updated monthly is extremely important. Thank you and
please reach out if you need assistance!

Maryann Murad, Membership Chair

Secretary at nfbmi.org <mailto:Secretary at nfbmi.org> 

Convention Committee

The convention planning committee held a productive first meeting on July
24, where we discussed the confirmed logistics of convention, reiterated
registration information and brainstormed potential content. We encourage
members that are interested in participating in a specific presentation or
topic to email President at nfbmi.org to discuss further. 

Important State Affiliate Dates

*	07/26/2025: NFBMI Job Seekers Saturday (08:00)
*	07/28/25: MBSAS (Michigan Blind Seniors Advocating for Seniors)
(8PM)
*	07/31/2025: Washtenaw County Open House (08:00 PM)
*	08/01/2025: NFBMI Fund Raising Committee Meeting (06:00PM)
*	08/01/2025: NFBMI Communications  Committee Meeting (08:00PM)
*	08/05/2025: NFBMI At Large Chapter meeting (08:00PM)
*	08/08/2025: MI-ABS Meeting (07:00 PM)
*	08/11/2025: NFBMI Youth and Family Committee Meeting (07:00PM)
*	08/14/2025: Convention Committee Meeting (07:00PM)
*	08/19/2025: At Large Chapter Philosophy Discussion (08:00PM)
*	08/21/2025: Flint Genesee Chapter Meeting (05:30 to 06:45PM)
*	08/21/2025: Legislative Committee Meeting (07:30PM)

With Love, Hope and Determination

Robert Parsons, Jr., M. A., CRC, CVRT, LLPC

President, National Federation of the Blind of Michigan

(269) 216- 8640

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

"Without struggle, there is no progress." - Frederick Douglas