[NFBMI-Talk] The informant 2025, Vol. 7

Mon Sep 15 03:10:10 UTC 2025

National Federation of the Blind of Michigan (NFBMI)

The Informant 

Vol. 7: Yielding Results with the Federation!

Date: September 2025 

Affiliate Zoom Link:

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

>From the President

The Fall is the time for the harvest. Its great to be with the Federation
and to discuss good things. From the in-person events, to discussing our
students returning to classes, I welcome our members to a fantastic fall
issue of The informant, our monthly newsletter of the National Federation
of the Blind of Michigan. Take a jump into the Michigan Blind Peoples
Movement, where we get a little wild and have a lot of fun while advocating
for blind people and what they need. The theme of this month itss issue is
yielding or manifesting, and you will find that much of our leadership and
members have grown to create so much success from goals they set months and
sometimes, years ago. I respect them so much and look forward to all we can
continue to yield, together.

Important National Updates

Self-Advocacy in Higher Education Toolkit

To ensure that blind students have equal access to education materials, our
national organization has created this toolkit to request materials,
mitigate impediments and make the process smoother for parents and advocates
alike. You can learn more by going to:
https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/advocacy-resources/self-advocacy-
higher-education-toolkit

Virtual Career Fair

The National Employment Committee is excited to host its Virtual Career Fair
on October 28, 2025, via Zoom. If you are an employer or blind job seeker,
please use the following link to learn more about and register for this
opportunity. https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment

Coast to Coast Running Event 

The Bainbridge Run is a nationwide running and walking event that the NFB
participates in, both in-person and remotely. We are excited to provide
information about ways members of the National Federation of the Blind can
register for this Event this December using the following link.
https://nfb.org/movers

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.

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

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 organizations full response to the SSAs
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 governments 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 governments 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

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
looking at our state-specific channel on newsline either on the web, the
mobile app or by calling in.

Detroit Reorganization

Youre Invited!

NFB Detroit Chapter Reorganization Meeting

The National Federation of the Blind of Michigans Detroit area is
reorganizing  and we want YOU to be part of the movement!

Date: Monday, September 22, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM Eastern

Location: on our state affiliate Zoom line

Whether youre a longtime member, someone newly interested in advocacy, or
just curious about what the NFB is all about, this is your opportunity to
get involved, share your voice, and help shape the future of the Detroit
Chapter. Come connect, learn, and build with us. Together, we can transform
dreams into reality!!! We cant wait to see you there!

GDABVI Health and Wellness Fair

On Friday, September 5, 2025; the NFB of Michigan hosted a vendor table at
the Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired. While there,
we interacted with a lively number of people, informing them of a variety of
programs and chapters we have. Some of the most common questions we received
was interest in our 2025 state convention and an interest in a presence in
the Oakland County area. We also were happy to present opportunities to
different vendors to participate in our 2025 exhibit hall. We look forward
to continued opportunities to network at future vendor halls and thank
GDABVI for the collaborative relationship.

NFBMI Tapping with the Tigers

On Friday September 5, 2025, 25 members of the NFB of Michigan attended the
second annual Tapping with the Tigers event at Comerica Park. This event was
equal parts advocacy and awareness, which makes it a true Federation
program. Members were able to inform attendees and staff about our work,
enjoy delicious items and even a fireworks display all in one event; pushing
back low expectations of blindness every step of the way.  Nothing is a
Federation program without some form of education, where we flex some
advocacy muscle, we thank all our members, family, friends, and most of all
the family of all our partners in all the corporate businesses that made
this event happen to make this occur. We look forward to making a Comerica
return in 2026.

2025 NFBMI Scholarship Program

September 15, 2025 is the final deadline for the NFB of Michigans
scholarship program. We are so proud to award four scholarships each year to
blind students that aim to expand the expectations of blindness for
Michigan. It is not too late for you to share this information with a blind
student you know. Please remind them that to qualify, they must be legally
blind, complete the application, submit their necessary requirements, and
attend the entire state convention of the NFB of Michigan. Please use this
link to submit the application and share any questions to
<mailto:scholarships at nfbmi.org> scholarships at nfbmi.org.
<http://www.nfbmi.org/scholarship25> www.nfbmi.org/scholarship25

Brain Games Registration Deadline

September 15 is the deadline for registration for Brain Games 2025:
Federation Family Feud. Federation Family Feud is an opportunity for you and
your family/ friends to get in on the action throughout Blind Equality
Achievement Month to participate in our tournament of champions in team
trivia. There will be chances to win awesome prizes. To participate, grab
four friends, each member must pay a $10 registration fee and be attending
our 2025 state convention. We begin with our virtual Federation Family Feud
qualifying matches throughout Blind Equality Achievement Month (BEAM), with
the championship match occurring on Saturday, November 1, 2025, after
general session! The winning team will be competing for the Red Wing
Package, including tickets to a Detroit Red Wings game, vouchers for a
dinner featuring Detroit-style pizza, a stay for the evening at the
Courtyard Mariott Dearborn and $200. There is still time to register your
team for Brain Games 2025! Simply email Atherjammoa at gmail.com
<mailto:Atherjammoa at gmail.com>  with the name of your team and the names of
its members to receive directions for registration confirmation.

Leader Dogs/ OTBLV Fair Expo

The NFB of Michigan is excited to host a table on Wednesday, September 24,
2025, at the Oakland Talking Book Low Vision Expo Fair, hosted at Leader
Dogs for the Blind in Rochester Hills. The fair will run from 9am-1pm and
will host different tables with different vendors. The purpose of our table
is to talk about all the different things that the NFB does and what our NFB
of Michigan state convention will offer this Fall. We would really
appreciate any help from our members that would be free during this time. If
you are interested in volunteering during this day, please contact Donna
Posont at Donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com <mailto:Donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com> .

NFBMI State Convention Pre-Registration

Now is the time to take advantage of the pre-registration rate of the 2025
state convention of the NFB of Michigan, taking place October 31- November 2
at the Pontiac Mariott Auburn Hills. As our festivities begin around noon on
Halloween, we encourage exhibitors, guests, sponsors, and visitors to arrive
on Thursday, October 30, 2025, to avoid checking in at 3pm and a conflict
with time. The pre-registration deadline for the 2025 NFB of Michigan state
convention is October 10, 2025.  To learn about our convention, complete
registration and learn about the latest updates, please visit
<http://www.nfbmi.org/convention.> www.nfbmi.org/convention.

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.

2025 State Convention Assistance Program

The NFB of Michigans funding assistance program offers opportunities for
members to experience state convention while providing service to their
affiliate in the form of volunteer hours. Members of a chapter, division of
the affiliate at large are encouraged to provide a minimum of five hours
throughout the weekend. Members of a chapter or division are encouraged to
discuss funding assistance options with their chapter or division president
when applying. This program will cover expenses for registration.

2025 State Convention Exhibitor and Sponsorship Info

Are you an agency, business, chapter, division, or non-profit interested in
interacting with the Blind Peoples Movement of Michigan? By taking part in
the 2025 Exhibit Hall of the NFB of Michigan on October 31, 2025, from
12pm-5pm, you have an opportunity to interact with Michigans blind
movement, share your services and network. Please visit our convention
landing page to learn about different sponsorship levels and opportunities.
www.nfbmi.org/convention <http://www.nfbmi.org/convention> 

2025 Auburn Hills Restaurant Convention Tour

The NFB of Michigan is excited to announce its annual convention restaurant
tour activity. Each year, attendees of the NFB of Michigan state convention
that arrive on Thursday evening can select to join a dinner group based on a
variety of menu options. This year, the Auburn Hills Restaurant Tour will
boast local, regional and renown favorites, including the Rainforest Café.
To be a part of this two-year convention favorite is easy, first register
for state convention and book your hotel arrangements for Thursday evening.
Specific details about the four restaurant options for the restaurant tour
activity will be made available on the NFBMI-Talk List Serve and our social
media platforms. An announcement will be made at all NFB of Michigan chapter
and division meetings as well. We look forward to connecting with you on
October 30 on the tour!   

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 Michigans 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. 

At Large Cedar Point Pop Out

The NFB of Michigan has grown a reputation as of late for thinking outside
of the box, or innovating. Its not surprising that our At Large chapter and
2025 Fellows program would partner to provide everyone a huge opportunity
this year during Blind Equality Achievement Month (BEAM)! Join the NFB of
Michigan on October 18, 2025, as we head to the coaster capital of the
country, Cedar Point and pop out to enjoy the spooky activities! Our bus
leaves from the Ann Arbor Amtrak train station, 325 Depot St., Ann Arbor, MI
48104. The price per person is $105, which includes round trip bus travel
from Ann Arbor to the park, general park admission, and a complimentary
snack bag. This is a public event, and members are encouraged to invite
their family, friends, and others they believe would like to learn about
BEAM and enjoy the Cedar Point experience. To confirm your space for the
2025 At Large Cedar Point Pop Out, please contact Kash onia Graham at
kgraham0303 at icloud.com <mailto:kgraham0303 at icloud.com>  or
Atherjammoa at gmail.com <mailto:Atherjammoa at gmail.com> .

NFBMI Blind Gamers Guild

Are you a member of the Michigan Blind Gamers 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 its on your PC, gaming
console or mobile device, the Gamers 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 Gamers Guild, or
BGG,

please email 

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

BSBP CIC Parent Representative Vacancy

The philosophy of the National Federation of the Blind is that low
expectations create obstacles between blind people and their dreams. Our
methodology to skills of blindness, the structured discovery model;
articulates that blind people can achieve their dreams with the right
information and access to skills. This year, as co-chair of the committee, I
had the pleasure of working on updating the bylaws of the CIC, which
includes ensuring our organizations place as a key stakeholder, creating
opportunities for blind parents and students of the future. Given the
bylaws, at least one parent from our community is a voting member and two
students from our community will be voting members. The purpose of this
initiative was to ensure that members of the blind community that are
students and parents have a voice in how BSBPs services improve moving
forward. Parent representatives of the CIC serve two-year terms, with the
expectation that they are from the community at large. I need our Federation
family to help identify a parent in our community that is passionate about
advocacy and can represent the needs of blind parents and blind youth
statewide on this committee with us. Interested parties must be either a
blind parent or parent of a blind child, be available for our quarterly
meetings (every three months), have a passion for advocacy and improvements
in the rehabilitation agency, have some background in or knowledge of
rehabilitation programs for the blind in Michigan; and, be objective in
decision-making, especially when supporting services BSBP outlines during
our meetings. If you are a parent that fits this criteria and are passionate
in elevating your voice to create change in how programs affect the blind in
Michigan, please email President at nfbmi.org <mailto:President at nfbmi.org>
before October 1, 2025.

Chapter/Division Updates

At Large Chapter

The At Large chapter will have its monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 16,
2025, at 6pm on the main affiliate Zoom line. We look forward to all that
will join us in connecting and discussing all we have going on.

Flint/Genesee Chapter

Please join us on the third Thursday of every month at the Flint Public
Library for our monthly meeting. If you're outside of the Genesee County
area,

you're welcome to join us virtually via the Michigan Zoom line.

We're excited to share that 16 of our members participated in the Bobby Crim
races on August 23! We were proud to cheer them on as

they cross the finish line and celebrated their accomplishment together. The
City of Flint has recently added four more APS (Accessible Pedestrian
Signal) traffic light systems in the downtown area. This is a great step
forward

in making Downtown Flint more accessible for all individuals. Also, a big
thank you to everyone who joined us for our Annual Community Picnic in July.
It was a wonderful day filled with great food, fun games, and fantastic

company. Special thanks to our vendors and supporters: GHS, BSBP, TDN, and
our guest, the NFBMI Fellows from Detroit. We appreciate your continued
support and look forward to seeing you soon!

Michigan Blind Seniors Advocating for Seniors (MBSAS)

Hello seniors.  We will be  selling candy bars at the State convention this
year.  Please come to our next regularly scheduled BMISAFS Meeting.  It will
take place in the affiliate ZOOM Room on Monday, September 22nd at 8:00 PM.
Come with good ideas for door prizes and auction items.  

New Wayne County Chapter

The New Wayne County chapter will meet October 4 in the Caroline Kennedy
library. We will meet for social time at noon and resume our business from
1-3p m. Please bring auction items. Help is also needed for an exhibit table
at Leader Dog in Rochester Hills on September 24, 2025.

Michigan Association of Blind Students (MIABS)

MIABS held a meeting on Saturday, September 13, where we planned our
activities for state convention and future ideas. We cant wait to connect
with you all soon with a poll to ask your opinion on our different choices
for audio described movies for our event at state convention,  taking place
on Halloween. Please pack your costume and your appetite for snacks!

Committee Updates

Communications Committee

Thank you to all who attended the communications committee meeting on
September 12, 2025. It was great to see representation from so many chapters
and divisions. Lets keep that momentum going. It is important to have a
representative from each chapter and division participating regularly. The
next meeting will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 08:00PM.

Convention Committee

The convention planning committee held a productive meeting on September 4,
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.

Fundraising

The fundraising committee thanks its members for its input during its
meeting on September 12 at 6pm. We are excited to promote the Michigan
Movement Raffle, which began on September 1! The prize of this raffle is an
expense-covered trip to the 2026 NFB of Michigan state convention, including
registration, hotel expenses, and travel. We have set a goal of selling 200
tickets and are making headway toward that goal already. Our virtual tickets
are $20 each, or three tickets for $50. If you are interested in purchasing
tickets prior to state convention, you can do so by contacting members of
the fundraising committee in your chapter or division, President Parsons,
Ather Jammoa or Kashonia Graham. Please note that there will be a cash
option for payment options at our 2025 state convention.

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. Please work with
your chapter/division president and treasure to ensure that all members are
up-to-date with dues, entered in the portal and registered for State
convention. This is crucial for voting especially! Thank you and please
reach out if you need assistance!

Resolutions Committee

The 2025 NFBMI resolutions committee is searching for submissions! If you
are passionate about helping the Michigan affiliate determine its

official position on issues affecting the blind, I  strongly encourage you
to submit 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> 

Youth and Family

The Youth and Family Committee held a meeting on Monday, September 8, 2025;
where ideas for potential future programs were discussed. If you are
interested in participating in youth programs in the NFB of Michigan, either
during the 2025 state convention or long-term, please contact Donna Posont
at Donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com <mailto:Donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com> .

Important State Affiliate Dates

*09/15/2025: Deadline for Family Feud registration and scholarship
applications

*09/16/2025: At-large Chapter meeting (6 PM)

*09/18/2025: Flint chapter meeting (5:30 PM)

*09/18/25: Legislative Committee Meeting (7:30 PM)

*09/19/2025: Convention Committee Meeting (7 PM)

*09/22/2025:Senior Division Meeting (8 PM)

*09/27/2025: Sound Board (06:00PM)

*09/30/2025: Updates for all chapter and divisions to their membership
portal must be complete for convention!

*10/01/2025: All Resolutions must be submitted for State Convention

*10/03/2025: NFBMI Fund Raising Committee Meeting (06:00PM)

*10/03/2025: Fundraiser Committee meeting (6 PM)

*10/03/2025: NFBMI Communications Committee Meeting (8 PM)

*10/04/2025: New Wayne County Chapter meeting (12 PM)

*10/07/2025: At Large Chapter Meeting (6:00PM)

*10/11/2025: MIABS meeting (11:00 AM)

*10/13/2025: NFBMI Youth and Family Committee Meeting (07:00PM)

*10/15/2025: Convention Online Registration closes

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