[NFBNJ] NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 08/11/2025

[NFBNJ President]

*President’s NotebookNational Federation of the BlindMark A. Riccobono*
*officeofthepresident at nfb.org <officeofthepresident at nfb.org>410-659-9314*



Dear Federation Family,


I hope this message finds everyone staying cool and safe. I know that many
have been impacted by significant rainstorms that have made their way
through the Midwest. Please continue to let us know about members who might
need help.




*2026 American Action Fund Braille Calendars Available:*

Thanks to the generosity of the American Action Fund for Blind Children and
Adults, Individual blind people can order up to three Braille calendars for
2026. Requests from individuals will be fulfilled through the end of the
year. Calendar requests should be sent to calendars at actionfund.org. Please
allow up to two weeks for delivery.


*National Convention Highlights:*

Thanks again to our members, sponsors, exhibitors, and everyone who made
#NFB25 a success. Access the 2025 National Convention highlights
<https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/past-conventions/2025-national-convention>
now
to relive the most powerful moments.


*Save the Date: Bay Bridge Run as Part of Our Coast-to-Coast Movement
Challenge:*

The National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC) is again
welcoming any and all to participate in person by walking or running the
Bay Bridge in Maryland on November 9. Mark your calendars and plan to move
with us. Registration information will be coming soon. Learn more at
https://nfb.org/movers.



*Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act Introduced in
Congress:*Late last month, Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Steve Daines
(R-MT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced
S. 2438, the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act.
Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA-3) and Pete Sessions (R-TX-17) also
introduced an identical companion bill in the House, H.R. 4771. Now it’s
time for all of us to contact our senators and representatives to request
they cosponsor this legislation so we can once and for all abolish
subminimum wages for disabled Americans!


*Teachers of Tomorrow:*

We are excited to have selected the 2025-2026 National Federation of the
Blind Teachers of Tomorrow cohort. This immersive professional development
opportunity connects early career teachers of blind students with the lived
experiences of blind people, helping them have higher expectations for
their students throughout their careers. This year we are excited to have
teachers from the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho,
Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia,
and Washington.



Contact information for teachers in your affiliate will be emailed to you
shortly. Please reach out to them and welcome them to the Federation.


*Blind Equality Achievement Month Planning:*

The National Federation of the Blind celebrates the organized blind
movement during October each year. Chapters across the country organize
local outreach events. Submit your events, activities, and celebrations to
web at nfb.org so they can be posted on https://nfb.org/blind-month. Reminder:
please use the terms Blind Equality Achievement Month, Blind Month, or
#BlindMonth when referring to and promoting activities.



One idea for an activity for Blind Equality Achievement Month: Plan an
event around virtual participation in the Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge
as a chapter or an affiliate. Members and friends can walk together on a
date you choose. Visit https://nfb.org/movers and learn more.



Please consider organizing an event for White Cane Awareness Day on October
15 with the White Cane Awareness Day Proclamation template. The template is
available to print or share digitally. Fill in the details of your local
area and identify a city council member or mayor to sponsor the
proclamation. Please note that the event can also take place the weekend
before or after October 15 if needed.

   - White Cane Awareness Day Proclamation (HTML)
   <https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/meet-blind-month/white-cane-awareness-day-proclamation>
   - White Cane Awareness Day Proclamation (Word)
   <https://nfb.org/images/nfb/documents/word/white-cane-awareness-day-proclamation-final.docx>

  Dates to Keep in Mind:

(all times Eastern)
*Save the Date*

   - October: Blind Equality Achievement Month
   - January 26-29, 2026: Washington Seminar
   - July 8-13, 2026: National Convention; Austin, Texas


*Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement*

   - Wednesday, November 5


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.
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