[NFBNJ] NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 06/02/2025

Sat Jun 7 12:00:00 UTC 2025

*President’s Notebook*
National Federation of the Blind
Mark A. Riccobono
officeofthepresident at nfb.org410-659-9314

Dear Federation Family,

Note that the online registration has closed for our national convention in
New Orleans, Louisiana. It will be here before we know it. The next
deadline will be for the submission of proposed resolutions to the
committee which need to be in by next Sunday, June 8.

Critical Actions:*Presidential Release Recording for Chapters*

The June Presidential Release chapter recording
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases> is
available. Please share the chapter recording as part of your chapter
meeting agenda and discuss the topics among members. The topics this month
include the convention registration deadline, introduction of the Access
Technology Affordability Act and the Websites and Software Applications
Accessibility Act, and our partnership with Innosearch.

*Reminder: No June or July Presidential Release Live:*

There will not be a Presidential Release Live in June or July. Tune in to
the Presidential Report during the 2025 National Convention on July 11.

Convention:*National Convention Agenda is Available:*

The 2025 National Convention agenda
<https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2025-national-convention-agenda>
is
available! The agenda will be available in multiple formats. We will post
each format as it becomes available at nfb.org/convention.

*Volunteers Needed for NFB25:*

We need more help! The national convention relies on hundreds of
volunteers—which include members, supporters, and friends. We need your
help to make the convention successful, enjoyable, and accessible for all
participants. Seek volunteers to get involved. There is an opportunity for
everyone.  Review the descriptions and complete the volunteer form
<https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/volunteer-opportunities>.

*National Association of Blind Veterans Scholarships:*

The National Association of Blind Veterans is giving three $1,000
first-timer scholarships to three blind veterans to attend this year’s
National Federation of the Blind Convention. Scholarships will be awarded
on a first-come-first-served basis. Eligibility requirements are simple;
one must be a blind veteran and attend the division meeting to be held on
July 10 and attend all of the general sessions of the convention.

All applicants must contact the president of the National Association of
Blind Veterans at mr_president at nabv.org by June 25 and provide name, branch
of service and rank, address, and phone number. The three recipients will
be announced on June 25.

*National Federation of the Blind National Convention Career Fair:*

Join us for the National Federation of the Blind National Convention Career
Fair on July 9, 1:00–4:00 p.m., Central. Hosted by the National Employment
Committee, this event is an opportunity for blind and low-vision people
seeking jobs to connect with employers and is an opportunity for employers
to seek more talent for their teams.

National Convention Jobseeker Registration
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/career-fair-jobseeker-registration>

National Convention Employer Registration
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&action=preview&id=621>

To prepare job seekers and employers, the Employment Committee will be
hosting “Getting Career-Fair Ready: For Jobseekers and Employers” virtual
seminars designed to provide strategies for creating the most positive
experience while attending the fair. Individuals will automatically be
registered for these events once they have registered for the career fair.
For more information on the career fair or virtual seminars, please contact
Charles Bennett, jobseeker liaison, at cbennett at cocenter.org, or Kris
Colcock, employer liaison, at kris at colcock.com.

News: *Blind Federal Employees:*

We know that federal employees with disabilities have been
disproportionately affected by recent reductions in the federal employment
workforce, and we are doing all we can to help our blind colleagues. If you
are aware of blind federal workers impacted by the government layoffs,
please encourage them to submit the Employment Interest Form
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/general-interest-form> to
receive announcements about career opportunities. Thanks to our partners at
the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults, these individuals
can also apply for support
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/federal-workers/convention-support-application>
to
participate in career activities at the national convention in New Orleans.

*Legislative Priorities:*

We currently have four bills that have been introduced in the 119th
Congress--three in the House of Representatives and one in the Senate. They
are:

In the House of Representatives

Blind Americans Return to Work Act – H.R. 1175

Access Technology Affordability Act – H.R. 1529

Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act – H.R. 3417

In the Senate

Access Technology Affordability Act – S. 1918

To learn more about any of the above legislative priorities, we suggest
listening to the recording of the recent Government Affairs Zoom Call, link
and password above. We would love to have a strong showing on these bills
as we head into our national convention, so please be sure to call or email
your member of Congress and urge them to cosponsor our legislation. Both
the House and Senate are in session this week, so this is a perfect time to
contact your member of Congress.

*Catch up on Content and Share on Social Media:*

Highlights, news, and stories are available in our most recent
publications. Access and share articles and episodes with Federationists on
affiliate and division social media to create discussions on various topics.

   - June *Braille Monitor*
   <https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm25/bm2506/bm2506tc.htm>
   - *Access On* podcast
   <https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/access-on-podcast>
episodes
   with transcripts available on AI visual interpretation, Innosearch
   partnership, Google Meet, and more!
   - *Nation’s Blind Podcast*
   <https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/nations-blind-podcast>
episodes
   with transcripts available on travel, technology, resolutions, and more!

Dates to Keep in Mind:

(all times eastern)

   - June 8: Deadline to submit resolutions <resolutions at nfb.org> for the
   2025 National Convention.
   - July 8-13: National Convention; New Orleans, Louisiana
   - January 26-29, 2026: Washington Seminar

*Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement*

   - Wednesday, August 6
   - 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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