[NFBNJ] NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 11/24/202

Tue Nov 25 12:26:39 UTC 2025

President’s NotebookNational Federation of the BlindMark A. Riccobono
officeofthepresident at nfb.org410-659-9314

Dear Federation Family,

For this Thanksgiving week, I was thinking about what to write to you and
my mind wandered to leaders who have been part of this group in the past.
When my mind went to Joe Ruffalo, I knew what I should write. Here is my
Federation THANKSGIVING Gratitude List for 2025—feel free to share this
widely with others: T H A N K S G I V I N G – Gratitude in Our Shared
MovementT — Transformation through Collective Action
The power we have to reshape systems, expectations, and lives when blind
people work together.H — Hope Rooted in Lived Experience
Our confidence in the future grows from the authentic stories and
leadership of blind individuals.A — Accessibility Advancements We Drive
>From technology to policy to culture, we lead the push for full
accessibility grounded in real needs.N — Networks of Support and Belonging
Affiliates, chapters, and divisions fueled by friendships that make no
blind person feel alone.K — Knowledge-Sharing Across Generations
Mentorship, leadership development, and the passing forward of experience
that melds  with emerging generations with new insights.S —
Self-Determination for Every Blind Person
Our unwavering belief in the capacity of blind people to direct their own
lives.G — Growth of Our Movement
New members, new leaders, and expanding partnerships amplifying the reach
of our mission.I — Innovation Driven by Blind Creativity
Bold ideas—from technology to advocacy—that emerge authentically from the
blind community.V — Voice in Policy and Public Attitudes
Our influential, organized voice that ensures blind people redefine
blindness in society and demonstrate there are no boundaries.I — Inclusion
That’s More Than a Buzzword
A genuine, lived practice of welcoming all blind people into meaningful
participation and reframing equal access.N — National Presence with
Neighborhood Impact
>From Washington, DC, to neighborhoods across America, our work touches
lives everywhere.G — Generosity of Spirit and Service
Members freely giving time, energy, expertise, and heart to lift one
another and build the future for ourselves. I am grateful to be part of our
Federation family. Warmly,Mark

*Understanding and Navigating Vocational Rehabilitation: Information
Session:*

Join us for the National Federation of the Blind “Understanding and
Navigating Vocational Rehabilitation: Information Session,” hosted by the
National Association of Blind Students. This session will take place on
December 16, 2025, from 7:30-9:00 p.m., Eastern, via Zoom.

Federation leaders will provide an overview of the vocational
rehabilitation (VR) process, including available services, eligibility
requirements, and strategies for effectively engaging with VR programs.

Complete the Understanding Vocational Rehabilitation Form
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/vr-information-session> to
receive event details. Please direct all questions to Nikki Jackson at
njackson at nfb.org or call 410-659-9314, extension 2404.

*Tomorrow: Mastering Leadership and Communication:*

The National Federation of the Blind National Organization of Blind Black
Leaders (NOBBL) invites you to join them tomorrow, Tuesday, November 25, at
7:00 p.m., Eastern, for a presentation on leadership and communication.

The presenter, Mr. Wendell Price of the NFB of South Carolina, has more
than thirty years of executive leadership in human services, higher
education, and high-level consulting. He will share tools and techniques to
help you communicate confidently, lead more effectively, and prepare you to
navigate challenging conversations, which can be useful especially during
the upcoming holiday season.

Zoom link: https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/8204086286?omn=98912509351

Meeting ID: 820 408 6286

One Tap Mobile: +1 646 876 9923,,8204086286#US (New York)

Dates to Keep in Mind:

   - January 26-29, 2026: Washington Seminar
   - July 3-8, 2026: National Convention; Austin, Texas
   - July 2-7, 2027: National Convention; Austin, Texas
   - July 3-8, 2028: National Convention; Chicago, Illinois
   - July 2-7, 2029: National Convention; Chicago, Illinois

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.

Mark A. Riccobono, President
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
410-659-9314 | Officeofthepresident at nfb.org

Please engage with me through Riccobono Personal AI
<https://riccobono.personal.ai/messaging/profile>
Mastodon: @President at nfb.social
Pronouns: he, him, his

[image: National Federation of the Blind] <https://nfb.org/>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbnj_nfbnet.org/attachments/20251125/ed3b4ec2/attachment.htm>