[NFBNJ] NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 10/21/2025

Tue Oct 21 16:51:32 UTC 2025

President’s Notebook
National Federation of the Blind Mark A. Riccobono
officeofthepresident at nfb.org 410-659-9314

Dear Federation Family,

The purpose of the National Federation of the Blind is to serve as a
vehicle for collective action by the blind (NFB Constitution as amended 2022
<https://nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/constitution>). I raise
this simple point because I notice that sometimes state affiliates start to
position the organization to serve like an agency for the blind—which we
are not—or members want us to develop service models like an agency. Our
role is a critical one, and our coordination across states is something not
done anywhere else in this nation for blind people. Now is a great time to
remind ourselves of our core purpose and lean into that as we ramp up on
advocacy efforts that we feared would be necessary earlier this year.

Last week I was at the annual meeting of the American Printing House for
the Blind. Professionals in the blindness field are not used to being
advocates. We need to show them how it is done and continue to enlist their
support in letting Congress know why our programs are important and worth
defending. This is yet another way for Federation leaders to put forward
our philosophy of the blind speaking and acting for ourselves. I was proud
that, at the APH meeting, our organization was recognized for its advocacy
leadership, but we need to do more to bring the field into sharing and
advancing our priorities.

To all those with fall conventions, keep up the great work. There have been
a number of great reports about affiliates truly building momentum at the
grassroots level. Best wishes to the many affiliates who have conventions
coming in the following weeks.
News:

The following content contains information to share in your affiliate
communications—simply copy and paste to affiliate’s social media,
newsletters, and direct communications as needed.
  *Bay Bridge Run:*

Registration is still open for the Bay Bridge Run. Select a representative
from your chapter to register or come walk with us in person on November 9.
Details and the links to register and donate can be found at
https://nfb.org/BayBridge.

*“Using AI Tools for Employment” Boutique:*

Join the National Federation of the Blind’s Center of Excellence in
Nonvisual Accessibility on October 27, from 2:00–3:30 p.m., Eastern, to
learn how you can use artificial intelligence (AI) tools for employment.
Topics we will cover include:

   - Writing and editing documents and presentations
   - Taking notes and summarizing meetings
   - Using deep research to find information
   - Using AI tools to overcome accessibility barriers

Register for the “Using AI in Employment” Boutique
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events/accessibility-boutique-reg>
to
receive the Zoom link.
*Where the Blind Work Webinar:*

To celebrate Blind Equality Achievement Month, join the National Federation
of the Blind for the “Where the Blind Work Webinar: Arts and Entertainment”
on October 30, 8:00–9:00 p.m., Eastern, via Zoom. This informative
discussion will feature a panel of blind professionals sharing insights
into their typical workdays, how they advocate for job accommodations, and
the techniques they use to be successful at work. Our panelists are:

Natalie Trevon, Accessibility Coordinator, FIFA World Cup 2026, Florida
Christina Jones, Musician/Performer, Texas
Jourdain Searles, Film Critic/Stand-Up Comedian/Writer, New York

Register for the Where the Blind Work Webinar by October 30 at 5 p.m.,
Eastern.
*NFB BELL and NFB STEM2U Coordinators Needed:*

The NFB BELL® Academy offers hands-on Braille learning with positive blind
role models. NFB STEM2U delivers accessible, nonvisual STEM activities that
build essential skills. Affiliates planning to host either program in
spring/summer 2026 should appoint coordinators by December 5 to receive
timely updates. Email coordinator names and email addresses to
education at nfb.org, noting which program each person will coordinate.
Affiliate presidents who want program-specific updates should indicate this
in the email, too. Contact Karen Anderson, education programs coordinator,
at kanderson at nfb.org or 410-659-9314, extension 2243. Thank you for your
dedication to empowering blind youth.
Dates to Keep in Mind:

(all times eastern)

   - October: Blind Equality Achievement Month
   - January 26-29, 2026: Washington Seminar
   - July 3-8, 2026: National Convention; Austin, Texas

Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement

   - Wednesday, November 5

Chapter Presidents Calls

   - Thursday, December 11 and Sunday, December 14

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
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/200+East+Wells+Street,+Baltimore,+MD+21230?entry=gmail&source=g>
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/>

                         [image: Facebook]
<http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind>    [image: Twitter]
<https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice>    [image: Youtube]
<https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind>

The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends
who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we
work together to help blind people live the lives they want.
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