[NFBNJ] NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 09/24/2025

Wed Sep 24 22:49:06 UTC 2025

*President’s Notebook*

*National Federation of the Blind*

*Mark A. Riccobono*

*officeofthepresident at nfb.org* <officeofthepresident at nfb.org>

*410-659-9314*

Dear Federation Family,

I am on the road this week, working with Federation partners in California
and Arizona. One thing that always rings true for me is that anywhere you
go in this nation, you can find Federationists and experience the
hospitality of our movement. I try to never take our network for granted,
as it is a true blessing in my life.

There are a lot of strong emotions in our nation right now, especially as
it relates to freedom of speech and public discourse. Our movement has
always valued and attempted to advance honest dialogue that is delivered in
a respectful manner. I have always appreciated the ethic at our national
convention that we treat our guests with respect, even when we deeply
disagree with their viewpoints. I want to use this moment in history to
encourage us to lean into those values. Our movement has always been driven
by hope for our own future rather than by conflict with opposing views. Do
not misunderstand, we have often had to stand firm in the face of very
difficult views about blindness or policies that hold us back. However, our
motivation has always been hope for a better tomorrow. We should continue
to focus our hearts and minds on the hopeful future we seek and use that as
our inspiration for today’s actions.

We can make a real difference by bringing this positive viewpoint to the
public during Blind Equality Achievement Month. As we struggle with the
overwhelming feelings that might exist due to the polarization in our
nation, I hope that you, like me, find great hope, strength, and energy in
the positive work of the National Federation of the Blind. Thank you for
continuing to refill my hopes on a daily basis.

*Critical Actions:*

*Presidential Release Live on October 9:*

The next Presidential Release Live will be Thursday, October 9, at 8:00
p.m. Eastern. Zoom details are coming soon. Attend to get the latest
updates on the movement, ask questions, and hear important perspectives on
the organized blind movement. Submit questions or suggestions to
communications at nfb.org.

Note: The Presidential Release chapter recordings
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases> are
available by the first Friday of each month. Please share the chapter
recording as part of your chapter meeting agenda and discuss among members.

* News:*

*Virtual Career Fair:*

Please share this opportunity with your members who are seeking employment.
To support the continued growth of our career fair, please also share with
employers in your network who are looking to hire.

Register for the National Federation of the Blind Virtual Career Fair being
held on October 28, 1:00–4:00 p.m., Eastern, via Zoom.

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

Career Fair Employer Registration
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=627>

Jobseekers: Contact our jobseeker liaison, Brianna Murray, at
brianna2393 at gmail.com.

Employers: Contact our employer liaison, Lia Stone at first.vp at nfbnj.org.

*Notice: Independence Market Prices:*

As of October 1, 2025, white canes in the Independence Market will have new
prices. Those prices are as follows:

National Federation of the Blind D canes will cost $35.

National Federation of the Blind straight fiberglass canes will cost $35.

National Federation of the Blind telescoping carbon fiber canes will cost
$45.

National Federation of the Blind folding carbon fiber canes will cost $50.

Mini telescoping carbon fiber canes will cost $50.

*Advocacy and Policy Legislative Alerts:*

Over the past four weeks, our advocacy and policy group has sent out a
series of legislative alerts to spur advocacy for our priorities in
Congress. So far, these alerts have focused on appropriations, Medicare
telehealth benefits, Department of Education funding, and the Access
Technology Affordability Act. There will be two more coming: one this week
and one next week. Be sure to check your inboxes toward the end of the week.

*Accessibility Boutique:*

The next accessibility boutique will be held on Tuesday, September 30, at
2:00 p.m. Eastern, on what is new in iOS 26, the operating system powering
iPhone. There are plenty of new accessibility features this year, including
a new Braille Access Mode. To join the boutique, please register at:

https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events/accessibility-boutique-reg

*NFB Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge:*

As part of our end-of-year campaign, we issued the NFB Coast-to-Coast
Movement Challenge. We are participating in the Bay Bridge Run on November
9 and the California International Marathon on December 7.

*Bay Bridge Run*

November 9 in Maryland
Virtual or on-site
Contribute to the Bay Bridge Run <https://nfb.org/contribute/BayBridge>

Lace up and join the NFB National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
for a 10k walk/run across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. This is your chance to
forge connections with your community, empower others to get active, and
support education, independence, and opportunities for blind people.

If you cannot attend on-site, you can still participate virtually. Our
chapters, divisions, and affiliates can even complete the challenge as a
White Cane Awareness Day activity during Blind Equality Achievement Month.

Registration:

   - On-site: Complete the On-Site Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge form
   <https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=113571&multi_use_reservation_code=XBOvlZWuXOORbx4Nn6RtuwhnCLAZIsrk>.
   A RunSignUp account is required; select the National Federation of the
   Blind Dreamers as your social team and use the team password DREAMERS25
   (all caps).
   - Virtual: Complete the Virtual Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge form
   <https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=625>.

There are multiple goals for your participation. In addition to raising
public perception of blind people, you will be raising much-needed funds.

   - On-site participants: Raise at least $500. We will waive the
   registration fee for the Bay Bridge Run.
   - Virtual participants: Raise at least $250.
   - To help you reach this goal, use the Bay Bridge Participant Toolkit
   <https://nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/run-and-walk-events/bay-bridge-run/bay-bridge-run-participant-toolkit>,
   which includes sample emails, social media posts, and scripts.

Contribute to the Bay Bridge Run <https://nfb.org/contribute/BayBridge>. To
support a specific runner, write their name in the "In Honor Of" field.

If you missed our rally for chapters and affiliates, check back on
https://nfb.org/movers for the recording or reach out to Rachel Held at
extension 2423 or rheld at nfb.org.

*Dates to Keep in Mind:*

   - 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

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
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