[NFBNJ] NFB President's Notebook - Week of 02/18/2026

Wed Feb 18 20:58:17 UTC 2026

*President’s Notebook*

*National Federation of the Blind*

*Mark A. Riccobono*

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

*410-659-9314*

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.

*Summer Internship Opportunity:*

The National Federation of the Blind’s (NFB) 2026 Summer Internship Program
offers a unique opportunity to make an impact while gaining professional
experience. Interns work on projects that advance innovation and raise
expectations for blind people nationwide.

This paid, ten-week internship runs from June 1–August 7 at NFB
headquarters in Baltimore and includes participation in the NFB National
Convention in Austin, Texas. Apply by March 14 to help shape the future and
build leadership skills
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/summer-internship-program>.

*2026 Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium:*

This year’s Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium will take place March
26–27 at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute in
Baltimore, Maryland. Our theme for 2026 is "Collaboration and Creativity:
Addressing Challenges and Advancing Opportunities Now and in the Future."
Attendees will experience interactive workshops and in-depth plenary
sessions focused on intersectional representation in the disability rights
community. Registration is now open. A hotel block is available at the
Courtyard Baltimore Downtown McHenry Row (1803 Porter Street, Baltimore, MD
21230
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/1803+Porter+Street,+Baltimore,+MD+21230?entry=gmail&source=g>),
with a room rate of $159, plus taxes and fees, per night. To reserve your
room, call 443-853-9918 and mention the "National Federation of the Blind
JTLS2026," or book online through the Marriott website
<https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1765306812041&key=GRP&app=resvlink&_branch_match_id=1302272576938599399&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXTywo0MtNLCrKzC8p0UvOz9UvSi3OyczLtgdK2ALZZSCOWmaKraG5mamxgZmFoZGBiaFadmqlrXtQgFpdUWpaKlB3Xnp8UlF%2BeXFqka1zRlF%2BbioAWF4%2Bd2AAAAA%3D>.
The hotel block deadline is Wednesday, March 9, 2026. We will operate
complimentary shuttles between the Courtyard and the NFB Jernigan Institute
throughout the conference. To learn more about the symposium, visit Jacobus
tenBroek Disability Law Symposium | National Federation of the Blind
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/jacobus-tenbroek-disability-law-symposium>.

*Access On** Webinar: Working with 1Password:*

1Password is a powerful, accessible password and information manager that
works on multiple operating systems and browsers. In this *Access On*
webinar, Tuesday, February 24, 2:00-3:30 p.m., we’ll introduce you to the
key features of 1Password, ensuring you have a unique password for every
website you visit, available on every browser and every device you use.
Learn how to get started with 1Password and integrate it into your daily
computer and smartphone use.

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

*2026 NFB Youth Programs: NFB BELL Academy and NFB STEM2U:*

The National Federation of the Blind is excited to announce its 2026 youth
programming through the NFB BELL? Academy and NFB STEM2U programs. The NFB
BELL Academy builds Braille literacy, nonvisual skills, and confidence for
blind and low-vision children through hands-on learning. NFB STEM2U offers
accessible, hands-on STEM experiences that encourage exploration,
problem-solving, and interest in STEM careers. Programs will be offered in
multiple locations in 2026. Learn more and register at nfb.org/bell and
nfb.org/stem2u.

*Letter to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Regarding Autonomous Vehicles:*

On February 2, we sent a letter to the chair and ranking member of the
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The letter urged
the committee leaders to include a national autonomous vehicle framework in
the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act. The full letter can be
found on the policy statements page
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements> of our
website.

*Letter from Nine Affiliate Presidents to their Attorneys General Regarding
Section 504 Lawsuit:*

On February 12, a coalition of nine affiliates of the National Federation
of the Blind (Texas, Alaska, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri,
Montana, and South Dakota) sent a joint letter to each state’s attorney
general regarding a new Section 504 lawsuit. This letter can be read in its
entirety on the policy statements page
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements> of our
website.

*Reminders:*

*Student Regional Seminar: Registration Closes Friday:*

Encourage blind students to register for the NFB Regional Student Seminar,
hosted by the National Association of Blind Students, taking place from
March 13–15, in Chicago, Illinois. Students will learn effective
communication for success in school, employment, and advocacy. Participants
will learn from their peers, explore access technology, and build
relationships with Federation leaders and professionals. Learn more about
the program and register for the Midwest Student Seminar.
<https://nabslink.org/civicrm/event/info?id=7&reset=1> The deadline is this
Friday, February 20. For more information, contact Riley Letterman at
rileyletterman07 at gmail.com.

*Dates to Keep in Mind:*

   - 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

Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement Calls

   - Wednesday, May 6
   - Wednesday, August 5
   - Wednesday, November 4

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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