[NFBNJ] Your Advocacy Works: Resolution 2026-01 and Protection of CBVI Staff

[NFB of NJ President]

Greetings all,

Thank you to our members, Facebook followers, and friends for your
extraordinary engagement and swift action.

Our first Facebook post generated more than 15,000 views and 130 shares,
and we have grown to 960 followers. Your immediate response sent a clear
and powerful message to the DHS 2026 Transition Team: we will not tolerate
careless actions that jeopardize vital services for blind New Jerseyans.

Because of your advocacy and the Union, the DHS 2026 Transition Team has
rescinded its demand that 70 unclassified New Jersey Commission for the
Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) employees submit their resignations,
includingTeachers of the Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility
instructors.

I have received calls to thank the leadership and members of the National
Federation of the Blind of New Jersey for our swift and effective advocacy
on behalf of CBVI staff and consumers. Our collective efforts—alongside the
Union—made this outcome possible.

In addition, the NFB of NJ Board of Directors voted to pass *Resolution
2026-01, Regarding the Immediate Protection of Specialized Blindness
Services Staff at the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually
Impaired*.

Resolutions are the official policy statements of the National Federation
of the Blind of New Jersey and are typically established each year at our
state convention. At times, resolutions may also be presented and adopted
by the NFB NJ Board of Directors when timely action is needed between
conventions. These resolutions carry the same official weight and reflect
the affiliate’s ongoing commitment to addressing urgent issues affecting
blind New Jerseyans.

*Summary of Resolution 2026-01*

The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey condemns any action that
would force the resignation or removal of specialized, non-political staff
at CBVI, particularly Teachers of Blind Students and Orientation and
Mobility Instructors. These professionals are already in critically short
supply and are essential to Braille literacy, independent travel,
education, employment readiness, and independence for blind New Jerseyans.

The resolution expresses grave concern over reports that the
Governor-elect’s transition team sought mass resignations within the
Department of Human Services, including CBVI staff. Such actions would
destabilize blindness services, harm blind children and adults, and
potentially violate state and federal law. The NFB of NJ rejects the notion
that blind people should suffer harm during a political transition.

The resolution demands:

   -

   The immediate exemption of all specialized CBVI staff from any
   resignation requests
   -

   A clear and public commitment from the Governor-elect to protect
   blindness services and staffing
   -

   Assurance that no changes affecting CBVI occur without meaningful
   consultation with the organized blind community

Copies of the resolution are being sent to state leadership and relevant
officials.

To view the resolution in its entirety, please click the link below:
-01: Regarding the Immediate Protection of Specialized Blindness Services
Staff at the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
<https://nfbnj.org/resolutions/2026-resolutions#2026-01>


Warmly,
*Linda Melendez, President*

National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
Phone: 908-590-1747
Email: president at nfbnj.org

NFBNJ Events Calendar:
Events Calendar | National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
<https://nfbnj.org/events-calendar>

NFBNJ on Facebook:
https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238



To set up a 30-minute meeting to  talk about the National Federation of the
Blind of NJ, please click on the link below

https://calendly.com/lindamelendez220/30min
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