[NFBNJ] President's Notebook Week of 06/15/2026

Thu Jun 18 12:00:00 UTC 2026

*President’s Notebook*

*National Federation of the Blind*

*Mark A. Riccobono*

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

*410-659-9314*

*Convention:*

*Virtual Experience Registration:*

Registration for the virtual experience is open throughout convention;
there is no deadline.

*Convention Agenda is Available in Multiple Formats:*

The 2026 national convention agenda
<https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2026-national-convention-agenda>
is
now available in Word, BRF, and Spanish formats. An audio version will be
posted once it's finalized.

*NEW: Convention Agenda DIY Builder:*

We’re pleased to offer the Convention Agenda DIY Builder
<https://nfb26.atguys.com/>, created by A. T. Guys. This member-driven
contribution allows attendees to select sessions they plan to attend and
generate a custom calendar file that can be imported into their preferred
calendar app.

The builder is intended to complement the official convention agenda. As
schedules may change, the most current and accurate information will always
be available at nfb.org. We welcome feedback from those who choose to use
this additional planning option. Please share your feedback by emailing
communications at nfb.org.

*Volunteers Needed for Independence Market During National Convention:*

If you are interested in volunteering at the Independence Market during the
2026 National Convention, please contact Danielle McCann at dmccann at nfb.org for
more information. Opportunities are available for demonstrators and
storekeepers, and all assistance is greatly appreciated.

*NFB Youth Slam Reunion – National Convention 2026:*

Are you a former NFB Youth Slam participant attending National Convention
in Austin? Join us for the NFB Youth Slam Reunion on Monday, July 6, from
6:00–8:00 p.m. in the Brazos Room at the JW Marriott Austin! Reconnect with
fellow alumni, network with past participants and mentors, learn about
upcoming NFB youth programming, and take part in fun engineering challenges
inspired by past Youth Slam activities—including marshmallow towers and
index card fractals. Whether you attended recently or years ago, we hope to
see you there!

*Nation’s Blind Podcast, Access On Webinar, and Walking Alone and Marching
Together* *Podcast:*

Listen to "Mother's Day and Father's Day: Honoring Blind Moms and Dads." In
this episode of the *Nation’s Blind Podcast*, Melissa and Anil are joined
by Corbb O’Connor and Deja Powell to discuss their experiences as blind
parents and share advice for new or future moms and dads:
https://buff.ly/vtm5tk4

Episode 79 of *Access On*, is on. This week, it’s a recap of Apple’s WWDC
keynote. We delve deep into the new Siri AI, other Apple Intelligence
features, new trust and safety features, and more. You can look forward to
sharing your views in future episodes on what Apple announces. Subscribe to
Access On wherever you get podcasts, or download the audio for this episode
at: https://buff.ly/JifwSxN

Tune in to episode thirty-three of our *Walking Alone and Marching
Together* podcast
titled, "Episode 33: Chapter 10 - Sheltered Workshops and Blind Alleys,
Part 1." Listen at https://buff.ly/MsJb4L2 or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts,
or on Amazon Music.

*Reminders:*

*NFB Camp:*

NFB Camp will again be part of convention. We ask affiliates and divisions
to consider helping with this expense. We provide this service to families
for a nominal fee; therefore, your help is greatly appreciated. Please make
all contributions for NFB Camp payable to National Federation of the Blind
and mail it to 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230, Attention:
Fiscal Services – NFB Camp and write NFB Camp in the check memo. Please
send an email to fiscalservices at nfb.org to let us know the name of the
organization or division and the amount of the contribution.

*PAC:*

Before you start PACing for convention, please consider supporting the PAC
program with a contribution toward the PAC gift-card prizes. During the
convention, those who participate in PAC, either signing up or increasing
their donation, are eligible to win gift cards. Please support our PAC
program with a donation to the prize fund. Checks for PAC prizes are to be
payable to National Federation of the Blind and mailed to Attention: Fiscal
Services-PAC, 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; include “PAC
prizes” in the check memo. Also, please send an email to PAC at nfb.org to let
us know to expect your organization’s support.

*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, 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
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/>
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