[NFBNJ] NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 03/06/2026

[NFB of NJ President]

*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,



Although Selection Sunday is still more than a week away, it feels like
March Madness has already begun. There is a lot of excitement around the
Federation as we start onboarding registrants for our 2026 National
Convention <http://www.nfb.org/convention> in Austin, Texas. At the same
time, we are in full-court-advocacy mode with many state affiliates
managing state legislative sessions while also contributing to our national
advocacy agenda. As you heard last evening on the Presidential Release Live
<https://www.youtube.com/live/EvoELuBR7jc?si=_tRV1dHs2cGOOEkB>, we have a
number of key areas that require the attention of Federation members beyond
our legislative agenda. We want to track closely what is happening, or not,
at the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights, and we hope to give
the government further evidence of why it needs to hold the line on digital
accessibility standards for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.



*Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Advocacy Academy:*

The NFB IEP Advocacy Academy empowers parents and blind adults to become
knowledgeable advocates, ensuring that blind and low‑vision students
receive an equal and accessible education. Society’s low expectations and
the complexity of the IEP process often create barriers, but trained
advocates help families navigate challenges and push for strong,
well‑constructed IEPs.



Through comprehensive training in education law, advocacy strategies, and
best practices, participants join a nationwide network committed to
improving outcomes for blind students. Together we build the confidence,
skills, and collective power needed to help every blind child live the life
they want.


Apply for the IEP Advocacy Academy
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/individualized-education-plans> by
March 22.



*National Convention 2026 Registration Open:*

Attend the biggest event of the year: the 2026 National Convention of the
National Federation of the Blind—a truly exciting and memorable event in a
new destination. A wide range of seminars for blind adults, parents of
blind children, technology enthusiasts, job seekers, and other groups will
kick the week off on Friday, July 3, in Austin, Texas. Registration for
#NFB26 is now open at https://nfb.org/registration. More details about
convention are available at https://nfb.org/convention.



*Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards:*

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is now accepting nominations and
recommendations for the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards. This award recognizes
individuals and organizations that develop initiatives, programs, or
innovations to advance the lives of blind people.



The application, eligibility criteria, and award details are available at
nfb.org/Bolotin
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/dr-jacob-bolotin-awards>
.





*First-Timer Convention Scholarship:*

The Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship provides funding support for
active NFB members, blind or sighted, who have never attended an in-person
NFB National Convention.



Interested members may apply for the Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship
<https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship>
and
can review detailed eligibility requirements in the latest *Braille Monitor*
 article
<https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm26/bm2601/bm260111.htm>. The
application deadline is April 15, 2026.





*NFB Scholarship Program:*

We are accepting applications for the 2026 NFB Scholarship Program. We
offer a range of scholarships for blind students to support their
educational and professional goals. In addition to the $10,000 cash award,
each recipient receives funding to attend our national convention and
opportunities to network with blind students and connect with hundreds of
blind professionals.



Apply for the 2026 scholarship program.
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program>
The
application deadline is March 31, 2026. Students can review the eligibility
requirements, rules, and submission checklist for more information.
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program/scholarship-program-faqs>





*NFB Teachers of Tomorrow:*

Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 National Federation of the
Blind Teachers of Tomorrow cohort. NFB Teachers of Tomorrow is an immersive
professional development program that connects teachers of blind and
low-vision students to the lived experiences of blind people. The program
will equip participants with knowledge of the skills and attitudes that can
help blind students thrive in school and beyond. Please encourage teachers
of blind students in your affiliate to apply for this opportunity and help
circulate the application information to any university programs that
prepare teachers of blind students where you have contacts. For more
information, visit
https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/teachers-tomorrow.





*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
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