[NFBNJ] NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 05/11/2026

Tue May 12 19:01:28 UTC 2026

*President’s Notebook*
National Federation of the BlindMark A. Riccobono
officeofthepresident at nfb.org410-659-9314

*Deadline Approaching for #NFB26 Early Registration:*

Register early for the 2026 National Federation of the Blind National
Convention because prices go up if you register on site in Austin, Texas.
Registration includes the biggest event of the year, access to the event
app, and communications on the latest news and events. Register now at
https://nfb.org/registration.

*Kenneth Jernigan Leadership-In-Service Program:*

If you are interested in embarking on a transformative journey that will
shape you into a powerful advocate for blind individuals, foster your
personal growth, and contribute to the continued building of the organized
blind movement, we invite you to apply for the next cohort of our Kenneth
Jernigan Leadership-In-Service Program (KJLSP). For more information and to
apply, visit
https://nfb.org/programs-services/kenneth-jernigan-leadership-service-program
.

*Dare to Be Remarkable 2026:*

The Dare to Be Remarkable Conference is a specialized, multi-day,
professional development experience designed for an audience of education
and rehabilitation professionals who work with blind and low‑vision adults
and transition‑aged youth. This conference brings together a balanced mix
of practitioners, administrators, and emerging professionals who are
committed to raising expectations and strengthening outcomes. The
conference will take place from November 18-20, 2026, at the NFB Jernigan
Institute. For more information visit
https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/dare-be-remarkable.

*Access On Seminar – Creating Websites as a Blind Person:*

The next *Access On* seminar, “Creating Websites as a Blind Person,” will
be held on Wednesday, May 13, 1:00–5:00 p.m., Eastern. This seminar will
include an overview of tools, techniques, and tips for setting up and
maintaining a website and writing for the web. Register here.
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events/accessibility-boutique-reg>

*Braille Monitor May Issue and Early Access Articles:*

The *Braille Monitor* is our flagship publication and the magazine for the
organized blind movement. Early access articles are made available for
relevant and urgent information and updates and will be featured in future
full issues as needed and determined by the President and editor. Access
the latest issue and articles:

   - *Braille Monitor* Vol 69 No 5 May 2026
   <https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm26/bm2605/bm2605tc.htm>
   - “Death of Blind Refugee in Buffalo Ruled Homicide
   <https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/braille-monitor/early-access-articles/death-blind-refugee-buffalo>
   ”
   - “Justice Department Delays Web Accessibility Requirements; Federation
   Calls for Immediate Reversal
   <https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/braille-monitor/early-access-articles/justice-department-delays>
   ”

*Meta Glasses Are Now Available in the Independence Market:*

The second-generation Meta Glasses are available for purchase from the
Independence Market! Currently, orders can only be placed by phone. Online
purchasing through our eCommerce website will be available soon. The retail
price is $369.00, excluding shipping costs. For additional information, or
to place an order, please contact the Independence Market directly.

*Fresh New NFB Shirts Are Here:*

Get ready for the national convention in style with our brand-new stock of
NFB shirts! Choose from comfortable cotton polos or sporty Sport-Tek-styles
perfect for showing your NFB pride wherever you go. Available colors are
black, white, and blue. Any of these options can be yours today for just
$30 each! Don’t wait! Grab your gear now and be convention-ready! Call the
Independence Market today to place your order. Online ordering will be
available soon, making it even easier to get your favorite shirts.

*Podcast Episodes:*

All National Federation of the Blind podcast audio and transcripts are
available at nfb.org/publications, or you can subscribe to them all on your
favorite podcast client.

   - Listen to "Our Stories, Our Mission: The People Behind the Organized
   Blind Movement (Part One)." In this episode of the *Nation’s Blind
   Podcast*, Melissa and Anil are joined by Gary Wunder. They dive into the
   story of Adelmo Vigil, president of the NFB of New Mexico. They discuss how
   he overcame obstacles such as being prevented from learning Braille, being
   told that he couldn’t teach in a mainstream public school, and his advocacy
   in the organized blind movement: https://buff.ly/SHMQYLA
   - Tune into Episode 74 of *Access On*. We bring you highlights of a
   recent *Access On* webinar looking at some of the AI-based visual
   interpretation apps. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Seeing AI,
   Be My AI, Gemini, ChatGPT ScribeMe, Ally, and AI services from Aira,
   including a rare public demonstration of the work Aira is doing with
   Project Astra. Listen to this week’s episode: https://buff.ly/8UaLwry
   - Listen to episode twenty-eight of our *Walking Alone and Marching
   Together* podcast titled, "Episode 28: Chapter 8 - The Third Generation
   and the Maurer Presidency, Part 1:" Listen at https://buff.ly/G7q9wfm

*Keep NFB Advancing: Give $25 Campaign:*

We recently launched the Keep NFB Advancing: Give $25 Campaign. This year’s
theme—Keep NFB Advancing: Connections, Community, and Opportunity—reflects
what we build together as a Federation. Through strong relationships, an
engaged and growing community, and a shared commitment to expanding
opportunity, we continue to raise expectations and transform what is
possible for blind people.

The campaign will run from May 15 through July 7, 2026. Each contribution
of $25 provides one entry into our drawing, with the winner to be announced
at the national convention banquet. Participants will have the opportunity
to win roundtrip transportation to the 2027 National Convention, hotel
accommodations, registration, banquet tickets, and $1,000 in spending
money—or a $2,000 cash prize.

A key part of this effort is the role of Federation Connectors—members who
help grow our movement through personal outreach. We are asking members to
invite others to participate in the campaign. When a member brings in four
donors who each contribute $25 or more and credit that member for their
gift, the member will be entered into a special drawing for a BrailleNote
Evolve, generously provided by HumanWare. This is an opportunity not only
to raise funds, but to deepen engagement and expand our network of
supporters.

Contributions to the campaign support four important funds that sustain and
strengthen our work. The Kenneth Jernigan Fund helps bring individuals to
their first national convention, supports leadership development, and more.
The SUN Fund serves as our rainy-day reserve, protecting the Federation in
times of need. The White Cane Fund provides flexible, unrestricted support
for our programs and priorities. The Jacobus tenBroek Memorial Fund
supports the property and infrastructure that makes our work possible.

Leaders are encouraged to share the campaign widely. Learn more at
nfb.org/give25. Contributions may be made at https://nfb.org/donate, and by
phone at 410-659-9314, extension 2430, or by mailing a check. Donors should
indicate which fund they wish to support; when in doubt, gifts to the White
Cane Fund provide the greatest flexibility to advance our mission.

*Dates to Keep in Mind:*

   - May 13: *Access On* seminar: Creating Websites as a Blind Person
   - May 18: Information session for Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge
   - July 3-8, 2026: National Convention; Austin, Texas
   - November 18-20: Dare to be Remarkable; Baltimore, Maryland
   - 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
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