<div dir="ltr"><div><br clear="all"></div><div><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large"></div><h1 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><a name="m_5751435320329004840_OLE_LINK9"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">President\u2019s Notebook<u></u><u></u></span></a></h1><h1 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">National Federation of the Blind<u></u><u></u></span></h1><h1 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Mark A. Riccobono<u></u><u></u></span></h1><h1 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank">officeofthepresident@nfb.org</a><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></h1><h1 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">410-659-9314<u></u><u></u></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Dear Federation Family,<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><br></span></p><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><a name="m_5751435320329004840__Hlk214893532"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal">For this Thanksgiving week, I was thinking about what to write to you and my mind wandered to leaders who have been part of this group in the past. When my mind went to Joe Ruffalo, I knew what I should write.<u></u><u></u></span></a></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal"><u></u> <u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal">Here is my Federation THANKSGIVING Gratitude List for 2025\u2014feel free to share this widely with others:<u></u><u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal"><u></u> <u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal">T H A N K S G I V I N G \u2013 Gratitude in Our Shared Movement<u></u><u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal">T \u2014 Transformation through Collective Action<br>The power we have to reshape systems, expectations, and lives when blind people work together.<u></u><u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal">H \u2014 Hope Rooted in Lived Experience<br>Our confidence in the future grows from the authentic stories and leadership of blind individuals.<u></u><u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal">A \u2014 Accessibility Advancements We Drive<br>From technology to policy to culture, we lead the push for full accessibility grounded in real needs.<u></u><u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal">N \u2014 Networks of Support and Belonging<br>Affiliates, chapters, and divisions fueled by friendships that make no blind person feel alone.<u></u><u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal">K \u2014 Knowledge-Sharing Across Generations<br>Mentorship, leadership development, and the passing forward of experience that melds  with emerging generations with new insights.<u></u><u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal">S \u2014 Self-Determination for Every Blind Person<br>Our unwavering belief in the capacity of blind people to direct their own lives.<u></u><u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal">G \u2014 Growth of Our Movement<br>New members, new leaders, and expanding partnerships amplifying the reach of our mission.<u></u><u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal">I \u2014 Innovation Driven by Blind Creativity<br>Bold ideas\u2014from technology to advocacy\u2014that emerge authentically from the blind community.<u></u><u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal">V \u2014 Voice in Policy and Public Attitudes<br>Our influential, organized voice that ensures blind people redefine blindness in society and demonstrate there are no boundaries.<u></u><u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal">I \u2014 Inclusion That\u2019s More Than a Buzzword<br>A genuine, lived practice of welcoming all blind people into meaningful participation and reframing equal access.<u></u><u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal">N \u2014 National Presence with Neighborhood Impact<br>From Washington, DC, to neighborhoods across America, our work touches lives everywhere.<u></u><u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal">G \u2014 Generosity of Spirit and Service<br>Members freely giving time, energy, expertise, and heart to lift one another and build the future for ourselves.<u></u><u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal"><u></u> <u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal">I am grateful to be part of our Federation family.<u></u><u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal"><u></u> <u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal">Warmly,<u></u><u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal">Mark</span></h2><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:18.4px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b>Understanding and Navigating Vocational Rehabilitation: Information Session:<u></u><u></u></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Join us for the National Federation of the Blind \u201cUnderstanding and Navigating Vocational Rehabilitation: Information Session,\u201d hosted by the National Association of Blind Students. This session will take place on December 16, 2025, from 7:30-9:00 p.m., Eastern, via Zoom.</span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Federation leaders will provide an overview of the vocational rehabilitation (VR) process, including available services, eligibility requirements, and strategies for effectively engaging with VR programs.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/vr-information-session" target="_blank">Complete the Understanding Vocational Rehabilitation Form</a><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> to receive event details. Please direct all questions to Nikki Jackson at </span><a href="mailto:njackson@nfb.org" target="_blank">njackson@nfb.org</a><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> or call 410-659-9314, extension 2404.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:18.4px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b>Tomorrow: Mastering Leadership and Communication:<u></u><u></u></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">The National Federation of the Blind National Organization of Blind Black Leaders (NOBBL) invites you to join them tomorrow, Tuesday, November 25, at 7:00 p.m., Eastern, for a presentation on leadership and communication.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">The presenter, Mr. Wendell Price of the NFB of South Carolina, has more than thirty years of executive leadership in human services, higher education, and high-level consulting. He will share tools and techniques to help you communicate confidently, lead more effectively, and prepare you to navigate challenging conversations, which can be useful especially during the upcoming holiday season.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Zoom link: </span><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/8204086286?omn=98912509351" target="_blank">https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/8204086286?omn=98912509351</a><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Meeting ID: 820 408 6286<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">One Tap Mobile: +1 646 876 9923,,8204086286#US (New York)<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="m_5751435320329004840MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><a name="m_5751435320329004840__Hlk183426075">Dates to Keep in Mind:<u></u><u></u></a></h2><ul type="disc" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-top:0in"><li class="m_5751435320329004840MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black;line-height:16.8667px;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:18.4px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">January 26-29, 2026: Washington Seminar<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="m_5751435320329004840MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black;line-height:16.8667px;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:18.4px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">July 3-8, 2026: National Convention; Austin, Texas<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="m_5751435320329004840MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black;line-height:16.8667px;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:18.4px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">July 2-7, 2027: National Convention; Austin, Texas<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="m_5751435320329004840MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black;line-height:16.8667px;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:18.4px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">July 3-8, 2028: National Convention; Chicago, Illinois<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="m_5751435320329004840MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black;line-height:16.8667px;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:18.4px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">July 2-7, 2029: National Convention; Chicago, Illinois<u></u><u></u></span></li></ul><p class="m_5751435320329004840MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;line-height:16.8667px;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:18.4px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></p><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:normal">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.<u></u><u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><br></h2><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mark A. Riccobono, President<br>National Federation of the Blind <br>200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230<br>410-659-9314 | <a href="mailto:Officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">Officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></a><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Please engage with me through <a href="https://riccobono.personal.ai/messaging/profile" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">Riccobono Personal AI</span></a><br>Mastodon: @President@nfb.social <br>Pronouns: he, him, his<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> <u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://nfb.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration-line:none"><img border="0" width="210" height="76" id="m_5751435320329004840_x0000_i1028" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/nfblogo.png" alt="National Federation of the Blind" class="gmail-CToWUd" style="width: 2.1875in; height: 0.7916in;"></span></a></p></div></div></div></div>