[NFBofSC] NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 05/05/202

Wed May 7 00:10:55 UTC 2025

President’s Notebook

National Federation of the Blind

Mark A. Riccobono

 <mailto:officeofthepresident at nfb.org> officeofthepresident at nfb.org

410-659-9314

Dear Federation Family,

Welcome to the busy month of May. There are many things in front of us this month, including opportunities to celebrate the moms out there as well as our military veterans. In the midst of all the activity, final details will be coming together for the Federation’s annual convention in New Orleans. John Berggren will be visiting the hotel this week and he reports that the rooms continue to go fast, although there will still be plenty of room availability at our overflow hotel. I encourage you not to delay reserving your room.

I wanted to let you know that two things are happening this week. First, the Kenneth Jernigan Committee is starting to send out letters to people being offered first-timer support. Second, our scholarship committee is meeting this weekend, and finalists will start receiving notifications next week. The scholarship committee is meeting a little later than usual due to schedules, so we wanted you to know.

I hope you are enjoying spring in your part of the country.

Critical Actions:

Presidential Release Live on May 15:

The next Presidential Release Live will be Thursday, May 15, at 8:00 p.m., Eastern, in honor of Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Zoom details are below. Attend to get the latest updates on the movement, ask questions, and hear important perspectives on the organized blind movement. Submit questions or suggestions to communications at nfb.org <mailto:communications at nfb.org> .

Presidential Release Live Zoom: https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/96380567586

One Tap Mobile: +13017158592,,96380567586# US

Zoom ID: 96380567586

Note: The Presidential Release chapter recordings <https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases>  are available by the first Friday of each month. Please share the chapter recording as part of your chapter meeting agenda and discuss among members. 

National C onvention:

Convention Resolutions:

The national convention is coming soon! Our Resolutions Committee, chaired by Donald Porterfield, is currently accepting proposed resolutions for the convention to consider. Proposed resolutions should be emailed to the committee at resolutions at nfb.org <mailto:resolutions at nfb.org> . Don’t forget, the deadline for submitting a resolution is Sunday, June 8, at midnight, eastern. Donald published a blog post on the topic of writing resolutions <https://nfb.org/blog/resolutions-101-way-drive-external-change>  last year, so be sure to check it out as you prepare to submit yours.

Reminder: Register and Book Hotel for National Convention:

Promote registration for the 2025 National Federation of the Blind National Convention <https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention> , July 8-13, in New Orleans. Let members know to register early because prices go up if you register on site in New Orleans. Registration includes the biggest event of the year, access to the event app, and communications on the latest news and events. Reserve your room by calling 888-236-2427 for the Marriott or 855-516-1090 for the Sheraton New Orleans. Ask for the “National Federation of the Blind 2025 Convention” block.

Volunteers Needed for NFB25:

National Convention is the largest gathering of blind people in the nation and relies on hundreds of volunteers—which include members, supporters, and friends. We need your help to make our convention successful, enjoyable, and accessible for all participants. Seek volunteers to get involved. Review the descriptions and complete the volunteer form <https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/volunteer-opportunities> .

Seminar for Families of Blind Children at NFB25:

Promote the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC) Annual Seminar to families in your affiliate. The NOPBC Seminar is held during the National Federation of the Blind National Convention, July 8 to 13 in New Orleans, Louisiana, where we will talk about everything from how to help your child learn how to play, how to get the most from the IEP at school, how blind children can help with chores, how technology can help blind children, and so much more. NOPBC Seminar registration is open and is separate from convention <https://nopbc.org/conference> .

National Federation of the Blind National Convention Career Fair:

Join us for the National Federation of the Blind National Convention Career Fair on July 9, 1:00–4:00 p.m., Central. Hosted by the National Employment Committee, this event is an opportunity for blind and low-vision people seeking jobs to connect with employers and is an opportunity for employers to seek more talent for their teams.

National Convention Jobseeker Registration <https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/career-fair-jobseeker-registration> 

National Convention Employer Registration <https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&action=preview&id=621> 

To prepare jobseekers and employers, the Employment Committee will be hosting “Getting Career-Fair Ready: For Jobseekers and Employers,” virtual seminars designed to provide strategies for creating the most positive experience while attending the fair. Individuals will automatically be registered for these events once they have registered for the career fair. For more information on the career fair or virtual seminars, please contact Charles Bennett, jobseeker liaison, at cbennett at cocenter.org <mailto:cbennett at cocenter.org> , or Kris Colcock, employer liaison, at  <mailto:Kris at colcok.com> Kris at colcok.com.

Career Quest at National Convention:

Join us for the National Federation of the Blind Career Quest Program, an exclusive weeklong program held during the NFB National Convention. This dynamic program is designed for blind and low-vision students eager to explore career opportunities, gain hands-on experience with access technology, and develop valuable professional connections.

If you're ready to take charge of your future, connect with mentors, and expand your career horizons, this program is for you! Learn more about Career Quest <https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/career-quest/application>  and complete the Career Quest Interest Application <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=38142&qid=11127342>  to learn more and secure your spot today.

Please direct all questions to Employment Program Coordinator, Nikki Jackson at njackson at nfb.org <mailto:njackson at nfb.org> , or 410-659-9314, extension 2404.

News:

DAN “Knowledge Is Sweet” Seminar:

We are excited to invite you or your designee to the second annual “Knowledge Is Sweet” Seminar, hosted by the National Federation of the Blind Diabetes Action Network (DAN), taking place May 16–17, 2025, at the NFB Jernigan Institute. We are also streaming for those who cannot attend in person. You can find full details and register here:
Knowledge Is Sweet Seminar Registration <https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=622>  (https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1 <https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=622> &id=622).

Access Technology Affordability Act – Legislative Alert:

On Friday, John Paré sent out a legislative alert regarding the Access Technology Affordability Act (H.R. 1529). The intention of the alert was to initiate a wave of advocacy for the Access Technology Affordability Act so that it can gain a significant amount of cosponsor support, with the ultimate goal being to include it in the upcoming tax package. Time is somewhat limited for this endeavor, as the House is reportedly starting discussions and beginning to mark up the new tax bill sometime this week. It is imperative that we all call or email our representatives in the House and urge them to cosponsor the Access Technology Affordability Act as soon as possible. We encourage you to mention that Mathematica, an independent and respected economic forecasting company, estimates that the Access Technology Affordability Act will save the federal government $315 million dollars over a five-year period if it is enacted. So please, don’t wait. Call or email your representative in the House today!

Presidential Release Recording for Chapters:

The May Presidential Release chapter recording <https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases>  is available. Please share the chapter recording as part of your chapter meeting agenda and discuss the topics among members. The topics this month include National Convention; the importance of chapter-level input in shaping national policies, specifically through the resolution process; the upcoming Give $25 in '25 campaign; Federation family news; and customary closing remarks.

May Accessibility Boutique—Indoor Navigation Software:

Join the National Federation of the Blind Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility on May 27 from 2:00-3:30 p.m., Eastern, via Zoom to learn about different types of indoor navigation, smart-phone applications, and the future of indoor navigation. Register today. <https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events/accessibility-boutique-reg> 

Reminders:

Help the National Federation of the Blind in Three Easy Ways—Everyday Giving Just Got Better:

You already make a difference by supporting the National Federation of the Blind. But did you know there are simple, everyday ways to give that can help power our movement even further? Whether these options are new to you or worth another look, they’re easy, effective, and impactful.

• Shop with purpose using iGive, visit - https://igive.com/nationalfederationoftheblind.
Over two thousand online retailers will donate a percentage of your purchase to the NFB—at no extra cost to you. Just sign up once and start shopping with impact. The iGive app makes it even easier to give while on the go.

• Round up with Walmart and Lyft
Small change creates big possibilities. When you support us with Walmart Spark Good <https://www.walmart.com/sparkgood>  or ride with Lyft, you can round your total to the nearest dollar and donate the difference to the NFB automatically. It’s a simple way to support our work with every purchase or ride.

• Give with cryptocurrency through Crypto for Charity <https://www.cryptoforcharity.io/nfb> 
Crypto donations are fast, secure, and may offer tax benefits. Support our mission with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more through a platform built for charitable giving.

Learn more about these opportunities and explore other giving options on our Ways to Give Page <https://nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/gift-acceptance-and-recognition-policies> . Please share these opportunities. Promote them in your chapter, throughout your affiliate, and with your family, friends, and wider networks. Everyday giving, shared widely, helps us raise more support and build a stronger future.

Federal Employees with Disabilities:

We know that federal employees with disabilities have been disproportionally affected by recent reductions in the federal employment workforce, and we are doing all we can to help our blind colleagues. If you are aware of blind federal workers impacted by the government layoffs, please encourage them to submit the Employment Interest Form <https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/general-interest-form>  to receive announcements about career opportunities. Thanks to our partners at the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults, these individuals can also apply for support <https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/federal-workers/convention-support-application>  to participate in career activities at the national convention in New Orleans.

Give $25 in ’25 Campaign:

Let’s keep pushing forward together. The Give $25 in ’25 campaign is about making an impact—one gift, one story, one act of leadership at a time. Every $25 donation helps power the programs and advocacy that move us closer to equality and opportunity for all blind people. Here’s how it works:

* Every $25 you give enters you into a drawing for a chance to win a trip to our next national convention or a cash prize.

* We’re encouraging some friendly competition through the Federation Challenger opportunity:

o Ask others to give and tell them to list you as their challenger on the donation form.

o The challenger with the most named donors will get to announce the drawing winner at our national banquet.

* The first one hundred people who give $100 or more will receive a pair of AfterShokz headphones.

Whether you give, encourage others to give, or both—this is a chance to lead by example. Share your story. When people understand why this matters to you, they’ll want to be part of it, too.

Three ways to give:

* Call 410-659-9314, extension 2430

* Mail a check to: 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230

* Donate online at nfb.org/give25donate <http://nfb.org/give25donate> 

Dates to Keep in Mind:

(all times eastern)

* May 16-17: Diabetes Action Network; Baltimore, Maryland

* June 8, 2025: Deadline to submit resolutions <mailto:resolutions at nfb.org>  for the 2025 National Convention.

* July 8-13: National Convention; New Orleans, Louisiana

Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement

* Wednesday, August 6

* Wednesday, November 5

* Wedday, December 14 

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.

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