[NFBSF] Fwd: [Nfbcboard] FW: NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 02/03/2025

Mon Feb 9 19:24:11 UTC 2026

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

Dear Federation Family,

It is truly hard to believe that it was just a week ago that we were all
together on Capitol Hill after our president’s retreat. What a fantastic
week of advocacy activity and leadership development. I hope that each of
you received my follow-up notes from the retreat—I sent them to all
affiliate presidents. Please keep the feedback and engagement coming my way.

Last week I recorded an interview that will appear on this week’s episode
of *Access On*. One of the topics Jonathan and I discussed is the
challenging advocacy environment we are operating in with so many other
issues affecting us as leaders. I know that many of our affiliate and
chapter leaders are carrying heavy burdens right now as national and local
issues—well beyond the formal scope of the Federation’s work—touch the
lives, safety, and sense of belonging of our members. Situations like those
unfolding in Minnesota weigh on the hearts of blind people who are also
parents, migrants, workers, neighbors, and community members, and they
place real strain on leaders who are trying to keep our spaces welcoming,
focused, and humane. I want you to know that I see that weight, and I am
grateful for the care, judgment, and compassion you bring to your
leadership. The Federation’s strength has always been our ability to stay
grounded in our mission while treating one another with dignity and respect
in difficult times. Please remember that you are not alone in navigating
these moments, and that your steady leadership—especially when the answers
are not simple—matters deeply to the blind people who look to the
Federation as a source of stability, safety, and collective purpose.
Furthermore, I count on your continued counsel to inform our response on a
national level.

Finally, Washington Seminar is an important event in our advocacy agenda on
an annual basis, but it is only the start. The follow up, meetings in the
district, and ongoing push for support is what really brings issues over
the finish line. Congratulations to those of you who got significant
co-sponsorship commitments last week. Those of you who did not have the
opportunity to close the deal by following up.

News:*2026 Washington Seminar Wrap-up:*

This year’s Washington Seminar came with its own set of challenges and
(snow) barriers to overcome, but I cannot express enough gratitude to those
of you who were able to make it to DC or who conducted meetings virtually.
Many times last week, in multiple House and Senate offices, our government
affairs group heard surprise from both members of Congress and their staff
that their meeting with us was the only one that didn’t get cancelled.
Among the in-person meetings you had with your senators were: John Boozman
(Arkansas), Markwayne Mullin (Oklahoma), Susan Collins (Maine), Angus King
(Maine), Chuck Grassley (Iowa), Jon Ossoff (Georgia), and Andy Kim (New
Jersey). I can tell you that your grit and perseverance have already paid
off in the form of two new Senate cosponsors on the Access Technology
Affordability Act: Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, both from the
state of Maine. We are confident that these two are simply the tip of the
iceberg and that more cosponsors will come rolling in given that the House
is back in session this week. I want to thank all of you, as well as our
staff here at the Jernigan Institute, for working through the difficulties
presented by both Congressional scheduling and a major winter storm to make
the 2026 Washington Seminar a success.

Copy & Paste Content for Sharing:

The following content contains information to share in your affiliate
communications—simply copy and paste to affiliate’s social media,
newsletters, and direct communications as needed.

*NFB Scholarship Program:*

The National Federation of the Blind is accepting applications for the 2026
NFB Scholarship Program. We offer an array of scholarships to 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, opportunities to network with other blind
students, and avenues to 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 may review the
eligibility requirements, rules, and submission checklist for more
information.
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program/scholarship-program-faqs>

*2026 Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium:*

This year’s Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium will take place March
26–27 at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute in
Baltimore, Maryland. Our theme for 2026 is "Collaboration and Creativity:
Addressing Challenges and Advancing Opportunities Now and in the Future."
Attendees will experience interactive workshops and in-depth plenary
sessions focused on intersectional representation in the disability rights
community. Registration opens later this week. A hotel block is available
at the Courtyard Baltimore Downtown McHenry Row (1803 Porter Street,
Baltimore, MD 21230), with a room rate of $159, plus taxes and fees, per
night. To reserve your room, call 443-853-9918 and mention the "National
Federation of the Blind JTLS2026," or book online through the Marriott
website
<https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1765306812041&key=GRP&app=resvlink&_branch_match_id=1302272576938599399&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXTywo0MtNLCrKzC8p0UvOz9UvSi3OyczLtgdK2ALZZSCOWmaKraG5mamxgZmFoZGBiaFadmqlrXtQgFpdUWpaKlB3Xnp8UlF%2BeXFqka1zRlF%2BbioAWF4%2Bd2AAAAA%3D>.
The hotel block deadline is Wednesday, March 9, 2026. We will operate
complimentary shuttles between the Courtyard and the NFB Jernigan Institute
throughout the conference. To learn more about the symposium, visit Jacobus
tenBroek Disability Law Symposium | National Federation of the Blind
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/jacobus-tenbroek-disability-law-symposium>.

*Independence Market Specialized Product Support:*

Here at the National Federation of the Blind our Independence Market is
committed to providing excellent customer service. That includes answering
general questions about the products we offer to our members and customers,
and while many items are familiar to our team, some specialized products
may require customers to contact the manufacturer directly for detailed
support. If this is the case, an Independence Market specialist is happy to
assist with providing the appropriate contact information. To reach us,
call 410-659-9314, then press 3, email us at independencemarket at nfb.org, or
you can browse the catalog and shop online on the NFB website at Independence
Market <https://nfb.org/programs-services/independence-market>.

*NEW: Federal Lawsuit Challenging Army-Wide Waiver of Randolph-Sheppard
Act:*

The National Federation of the Blind, the National Association of Blind
Merchants, and several blind entrepreneurs have filed a federal lawsuit
challenging the US Department of Education’s approval of an Army‑wide
waiver that eliminates the Randolph‑Sheppard Act priority for blind vendors
operating dining facilities on Army installations. Filed in the District of
Maryland, the suit argues that the Department of Education exceeded its
authority, failed to follow required procedures, and relied on unsupported
claims. This action threatens the livelihoods of blind vendors nationwide.
Read the press release announcement at “National Federation of the Blind
and Blind Entrepreneurs File Federal Lawsuit Challenging Army-Wide Waiver
of Randolph-Sheppard Act
<https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-and-blind-entrepreneurs-file-federal-lawsuit>
.”

*Wednesday: Blindness Rehabilitation Panel:*

In recognition of Black History Month, the National Federation of the Blind
National Organization of Blind Black Leaders Division will host a panel
discussion featuring three Black Federationists who are succeeding in the
field of blindness rehabilitation. Roland Allen, Monique Melton, and Jordan
Moon will share their experiences and answer questions related to their
work as rehabilitation specialists.

This event will be held on Wednesday, February 4, at 8:00 p.m., Eastern.

Zoom link: nfb-org.zoom.us/j/8204086286
<https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/8204086286?omn=96185224498%23success>

*Thursday: Where the Blind Work Webinar:*

Join the National Federation of the Blind for the “Where the Blind Work
Webinar: Orientation and Mobility” on February 5, 8:00–9:00 p.m. Eastern,
via Zoom. This informative discussion will feature a panel of blind
professionals sharing insights into their typical workdays, how they
advocate for job accommodations, and the techniques they use to succeed at
work. Our panelists are:

Carley Mullen, NOMC, Cane Travel Instructor, Maryland

Joni Martinez, NOMC, Blindness Skills Trainer, Admissions Coordinator, Texas

Dezman Jackson, NOMC, Independent Contractor, Maryland

Register for the Where the Blind Work Webinar.
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-blind-work>
Registration closes February 5.

*Upcoming Webinar: Strengthen Your Emergency Readiness:*

Be ready before disaster strikes. Join the National Federation of the
Blind, the American Red Cross, and Operation HOPE for a webinar on February
11 at 2:00 p.m., Eastern, on emergency and financial preparedness. Learn
strategies to stay safe, explore Red Cross tools and apps, and build
financial resilience. Register for the Disaster and Financial Preparedness
Webinar.
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/training-and-education/disaster-and-financial-preparedness-webinar>

*Catch up on Content and Share on Social Media:*

   - Read the February *Braille Monitor*
   <https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm26/bm2602/bm2602tc.htm>.
   - Tune into "Living in Purpose through Service,"
   <https://podcasts7m.podbean.com/e/living-in-purpose-through-service/>
   our newest episode of the *Nation's Blind Podcast*. In this episode,
   Anil and Melissa are joined by Dorothy Griffin and Brian Mackey. They
   discuss the importance of service and how it can help you fulfill your
   purpose.
   - Listen to episode 60 of *Access On*
   <https://storage.pinecast.net/podcasts/6bf32133-3166-4b95-b747-1785b44b401d/audio/8beb0c0d-5cde-428b-aad5-857488cd114f/AO060__The_Dot_Pad_multiline_Braille_tablet__Adobe_fixes_an_accessibility_regression__and_more_feedback_on_changes_at_Vispero.mp3?fbclid=IwY2xjawPtpR9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeP3D4lSSW0LMD_6Io1Z-lU3dhtvjDahJQr4kR-Qbk5oOfLxGlcb8bwB_zxks_aem_qQP9e4t2AP-cWidcLwYWQA>;
   Dave Williams from Dot Inc. tells us about the Dot Pad Braille tablet and
   helps answer one of our most frequently asked questions of the moment: “How
   do I know if Dot Pad or Monarch is right for me?” Adobe has fixed a
   regression that was causing screen-reader users problems when completing
   PDF forms. And there’s more feedback on recent changes at Vispero.
   - Catch up on the weekly *Walking Alone and Marching Together* podcast
   <https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/walking-alone-and-marching-together>,
   episodes one through thirteen.
   - Access NFBRN <https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/nfbrn>,
   our always-on audio experience.

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, February 4
   - Wednesday, May 6
   - Wednesday, August 5
   - Wednesday, November 4

Chapter Presidents Calls

   - Thursday March 12 and Sunday March 15
   - Thursday, June 11 and Sunday, June 14
   - Thursday, September 10 and Sunday, September 13
   - Thursday, December 10 and Sunday, December 13

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/>

                         [image: Facebook]
<http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind>    [image: Twitter]
<https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice>    [image: Youtube]
<https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind>

The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends
who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we
work together to help blind people live the lives they want.

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