[Ohio-Talk] A message from me and a message From president Riccobono,
Richard Payne
rchpay7 at gmail.com
Mon Nov 24 23:10:55 UTC 2025
>From me.
Gratitude and Trust
As I reflect on this Thanksgiving, I am humbled by the trust and support you
continue to provide. Your commitment inspires me, and together, I believe we
can make the upcoming year-2026-a strong and dedicated one for the
Federation in Ohio.
Demonstrating Your Commitment
Our leadership encourages everyone to find meaningful ways to show how much
the Federation means to you. As committee assignments and additional
opportunities become available, I urge you to get more involved and
contribute to the Federation's mission.
Welcoming New Members and Training Initiatives
We have welcomed a significant number of new members recently. It is my hope
to create more training opportunities for both our new members and our
leaders. More information about these initiatives will be shared with you in
the near future.
Holiday Season Engagement
For now, let us enjoy the holiday season together. Please remember to invite
leaders to your celebrations within the Federation and foster a spirit of
unity and collaboration.
>From president Riccobono,
Dear Federation Family,
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.
Here is my Federation THANKSGIVING Gratitude List for 2025-feel free to
share this widely with others:
T H A N K S G I V I N G - Gratitude in Our Shared Movement
T - Transformation through Collective Action
The power we have to reshape systems, expectations, and lives when blind
people work together.
H - Hope Rooted in Lived Experience
Our confidence in the future grows from the authentic stories and leadership
of blind individuals.
A - Accessibility Advancements We Drive
>From technology to policy to culture, we lead the push for full
accessibility grounded in real needs.
N - Networks of Support and Belonging
Affiliates, chapters, and divisions fueled by friendships that make no blind
person feel alone.
K - Knowledge-Sharing Across Generations
Mentorship, leadership development, and the passing forward of experience
that melds with emerging generations with new insights.
S - Self-Determination for Every Blind Person
Our unwavering belief in the capacity of blind people to direct their own
lives.
G - Growth of Our Movement
New members, new leaders, and expanding partnerships amplifying the reach of
our mission.
I - Innovation Driven by Blind Creativity
Bold ideas-from technology to advocacy-that emerge authentically from the
blind community.
V - Voice in Policy and Public Attitudes
Our influential, organized voice that ensures blind people redefine
blindness in society and demonstrate there are no boundaries.
I - Inclusion That's More Than a Buzzword
A genuine, lived practice of welcoming all blind people into meaningful
participation and reframing equal access.
N - National Presence with Neighborhood Impact
>From Washington, DC, to neighborhoods across America, our work touches lives
everywhere.
G - Generosity of Spirit and Service
Members freely giving time, energy, expertise, and heart to lift one another
and build the future for ourselves.
I am grateful to be part of our Federation family.
Warmly,
Mark
News:
2026 Washington Seminar Registration:
We are sixty-three days away from the 2026 Washington Seminar, which means
that it's time to start making hotel and travel arrangements. Another
important item to check off of your Washington Seminar planning list is to
register. Registration is completely free, and we use it to create a mailing
list to distribute all of the latest information and updates about the
event. The Washington Seminar registration form
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar/registration>
is live on our Washington Seminar page now, and includes important details
such as how to make an accommodations request and whether you are interested
in attending a tour of the Jernigan Institute, so be sure to register; and
for affiliate presidents, please ask each member of your delegation to
register as well. It is important that we have a comprehensive list of those
who will be in attendance.
Understanding and Navigating Vocational Rehabilitation: Information Session:
Join us for the National Federation of the Blind "Understanding and
Navigating Vocational Rehabilitation: Information Session," 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.
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.
Complete the Understanding Vocational Rehabilitation Form
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/vr-information-session> to
receive event details. Please direct all questions to Nikki Jackson at
njackson at nfb.org <mailto:njackson at nfb.org> or call 410-659-9314, extension
2404.
Tomorrow: Mastering Leadership and Communication:
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.
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.
Zoom link: https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/8204086286?omn=98912509351
Meeting ID: 820 408 6286
One Tap Mobile: +1 646 876 9923,,8204086286#US (New York)
Dates to Keep in Mind:
* January 26-29, 2026: Washington Seminar
* 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
Chapter Presidents Calls
* Thursday, December 11 and Sunday, 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.
Mark A. Riccobono, President
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
410-659-9314 | Officeofthepresident at nfb.org
<mailto: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
<https://nfb.org/>
<http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind>
<https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice> <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.
Richard Payne, President National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
>From president Riccobono,
Dear Federation Family,
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.
Here is my Federation THANKSGIVING Gratitude List for 2025-feel free to
share this widely with others:
T H A N K S G I V I N G - Gratitude in Our Shared Movement
T - Transformation through Collective Action
The power we have to reshape systems, expectations, and lives when blind
people work together.
H - Hope Rooted in Lived Experience
Our confidence in the future grows from the authentic stories and leadership
of blind individuals.
A - Accessibility Advancements We Drive
>From technology to policy to culture, we lead the push for full
accessibility grounded in real needs.
N - Networks of Support and Belonging
Affiliates, chapters, and divisions fueled by friendships that make no blind
person feel alone.
K - Knowledge-Sharing Across Generations
Mentorship, leadership development, and the passing forward of experience
that melds with emerging generations with new insights.
S - Self-Determination for Every Blind Person
Our unwavering belief in the capacity of blind people to direct their own
lives.
G - Growth of Our Movement
New members, new leaders, and expanding partnerships amplifying the reach of
our mission.
I - Innovation Driven by Blind Creativity
Bold ideas-from technology to advocacy-that emerge authentically from the
blind community.
V - Voice in Policy and Public Attitudes
Our influential, organized voice that ensures blind people redefine
blindness in society and demonstrate there are no boundaries.
I - Inclusion That's More Than a Buzzword
A genuine, lived practice of welcoming all blind people into meaningful
participation and reframing equal access.
N - National Presence with Neighborhood Impact
>From Washington, DC, to neighborhoods across America, our work touches lives
everywhere.
G - Generosity of Spirit and Service
Members freely giving time, energy, expertise, and heart to lift one another
and build the future for ourselves.
I am grateful to be part of our Federation family.
Warmly,
Mark
News:
2026 Washington Seminar Registration:
We are sixty-three days away from the 2026 Washington Seminar, which means
that it's time to start making hotel and travel arrangements. Another
important item to check off of your Washington Seminar planning list is to
register. Registration is completely free, and we use it to create a mailing
list to distribute all of the latest information and updates about the
event. The Washington Seminar registration form
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar/registration>
is live on our Washington Seminar page now, and includes important details
such as how to make an accommodations request and whether you are interested
in attending a tour of the Jernigan Institute, so be sure to register; and
for affiliate presidents, please ask each member of your delegation to
register as well. It is important that we have a comprehensive list of those
who will be in attendance.
Understanding and Navigating Vocational Rehabilitation: Information Session:
Join us for the National Federation of the Blind "Understanding and
Navigating Vocational Rehabilitation: Information Session," 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.
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.
Complete the Understanding Vocational Rehabilitation Form
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/vr-information-session> to
receive event details. Please direct all questions to Nikki Jackson at
njackson at nfb.org <mailto:njackson at nfb.org> or call 410-659-9314, extension
2404.
Tomorrow: Mastering Leadership and Communication:
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.
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.
Zoom link: https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/8204086286?omn=98912509351
Meeting ID: 820 408 6286
One Tap Mobile: +1 646 876 9923,,8204086286#US (New York)
Dates to Keep in Mind:
* January 26-29, 2026: Washington Seminar
* 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
Chapter Presidents Calls
* Thursday, December 11 and Sunday, 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.
Mark A. Riccobono, President
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
410-659-9314 | Officeofthepresident at nfb.org
<mailto: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
<https://nfb.org/>
<http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind>
<https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice> <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.
937/829/3368
Rchpay7 at gmail.com <mailto:Rchpay7 at gmail.com>
www.nfbohio.org <http://www.nfbohio.org>
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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