[NFBMI-Talk] The Informant 2025-05
rob.parso3389 at gmail.com
rob.parso3389 at gmail.com
Thu Jun 19 21:48:12 UTC 2025
National Federation of the Blind of Michigan (NFBMI)
The Informant
Vol. 5: All Canes Lead to.
Date: June 19, 2025
Affiliate Zoom Link:
https://zoom.us/j/9612695221?pwd=dHlxZDNwcVVZbUVTYUM5cEU4cDlndz09
>From the President
Celebrate with the Michigan blind people's movement, friends, as we are in
the season of reunion, memory-making, and network-building. June is a month
of joy, prosperity, and abundance; in that it offers much to reflect on,
cherish and get invested in within the Federation while we prepare for the
largest
gathering of blind people in the United States.
A Happy belated Father's Day to all the excellent blind fathers and fathers
of blind children in our affiliate and throughout the state. With the rights
of blind parents and blind youth within the educational realm challenged; it
is imperative that the NFB of Michigan remain vigilant in our advocacy
efforts.
June is also the month of a variety of initiatives and programs for the
Michigan affiliate. Please take time to review all we've accomplished and
plan
to do. Our June newsletter's theme states, "All canes lead," an ode to the
return of our national convention. Congratulations, Michigan affiliate, it
is
year three of our NFBMI REAL youth program rollout to our national
convention; I cannot think of a better introduction to the opportunities of
the Federation
than explaining all it can offer to young blind people, their families, and
others in the community.
Important National Updates
2025 National Convention
The 2025 NFB national convention will take place at the Marriott Hotel from
July 8-13 in New Orleans, Louisiana. There are still a few rooms available
at the Marriott thanks to an extension. The Sheraton, our overflow hotel
that hosts our exhibit hall, also has both single and double rooms
available. To learn more about our national convention, please visit
www.nfb.org/convention <http://www.nfb.org/convention> .
National Federation of the Blind Radio Network
Have you tried out NFBRN yet? At our 2025 Washington Seminar, President Mark
Riccobono shook the room when he unveiled the National Federation of the
Blind Radio Network (NFBRN). This all-new, always-on radio network offers
updates, presidential releases, classic banquet addresses and so much more
Federation content that continue to help blind people raise their
expectations. To get connected and learn more, visit
https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/nfbrn.
Legislative Updates
Both the Blind Americans Returning to Work Act (HR 1175) and the Access
Technology Affordability Act (HR 1529), introduced into the 119th Congress
needs your support. By connecting with your representative in Congress, you
can be the force we need to ensure that blind people are not penalized for
having ambition in employment. If you are interested in learning more about
this bill and how your voice can be helpful in working toward this goal,
please contact our affiliate legislative chair, Sheila Fulmore, to learn
about methods of communicating with their office or attend our upcoming
legislative committee meeting.
New Legislative Updates
Social Security Administration
The National Federation of the Blind responded directly to the Social
Security Administration (SSA) on their proposed field office closures and
employee reductions. To read our organization's full response to the SSA's
acting commissioner, visit
https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-social-s
ecurity-administration-regarding-recent
Department of Education
The National Federation of the Blind responded to the Secretary of Education
following the federal government's executive order to close the Department
of Education. To read our letter emphasizing the importance of maintaining
programs for blind and disabled people, visit
https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-secretar
y-education-regarding-executive-order
Library Services
The National Federation of the Blind also sent a letter to chairs and
ranking members of the House and Senate respective appropriations
subcommittees following the federal government's executive order aiming to
eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which funds state
libraries for the blind and print disabled. To read our full letter to
Congressional decisionmakers, visit
https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-chairs-a
nd-ranking-members-house-and-senate
NFB Newsline
Have you registered for NFB Newsline? This service offers access to over 500
publications, weather updates and job listings to blind, deaf-blind and
low vision people around the country. Register here
https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-newsline
Access On Podcast
Our technology podcast, Access On, offers in-depth reviews from industry
experts, interviews, and more informational content. Subscribe today and
stay
connected with the latest updates by going to
https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/access-on-podcast
Important State Updates
The Informant
Visitors and members of the National Federation of the Blind of
Michigan can now view this issue and past issues of "The Informant" on the
NFBMI Webpage, as well as NFB Newsline. You can access these issues by
visiting www.nfbmi.org/informant <http://www.nfbmi.org/informant> or
looking at our state-specific channel on newsline either on the web, the
mobile app or by calling in.
Announcement, BELL Academy
The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois (NFBIL) will hold its 2025
BELL Academy in Springfield, IL August 4-8. BELL stands for Braille
Enrichment
Literacy and Learning, and includes a week-long residential program for
blind youth. Families travelling from outside of Springfield are provided
hotel
accommodations and meals are included. For more information or to register
for this program, please visit
https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy
Detroit Reorganization
Are you a Federationist or potential member of the National Federation of
the Blind interested in being part of effective, results-driven work that
accomplishes the local, regional, statewide, and national efforts of the
blind people's movement in Michigan? In 2025 the board of the National
Federation of the Blind
of Michigan made the decision to begin the reorganization of its presence in
the Detroit area. This decision hopes to both imbue its members with the
philosophy
of the movement while offering members an active opportunity to take part in
foundational work to build the Federation. Individuals interested in
becoming
part of the growing experience of developing a chapter from foundation to
function are invited to join our reorganization brainstormer, being held on
June
23, 2025 at 8pm via our affiliate zoom line to discuss these efforts, the
expectations of a chapter chartered with an affiliate of the Federation and
how
you can be an active part of the development efforts.
NFBMI Convention Dinner Gathering
The Michigan affiliate is excited to explore the Big Easy together as a
family with its annual convention dinner outing. This year, join the
Michigan Blind
People's Movement as we two-point touch or tap-slide into deliciousness at
"The Rum House Caribbean Taqueria," on July 9. As with all our convention
dinner
outings, all attendees are responsible for their meals, with transportation
to and from the restaurant from the hotel covered by the affiliate when you
travel with our group. To register for the dinner, please sign up via email
or text with Damontae Scott, Michigan Fellow, and Flint Genesee chapter vice
President. He can be reached at (810) 295-6422 or
lennysox at icloud.com.
Dinner reservations have been made for our party at 6pm, so please sign up
or reach out with serious inquiries only, as we will be joined by special
guests. The deadline to hold your space is June 25, 2025. For more
information about the restaurant or access to the menu, please visit
https://www.therumhouse.com/
We look forward to fellowship and delectable connections.
NFBMI Caucus
We invite all convention attendees to join us at our affiliate caucus this
year. The affiliate caucus is an opportunity for affiliates and division
members
to meet prior to general session to prepare for convention meetings,
initiatives, and fundraising efforts. Discussions about our experiences with
pivotal
items like the 2025 Rookie Roundup, acknowledging our two national
scholarship finalists, information about banquet exchange and notes about
where individuals
receiving assistance can pick up funds will be made available during this
time. The caucus of the NFB of Michigan will take place on July 9 at 9pm in
Studio
8 at the 2025 national convention.
"Taste of Michigan" Exhibit Hall Table Information
Come one, come all to table A49 at the 2025 NFB national convention for your
delectable Michigan cherry-themed treats. Yes, the NFB of Michigan is back
with its array of cherry flavored goodies, including: cherry jam, cherry nut
mix, cherry barbecue sauce, sour cherry gummi rings and even those cherry
gummi bears. Outside of this, the infamous NFBMI 50-50 raffle returns.
Winners do not have to be present to win the raffle and the winning ticket
will
be pulled live on the final day of our national convention. The excitement
begins July 8, with pre-orders being forwarded to nfbofmi at gmail.com or
President at nfbmi.org.
NFBMI Needs Assessment
The 2025 NFBMI Needs Assessment will be released to all registered members
of our affiliate for them to complete. The needs assessment is a mid-year
survey our membership will be completing for the first time that allows for
them to evaluate the direction of some of the local, regional, statewide,
and
national efforts our affiliate has participated in. It also provides
opportunities for our membership to outline how they will take part in
developing
new pathways to innovating or supporting future initiatives we take part in.
In a time where the voices of the blind are paramount in all facets of
society,
we look forward to your input in how we can make sure the steps we take
represent as many of our members' ideas as possible.
Board Meeting Survey Results
The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan thanks the attendees of its
second quarterly board meeting this year, held in Dearborn at the Courtyard
Mariott. 41 attendees were in-person and results of our feedback survey were
favorable. Most attendees were satisfied with the information provided at
the meeting, while many felt there were areas for growth in the length of
the meeting and security concerns.
Visions Fair
The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan thanks its members that
supported the affiliate vendor table at the Visions Fair in Ann Arbor at the
Downtown District Library. Special thanks to New Wayne county chapter member
Sara Norwood, Michigan Fellow Faye Chenault-Johnson and affiliate board
member Donna Posont for their phenomenal work educating, illustrating and
networking the philosophy of the blind people's movement. The vendor table
was lively, attracting interested parties for different reasons, with the
two most requested items being the formation of an Ann Arbor/ Washtinaw
Chapter and the 2025 REAL program.
Social Events:
Sense-sational Tactile Tour at Greenfield Village:
On Monday, July 21, 2024, join us for a tactile and multisensory experience
at Greenfield Village. We will visit several buildings in Greenfield
Village, which could include Firestone Farm, the Pottery or Weaving Shop,
the General Store, and Ford Home. There will be opportunities to experience
life in years gone by. Please meet in the plaza area in front of the
entrance to Greenfield Village at 01:00PM. We will stroll around the Village
until 04:00PM and there will be an option to enjoy lunch before the tour in
the Village. There is no cost for the Greenfield Village tour and lunch will
be at your expense. Location is 2900 Oakwood Boulevard in Dearborn, Michigan
and parking is freely available across the street.
For more information you may contact Donna Posont, New Wayne County Chapter,
National Federation of the Blind of Michigan. 313-220-8140
Donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com
Chapter/Division Updates
Flint Genesee Chapter
The flint Genesee chapter congratulates its president, Sheila Fulmore and
Vice President, Damontae Scott, for being named to the local advisory
council (LAC) of the Mass Transit Authority (MTA). We look forward to the
change they can affect during their participation. Please join us for our
monthly chapter meeting. We meet the third Thursday of the month at 5:30pm.
At the flint Public Library. If you're outside of Genesee County area, you
are welcomed to join us via the NFB of Michigan zoom line for our virtual
meeting experience.
Our 2025 Gala "Blind Etiquette Date: A Night in Paris" will take place on
Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 6pm, with cocktail hour beginning at 5pm at the
Flint Institute of Art; located at 1120 E. Kearsley
St., Flint, MI 48503.
Michigan Blind Seniors Advocating for Seniors (MBSAS)
Hello Michigan seniors! Our monthly meeting will take place on the 5th
Monday of June. Please meet with me in the Michigan Affiliate Zoom room at
8:00
PM, on June 30th, (note: this is one week later than our normal meeting
time.) We'll be talking about the 2025 National Convention. Learn how to
attend
virtually if you are unable to travel to New Orleans.
New Wayne County Chapter
Our June 7 chapter meeting focused on vision loss in seniors and we provided
an informational program full of encouragement that those experiencing
blindness
or vision loss can still live the lives they want. August 2 will be our next
chapter meeting and we are trying out a new meeting place. We will gather
from noon to three at the Caroline Kennedy library in Dearborn Heights.
24590 George ST, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
Join us as we plan our picnic, prepare for state convention and share
memories
from national convention in New Orleans.
Michigan Association of Blind Students (MIABS)
MIABS held its first social event, "Michigan's Got Talent" The Virtual
Experience," on Saturday, May 31 to excitement and camaraderie. We thank our
members, board, members of NABS, and student visitors from other divisions
that participated and our affiliate for supporting the work of blind
students in our development. MIABS congratulates its board member, Shaneice
Milledge, in her efforts to represent the student division as both a board
member and blind parent at the 2025 Raising Expectations Accessing Life
(REAL) program this year. The division also held
a virtual meeting on June 13, where it was decided to continue to promote
student activities and events throughout the summer with engaging activities
to promote recruitment. We look forward to connecting to more potential
members through our programs and supporting the work of the Federation. For
more information about the Michigan student division, please attend our next
meeting, which will be announced publicly via the NFBMI email list by our
division secretary.
Committee Updates:
Fundraising
In observance of the Independence Day holiday, the fundraising committee
will meet on Thursday, July 3 at 6pm. This meeting will be a brief check-in
to prepare for our efforts at exhibit hall and answer questions people may
have about items for sale.
Important State Affiliate Dates
*06/23/2025: Detroit Chapter Reorganization: (08:00PM)
*06/27/25 to 06/29/2025: REAL Program 2025
*06/28/25: Flint Genesee Chapter Gayla (6PM)
*06/30/25: MBSAS (Michigan Blind Seniors Advocating for Seniors) (8PM)
*07/01/2025: NFBMI At Large Chapter meeting (08:00PM)
*07/02/2025: NFBMI Communications Committee Meeting (08:00PM)
*07/03/2025: NFBMI Fund Raising Committee Meeting (06:00PM)
*07/08/2025 through 07/13/2025: National Convention; both virtual and in
person
*07/09/2025: NFBMI Caucus at the 2025 National Convention (09:00PM) Studio 8
*07/14/2025: NFBMI Youth and Family Committee Meeting (07:00PM)
*07/15/2025: At Large Chapter Philosophy Discussion (08:00PM)
With Love, Hope and Determination
Robert Parsons, Jr., M. A., CRC, CVRT, LLPC
President, National Federation of the Blind of Michigan
(269) 216- 8640
www.nfbmi.org <http://www.nfbmi.org> <http://www.nfbmi.org>
"Without struggle, there is no progress." - Frederick Douglas
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