[NFBMI-Talk] The Informant, 2025- 04

Tue May 20 07:05:15 UTC 2025

National Federation of the Blind of Michigan (NFBMI)

The Informant 2025

Vol. 4: Change, Paradigms and Readiness

Date: May 19, 2025 

Affiliate Zoom Link:

https://zoom.us/j/9612695221?pwd=dHlxZDNwcVVZbUVTYUM5cEU4cDlndz09 

>From the President

It's just so refreshing to luxuriate in the blossoming of all that comes
with the Spring weather. From the performances of nature's

winged orchestra as they travel through the skies to the continuous
successful examples of new, innovative ideas as they manifest within and
around us,

I encourage the blind people's movement in Michigan to embrace it with
enthusiasm. Such willingness to venture into the beauty of the changing
landscape

around us emblematizes our place as blind people in this, a shifting
paradigm, where we determine our destinies and turn our dreams into reality.

The month of May has a plethora of reasons to throw a party. Without
explanation, Mother's Day is the epitome of a dedicated staple in the
Federation,

as we have so many blind mothers and mothers of blind leaders/youth that are
irreplaceable parts of the affiliate and organization. Without question, the

role you play, whether its supporting programs like the 2025 Raising
Expectations Accessing Life program or creating ways for your chapter
members to attend

our national convention, all your active efforts are appreciated.

This issue of "The Informant," aside from being delayed two months; truly
illustrates the benefits and details of the evolution our affiliate has been

undergoing. With a thorough depiction of our various committee programs and
efforts, I am so proud of all you and our leadership have been able to
accomplish

to move our affiliate forward into a progressive realm of effective
Federationists that encourage blind people to be regularly proactive,
further  educating

the public about our programs while dispelling any misinterpretations of
what our philosophy is. We are the National Federation of the Blind of
Michigan,

where we adapt to shifting paradigms, while shifting some ourselves!

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> .

Independence Market Volunteers for National Convention

The Michigan delegation would love a representative to assist our Jernigan
Institute's Independence Market as a volunteer in the 2025 Exhibit Hall.
Each year, the Independence Market, which is responsible for supplying blind
people nationwide with a variety of useful tools and items, offers an
expansive setup at our exhibit hall, where attendees can purchase anything
from a new white cane to your favorite braille game. Though we encourage
everyone to visit the Independence Market and purchase your favorite items
while at the Sheraton in New Orleans, our national office would appreciate
at least one member from each affiliate to volunteer some time in working at
the station. If you are interested in working with our national office in
this way, please contact President at nfbmi.org <mailto:President at nfbmi.org>
before June 1, 2025.

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

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. You can access these issues by visiting
www.nfbmi.org/informant <http://www.nfbmi.org/informant> .

Additionally, issues of the Informant are also being made available on NFB
Newsline, which can be accessed via iOS mobile app, your Amazon Alexa
device, and by phone. Visit the Michigan State-specific channel, and look
for the Informant.

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

2025 Kenneth Jernigan Award winners

The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan is proud to recognize its
2025 Kenneth Jernigan Award recipients. The Kenneth Jernigan Award is
provided to first-time attendees of the national convention to provide
financial assistance for a rewarding experience. We excitedly welcome Ana
Tucker, Ciara Williams, Jesse Davis Jr., Tiare Mayes, and Yulik Hairston to
the NFBMI delegation and the national convention experience, where they will
have the opportunity to begin their journey in growing their Federation
network.

Leadership Committee

The NFBMI Leadership and Development Committee successfully worked with the
affiliate board to create the engaging 2025 NFBMI Leadership Retreat. The
2025 leadership weekend unites leaders-in-training with a variety of
Federation leadership principles and experiences with a broadening intent to
sharpen skills in a multitude of areas. We thank the committee chair,
Felecia Bradford, and the committee for their hard work in coordinating this
project. 

2025    Leadership Fellows Pilot Program

Our 2025 Leadership Retreat produced a strong group of ambitious
Federationists, named the 2025 Michigan Fellows. These leaders; Ather
Jammoa, Faye Chenault-Johnson, Damontae Scott, Kashonia Graham and Sam Rau;
have agreed to begin supporting our NFBMI programs in exciting, innovative
ways. Stay tuned for their leadership in many of our upcoming initiatives
and programs.

Affiliate Quarterly Board Meeting

The second quarterly board meeting of the National Federation of the Blind
of Michigan took place on May 3, 2025; in Dearborn. This meeting occurred
concurrently with the NFBMI Leadership Retreat, providing the Michigan
Fellows with an opportunity to assist in facilitating a state board meeting
and understand business meeting procedure. The meeting brought in over 35
attendees, with members of all active chapters and divisions being
represented.

Feedback

The NFBMI affiliate board has received overwhelming feedback from our
membership shortly following the quarterly state board meeting requesting
that our NFBMI-Talk email list become more informative and secure. In
response to this need, the NFBMI-Talk has officially transitioned into an
announcement and inquiry list, where affiliate, chapter, and division
announcements and updates will be provided. It will also be a place where
Federation-related information will be shared from our national office,
other affiliates and various statewide or community resources that are
relevant to the blind people's movement. Members are welcome to post to the
list, where the list moderator will be able to oversee the approval process
and ensure it is posted securely. All members are reminded that posts that
are not aligned with our Constitution or breach our Code of Conduct will not
be approved for posting to our public platform.

2025 REAL Program

With the support of our generous donors, the 2025 Raising Expectations
Accessing Life (REAL) program received its first ever scholarship endowment.
This gift provides ten families with an opportunity to attend the 2025 REAL
program for a discounted rate of the registration cost. Though the deadline
for the 2025 REAL program has passed, there are scholarships available for
two registrants. Eligible applicants would have to be registering for the
NFBMI Parent Education trac or be a youth that is eligible for NFB STEM2U
(ages 10-16) with an attending parent. Please email President at nfbmi.org
<mailto:President at nfbmi.org>  to apply before May 31, 2025.

2025 NFB Of Michigan State Scholarship Program

The 2025 NFBMI Scholarship program is being prepped for its launch with its
application opening on June 1, 2025. Each year, the National Federation of
the Blind of Michigan awards four scholarships to blind students attending a
college or university based on our established criteria. The NFBMI
scholarship committee would love your support in helping make the program a
success this year. Our committee is currently looking for at least one
member from each active chapter and division to join, balancing the panel in
representation. If you are interested in joining the NFBMI scholarship
committee, contact Sanho Steele-Louchart at sanho817 at gmail.com
<mailto:sanho817 at gmail.com>  by May 31, 2025. This is a wonderful way to
help support the next generation, as they turn their dreams into reality. 

2025 State Assistance for National Convention

Individuals interested in applying for state-funded assistance for the NFB
national convention can do so by visiting nfbmi.org/forms.

Applicants are encouraged to review funding assistance program eligibility
requirements prior to applying and to provide their convention registration
confirmation after applying. The deadline for applying for state-funded
assistance for national convention is May 31, 2025.

2025 Visions Conference

The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan will have a vendor table at
the 2025 Visions Conference at the Ann Arbor District Library on June 4,
2025. At this conference, the members will be promoting the REAL program and
our state scholarship program. The Vendor table will be cohosted by
volunteers from our New Wayne County, and Flint-Genesee chapters. Interested
volunteers can sign up for shifts by contacting their chapter presidents. 

Blind Gamers

The NFBMI excitedly partnered with the NFB of Virginia's (NFBV) Greater
Alexandria chapter in their anniversary celebration on April 24, 2025, as
guest presenters on the accessibility of console gaming for the blind.
Congratulations to affiliate secretary Maryann Murad and Flint Genesee
member Shawn Williams, who led an engaging panel discussion and live
demonstration of blind people engaging with accessible console gaming
platforms to an audience of over 40 attendees. This connection with the
Virginia affiliate began discussion about a greater project and group, named
the Blind Gamer's Guild (BGG), where blind people interested in video gaming
and networking with each other nationwide can be further facilitated. If you
are interested in joining in on the fun, please email Secretary at nfbmi.org
<mailto:Secretary at nfbmi.org>  for more information.

Survey

The NFB of Michigan wants to hear what our members think more often. As we
connect with more affiliates at national programs and events, we learn so
much about how we can work together from your ideas to create new programs
and opportunities for blind people. For this reason, the affiliate board of
directors and Michigan fellows are excited to offer all active members an
opportunity to work in tandem with us to sculpt our futures together. In the
next two weeks, all active members of the National Federation of the Blind
of Michigan will receive a link to the 2025 NFBMI Needs Assessment: 

This virtual survey provides our members an opportunity to check in with the
leadership, offer feedback on existing programs and provide suggestions on
ways you can get involved to do your part in building the Federation. 

 Chapter/Division Updates

Flint Genesee Chapter

Please join us for our regular chapter meetings held on the third Thursday
of each month at the Flint Public Library at 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM. If you're
outside the Genesee County area, we welcome you to join us via the Michigan
Zoom Link. A huge thank you to the 16 dedicated members who attended the
recent State Open Board Meeting. Congratulations to Our Jernigan Award
Winners

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of four outstanding chapter
members who have been selected as Jernigan Award recipients:

Jessie Davis, Anna Tucker, Tiaira Mayes, and Yulick Harrison. We look
forward to seeing you represent the Flint Chapter at the National Convention
in New Orleans.

We are honored to announce that the Flint Chapter has been selected to host
the 2025 Michigan State Convention, which will take place in Auburn Hills,
Michigan. Stay tuned for more details as planning progresses! 

Our chapter remains active in advocacy efforts throughout the community.
This includes participation in MTA paratransit monthly meetings and hosting
NFB MI vendor tables at various organizational events. We are excited to
invite all chapters and divisions to our upcoming Flint Chapter Gala, taking
place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, which starts with our Cocktail Hour from
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM. The main Event will be from 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM at the
Flint Institute of Arts.

Join us for a wonderful evening of celebration, networking, and a guided
tour of the beautiful museum. 

Michigan Blind Seniors Advocating for Seniors (MBSAS)

I hope that you have all had a chance to go outside and enjoy the beautiful
weather we've been having.  If you attended our April BMSAFS meeting - you
would know more about our feathered friends.  This knowledge enhances my
personal enjoyment of the outside.  I want to take this opportunity to
publicly thank Donna Posont for her great presentation.  As our next meeting
takes place on Memorial Day - we will not meet.  Enjoy your weekend.  We'll
meet in June and review the steps to join the National Convention via ZOOM. 

New Wayne County Chapter

Gather with the New Wayne County chapter as we share a meeting and open
house with the Seniors at Allegria Village in Dearborn. 15101 Ford Road,
Dearborn, MI 48126. On Saturday, June 7, we will meet in the Edison room of
the village at the corner of Ford and Greenfield. Enter through the St.
Clair clubhouse and there will be helping to find your way to the Edison
room. We will meet new people who may be losing their sight and share some
tips for how to still lead a meaningful and productive life. Join us from
noon to 3pm. There is little time left to obtain your snacks such as nuts,
fruit and candies. Our fundraiser closes May 23, 2025. Go to
New-Wayne-county at terrilynn.com <mailto:New-Wayne-county at terrilynn.com>  for
your last chance at delicious snacks that are also nutritious.

Committee Updates

Fundraising Committee

During the NFBMI quarterly board meeting on May 3, attendees were made aware
of the various fundraising efforts taking place during the 2025 national
convention. The NFB of Michigan will have an exhibit hall table, where we
will return with both our 50-50 raffle and the "Taste of Michigan" items
from our partner Cherry Republic. Returning staples for sale include cherry
nut mix, cherry barbecue sauce and wild cherry gummi bears. New additions,
like sour cherry gummi rings, have also been added to the best table in the
room. For pre-sale information about table items or to register for an
exhibit hall table shift, please email Atherjammoa at gmail.com
<mailto:Atherjammoa at gmail.com> . The deadline to register for a shift at the
exhibit hall table is June 15, 2025.

NFBMI Youth and Family Committee

The NFBMI Youth and Family Committee held its monthly meeting on Monday May
12, where they covered a variety of topics, including updates about their
efforts at the 2025 MAER conference, registration efforts and the addition
of a third trac. Committee co-chair, Diana Mohnke, shared that the Early
Birders trac (ages 4-9) will have a variety of engaging programming,
including accessible puzzles, games, and books. This trac is intended to
support the Parent Education trac who have young children that are not
eligible for Michigan STEM2U. For information about NFBMI REAL, contact
Donna Posont at Donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com
<mailto:Donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com> .

Legislative Committee Update

Just a quick update following our recent monthly meeting:

*	The committee has set September 23, 2025, as the date for our
Lansing gathering. Please mark your calendars!
*	We're asking each of you to reach out to your federal representative
by phone or email and urge them to support bill HR 3417. Your voice matters
and can make a real difference in moving this legislation forward.

Also, don't forget to join us for our next monthly meeting on June 20, 2025.
We meet every third Thursday of the month from 7:30 to 8:30 PM in the
Michigan Zoom Room. Thank you for your continued dedication and advocacy!

Important State Affiliate Dates

05/20/25: NFBMI AT Large Philosophy Discussion (8pm)

There will be no Michigan Blind Seniors Meeting due to the Memorial Day
Holiday 

05/30/25: NFBMI Soundboard (8pm)

05/31/25: MIABS Karaoke: (07PM) 

06/03/25: NFBMI At Large Chapter Meeting (8pm)

06/04/25: Visions 2025: Ann Arbor District Library Downtown (11AM to 4PM)

06/06/25: NFBMI Fund Raising Committee Meeting (6pm)

06/06/25: NFBMI Communications Committee (8PM)

06/07/25: NFBMI New Wayne County Chapter Meeting (12pm)

06/09/25: Youth and Family Committee (7PM)

06/13/25: MIABS Meeting (7PM)

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> 

"Without struggle, there is no progress." - Frederick Douglas