Braille Monitor

Vol. 69, No. 9 October 2026 Contents From the Editor by Chris Danielsen Keep Building Connections: The Federation Employment Network by the Blind by Lia Stone It’s Not Over Until the Blind Secure Equality by John Paré Jr, Jesse Shirek, Justin Young, and Sanho Steele-Louchart It’s Our Turn Now by Jonathan Mosen #NFB24 Flashback: The Dr. Jacobus tenBroek Award by Pam Allen From the President’s Desk by Mark Riccobono The Conundrum of PDF for the Blind by Curtis Chong Access Is Participation: Jack’s NFB-NEWSLINE® Story by Sarah Weissman Photo and Web List Issue: [October 2026] Photos: Chris Danielsen Sarah Weissman Jack Mendez President Riccobono John Paré Jesse Shirek Justin Young Sanho Steele-Louchart Lia Stone Jenn Han Audrey Farnum J.J. Meddaugh Jonathan Mosen Pam Allen John and Sandy Halverson Curtis Chong Web Links: www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org https://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/vote/VoterRegFormEnglish.pdf . https://nfb.org/braille-monitor http://nfb.org/publications https//nfb.org/press-room nfb.org/donate nfb.org/pac https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/planned-giving Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind YouTube.com/NationsBlind www.nfb.org/planned-giving www.nfb.org/make-gift https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide .

Contents Vol. 69, No. 8 August/September 2026 The #NFB26 Convention Roundup: Keeping Convention Weird and Resonant by Chris Danielsen The 2026 Presidential Report by Mark Riccobono Resonance, Amplification, and Interplay: The Counterpoint of the Organized Blind Movement by Mark Riccobono Resolutions Adopted by the 2026 National Convention Balancing Safety, Autonomy, and Support by Christine Faltz Grassman, Esq. The Blind Educator of the Year Award by Robin House The Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award by Carla McQuillan The Nineteenth Annual Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards by Everette Bacon The 2026 Jacobus tenBroek Award by Pam Allen The 2026 National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Class by Cayte Mendez Your Monarch, Your Discount, Your NFB Membership at Work And Then There Were Three: Federation Advocacy Pays Off as States Drop Out of Texas v. Kennedy by Chris Danielsen Federal Court Vacates Department of Education Decision Limiting Randolph-Sheppard Priority for Army Dining Contracts National Federation of the Blind Announces Staff Leadership Transition: Anil Lewis to Continue Advancing Opportunities for Blind People in New Executive Leadership Role Convention Miniatures Photo and Web List Issue: [August/September 2026] Photos: Chris Danielsen Pam Allen Kevan Worley President Riccobono Christina Flatz Grassman Cayte Mendez and 2026 scholarship class Robin House Dennis Miller Carla McQuillan Madison Schmidt Everette Bacon and the Dr. Jacob Bolotin award winners Web Links: www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org https://nfb.org/convention https://joyfulheartfoundation.org https://napsa-now.org nfb.org/resolutions https//blindlawyers.net nfb.org/convention https://nfb.org/braille-monitor nfb.org/donate nfb.org/pac freewill.com https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/planned-giving Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind YouTube.com/NationsBlind www.nfb.org/planned-giving www.nfb.org/make-gift https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide.

Vol. 69, No. 7 July 2026 Contents From the Editor by Chris Danielsen From the Backseat to the Driver’s Seat: A Federation Journey with Waymo by Jordan Moon Federation Sues Government Agencies Over Delayed Web Accessibility Rules by Chris Danielsen National Federation of the Blind Official Comments in Response to the Department of Health and Human Services Interim Final Rule Regarding Section 504 Digital Accessibility How I Came to the Federation by Amy Porterfield Becoming Blind: Finding the Truth Beyond Vision by Ahmad Shafi BELLs Should Be Ringing Everywhere by Eric Duffy Eye Condition Twins: A Double-Edged Sword by Justin Salisbury Of Seniors and Seeds by Sandy Halverson The Golden Rule, the Platinum Rule, and the Right to Speak for Ourselves by Gary Wunder Trainers Committee for Structured Discovery: A Name Change Reflecting Expanded Mission and Professional Impact by Jimmy Morris Monitor Miniatures Photo and Web List Issue: [July 2026] Photos: Chris Danielsen Jordan Moon Amy Porterfield Ahmad Shafi Eric Duffy Justin Salisbury Sandy Halverson Gary Wunder Jimmy Morris Web Links: www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org https://nfb.org/convention https://nfb.org/advocacy Blind Driver: Ultimate Insult or Statement of Fact Neither Dog nor Cane nor Blindness Should Deprive Us of a Ride https://nfb.org/braille-monitor nfb.org/donate nfb.org/pac https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/planned-giving Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind YouTube.com/NationsBlind www.nfb.org/planned-giving www.nfb.org/make-gift https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide .

Vol. 69, No. 6 June 2026 Contents Convention Bulletin From the Editor by Chris Danielsen Employment Events at the 2026 National Convention by Lia Stone How to Be a Blind Wheelchair User by Ellana Crew When the Pain Is Real, but the Reason Is Invisible by Kaleigh Brendle Becoming the Voice His Daughter Will Need by Ismael Collazo Keep NFB Advancing: Give $25 in ’26 The Super-Braillers and Me by Will Hendrick Indiana Drops Out, but States Continue to Threaten Section 504 in Lawsuit by Anna Claire Vollers Once Again, the Federal Government Delays Equal Access by Chris Danielsen DOJ Delay of ADA Web Rule Undermines Equal Access by Mark Riccobono and Eve Hill From the President’s Desk Photo and Web List Issue: [June 2026] Photos: Chris Danielsen Lia Stone Ellana Crew Kaleigh Brendle Ismael Collazo Will Hendrick Anna Claire Vollers President Riccobono Eve Hill Web Links: www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org nfb.org/convention https://nfb.org/advocacy https;//nfb.org/braille-monitor https://askablindperson.wordpress.com https://nfb.org/give25donate nfb.org/donate nfb.org/pac https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/planned-giving Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind YouTube.com/NationsBlind www.nfb.org/planned-giving www.nfb.org/make-gift https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide .

Vol. 69, No. 5 May 2026 Contents Convention Bulletin From the Editor by Chris Danielsen Keeping Convention Weird: Plan Your Visit to Wacky, Wonderful Austin by Norma Crosby Resolution Reminders by Donald Porterfield Building Momentum from Coast to Coast by Rachel Held Two Displays, Two Philosophies: Comparing and Contrasting the Monarch and the Dot Pad X by Jonathan Mosen The Courage to Bloom by Elizabeth Rouse Generational Federationism by Latonya Phipps Cross Course Corrections: Developments in LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired of San Francisco Governance and DeafBlind Services by Chris Danielsen The Nature of Independence An Address Delivered by Kenneth Jernigan Learning Independence through Life Experiences and the National Federation of the Blind by Andrew D. Adams The Meaning of Membership and Independence by Melissa Riccobono, Anil Lewis, and Denise Avant Oregon State University Commits to Accessibility Improvements for Blind and Low-Vision Students NFB Kids Camp: Tons of Fun! by Harriet Go Photo and Web List Issue: [MAY 2026] Photos: Chris Danielsen Norma Crosby Donald Porterfield Rachel Held Jonathan Mosen Elizabeth Rouse Latonya Phipps Cross Dr. Kenneth Jernigan Andrew D. Adams Melissa Riccobono Anil Lewis Denise Avant Harriet Go Web Links: nfb.org/convention nfb.org/movers nfb.org/donate nfb.org/pac https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/planned-giving https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/nfb-camp-registration-form www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind YouTube.com/NationsBlind www.nfb.org/planned-giving www.nfb.org/make-gift https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide .

Vol. 69, No. 4 April 2026 Contents Convention Bulletin The Continued Fight to Protect Section 504 and the Integration Mandate by Sanho Steele Louchart My Walk with Astronomy as a Blind Scientist by Cary Supalo A Troubling Tragedy in Buffalo by Chris Danielsen Friendship in Action: Nyal McConoughey’s Story by Nichole Chrissis and Alison Tyler New Jersey’s Blind Refused to Be Collateral Damage by Linda Melendez Finding Your Caregiving Superpower: Reflections from a Blind Caregiver of a Parent with Dementia by Catherine Samuel From the UK to the USA: Moving Forward Together by Sania Kellogg From the President’s Desk Photo and Web List Issue: [April 2026] Photos: Sanho Steele-Louchart Cary Supalo Chris Danielsen Nichole Chrissis Alison Tyler Linda Melendez Catherine Samuel Sania Kellogg Web Links: nfb.org/convention The Braille Monitor, November, 1957 Braille Monitor, April, 1958 https://www.nj.gov/govelect www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org nfb.org/donate nfb.org/pac Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind YouTube.com/NationsBlind www.nfb.org/planned-giving www.nfb.org/make-gift

Vol. 69, No. 3 March 2026 Contents Convention Bulletin 2026 Cold Weather and Common Sense: The 2026 Washington Seminar by Chris Danielsen The Significance of Washington Seminar 2026 by Mark Riccobono Protecting Education, Employment, and Independent Living Fact Sheet Access Technology Affordability Act Fact Sheet Blind Americans Return to Work Act Fact Sheet Adventure in Annapolis by Shawn Jacobson National Federation of the Blind and Blind Entrepreneurs File Federal Lawsuit Challenging Army-Wide Waiver of Randolph-Sheppard Act But I Don’t Know How to Dance by Catherine Horn Randall Filling in the Gap by Shawn Callaway Divorce Me by Peggy Chong Blind and Print-Disabled Harris County Voters File Federal Lawsuit Seeking Accessible Vote-by-Mail Ballots Monitor Miniatures Issue: [MARCH 2026] Photos: Chris Danielsen Mark Riccobono Shawn Jacobson Catherine Horn Randall Shawn Callaway Peggy Chong Web Links: nfb.org/convention https://nfb.org/washington-seminar The complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, statement by the National Federation of the Blind https://nfb.org/donate https://www.nfb.org/pac https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/planned-giving https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/nfb-stem2u www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind YouTube.com/NationsBlind www.nfb.org/planned-giving www.nfb.org/make-gift

Vol. 69, No. 2 February 2026 Contents Correction and Apology Convention Bulletin 2026 National Federation of the Blind Responds to Attack on Randolph-Sheppard Priority for Army Dining Facility Contracts by Chris Danielsen Position Statement on Structured Discovery Training by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) Case Closed: The Story of Technology, a Blind Woman, and an Eyewitness Account to Solve a Mystery by Kristen Dockendorff Becoming a Federationist: The Lesson I Didn’t Ask For by Gary Wunder Sexual Health Education and Research: A Community-Centered Approach Driven by the Blind by Mika Baugh, PhD The 2026 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards by Everette Bacon A $10,000 Investment by Anil Lewis The 2026 Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award by Carla McQuillan The 2026 Blind Educator of the Year Award by Robin House Monitor Miniatures Photo and Web List Issue: [FEBRUARY 2026] Photos: Chris Danielsen Kristen Dockendorff Gary Wunder Mika Baugh Everette Bacon Anil Lewis Carla McQuillan Robin House Web Links: www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind YouTube.com/NationsBlind www.nfb.org/planned-giving www.nfb.org/make-gift www.nfb.org/scholarships www.touchofgeniusprize.org

Vol. 69, No. 1 January 2026 Contents Illustration: A Brailler from Early in the last Century Convention Bulletin 2026 From the President’s Desk: The Federation Shares Pressing Concerns with Vispero’s CEO by Mark A. Riccobono A National Home for Our Stories: Members of Maryland Congressional Delegation Introduce Legislation to Designate the National Museum of the Blind People’s Movement by Alison Tyler The Myth of the SuperBlind by Cricket X. Bidleman The Key to Keeping Benefits While Saving for the Life You Want by Jesse Shirek Razor-Blade Reflections: What You See Isn’t Always What You Get by Marie COW-Hooft Changing Words, Changing Minds, Changing the World by Gary Wunder Perspectives on Growing Pains in the Organized Blind Movement: A Panel of Student Leaders Moderated by Anil Lewis Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship by Tracy Soforenko Announcing an Exciting Update to the 2026 NFB Scholarship Program Monitor Miniatures Photo and Web List Issue: [JANUARY 2026] Photos: Convention sites Mark Riccobono Alison Tyler Cricket Bidleman Jesse Shirek Marie Kouthoofd Gary Wunder Tracy Soforenko Anil Lewis Gene Kim Manahil Jafri Kinshuk Tella Web Links: www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind YouTube.com/NationsBlind www.nfb.org/planned-giving https://www.nfb.org/pac www.nfb.org/scholarships https://nfb.org/donate https://nfb.org/form/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scho?q=form%2Fkenneth-jernigan-convention-scho nfb.org/convention ABLETODAY.org

Vol. 68, No. 11 December 2025 Contents Convention Bulletin 2026 Running for the Federation: Meet Roger Oberholzer Double Your Impact: A Matching Gift Challenge to Advance the Lives of Blind People Fifty Years of Federation Love: The DC Affiliate Honors Gail Snider with the 2025 Presidential Award by Shawn Callaway Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Updates for 2026 by Jesse Shirek Accessible Independent Check-Out: Blind-Centered Leadership Makes All the Difference by Jake Konerza, Rick Walstrom, and Steve Decker Owner of “Blind Guy Boards” Travels to DC on a Mission to Save Services for His Community by John Hult A Failure of Access, a Betrayal of Trust: Why Two Blind Students Are Suing West Virginia University by Gary Wunder LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired of San Francisco Seeks Its Way through a Storm, but May Hit the Rocks by Chris Danielsen iOS 26 and Braille Access: Apple’s Impressive Investment in Braille Literacy by Jonathan Mosen Announcing the 2026 NFB Scholarship Program Monitor Miniatures Photo and Web List Issue: [DECEMBER 2025] Photos: Roger Oberholzer Shawn Callaway Gail Snider Jesse Shirek Jake Konerza Rick Walstrom Steve Decker John Hult Gary Wunder Chris Danielsen Jonthan Mosen Web Links: www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind YouTube.com/NationsBlind www.nfb.org/planned-giving www.nfb.org/make-gift https://www.abletoday.org/ www.nfb.org/pac www.nfb.org/scholarships nfb.org/donate https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/braille-monitor/early-access-articles/beacon-over-troubled-waters https://nfb.org/braille-monitor

Vol. 68, No. 10 November 2025 Contents Illustration: Ray Kurzweil Honored at his Alma Mater, MIT Running for the Federation: Meet Ken Duke Bountiful Expressions of Thanksgiving from the Mississippi Affiliate Compiled by LaShawna Fant Back to School Bags for Braille Readers by Peggy Chong United States Department of Justice Sues Uber for $125 Million by Chris Danielsen Graduating from the Colorado Center for the Blind Means More Than Skills by Jeremy Smith National Federation of the Blind Commends House Introduction of Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act National Federation of the Blind Denounces Devastating Job Cuts Within the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services When Cuts Become Catastrophe: Defending Braille and Deafblind Education by Justin Young Equal Access to Live Theater: Opening New Worlds through Audio Description and Touch Tours by Cindy Scott-Huisman Blind-Centered Innovations through JAWS for Windows: Celebrating Thirty Years and a Commitment to Leadership into the Future by Glen Gordon and Ryan Jones A Commitment to High Expectations: Leadership through Reflecting the Hopes of Blind People in Education by Anne Lancaster Monitor Miniatures Photo and Web List Issue: [November 2025] Photos: Ken Duke LaShawna Fant Peggy Chong Chris Danielsen Jeremy Smith Justin Young Cindy Scott-Huisman Glen Gordon Ryan Jones Anne Lancaster Web Links: www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind YouTube.com/NationsBlind www.nfb.org/planned-giving www.nfb.org/make-gift www.touchofgeniusprize.org https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/legislative-priorities/legislative-alerts/reinstate-funding-critical . freedomscientific.com/insertjclub

Contents Vol. 68, No. 9 October 2025 What is Braille Monitor Early Access? by Chris Danielsen Twenty Years of Dr. Edward C. Bell and the Institute on Blindness by Gary Wunder Remembering the Why, the Purpose, and the Philosophy: My Journey to Becoming a Structured Discovery Cane Travel Teacher by Denise Mackenstadt The New NLS DTB Player: A Compelling Upgrade by Karl Belanger “Access On” through Collective Action: Mobilizing Leadership through Blind-Centered Technology Perspectives by Jonathan Mosen Collective Action through Financial Technology: Utilizing Disability Wisdom to Build Meaningful Innovations by John Ciocca From the NFB Archives: A Story of tenBroek’s Groundbreaking Work in Civil Rights A Bridge to Myself, a Bridge to Our Dreams by Melissa Riccobono Remembering Ruth Miriam Swenson: Advocate, Leader, and Friend by Gary Wunder From the President’s Desk Monitor Miniatures Photo and Web List Issue: [OCTOBER 2025] Photos: Chris Danielsen Gary Wunder Dr. Edward Bell Denise Mackenstadt Jonathan Mosen John Ciocca Melissa Riccobono Ruth Miriam Swenson President Riccobono Web Links: www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind YouTube.com/NationsBlind www.nfb.org/planned-giving www.nfb.org/make-gift www.nfb.org/pac www.blindpilots.org . https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm25/bm2507/bm250707.htm https://nfb.org/donate . https://nfb.org/movers , https://nfb.org/baybridge

Vol. 68, No. 8 August/September 2025 Contents The #NFB25 Convention Roundup by Chris Danielsen 2025 Presidential Report An Address Delivered by Mark A. Riccobono Employment Events at the 2025 National Convention by Nikki Jackson Screen Readers and Street Smarts: How Travel Taught Me Tech by Brett Boyer Creativity, Persistence, and Hope: Reclaiming Our Stories through the Organized Blind Movement An Address Delivered by Mark A. Riccobono Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award Presentation Presented by Carla McQuillan Blind Educator of the Year Award Presentation Presented by Robin House The Eighteenth Annual Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards Presented by Everette Bacon Jacobus tenBroek Award Presentation Presented by Pam Allen Kenneth Jernigan Award Presentation Presented by Curtis Chong Remarks of the 2025 National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Class Resolutions Adopted by the 2025 National Convention Monitor Miniatures © 2025 by the National Federation of the Blind Photos: Chris Danielsen Mark Riccobono Nikki Jackson Brett Boyer Dan Kelley Maurice Peret Lee Martin Sam Seavey Mika Baugh Dr. Casey Roberts Julie Deden Glen Gordon Scholarship Class Convention photos Web Links: www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind YouTube.com/NationsBlind www.nfb.org/planned-giving www.nfb.org/make-gift https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide . www.nfb.org/pac https://withpurple.com . https://blindlawyers.net https://museum.nfb.org https://nfb.org/ecommerce https://nfb.org/convention https://nfb.org/member . https://nfb.org/presidential-releases https://nfb.org/committee-interest https://bookshare.org/nfb https://nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give https://nfb.org/movers https://nfb.org/donate https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/planned-giving

Vol. 68, No. 7 July 2025 Contents Taking Back My Life: A Journey from Control to Freedom by Mary Azatyan-Witmeyer No Sights Necessary: Firearm Safety and Range Experience by Christine Faltz Grassman Dedicated Determination Can Help Create Change by Cindy Scott-Huisman houseman Looking Towards Our Future: Making Healthy Aging Accessible by Rishika Kartik and Christopher Liu lay-o Social Determinants of Health: A Framework for Communicating with Health Care Professionals and Policy Specialists about the Work of the Organized Blind Movement by Justin Salisbury Building a Museum Beyond Expectations: Blueprints for Change Book Review: Connecting Dots: A Blind Life by Joshua A. Miele with Wendell Jamieson mealy Reviewed by Deborah Kendrick Legislative Update by Chris Danielsen Living by Standards: When Blindness Isn’t the Limitation by Kristopher I. Crawley Innosearch AI and National Federation of the Blind Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance Digital Accessibility for Blind and Low-Vision Communities Google and Aira Launch AI Visual Interpreter Pilot Project by Chris Danielsen From the President’s Desk Monitor Miniatures Photo and Web List Issue: [JULY 2025] Photos: Mary Elizabeth Azatyan-Witmeyer Christine Faltz Grassman Rishika Kartik Christopher Lui Justin Salisbury A Blind Life by Joshua Miele (book) Deborah Kendrick Chris Danielsen Kristopher I Crawley President Riccobono Museum photos – within article Web Links: www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind YouTube.com/NationsBlind www.nfb.org/planned-giving www.nfb.org/make-gift https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide . www.troubledefense.com/blind-and-low-vision-firearms-training . www.blindmuse.org . https://www.SaatvaADAsettlement.com . https://eastendtrialgroup.com . www.sfl.org ; https://nfb.org/museum . nfb.org/convention. nfb.org/publications

Contents Vol. 68, No. 6 June 2025 Convention Bulletin 2025 Welcome to New Orleans A Handful of Blind Little Boys and Girls from Tennessee Just Beat the Speaker of the House by James Brown My Kids Knew Their Dad Was Enough by Bruce Sexton Blind Americans and the End of Paper Benefit Checks: What You Need to Know by Jesse Shirek A Comparison of the Brailliant BI 40X and Braille eMotion Smart Displays by Karl Belanger What Is Your “Of”? by Shannon Cook Progress and Peril: Developments in Texas v. Kennedy by Chris Danielsen My Antarctic Journey by Erin Daley Lead and Drive: Give $25 in ’25 Staying True to Our Mission While Respecting Our Differences by Gary Wunder Always Partisan for Blind People Striking the Technology Balance by Jeff Altman A Tribute to Patricia Grebloski: Founding Member of the Keystone Chapter, Philadelphia by Lisa Bryant Photo and Web List Issue: [JUNE 2025] Photos: James Brown Bruce Sexton Jesse Shirek Karl Belanger Shannon Cook Chris Danielsen Erin Daley Gary Wunder Melissa Riccobono Mark Riccobono Jeff Altman Patricia Grebloski Lisa Bryant Web Links: www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind YouTube.com/NationsBlind www.nfb.org/planned-giving www.nfb.org/make-gift https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide . https://www.airportshuttleneworleans.com . https://www.norta.com/ride-with-us/know-before-you-go/transit-accessibility/paratransit-service or call 504-248-3900

Vol. 68, No. 5 May 2025 Contents Convention Bulletin 2025 New on the Agenda: The United States Access Board will be at National Convention From Fear to Empowerment: Moms’ Stories of Raising Blind Children by Z’Leah N. Liburd Crossing the Bay Bridge by Cassie McKinney A Mother of Faith and Strength: Interview with Mississippi's Linda Lankston Clay by LaShawna Fant Beyond the Chatbot: Innovations in the Fast-Changing World of AI by Jonathan Mosen Blindness in Current Political Discourse: Stemming a Toxic Tide by Chris Danielsen From the President’s Desk National Federation of the Blind and Blind Students Sue West Virginia University for Discrimination Resolution Reminders by Donald Porterfield Lawsuit Alleges that New York Courts Systemically Discriminate Against Blind Jurors in Grand Jury System Disability Advocates Sue Social Security Administration and DOGE to Stop Unlawful Cuts to Social Security Services Monitor Miniatures Photo and Web List Issue: [MAY 2025] Photos: Z’Leah N. Liburd Cassie McKinney LaShawna Fant Linda Lankston Clay Jonathan Mosen Chris Danielsen Mark Riccobono Donald Porterfield 2 photos came with bay bridge article- in need of captions Web Links: www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind YouTube.com/NationsBlind www.nfb.org/planned-giving www.nfb.org/make-gift https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide . https://www.access-board.gov , https://www.bookshare.org/ https://www.stepupforstudents.org/for-parents/scholarship-details/unique-abilities/ https://www.fsdbk12.org/cane-quest https://dbs.fldoe.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.fsdbk12.org/https://www.fsdbk12.org/braille-challenge https://hadley.edu https://lighthouseblv.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.maxiaids.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.loc.gov/nls/ https://lighthouseblv.org/ https://notebooklm.google.com https://browngold.com/ https://www.drofwv.org/ nopbc.org

Vol. 68, No. 4 April 2025 Contents Convention Bulletin 2025 A Correction and a Legislative Update by Chris Danielsen The Lawsuit That Could Kill Section 504 by Chris Danielsen National Federation of the Blind Comments on Reduction in Force at Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights The Role of the Department of Education in Specialized Teacher Training and Beyond by Amy Parker Louis Braille: More Anniversaries Ahead by Philippa Campsie The Power of Audio Description by Corey Grandstaff From No Blind Life to Rockin’ the Blind Life by Charles Tate The Courtesy Rules of Blindness Blind Enough by Renée Valdez Raising Expectations for the Blind of the World by Nicholas Hoekstra Blindness Beyond Borders by Abdi Ali-Mumin moo a min How Do We Make Real and Lasting Changes for the Blind: A Discussion That Needs Your Input by Gary Wunder The Intersection of Law and Love An Address Delivered by Marc Maurer iCanConnect Helps Bridge the Communication Gap for Individuals with Combined Vision and Hearing Loss by Perkins School for the Blind NFB Kids Camp: Tons of Fun! by Harriet Go Photo and Web List Issue: [APRIL 2025] Photos: Convention hotel images Chris Danielsen Amy Parker Philippa Campsie Corey Grandstaff Charles Tate Renee Valdez Nicholas Hoekstra Abdi Ali-Mumin Gary Wunder Marc Maurer Perkins School for the Blind Harriet Go Web Links: www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind YouTube.com/NationsBlind www.nfb.org/planned-giving www.nfb.org/make-gift https://www.icanconnect.org . https://www.youtube.com/@iCanConnectCampaign https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide https://dredf.org/protect-504 https://doi.org/10.1177/0888406412444455 https://dsq-sds.org/index.php/dsq/article/view/7499/5947 https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/braille/thefirstpublicationofthebraillecode.html https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm03/bm0309/bm030906.htm https://nfb.org/programs-services/meet-blind-month/courtesy-rules-blindness . iCanConnect.org https://nfb.org/nfb-camp-registration-formform . https://doi.org/10.1177/0888406412444455

Vol. 68, No. 3 March 2025 Contents Convention Bulletin The 2025 Washington Seminar: New President, New Congress, New Approach by Chris Danielsen The Significance of Washington Seminar 2025 by Mark Riccobono Legislative Agenda of Blind Americans: Priorities for the 119th Congress, First Session Laws and Funding the Blind Depend On Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act Blind Americans Return to Work Act Additional Legislative Concerns of Blind Americans for the 119th Congress A Report from Washington Seminar by the South Carolina Delegation by Janice Bright Leading Disability Organizations: President Trump’s Blame of Deadly Plane Crash on Disabled Federal Workers Is Baseless, Irresponsible The Why and How of Service Animal Self-ID in Rideshare by Al Elia A Tribute to Tom Stevens: A Leader and a Friend by Gary Wunder Making Meta Accessible: Update on Latest Improvements Building the Future: Shaping Accessible Learning Together by Kaili Kameoka Springing Forward Successfully by LaShawna Fant Who Says Blind People Can’t Get Foul Balls? Three Parks, Three Years, Three Souvenir Balls by Rose Warner NFB BELL®: It’s Not just for the Kids! by Karen Anderson Learning, Leading, and Living the Life I Want by Cole Carper Monitor Miniatures Photo and Web List Issue: [MARCH 2025] Photos: Chris Danielsen Washington Seminar photos Mark Riccobono Al Elia Gary Wunder Tom Stevens Kaili Kameoka Dr. LaShawna Fant Rose Warner Cole Carper Web Links: www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind YouTube.com/NationsBlind www.nfb.org/planned-giving www.nfb.org/make-gift https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide https://nfb.org/cena . https://nfb.org/bolotin https://nfb.org/donate . https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/internet-broadband/ https://www.disabilitystatistics.org/acs/1 https://www.siteimprove.com/blog/a-complete-overview-of-canadas-accessibility-laws/ https://www.levelaccess.com/compliance-overview/european-accessibility-act-eaa/#:~:text=The%20European%20Accessibility%20Act%20(EAA,accessible%20to%20people%20with%20disabilities . https://connectedmed.com/resources/post-pandemic-telehealth-utilization-settles-in-at-20-or-less-of-medical-appointments/ https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2018/12/12/how-far-americans-live-from-the-closest-hospital-differs-by-community-type/ https://www.japha.org/article/S1544-3191(22)00233-3/fulltext https://ncd.gov/progressreport/2016/progress-report-october-2016 https://www.facebook.com/?force_mobile=1 https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-accessibility/self-advocacy-toolkit-and-tracking-form https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/inaccessibility-tracker-form bit.ly/3DR5ucT . https://www.birdability.org/blind-birder-birdathon Footnotes: Pew Research Center. “Internet, Broadband Fact Sheet.” November 13, 2024. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/internet-broadband/ United States Census Bureau. “The number of non-institutionalized, male or female, all ages, all races, regardless of ethnicity, with all education levels in the United States reported any disability in 2022.” https://www.disabilitystatistics.org/acs/1 Siteimprove. “A complete overview of Canada’s Accessibility Laws.” August 2, 2024. https://www.siteimprove.com/blog/a-complete-overview-of-canadas-accessibility-laws/ Level Access. “European Accessibility Act (EAA).” https://www.levelaccess.com/compliance-overview/european-accessibility-act-eaa/#:~:text=The%20European%20Accessibility%20Act%20(EAA,accessible%20to%20people%20with%20disabilities . See Center for Connected Medicine, Telehealth utilization settles in at 20% or less of medical appointments, available at https://connectedmed.com/resources/post-pandemic-telehealth-utilization-settles-in-at-20-or-less-of-medical-appointments/ See Pew Research Center, How far Americans live from the closest hospital differs by community type, available at https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2018/12/12/how-far-americans-live-from-the-closest-hospital-differs-by-community-type/ See Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, Access to community pharmacies: A nationwide geographic information systems cross-sectional analysis available at https://www.japha.org/article/S1544-3191(22)00233-3/fulltext See National Council on Disabilities, National Disability Policy Progress Report: Technology that enables access to the full opportunities of citizenship under the Constitution is a right at 19 (October 7, 2016), available at https://ncd.gov/progressreport/2016/progress-report-october-2016 42 U.S.C. Sec. 423. Commitment to Serve, A presentation given at the 2018 NIB/NAEPB Training Conference and Expo. Ibid.

Vol. 68, No. 2 February 2025 Contents Convention Bulletin 2025 A Brief Report of the Meeting of the National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors Held December 6 and 7, 2024 by Gary Wunder Blind Merchants Lift Off in Nashville by Terry C. Smith Bullish on BLAST and the Blind by James Gashel We Dare to Be Remarkable by Anil Lewis Evolving Principles, Practices, and Philosophy An address delivered by Mark A. Riccobono Evolving Principles, Practices, and Philosophy at the Rehabilitation Services Administration by Danté Allen Innovate to Elevate: Fostering Excellence in Rehabilitation Services for Blind Youth by Carlos R. Serván Shaping Twenty-First Century Rehabilitation Systems: Leadership, Partnership, and High Expectations Moderator: Anil Lewis We Need Your Help Why Every Blind Postsecondary Student Should Apply for an NFB Scholarship by Cayte Mendez The 2025 Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award by Carla McQuillan The 2025 Blind Educator of the Year Award by Robin House Monitor Miniatures Photo and Web List Issue: [FEBRUARY 2025] Photos: Gary Wunder Terry C. Smith James Gashel Anil Lewis Mark Riccobono Dante Allen Carlos Servan Anil Lewis Cassondra Williams-Stokes Stephen Wooderson Cayte Mendez Carla McQuillan Robin House Web Links: www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind YouTube.com/NationsBlind www.nfb.org/planned-giving www.nfb.org/make-gift www.nfb.org/convention www.nfb.org/scholarships . www.hiohare.com https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide . https://nfb.org/convention https://nfb.org/images/nfb/documents/pdf/distinguished-educator-of-blind-students-award-form-fillable.pdf https://nabslink.org/civicrm/event/info?id=5&reset=1 nfb.org/brand

Vol. 68, No. 1 January 2025 Contents Convention Bulletin 2025 A New Editor’s Introduction by Chris Danielsen Our Federation of the Blind and Physician-Assisted Suicide: When Shall We Speak, and What Strategy Shall We Use? by Nathanael T. Wales Breaking Barriers: My Journey as a Blind Juror by Marilyn Green Leading Courageously with Higher Expectations: Braille, Teacher Preparation, and the Continued Influence of the Organized Blind Movement by Casey Robertson Is Mobile Voting our Final Shot at Saving Democracy? Interview with Bradley Tusk and Mark Riccobono by Gina Healy and Jennifer Woodall Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Updates for 2025 by Jesse Shirek National Federation of the Blind Applauds United States Department of Labor for Proposed Rule Phasing Out Subminimum Wages: Organization Urges Congress to Codify Proposal in Statute by Gary Wunder Jessica Beecham: Enthusiastic Servant Leader Ben Dallin: Outdoorsman, Advocate, Mentor, and Welcoming Builder Jim Marks: Rehabilitation Professional, Disability Advocate, Outdoorsman, Father, Grandfather, Husband Jamie Richey: Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, and Child of God Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship by Tracy Soforenko The 2025 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards by Everette Bacon Monitor Miniatures Photo and Web List Issue: [JANUARY 2025] Photos: Convention hotel Chris Danielsen Nathanael Wales Marilyn Green Casey Robertson Mark Riccobono Bradley Tusk Jesse Shirek Gary Wunder Jessica Beecham Ben Dallin Jim Marks Jamie Richey Tracey Soforenko Everette Bacon Web Links: www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind YouTube.com/NationsBlind www.nfb.org/planned-giving www.nfb.org/make-gift https://www.politico.com/news/2024/04/17/lawmaker-withdraws-california-bill-assisted-dying-00152840 https://www.cfb.ca https://www.ablenrc.org/ . http://www.west.net/~bpbooks/mhp.htm https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide https://nfb.org/convention https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_suicide https://abilityjobs.com https://abilityjobfair.org https://abilityE.com , https://nfb.org/about-us/leadership/board-directors . https://nfb.org/sites/default/files/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr16/issue4/f160407.htm https://nfb.org/sites/default/files/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm19/bm1905/bm190512.htm https://nfb.org/form/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scho?q=form%2Fkenneth-jernigan-convention-scho https://nfb.org/bolotin