National Federation of the Blind Presidential Releases - English

President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Presidential Release #560. He shares the announcement of the US Department of Justice’s interim final rule delaying the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II web accessibility rule, which requires and enforces accessibility standards for state and local government websites and mobile applications. He explains the history of the ADA, why the rule is significant, and how it affects the lives of blind Americans. He concludes with Federation family news and his customary closing remarks.

President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Presidential Release #559. He shares an update on the upcoming national convention. He discusses the NFB’s involvement in shaping Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and its impact on people with disabilities. He also emphasizes the importance of preserving the history of the organized blind movement and encourages chapters to document their efforts. He concludes with Federation family news and his customary closing remarks.

President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release #558. He encourages all to attend the national convention in Austin, Texas, and emphasizes the importance of membership in setting the organization’s priorities and policies. He also announces a survey that will be distributed to new members to gather feedback on the onboarding process. He provides legislative updates following the Washington Seminar. He concludes with Federation family news and his customary closing remarks.

President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release #557. He recaps our week of advocacy at the NFB Washington Seminar and shares highlights from his trip to the World Blind Union meeting, underscoring the Federation’s influence among blind organizations worldwide. He also includes his opening remarks from the Great Gathering-In, emphasizing the importance of the 2026 NFB Washington Seminar for blind Americans. He concludes with Federation family news and his customary closing remarks.

President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Presidential Release #556. He reminds members to pay their annual dues and browse their member profile to access exclusive member benefits. He outlines the 2026 legislative priorities and emphasizes the importance of advocating for legislation that improves the lives of blind Americans. He also encourages engagement with NFB publications to spark chapter discussion, share hope, and contribute to the community’s wisdom. He concludes with Federation family news and his customary closing remarks.   Important link: nfb.org/washington-seminar

President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Presidential Release #555. He champions the accomplishments the organized blind movement made this year through our collective action, advocacy, and commitment to raising expectations for blind people. He encourages members to share their ideas about how we can strengthen the movement and shape our priorities for 2026. He concludes with Federation family news and his customary closing remarks.

President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Presidential Release #554. He highlights the upcoming eighty-fifth anniversary of the NFB’s founding on November 16 and emphasizes the importance of understanding history to help shape the future of the movement. He encourages members and chapters to listen to the new podcast, Walking Alone and Marching Together, to spark conversation about how our collective action can continue to advance equality, affirm self-expression, and raise expectations for the blind. He concludes with Federation family news and his customary closing remarks.

October 2025   President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Presidential Release #553. He welcomes us to Blind Equality Achievement Month and encourages chapters and divisions to participate in the Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge, either on-site or virtually, to support the NFB. He also announces the introduction of the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act and the CONNECT for Health Act in Congress. He concludes with Federation family news and his customary closing remarks.   Important link: nfb.org/movers

President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Presidential Release #552. He emphasizes continued advocacy as Congress reconvenes and informs members about upcoming legislative updates. He announces several events, including Blind Equality Achievement Month, the NFB Virtual Career Fair, and the NFB Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge. He details his involvement with the World Blind Union and highlights the importance of collaboration with international blind movements. He concludes with Federation family news and customary closing remarks.   Important links: Nfb.org/movers Nfb.org/employment

President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Presidential Release #551. He celebrates another successful NFB National Convention and encourages everyone to revisit highlights through NFB publications. President Riccobono reminds chapters to start preparing for Blind Equality Achievement Month in October. He highlights legislation that advances the lives of blind people and urges advocates to maintain their efforts on these initiatives. He concludes with Federation family news, customary closing remarks, and a trailer for the new podcast coming this Fall, Walking Alone and Marching Together.

President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release #550. He encourages all to register for the 2025 National Convention by June 1. He notes that on-site and virtual registration options will still be available. President Riccobono emphasizes the importance of continued advocacy work, specifically mentioning the recent introduction of the Access Technology Affordability Act and the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act. He also discusses the partnership with Innosearch AI and its accessibility benefits for blind people. He concludes with Federation family news and customary closing remarks.   Important Links: Nfb.org/convention

President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release #549. He encourages all to register for the NFB National Convention, taking place from July 8–13 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Virtual attendance options are available for those who can't attend in person. The deadline to register is May 30.   He emphasizes the importance of chapter-level input in shaping national policies, specifically through the resolution process. He also announces the spring fundraising drive, which offers contributors of $25 or more a chance to win prizes.   He concludes with Federation family news and customary closing remarks.   Important links: nfb.org/convention

President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release #548. He discusses our recent advocacy efforts on several issues, including promoting the Access Technology Affordability Act, opposing the Texas v. Kennedy lawsuit which threatens protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, protecting programs for people with disabilities within the Department of Education, and much more. He continues to encourage ongoing advocacy and political engagement.   He concludes with Federation family news and customary closing remarks.   Important Links: nfb.org/advocacy

This is National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release #547 with Mark A. Riccobono, President. President Riccobono announces the launch of NFBRN (National Federation of the Blind Radio Network), providing members with 24/7 access to Federation content. He encourages members to attend the 2025 National Convention in New Orleans to participate in setting the organization’s policies and goals. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of collective action, diversity, and inclusion in addressing threats to civil rights protections for the blind.

Presidential Release February 2025 President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #546. He discusses the legislative priorities of the organized blind movement—specifically the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act, Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act, and Blind Americans Return to Work Act. President Riccobono also shares Federation family news and customary endings.    References: Washington Seminar: https://nfb.org/washington-seminar 2024 Washington Seminar Round Up https://nfb.org//images/nfb/publications/bm/bm24/bm2403/bm240302.htm

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #545. He celebrates the new year and World Braille Day. President Riccobono discusses membership for the year and strengthening our financial position of the organized blind movement. He also shares reference articles and customary endings.   References: Jeannie Massay: https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm19/bm1904/bm190403.htm   Barbara Pierce’s article about becoming a member: https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm19/bm1904/bm190404.htm   Stephanie Cascone’s article on members who both dive in and hang back and how we are all making a difference: https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm19/bm1904/bm190406.htm   A blog post by Cayte Mendez about how scholarships are more than the money: https://nfb.org/blog/so-much-more-money-scholarship-story

This is the National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release #544 with Mark Riccobono. President Riccobono delivers a message of gratitude and unity. He emphasizes the importance of being blind-centered and blind-led. He also highlights the significance of the upcoming year, calling on members to set goals and work together to make 2025 the best year yet for the organized blind movement. President Riccobono concludes by expressing gratitude for the dedication to our community and requests for Chapters to offer time this month for members to share reflections about the people and moments we are thankful for in our movement.   Important links: Blind Courtesy by Marc Maurer HTML: https://nfb.org//images/nfb/publications/bm/bm24/bm2404/bm240410.htm Blind Courtesy by Marc Maurer MP3: https://nfb.org/images/nfb/audio/braille_monitor/2024/apr/12_blind_courtesy.mp3 Washington Seminar: https://nfb.org/washington-seminar National Convention: https://nfb.org/convention  

This is the National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release #543 with Mark Riccobono. President Riccobono celebrates the Federation Anniversary, shares how our stories are one of the most powerful tools we have, and highlights a Kernel Book story. For your chapter meeting, share this release and discuss the questions and topics that President Riccobono presents.   Important Links: Kernel Books: https://nfb.org/resources/jacobus-tenbroek-library/collections/kernel-books

This is the National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release #542 with Mark Riccobono. President Riccobono welcomes us to Blind Equality Achievement Month. He shares perspective on our commitments as members. For your chapter meeting, share this release and discuss the principles President Riccobono mentions so that we can continue to fulfill these commitments together.

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release number #541. He discusses entering the season of change, season of action, season of building. He shares information on voting, the upcoming Rideshare Rally, and AbilityOne. President Riccobono announces the upcoming Bay Bridge Run led by our National Organization of Parents of Blind Children. He wraps up with celebrating the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Federation family news, and customary endings.   Important link: https://nfb.org/vote

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release number #540. He reflects on the 2024 National Convention, the Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary, and the announcement regarding Blind Barbie. He discusses updates regarding the Blind Americans Return to Work Act, Monarch funding, and NFB-NEWSLINE. President Riccobono shares information about Blind Equality Achievement Month and blind voter registration drives. He wraps up with Federation family news and customary endings.

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #539. He shares the National Federation of the Blind belief statement and welcomes the first IEP Advocacy Academy cohort to the Jernigan Institute. He discusses Pride Month and the work we are doing to make the 2024 National Convention welcoming and inclusive for all members. He introduces us to Equality Florida and announces the NFB24 Social Offset Campaign. President Riccobono reminds us of the many volunteer opportunities and the Dream Big: Give $25 Drive. Lastly, he shares congratulations to our tremendous work to pass H.R. 3935, the legislation that reauthorized the Federal Aviation Administration for the next five years.   Important links: https://nfb.org/convention https://nfb.org/give25 https://nfb.org/bell

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #538. He shares more updates about the 2024 National Convention, including important information about our overflow hotels, the need for members to volunteer as ambassadors, how and when to submit resolutions, and the national convention career fair. All members are encouraged to exercise their legal right to vote privately and independently in primary elections and in the general election in November, and to report to the Department of Justice and the national office if they are unable to do so. President Riccobono also shares information about our “Dream Big: Give $25 Drive” and the chance for those who contribute to win a Monarch (a Braille and tactile graphic display), a new official and accessible Rubik’s Cube (developed in partnership with the Federation), and more. He wraps up with Federation family news and customary endings. Important links: nfb.org/convention [email protected] [email protected] https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/give-25

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #537. He shares more updates about the 2024 National Convention including the Service Support Provider volunteers, the annual Book Fair, and NAGDU opportunity. President Riccobono discusses employers illegally require driver’s licenses in job applications when driving is not an essential function of the job and how we can combat that, and he announces Teachers of Tomorrow program, Self-Advocacy Toolkit and Tracking Form for Nonvisual Accessibility, the 2025 Washington Seminar, and more. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and customary endings.   Important links: nfb.org/convention [email protected]  https://nagdu.org/sponsorship NFB.org/CENA

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #536 on Leap Day with the 94th Leadership Seminar at the Jernigan Institute. He shares reminders about the scholarship applications and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion calendar for planning Federation events. President Riccobono discusses the importance of national convention and announces the convention theme, registration, first timer opportunities, the ambassador program, and the convention ally network. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and customary endings.

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #535, recorded in the NFB studio. He gives us a recap on the Great Gathering-In and congressional reception, the anniversary of the Jernigan Institute groundbreaking, and a request for members to share their stories. He discusses our publications, the Federation’s award programs, and more. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and customary endings.

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #534. He celebrates World Braille Day and shares a difficult announcement regarding our affiliated training center, BLIND, Inc. He discusses Washington Seminar, our opposition on Cogswell and Macy Act, and membership reminder. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and customary endings.

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #533 in front of a live audience at the Jernigan Institute. He shares a legislative alert for the Access Technology Affordability Act. He discusses Washington Seminar, internships, cooking up advocacy, and end of year giving. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and customary endings.

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #532. He shares the celebration of the Federation anniversary, Karla Gilbride’s confirmation as General Counsel to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, authentic representation in All the Light We Cannot See, and more. He provides updates on advocacy and policy progress and upcoming Braille programs. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and customary endings. Important links: nfb.org/winter actionfund.beanstack.org nabv.org

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #531, live from Louisville, Kentucky. He shares the celebration of Blind Equality Achievement Month, Leadership Development, end of year gift matching campaign, and updates on legislative progress regarding Web Accessibility. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and customary endings. Important Links: nfb.org/blind-month ACL.gov/AccessibleTests nfb.org/donate

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #530, live from Chicago. He shares updates on the 50th Leadership Seminar, LEGO Braille Bricks, Membership Profile, legislative priorities and the Washington Seminar. President Riccobono shares Federation Family news and customary endings.

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #529. He provides perspective and celebration of a successful #NFB23 convention. He shares updates on the U.S. Access Board, rideshare discrimination, ADA Title II Website Regulations, and the Route 66 Ride for Literacy. President Riccobono shares Federation Family news and customary endings. Important links: Convention Survey & Highlights: nfb.org/convention DOJ Online Form: https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/ Ride for Literacy: nfb.org/route66

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #528. He provides perspective and celebration of Pride Month and the recent lawsuit win against Los Angeles Community College District. He provides updates on the exciting upcoming national convention. President Riccobono shares Federation Family news and customary endings. Important link: nfb.org/convention

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #527. He provides perspective and updates on social media engagement specifically regarding Mastodon, traveling by air with guide dogs, our Teachers of Tomorrow program, and convention resolutions. President Riccobono shares Federation Family news and customary endings.

President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #526. He provides perspective and updates on the national convention virtual experience registration, increased appropriations request for the independent living services for older individuals who are blind program, the equal employment opportunity commission regarding discriminatory driver’s license requirements on job applications, and our new 2023 campaign, Route 66 Ride for Literacy with Dan O’Rourke. President Riccobono shares Federation Family news and customary endings. Important Links: nfb.org/convention nfb.org/route66

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #525 before a live virtual audience and the 92nd leadership seminar participants. He provides perspective and updates regarding our advocacy efforts including a breaking news on our legislative priorities. He also discusses subminimum wages, the Orozco case, a new Department of Justice 508 compliance report, education programs, and the biggest event of the year. National Convention registration now open. President Riccobono shares Federation Family news and customary endings. Important links: nfb.org/convention nfb.org/registration

February 2023 President Mark Riccobono presents Presidential Release #524 from the National Federation of the Blind recording studio. He reflects on January events, celebrates Black History Month, and shares the significance of Washington Seminar presented at Great Gathering-In. President Riccobono also gives updates on the museum, Federation Family news, and customary endings. Important Links: nfb.org/washington-seminar https://www.youtube.com/nationsblind https://nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give

President Mark Riccobono presents Presidential Release #523, the first Presidential Release for 2023. President Riccobono celebrates World Braille Day, announces the new name of the Digital Tactile Display developed by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), discusses the upcoming Washington Seminar, tells members how to make 2023 National Convention hotel reservations, shares NFB family news, including the passing of long-time Federation leader Scott LaBarre, and announces the creation of the new Scott C. LaBarre Leadership and Justice Fund. Important Links: • World Braille Day: https://Braille.day • Bolotin Awards: https://nfb.org/bolotin • Washington Seminar: https://nfb.org/washington-seminar • National Convention: https://nfb.org/convention • NFB BELL: https://nfb.org/bell

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #522 before a live virtual audience from Members Hall at the Jernigan Institute. He provides perspective and updates with Lyft, Indeed pre-employment assessments, 2023 Washington Seminar, Scholarship Program, and PSAs. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news, reflection from the year, and the customary endings. Important links: nfb.org/washington-seminar nfb.org/scholarships nfb.org/vote

November 2022 President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #521 before a live virtual audience in San Diego at the NFB of California state convention. He provides perspective and updates on voting, rideshare transportation, Braille literacy, advocacy and policy information regarding the introduction of the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and the customary endings. Important links: Surveys: https://nfb.org/vote Lyft Vote Code: NFBVOTE2022 Legal Program: https://nfb.org/legal Braille Readers Are Leaders: https://actionfund.beanstack.org Washington Seminar: https://nfb.org/washington-seminar

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #520 before a live virtual audience in Jackson, Mississippi at the Mississippi School for the Blind. He provides perspective and updates regarding Blind Equality Achievement Month, advocacy and policy information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act and the introduction of the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act, and shares details about the upcoming open house for prospective members. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and the customary endings. This release includes the location announcement for the next presidential release from NFB of Mississippi President, Candice Chapman. Important Links: nfb.org/blind-month whitecane.day https://nfb.org/get-involved/join-us nfb.org/pac

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #518 before a live virtual audience. He provides perspective and updates regarding the 2022 National Convention, our advocacy and policy efforts including the recent anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and planning for Blind Equality Achievement Month. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and the customary endings. Important links: https://nfb.org/national-convention https://nfb.org/programs-services/blind-month https://nfb.org/resolutions

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #517 before a live virtual audience. He provides perspective and updates regarding upcoming strategic planning and constitutional amendments of the National Federation of the Blind, our advocacy and policy efforts, request for NFB Code of Conduct feedback, and National Convention. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and the customary endings. Important links: National Convention nfb.org/convention Uber Ride Denials Contact: [email protected] Give #20 Convention Drawying: nfb.org/give20 NFB Code of Conduct Feedback Contact: [email protected] NFB Muslims Group Contact: [email protected]

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #516 before a live virtual and in-person audience from NOLA. He provides perspective and updates regarding the We're With U concert, upcoming employment training opportunity, social security administration kiosks, at-home COVID-19 tests, and National Convention. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and the customary endings. Important links: 2022 National Convention nfb.org/convention Give $20 Convention Drawing nfb.org/give20 WBU Ukrainian Unity Fund nfb.org/BlindWithU COVID-19 Test Information nfb.org/covidtests Accessibility Boutiques nfb.org/CENA

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #515 before a live virtual audience. He provides perspective and updates regarding legislative issues, the Teachers of Tomorrow program, transportation concerns, the Blind Driver Challenge Guinness World Records attempt, World Blind Union’s Ukrainian Unity Fund, and National Convention. Important links: 2022 National Convention nfb.org/convention Teachers of Tomorrow Program at nfb.org/education BlindDriverChallenge.org WBU Ukrainian Unity Fund nfb.org/BlindWithU

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #514 before a live virtual audience. He provides perspective and updates regarding legislative issues from Washington Seminar, National Convention registration and important convention protocols, COVID testing progress, and RAINN training. Important links: National Convention: nfb.org/convention National Convention Registration: nfb.org/registration Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship: https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship NFB BELL http://www.nfb.org/bell RAINN Training Interest Form: https://nfb.org/form/safety-and-support-rainn-request

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #513 before a live virtual audience. He provides perspective and updates regarding the upcoming Washington Seminar, important details on at-home COVID-19 tests, and requesting feedback for the planning of our state-of-the-art civil rights museum. Relevant Links: COVID-19 At-Home Test Information: nfb.org/covidtests Museum survey at nfb.org home page or by calling 229-632-7878 or toll-free 833-632-7878. Washington Seminar: https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #512 before a live virtual audience. Bringing in the new year and celebrating World Braille Day, he provides perspective and updates regarding the upcoming National Convention, exciting changes to our scholarship program, and KNFB-Reader transition. He also shares details regarding Washington Seminar, the Code of Conduct, and Federation Family news.

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #511 before a live virtual and in-person audience. He provides perspective on the eighty-first anniversary of the Federation and our mantra this year, Forward. He discusses NFB-NEWSLINE services, Washington Seminar, advocacy efforts for the Access Technology Affordability Act and the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act, and updates on the Federation Family.

President Mark Riccobono delivers presidential release #510 before a live virtual audience. He provides perspective regarding the 2022 Washington Seminar, eliminating subminimum wage update, our work on kiosks, revisions on our code of conduct, and introduction of our new Blind Survivors Group.