Braille Monitor

Vol. 67, No. 8                                                                          August/September 2024

Convention Roundup #NFB24

by Chris Danielsen

2024 Presidential Report

by Mark A. Riccobono

Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Presentation

by Carla McQuillan

Presentation of the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards

by Everette Bacon

Dignity, Respect, and Determination: The Momentum of the Blind People’s Movement

by Mark A. Riccobono

Inclusion by Example: Adventures of a Blind Woman Navigating the Oceans of STEM Professionals

by Amy Bower

Remarks of the Scholarship Class of 2024

Resolutions Passed by the 2024 National Convention

Beyond Routes and Techniques: The Energy of Structured Discovery in Blindness Training

by Carlos R. Serván

A Long-Overdue Step Forward for Blind Cubers

by Paul Martz

Monitor Miniatures

Photo and Web List

Issue: [August-September 2024]

Photos:

Chris Danielsen

Mark Riccobono

Carla McQuillan

Dori Senatori

2024 Jacob Bolotin Award Winners with members of committee

Amy Bower

Cayte Mendez

2024 Scholarship Class

Carlos R. Servan

Paul Martz

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/resolutions

www.unseen-film.com

www.Aira.io

www.nfb.org/pac

https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2024-national-convention-agenda

https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/past-conventions/2024-national-convention

https://nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give

https://nfb.org/about-us/annual-report-and-financials.

https://nfb.org/donate.

www.sfl.org

http://www.blindcaferadio.com

Vol. 67, No. 7                                                                                             July 2024

Illustration: Stevie Wonder Visits the Jernigan Institute and Engages in Some Sports Fun

Reflections on How an Investment in Training Has Shaped My Last Twenty-Five Years

by Mark Riccobono

Safeguarding the Legacy, Investing in Inheritance

by Jonathan Mosen

Building the Movement: Achieving Our Dreams through Strategic Investments

by Denise Avant, Trisha Kulkarni, Lisamaria Martinez, Sanho Steele-Louchart, and Denise Brown

Charcoal and Challenges

by Marc Maurer

Public Access Barriers for Guide Dog Teams: Survey Report

by The Seeing Eye

Celebrating Fatherhood: An Interview with Michael Hardin

by LaShawna Fant

Step Up to the Stove: Mixing Together Independence, Confidence, and Safety

by Elizabeth Rouse

The Strange English Language

Author Unknown

Taking Seniors Where They Are and Providing the Resources They Need

by Sandy Halverson

A Blind Chef's Culinary Journey

by Cameron Loehr

Monitor Miniatures

Photo and Web List

Issue: [July 2024]

Photos:

Mark Riccobono

Jonathan Mosen

Denise Avant

Trisha Kulkarni

Lisa Maria Martinez

Sanho Steele-Louchart

Denise Brown

Michael Hardin

LaShawna Fant

Elizabeth Rouse

Sandy Halverson

Cindy Scott-Huisman

Kyle Kiper

Cameron Loehr

Web Links:

www.nfb.org

www.nfbnet.org

Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind

YouTube.com/NationsBlind

www.nfb.org/planned-giving

www.nfb.org/make-gift

Dontbreakthebudget.com/payment

dontbreakthebudget.com

https://beta.sonos.com/key/passport

Vol. 67, No. 6                                                                                            June 2024

Interview with Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind

Taken from Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, State of AV 2024

Dr. Natalie Shaheen Wins $1.5 Million NSF CAREER Grant

 by Aubrey Henson

Artificial Intelligence Directed by the Blind: Progress and Possibilities with Be My Eyes

by Mike Buckley

On Becoming a Father

by Marco Carranza

How a 19th Century Dutch Ophthalmologist Can Impact Your 21st Century Rights

by Greg Trapp, JD

How I Became a Blind Home Owner in Fifty Short Days

by Daniel Garcia

Support NFB Programs and Make a Difference for Blind People!

by Bridgid Burke

A Letter to the Editor

by Cricket Bidleman

Updates to the Social Security Administration's Procedures for Recovering Overpayments

by Jesse Shirek and Kyle Walls

Empowering the Blind Diabetic Community: Insights from the Diabetes Action Network Seminar

by Debbie Wunder

Is It Better at the Airport or Are We on a Merry-Go-Round?

by Patti Chang

Escape from the Tiny Kitchen

by Deborah Kent Stein

The Federation and Physician-Assisted Suicide

by Chris Danielsen

Convention Ambassadors’ Jeopardy

by Dan Burke and Corbb O’Connor

Looking Back as We Move Forward: The Past, Present, and Future of Federal Website Accessibility Regulations

by Sanho Steele-Louchart and Kyle Walls

I Am Just a Dad

by Bruce Sexton

Rebuilding What I Should Have Known: Reflections on My Journey to be Accountable to the Blind Community

by Shir Ekerling

Sighted Saviorism in the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind

by Justin Salisbury

Monitor Miniatures

Photo and Web List

Issue: [June 2024]

Photos:

Mark Riccobono

Dr. Natalie Shaheen

Mike Buckley

Marco Carranza

Gregg Trapp

Daniel Garcia

Bridgid Burke

Cricket Bidleman

Jesse Shirek

Kyle Walls

Debbie Wunder

Patti Change

Deborah Kent Stein

Chris Danielsen

Dan Burke

Corbb O’Connor

Sanho Steele-Louchart

Burce Sexton

Shir Ekerling

Justin Salisbury

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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_suicide_in_the_United_States

nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/national_convention_ambassador_

Vol. 67, No. 5                                   May 2024

Perhaps Corrections Should be a Regular Column  

by Gary Wunder

Fostering Inclusion: Blindness Doesn’t Define Us    

by Cricket Bidleman and Karen Smith

It’s More About the Fellowship than the Food 

by Eileen Rivera Ley

Talk, Text, and Train the Trainers 

by Jane Hager

On Becoming a Commercial Realtor: A Blind Person’s Pathway out of Poverty and Penury      

by Charles Innes

Tidbits, Quotations, and Words to Live by       

by Gary Wunder

Dream Big: Give $25 Drive  

by Rachel Held

Giving Time to NFB Changes Lives       

by Shelley Keeland

Simple Accessibility Solutions       

by Dan  tevelde

Seniors Making a Difference

by Glenn Crosby

A New Definition of Disability: Embracing Our Shared Humanity and Redefining How We Perceive Abilities and Differences   

by Michael Hingson

The Rest of Reality: An Address Delivered by Marc Maurer       

An Exciting New Product for the Blind: A New Company with Very Familiar People. Meet the BT Speak Pocket Computer from Blazie Technologies

by David Goldfield

Greater Expectations  

by David Houck

Monitor Miniatures      

Photo and Web List

Issue: [May 2024]

Photos:

Gary Wunder

Cricket Bidleman

Karen Smith

Eileen Rivera Ley

Jane Hager

Charles Innes

Rachel Held

Shelley Keeland

Dan Tevelde

Glenn Crosby

Michael Hingson

Marc Maurer

David Goldfield

David Houck

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.cfb.ca

https://blindsavvyusa.com. 

www.blazietech.com

https://mdod.maryland.gov/tam/Pages/mat.aspx

https://nfb.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=45

https://nfb.org/Give25Donate

Vol. 67, No. 4                                                                                             April 2024

Enhancing Live Radio Broadcasts at Major Sporting Events: A Partnership with the Utah Jazz

by Everett Bacon and Mark Riccobono

How to Host an Event that no one Attends Absent-Tea

by Cindy Scott-Huisman

Red, White, and Blind: Your Way, If Not My Way, Toward Serving

by Kyle Ryan Kiper

To Equalize the World of Audio, Let's Add Accessibility to the Mix

by Michelle Guadalupe Felix Garcia

Fighting the War on ‘Image Poverty’

by Claire Rojstaczer

The Advantages of a Smartwatch and Three that are Currently Available

by Karl Belanger, Kennedy Zimnik, and Matt Hackert

Believe It or Not

by Peggy Chong

Blind Courtesy

by Marc Maurer

Recap of the USM Digital Accessibility Transformational Seminar, October 2023

by Nancy O’Neill

Revolution

by Maurice Peret

Reinterpreting and Expanding "The Right to Live in the World”

by Adrienne Asch

Governor Morehead School: An Interview with Director Melvin Diggs

by LaShawna Fant

Medical devices with screens aren’t accessible to the blind. Congress has chance to change that........................................................................................................

by Lizzy Lawrence

A Brief Recap of the National Association of Blind Students Mid-Winter Seminar

by Lauren Altman

Photo and Web List

Issue: [APRIL 2024]

Photos:

Everett Bacon

Mark Riccobono

Cindy Scott-Huisman

Kyle Ryan Kper

Michell Guadalupe Felix Garcia

Claire Rojstaczer

Chancey Fleet

Karl Belanger

Kennedy Zimnik

Matt Hackert

Peggy Chong

Helen May Martin

Marc Maurer

Nancy O’Neill

Maurice Peret

Adrienne Asch

LaShawna Fant

Melvin Diggs

Lauren Altman

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://encyclopedia.densho.org/Revolution_of_1954/

https://www.smashwords.com/books/byseries/24325

www.nfbar.org

 loc.gov/ThatAllMayRead

Vol. 67, No. 3                                                                                                              March 2024

Convention Bulletin 2024

The 2024 Washington Seminar: Back in the Groove Again

by Gary Wunder

The Significance of Washington Seminar 2024

by Mark Riccobono

Washington Seminar Agenda

Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act (H.R. 5813/S. 2984)

Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act (H.R. 1328/S. 3621)

Blind Americans Return to Work Act

Additional Legislative Concerns of Blind Americans for the 118th Congress

How My Life Experience Led Me to Become a School Social Worker

by Jhaliyah Anderson

Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight

by Andrew Leland

Reviewed by Deborah Kendrick

Attend the 2024 NFB National Convention If You Dare

by Karl Smith

Rethinking Our Approach: A Call for Solidarity in the Ride-Share Industry

by Maurice Peret

Coffee with an NFB Staff Member: Beth Braun

My First NFB Convention: Definitely Memorable but Partially for the Wrong Reason

by Leah Campbell

Helping Out: How Chores at Home May Pave the Way to Future Employment for Blind Youth

by Julie Deden

Knowledge is Sweet: A Seminar presented the Diabetes Action Network

by Debbie Wunder

Cindy Scott-Huisman, Owner of Cantrell Gallery and Custom Framing in Little Rock, Learned to adapt to Her Vision Loss

by Sean Clancy

Photo and Web List

Issue: [MARCH 2024]

Photos:

Convention hotel

Gary Wunder

MAR

Jhaliyah Anderson

Andrew Leland

Deborah Kendrick

Karl Smith

Maurice Peret

Beth Braun

Leah Campbell

Julie Deden

Debbie Wunder

Seann Clancy (external journalist)

Cindy Scott-Huisman

Washington Seminar photos – check with Gary

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.govtech.com/transportation/labor-ruling-offers-unionization-path-to-uber-lyft-drivers

https://www.govtech.com/transportation/labor-ruling-offers-unionization-path-to-uber-lyft-drivers

https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2021-07-21/uber-and-lyft-rideshare-drivers-strike-rally-for-pro-act-union

https://newmobility.com/when-an-accessible-hotel-reservation-doesnt-guarantee-anything/?mc_cid=46f4c949b7

nfb.org/pac

https://newmobility.com/when-an-accessible-hotel-reservation-doesnt-guarantee-anything/?mc_cid=46f4c949b7

https://www.census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2023/disabilities-act.html

https://www.statista.com/statistics/262966/number-of-internet-users-in-selected-countries/#:~:text=Countries%20with%20the%20highest%20number%20of%20internet%20users%202023&text=As%20of%20January%202023%2C%20China,around%20311%20million%20internet%20users

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

Vol. 67, No. 2                                                                                             February 2024

Convention Bulletin 2024

How Blessed to be Living a Life in which Gratitude Plays a Part

by Gary Wunder

How Difficult it Sometimes is to be a Good Citizen

by Rose Warner

Not Letting the Flood of Doubt Win

by Marinela Ortiz

The 2023 End of Year Board Meeting

by Gary Wunder

An Interview with Kimble Funchess: Mississippi School for the Blind's Music Educator

by LaShawna Fant

Tom Page: Musician, Audio Engineer, Mentor

Marilyn Green: Passionate Advocate, Energetic Worker, and Lover of Connecting with People

When Braille is not the Total Answer

by Gary Wunder

Eureka! It All Matters!

by Cary Supalo

Voting Using Android Phones/Tablets

by Curtis Chong

My Career Story

by Shelley Keeland

The Blind Encyclopedist

by Tyler Zahnke

My Perspective on the Ninety-Third Leadership Seminar

by Cindy Scott-Huisman

Introducing Menus4ALL: The iPhone App That Makes Restaurant Menus Accessible for Everyone

by Stephanie Jones

Monitor Miniatures

Photo and Web List

Issue: [FEBRUARY]

Photos:

Gary Wunder

Rose Warner

Marinela Ortiz

LaShawna Fant

Kimble Funchess

Tom Page

Marilyn Green

Cary Supalo

Curtis Chong

Shelley Keeland

Tyler Zahnke

Cindy Scott-Huisman

Stephanie Jones

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.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094348626318&mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://www.instagram.com/mindfulnessthroughmusicllc?igsh=ZGNjOWZkYTE3MQ==

https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide

menus4all.com

Vol. 67, No. 1                                                                                             January 2024

Why Do Some Voting Advocates Fight Equal Access for the Blind?

by Mark Riccobono

Online Voting for the Blind: Security Should Not Supersede Access

by Curtis Chong

Why the NFB is Bringing STEM to You

by Ashleigh Moon

Deep in the Federation Lies a World of Breakthroughs

by Michelle Felix Garcia

A Report of the Blind Christians Group

by Tom Anderson

An Investment with Huge Returns

by Peggy Chong

Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship

by Tracy Soforenko

A Hot Time in Houston

by Maryanne Melley

When College is Not Right for Your Child: Preparing for Independence and Success

by David DeNotaris

Full Participation of the Disabled in America: Nothing without Us

by Andrés Gallegos

The Evolution of Overlays

by Curtis Chong

Reflections on Four Decades: Celebrating Parents of Blind Children in the Organized Blind Movement

by Barbara Cheadle and Carla Keirns

Gary Van Dorn Day Brings Dollars to NFBCO

by Peggy Chong

Structured Discovery Practitioners Are Part of the Organized Blind Movement

by Justin Salisbury

The Nation’s Blind Podcast and the Myth of the Model Federationist

by Blaine Deutscher

Monitor Miniatures

Photo and Web List

Issue: [JANUARY 2024]

Photos:

John Berggren / convention

Mark Riccobono

Curtis Chong

Ashleigh Moon

Michelle Felix Garcia

Tom Anderson

Peggy Chong

Tracy Soforenko

Maryanne Melley

David De Notaris

Adres Gallegos

Barbara Cheadle

Carla Keirns

Justin Salisbury

Blaine Deutcher

Gary Van Dorn

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/form/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scho?q=form%2Fkenneth-jernigan-convention-scho

https://nfb.org/programs-services/national-center-blind-youth-science/past-nfb-stem-programs.

https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/national-center-blind-youth-science/nfb-eq/nfb-eq-teachers

https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/national-center-blind-youth-science/nfb-eq/nfb-eq-parents

https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/nfb-stem2u

https://www.smashwords.com/books/byseries/24325

https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/jbir/jbir22/jbir120104.html

http://dx.doi/10.5241/12-220

https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm97/bm970402.htm

Vol. 66, No. 11                                                                       December 2023

Illustration: Karla Gilbride Confirmed to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Convention Bulletin 2024

Convention Location Update and Planning

by Mark Riccobono

Innovation Rocks: Positive Progress Centered on the Blind

Securing Equal Protection under the Law: The Essential Role of the Organized Blind Movement

by Eve Hill

The 2024 Blind Educator of the Year Award

by Robin House

Shattering Injustice and Raising Expectations: Dedication to Equality by a Blind Attorney

by Karla Gilbride

Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Updates for 2024

by Jesse Shirek

From California to Illinois—Powered by Braille

by Rachel Held

O’Rourke Completes 6-week Fundraising Bike Ride for Blind

by Amalie Benjamin

Pit Stop Party at Kirkwood Library: NHL Referee Dan O’Rourke Bikes Route 66 for Braille Literacy Fundraising

by Julie Brown Patton

The 2024 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards

by Everette Bacon

It Matters What We Do, Not Who We Are

by Geerat J. Vermeij

Announcing the NFB 2024 Scholarship Program

by Cayte Mendez

My Experiences as a Deafblind Participant in our 2023 National Convention

by Maurice Mines

We Have Work to Do: Reflections on Changing the Blind Employment Paradigm

by Mary Fernandez

Braille Books and Contest Cash

by Sandy Halverson

The 2024 Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award

by Carla McQuillan

Veteran finishes the Half-Marathon at the Cleveland Marathon, while serving as an Inspiration for Blind Athletes

by Irie Harris, Cleveland.com

Eleven Seasonal Acts of Kindness

by LaShawna Fant

Monitor Miniatures

Photo and Web List

Issue: [DECEMBER 2023]

Photos:

Hotel for convention bulletin

Mark Riccobono

Anne Lancaster

Eve Hill

Robin House

Karla Gilbride

Jesse Shirek

Rachel Held

Dan O’Rourke

Amalie Benjamin (outside journalist)

Julie Brown Patton (outside journalist)

Everett Bacon

Geerat J. Vermeij

Cayte Mendez

Maurice Mines

Mary Fernandez

Sandy Halverson

Carla McQuillan

Irie Harris (outside journalist)

LaShawna Fant

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/scholarship

https://www.ablenrc.org/

https://nfb.org/programs-services/early-childhood-initiatives/santa-letters

www.leaderdog.org

http://www.west.net/~bpbooks/mhp.html

https://nfb.org/bolotin

www.actionfund.beanstack.org

https://nfb.org/images/nfb/documents/pdf/distinguished-educator-of-blind-students-award-form-fillable.pdf

https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/statement-board-directors-federation-community-regarding-location

http://www.cityoforlando.net/police/lgbtqsafeplace/

https://socialoffset.org/about-us/

Vol. 66, No. 10                                                                       November 2023

An Apology and Thoughts about What Goes Into an Editorial Note

by Gary Wunder

A Roller Coaster of Emotion: The Highs and Lows of Federal Regulations on Website Accessibility (or the Lack Thereof)

by Kyle Walls

Updating and Clarifying the Regulations Implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act

by Representative Tony Coelho

What is Blind: Reframing the Narrative

by Casey Martin

Words Matter

by Michael Hingson

Unlocking the Virtual Front Door—Ensuring Accessible Government Technology for People with Disabilities, Older Adults, and Veterans

A Blind Soprano's Experience with Stage Combat

by Madie Hendrix

Transformation of Jobs in the AbilityOne Program: Disability Advocacy, Leadership, and the Power of Concentrated Action

by Chai Feldblum

First Convention Experience

by Charles Ny

From Imagination to Reality: Celebrate the Power of Braille, Community, and Partnerships

Progress to Make the Web More Usable and Friendly for the Blind

Finding Opportunities That Are Helping Me Live the Life I Want

by Hillary McFadden

Voices of History: The Pitfall of Speaking for the Dead

by Gary Wunder

Monitor Miniatures

Photo and Web List

Issue: [November 2023]

Photos:

Gary Wunder

Kyle Walls

Tony Coelho

Casey Martin

Michael Hingson

Ronza Othman

Madie Hendrix

Chai Feldblum

Charles Ny

Julie Brown Patton

Dan O’Rourke

Hillary McFadden

Tom Anderson? ---- this is in the miniatures, but was an a death announcement, wasn’t sure if wanted to include a photo or not, will leave up to you and Gary

Web Links:

www.nfb.org

www.nfbnet.org

Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind

YouTube.com/NationsBlind

www.nfb.org/planned-giving

www.nfb.org/make-gift

NFB.org/Contribute/Ride4Literacy

https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/resolution_on_rehabilitation_act_of_1973_-_092623pdf1.pdf

https://special.usps.com/testkits/accessible

https://acl.gov/DIAL

https://youtube.com/@MadieHendrixSoprano?si=SJOnO0AbQz4YvuFw

https://www.facebook.com/MadieHendrixSoprano?mibextid=b06tZ0