NABS NOW Podcast

In this episode of the NABS Now Podcast, we answer the questions on the minds of Nabsters about to graduate or looking to the future: what will the NFB hold for me? Will there still be a place for me outside of the student division?

Our guests—former NABS First Vice President Manahil Jafri and NFB of Louisiana North Central Chapter President Stephanie Martin—outline their involvement with the NFB at the local, affiliate, and national levels post-graduation. They make it clear that leaving the student division is not the end of your NFB journey—it is just the beginning.

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Let’s keep the federation fire burning all summer long!

Join Qualik Ford and Izzie Bailey in learning from blind parents about what works for them, the workarounds they’ve come up with, and the challenges they overcome as parents! Featuring Danielle Agajan, Jeff Crouch, Chuy Vaca, and Kia Vaca, this episode explores what it looks like to enter this new phase of adulthood and how to plan for the future!

Stay connected with us:

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Let’s make this semester bloom!

On this monumental episode of the NABS Now podcast, hosts Izzie Bailey and Qualiq Ford sit down with none other than the National Federation of the Blind president, Mark Riccobono. In this conversation that is as poignant as it is timely, President Riccobono debunks myths surrounding the changes at the U.S. department of Education, provides invaluable perspective on what they mean for blind students and answers the question on most NABS members' minds: in light of these changes, is there anything I should be doing?

What does the white cane truly represent? For many students, the journey to answering that question is filled with complex feelings. In this episode, we sit down with three panelists who share their personal evolution with the white cane—from initial uncertainty to ultimate empowerment. They discuss overcoming social awkwardness, building confidence on campus, and viewing the cane as a symbol of independence and freedom, not dependence and inferiority. Tune in for an honest conversation that every student, new or experienced with the cane, needs to hear.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is one of three bedrock civil rights laws protecting the rights of disabled Americans, and it is in danger of being struck down with immediate and serious consequences not only for blind students but for all disabled Americans via a lawsuit brought by seventeen U.S. states. In this podcast, hosts Noah Carver and Selene Monjaraz talk with Casey Robertson, one of America’s foremost experts on the teaching of blind students, to discuss what Section 504 does, how it protects blind students, and how we can fight back against this clear attempt at the decimation of our rights to live the lives we want.

This show was hosted by Noah Carver and Selene Monjaraz. It was produced by Noah Carver, Naudia Graham, Selene Monjaraz, Akliesia Teshome, and Patrick Wilson. Our editors for this episode were Naudia Graham and Patrick Wilson. Our NABS board rep is Manahil Jafri.

Follow NABS on social media, visit our website, and join our mailing list and WhatsApp community:

https://linktr.ee/nabslink.

More Info on Section 504:

March 2025 DARE Call | Section 504 Under Attack: What Blind Students Need to Know: https://youtu.be/a0LqmR-JquY?si=Cy4XW3rFCMM-cmjK

April 2025 Braille Monitor| The Lawsuit That Could Kill Section 504: https://nfb.org//images/nfb/publications/bm/bm25/bm2504/bm250403.htm

Are you curious about how to put yourself out there while blind? Maybe you’re hoping to show your beloved that blindness isn’t a barrier to successful, happy, and healthy relationships? In this episode, we’re joined by two lovely couples, Juhi Narula x Tim Olukanni, and Anneliese Dace x Seyoon Choi. Get cozy as we explore the challenges, joys, and surprises that come with blind love, literally 😉

This show was hosted by Noah Carver andSelene Monjaraz. It was produced by Noah Carver, Naudia Graham, Selene Monjaraz, Akliesia Teshome, and Patrick Wilson. Our editors for this episode were Naudia Graham, Manahil Jafri, and Patrick Wilson. Our NABS board rep is Manahil Jafri.

Follow NABS on social media, visit our website, and join our mailing list and WhatsApp community: https://linktr.ee/nabslink

Though rideshare has been a great equalizer for blind travelers, consistent discrimination against blind riders—especially guide dog users—has been a relentless issue that has not been meaningfully addressed by Uber and Lyft, the most popular ride-sharing services in the United States. After years of good-faith attempts at a resolution, hundreds of blind people rallied in front of the corporate headquarters of both companies in San Francisco, CA, on White Cane Awareness Day, October 15, 2024, to demand that our right to ride be upheld. In this episode, we'll hear from Lindsay Kerr and Colin Wong, two students who attended the rally. They'll share their own personal rideshare denial stories, their experiences at the rally, reactions to recent developments, including Uber's unlawful self-identification program for blind riders, and what they hope rideshare companies will take away from our advocacy.

This show was hosted by Noah Carver and Akliesia Teshome. It was produced by Noah Carver, Naudia Graham, Selene Monjaraz, and Akliesia Teshome. Our editor for this episode is James Yesel. Our NABS Board Representative is Manahil Jafri. Special thanks to Marcy Carpenter and Gene Kim for their support in making this episode possible.

Follow NABS on social media, visit our website, and join our mailing list and WhatsApp community: https://linktr.ee/nabslink.

Adventures with Eve: https://www.adventureswitheve.com/.

2024 National Federation of the Blind Scholarships: https://nfb.org/scholarships.

Learn more:

October 2024 Presidential Release Live: https://www.youtube.com/live/xphq_PFDdEE.

“Uber Almost Got Me Killed!” by Ronza Othman: https://nfb.org//images/nfb/publications/bm/bm24/bm2409/bm240904.htm.

National Federation of the Blind to Raise Awareness of Discrimination by Rideshare Companies: https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-raise-awareness-discrimination-rideshare-companies.

“Rideshare Advocacy on Unlawful Implementation of Self-Identification” by President Mark Riccobono: https://nfb.org/blog/rideshare-advocacy-unlawful-implementation-self-identification.

Most students have or will have to share their living space with sighted roommates at some point. Sometimes everything's great, but what should you do when your needs aren’t being met? Initially, you might think living alone is the solution, but that may not work depending on your situation. Besides, roommates are a huge part of the college experience for many people. Whether you’re a guide dog user or a cane user, living with sighted roommates presents challenges that can be difficult to navigate. This episode will explore those challenges, how to advocate for yourself on a peer-to-peer basis, and how to turn those experiences into positive learning moments.

Thank you to our guest panelists Nikhil Dadlani and Casey Rayes.

Hosted by Noah Carver and Akliesia Teshome.

Produced by Noah Carver, Naudia Graham, Salene Monjaraz, and Akliesia Teshome.

Visit us on the web at nabslink.org

Are you considering taking the next step in your academic journey by pursuing a graduate degree? Join us on this episode of NABS Now podcast for an in-depth look at everything you need to know about graduate school. We’ll cover the ins and outs of applying, choosing the right program, and what to expect once you’re in the program as a blind student.

Thank you to our guest panelists.

Hosted by Isabel Rosario and Noah Carver

Produced by Seyoon Choi

Visit us on the web at nabslink.org

In this episode, we'll delve into the rich history of NABS Now, exploring its origins and how it's grown into a vibrant platform for blind students, educators, and advocates. Seyoon and Kinshuk will pull back the curtain on the production process, revealing the magic (and maybe a little mayhem) that goes into crafting each episode.

Hosted by Noah Carver and sound edited and mixed by James Yesel and Seyoon Choi

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