In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil, Melissa, and Chris Danielsen discuss the upcoming Washington Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. They talk about their memories of past seminars and the importance of advocacy, as well as the issues that will be addressed during the seminar, including Social Security reform, accessible medical equipment, and website and software accessibility. They emphasize the power of personal stories in influencing legislators and encourage listeners to get involved in advocacy efforts.

 

Important Links:

NFB Washington Seminar Page: https://nfb.org/washington-seminar

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by Gary Wunder, editor of the Braille Monitor, and Aaron Cannon, a blind accessibility specialist for Ancestry.com. They discuss the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in various aspects of life, with feedback from listeners incorporated into the conversation. The discussion touches on AI tools such as Be My AI and ChatGPT, their benefits and limitations, and the broader implications of AI for the blind community and for society. Your thoughts are welcome on social media and at [email protected] or by calling 410-659-9314, extension 2444.

 

Important links:

National Federation of the Blind Resolution 2023-13 Regarding Artificial Intelligence Chatbots and their Information on Blindness: https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/resolutions/2023-resolutions#13

Large language model (Wikipedia entry): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Large_language_model

 “There Will Come Soft Rains,” short story by Ray Bradbury about an automated house (Wikipedia entry with plot summary): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There_Will_Come_Soft_Rains_(short_story)

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa Riccobono and Anil Lewis discuss various shopping strategies that blind people use, both in stores and virtually, and some of the pros and cons of each method. Shopping methods discussed include using apps like Instacart, Shipt, and more, as well as acquiring assistance from Aira and Be My Eyes. Join the discussion by sharing your own strategies and tips for possible airing on a future episode!

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil Lewis and Chris Danielsen introduce the 2023/2024 Braille Readers Are Leaders contest, which is a project of the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults, a longtime partner of the National Federation of the Blind. Lisamaria Martinez, the project manager for the program, joins them to provide more details. They encourage listeners to sign up, practice their Braille skills at whatever level for a chance to win exciting prizes, and explore the benefits  of Braille literacy.

 

Important links:

Register for the contest: https://actionfund.beanstack.com

Learn more: https://actionfund.org

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa Riccobono and Chris Danielsen discuss Veterans Day and the role of veterans in the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). They are joined by Dr. Vernon Humphrey, the president of the National Association of Blind Veterans (NABV), a division of the National Federation of the Blind; and José Centeno, a blind veteran, marathon runner, and member of the NABV. They discuss the work of the NABV in supporting blind veterans and advocating for their rights and benefits. They also talk about the importance of raising awareness about blindness and the resources available to blind veterans. The podcast highlights the contributions of blind veterans and the ways in which they have paved the way for advancements in rehabilitation. The guests share personal stories and experiences, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and support within the blind veteran community. They also discuss the need for continued advocacy and outreach to blind veterans, as well as the potential for more collaboration between the National Federation of the Blind and other veterans' agencies and organizations. CW: Mental health issues and suicide are mentioned in this episode. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.

 

Important links:

National association of Blind Veterans website: https://nabv.org

News item about José Centeno’s marathon run: https://www.wdtn.com/news/local-news/blind-veteran-to-run-in-xenia-marathon-alongside-optometrist/

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, hosts Melissa Riccobono and Anil Lewis discuss Blind Equality Achievement Month with two chapter and affiliate leaders, Cindy Scott-Huisman of Little Rock, Arkansas and Stacie Gallegos of Houston, Texas. They talk about the importance of educating the public about blindness and blind people and share the various activities and events they have been involved in to promote and celebrate blind equality. They also discuss the challenges of representing the blind community and the importance of individuality and choice in how we as blind individuals navigate the world and engage in public education. Note: The episode was recorded October 19, 2023, so days and dates referenced are relative to the recording date.

 

Important links:

Blind Equality Achievement Month web page: https://nfb.org/blind-month

Transcript of this episode: https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/nations-blind-podcast/archive/blindmonth-2023-transcript

The Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility (CENA) is a concentrated center of expertise, best practices, and resources that enables businesses, government, and educational institutions to provide accessible information and services more effectively to the blind community. In this episode, originally recorded around Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Anil Lewis reviews CENA’s work in education, employment, technology evaluation, navigation, accessible COVID testing,  and more with Karl Belanger and Kennedy Zimnik of the CENA team. Many CENA projects are funded through the state of Maryland’s Nonvisual Access Initiative grants administered by the Maryland Department of Disabilities.

 

Important Links:

Center for Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility: https://nfb.org/cena

Learn more about and register for CENA events, trainings, and boutiques: https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events

Accessibility Inclusion Fellowship Program: https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/accessibility-inclusion-fellowship-program

Higher Education Accessibility Online Resource Center: https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/higher-education-accessibility-online-resource

Join the BUILD Team: https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/blind-users-innovating-and-leading-design

In this episode, Melissa and Chris Danielsen preview the virtual convention experience, a free, dedicated online space for people who are unable to attend the national convention but want to get a flavor of what’s happening. They detail the components of this experience, from exclusive content for virtual attendees to the live convention meetings and sessions that will be streamed online.

 

Important links:

Register for the Virtual Convention Experience

Give 20 Convention drawing

If you haven’t already submitted a policy proposal for consideration at the national convention in the form of a resolution, or are just curious about the process, then this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast will tell you everything you need to know.

President Riccobono talks with new Resolutions Committee Chair, Donald Porterfield, who also serves as president of the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona and on our national Board of Directors, about how to submit a resolution, what happens once it’s submitted, and the importance of resolutions to the activity of our movement. Plus, Melissa has an important breaking news announcement, so be sure to listen all the way to the end!

 

Important links:

NFB Resolutions page: https://nfb.org/resolutions

Resolution Reminders by Donald Porterfield (Braille Monitor, May 2023)

The wealthy and influential YouTube celebrity MrBeast recently caused a stir in our community by posting a video in which he “cured” the blindness of a thousand people by funding cataract removal. In this episode, Anil Lewis and Chris Danielsen discuss why well-intentioned public efforts like this can be problematic. They also talk about what it means to be “okay with blindness” and about the importance of understanding and respecting individual choices regarding whether to seek or accept medical intervention to improve or restore eyesight.