National Federation of the Blind

Turn into our newest episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast. Anil and Melissa are joined by blind chefs and instructors and a graduate of the Louisiana Center for the Blind. They discuss how they became successful in cooking and in preparing meals for over forty people: https://buff.ly/2WycxNF

Are you a teacher of blind students or are you studying to become one? Join Teachers of Tomorrow, an immersive, and free professional development program connecting teachers of blind students to the lived experiences of blind people. The program will equip the participants with knowledge of the skills and attitudes that can help blind students thrive in school and beyond. You will also have the opportunity to attend the 2026 Washington Seminar in Washington DC, and our 2026 National Convention in Austin, Texas. Register today: https://buff.ly/3TwFIiC

Today, we remember R&B and Jazz singer, songwriter and musician, Roberta Flack. Ms. Flack graciously performed at the first anniversary celebration of the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute in April 2005. She will be greatly missed, and we extend our condolences to all of her family and friends.

Mark your calendars for our next presidential release on March 7. It will be streamed live on YouTube and on Zoom. Closed captions and Spanish will be provided on Zoom. President Riccobono will discuss recent developments and legislative alerts, important dates and upcoming events, and news from the Federation family. What questions do you have? Comment below and the President will answer questions during the release.

The NFB Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning® (BELL) Academy is a nationwide in-person summer program that prepares blind and low-vision children to grow into confident and independent blind people who live the lives they want. In addition to Braille crafts, games, and other engaging projects, children learn vital independent living skills, interact with blind adult mentors, and enjoy field trips to sites related to the NFB BELL Academy curriculum. Learn more and register today: https://buff.ly/2GYd1aq

Meet Carlos Sevan. Carlos came to the United States shortly after being blinded and losing his right hand in an explosion while training with the police force in his native Peru. Consequently, he found himself learning blindness skills at the same time he was learning the English language and navigating a new country and culture. He later developed a model of training and work experience for blind youth, including those with multiple disabilities and minority backgrounds, based on a model of high expectations. The program Carlos developed became nationally recognized as a model for other transition training programs across the country. Read more in our February 2025 issue of the Braille Monitor: buff.ly/4hDZCCo

"Each of us has the potential to be remarkable. It begins with a mindset—a belief that we are capable of more than we think. It requires us to step out of our comfort zones, take risks, and push our boundaries. It’s about setting high standards for ourselves and not being afraid to fail, because every failure is a stepping stone to success. Remarkable people are not afraid to dream big and work hard to turn those dreams into reality. Being remarkable is not always easy, but it is always worth it." - Carlos Servàn, executive director of the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

The National Federation of the Blind's STEM2U program helps blind youth gain transferable skills that foster both personal and career growth. We are dedicated to improving opportunities for blind students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. NFB STEM2U brings a full day of accessible STEM lessons and activities to blind youth, providing nonvisual tools and techniques that help students of all ages across the country explore and pursue STEM education and careers. Register today: https://buff.ly/3JKHoBi

We call on all elected leaders, policymakers, and media outlets to engage in informed, respectful discourse that recognizes the capabilities of blind individuals rather than exploiting ignorance for political gain. Hear from President Mark A. Riccobono and read our statement on the Harmful Stereotyping of Blind People in Political Discourse. https://buff.ly/3Qo3ZGc

Are you an emerging disability law attorney, student or advocate? Join the Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium, the leading disability law conference in the United States. At the National Federation of the Blind, we constantly seek to advance equal rights and equal access for all blind people, but we know that we cannot do this alone. The symposium brings nationally renowned disability rights advocates together for interactive workshops and in-depth plenary sessions about intersectional representation in the disability rights community. You can register to attend in-person or virtually. The in-person registration deadline is March 7 and the virtual registration deadline is March 15. Learn more and sign up today: https://buff.ly/2U028MV