In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Marinela “Mari” Ortiz, an assistive technology instructor and writer. Mari shares her journey of pursuing her master's degree in assistive technology, including the challenges she faced at one university and her subsequent success at another. The discussion addresses topics including the importance of mentors and support systems in overcoming doubts and achieving goals and the value of meeting individuals where they are and helping them discover their own potential.   Important links: Not Letting the Flood of Doubt Win (HTML) Not Letting the Flood of Doubt Win(MP3) by Marinela Ortiz (Braille Monitor, February 2024) Episode transcript: https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/nations-blind-podcast/archive/not-letting-flood-doubt-win

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 podcast@nfb.org 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.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, United states Treasury Department, is close to producing paper currency with tactile features to make it more easily identifiable by the blind beginning with a new ten-dollar bill in 2026. Anil Lewis and Chris Danielsen discuss how blind people currently use paper money and the long journey to this announcement. But first, they do some myth-busting about the historical position of the National Federation of the Blind on changing our country’s paper money.   Important links: 2008 Resolutions, containing Resolution 2008-08 regarding the blind and American paper currency

Is there such a thing as a model Federationist or blind person? Is Federation philosophy a rigid set of rules? How do we provide support and raise expectations without judging each other’s choices? Anil and melissa discuss these questions, dispel some common misconceptions, and point to some resources to help understand and apply the NFB philosophy.   Important links: NFB Philosophy: What It Is and What It Is Not (Braille Monitor article by President Riccobono and others) The nature of Independence (speech by Dr. Kenneth Jernigan given at the 1993 National Convention)

This episode highlights recent developments in a case supported by the National Federation of the Blind, Orozco v. Garland, addressing the right of federal employees to sue their agencies under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act when information and communication technology are inaccessible to them in violation of that law. Roving reporter Chris Danielsen interviewed Ronza Othman, an attorney and president of the National Association of Blind Government Employees, right after oral arguments in the case to understand its implications. Anil and Melissa play that interview, discuss what has happened since the case was argued, and talk about what it hopefully means for the future.   Important links: Voice of the Nation’s Blind blog post about the case News brief about the court ruling U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) report on section 508 compliance Response of Senator Bob Casey to the DOJ report Transcript of this episode

In January 2023, Anil and Melissa spoke with Dr. Craig Meador, President of the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). They discussed the monarch, the new dynamic tactile display that has emerged from a partnership among APH, Humanware, and the National Federation of the Blind. With ten lines that can display both braille and tactile graphics, this device is a potential game-changer, especially for blind students. Hear about its potential and the ways in which a partnership with the organized blind movement made it possible.

In celebration of Black History Month, this episode highlights the National Organization of Blind Black Leaders, a division of the National Federation of the Blind. Melissa and Anil talk with Shawn Callaway, the division’s president, who is also president of the Washington, DC affiliate and a member of the national board of directors. Shawn explains the inspiration for forming the division, its mentoring and educational efforts, and how it functions as an integral part of the National Federation of the blind. The division welcomes all, and you can become a part of it by reaching out to Shawn at callaway.shawn@gmail.com.   Important links: Transcript of this episodeReflection, Revolution, and Race: A Growing Understanding Within the Organized Blind Movement, 2021 banquet address by President Mark Riccobono (transcript):Strength through a Diverse Organized Blind Movement: The Intersection Of Characteristics And The Common Bond Of Raising Expectations; Moderator: Colin Wong, Co-Chair, National Federation of the Blind Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, a panel from 2021 National Convention (transcript)Not Blind to Color in the Federation: A Panel on the Experience of Black and Blind in America, a panel from 2021 National Convention (transcript)

In this episode, Melissa chats with Beth Foor from Kellogg Company, makers of some of your favorite cereals and snacks. Beth shares her story with blindness and discusses NaviLens, a technology to assist blind and low-vision adults. Kellogg is proud to be the first food company to feature this technology on packaging in the U.S on select cereal boxes. The NaviLens app and the NaviLens GO app are available for free download for use on both iPhone and Android.

In this episode, Anil and Melissa talk with Karen Anderson, who coordinates educational programs at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute. She talks about the Teacher of Tomorrow program, which connects teachers of blind K-12 students with blind people so that our lived experience can inform their instruction of the children they teach. Karen shares the reaction of some of these teachers to the kick-off event of the year-long program, which was held at the end of September 2022.

This episode features an interview with NFB President Mark Riccobono about the purpose and importance of Blind Equality Achievement Month, formerly known as Meet the Blind Month. President Riccobono talks with anil and Melissa about how blind people are often forced to educate the public in situations that are not ideal, making it critical for us to plan intentional ways of conducting this education. Blind Equality Achievement Month is a dedicated time for us to create these intentional opportunities by conducting educational events or by simply interacting with the rest of the public in our own communities through volunteering, social events, and more. #BlindMonth   Important link: https://nfb.org/blindmonth

This episode features an interview with Elisa Beniero of Netflix. The popular streaming service received one of the 2022 Dr. Jacob Bolotin awards at the national convention in New Orleans. The award was given for Netflix’s industry-leading work in providing quality audio description in multiple languages for an ever-increasing number of hours of programming (over 18,000 at the time the interview was recorded and counting), as well as for its focus on authentic casting of the blind and for accessibility innovations on its app and platform. Elisa talks to Chris danielsen about Netflix’s commitment in all of these areas and more.