How often have you had a question you felt too shy to ask? Sometimes you work up the courage and just ask. At other times, it’s better to read about someone else’s experience at your own speed and in the privacy of your own space.
Our blog is a collection of posts aimed at stimulating discussion about assistive technology, independent living, and blindness philosophy. Please comment freely to keep the discussion moving, and please share content you find thought-provoking with your social networks to help spread the discussion to people we might otherwise not reach.
And, please don’t forget to check out the publications from our parent organization. The Braille Monitor, our general magazine, and Future Reflections, our publication for parents, are just two examples of the excellent resources you’ll find in our NFB library.
Do you want to write a guest post? Send us a note, and tell us about your idea!
Spring 2021 Board Meeting Minutes
May 1, 2021
The minutes from the January 16 board meeting were read by Mausam Mehta.
The minutes were approved.
Mark Roane delivered the treasurer’s report, stating the affiliate’s general checking account balance as $86696.65
Louise Walch delivered the BELL program report, in which she announced the dates of the 3 upcoming sessions, and reminded us to spread the word to families of blind children.
Richmond and Washington seminar
Hello Virginia Federationists,
I hope you all had a wonderful 2022 NFB of Virginia Convention. Although it may seem like it’s still three months away, Washington Seminar is fast approaching, in person from Monday, January 30 through Thursday, February 2, 2023. I wanted to send out some info to help you begin thinking about reserving your room and making arrangements in your schedule to attend.
RESOLUTION 2022-3: REGARDING THE ACCESSIBILITY OF WEBSITES SPONSERED AND/OR OPERATED THROUGH THE GOVERNMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia offers a great deal of valuable information to the public
through internet websites; and
WHEREAS, persons who are blind, visually impaired, or have other disabilities should have the same
opportunity to benefit from contents of websites developed or operated by entities of the
Commonwealth of Virginia as persons who are not disabled; and
Resolutions 2022
WHEREAS, all Commonwealth of Virginia entities such as departments and agencies are subject to title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act; and
Top Ten Benefits of Being a Blind Parent
By Jessica Reed
Editor's Note: Parenting is hard, no matter which way you look at it. In this follow-up piece, however, Jessica points out in no particular order a few items for which we might embrace some advantages as blind parents.
10. When changing a poopy diaper you don’t have to see it.
The Universal Warped Sense of Humor that Broke Me Down and Built Me Up Again
By Renee Valdez
“Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.” - Helen Keller
Use of Ballot Marking Tool for Print Disabled Voters
The following guidance is required by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Gary v. Virginia Dept. of Elections (Case No. 1:20-CV860) as the result of a consent decree.
True North: Discovering the Strength of Your Inner Compass
By Kathryn Webster
Editor’s Note: During the last weekend in January 2019, Kathryn organized a joint conference for Project RISE participants and leaders from the National Association of Blind Students. On Saturday evening, the two groups came together for a banquet and keynote speech that merged the goals of both tracks in one inspirational presentation. Following is the text of Kathryn’s remarks.
Triple Threat Comes to Northern Virginia
From President Tracy Soforenko:
We are thrilled to announce that National Federation of the Blind President Mark Riccobono has agreed to come to our August 17 meeting at the Westin Tysons Corner. All members are welcome to come to the lunch and meeting to meet President Riccobono and engage in an exciting program. We expect there will be significant time for questions and we hope you can help us learn and grow together.