National Federation of the Blind Presidential Releases - English

Presidential Release #555, December 2025

President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Presidential Release #555. He champions the accomplishments the organized blind movement made this year through our collective action, advocacy, and commitment to raising expectations for blind people. He encourages members to share their ideas about how we can strengthen the movement and shape our priorities for 2026. He concludes with Federation family news and his customary closing remarks.

Presidential Release #554, November 2025

President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Presidential Release #554. He highlights the upcoming eighty-fifth anniversary of the NFB’s founding on November 16 and emphasizes the importance of understanding history to help shape the future of the movement. He encourages members and chapters to listen to the new podcast, Walking Alone and Marching Together, to spark conversation about how our collective action can continue to advance equality, affirm self-expression, and raise expectations for the blind. He concludes with Federation family news and his customary closing remarks.

Presidential Release #553, October 2025

October 2025
 
President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Presidential Release #553. He welcomes us to Blind Equality Achievement Month and encourages chapters and divisions to participate in the Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge, either on-site or virtually, to support the NFB. He also announces the introduction of the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act and the CONNECT for Health Act in Congress. He concludes with Federation family news and his customary closing remarks.
 
Important link:
nfb.org/movers

Presidential Release #552, September 2025

President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Presidential Release #552. He emphasizes continued advocacy as Congress reconvenes and informs members about upcoming legislative updates. He announces several events, including Blind Equality Achievement Month, the NFB Virtual Career Fair, and the NFB Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge. He details his involvement with the World Blind Union and highlights the importance of collaboration with international blind movements. He concludes with Federation family news and customary closing remarks.
 
Important links:
Nfb.org/movers
Nfb.org/employment

Presidential Release #551, August 2025

President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Presidential Release #551. He celebrates another successful NFB National Convention and encourages everyone to revisit highlights through NFB publications. President Riccobono reminds chapters to start preparing for Blind Equality Achievement Month in October. He highlights legislation that advances the lives of blind people and urges advocates to maintain their efforts on these initiatives. He concludes with Federation family news, customary closing remarks, and a trailer for the new podcast coming this Fall, Walking Alone and Marching Together.

Presidential Release #550, June 2025

President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release #550. He encourages all to register for the 2025 National Convention by June 1. He notes that on-site and virtual registration options will still be available. President Riccobono emphasizes the importance of continued advocacy work, specifically mentioning the recent introduction of the Access Technology Affordability Act and the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act. He also discusses the partnership with Innosearch AI and its accessibility benefits for blind people. He concludes with Federation family news and customary closing remarks.
 
Important Links:
Nfb.org/convention

Presidential Release #549, May 2025

President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release #549. He encourages all to register for the NFB National Convention, taking place from July 8–13 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Virtual attendance options are available for those who can't attend in person. The deadline to register is May 30.
 
He emphasizes the importance of chapter-level input in shaping national policies, specifically through the resolution process. He also announces the spring fundraising drive, which offers contributors of $25 or more a chance to win prizes.
 
He concludes with Federation family news and customary closing remarks.
 
Important links:
nfb.org/convention

Presidential Release #548, April 2025

President Mark Riccobono presents the National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release #548. He discusses our recent advocacy efforts on several issues, including promoting the Access Technology Affordability Act, opposing the Texas v. Kennedy lawsuit which threatens protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, protecting programs for people with disabilities within the Department of Education, and much more. He continues to encourage ongoing advocacy and political engagement.
 
He concludes with Federation family news and customary closing remarks.
 
Important Links:
nfb.org/advocacy

Presidential Release #547, March 2025

This is National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release #547 with Mark A. Riccobono, President. President Riccobono announces the launch of NFBRN (National Federation of the Blind Radio Network), providing members with 24/7 access to Federation content. He encourages members to attend the 2025 National Convention in New Orleans to participate in setting the organization’s policies and goals. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of collective action, diversity, and inclusion in addressing threats to civil rights protections for the blind.

Presidential Release #546, February 2025

Presidential Release February 2025
President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #546. He discusses the legislative priorities of the organized blind movement—specifically the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act, Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act, and Blind Americans Return to Work Act. President Riccobono also shares Federation family news and customary endings. 
 
References:
Washington Seminar: https://nfb.org/washington-seminar
2024 Washington Seminar Round Up https://nfb.org//images/nfb/publications/bm/bm24/bm2403/bm240302.htm