Braille Monitor

Braille Monitor Vol. 67, No. 10, November 2024

Vol. 67, No. 10                                                                       November 2024
 
                                                       Contents
 
Reporter Calls his Blindness an Asset for Key Trump Shooting Interview: “Vision Could Get in the Way”
by Ramon Antonio Vargas
 
A Season for Counting Our Blessings
by Barbara Pierce and Gary Wunder
 
So Much Regulation, So Little Change
by Peter Slatin
 
Will the US Supreme Court’s Loper Bright Decision Burn Blind Students?
by Carlton Anne Cook Walker
 
Dreaming Big: The Influence of Blind-Centered Experience and Direction on Artificial Intelligence
by Bryan Bashin
 
The Sugar
by Anil Lewis
 
Embracing the Challenge: A Personal Journey Through Diabetes Management
by Gary Wunder
 
Expect Much, Give Much, Get Much!
by Ronza Othman
 
Invest in Dignity: A Matching Gift Challenge to Advance the Lives of Blind People
 
An Almost Forgotten Guide Dog School
by Peggy Chong
 
Inspiration, Education, and Where We Fit in Speaking for Blind People
by Gary Wunder
 
Community Cultural Wealth and the Empowerment of Blind People through the National Federation of the Blind
by Justin Salisbury
 
South Carolina’s White Cane Awareness Day Proclamation
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [NOVEMBER 2024]
Photos:
Ramon Antonio Vargas (reporter from another source)
Barbara Pierce
Gary Wunder
Peter Slatin
Carlton Anne Cook Walker
Bryan Bashin
Anil Lewis
Ronza Othman
Peggy Chong
Justin Salisbury
 
Web Links:
www.nfb.org
www.nfbnet.org
Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind
YouTube.com/NationsBlind
www.nfb.org/planned-giving
www.nfb.org/make-gift
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes
www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies/what-is-diabetic-neuropathy
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes
www.actionfund.org.
https://nfb.org/programs-services/free-white-cane-program.
https://actionfund.org/index.php/donate
www.touchofgeniusprize.org
https://wecount.inclusivedesign.ca/initiatives/acaw/)
https://assileye.com/blog/diabetes-leading-cause-of-blindness/
https://nfb.org/about-us/divisions-committees-and-groups/divisions/diabetes-action-network).
https://nfb.org/programs-services/blind-month

Braille Monitor Vol. 67, No. 9, October 2024

Vol. 67, No. 9                                                                                             October 2024
 
Contents
 
Illustration: Caravan for Disability Freedom and Justice visits the Jernigan Institute
 
Being Trained in the Law but not Knowing How to Enforce My Right to Accessible Textbooks..........................................................................................................
by Julie Orozco
 
Raising Expectations at Social Security: The Influence of the Organized Blind in Improving and Modernizing Essential Programs
by Roderick Hairston
 
Uber Almost Got Me Killed!
by Ronza Othman
 
From Lyndon Johnson to Joe Biden: a Journey through Sixty Years of White Cane Safety Day Presidential Proclamations
by Kyle Walls
 
Consider Becoming a Teacher of Blind and Low-Vision Students or an Orientation and Mobility Instructor
by Janna Kowalik
 
It Matters What We Do, Not Who We Are
by Geerat J. Vermeij  
 
We Belong: A Report on Our Collective Progress toward Equality in America
and Beyond
by the Advocacy and Policy Team
 
Another Extraordinary Experience at National Convention: A Journey Made for Two
by Shelbi Felter
 
Statement of ABA President Mary Smith
 
Closing the Door on Discrimination: Championing the Blind in Society through Civil Rights Protections at the Department of Justice
by Kristen Clarke
 
Telling Our Stories: A Conversation about Blindness, Justice, and Shattering Misconceptions from the Federal Bench
by Judge David Tatel and Deepa Goraya
 
Settlement Agreement Improves Accessibility for Blind Test-Takers of the California Insurance License Exam
 
Jonathan Mosen Brings His Expertise to the National Federation of the Blind
 
Nebraska Center for the Blind Celebrating Fifty Years Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
by Amy Buresh
 
National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals Annual Division Meeting: A Summary
by Amy Porterfield
 
My Dream, My Business, and My Life
by Vincent M. Tagliarino
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [October 2024]
Photos:
Julie Orozco
Roderick Hairston
Ronza Othman
Kyle Walls
Janna Kowalik
Geerat J. Vermeij
John Pare
Jeff Kaloc
Justin Young
Jesse Shirek
Shelbi Felter
Mary Smith
Kristen Clarke
Judge David Tatel
Deepa Goraya
Jonathan Mosen
Amy Buresh
Amy Porterfield
Vicent M. Tagliarino
 
Web Links:
www.nfb.org
www.nfbnet.org
Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind
YouTube.com/NationsBlind
www.nfb.org/planned-giving
www.nfb.org/make-gift
www.americanbar.org/news
https://trelegal.com/
ssa.gov/securitystat

Braille Monitor Vol. 67, No. 8, August-September 2024

Vol. 67, No. 8                                                                          August/September 2024
 
Contents
 
Convention Roundup #NFB24
by Chris Danielsen
 
2024 Presidential Report
by Mark A. Riccobono
 
Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Presentation
by Carla McQuillan
 
Presentation of the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards
by Everette Bacon
 
Dignity, Respect, and Determination: The Momentum of the Blind People’s Movement
by Mark A. Riccobono
 
Inclusion by Example: Adventures of a Blind Woman Navigating the Oceans of STEM Professionals
by Amy Bower
 
Remarks of the Scholarship Class of 2024
 
Resolutions Passed by the 2024 National Convention
 
Beyond Routes and Techniques: The Energy of Structured Discovery in Blindness Training
by Carlos R. Serván
 
A Long-Overdue Step Forward for Blind Cubers
by Paul Martz
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [August-September 2024]
Photos:
Chris Danielsen
Mark Riccobono
Carla McQuillan
Dori Senatori
2024 Jacob Bolotin Award Winners with members of committee
Amy Bower
Cayte Mendez
2024 Scholarship Class
Carlos R. Servan
Paul Martz
 
Web Links:
www.nfb.org
www.nfbnet.org
Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind
YouTube.com/NationsBlind
www.nfb.org/planned-giving
www.nfb.org/make-gift
www.nfb.org/resolutions
www.unseen-film.com
www.Aira.io
www.nfb.org/pac
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2024-national-convention-agenda
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/past-conventions/2024-national-convention
 
 
https://nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give
https://nfb.org/about-us/annual-report-and-financials.
https://nfb.org/donate.
www.sfl.org
http://www.blindcaferadio.com

Braille Monitor Vol. 67, No. 7, July 2024

Vol. 67, No. 7                                                                                             July 2024
 
                                                       Contents
 
Illustration: Stevie Wonder Visits the Jernigan Institute and Engages in Some Sports Fun
 
Reflections on How an Investment in Training Has Shaped My Last Twenty-Five Years
by Mark Riccobono
 
Safeguarding the Legacy, Investing in Inheritance
by Jonathan Mosen
 
Building the Movement: Achieving Our Dreams through Strategic Investments
by Denise Avant, Trisha Kulkarni, Lisamaria Martinez, Sanho Steele-Louchart, and Denise Brown
 
Charcoal and Challenges
by Marc Maurer
 
Public Access Barriers for Guide Dog Teams: Survey Report
by The Seeing Eye
 
Celebrating Fatherhood: An Interview with Michael Hardin
by LaShawna Fant
 
Step Up to the Stove: Mixing Together Independence, Confidence, and Safety
by Elizabeth Rouse
 
The Strange English Language
Author Unknown
 
Taking Seniors Where They Are and Providing the Resources They Need
by Sandy Halverson
 
A Blind Chef's Culinary Journey
by Cameron Loehr
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [July 2024]
Photos:
Mark Riccobono
Jonathan Mosen
Denise Avant
Trisha Kulkarni
Lisa Maria Martinez
Sanho Steele-Louchart
Denise Brown
Michael Hardin
LaShawna Fant
Elizabeth Rouse
Sandy Halverson
Cindy Scott-Huisman
Kyle Kiper
Cameron Loehr
 
Web Links:
www.nfb.org
www.nfbnet.org
Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind
YouTube.com/NationsBlind
www.nfb.org/planned-giving
www.nfb.org/make-gift
Dontbreakthebudget.com/payment
dontbreakthebudget.com
https://beta.sonos.com/key/passport

Braille Monitor Vol. 67, No. 6, June 2024

Vol. 67, No. 6                                                                                            June 2024
 
                                                       Contents
 
Interview with Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind
Taken from Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, State of AV 2024
 
Dr. Natalie Shaheen Wins $1.5 Million NSF CAREER Grant
 by Aubrey Henson
 
Artificial Intelligence Directed by the Blind: Progress and Possibilities with Be My Eyes
by Mike Buckley
 
On Becoming a Father
by Marco Carranza
 
How a 19th Century Dutch Ophthalmologist Can Impact Your 21st Century Rights
by Greg Trapp, JD
 
How I Became a Blind Home Owner in Fifty Short Days
by Daniel Garcia
 
Support NFB Programs and Make a Difference for Blind People!
by Bridgid Burke
 
A Letter to the Editor
by Cricket Bidleman
 
Updates to the Social Security Administration's Procedures for Recovering Overpayments
by Jesse Shirek and Kyle Walls
 
Empowering the Blind Diabetic Community: Insights from the Diabetes Action Network Seminar
by Debbie Wunder
 
Is It Better at the Airport or Are We on a Merry-Go-Round?
by Patti Chang
 
Escape from the Tiny Kitchen
by Deborah Kent Stein
 
The Federation and Physician-Assisted Suicide
by Chris Danielsen
 
Convention Ambassadors’ Jeopardy
by Dan Burke and Corbb O’Connor
 
Looking Back as We Move Forward: The Past, Present, and Future of Federal Website Accessibility Regulations
by Sanho Steele-Louchart and Kyle Walls
 
I Am Just a Dad
by Bruce Sexton
 
Rebuilding What I Should Have Known: Reflections on My Journey to be Accountable to the Blind Community
by Shir Ekerling
 
Sighted Saviorism in the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind
by Justin Salisbury
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [June 2024]
Photos:
Mark Riccobono
Dr. Natalie Shaheen
Mike Buckley
Marco Carranza
Gregg Trapp
Daniel Garcia
Bridgid Burke
Cricket Bidleman
Jesse Shirek
Kyle Walls
Debbie Wunder
Patti Change
Deborah Kent Stein
Chris Danielsen
Dan Burke
Corbb O’Connor
Sanho Steele-Louchart
Burce Sexton
Shir Ekerling
Justin Salisbury
 
Web Links:
www.nfb.org
www.nfbnet.org
Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind
YouTube.com/NationsBlind
www.nfb.org/planned-giving
www.nfb.org/make-gift
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_suicide_in_the_United_States
nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/national_convention_ambassador_

Braille Monitor Vol. 67, No. 5, May 2024

Contents
Vol. 67, No. 5                                   May 2024
 
Perhaps Corrections Should be a Regular Column  
by Gary Wunder
 
Fostering Inclusion: Blindness Doesn’t Define Us    
by Cricket Bidleman and Karen Smith
 
It’s More About the Fellowship than the Food 
by Eileen Rivera Ley
 
Talk, Text, and Train the Trainers 
by Jane Hager
 
On Becoming a Commercial Realtor: A Blind Person’s Pathway out of Poverty and Penury      
by Charles Innes
 
Tidbits, Quotations, and Words to Live by       
by Gary Wunder
 
Dream Big: Give $25 Drive  
by Rachel Held
 
Giving Time to NFB Changes Lives       
by Shelley Keeland
 
Simple Accessibility Solutions       
by Dan  tevelde
 
Seniors Making a Difference
by Glenn Crosby
 
A New Definition of Disability: Embracing Our Shared Humanity and Redefining How We Perceive Abilities and Differences   
by Michael Hingson
 
The Rest of Reality: An Address Delivered by Marc Maurer       
 
An Exciting New Product for the Blind: A New Company with Very Familiar People. Meet the BT Speak Pocket Computer from Blazie Technologies
by David Goldfield
 
Greater Expectations  
by David Houck
 
Monitor Miniatures      
 
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [May 2024]
Photos:
Gary Wunder
Cricket Bidleman
Karen Smith
Eileen Rivera Ley
Jane Hager
Charles Innes
Rachel Held
Shelley Keeland
Dan Tevelde
Glenn Crosby
Michael Hingson
Marc Maurer
David Goldfield
David Houck
 
Web Links:
www.nfb.org
www.nfbnet.org
Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind
YouTube.com/NationsBlind
www.nfb.org/planned-giving
www.nfb.org/make-gift
www.cfb.ca
https://blindsavvyusa.com. 
www.blazietech.com
https://mdod.maryland.gov/tam/Pages/mat.aspx
https://nfb.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=45
https://nfb.org/Give25Donate
 
 
 

Braille Monitor Vol. 67, No. 4, April 2024

Vol. 67, No. 4                                                                                             April 2024
 
Contents
 
Enhancing Live Radio Broadcasts at Major Sporting Events: A Partnership with the Utah Jazz
by Everett Bacon and Mark Riccobono
 
How to Host an Event that no one Attends Absent-Tea
by Cindy Scott-Huisman
 
Red, White, and Blind: Your Way, If Not My Way, Toward Serving
by Kyle Ryan Kiper
 
To Equalize the World of Audio, Let's Add Accessibility to the Mix
by Michelle Guadalupe Felix Garcia
 
Fighting the War on ‘Image Poverty’
by Claire Rojstaczer
 
The Advantages of a Smartwatch and Three that are Currently Available
by Karl Belanger, Kennedy Zimnik, and Matt Hackert
 
Believe It or Not
by Peggy Chong
 
Blind Courtesy
by Marc Maurer
 
Recap of the USM Digital Accessibility Transformational Seminar, October 2023
by Nancy O’Neill
 
Revolution
by Maurice Peret
 
Reinterpreting and Expanding "The Right to Live in the World”
by Adrienne Asch
 
Governor Morehead School: An Interview with Director Melvin Diggs
by LaShawna Fant
 
Medical devices with screens aren’t accessible to the blind. Congress has chance to change that........................................................................................................
by Lizzy Lawrence
 
A Brief Recap of the National Association of Blind Students Mid-Winter Seminar
by Lauren Altman
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [APRIL 2024]
Photos:
Everett Bacon
Mark Riccobono
Cindy Scott-Huisman
Kyle Ryan Kper
Michell Guadalupe Felix Garcia
Claire Rojstaczer
Chancey Fleet
Karl Belanger
Kennedy Zimnik
Matt Hackert
Peggy Chong
Helen May Martin
Marc Maurer
Nancy O’Neill
Maurice Peret
Adrienne Asch
LaShawna Fant
Melvin Diggs
Lauren Altman
 
Web Links:
www.nfb.org
www.nfbnet.org
Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind
YouTube.com/NationsBlind
www.nfb.org/planned-giving
www.nfb.org/make-gift
https://encyclopedia.densho.org/Revolution_of_1954/
https://www.smashwords.com/books/byseries/24325
www.nfbar.org
 loc.gov/ThatAllMayRead

Braille Monitor Vol. 67, No. 3, March 2024

Vol. 67, No. 3                                                                                                              March 2024
 
Contents
 
Convention Bulletin 2024
 
The 2024 Washington Seminar: Back in the Groove Again
by Gary Wunder
 
The Significance of Washington Seminar 2024
by Mark Riccobono
 
Washington Seminar Agenda
 
Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act (H.R. 5813/S. 2984)
 
Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act (H.R. 1328/S. 3621)
 
Blind Americans Return to Work Act
 
Additional Legislative Concerns of Blind Americans for the 118th Congress
 
How My Life Experience Led Me to Become a School Social Worker
by Jhaliyah Anderson
 
Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight
by Andrew Leland
Reviewed by Deborah Kendrick
 
Attend the 2024 NFB National Convention If You Dare
by Karl Smith
 
Rethinking Our Approach: A Call for Solidarity in the Ride-Share Industry
by Maurice Peret
 
Coffee with an NFB Staff Member: Beth Braun
 
My First NFB Convention: Definitely Memorable but Partially for the Wrong Reason
by Leah Campbell
 
Helping Out: How Chores at Home May Pave the Way to Future Employment for Blind Youth
by Julie Deden
 
Knowledge is Sweet: A Seminar presented the Diabetes Action Network
by Debbie Wunder
 
Cindy Scott-Huisman, Owner of Cantrell Gallery and Custom Framing in Little Rock, Learned to adapt to Her Vision Loss
by Sean Clancy
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [MARCH 2024]
 
Photos:
Convention hotel
Gary Wunder
MAR
Jhaliyah Anderson
Andrew Leland
Deborah Kendrick
Karl Smith
Maurice Peret
Beth Braun
Leah Campbell
Julie Deden
Debbie Wunder
Seann Clancy (external journalist)
Cindy Scott-Huisman
Washington Seminar photos – check with Gary
 
Web Links:
www.nfb.org
www.nfbnet.org
Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind
YouTube.com/NationsBlind
www.nfb.org/planned-giving
www.nfb.org/make-gift
https://www.govtech.com/transportation/labor-ruling-offers-unionization-path-to-uber-lyft-drivers
https://www.govtech.com/transportation/labor-ruling-offers-unionization-path-to-uber-lyft-drivers
https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2021-07-21/uber-and-lyft-rideshare-drivers-strike-rally-for-pro-act-union
https://newmobility.com/when-an-accessible-hotel-reservation-doesnt-guarantee-anything/?mc_cid=46f4c949b7
nfb.org/pac
https://newmobility.com/when-an-accessible-hotel-reservation-doesnt-guarantee-anything/?mc_cid=46f4c949b7
 
https://www.census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2023/disabilities-act.html
https://www.statista.com/statistics/262966/number-of-internet-users-in-selected-countries/#:~:text=Countries%20with%20the%20highest%20number%20of%20internet%20users%202023&text=As%20of%20January%202023%2C%20China,around%20311%20million%20internet%20users
https://connectedmed.com/resources/post-pandemic-telehealth-utilization-settles-in-at-20-or-less-of-medical-appointments/
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2018/12/12/how-far-americans-live-from-the-closest-hospital-differs-by-community-type/
 https://www.japha.org/article/S1544-3191(22)00233-3/fulltext
https://ncd.gov/progressreport/2016/progress-report-october-2016

Braille Monitor Vol. 67, No. 2, February 2024

Vol. 67, No. 2                                                                                             February 2024
 
Contents
 
Convention Bulletin 2024
 
How Blessed to be Living a Life in which Gratitude Plays a Part
by Gary Wunder
 
How Difficult it Sometimes is to be a Good Citizen
by Rose Warner
 
Not Letting the Flood of Doubt Win
by Marinela Ortiz
 
The 2023 End of Year Board Meeting
by Gary Wunder
 
An Interview with Kimble Funchess: Mississippi School for the Blind's Music Educator
by LaShawna Fant
 
Tom Page: Musician, Audio Engineer, Mentor
 
Marilyn Green: Passionate Advocate, Energetic Worker, and Lover of Connecting with People
 
When Braille is not the Total Answer
by Gary Wunder
 
Eureka! It All Matters!
by Cary Supalo
 
Voting Using Android Phones/Tablets
by Curtis Chong
 
My Career Story
by Shelley Keeland
 
The Blind Encyclopedist
by Tyler Zahnke
 
My Perspective on the Ninety-Third Leadership Seminar
by Cindy Scott-Huisman
 
Introducing Menus4ALL: The iPhone App That Makes Restaurant Menus Accessible for Everyone
by Stephanie Jones
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [FEBRUARY]
Photos:
Gary Wunder
Rose Warner
Marinela Ortiz
LaShawna Fant
Kimble Funchess
Tom Page
Marilyn Green
Cary Supalo
Curtis Chong
Shelley Keeland
Tyler Zahnke
Cindy Scott-Huisman
Stephanie Jones
Web Links:
www.nfb.org
www.nfbnet.org
Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind
YouTube.com/NationsBlind
www.nfb.org/planned-giving
www.nfb.org/make-gift
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094348626318&mibextid=LQQJ4d
https://www.instagram.com/mindfulnessthroughmusicllc?igsh=ZGNjOWZkYTE3MQ==
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide
menus4all.com

Braille Monitor Vol. 67, No. 1, January 2024

Vol. 67, No. 1                                                                                             January 2024
Contents
 
Why Do Some Voting Advocates Fight Equal Access for the Blind?
by Mark Riccobono
 
Online Voting for the Blind: Security Should Not Supersede Access
by Curtis Chong
 
Why the NFB is Bringing STEM to You
by Ashleigh Moon
 
Deep in the Federation Lies a World of Breakthroughs
by Michelle Felix Garcia
 
A Report of the Blind Christians Group
by Tom Anderson
 
An Investment with Huge Returns
by Peggy Chong
 
Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship
by Tracy Soforenko
 
A Hot Time in Houston
by Maryanne Melley
 
When College is Not Right for Your Child: Preparing for Independence and Success
by David DeNotaris
 
Full Participation of the Disabled in America: Nothing without Us
by Andrés Gallegos
 
The Evolution of Overlays
by Curtis Chong
 
Reflections on Four Decades: Celebrating Parents of Blind Children in the Organized Blind Movement
by Barbara Cheadle and Carla Keirns
 
Gary Van Dorn Day Brings Dollars to NFBCO
by Peggy Chong
 
Structured Discovery Practitioners Are Part of the Organized Blind Movement
by Justin Salisbury
 
The Nation’s Blind Podcast and the Myth of the Model Federationist
by Blaine Deutscher
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [JANUARY 2024]
Photos:
John Berggren / convention
Mark Riccobono
Curtis Chong
Ashleigh Moon
Michelle Felix Garcia
Tom Anderson
Peggy Chong
Tracy Soforenko
Maryanne Melley
David De Notaris
Adres Gallegos
Barbara Cheadle
Carla Keirns
Justin Salisbury
Blaine Deutcher
Gary Van Dorn
 
Web Links:
www.nfb.org
www.nfbnet.org
Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind
YouTube.com/NationsBlind
www.nfb.org/planned-giving
www.nfb.org/make-gift
https://nfb.org/form/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scho?q=form%2Fkenneth-jernigan-convention-scho
https://nfb.org/programs-services/national-center-blind-youth-science/past-nfb-stem-programs.
https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/national-center-blind-youth-science/nfb-eq/nfb-eq-teachers
https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/national-center-blind-youth-science/nfb-eq/nfb-eq-parents
https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/nfb-stem2u
https://www.smashwords.com/books/byseries/24325
https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/jbir/jbir22/jbir120104.html
http://dx.doi/10.5241/12-220
https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm97/bm970402.htm