Braille Monitor

Braille Monitor, Vol. 69, No. 6, June 2026

Vol. 69, No. 6                                                                                            June 2026
 
          Contents
Convention Bulletin
 
From the Editor
by Chris Danielsen
 
Employment Events at the 2026 National Convention
by Lia Stone
 
How to Be a Blind Wheelchair User
by Ellana Crew
 
When the Pain Is Real, but the Reason Is Invisible
by Kaleigh Brendle
 
Becoming the Voice His Daughter Will Need
by Ismael Collazo    
 
Keep NFB Advancing: Give $25 in ’26
 
The Super-Braillers and Me
by Will Hendrick
 
Indiana Drops Out, but States Continue to Threaten Section 504 in Lawsuit
by Anna Claire Vollers
 
Once Again, the Federal Government Delays Equal Access
by Chris Danielsen
 
DOJ Delay of ADA Web Rule Undermines Equal Access
by Mark Riccobono and Eve Hill
 
From the President’s Desk
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [June 2026]
Photos:
Chris Danielsen
Lia Stone
Ellana Crew
Kaleigh Brendle
Ismael Collazo
Will Hendrick
Anna Claire Vollers
President Riccobono
Eve Hill
Web Links:
www.nfb.org
www.nfbnet.org
nfb.org/convention
https://nfb.org/advocacy
https;//nfb.org/braille-monitor
https://askablindperson.wordpress.com
https://nfb.org/give25donate
nfb.org/donate
nfb.org/pac
https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/planned-giving
 
Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind
YouTube.com/NationsBlind
www.nfb.org/planned-giving
www.nfb.org/make-gift
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide.

Braille Monitor, Vol. 69, No. 5, May 2026

Vol. 69, No. 5                                                                                             May 2026
 
                                                       Contents
 
Convention Bulletin
 
From the Editor
by Chris Danielsen
 
Keeping Convention Weird: Plan Your Visit to Wacky, Wonderful Austin
by Norma Crosby
 
Resolution Reminders
by Donald Porterfield
 
Building Momentum from Coast to Coast
by Rachel Held
 
Two Displays, Two Philosophies: Comparing and Contrasting the Monarch and the Dot Pad X       
by Jonathan Mosen
 
The Courage to Bloom
by Elizabeth Rouse
 
Generational Federationism
by Latonya Phipps Cross
 
Course Corrections: Developments in LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired of San Francisco Governance and DeafBlind Services
by Chris Danielsen
 
The Nature of Independence
An Address Delivered by Kenneth Jernigan
 
Learning Independence through Life Experiences and the National Federation of the Blind
by Andrew D. Adams
 
The Meaning of Membership and Independence     
by Melissa Riccobono, Anil Lewis, and Denise Avant
Oregon State University Commits to Accessibility Improvements for Blind and Low-Vision Students
NFB Kids Camp: Tons of Fun!
by Harriet Go
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [MAY 2026]
Photos:
Chris Danielsen
Norma Crosby
Donald Porterfield
Rachel Held
Jonathan Mosen
Elizabeth Rouse
Latonya Phipps Cross
Dr. Kenneth Jernigan
Andrew D. Adams
Melissa Riccobono
Anil Lewis
Denise Avant
Harriet Go
Web Links:
nfb.org/convention
nfb.org/movers
nfb.org/donate
nfb.org/pac
https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/planned-giving
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/nfb-camp-registration-form
 
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/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide.

Braille Monitor, Vol. 69, No. 4, April 2026

Vol. 69, No. 4                                                                                             April 2026
 
Contents
 
Convention Bulletin
 
The Continued Fight to Protect Section 504 and the Integration Mandate
by Sanho Steele Louchart
 
My Walk with Astronomy as a Blind Scientist
by Cary Supalo
 
A Troubling Tragedy in Buffalo
by Chris Danielsen
 
Friendship in Action: Nyal McConoughey’s Story
by Nichole Chrissis and Alison Tyler
 
New Jersey’s Blind Refused to Be Collateral Damageby Linda Melendez
 
Finding Your Caregiving Superpower: Reflections from a Blind Caregiver of a Parent with Dementia
by Catherine Samuel
 
From the UK to the USA: Moving Forward Together
by Sania Kellogg
 
From the President’s Desk
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [April 2026]
Photos:
Sanho Steele-Louchart
Cary Supalo
Chris Danielsen
Nichole Chrissis
Alison Tyler
Linda Melendez
Catherine Samuel
Sania Kellogg
Web Links:
nfb.org/convention
The Braille Monitor, November, 1957
Braille Monitor, April, 1958
https://www.nj.gov/govelect
www.nfb.org
www.nfbnet.org
nfb.org/donate
nfb.org/pac
Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind
YouTube.com/NationsBlind
www.nfb.org/planned-giving
www.nfb.org/make-gift

Braille Monitor, Vol. 69, No. 3, March 2026

Vol. 69, No. 3                                                                March 2026
 
                                                       Contents
 
Convention Bulletin 2026
 
Cold Weather and Common Sense: The 2026 Washington Seminar
by Chris Danielsen
 
The Significance of Washington Seminar 2026
by Mark Riccobono
 
Protecting Education, Employment, and Independent Living Fact Sheet
 
Access Technology Affordability Act Fact Sheet
 
Blind Americans Return to Work Act Fact Sheet
 
Adventure in Annapolis
by Shawn Jacobson
 
National Federation of the Blind and Blind Entrepreneurs File Federal Lawsuit Challenging Army-Wide Waiver of Randolph-Sheppard Act
 
But I Don’t Know How to Dance
by Catherine Horn Randall
 
Filling in the Gap
by Shawn Callaway
 
Divorce Me
by Peggy Chong
 
Blind and Print-Disabled Harris County Voters File Federal Lawsuit Seeking Accessible Vote-by-Mail Ballots
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
 
Issue: [MARCH 2026]
Photos:
Chris Danielsen
Mark Riccobono
Shawn Jacobson
Catherine Horn Randall
Shawn Callaway
Peggy Chong
Web Links:
nfb.org/convention
https://nfb.org/washington-seminar
The complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, 
statement by the National Federation of the Blind 
https://nfb.org/donate
https://www.nfb.org/pac
https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/planned-giving
https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy
https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/nfb-stem2u
www.nfb.org
www.nfbnet.org
Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind
YouTube.com/NationsBlind
www.nfb.org/planned-giving
www.nfb.org/make-gift

Braille Monitor, Vol. 69, No. 2, February 2026

Vol. 69, No. 2                                                                          February 2026
 
Contents
 
Correction and Apology         
Convention Bulletin 2026
National Federation of the Blind Responds to Attack on Randolph-Sheppard Priority for Army Dining Facility Contracts       
by Chris Danielsen
 
Position Statement on Structured Discovery Training          
by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB)
 
Case Closed: The Story of Technology, a Blind Woman, and an Eyewitness Account to Solve a Mystery
by Kristen Dockendorff
 
Becoming a Federationist: The Lesson I Didn’t Ask For      
by Gary Wunder
 
Sexual Health Education and Research: A Community-Centered Approach Driven by the Blind   
by Mika Baugh, PhD
The 2026 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awardsby Everette Bacon
A $10,000 Investmentby Anil Lewis
 
The 2026 Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award 
by Carla McQuillan
 
The 2026 Blind Educator of the Year Award
by Robin House
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [FEBRUARY 2026]
Photos:
Chris Danielsen
Kristen Dockendorff
Gary Wunder
Mika Baugh
Everette Bacon
Anil Lewis
Carla McQuillan
Robin House
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/scholarships
www.touchofgeniusprize.org

Braille Monitor, Vol. 69, No. 1, January 2026

Vol. 69, No. 1                                                                                      January 2026
                                                       Contents
Illustration: A Brailler from Early in the last Century
Convention Bulletin 2026
From the President’s Desk: The Federation Shares Pressing Concerns with Vispero’s CEOby Mark A. Riccobono
A National Home for Our Stories: Members of Maryland Congressional Delegation Introduce Legislation to Designate the National Museum of the Blind People’s Movementby Alison Tyler
The Myth of the SuperBlindby Cricket X. Bidleman
The Key to Keeping Benefits While Saving for the Life You Wantby Jesse Shirek
Razor-Blade Reflections: What You See Isn’t Always What You Getby Marie  COW-Hooft
Changing Words, Changing Minds, Changing the Worldby Gary Wunder
Perspectives on Growing Pains in the Organized Blind Movement: A Panel of Student LeadersModerated by Anil Lewis
Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarshipby Tracy Soforenko
Announcing an Exciting Update to the 2026 NFB Scholarship Program
Monitor Miniatures
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [JANUARY 2026]
Photos:
Convention sites
Mark Riccobono
Alison Tyler
Cricket Bidleman
Jesse Shirek
Marie Kouthoofd
Gary Wunder
Tracy Soforenko
Anil Lewis
Gene Kim
Manahil Jafri
Kinshuk Tella
 
Web Links:
www.nfb.org
www.nfbnet.org
Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind
YouTube.com/NationsBlind
www.nfb.org/planned-giving
https://www.nfb.org/pac
www.nfb.org/scholarships
https://nfb.org/donate
https://nfb.org/form/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scho?q=form%2Fkenneth-jernigan-convention-scho
nfb.org/convention
ABLETODAY.org

Braille Monitor, Vol. 68, No. 11, December 2025

Vol. 68, No. 11                                                                                                December 2025
 
                                                       Contents
 
Convention Bulletin 2026
 
Running for the Federation: Meet Roger Oberholzer
 
Double Your Impact: A Matching Gift Challenge to Advance the Lives of Blind People
 
Fifty Years of Federation Love: The DC Affiliate Honors Gail Snider with the 2025 Presidential Award
by Shawn Callaway
 
Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Updates for 2026
by Jesse Shirek
 
Accessible Independent Check-Out: Blind-Centered Leadership Makes All the Difference
by Jake Konerza, Rick Walstrom, and Steve Decker
 
Owner of “Blind Guy Boards” Travels to DC on a Mission to Save Services for His Community
by John Hult
 
A Failure of Access, a Betrayal of Trust: Why Two Blind Students Are Suing West Virginia University
by Gary Wunder
 
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired of San Francisco Seeks Its Way through a Storm, but May Hit the Rocks
by Chris Danielsen
 
iOS 26 and Braille Access: Apple’s Impressive Investment in Braille Literacy
by Jonathan Mosen
 
Announcing the 2026 NFB Scholarship Program
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [DECEMBER 2025]
Photos:
Roger Oberholzer
Shawn Callaway
Gail Snider
Jesse Shirek
Jake Konerza
Rick Walstrom
Steve Decker
John Hult
Gary Wunder
Chris Danielsen
Jonthan Mosen
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.abletoday.org/
www.nfb.org/pac
www.nfb.org/scholarships
nfb.org/donate
https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/braille-monitor/early-access-articles/beacon-over-troubled-waters
https://nfb.org/braille-monitor

Braille Monitor, Vol 68, No. 10, November 2025

Vol. 68, No. 10                                                                       November 2025
 
                                                       Contents
 
Illustration: Ray Kurzweil Honored at his Alma Mater, MIT
 
Running for the Federation: Meet Ken Duke
 
Bountiful Expressions of Thanksgiving from the Mississippi Affiliate
Compiled by LaShawna Fant
 
Back to School Bags for Braille Readers
by Peggy Chong
 
United States Department of Justice Sues Uber for $125 Million
by Chris Danielsen
 
Graduating from the Colorado Center for the Blind Means More Than Skills
by Jeremy Smith
 
National Federation of the Blind Commends House Introduction of Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act
 
National Federation of the Blind Denounces Devastating Job Cuts Within the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
 
When Cuts Become Catastrophe: Defending Braille and Deafblind Education
by Justin Young
 
Equal Access to Live Theater: Opening New Worlds through Audio Description and Touch Tours
by Cindy Scott-Huisman
 
Blind-Centered Innovations through JAWS for Windows: Celebrating Thirty Years and a Commitment to Leadership into the Future
by Glen Gordon and Ryan Jones
 
A Commitment to High Expectations: Leadership through Reflecting the Hopes of Blind People in Education
by Anne Lancaster
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [November 2025]
Photos:
Ken Duke
LaShawna Fant
Peggy Chong
Chris Danielsen
Jeremy Smith
Justin Young
Cindy Scott-Huisman
Glen Gordon
Ryan Jones
Anne Lancaster
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.touchofgeniusprize.org
https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/legislative-priorities/legislative-alerts/reinstate-funding-critical.
freedomscientific.com/insertjclub

Braille Monitor Vol. 68, No.9, October 2025

Contents
 
Vol. 68, No. 9                                                                October 2025
 
What is Braille Monitor Early Access?
by Chris Danielsen
 
Twenty Years of Dr. Edward C. Bell and the Institute on Blindness
by Gary Wunder
 
Remembering the Why, the Purpose, and the Philosophy: My Journey to Becoming a Structured Discovery Cane Travel Teacher
by Denise Mackenstadt
 
The New NLS DTB Player: A Compelling Upgrade
by Karl Belanger
 
“Access On” through Collective Action: Mobilizing Leadership through Blind-Centered Technology Perspectives
by Jonathan Mosen
 
Collective Action through Financial Technology: Utilizing Disability Wisdom to Build Meaningful Innovations
by John Ciocca
 
From the NFB Archives: A Story of tenBroek’s Groundbreaking Work in Civil Rights
 
A Bridge to Myself, a Bridge to Our Dreams
by Melissa Riccobono
 
Remembering Ruth Miriam Swenson: Advocate, Leader, and Friend
by Gary Wunder
 
From the President’s Desk
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [OCTOBER 2025]
Photos:
Chris Danielsen
Gary Wunder
Dr. Edward Bell
Denise Mackenstadt
Jonathan Mosen
John Ciocca
Melissa Riccobono
Ruth Miriam Swenson
President Riccobono
 
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/pac
www.blindpilots.org.
https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm25/bm2507/bm250707.htm
https://nfb.org/donate.
https://nfb.org/movers,
https://nfb.org/baybridge

Braille Monitor Vol. 68, No. 8, August - September 2025

Vol. 68, No. 8                                                                         August/September 2025
 
                                                       Contents
 
The #NFB25 Convention Roundup
by Chris Danielsen
 
2025 Presidential Report
An Address Delivered by Mark A. Riccobono
 
Employment Events at the 2025 National Convention
by Nikki Jackson
 
Screen Readers and Street Smarts: How Travel Taught Me Tech
by Brett Boyer
 
Creativity, Persistence, and Hope: Reclaiming Our Stories through the Organized Blind Movement
An Address Delivered by Mark A. Riccobono
 
Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award PresentationPresented by Carla McQuillan
 
Blind Educator of the Year Award PresentationPresented by Robin House
 
The Eighteenth Annual Dr. Jacob Bolotin AwardsPresented by Everette Bacon
 
Jacobus tenBroek Award PresentationPresented by Pam Allen
 
Kenneth Jernigan Award PresentationPresented by Curtis Chong
 
Remarks of the 2025 National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Class
 
Resolutions Adopted by the 2025 National Convention
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
© 2025 by the National Federation of the Blind
 
Photos:
Chris Danielsen
Mark Riccobono
Nikki Jackson
Brett Boyer
Dan Kelley
Maurice Peret
Lee Martin
Sam Seavey
Mika Baugh
Dr. Casey Roberts
Julie Deden
Glen Gordon
Scholarship Class
Convention photos
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/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide.
www.nfb.org/pac
https://withpurple.com.
https://blindlawyers.net
https://museum.nfb.org
https://nfb.org/ecommerce
https://nfb.org/convention
https://nfb.org/member.
https://nfb.org/presidential-releases
https://nfb.org/committee-interest
https://bookshare.org/nfb
https://nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give
https://nfb.org/movers
https://nfb.org/donate
https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/planned-giving