Braille Monitor

Vol. 69, No. 9                                                                                                                                      October 2026
Contents
From the Editor
by Chris Danielsen
 
Keep Building Connections: The Federation Employment Network by the Blindby Lia Stone
It’s Not Over Until the Blind Secure Equality
by John Paré Jr, Jesse Shirek, Justin Young, and Sanho Steele-Louchart
 
It’s Our Turn Nowby Jonathan Mosen
#NFB24 Flashback: The Dr. Jacobus tenBroek Award
by Pam Allen
 
From the President’s Deskby Mark Riccobono
The Conundrum of PDF for the Blind
by Curtis Chong
 
Access Is Participation: Jack’s NFB-NEWSLINE® Story
by Sarah Weissman
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [October 2026]
Photos:
Chris Danielsen
Sarah Weissman
Jack Mendez
President Riccobono
John Paré
 Jesse Shirek
Justin Young
Sanho Steele-Louchart
Lia Stone
Jenn Han
Audrey Farnum
J.J. Meddaugh
Jonathan Mosen
Pam Allen
John and Sandy Halverson
Curtis Chong
Web Links:
www.nfb.org
www.nfbnet.org
https://get.adobe.com/reader/
https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/vote/VoterRegFormEnglish.pdf.
https://nfb.org/braille-monitor
http://nfb.org/publications
https//nfb.org/press-room
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.

Contents
Vol. 69, No. 8                        August/September 2026
 
The #NFB26 Convention Roundup: Keeping Convention Weird and Resonantby Chris Danielsen
The 2026 Presidential Reportby Mark Riccobono
Resonance, Amplification, and Interplay: The Counterpoint of the Organized Blind Movementby Mark Riccobono
Resolutions Adopted by the 2026 National Convention
Balancing Safety, Autonomy, and Supportby Christine Faltz Grassman, Esq.
The Blind Educator of the Year Awardby Robin House
The Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Awardby Carla McQuillan
The Nineteenth Annual Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awardsby Everette Bacon
The 2026 Jacobus tenBroek Awardby Pam Allen
The 2026 National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Classby Cayte Mendez
Your Monarch, Your Discount, Your NFB Membership at Work
And Then There Were Three: Federation Advocacy Pays Off as States Drop Out of Texas v. Kennedyby Chris Danielsen
Federal Court Vacates Department of Education Decision Limiting Randolph-Sheppard Priority for Army Dining Contracts
National Federation of the Blind Announces Staff Leadership Transition: Anil Lewis to Continue Advancing Opportunities for Blind People in New Executive Leadership Role
Convention Miniatures
Photo and Web List
Issue: [August/September 2026]
Photos:
Chris Danielsen
Pam Allen
Kevan Worley
President Riccobono
Christina Flatz Grassman
Cayte Mendez and 2026 scholarship class
Robin House
Dennis Miller
Carla McQuillan
Madison Schmidt
Everette Bacon and the Dr. Jacob Bolotin award winners
Web Links: www.nfb.org www.nfbnet.org https://nfb.org/convention https://joyfulheartfoundation.org https://napsa-now.org
nfb.org/resolutions https//blindlawyers.net
nfb.org/convention
https://nfb.org/braille-monitor
nfb.org/donate
nfb.org/pac
freewill.com 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.

Vol. 69, No. 7                                                                                            July 2026
 
          Contents
 
From the Editor
by Chris Danielsen
 
From the Backseat to the Driver’s Seat: A Federation Journey with Waymo
by Jordan Moon
 
Federation Sues Government Agencies Over Delayed Web Accessibility Rules
by Chris Danielsen
 
National Federation of the Blind Official Comments in Response to the Department of Health and Human Services Interim Final Rule Regarding Section 504 Digital Accessibility
 
How I Came to the Federation
by Amy Porterfield
 
Becoming Blind: Finding the Truth Beyond Visionby Ahmad Shafi
 
BELLs Should Be Ringing Everywhere
by Eric Duffy
 
Eye Condition Twins: A Double-Edged Sword
by Justin Salisbury
 
Of Seniors and Seeds
by Sandy Halverson
 
The Golden Rule, the Platinum Rule, and the Right to Speak for Ourselves
by Gary Wunder
 
Trainers Committee for Structured Discovery: A Name Change Reflecting Expanded Mission and Professional Impact
by Jimmy Morris
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [July 2026]
Photos:
Chris Danielsen
Jordan Moon
Amy Porterfield
Ahmad Shafi
Eric Duffy
Justin Salisbury
Sandy Halverson
Gary Wunder
Jimmy Morris
Web Links:
www.nfb.org
www.nfbnet.org
https://nfb.org/convention
https://nfb.org/advocacy
Blind Driver: Ultimate Insult or Statement of Fact
Neither Dog nor Cane nor Blindness Should Deprive Us of a Ride
https://nfb.org/braille-monitor
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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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