Braille Monitor

Braille Monitor Vol. 66, No. 11, December 2023

Vol. 66, No. 11                                                                       December 2023
 
                                                       Contents
 
Illustration: Karla Gilbride Confirmed to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
 
Convention Bulletin 2024
 
Convention Location Update and Planning
by Mark Riccobono
 
Innovation Rocks: Positive Progress Centered on the BlindAn Address Delivered by Mark A. Riccobono, President
 
Securing Equal Protection under the Law: The Essential Role of the Organized Blind Movement
by Eve Hill
 
The 2024 Blind Educator of the Year Award
by Robin House
 
Shattering Injustice and Raising Expectations: Dedication to Equality by a Blind Attorney
by Karla Gilbride
 
Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Updates for 2024
by Jesse Shirek
 
From California to Illinois—Powered by Braille
by Rachel Held
 
O’Rourke Completes 6-week Fundraising Bike Ride for Blind
by Amalie Benjamin
 
Pit Stop Party at Kirkwood Library: NHL Referee Dan O’Rourke Bikes Route 66 for Braille Literacy Fundraising
by Julie Brown Patton
 
The 2024 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards
by Everette Bacon
 
It Matters What We Do, Not Who We Are
by Geerat J. Vermeij
 
Announcing the NFB 2024 Scholarship Program
by Cayte Mendez
 
My Experiences as a Deafblind Participant in our 2023 National Convention
by Maurice Mines
 
We Have Work to Do: Reflections on Changing the Blind Employment Paradigm
by Mary Fernandez
 
Braille Books and Contest Cash
by Sandy Halverson
 
The 2024 Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award
by Carla McQuillan
 
Veteran finishes the Half-Marathon at the Cleveland Marathon, while serving as an Inspiration for Blind Athletes
by Irie Harris, Cleveland.com
 
Eleven Seasonal Acts of Kindness
by LaShawna Fant
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
 
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [DECEMBER 2023]
Photos:
Hotel for convention bulletin
Mark Riccobono
Anne Lancaster
Eve Hill
Robin House
Karla Gilbride
Jesse Shirek
Rachel Held
Dan O’Rourke
Amalie Benjamin (outside journalist)
Julie Brown Patton (outside journalist)
Everett Bacon
Geerat J. Vermeij
Cayte Mendez
Maurice Mines
Mary Fernandez
Sandy Halverson
Carla McQuillan
Irie Harris (outside journalist)
LaShawna Fant
 
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/scholarship
https://www.ablenrc.org/
https://nfb.org/programs-services/early-childhood-initiatives/santa-letters
www.leaderdog.org
http://www.west.net/~bpbooks/mhp.html
https://nfb.org/bolotin
www.actionfund.beanstack.org
https://nfb.org/images/nfb/documents/pdf/distinguished-educator-of-blind-students-award-form-fillable.pdf
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/statement-board-directors-federation-community-regarding-location
http://www.cityoforlando.net/police/lgbtqsafeplace/
https://socialoffset.org/about-us/

Braille Monitor Vol. 66, No. 10, November 2023

Vol. 66, No. 10                                                                       November 2023
 
                                                       Contents
 
An Apology and Thoughts about What Goes Into an Editorial Note
by Gary Wunder
 
A Roller Coaster of Emotion: The Highs and Lows of Federal Regulations on Website Accessibility (or the Lack Thereof)
by Kyle Walls
 
Updating and Clarifying the Regulations Implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act
by Representative Tony Coelho
 
What is Blind: Reframing the Narrative
by Casey Martin
 
Words Matter
by Michael Hingson
 
Unlocking the Virtual Front Door—Ensuring Accessible Government Technology for People with Disabilities, Older Adults, and Veterans
 
A Blind Soprano's Experience with Stage Combat
by Madie Hendrix
 
Transformation of Jobs in the AbilityOne Program: Disability Advocacy, Leadership, and the Power of Concentrated Action
by Chai Feldblum
 
First Convention Experience
by Charles Ny
 
From Imagination to Reality: Celebrate the Power of Braille, Community, and Partnerships
 
Progress to Make the Web More Usable and Friendly for the Blind
 
Finding Opportunities That Are Helping Me Live the Life I Want
by Hillary McFadden
 
Voices of History: The Pitfall of Speaking for the Dead
by Gary Wunder
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [November 2023]
Photos:
Gary Wunder
Kyle Walls
Tony Coelho
Casey Martin
Michael Hingson
Ronza Othman
Madie Hendrix
Chai Feldblum
Charles Ny
Julie Brown Patton
Dan O’Rourke
Hillary McFadden
Tom Anderson? ---- this is in the miniatures, but was an a death announcement, wasn’t sure if wanted to include a photo or not, will leave up to you and 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
NFB.org/Contribute/Ride4Literacy
https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/resolution_on_rehabilitation_act_of_1973_-_092623pdf1.pdf
https://special.usps.com/testkits/accessible
https://acl.gov/DIAL
https://youtube.com/@MadieHendrixSoprano?si=SJOnO0AbQz4YvuFw
https://www.facebook.com/MadieHendrixSoprano?mibextid=b06tZ0

Braille Monitor Vol. 66, No. 9, October 2023

Contents
 
Illustration: Celebrating our Work throughout the Movement
 
Together Living Blindfully: Perspectives on the Wisdom of the Shared Blind Community
by Jonathan Mosen
 
Blindness, Hope, and Belief from Liberia to Littleton and Back
by Dan Burke
 
Idaho’s Blind Share Our Stories on YouTube
by Ramona Walhof
 
Yes, Virginia, Chapters Can Pass Resolutions
by Daniel Garcia
 
Guillory Presented the National Educator of Blind Children Award
by Cathi Cox-Boniol
 
Gary Van Dorn, “Go to Guy” at NFBCO, wins Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award
by Cindy Piggott
 
Reflecting on the Ten-Year Anniversary of the Marrakesh Treaty
by Marc Maurer
 
We Should All Live Ambitiously
by John G. Paré
 
Aiming Big to Achieve Our Objectives
by Jeff Kaloc
 
Progress on Medical Access and Equal Wages
by Justin Young
 
My Journey of Discovery, Risk, and Reward
by Jesse Shirek
 
Save the Date: 2024 Washington Seminar
by Kyle Walls
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
Photos:
Jonathan Mosen
Dan Burke
Ramona Walhof
Daniel Garcia
Cathi Cox-Boniol
Cindy Piggott
Gary Van Dorn
Marc Maurer
John Pare
Jeff Kaloc
Justin Young
Jesse Shirek
Kyle Walls
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.youtube.com/@idahosblind.
https://cocenter.org/blindness-hope-and-belief-from-liberia-to-littleton-and-back/
https://www.ndhope.org/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVeCG7_EhrM
www.minyasui.org.
https://nfb.org/presidential-releases

Braille Monitor Vol. 66, No. 8, August September 2023

Gary Wunder, Editor
 
The Braille Monitor is the flagship publication of the National Federation of the Blind
 
Articles in this issue
 
The 2023 Convention Roundup
by Gary Wunder
 
Statement of the Board of Directors to the Federation Community Regarding Location of 2024 National Convention               
 
Presidential Report 2023              
by Mark A. Riccobono
 
Belief, Courage and Wisdom: Centering on the Blind People’s Movement             
by Mark A. Riccobono
 
The Dr. Jacobus tenBroek Award              
Presented by Pam Allen
 
2023 Jernigan Award Presentation          
Presented by Mary Ellen Jernigan
 
Blind Educator of the Year Award Presentation  
Presented by Robin House
 
Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Presentation  
Presented by Carla McQuillan
 
Presentation of the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards     
Presented by Everette Bacon
 
2023 National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Awards            
Presented by Cayte Mendez
 
Distinguished Accessibility Champion Award       
Presented by John G. Paré
 
Resolutions Passed by the 2023 National Convention      
 
Our Passion for Performance Permeates National Convention!  
by Katelyn MacIntyre
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
Learn more at nfb.org/publications.

Braille Monitor Vol. 66, No. 7, July 2023

Gary Wunder, Editor
The Braille Monitor is the flagship publication of the National Federation of the Blind
 
Articles in this issue
 
Blind Students Win Lawsuit against Los Angeles Community College District: Jury Finds Schools Discriminated and Failed to Make Reasonable Accommodations
 
Define Your Future
by Patti Chang
 
National Federation of the Blind 2023 Strategic Plan
by Stephanie Cascone
 
The Role of Forgiveness in Advocacy Work
by Daniel Hodges
 
What a Blessing to be Givers
by Jonathan Franks
 
Cane I Stick Out Anymore?!
by Auna Mayes Namkung
 
Call for Articles: Celebrating Blind Equality Achievement Month
by Chris Danielsen
 
If Only I Had Braille…
by Cricket Bidleman and Gary Wunder
 
The End of an Era
by Peggy Chong
 
Taming the Accessibility Wild West
by Amy Mason
 
Mastodon: Not Just another Elephant
by David Andrews
 
The Nature of Independence
by Kenneth Jernigan
 
Uber’s Making it Easier to Hail a Ride—No App Required
by Curtis Chong
 
News Release: United States Department of Labor
 
Alert: USA Hire Assessment
by John Paré
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
Learn more at nfb.org/publications.
 

Braille Monitor Vol. 66, No. 6, June 2023

Gary Wunder, Editor
The Braille Monitor is the flagship publication of the National Federation of the Blind
 
Articles in this issue
 
Illustration: Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees
 
Convention Bulletin 2023
 
Jacob’s Ladder: Hosting Sports Fans in a Rising Career
by Jamal Mazrui
 
Transformation in Employment: Smart Partnership to Build the Future Together
by Regina Kline
 
Blindness: Handicap or Characteristic
by Kenneth Jernigan
 
Blindness: Physical Handicap, Characteristic, Identity, or Something Else
by Gary Wunder
 
Gratitude
by Curtis Willoughby
 
Creativity Is More Accessible Than Meets the Eye
by Rishika Kartik
 
National Federation of the Blind Applauds the Introduction of the Access Technology Affordability Act in the Senate
 
Can We Change the World?
by Jo Elizabeth Pinto
 
The Blind Do Lead the Blind
by Dr. Jacob Freid
 
Four Leading Brands and The National Federation of the Blind Join Be My Eyes’ Virtual Volunteer Corporate Beta Test
 
Accessible Remote Access with RIM
by Karl Belanger and Matt Hackert
 
Lift Up with Lyft Round Up
by Patti Chang
 
Summer Tips for Parents of Blind Students
by LaShawna Fant
 
Learn more at nfb.org/publications.

Braille Monitor Vol. 66, No. 5, May 2023

Gary Wunder, Editor
The Braille Monitor is the flagship publication of the National Federation of the Blind.
Articles in this issue
Illustration: From a Dream to Really Riding in an Autonomous Vehicle
A Welcome to Nebraska and Some Inspiration for Us Allby Shane Buresh, Amy Buresh, and Jeremy Fifield
A Heart-felt Apology and a Chance to Start Againby Shir Ekerling
After the Miracle: The Political Crusades of Helen Keller by Max WallaceReviewed by Gary Wunder
Pedaling for Those Who May Think They Are Aloneby Gary Wunder
We Need Your Help
Going My Way: Driving Accessibility through Innovative Autonomous Transportationby Michelle Peacock
More about the Dynamic 2023 Conventionby Norma Crosby
#NFB23 Give $20 Drawing—Aira Provides Challenge Grant
Resolution Remindersby Donald Porterfield
How the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act Has Turned Me into an Impassioned Advocateby Debbie Wunder
Back to Notre DameAn Address Delivered by Marc Maurer
Monitor Miniatures
Learn more at nfb.org/publications.

Braille Monitor Vol. 66, No. 4, April 2023

Gary Wunder, Editor
The Braille Monitor is the flagship publication of the National Federation of the Blind.
Articles in this issue:
Convention Bulletin 2023
Houston, We Don’t Have a Problem by Norma Crosby
Celebrating 2023 Women’s History Month: Two Women Share a Historical Position on how a Leader in the National Federation of the Blind has Helped to Shape their Vision into Reality by Suzanne Turner and Rachel Kuntz
Growing My Federation Heart Started with a Scholarship by Kinshuk Tella
We Need Your Help
Normality: The Key to Low Expectations by Cricket Bidleman
A Moving Report from the Director of the National Library Service for the Print-Disabled by Jason Broughton
Accessible Pharmacy Labeling in Each State by Sharla Glass
NFB BELL® Academy: Raising Expectations, Changing Lives by Karen Anderson
Federal Tech Is Inaccessible, but Now Blind People Can Do Something about It by Eve Hill
Supreme Action to Shatter Low Expectations: Living Blind and Serving on the Bench by Richard Bernstein
Cooking Is My Passion by Regina Mitchell
The Right to Participate Fully in Twenty-First Century America by Anne Raish
Remarkably Unremarkable by David Andrews
Lessons from my Federation Family by Cassie McNabb McKinney
Monitor Miniatures
Learn more at nfb.org/publications.

Braille Monitor Vol. 66, No. 3, March 2023

Gary Wunder, Editor
The Braille Monitor is the flagship publication of the National Federation of the Blind.
Articles in This Issue
Convention Bulletin 2023
Illustration: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are for Blind People Too!
Reunion and Recommitment: The Blind Return to Washington, DC by Gary Wunder
The Significance of the Washington Seminar 2023 by Mark Riccobono
Legislative Agenda of Blind Americans, Priorities for the 118th Congress, First Session
Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act
Blind Americans Return to Work Act
Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act
Celebration of Life: Scott C. LaBarre
Remarks by Anahit LaBarre
Remarks by Alan Olson
Remarks by Mark Riccobono
Remarks by Judy Perry Martinez
Remarks by Daniel F. Goldstein
Remarks by Marc Maurer
Remarks by Pam Allen
Remarks by Francis Gurry
Remarks by Maryanne Diamond
Remarks by Julie Reiskin
State of Colorado Proclamation
You Can Make a Difference
Learn more at nfb.org/publications.

Braille Monitor Vol. 66, No. 2, February 2023

Gary Wunder, Editor
The Braille Monitor is the flagship publication of the National Federation of the Blind. 
Articles in this Issue:
Convention Bulletin 2023
Illustration: More Than an Emotionally Touching Case for Braille?
The Federation Loses a Longtime Leader and a Strong Advocate for Becoming all One Can Be by Gary Wunder
President's Message by Mark Riccobono
Engineering a New Response: Transforming At-Home Testing through Partnership with the Blind by Jill Heemskerk
What You Should Know to Win Yourself a Scholarship by Catherine Mendez
Who Are the Blind Who Lead the Blind: Those Elected in 2022
Saying Thank You and Encouraging Further Accessibility by John Miller
Disability Intersections: Blindness and Autism by Matt Langland
Allyship and Inclusivity by Rishika Kartik
Touring and Facilities by Ramona Walhof
Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship by Tracy Soforenko
The Journey of Braille: From the Hands of the Creator to Earth Orbit by Marc Maurer
Reading to Succeed: How the Power of Braille Literacy Opened New Avenues for Interpreting My World by John Kalkanli
You Can Make a Difference
Learn more at nfb.org/publications.