Braille Monitor

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
 

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.