Braille Monitor

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

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

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

Vol. 68, No. 7                                                                                             July 2025
 
                                                       Contents
 
Taking Back My Life: A Journey from Control to Freedom
by Mary Azatyan-Witmeyer
 
No Sights Necessary: Firearm Safety and Range Experience
by Christine Faltz Grassman
 
Dedicated Determination Can Help Create Change
by Cindy Scott-Huisman houseman
 
Looking Towards Our Future: Making Healthy Aging Accessible
by Rishika Kartik and Christopher Liu lay-o
 
Social Determinants of Health: A Framework for Communicating with Health Care Professionals and Policy Specialists about the Work of the Organized Blind Movement
by Justin Salisbury
 
Building a Museum Beyond Expectations: Blueprints for Change
 
Book Review: Connecting Dots: A Blind Life by Joshua A. Miele with Wendell Jamieson mealy
Reviewed by Deborah Kendrick
 
Legislative Update
by Chris Danielsen
 
Living by Standards: When Blindness Isn’t the Limitation
by Kristopher I. Crawley
 
Innosearch AI and National Federation of the Blind Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance Digital Accessibility for Blind and Low-Vision Communities
 
Google and Aira Launch AI Visual Interpreter Pilot Project
by Chris Danielsen
 
From the President’s Desk
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [JULY 2025]
Photos:
Mary Elizabeth Azatyan-Witmeyer
Christine Faltz Grassman
Rishika Kartik
Christopher Lui
Justin Salisbury
A Blind Life by Joshua Miele (book)
Deborah Kendrick
Chris Danielsen
Kristopher I Crawley
President Riccobono
Museum photos – within article
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.troubledefense.com/blind-and-low-vision-firearms-training.
www.blindmuse.org.
https://www.SaatvaADAsettlement.com.
https://eastendtrialgroup.com.
www.sfl.org;
https://nfb.org/museum.
nfb.org/convention.
nfb.org/publications

Contents
Vol. 68, No. 6                                                                                             June 2025
Convention Bulletin 2025
Welcome to New Orleans
A Handful of Blind Little Boys and Girls from Tennessee Just Beat the Speaker of the Houseby James Brown
My Kids Knew Their Dad Was Enoughby Bruce Sexton
Blind Americans and the End of Paper Benefit Checks: What You Need to Knowby Jesse Shirek
A Comparison of the Brailliant BI 40X and Braille eMotion Smart Displaysby Karl Belanger
What Is Your “Of”?by Shannon Cook
Progress and Peril: Developments in Texas v. Kennedyby Chris Danielsen
My Antarctic Journeyby Erin Daley
Lead and Drive: Give $25 in ’25
Staying True to Our Mission While Respecting Our Differencesby Gary Wunder
Always Partisan for Blind People
Striking the Technology Balanceby Jeff Altman
A Tribute to Patricia Grebloski: Founding Member of the Keystone Chapter, Philadelphiaby Lisa Bryant
 
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [JUNE 2025]
Photos:
James Brown
Bruce Sexton
Jesse Shirek
Karl Belanger
Shannon Cook
Chris Danielsen
Erin Daley
Gary Wunder
Melissa Riccobono
Mark Riccobono
Jeff Altman
Patricia Grebloski 
Lisa Bryant
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.
https://www.airportshuttleneworleans.com.
https://www.norta.com/ride-with-us/know-before-you-go/transit-accessibility/paratransit-service or call 504-248-3900

Vol. 68, No. 5                                                                                                                                                     May 2025
 
                Contents
 
Convention Bulletin 2025
 
New on the Agenda: The United States Access Board will be at National Convention
 
From Fear to Empowerment: Moms’ Stories of Raising Blind Children
by Z’Leah N. Liburd
 
Crossing the Bay Bridge
by Cassie McKinney
 
A Mother of Faith and Strength: Interview with Mississippi's Linda Lankston Clay
by LaShawna Fant
 
Beyond the Chatbot: Innovations in the Fast-Changing World of AI
by Jonathan Mosen
 
Blindness in Current Political Discourse: Stemming a Toxic Tide
by Chris Danielsen
 
From the President’s Desk
 
National Federation of the Blind and Blind Students Sue West Virginia University for Discrimination
 
Resolution Reminders
by Donald Porterfield
 
Lawsuit Alleges that New York Courts Systemically Discriminate Against Blind Jurors in Grand Jury System
 
Disability Advocates Sue Social Security Administration and DOGE to Stop Unlawful Cuts to Social Security Services
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [MAY 2025]
Photos:
Z’Leah N. Liburd
Cassie McKinney
LaShawna Fant
Linda Lankston Clay
Jonathan Mosen
Chris Danielsen
Mark Riccobono
Donald Porterfield
2 photos came with bay bridge article- in need of captions
 
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.
https://www.access-board.gov,
https://www.bookshare.org/
https://www.stepupforstudents.org/for-parents/scholarship-details/unique-abilities/
https://www.fsdbk12.org/cane-quest
https://dbs.fldoe.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.fsdbk12.org/https://www.fsdbk12.org/braille-challenge
https://hadley.edu
https://lighthouseblv.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.maxiaids.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.loc.gov/nls/
https://lighthouseblv.org/
https://notebooklm.google.com
https://browngold.com/
https://www.drofwv.org/
nopbc.org

Vol. 68, No. 4                                                                                             April 2025
 
                                                       Contents
 
Convention Bulletin 2025
 
A Correction and a Legislative Update
by Chris Danielsen
 
The Lawsuit That Could Kill Section 504
by Chris Danielsen
 
National Federation of the Blind Comments on Reduction in Force at Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights
 
The Role of the Department of Education in Specialized Teacher Training and Beyond
by Amy Parker
 
Louis Braille: More Anniversaries Ahead
by Philippa Campsie
 
The Power of Audio Description
by Corey Grandstaff
 
From No Blind Life to Rockin’ the Blind Life
by Charles Tate
 
The Courtesy Rules of Blindness
 
Blind Enough
by Renée Valdez
 
Raising Expectations for the Blind of the World
by Nicholas Hoekstra
 
Blindness Beyond Borders
by Abdi Ali-Mumin moo a min
 
How Do We Make Real and Lasting Changes for the Blind: A Discussion That Needs Your Input
by Gary Wunder
 
The Intersection of Law and Love
An Address Delivered by Marc Maurer
 
iCanConnect Helps Bridge the Communication Gap for Individuals with Combined Vision and Hearing Loss
by Perkins School for the Blind
 
NFB Kids Camp: Tons of Fun!
by Harriet Go
 
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [APRIL 2025]
Photos:
Convention hotel images
Chris Danielsen
Amy Parker
Philippa Campsie
Corey Grandstaff
Charles Tate
Renee Valdez
Nicholas Hoekstra
Abdi Ali-Mumin
Gary Wunder
 Marc Maurer
Perkins School for the Blind
Harriet Go
 
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.icanconnect.org.
https://www.youtube.com/@iCanConnectCampaign
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide
https://dredf.org/protect-504
https://doi.org/10.1177/0888406412444455
https://dsq-sds.org/index.php/dsq/article/view/7499/5947
https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/braille/thefirstpublicationofthebraillecode.html
https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm03/bm0309/bm030906.htm
https://nfb.org/programs-services/meet-blind-month/courtesy-rules-blindness.
iCanConnect.org
https://nfb.org/nfb-camp-registration-formform.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0888406412444455
 

Vol. 68, No. 3                                                                                             March 2025
 
                                                       Contents
 
Convention Bulletin
 
The 2025 Washington Seminar: New President, New Congress, New Approach
by Chris Danielsen
 
The Significance of Washington Seminar 2025
by Mark Riccobono
 
Legislative Agenda of Blind Americans: Priorities for the 119th Congress, First Session
 
Laws and Funding the Blind Depend On
 
Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act
 
Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act
 
Blind Americans Return to Work Act
 
Additional Legislative Concerns of Blind Americans for the 119th Congress
 
A Report from Washington Seminar by the South Carolina Delegation
by Janice Bright
 
Leading Disability Organizations: President Trump’s Blame of Deadly Plane Crash on Disabled Federal Workers Is Baseless, Irresponsible
 
The Why and How of Service Animal Self-ID in Rideshare
by Al Elia
 
A Tribute to Tom Stevens: A Leader and a Friend
by Gary Wunder
 
Making Meta Accessible: Update on Latest Improvements
 
Building the Future: Shaping Accessible Learning Together
by Kaili Kameoka
 
Springing Forward Successfully
by LaShawna Fant
 
Who Says Blind People Can’t Get Foul Balls? Three Parks, Three Years, Three Souvenir Balls
by Rose Warner
 
NFB BELL®: It’s Not just for the Kids!
by Karen Anderson
 
Learning, Leading, and Living the Life I Want
by Cole Carper
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [MARCH 2025]
Photos:
Chris Danielsen
Washington Seminar photos
Mark Riccobono
Al Elia
Gary Wunder
Tom Stevens
Kaili Kameoka
Dr. LaShawna Fant
Rose Warner
Cole Carper
 
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
https://nfb.org/cena.
https://nfb.org/bolotin
https://nfb.org/donate.
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/internet-broadband/
https://www.disabilitystatistics.org/acs/1
https://www.siteimprove.com/blog/a-complete-overview-of-canadas-accessibility-laws/
https://www.levelaccess.com/compliance-overview/european-accessibility-act-eaa/#:~:text=The%20European%20Accessibility%20Act%20(EAA,accessible%20to%20people%20with%20disabilities.
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
https://www.facebook.com/?force_mobile=1
https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-accessibility/self-advocacy-toolkit-and-tracking-form
https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/inaccessibility-tracker-form
bit.ly/3DR5ucT.
https://www.birdability.org/blind-birder-birdathon
 
Footnotes:
  Pew Research Center. “Internet, Broadband Fact Sheet.” November 13, 2024. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/internet-broadband/
  United States Census Bureau. “The number of non-institutionalized, male or female, all ages, all races, regardless of ethnicity, with all education levels in the United States reported any disability in 2022.” https://www.disabilitystatistics.org/acs/1
  Siteimprove. “A complete overview of Canada’s Accessibility Laws.” August 2, 2024. https://www.siteimprove.com/blog/a-complete-overview-of-canadas-accessibility-laws/
  Level Access. “European Accessibility Act (EAA).” https://www.levelaccess.com/compliance-overview/european-accessibility-act-eaa/#:~:text=The%20European%20Accessibility%20Act%20(EAA,accessible%20to%20people%20with%20disabilities.
  See Center for Connected Medicine, Telehealth utilization settles in at 20% or less of medical appointments, available at https://connectedmed.com/resources/post-pandemic-telehealth-utilization-settles-in-at-20-or-less-of-medical-appointments/
  See Pew Research Center, How far Americans live from the closest hospital differs by community type, available at https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2018/12/12/how-far-americans-live-from-the-closest-hospital-differs-by-community-type/
  See Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, Access to community pharmacies: A nationwide geographic information systems cross-sectional analysis available at https://www.japha.org/article/S1544-3191(22)00233-3/fulltext
  See National Council on Disabilities, National Disability Policy Progress Report: Technology that enables access to the full opportunities of citizenship under the Constitution is a right at 19 (October 7, 2016), available at https://ncd.gov/progressreport/2016/progress-report-october-2016
 
  42 U.S.C. Sec. 423.
  Commitment to Serve, A presentation given at the 2018 NIB/NAEPB Training Conference and Expo.
  Ibid.

Vol. 68, No. 2                                                                                   February 2025
                                                       Contents
Convention Bulletin 2025
A Brief Report of the Meeting of the National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors Held December 6 and 7, 2024by Gary Wunder
Blind Merchants Lift Off in Nashvilleby Terry C. Smith
Bullish on BLAST and the Blindby James Gashel
We Dare to Be Remarkableby Anil Lewis
Evolving Principles, Practices, and PhilosophyAn address delivered by Mark A. Riccobono
Evolving Principles, Practices, and Philosophy at the Rehabilitation Services Administrationby Danté Allen
Innovate to Elevate: Fostering Excellence in Rehabilitation Services for Blind Youthby Carlos R. Serván
Shaping Twenty-First Century Rehabilitation Systems: Leadership, Partnership, and High ExpectationsModerator: Anil Lewis
We Need Your Help
Why Every Blind Postsecondary Student Should Apply for an NFB Scholarshipby Cayte Mendez
The 2025 Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Awardby Carla McQuillan
The 2025 Blind Educator of the Year Awardby Robin House
Monitor Miniatures
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [FEBRUARY 2025]
Photos:
Gary Wunder
Terry C. Smith
James Gashel
Anil Lewis
Mark Riccobono
Dante Allen
Carlos Servan
Anil Lewis
Cassondra Williams-Stokes
Stephen Wooderson
Cayte Mendez
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/convention
www.nfb.org/scholarships.
www.hiohare.com
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide.
https://nfb.org/convention
https://nfb.org/images/nfb/documents/pdf/distinguished-educator-of-blind-students-award-form-fillable.pdf
https://nabslink.org/civicrm/event/info?id=5&reset=1
nfb.org/brand

Vol. 68, No. 1                                                                                                                                                     January 2025
 
                                           Contents
 
Convention Bulletin 2025
 
A New Editor’s Introduction
by Chris Danielsen
 
Our Federation of the Blind and Physician-Assisted Suicide: When Shall We Speak, and What Strategy Shall We Use?
by Nathanael T. Wales
 
Breaking Barriers: My Journey as a Blind Juror
by Marilyn Green
 
Leading Courageously with Higher Expectations: Braille, Teacher Preparation, and the Continued Influence of the Organized Blind Movement
by Casey Robertson
 
Is Mobile Voting our Final Shot at Saving Democracy? Interview with Bradley Tusk and Mark Riccobono
by Gina Healy and Jennifer Woodall
 
Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Updates for 2025
by Jesse Shirek
 
National Federation of the Blind Applauds United States Department of Labor for Proposed Rule Phasing Out Subminimum Wages: Organization Urges Congress to Codify Proposal in Statute
by Gary Wunder
 
Jessica Beecham: Enthusiastic Servant Leader
 
Ben Dallin: Outdoorsman, Advocate, Mentor, and Welcoming Builder
 
Jim Marks: Rehabilitation Professional, Disability Advocate, Outdoorsman, Father, Grandfather, Husband
 
Jamie Richey: Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, and Child of God
 
Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship
by Tracy Soforenko
 
The 2025 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards
by Everette Bacon
 
Monitor Miniatures
 
Photo and Web List
Issue: [JANUARY 2025]
Photos:
Convention hotel
Chris Danielsen
Nathanael Wales
Marilyn Green
Casey Robertson
Mark Riccobono
Bradley Tusk
Jesse Shirek
Gary Wunder
Jessica Beecham
Ben Dallin
Jim Marks
Jamie Richey
Tracey Soforenko
Everette Bacon
 
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.politico.com/news/2024/04/17/lawmaker-withdraws-california-bill-assisted-dying-00152840
https://www.cfb.ca
https://www.ablenrc.org/.
http://www.west.net/~bpbooks/mhp.htm
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide
https://nfb.org/convention
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_suicide
https://abilityjobs.com
https://abilityjobfair.org
https://abilityE.com,
https://nfb.org/about-us/leadership/board-directors.
https://nfb.org/sites/default/files/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr16/issue4/f160407.htm
https://nfb.org/sites/default/files/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm19/bm1905/bm190512.htm
 https://nfb.org/form/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scho?q=form%2Fkenneth-jernigan-convention-scho
https://nfb.org/bolotin