Braille Monitor – Details, episodes & analysis

Vol. 67, No. 7                                                                                             July 2024

Illustration: Stevie Wonder Visits the Jernigan Institute and Engages in Some Sports Fun

Reflections on How an Investment in Training Has Shaped My Last Twenty-Five Years

by Mark Riccobono

Safeguarding the Legacy, Investing in Inheritance

by Jonathan Mosen

Building the Movement: Achieving Our Dreams through Strategic Investments

by Denise Avant, Trisha Kulkarni, Lisamaria Martinez, Sanho Steele-Louchart, and Denise Brown

Charcoal and Challenges

by Marc Maurer

Public Access Barriers for Guide Dog Teams: Survey Report

by The Seeing Eye

Celebrating Fatherhood: An Interview with Michael Hardin

by LaShawna Fant

Step Up to the Stove: Mixing Together Independence, Confidence, and Safety

by Elizabeth Rouse

The Strange English Language

Author Unknown

Taking Seniors Where They Are and Providing the Resources They Need

by Sandy Halverson

A Blind Chef's Culinary Journey

by Cameron Loehr

Monitor Miniatures

Photo and Web List

Issue: [July 2024]

Photos:

Mark Riccobono

Jonathan Mosen

Denise Avant

Trisha Kulkarni

Lisa Maria Martinez

Sanho Steele-Louchart

Denise Brown

Michael Hardin

LaShawna Fant

Elizabeth Rouse

Sandy Halverson

Cindy Scott-Huisman

Kyle Kiper

Cameron Loehr

Web Links:

www.nfb.org

www.nfbnet.org

Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind

YouTube.com/NationsBlind

www.nfb.org/planned-giving

www.nfb.org/make-gift

Dontbreakthebudget.com/payment

dontbreakthebudget.com

https://beta.sonos.com/key/passport

Vol. 67, No. 6                                                                                            June 2024

Interview with Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind

Taken from Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, State of AV 2024

Dr. Natalie Shaheen Wins $1.5 Million NSF CAREER Grant

 by Aubrey Henson

Artificial Intelligence Directed by the Blind: Progress and Possibilities with Be My Eyes

by Mike Buckley

On Becoming a Father

by Marco Carranza

How a 19th Century Dutch Ophthalmologist Can Impact Your 21st Century Rights

by Greg Trapp, JD

How I Became a Blind Home Owner in Fifty Short Days

by Daniel Garcia

Support NFB Programs and Make a Difference for Blind People!

by Bridgid Burke

A Letter to the Editor

by Cricket Bidleman

Updates to the Social Security Administration's Procedures for Recovering Overpayments

by Jesse Shirek and Kyle Walls

Empowering the Blind Diabetic Community: Insights from the Diabetes Action Network Seminar

by Debbie Wunder

Is It Better at the Airport or Are We on a Merry-Go-Round?

by Patti Chang

Escape from the Tiny Kitchen

by Deborah Kent Stein

The Federation and Physician-Assisted Suicide

by Chris Danielsen

Convention Ambassadors’ Jeopardy

by Dan Burke and Corbb O’Connor

Looking Back as We Move Forward: The Past, Present, and Future of Federal Website Accessibility Regulations

by Sanho Steele-Louchart and Kyle Walls

I Am Just a Dad

by Bruce Sexton

Rebuilding What I Should Have Known: Reflections on My Journey to be Accountable to the Blind Community

by Shir Ekerling

Sighted Saviorism in the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind

by Justin Salisbury

Monitor Miniatures

Photo and Web List

Issue: [June 2024]

Photos:

Mark Riccobono

Dr. Natalie Shaheen

Mike Buckley

Marco Carranza

Gregg Trapp

Daniel Garcia

Bridgid Burke

Cricket Bidleman

Jesse Shirek

Kyle Walls

Debbie Wunder

Patti Change

Deborah Kent Stein

Chris Danielsen

Dan Burke

Corbb O’Connor

Sanho Steele-Louchart

Burce Sexton

Shir Ekerling

Justin Salisbury

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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_suicide_in_the_United_States

nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/national_convention_ambassador_

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.

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.

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.

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 All by Shane Buresh, Amy Buresh, and Jeremy Fifield

A Heart-felt Apology and a Chance to Start Again by Shir Ekerling

After the Miracle: The Political Crusades of Helen Keller by Max Wallace Reviewed by Gary Wunder

Pedaling for Those Who May Think They Are Alone by Gary Wunder

We Need Your Help

Going My Way: Driving Accessibility through Innovative Autonomous Transportation by Michelle Peacock

More about the Dynamic 2023 Convention by Norma Crosby

#NFB23 Give $20 Drawing—Aira Provides Challenge Grant

Resolution Reminders by Donald Porterfield

How the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act Has Turned Me into an Impassioned Advocate by Debbie Wunder

Back to Notre Dame An Address Delivered by Marc Maurer

Monitor Miniatures

Learn more at nfb.org/publications.

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.

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.

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.

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: Working Together on Literacy
• Corrections with Apology by Gary Wunder
• The Evolution of Independence by Elizabeth Rouse
• Archaeology Through Touch by Natasha Ishaq
• Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS): An Effort by the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey, Northern Chapter, to Address this Concern in Essex County by Rick Fox and Ellen Sullivan
• The 2023 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards by Everette Bacon
• How Going Blind Helped Me Rediscover the Power of Optimism by Sameer Doshi
• Central Valley Chapter Takes on Challenges in Blind Equality Achievement Month by Rachel Grider
• You Can Make a Difference
• Living the Life He Wants: Stoking Employment Opportunities through Movies, Sports, and Achievement by Jack Chen
• Living the Life She Wants: Staying Grounded and Shooting for the Moon with Federation Philosophy by Deena Lambert
• The Passing of Jim Omvig: A State President who Touched the World in so Many Ways by Gary Wunder
• You're Golden: Reflections from the NFB National Senior Division's 2020 and 2021 Senior Retreats, Plus Some Additional Musings on Aging by Miss Ruth Williams
• Blind to Problems: How VA's Electronic Record System Shuts Out Visually Impaired Patients by Darius Tahir
• 2023 Writers' Division Contest Guidelines
• Seeing that Piano Tuning is for Both the Museum and the Agenda of the Movement by Don Mitchell
• Rookie Tails: A Seeing Eye Dog Team's First National Convention by Alyssa and Jan Henson
• NOPBC Conference Sharing Our CORE Values: Creating Opportunities, Raising Expectations by Carlton Anne Cook Walker
• Monitor Miniatures

Learn more at nfb.org/publications.