Episodes
Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
Not Letting the Flood of Doubt Win
Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Marinela “Mari” Ortiz, an assistive technology instructor and writer. Mari shares her journey of pursuing her master's degree in assistive technology, including the challenges she faced at one university and her subsequent success at another. The discussion addresses topics including the importance of mentors and support systems in overcoming doubts and achieving goals and the value of meeting individuals where they are and helping them discover their own potential.
Important links:
Not Letting the Flood of Doubt Win (HTML)
Not Letting the Flood of Doubt Win(MP3)
by Marinela Ortiz (Braille Monitor, February 2024)
Episode transcript: https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/nations-blind-podcast/archive/not-letting-flood-doubt-win
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
Washington Seminar 2024
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
Wednesday Jan 24, 2024
In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil, Melissa, and Chris Danielsen discuss the upcoming Washington Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. They talk about their memories of past seminars and the importance of advocacy, as well as the issues that will be addressed during the seminar, including Social Security reform, accessible medical equipment, and website and software accessibility. They emphasize the power of personal stories in influencing legislators and encourage listeners to get involved in advocacy efforts.
Important Links:
NFB Washington Seminar Page: https://nfb.org/washington-seminar
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
AI and the Blind
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by Gary Wunder, editor of the Braille Monitor, and Aaron Cannon, a blind accessibility specialist for Ancestry.com. They discuss the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in various aspects of life, with feedback from listeners incorporated into the conversation. The discussion touches on AI tools such as Be My AI and ChatGPT, their benefits and limitations, and the broader implications of AI for the blind community and for society. Your thoughts are welcome on social media and at podcast@nfb.org or by calling 410-659-9314, extension 2444.
Important links:
National Federation of the Blind Resolution 2023-13 Regarding Artificial Intelligence Chatbots and their Information on Blindness: https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/resolutions/2023-resolutions#13
Large language model (Wikipedia entry): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Large_language_model
“There Will Come Soft Rains,” short story by Ray Bradbury about an automated house (Wikipedia entry with plot summary): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There_Will_Come_Soft_Rains_(short_story)
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Shopping for the Holidays or the Everyday
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa Riccobono and Anil Lewis discuss various shopping strategies that blind people use, both in stores and virtually, and some of the pros and cons of each method. Shopping methods discussed include using apps like Instacart, Shipt, and more, as well as acquiring assistance from Aira and Be My Eyes. Join the discussion by sharing your own strategies and tips for possible airing on a future episode!
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest 2023/2024 Is Here
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil Lewis and Chris Danielsen introduce the 2023/2024 Braille Readers Are Leaders contest, which is a project of the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults, a longtime partner of the National Federation of the Blind. Lisamaria Martinez, the project manager for the program, joins them to provide more details. They encourage listeners to sign up, practice their Braille skills at whatever level for a chance to win exciting prizes, and explore the benefits of Braille literacy.
Important links:
Register for the contest: https://actionfund.beanstack.com
Learn more: https://actionfund.org
Monday Nov 13, 2023
Celebrating and Supporting Blind Veterans
Monday Nov 13, 2023
Monday Nov 13, 2023
In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa Riccobono and Chris Danielsen discuss Veterans Day and the role of veterans in the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). They are joined by Dr. Vernon Humphrey, the president of the National Association of Blind Veterans (NABV), a division of the National Federation of the Blind; and José Centeno, a blind veteran, marathon runner, and member of the NABV. They discuss the work of the NABV in supporting blind veterans and advocating for their rights and benefits. They also talk about the importance of raising awareness about blindness and the resources available to blind veterans. The podcast highlights the contributions of blind veterans and the ways in which they have paved the way for advancements in rehabilitation. The guests share personal stories and experiences, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and support within the blind veteran community. They also discuss the need for continued advocacy and outreach to blind veterans, as well as the potential for more collaboration between the National Federation of the Blind and other veterans' agencies and organizations. CW: Mental health issues and suicide are mentioned in this episode. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
Important links:
National association of Blind Veterans website: https://nabv.org
News item about José Centeno’s marathon run: https://www.wdtn.com/news/local-news/blind-veteran-to-run-in-xenia-marathon-alongside-optometrist/
Thursday Oct 26, 2023
#BlindMonth2023: How Do We Educate the Public?
Thursday Oct 26, 2023
Thursday Oct 26, 2023
In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, hosts Melissa Riccobono and Anil Lewis discuss Blind Equality Achievement Month with two chapter and affiliate leaders, Cindy Scott-Huisman of Little Rock, Arkansas and Stacie Gallegos of Houston, Texas. They talk about the importance of educating the public about blindness and blind people and share the various activities and events they have been involved in to promote and celebrate blind equality. They also discuss the challenges of representing the blind community and the importance of individuality and choice in how we as blind individuals navigate the world and engage in public education. Note: The episode was recorded October 19, 2023, so days and dates referenced are relative to the recording date.
Important links:
Blind Equality Achievement Month web page: https://nfb.org/blind-month
Transcript of this episode: https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/nations-blind-podcast/archive/blindmonth-2023-transcript
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
Catching Up with CENA
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
The Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility (CENA) is a concentrated center of expertise, best practices, and resources that enables businesses, government, and educational institutions to provide accessible information and services more effectively to the blind community. In this episode, originally recorded around Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Anil Lewis reviews CENA’s work in education, employment, technology evaluation, navigation, accessible COVID testing, and more with Karl Belanger and Kennedy Zimnik of the CENA team. Many CENA projects are funded through the state of Maryland’s Nonvisual Access Initiative grants administered by the Maryland Department of Disabilities.
Important Links:
Center for Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility: https://nfb.org/cena
Learn more about and register for CENA events, trainings, and boutiques: https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events
Accessibility Inclusion Fellowship Program: https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/accessibility-inclusion-fellowship-program
Higher Education Accessibility Online Resource Center: https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/higher-education-accessibility-online-resource
Join the BUILD Team: https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/blind-users-innovating-and-leading-design
Monday Jun 12, 2023
#NFB23 Virtual Convention Experience
Monday Jun 12, 2023
Monday Jun 12, 2023
In this episode, Melissa and Chris Danielsen preview the virtual convention experience, a free, dedicated online space for people who are unable to attend the national convention but want to get a flavor of what’s happening. They detail the components of this experience, from exclusive content for virtual attendees to the live convention meetings and sessions that will be streamed online.
Important links:
Wednesday May 24, 2023
Time to Submit Your Resolution
Wednesday May 24, 2023
Wednesday May 24, 2023
If you haven’t already submitted a policy proposal for consideration at the national convention in the form of a resolution, or are just curious about the process, then this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast will tell you everything you need to know.
President Riccobono talks with new Resolutions Committee Chair, Donald Porterfield, who also serves as president of the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona and on our national Board of Directors, about how to submit a resolution, what happens once it’s submitted, and the importance of resolutions to the activity of our movement. Plus, Melissa has an important breaking news announcement, so be sure to listen all the way to the end!
Important links:
NFB Resolutions page: https://nfb.org/resolutions
Resolution Reminders by Donald Porterfield (Braille Monitor, May 2023)