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</style> </head> <body> <div id="header"> <h1 class="title">The Braille Monitor,
February 2026</h1> </div> <h1 id="braille-monitor">BRAILLE MONITOR</h1> <p>Vol.
69, No. 2 February 2026</p> <p><em>Chris Danielsen, Editor</em></p> <p>Distributed
by email, in inkprint, in Braille, and on USB flash drive, by the</p> <p>NATIONAL
FEDERATION OF THE BLIND</p> <p>Mark Riccobono, President</p> <p>telephone:
410-659-9314</p> <p>email address: <a href="mailto:nfb@nfb.org">nfb@nfb.org</a></p>
<p>website address: <a href="http://www.nfb.org">http://www.nfb.org</a></p>
<p>NFBnet.org: <a href="http://www.nfbnet.org">http://www.nfbnet.org</a></p>
<p>NFB-NEWSLINE® information: 866-504-7300</p> <p>Like us on Facebook: <a
href="http://Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind">Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind</a></p>
<p>Follow us on X: @NFB_Voice</p> <p>Follow us on Mastodon: @nationsblind@nfb.social</p>
<p>Watch and share our videos: <a
href="http://YouTube.com/NationsBlind">YouTube.com/NationsBlind</a></p> <p>Letters
to the President, address changes, subscription requests, and orders for NFB
literature should be sent to the national office. Articles for the <em>Monitor</em>
and letters to the editor may also be sent to the national office or may be emailed
to <a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org">cdanielsen@nfb.org</a>.</p> <p><em>Monitor</em>
subscriptions cost the Federation about forty dollars per year. Members are invited,
and nonmembers are requested, to cover the subscription cost. Donations should be
made payable to <strong>National Federation of the Blind</strong> and sent to:</p>
<p>National Federation of the Blind</p> <p>200 East Wells Street <em>at Jernigan
Place</em><br /> Baltimore, Maryland 21230-4998</p> <p><strong>THE NATIONAL
FEDERATION OF THE BLIND KNOWS THAT BLINDNESS IS NOT THE CHARACTERISTIC THAT DEFINES
YOU OR YOUR FUTURE. EVERY DAY WE RAISE THE EXPECTATIONS OF BLIND PEOPLE, BECAUSE
LOW EXPECTATIONS CREATE OBSTACLES BETWEEN BLIND PEOPLE AND OUR DREAMS. YOU CAN
LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT; BLINDNESS IS NOT WHAT HOLDS YOU BACK. THE NATIONAL FEDERATION
OF THE BLIND IS NOT AN ORGANIZATION SPEAKING FOR THE BLIND—IT IS THE BLIND
SPEAKING FOR OURSELVES.</strong></p> <p><em>ISSN 0006-8829</em></p> <p>© 2026
by the National Federation of the Blind</p> <p>Each issue is recorded on a thumb
drive (also called a memory stick or USB flash drive). You can read this audio
edition using a computer or a National Library Service digital player. The NLS
machine has two slots—the familiar book-cartridge slot just above the
retractable carrying handle and a second slot located on the right side near the
headphone jack. This smaller slot is used to play thumb drives. Remove the protective
rubber pad covering this slot and insert the thumb drive. It will insert only in
one position. If you encounter resistance, flip the drive over and try again.
(Note: If the cartridge slot is not empty when you insert the thumb drive, the
digital player will ignore the thumb drive.) Once the thumb drive is inserted,
the player buttons will function as usual for reading digital materials. If you
remove the thumb drive to use the player for cartridges, when you insert it again,
reading should resume at the point you stopped.</p> <p>You can transfer the
recording of each issue from the thumb drive to your computer or preserve it on
the thumb drive. However, because thumb drives can be used hundreds of times, we
would appreciate their return in order to stretch our funding. Please use the
return envelope enclosed with the drive when you return the device.</p> <p>Vol.
69, No. 2 February 2026</p> <h2 id="contents">Contents</h2> <p>Correction and
Apology</p> <p>Convention Bulletin 2026</p> <p>National Federation of the Blind
Responds to Attack on Randolph-Sheppard Priority for Army Dining Facility
Contracts</p> <p>by Chris Danielsen</p> <p>Position Statement on Structured
Discovery Training</p> <p>by the National Blindness Professional Certification
Board (NBPCB)</p> <p>Case Closed: The Story of Technology, a Blind Woman, and an
Eyewitness Account to Solve a Mystery</p> <p>by Kristen Dockendorff</p> <p>Becoming
a Federationist: The Lesson I Didn’t Ask For</p> <p>by Gary Wunder</p>
<p>Sexual Health Education and Research: A Community-Centered Approach Driven by
the Blind</p> <p>by Mika Baugh, PhD</p> <p>The 2026 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards<br
/> by Everette Bacon</p> <p>A $10,000 Investment<br /> by Anil Lewis</p> <p>The
2026 Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award</p> <p>by Carla McQuillan</p>
<p>The 2026 Blind Educator of the Year Award</p> <p>by Robin House</p>
<p><em>Monitor</em> Miniatures</p> <h2 id="correction-and-apology">Correction and
Apology</h2> <p>In some editions of the January 2026 issue of the <em>Braille
Monitor</em>, the information regarding how to make hotel reservations for the
2026 National Convention was accidentally omitted. We apologize for any inconvenience
this may have caused. The correct information is included in the Convention Bulletin
2026 article appearing in this month’s issue.</p> <h2
id="convention-bulletin-2026">Convention Bulletin 2026</h2> <p>The National
Federation of the Blind’s National Convention brings together blind people
from across the country and around the globe. We come from all walks of life. Some
of us have been blind all our lives, while others may be new to blindness. Some
are young, some have been around the sun more than a few times. Some are convention
first-timers, while others have been attending for decades. Our patchwork of
individual experiences makes us stronger together, and it means that our national
conventions are a celebration of our diversity.</p> <p>Over the course of eighty-five
annual conventions, nearly three dozen cities reflecting similar diversity have
played host to the NFB’s biggest event of the year. Yet, among this broad
list of destinations, our convention has never come to the capital city of Texas
to gather and celebrate. This will change next July when we head to the JW Marriot
Austin for our annual National Convention!</p> <p>Austin is widely known as the
“Live Music Capital of the World,” having been home to the PBS
program <em>Austin City Limits</em> for more than fifty years and host to the
annual South by Southwest music and media festival. Austin also boasts a vibrant
arts scene with many public art displays throughout the city. But Austin isn’t
just fueled by creative energy. A strong technology sector thrives here, with many
tech companies establishing headquarters in the city. Waymo and Tesla are two
notable names, as both companies offer autonomous vehicle rides within Austin.
The University of Texas at Austin, with over 50,000 students, sits just north of
downtown. Visitors will notice an emphasis on local retailers over national chains.
This broad and eclectic diversity perpetuates the popular “Keep Austin
Weird” vibe and makes for a truly unique destination.</p> <h3
id="our-convention-hotels">Our Convention Hotels</h3> <p>The upscale JW Marriott
Austin will serve as our headquarters hotel, while the recently opened Austin
Mariott Downtown, just a short walk away, will provide overflow space. All convention
events will take place in the headquarters hotel this year. Both hotels offer a
number of dining options, 24/7 fitness centers, and rooftop pools with cabana
rentals. The hotels are in the heart of downtown Austin, surrounded by local
restaurants and shops. A few blocks south, walking trails line the section of the
Colorado River known as Lady Bird Lake.</p> <p>Our 2026 convention hotel rate is
$139 per night for singles and doubles. Triples and quads are available for $155
per night. Sales tax and a tourism fee total a combined 19 percent.</p> <p>Beginning
on January 1, you may call 800-627-7468 to book a room at either hotel. Specify
our room block code, BL1, to ensure you receive our convention room rate. For each
room you book, the hotel requires a deposit of the first night’s room rate,
taxes, and fees, payable by credit card or a personal check. If you use a credit
card, the deposit will be charged immediately. If a reservation is cancelled before
Sunday, June 1, 2026, half of the deposit will be returned. Refunds will not be
issued after that date.</p> <h3 id="convention-schedule">Convention Schedule</h3>
<p>The 2026 Convention of the National Federation of the Blind will be an exciting
and memorable event, with an unparalleled program and renewed dedication to the
goals and work of our movement.</p> <ul> <li><p>A wide range of seminars for
parents of blind children, technology enthusiasts, job seekers, and other groups
will kick the week off on Friday, July 3. Convention registration and registration
packet pick-up will also open on Friday.</p></li> <li><p>Breakout sessions continue
Saturday, July 4, along with committee meetings.</p></li> <li><p>Sunday, July 5,
begins with the annual meeting, open to all, of the Board of Directors of the
National Federation of the Blind. National division meetings will follow that
afternoon and evening.</p></li> <li><p>General convention sessions will begin on
Monday, July 6, and continue through the afternoon of Wednesday, July 8.</p></li>
<li><p>Convention ends on a high note with the banquet Wednesday evening, so be
sure to pack your fancy clothes. The fall of the gavel at the close of banquet
will signal convention’s adjournment.</p></li> </ul> <p>Make plans to be
a part of it. To ensure yourself a room in the headquarters hotel at convention
rates, you should make reservations early. The hotels are ready to take your
call.</p> <h3 id="request-for-door-prizes">Request for Door Prizes</h3> <p>Remember
that we need door prizes from state affiliates, local chapters, and individuals.
Prizes should be small in size but significant in value. Cash, of course, is always
appropriate and welcome. As a general rule, we ask that prizes have a value of at
least $25 and do not include alcohol. Drawings take place throughout the convention
sessions, and you can anticipate a grand prize of truly impressive proportions to
be drawn at the banquet.</p> <p>Important note for attendees: You must be registered
to win a door prize! Registration opens in March.</p> <h3 id="first-time-attendees">First-Time
Attendees</h3> <p>If you or members of your chapter are first-time attendees,
please learn about convention through the <em>First-Timer’s
Guide</em> available at <a
href="https://nfb.org/convention"><u>nfb.org/convention</u></a>.</p> <h3
id="countdown-to-austin">Countdown to Austin</h3> <p>The best collection of exhibits
featuring new technology; meetings of our special interest groups, committees,
and divisions; the most stimulating and thought-provoking program items of any
meeting of the blind in the world; the chance to renew friendships within our
Federation family; and the unparalleled opportunity to be where the real action
is and where decisions are made—all of these mean you will not want to miss
being a part of the 2026 National Convention. To secure yourself a room in the
headquarters hotel at convention rates, make your reservations early. We look
forward to seeing you in Austin in July!</p> <p>----------</p> <p>[PHOTO CAPTION:
Chris Danielsen]</p> <h2
id="national-federation-of-the-blind-responds-to-attack-on-randolph-sheppard-priority-for-army-dining-facility-contracts">National
Federation of the Blind Responds to Attack on Randolph-Sheppard Priority for Army
Dining Facility Contracts</h2> <p><strong>by Chris Danielsen</strong></p> <p>The
National Federation of the Blind issued a statement on December 23, 2025, in
response to a notice published in the <em>Federal Register</em> the same day that
effectively eliminates the Randolph-Sheppard Act priority for blind vendors
competing for Department of the Army dining facility contracts (DFACs). In the
notice, the Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, stated that she had determined
that, based solely on representations from the Department of the Army, the
application of the Randolph-Sheppard priority “adversely affects the
interests of the United States.” The purported justifications for this
action cited in the notice included higher costs, prolonged arbitration delays,
and performance issues related to Army DFAC operations. This “determination”
came on the heels of concerning media statements from the Secretary of the Army,
Daniel Driscoll, inaccurately characterizing the operation and requirements of
the Randolph-Sheppard program. Here is the Federation’s statement:</p>
<blockquote> <p><strong>December 23, 2025 - Baltimore, MD:</strong> The
National Federation of the Blind condemns the Department of Education’s
decision to “limit” (effectively eliminating) the Randolph-Sheppard
priority in dining facility contracts (DFACs) on Department of the Army
installations. Published today, December 23, 2025, in the Federal Register,
the notice marks a devastating setback for blind entrepreneurs and undermines
Congress’s commitment to expanding employment opportunities.</p> <p>The
Randolph-Sheppard Act, passed in 1936, was established with a fundamental purpose:
to create meaningful employment opportunities for trained, licensed blind people
in competitive integrated settings. Right now, approximately 1,400 blind entrepreneurs
across the country participate in this program. </p> <p>For the Department
of the Army alone, twenty-four DFAC contracts across twenty-two installations
represent real livelihoods and real businesses operated by blind vendors.</p>
<p>“This notice is a blatant betrayal of nearly ninety years of congressional
commitment and discards the expertise and livelihoods of blind entrepreneurs who
have proudly supported our armed forces for decades. The Department of the
Army’s decision to eliminate the priority for blind vendors competing for
DFAC contracts based on false information and their refusal to reconcile what is
true about the Randolph-Sheppard Program abandons hundreds of trained, licensed
blind workers who have proven their capability and dedication,” said Mark
A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind.</p> <p>“To
the blind vendors affected by this decision: the National Federation of the Blind
stands with you, and we will fight relentlessly for our rights, even if it means
standing up to those who are typically tasked with defending those rights. This
is exactly the kind of challenge that requires our collective action—thousands
of blind people speaking with one voice about what we know we can accomplish.”</p>
<p>The Randolph-Sheppard program is a congressional recognition that blind people
often face discrimination that prevents us from competing fairly for government
contracts. It leverages the expertise and professionalism of blind entrepreneurs—not
as a charitable gesture or DEI checkbox. </p> <p>The National Federation of
the Blind urgently calls on Secretary of Education McMahon and the Department of
the Army to immediately reconsider this decision, work directly with blind merchants
to truly understand the program, and honor the promise that blind Americans deserve
the opportunity to work, build businesses, and contribute meaningfully to our
country. </p> </blockquote> <p>President Riccobono followed up our statement
on January 14, 2026, with a letter to the chairs and ranking members of the Senate
and House Armed Services Committees and others. Here is the text of the letter:</p>
<p>Dear Chairmen Wicker and Rogers, and Ranking Members Reed and Smith:</p> <p>The
National Federation of the Blind is the transformative membership and advocacy
organization of blind Americans. As the President of the National Federation of
the Blind, I serve our tens of thousands of members from all fifty states, including
numerous blind entrepreneurs and Randolph-Sheppard business owners. Today, I am
writing to bring to the attention of the Armed Service Committees an important
matter that will devastate business opportunities for blind entrepreneurs who
participate in the Randolph-Sheppard Program. The Randolph-Sheppard Act, originally
signed into law nearly one hundred years ago, affords a priority for blind business
owners to operate food services on federal properties, including military bases.
Lately, this priority has come under significant attack. If nothing is done,
thirty-seven blind business owners will soon lose their statutory priority to
operate on Army bases and will likely lose their contracts, finding themselves
unemployed, and twice that number of other blind entrepreneurs could potentially
be in jeopardy. In addition to the blind business owners directly affected, the
loss of income from these contracts will severely affect state licensing agencies,
which operate the blind vending program at the state level and thus will indirectly
harm hundreds of other blind entrepreneurs across the country.</p> <p>By way of
background, the Randolph-Sheppard program is administered by the Department of
Education. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon recently granted a blanket waiver
to the Department of the Army at the request of Secretary of the Army, Daniel
Driscoll, which exempts all Army dining facilities from the Randolph-Sheppard Act.
The official notification of the waiver was published in the Federal Register on
December 23, 2025. The impetus for this waiver request comes from Secretary
Driscoll’s misunderstanding of the program. This misunderstanding is evident
based on numerous inaccurate comments and false claims regarding the Randolph-Sheppard
Program in the media, including the <em>Ruthless Podcast</em>. Additionally, a
blanket waiver such as this violates the law and will likely be overturned by the
courts if challenged, given that the waiver is based on misinformation and
misunderstandings that can easily be rebutted.</p> <p>When we learned of Secretary
Driscoll’s efforts and inaccurate statements about the program, I and Nicky
Gacos, President of our National Association of Blind Merchants Division, reached
out to the secretary in an effort to establish dialogue. To date, Secretary Driscoll
has not acknowledged our request. To that end we are urging you, as the chairs
and ranking members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, to demand
that the Department of the Army adhere to the requirements of the Randolph-Sheppard
Act and that the Department of the Army withdraw this request for a waiver
immediately. The Randolph-Sheppard vendors who operate on military bases all across
the country have earned numerous awards for quality and are fully committed to
our military. We welcome the opportunity to address any concerns that Secretary
Driscoll has.</p> <p>Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we are
available to answer any questions that you may have.</p> <p>Sincerely,</p> <p>Mark
A. Riccobono, President<br /> National Federation of the Blind</p> <p>cc: The
Honorable Bill Cassidy, Chairman, US Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
and Pensions</p> <p>The Honorable Bernie Sanders, Ranking Member, US Senate
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions</p> <p>The Honorable Tim
Walberg, Chairman, US House Committee on Education and the Workforce</p> <p>The
Honorable Robert Scott, Ranking Member, US House Committee on Education and the
Workforce</p> <p>The <em>Braille Monitor</em> will continue to follow and report
developments as our movement continues the fight for the rights of blind vendors.</p>
<p>----------</p> <h2 id="position-statement-on-structured-discovery-training">Position
Statement on Structured Discovery Training</h2> <p><strong>by the National Blindness
Professional Certification Board (NBPCB)</strong></p> <p><strong>From the Editor:
Structured Discovery (SD) is a term often used throughout the National Federation
of the Blind and the blindness field, but many readers may have never encountered
a full statement of its principles. The National Blindness Professional Certification
Board is the entity that officially certifies Structured Discovery Training Centers
(SDTCs). This is important because, while many agencies claim to adhere to SD
principles, not all of them are certified, and their implementation of the method
may be incomplete at best. For example, recently the Iowa Department for the Blind,
under new leadership, has announced that it will encourage, but not require, the
use of learning shades, purporting to justify this policy by reference to the
principle of informed choice. The National Federation of the Blind of Iowa has
protested this new policy. We therefore felt it was a good time to publish this
recently articulated position statement so that our readers throughout our movement
and beyond will have a basis for informed discussion. Here is the statement:</strong></p>
<h3 id="overview">Overview </h3> <p>The National Blindness Professional Certification
Board (NBPCB) holds the trademark Structured Discovery Cane Travel (SDCT) and any
associated use of the phrase Structured Discovery Training. No individual or
blindness adjustment training program can legally state that they are using
Structured Discovery (SD) training unless they are certified or recognized by
NBPCB.</p> <p>The term “qualified” will be used throughout this
document to designate those individuals and training centers who have been certified
or otherwise recognized by NBPCB as legitimately employing SD methods and principles
in the rehabilitation adjustment training of their consumers.</p> <p>In keeping
with our long-held use of the term blind or blindness, this document uses these
phrases to refer to individuals who must devise alternative techniques to do
efficiently those things which they would do if they had normal vision. In addition,
although the word blindfold or blindfolds is used here, we recognize that they
are also sometimes referred to as sleep shades, learning shades, or simply
shades.</p> <p>This white paper articulates the core beliefs on which SD training
is based, its foundational tenets and methodology, and summarizes empirical research
demonstrating that SD training produces superior outcomes in self-confidence,
skill mastery, and employment. This document is intended as a guiding framework
for practitioners, rehabilitation administrators, and other policymakers. </p>
<h3 id="structured-discovery-core-values-and-beliefs">Structured Discovery Core
Values and Beliefs </h3> <p>The National Blindness Professional Certification
Board advocates Structured Discovery as the most effective, evidence-based model
for blindness rehabilitation adjustment training, including for the development
of skills in orientation and mobility, Braille, access technology, independent
home management, and other vocational-focused skills.</p> <ul> <li><p>Qualified
professionals and programs are committed to facilitating the personal, economic,
and social independence of individuals who are blind. In fulfilling this commitment,
qualified professionals recognize diversity and embrace a cultural approach in
support of the worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of all individuals within
their social and cultural context. They look to professional values as an important
way of living out an ethical commitment. The primary values that serve as a
foundation for this code include a commitment to the tenets of Structured Discovery
methodology: beneficence; nonmaleficence; privacy and confidentiality; duties;
justice; veracity; and fidelity.</p></li> <li><p>Qualified professionals and
programs are aware that all individuals exist in a variety of contexts and understand
the influence of these contexts on an individual’s behavior. Qualified
professionals are aware of the continuing evolution of the field, changes in
society at large, and the different needs of individuals in social, political,
historical, environmental and economic contexts. The commitment involves providing
respectful and timely communication, taking appropriate action when cultural
diversity issues occur, and being accountable for the outcomes as they affect
people of all races, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions, sexual
orientations, or other cultural group identities.</p></li> <li><p>Qualified
professionals and programs operate from an understanding that persons who are
blind are normal people who cannot see, and that blindness is a normal characteristic
like the hundreds of others which, taken together, mold each person into a unique
human being. Based upon this fundamental truth, qualified professionals provide
services with the high expectation that the blind consumer, or potential consumer,
will be able to do what sighted people do, upon completion of proper blindness
training and services. Personal empowerment and complete integration into the
broader society are the aspirational goals and objectives for consumers of SD
professionals’ services. The qualified professionals strive at all times
to help the blind consumer, or potential consumer, achieve these objectives.</p></li>
<li><p>Qualified professionals and programs understand that persons who are blind
are members of a visible and identifiable minority and that, therefore, the primary
problem faced by persons who are blind is attitudinal rather than physical—that
is, there are widespread public misconceptions and misunderstandings about blindness
which lead to beliefs and feelings of inferiority. While these public attitudes
about blindness are socially constructed rather than factual, they are prominent
in our society and in the emotions of consumers of services for the blind. Therefore,
each of the blindness services which are provided by qualified professionals must
be designed and intended to teach consumers of services a new and constructive
set of attitudes, based upon an understanding that the prevailing views about
blindness are wrong and harmful.</p></li> <li><p>Qualified professionals and
programs understand that the overarching objective of the services which are being
provided is to enable blind consumers to come emotionally—not just
intellectually—to understand that they are normal people who can be truly
independent and self-sufficient.</p></li> <li><p>Qualified professionals and
programs understand that quality training in the skills or alternative techniques
of blindness is essential to freedom and independence for persons who are blind
and that the skills should not merely be introduced—they should be mastered
by the consumer. Qualified professionals also understand, however, that the simple
skills of blindness such as Braille or cane travel are not ends unto themselves
but are merely small parts of a larger objective—helping the consumer adjust
fully to blindness.</p></li> <li><p>Qualified professionals and programs understand
that the blind consumer must learn to cope calmly and unemotionally with the
unusual or demeaning things other people will do or say because of the public’s
misconceptions about blindness. Therefore, discussions concerning prevailing
misunderstandings and misconceptions and the consumer’s responses to them
should appropriately and conscientiously be intertwined throughout classes or
training sessions.</p></li> </ul> <h3
id="foundational-tenets-of-structured-discovery-methodology">Foundational Tenets
of Structured Discovery Methodology </h3> <p>NBPCB maintains that Structured
Discovery is a comprehensive approach to providing meaningful and life-altering
training to those who seek effective alternative skills in their ability to function
with insufficient sight in meeting everyday requirements. The SD model is firmly
rooted in the following twelve essential core tenets:</p> <ol style="list-style-type:
decimal"> <li><p>SD training is a model that is based on fundamental practices
and policies that convey the clear belief that blind individuals are a cross-section
of society who are normal persons who simply happen to be blind. Additionally, it
recognizes that its function is to provide a culture infused with positive and
hopeful energy. It is also based on important aspects such as the mastery of
non-visual techniques, the development of emotional adjustment to vision loss that
emphasizes a defined philosophy of blindness, the ability to cope calmly with the
misconceptions of others, and the ability to integrate into the broader
society.</p></li> <li><p>Qualified professionals understand the power of words
and refer to all consumers as <em>blind</em> and do not use euphemisms such as
legally blind, visually impaired, visually challenged, etc. This sets all consumers
on an equal footing with one another regardless of visual acuity, but more
importantly, it helps consumers to integrate their own personal identity as that
of an individual who happens to be blind. It is imperative for consumers to
understand that they have sought training because of their diminished sight and
that while they can learn to function as highly trained blind individuals, they
clearly cannot function successfully as though they were fully sighted. Ultimately,
they must come to accept that it is respectable to be blind and that blindness is
one of many characteristics that makes up each of <em>us</em> as an individual,
but it does not define who they are or what they can accomplish.</p></li>
<li><p>Qualified professionals actively and consistently demonstrate the importance
and efficacy of mastering blindness skills wherever sight is absent or ineffective.
It is consistently communicated that these non-visual skills are equal to their
sighted counterparts and are transferable across all environmental situations.
With the development of <em>these</em> foundational techniques, blindness can be
reduced to a mere nuisance rather than be <em>considered</em> a debilitating
condition. SD training embraces the notion that given the proper training and
opportunity, the average blind person can do average life activities just as well
as a sighted person similarly situated.</p></li> <li><p>Qualified professionals
actively and consistently demonstrate the importance of a positive personal
philosophy regarding blindness. Every aspect of skill training is in support of
fostering positive attitudes, self-esteem, and hope. All consumers initially begin
training with a set of beliefs and expectations for themselves formed by singular
experiences or pervasive public misconceptions regarding blindness which have some
erroneous elements, and it is these restrictive and limiting notions that must be
stripped away through the training provided by SD professionals and replaced with
the belief in the normality and respectability of blindness.</p></li> <li><p>Qualified
professionals recognize from experience that a typical consumer requires a minimum
of six to nine months of continuous, full-time, and active residential training
to maximize blindness skills and self-confidence. A residential component is
crucial in that it removes a consumer from a potentially overprotective or unhealthy
situation. It is also a critical factor for providing a consumer with a supportive
and consistent environment which actively encourages high expectations and
self-reliance. Such an environment enables the consistent development of meaningful
skills along with a strong positive personal philosophy surrounding blindness.
Although consumers begin and end center training at different levels from one
another given individual capacity and motivation, each must be offered the
opportunity to fully develop the skills and attitudes that allow for a fulfilling
life and obtainment of personal satisfaction without the restrictions and limitations
that are oftentimes erroneously attributed to blindness.</p></li> <li><p>Qualified
professionals actively and consistently use blindfolds in all instructional
environments, including core classes and confidence-building activities, as an
integral element in the development of blindness techniques. This tool is crucial
in combatting the concept of the hierarchy of sight—the idea that the level
to which competency and success rises or falls is in direct proportion to the
amount of residual sight a consumer may have. The use of blindfolds, therefore,
evidence the efficacy of blindness skills. Consumers relying on faulty sight
restrict their human experience, and by learning to incorporate appropriate
blindness skills, limitations will not be determined by interests, but rather by
desires, motivations, and resources. This integration of blindness skills and
residual sight can only be truly achieved after the development of strong nonvisual
skills has first been mastered. All relevant staff members should be able to
effectively explain the use of blindfolds to consumers in training and to the
general public.</p></li> <li><p>Although qualified professionals respect all
consumers’ preferences for mobility devices and the use of guide dogs, it
is expected that while receiving adjustment to blindness training from an SD
training center (SDTC), consumers will use long, rigid, white canes during all
core classes and confidence-building activities. The technical efficacy of the
long white cane has been demonstratively proven in the development of travel
skills. Furthermore, the long white cane is an indelible symbol of blindness
essential in helping consumers reconcile their own fears and personal identity as
a blind person.</p></li> <li><p>Qualified professionals actively and consistently
use confidence-building activities to provide novel experiences and learning
opportunities where consumers can apply developing non-visual skills. All efforts
are made to provide appropriate and diverse activities which support and challenge
consumers to go beyond their comfort zone. While confidence-building activities
can be recreational in nature, staff and consumers must understand the integral
and necessary role these activities play in the development of a consumer’s
non-visual skills, positive philosophy of blindness, self-efficacy, and overall
confidence. It is recognized that the more consumers are taught through activities
that are outside their level of comfort, the more their confidence will allow them
to engage in both routine and novel situations after training which might be
uncomfortable, or which would have been avoided in the past because of stress or
fear.</p></li> <li><p>Qualified professionals actively and consistently promote
role modeling as part of the rehabilitation process. Consumers are afforded the
opportunity to engage with a wide variety of role models and mentors who demonstrate
non-visual skills, positive attitudes regarding blindness, and effective self-advocacy.
It will be these role models who will function as a support network once the
training center experience is complete. Instructors, training peers, and blind
community members can all serve as mentors. Sighted instructors also serve as role
models by demonstrating non-visual skills with the use of blindfolds and by
demonstrating expectations of how sighted individuals should interact respectfully
and equally with blind people. In a center, staff and advanced consumers are
responsible for building a culture of caring, bringing energy to the training
environment, and infusing a positive philosophy.</p></li> <li><p>Qualified
professionals actively and consistently promote training which provides the
foundation necessary to successfully engage in critical problem solving—not
only during the training but when consumers return to their home communities.
Through the use of Socratic questioning, consumers in certified SDTCs are taught
to think logically and strategically. They are also taught to use creative
problem-solving strategies whenever faced with novel or unique situations. This
questioning approach is an important cornerstone of SD training. It involves the
process of asking probing questions to prompt critical thinking and facilitate
successful accomplishments. The instructor poses questions directed to consumers
with the goal of eliciting observations and promoting the development of effective
problem-solving strategies in lieu of relying on the instructor to provide
information or answers. Therefore, the responsibility of gathering information
and decision making is gradually, but continuously, transferred from the instructor
to the consumer, and true independence becomes possible.</p></li> <li><p>Qualified
professionals actively and consistently communicate that public misconceptions
and low expectations held by both the sighted public and blind people alike are
the greatest barrier facing blind people. Well-meaning but often misguided members
of families and the general public can significantly undermine the development of
independence. The training environment must help consumers recognize and manage
detrimental interactions. Only by learning to control these interactions can blind
people be assured of obtaining the rights and responsibilities afforded to all
citizens and successfully integrating back into their families and communities.</p></li>
<li><p>Qualified professionals actively and consistently communicate the concept
of giving back or contributing in a meaningful way to the general community.
Qualified professionals understand that this concept is equally as important as
skills training, and that blind persons must be given opportunities to give of
their time, unique talents, and heart to help others. Consumers must come to learn
that if they are to be given equal respect and equal rights by the public, they
must also be willing to engage in equal responsibility for the good of all.</p></li>
</ol> <p>NBPCB requires that all Structured Discovery training must be rooted in,
and retain ALL of these core elements along with high expectations to remain
effective and to fulfill its mission.</p> <h3
id="empirical-evidence-supporting-structured-discovery-training">Empirical Evidence
Supporting Structured Discovery Training </h3> <p>The Blind and Visually Impaired
Adult Rehabilitation and Employment Survey (Bell & Mino, 2013) and Rehabilitation
and Employment Outcomes for Adults Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired: An Updated
Report (Bell, Silverman 2018) demonstrated that individuals trained in Structured
Discovery programs were significantly more likely to be employed and earned higher
wages than peers who were not. The study also found that regular Braille use and
white cane travel—central SD skills—correlated strongly with
competitive employment.</p> <p>Bell and Mino’s research specifically
demonstrated that:</p> <ul> <li><p>Obtaining comprehensive adjustment training
was positively related to employment outcomes, with those being trained at Structured
Discovery-based programs employed at a rate of 60 percent, earning on average
$49,300 in comparison to those trained at conventionally-based programs, who were
employed at a rate of 47 percent, earning on average $38,100. These more beneficial
results confirm those of Aditya (2004).</p></li> <li><p>Recidivism (i.e., returning
for retraining multiple times), was found to be negatively related to employment,
with those who receive training four or more times being employed at a rate of 35
percent in comparison to those who seek training only once being employed at 57
percent. Those same individuals who require additional training earned on average
$13,000 less than those who were trained only once.</p></li> <li><p>Individuals
who use a white cane for daily mobility are employed at a significantly higher
rate and earn a significantly greater annualized salary than those who do not -
$6,851 more on average.</p></li> <li><p>Those who read Braille on a daily or weekly
basis are employed at a significantly higher rate than those who do not, and
Braille readers also earn on average $11,000 more than non-Braille readers.</p></li>
</ul> <p>In addition, Merry-Noel Chamberlain’s (2019) study compared forty
adults trained in either the more traditional Sequential Learning (SL) or SD models
and found that SD graduates scored 32 percent higher in self-confidence, traveled
more often and over greater distances, and required less retraining. </p> <h3
id="the-critical-role-of-sleep-shade-training">The Critical Role of Sleep Shade
Training </h3> <p>Sleep shade use is one of the most distinctive and essential
practices of SD. Salisbury (2017) documents that six to nine months of sleep
shade-based training is typically required to make nonvisual skills automatic and
dependable, freeing cognitive resources for problem-solving and fostering emotional
adjustment to blindness. NBPCB-certified Structured Discovery centers require
sleep shades eight hours a day, five days a week, because experience has demonstrated
that this practice produces higher levels of independence and success. The efficacy
of sustained sleep shade use has been documented for decades (Altman, 2012; Omvig,
2002; Mettler, 1995; Lauren, 1988; Olson, 1982). It has also been demonstrated
that inconsistent or temporary use of blindfolds can have a detrimental effect on
both skill development and attitudes about blindness (Silverman, 2015).</p> <h3
id="understanding-informed-choice-in-rehabilitation-training">Understanding Informed
Choice in Rehabilitation Training </h3> <p>NBPCB recognizes that the concept of
informed choice under the Rehabilitation Act is often misapplied as Schroeder
(2004) explains, informed choice operates at the program level, not the component
level. All rehabilitation clients and consumers must receive the benefit of
comprehensive and continual in-service training including the autonomy to determine
the best type of training program for them and an opportunity to learn about each
of them (Omvig, 2002). Only in this way can consumers make a truly informed choice
regarding their options for adjustment training. Therefore, the choice of alternative
options is among whole programs with differing philosophies, practices, and
outcomes, and not between the specific individual elements which comprise the
training programs (Schroeder, 2004; Omvig, 2002). This means that informed choice
provides consumers with the ability, opportunity, and responsibility to determine
the program that meets their needs as it respects the consumer’s interests
in the Vocational Rehabilitation process. However, once an informed choice has
been made regarding the type of training that the consumer is interested in, it
is the responsibility of the training center and the consumer to uphold and abide
by the curriculum, best practices, and standards within which the training program
operates.</p> <p>Informed choice provides consumers with the opportunity to select
the program that they believe is right for them in their rehabilitation training.
This means that consumers deciding to participate in any training center or program
have made an informed choice to follow the curriculum, principles, and requirements
of that individual training program. Those who have determined that a certified
SDTC would best meet their needs, have knowingly made the commitment to pursue
the Structured Discovery-related training that these centers offer in both their
approach and practice that reflect the tenets and values that comprise Structured
Discovery-based rehabilitation training.</p> <h3 id="iv.-conclusion">IV. Conclusion
</h3> <p>No individual or program may credibly state that they are using Structured
Discovery training unless they are certified or recognized by the NBPCB. Structured
Discovery is more than merely a training method: it is a paradigm of high
expectations, self-efficacy, and full citizenship. The NBPCB’s tenets
provide the foundation for its practice, and empirical research confirms its
superiority in building confidence, independence, and employment outcomes. As the
certifying body for Structured Discovery professionals and training centers, NBPCB
strongly advocates that all of the tenets enumerated in this document should serve
as the guiding framework for all blindness rehabilitation and SD professionals
seeking to produce confident, independent, and fully participating blind adults.
Disaggregating or separating any aspect of the core SD tenets is counterintuitive
and counterproductive to comprehensive adjustment to blindness rehabilitation
training. We stand ready to assist any individual or blindness rehabilitation
adjustment program to better understand Structured Discovery methods and principles
and to develop training programs for qualified professionals.</p> <p>For current
information on NBPCB Certified Centers, visit our website <a
href="https://www.nbpcb.org">https://www.nbpcb.org</a>.</p> <h3 id="references">References
</h3> <p>Altman, J. T. (2012). When the Sleep Shades Aren’t On. <em>Journal
of Blindness Innovation and Research,</em> 2(1).</p> <p>Bell, E. C., & Mino,
N. M. (2013). Blind and Visually Impaired Adult Rehabilitation and Employment
Survey: Final Results. Louisiana Tech University.</p> <p>Bell, E. C., &
Silverman, A. M. (2018). Rehabilitation and Employment Outcomes for Adults Who
Are Blind or Visually Impaired: An Updated Report. <em>Journal of Blindness
Innovation and Research,</em> 8(1). <a
href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/jbir/jbir18/jbir080101.html">https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/jbir/jbir18/jbir080101.html</a></p>
<p>Chamberlain, M. N. (2019). Self-Confidence Levels in Sequential Learning Versus
Structured Discovery Cane Travel, Post Orientation and Mobility Instruction: A
Comparison Study (Doctoral dissertation, Concordia University—Portland).</p>
<p>Lauren, H. (1988). To Blindfold or Not to Blindfold? Is That the Question for
O&M Instructors? <em>Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness,</em> 82(4),
150.</p> <p>Mettler, R. (1995). Cognitive Learning Theory and Cane Travel Instruction:
A New Paradigm. State of Nebraska, Department of Public Institutions, Division.</p>
<p>National Blindness Professional Certification Board. (2025). Tenets of Structured
Discovery Methodology.</p> <p>Olson, C. W. (1982). On the Use of the Blindfold.
<em>Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness,</em> 76(7), 281-285.</p> <p>Omvig,
J. H. (2002). <em>Freedom for the Blind: The Secret is Empowerment.</em> National
Federation of the Blind.</p> <p>Salisbury, J. M. (2017). On the Duration of Sleep
Shade Training in the Adjustment to Blindness. <em>Journal of Blindness Innovation
and Research,</em> 7(2). <a
href="https://doi.org/10.5241/7-122">https://doi.org/10.5241/7-122</a></p>
<p>Schroeder, F. K. (2004). The Truth About Choice. <em>Braille Monitor.</em>
National Federation of the Blind.</p> <p>Silverman, A. M. (2015). The Perils of
Playing Blind: Problems with Blindness Simulation and a Better Way to Teach About
Blindness. <em>Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research,</em> 5(2).</p>
<p>----------</p> <p>[PHOTO CAPTION: Kristen Dockendorff]</p> <h2
id="case-closed-the-story-of-technology-a-blind-woman-and-an-eyewitness-account-to-solve-a-mystery">Case
Closed: The Story of Technology, a Blind Woman, and an Eyewitness Account to Solve
a Mystery</h2> <p><strong>by Kristen Dockendorff</strong></p> <p><strong>From the
Editor: Kristen Dockendorff is a retired art teacher and has been blind for
twenty-five years. She resides in Manchester, Connecticut, with Winny, her Golden
Retriever guide dog from The Seeing Eye. She collaborates with UR Community Tech
Center and works to increase technology knowledge within her Federation chapter
and affiliate. Here is what she says about a recent experience where she used her
blindness and technology skills not only to help a person starting their blindness
journey but a sighted colleague as well:</strong></p> <p>I have been working with
a community group that helps blind and low-vision people, and this experience is
proving to be some of the most rewarding of my life. Together, Michelle Puzzo and
I run a support group at UR Community Tech Center, and thanks to her tireless
efforts securing grants, the center now offers more than thirty-five different
devices for people to test. We strive to ensure that those with blindness and low
vision can access and try a wide range of equipment, from electronic magnifiers
to high-tech smart glasses.</p> <p>Michelle often recruits high school and college
interns, introducing them to both the challenges and the rewards of working
alongside people with disabilities. She views this as an opportunity not only for
career exploration, but also for promoting greater inclusion.</p> <p>Recently,
during one of our support sessions, we met a young man with unique eye issues. My
connections in the low-vision tech world seemed especially relevant for him, so
I scheduled time at the center to show him available resources and demo devices.
When I arrived, Michelle introduced me to a new teenage intern. Keeping with our
support group custom, as a low-vision person I reached out my hand first, a small
gesture that avoids the awkwardness of trying to find someone else’s when
you cannot see it. She shook my hand, and I realized I was wearing my smart glasses,
which I quickly removed, thinking perhaps they were distracting.</p> <p>A moment
later, the intern’s gaze lingered on my Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Suddenly,
she gasped, “Oh my God, it’s Mrs. D!” To my astonishment, I
recognized her as Morgan, a former student from my years as a public school art
teacher, before retinitis pigmentosa prompted my retirement from the classroom.
She had been in second grade when we’d last met; now, after ten years, she
was a high school senior seeking her future career path. The reunion was deeply
moving, and the day became even more meaningful as we helped our young guest
explore technology options, connect with resources, and learn about the latest
advancements.</p> <p>Morgan was especially curious about my Meta smart glasses.
I demonstrated the hands-free camera and video features, showing how easy it was
to take pictures, read signs, and send images to contacts, a boost for someone
who lives with low vision. Sharing these innovations, along with the many other
devices available at the center, filled our visit with excitement and community
spirit.</p> <p>Toward evening, I received a text from Michelle. “You’re
not going to believe this,” she wrote, “but the police from a
neighboring town just called. They say my car was involved in a motor vehicle
accident!” We both knew this was impossible, as Michelle had been at the
center all day, with her car parked outside. She named me as a witness, but soon
after, she texted again: “Is there any way to prove I was at the
center?”</p> <p>Thinking it through, I realized that, with ParaTransit
services unavailable, I had arrived by Uber instead. Thankfully, the Uber app’s
activity tab clearly logged the date, time, and location. I took a screenshot of
the trip details and sent it to Michelle, who forwarded it to the police. Soon
another message came: “That proves you were here, but it doesn’t
prove that I was.”</p> <p>Michelle wondered if any further evidence existed.
I remembered that, while demonstrating my Meta smart glasses, I had snapped a
photo showing Morgan, Michelle, and the young man together. Because the picture
was a candid, with no attempt at formal composition, I had deleted it from the
gallery. On a hunch, I asked my glasses how to recover deleted photos. Following
the instructions, I checked my phone, and there it was: the photo from that precise
date. I promptly sent it to Michelle.</p> <p>The image clearly showed Michelle at
the center, yet there was another obstacle, the police insisted on a timestamp.
Thankfully, my phone’s information button provided both the location and
timestamp. I took a screenshot of this data and sent it on. Minutes later, the
police called to confirm: “Did you take the picture with your glasses?”
Yes, I replied. “Thank you,” the officer said, and hung up.</p>
<p>Half an hour later, Michelle texted again. Two words: “Case closed.”</p>
<p>This day stands out not simply for having solved a puzzle, but for the sense
of empowerment and camaraderie that permeated my every interaction. Sharing
knowledge with others who have just begun their journey of vision loss is deeply
rewarding. Seeing a former student again, I realized teaching creativity doesn’t
require paint or clay, it’s the gift of new tools and possibilities.
Connecting all the technological threads to support Michelle meant putting my
blindness and technology skills to the test.</p> <p>I will continue to encourage
people to take the step to jump into technology and share their new knowledge with
others. And you never know, it might keep a friend out of jail. As someone who
cherishes mysteries, I find it a delightful irony that the person who acquired
all the eyewitness evidence to resolve the case was, despite low vision, me.</p>
<p>----------</p> <p>[PHOTO CAPTION: Gary Wunder]</p> <h2
id="becoming-a-federationist-the-lesson-i-didnt-ask-for">Becoming a Federationist:
The Lesson I Didn’t Ask For</h2> <p><strong>by Gary Wunder<br /> </strong></p>
<p>Anyone who has served as a National Federation of the Blind representative has
perfected the story of how they came to join. Every banquet speech is constrained
by time; people want a succinct biography in addition to a message. In my own
case, I talk about guide dogs, donuts, and coming to love the people who took an
interest in me—my desire to see approval in their eyes for who I was and
who I might become. I would say that that is how I was <strong>pulled</strong>
into the Federation, but how I was <strong>pushed</strong> into it is a different
story, one I will try to tell here as I wrestle with irritation, the use of power,
and an unintended, yet profoundly positive result.</p> <h3 id="the-philosophical-battleground">The
Philosophical Battleground</h3> <p>The National Federation of the Blind has long
championed the idea that blindness should not be defined by pity, dependence, or
low expectations. We fight for self-determination and the belief that, with the
right training and opportunity, a blind person can compete equally in society.</p>
<p>This philosophy necessarily places us in opposition to the outdated and often
paternalistic attitudes found within parts of the state/federal rehabilitation
system. We deplore the arrogance that certain officials assume when they gain
control over the destinies of blind people. We do not mind strong advocates for
fostering good attitudes and skill-building, but when rudeness and condescension
replace respect, a critical line is crossed.</p> <p>I experienced this arrogance
firsthand during a pivotal moment in my life—an encounter in the early
1970s that could have been a roadblock but ended up being the unexpected catalyst
for my independence and my lifelong commitment to the Federation.</p> <h3
id="the-confrontation-feet-on-the-desk">The Confrontation: Feet on the Desk</h3>
<p>The summer of 1973 was supposed to be the beginning of my great journey toward
independence. I had diligently planned my post-high school life: I would attend
the renowned Seeing Eye training school in New Jersey to get a guide dog, then
return home to start college locally while living with my grandmother. Everything
was set; my approval and date to attend The Seeing Eye had been clear for at least
a year.</p> <p>Then, in February, those plans dissolved with the arrival of a
sterile, bureaucratic letter. It informed me that my summer had just been planned
by the Missouri Bureau for the Blind. Since I wanted to receive college assistance
from the agency, I would be attending an eight-week summer orientation program
sponsored by the Bureau and held in Columbia, Missouri. The path I had chosen,
the path of self-determination, was instantly voided.</p> <p>I was having none of
it. I sought to appeal, but my counselor timidly denied me. I decided to go up
the chain. My mother and I secured a meeting with the district supervisor of the
Kansas City office, a man named Dan Cordell.</p> <p>The memory of that meeting
remains strikingly clear five decades later. When my mother and I were ushered
into his office, Mr. Cordell was already settled into a posture of ultimate
authority. He leaned far back in his chair, crossed his feet, and placed them
squarely on his desk, his shoes pointed directly at my face.</p> <p>“Tell
me why you are here, young sir,” he drawled, the utterance dripping with
a patronizing tone that suggested our visit was a colossal waste of his time.</p>
<p>I laid out my case: I had secured a spot at The Seeing Eye, I was ready for a
guide dog, and I wanted to follow my original plan.</p> <p>His response, though
necessarily paraphrased after fifty years, was a masterclass in paternalistic
dismissal. He ticked off his points: “First, you have no hearing problems,
so you do not need a dog. A dog will only make your life more complicated. Dogs
shed; dogs drool. They make others uncomfortable, and some people will not want
you to come to their homes or ride in their cars.”</p> <p>I pushed back,
defending my choice and arguing that I did not view a dog as the catalogue of
disadvantages he presented. His final ruling, however, was blunt and unappealable,
delivered with the same feet-on-the-desk arrogance:</p> <p>“You can believe
as you want about the dog. If your parents can afford to send you to school, then
do what you please. But if you are going to attend college under the auspices of
the Bureau for the Blind, you will attend the summer orientation in Columbia.”
I had never heard that word before, but the meaning of “auspices”
was perfectly clear in context.</p> <h3 id="the-immense-power-of-the-purse">The
Immense Power of the Purse</h3> <p>The conversation ended there, but its implications
were immediate and chilling. It convinced me instantly that the power of the
agency, specifically the power held by this single man, was immense, final, and
absolute. It was control over my immediate future. My mother, who had sat quietly
beside me with tears in her eyes, was visibly shaken on the drive home.</p> <p>When
I recounted the dialogue and the demeaning manner in which it was delivered to my
father, I expected thunder. My father was a strong man, a steadfast defender of
his family. Yet, as I explained the insult that had driven my mother to tears, he
was strangely, devastatingly quiet.</p> <p>A couple of hours later, he sought me
out for a private conversation. The wisdom and pain in his words remain the most
powerful lesson in pragmatism I have ever received.</p> <p>“I know you want
me to go to this man and set things straight,” he said quietly. “Son,
I can’t do that. He has more money to help you than we can ever hope to
give you. I can’t send you to college, but he can.”</p> <p>His
conclusion was a bitter pill: “Here is what you do. You follow his rules.
And if, after you are done with school and no longer under his thumb, you are
still mad about what he said and how he acted, <strong>then you do something about
it</strong>.”</p> <p>I was deeply disappointed. My protector had been forced
to bow before the bureaucracy. It was a profound lesson in the real-world limits
of personal strength against institutional power. But in that moment of disappointment,
I began to see the Federation in a different light. The NFB’s fight was
not merely theoretical; it was an existential battle against officials like Cordell
who wielded the state’s purse to enforce their own low expectations and
dismissive attitudes. Though it was likely the furthest thing from what he intended,
Dan Cordell helped forge me into a committed Federationist.</p> <h3
id="the-unexpected-pivot-to-independence">The Unexpected Pivot to Independence</h3>
<p>That supervisor’s arrogant decree, which robbed me of my carefully laid
plans, may well have been the most significant turning point in my life.</p> <p>My
original plan—get my dog, go to college near home, live with my grandmother,
and pursue an undefined, comfortable degree path—turned out to be insufficient.
Instead, I arrived in Columbia, Missouri, to attend the summer orientation program
and the University of Missouri.</p> <p>The mandatory eight-week program was a
crucible of transformation. It was a rigorous, challenging immersion into independent
living. It taught me things I never knew I needed: how to hire, supervise, and
fire human readers; how to order books on tape and in Braille; and how to strengthen
and refine my cane travel skills.</p> <p>But the real change happened outside the
classroom. The program required us to live away from home, pushing us out of our
comfort zones. I liked being able to travel on my own to businesses—the
bank, local restaurants, and even the bars. I met a woman and had my first romantic
relationship. It took little time to realize that I wanted more than to just go
to school and come home to Grandma’s.</p> <p>I met other people—people
who used to be the “other” to me and my family. If you were black
and we were white, you were different. If you were not heterosexual, you were a
deviant. If you were a woman in a man’s world, you were to be admired and
protected, but certainly not an equal. If you didn’t have much money, you
lacked a work ethic. None of these people were to be treated badly, but they were
not to be confused with normal.</p> <p>The program forced me to see beyond
characteristics that were once very important to me and to regard these people as
friends, colleagues, loved ones, and equals. The change took time and effort, but
ultimately, learning to understand other people and removing them from the box of
inferiority has nothing to do with conservative or liberal politics. It has to do
with weighing the evidence one sees against the prejudices that came so
easily—the belief in “a place for everyone, and everyone in their
place.”</p> <h3 id="the-paradox-of-good-advice-bad-attitude">The Paradox
of Good Advice, Bad Attitude</h3> <p>This brings me to the paradox I have wrestled
with for fifty years. While I do not, and never will, condone the feet-on-the-desk
attitude and the rude dismissal given to my mother and me, I feel the need to
acknowledge that the accompanying advice was, in effect, good. I have lived in
Columbia now for nearly fifty years. I love the place, and I am profoundly glad
for the doors that were opened.</p> <p>My original plan, while comfortable, was
insufficient. It would not have prepared me for the rigors of a truly independent
life. Too many times since that summer, I have seen young blind people granted
rehabilitation funds for college when their fundamental lack of travel skills,
orientation know-how, and self-advocacy attitudes set them up for failure.</p>
<p>The Federation rightly champions our right to choose, but we must also acknowledge
that sometimes, the state agency is correct in demanding a minimum foundation of
nonvisual skills before investing in a college career. It is okay to try and fail;
it is not okay to send someone on a journey you know they are destined not to
complete when, with a few resources and a minor delay, they can attend school or
any other activity with a real chance to succeed.</p> <p>The easy <em>yes</em>
from the rehabilitation system for persons who are lacking skills is not an
opportunity but a recipe for failure. The unconditional <em>yes</em> that does
not consider skills, attitudes, and sometimes even emotional maturity gives blind
people the shovel we unintentionally use to dig a hole that is difficult to climb
out of. Poor grades resulting from the inability to travel to class or a lack of
study skills are hard to turn around.</p> <p>Cordell was wrong in his diagnosis
(I didn’t need a hearing problem to justify a dog), and he was absolutely
wrong in his demeaning delivery. He violated the very principles of respect and
partnership that define true rehabilitation. But by forcing me into that summer
program, he put me on the path to independence, community, and my life in
Columbia.</p> <p>I want to thank Dan Cordell for my experience at the University
of Missouri and for seeing, even if by coercion, that I got those essential skills.
At the same time, I do not want to endorse the arrogant behavior that upset my
mother and me.</p> <p>That tension—between the undeniable good of comprehensive
training and the inexcusable bad of bureaucratic arrogance—is precisely
what fuels the work of the National Federation of the Blind. We demand skills,
independence, and opportunity, but we also demand respect, dignity, and partnership.
My life proves that independence can be forged even in the fires of frustration,
but we should never stop fighting for a system that treats blind people as the
equal, competent adults we know ourselves to be.</p> <p>----------</p> <h2
id="plan-for-the-future">Plan for the Future</h2> <p>“What if I was never
blind? In April 2013 I received a diagnosis of Stargardt Disease. I often felt
adrift, uncertain of how to chart a course towards a fulfilling life. At that
time, I was employed at McDonald’s and had temporarily paused my undergraduate
studies. If I hadn’t received that diagnosis, my life might have followed
a completely different trajectory. I would have continued working at McDonald’s,
feeling stuck and uncertain about my future, but without the guidance and support
that I found through the National Federation of the Blind, I might have struggled
to navigate the challenges of vision loss. Instead, that diagnosis became a turning
point for me by forcing me to confront my circumstances and seek out resources
and communities that could help me thrive despite my blindness. The NFB helped
me realize that my vision loss didn’t have to define me or limit my
aspirations. By believing in my abilities, by entrusting me with leadership
positions, and through intensive mentorship, the Federation changed my life. My
community helped me excel beyond where I would be if I were sighted.</p> <p>Mentorship
is what has brought me to this point in life thus far. Without my mentors I am
not sure where I would be right now. I just hope I can pay it forward someday.”
- Dustin</p> <p>Blind children and adults are making powerful strides to live the
lives we want every day across the United States, but we need to continue helping
blind people like Dustin. For more than eighty years, the National Federation of
the Blind has worked to transform the dreams of hundreds of thousands of blind
people into reality. With support from individuals like you, we can continue to
provide powerful programs and critical resources now and for decades to come. We
hope you will plan to be a part of our enduring movement by including the National
Federation of the Blind in your charitable giving and in your estate planning. It
is easier than you think.</p> <p>With your help, the NFB will continue to:</p>
<ul> <li><p>Give blind children the gift of literacy through Braille.</p></li>
<li><p>Mentor young people like Dustin.</p></li> <li><p>Promote independent travel
by providing free long white canes to blind people in need.</p></li> <li><p>Develop
dynamic educational projects and programs to show blind youth that science and
math careers are within their reach.</p></li> <li><p>Deliver hundreds of accessible
newspapers and magazines to provide blind people the essential information necessary
to be actively involved in their communities.</p></li> <li><p>Offer aids and
appliances that help seniors who are losing vision maintain their independence.</p></li>
</ul> <p>Below are just a few of the many tax-deductible ways you can show your
support of the National Federation of the Blind.</p> <h3 id="vehicle-donation-program">Vehicle
Donation Program</h3> <p>We accept donated vehicles, including cars, trucks, boats,
motorcycles, or recreational vehicles. Just call 855-659-9314 toll-free, and a
representative can make arrangements to pick up your donation. We can also answer
any questions you have.</p> <h3 id="general-donation">General Donation</h3>
<p>General donations help support the ongoing programs of the NFB and the work to
help blind people live the lives they want. You can call 410-659-9314, extension
2430, to give by phone. Give online with a credit card or through the mail with
check or money order. Visit our online contribution page at: <a
href="https://nfb.org/donate"><u>https://nfb.org/donate</u></a>.</p> <h3
id="pre-authorized-contribution">Pre-Authorized Contribution</h3> <p>Through the
Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) program, supporters sustain the efforts of the
National Federation of the Blind by making recurring monthly donations by direct
withdrawal of funds from a checking account or a charge to a credit card. To
enroll, call 877-NFB-2PAC, or fill out our PAC Donation Form <a
href="https://www.nfb.org/pac"><u>https://www.nfb.org/pac</u></a>.</p> <h3
id="plan-to-leave-a-legacy">Plan to Leave a Legacy</h3> <p>The National Federation
of the Blind legacy society, our Dream Makers Circle, honors and recognizes the
generosity and imagination of members and special friends who have chosen to leave
a legacy through a will or other planned giving option. You can join the Dream
Makers Circle in a myriad of ways.</p> <h4 id="percentage-or-fixed-sum-of-assets">Percentage
or Fixed Sum of Assets</h4> <p>You can specify that a percentage or a fixed sum
of your assets or property goes to the National Federation of the Blind in your
will, trust, pension, IRA, life insurance policy, brokerage account, or other
accounts.</p> <h4 id="payable-on-death-pod-account">Payable on Death (POD)
Account</h4> <p>You can name the National Federation of the Blind as the beneficiary
on a Payable on Death (POD) account through your bank. You can turn any checking
or savings account into a POD account. This is one of the simplest ways to leave
a legacy. The account is totally in your control during your lifetime and you can
change the beneficiary or percentage at any time with ease.</p> <h4 id="will-or-trust">Will
or Trust</h4> <p>If you do decide to create or revise your will, consider the
National Federation of the Blind as a partial beneficiary.</p> <p>Visit our Planned
Giving webpage (<a
href="https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/planned-giving"><u>https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/planned-giving</u></a>)
or call 410-659-9314, extension 2422, for more information.</p> <p>---------</p>
<p>[PHOTO CAPTION: Mika Baugh]</p> <h2
id="sexual-health-education-and-research-a-community-centered-approach-driven-by-the-blind">Sexual
Health Education and Research: A Community-Centered Approach Driven by the Blind</h2>
<p><strong>by Mika Baugh, PhD</strong></p> <p>CW: The following article contains
content about sex, sexual anatomy, and sexuality.</p> <p><strong>From the Editor:
Sunday morning, July 8, at the 2025 National Convention included perhaps the most
uncomfortable but necessary discussion that has ever been had on the convention
floor. The fact that the speaker, Dr. Mika Baugh, was willing to take on the topic
and the Federation’s efforts around it speaks to the reason that, later
that day, she received one of the 2025 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards. Here is what she
shared, beginning with President Riccobono’s introduction:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Mark Riccobono:</strong> Okay, this next presentation is <em>Sexual
Health Education and Research: A Community-Centered Approach Driven by the
Blind</em>. I learned many years ago through the Federation that the best way to
be a teacher or a leader is to continue to learn things from the perspectives and
lived experience of those that you are honored to teach or lead, and I try to do
that on a daily basis in this movement.</p> <p>The first time I remember getting
to know our next presenter, was during our 2006 Rocket On Program, which I was in
charge of. That was not her first experience with the Federation. I looked back
and noticed that she was published in <em>Future Reflections</em> in 2004. I told
her that recently. I’m not sure she looked it up, because she might be not
so happy with what she said twenty years ago, but then most of us aren’t,
right? When she was in the program, she was only a sophomore in high school, but
I can point out very significantly that in the Rocket On Program, she was selected
to be the mission director for our Rocket Project, which says something about her
leadership and how early she started showing leadership potential. My experience
has been she always has keen insight to offer and does not fail to share with you
her perspectives, which always are informative. She was educated in schools
including the School for the Blind, and so she knows well the failures of the
education system for blind children, and I particularly love her dedication to
doing something about it. She works often in our Texas Federation youth programs,
and she and I have often shared thoughts. She shared thoughts with me about how
the blindness field and the materials produced around sexual health education are
greatly lacking. So last year I appointed a committee, a subcommittee of the board,
to work with her on our first sexual health education program here at the National
Convention, and I know many of you went to participate in that because I dropped
by and I noticed that it was a great success. So, I asked if she would come talk
about it here. I was really honored to be in our Betsy Zaborowski conference room
in April when this young lady defended her dissertation, calling out many times
the work of the National Federation of the Blind and adding further academic
credibility to the lived experience that we share combined with real research
methodology. I’m certain that this won’t be her last time with us.
She will be making many, many more contributions to our movement, but I’m
really honored to be introducing her for the first time and this stage as Dr. Mika
Baugh [Applause and music].</p> <p><strong>Dr. Mika Baugh:</strong> Thank you.
This is my eighteenth convention and in all those years, this is one of the first
times we’re discussing sex education on the convention floor, but something
I learned at my very first convention: this is the National Federation of the
Blind, and we’re not scared to tackle difficult things together. We’re
not afraid to get comfortable with uncomfortable topics.</p> <p>We don’t
shy away from tough conversations with others or among ourselves, and we certainly
don’t sit idly when we recognize injustice or inequity. I’m going
to talk a lot about what other people say to us and about us, but I’m also
going to invite you to consider what we blind people say to ourselves and each
other collectively as a movement. Are we amplifying messages of hope and courage
and inherent human value? Or to what extent—and I know it’s hard to
think about our faults—but to what extent have we amplified the messages
of cruelty, neglect, and injustice foisted upon us by others’ erroneous
assumptions and misconceptions that we could never be sexual beings? But most
importantly, what are we doing about it?</p> <p>You might have some feelings here
in the next twenty minutes. They might even be some unpleasant feelings. You
probably weren’t expecting deep emotions on your Sunday morning. I
wasn’t expecting deep ones when I wrote this, but here we are, so at least
we’re in it together.</p> <p>Let’s start with what other people say
to us. The good news is these are not our people, in case you were wondering.
These people—often well-meaning experts in the vision field—send us
messages about our needs, our desires, our hopes, our values in the world. Sometimes
these messages are edifying, but usually they’re just not. They said that
blind kids don’t need to learn Braille because it’s too outdated.
So, we said, “If they won’t teach them, we will.” And now we
have the NFB BELL® Academy. Then they said, “Blind kids can’t
learn science, technology, engineering, and math because it’s too
visual.” We said, “If they won’t teach them, we will.”
And now we have a whole generation of science nerds and tech geeks. And then they
said, “Teachers of students with visual impairments know everything they
need to know.” We said, “First, let’s try teachers of blind
students. Secondly, no, they really don’t. And yet again, if they won’t
teach them, we will.” Say hi to a Teacher of Tomorrow cohort member if you
see one today. There’s twenty of them here at this convention. They’re
learning how to be our people. Let’s make sure we’re their people
too.</p> <p>One of my favorite things about our movement is the spunk and feistiness
with which we attack injustice. Usually when the messages we’re hearing
are as mired in misconceptions as those I’ve just highlighted, we spring
into action. In other words, challenge accepted. But messages about reading and
careers aren’t steeped in the same social stigma and taboo as other messages.
They don’t wound us to the core of our worth as humanity like other messages.
Do you know what else they’ve been saying for all these years? Do you know
what they say when it comes time for <em>the talk</em> in fifth grade or middle
school? What they say when it comes time for health class in high school? If you
think for a second, you know what they say because somebody said it to you or a
blind person that you care about. The things that hurt most are the most difficult
to forget. And as the kids say, these messages hit different still. I’ll
state it plainly and just so we’re clear, everything I’m sharing
here is backed by real-life research conducted by real-life disabled scholars,
which as a researcher myself, quells my ever-present anxiety about whether the
statement I’m about to make is valid or not. Luckily, I did the entire
literature review for you. You’re welcome. So, I can say with total confidence
that everything I’m sharing is legit.</p> <p>So, here’s what they
say. They say, in summary, “Blind kids don’t need sex education.
It’s too awkward, it’s uncomfortable. How would we even teach them
that? We could just let them skip that class, and if we can’t get them out
of the class, maybe we’ll just forget to make the materials accessible so
that way no one will feel awkward about them touching a picture of a vagina. Blind
kids don’t even need this information anyway. They’re all so weird,
and nobody’s going to want to have sex with them. Let’s just discreetly
encourage the parents to put her on the pill so that we can avoid periods and,
God forbid, pregnancy.”</p> <p>I hope we know how untrue and wildly misguided
these statements are, but false or not, they sink in. What others say to us too
often becomes what we say to ourselves, the underlying squeamishness here.
It’s not just about sex education. It’s about whether we blind people
deserve the information and opportunity to live full and enriching lives, lives
full of love, intimacy, and yes, good sex, if that’s what we desire, as
everyone else. [Applause] But you know what the worst part of this is? And
here’s where my raging feelings entered the chat, and I hope yours do too.
The worst part of this is that in my fifteen years of working with blind kids, I
hear these messages from them. They tell me how “I’m just not
relationship material and nobody’s going to date me anyway, so I don’t
need to learn that stuff, and my family says they’ll take my baby if I ever
have one, so I’ll just never have sex.” If young blind people tell
me these things in today’s modern, enlightened, hip world, I know the things
our elders could share would be even harder to hear.</p> <p>These messages are
insidious. They hurt, sometimes so profoundly that we’d rather pretend that
they don’t apply to us or they don’t affect us than engage in
meaningful efforts to address the hidden kernels of truth behind them. But whether
we address them or not, we carry the things that people say to us within us. They
grow and they flourish, and we risk projecting them onto others in our movement,
sometimes the most vulnerable folks around us. What do we say to the survivor
who’s trying to heal? What can we offer the blind parents who are trying
to support their queer teenager? What answers do we have for a young blind woman
who finds herself pregnant and doesn’t know how she got that way because
she didn’t understand how menstrual cycles work? Do we respond in scoffing
tones, that sex has nothing to do with blindness or blind parents can figure this
out on their own? It’s not our job? Or my personal favorite, “Well,
I didn’t need sex education to figure out how things worked.”</p>
<p>These started as things that others have said to us, but they’ve become
things that we’ve said to ourselves and each other because it’s
really difficult to confront the systems that perpetuate these norms. But is this
who we are? Do we cede the right to write our own narrative in all aspects of
life, even those that usually occur in the dark behind closed doors?</p> <p>I
think not. I think—in fact, I know—that we’re better than
that. So, they said blind kids don’t need sex education. So even though
it’s hard, even though it’s uncomfortable, even though we are tired,
and even though we don’t all agree on the specifics of how and when and
what to teach with sex education, we already know what solves this. It’s
the same refrain from the Braille, science, and teacher crises: “If they
won’t teach us, we’ll teach us.” They wouldn’t teach
us. So, we taught us. We, the blind, developed the Sexual Health, Education,
Research, and Training (SHERT) project, which to my knowledge is the first
research-based, blind-led, blind-centered sexual health education effort for blind
adults. It was designed by blind people for blind people.</p> <p>Lest anyone think
we approached this haphazardly, I’m going to throw out some fancy research
lingo to assuage your worries. This is for all those science nerds who appreciate
a long, over-complicated description, but it’s also for those skeptics who
aren’t sure if we ought to be venturing into research or sex education or
research on sex education.</p> <p>The SHERT project employed a community-based
participatory research (CBPR) model, which is a social-justice-oriented approach
that was adapted for public health in the late twentieth century. It’s only
about twenty-five years ago. In case you were wondering, this approach follows
nine key principles, which you can find in the peer-reviewed literature if
you’re so inclined. But suffice it to say that in this kind of research,
it’s the researched, not the researcher, that holds decision-making power
in leadership. It’s not academic experts telling blind people what we need.
It’s people with academic expertise and people with community-based expertise
working together to solve agreed-upon problems using agreed-upon methods.</p>
<p>We also used a critical disability theory (CDT) lens. CDT scrutinizes the
systems within which disabled people live, as opposed to scrutinizing the disabilities
or the people themselves. Here’s how I like to think of CDT: instead of
the traditional breakup line of, “It’s not you, it’s me,”
CDT says to ableist systems and the people that perpetuate them, “Actually,
it is you who are the problem.” And that’s a view that I would
venture to guess resonates with many of us here today. So, with the CBPR approach
and CDT lens in mind, we developed a sexual health education intervention, which
is just what public health folks call a program, for blind adults, because we know
from previous research from Drs. Wild, Kapperman, Kelly, and others that blind
adults did not get adequate sexual health education in high school.</p> <p>And
because we do obviously have standards, we use the National Sex Education Standards
(NSES) as the basis for what content to include in the intervention. The NSES
details all the skills and knowledge that one should have after leaving high
school, so it was a logical place to start when trying to fill those gaps. SHERT
also combined thirteen constructs from three conceptual frameworks during
intervention, design, implementation, and evaluation. Conceptual frameworks are
just roadmaps for researchers, and they tell us what elements to think about and
how those elements relate. During the research process, we chose the reach,
effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance, or REAIM framework, and
its companion, the practical robust implementation sustainability model, or PRISM,
because these are widely used, robust evidence-based frameworks in the field of
public health.</p> <p>They’ve been tested, retested, critiqued, and critiqued
some more. So, in short, these frameworks work. While REAIM and PRISM contemplate
every aspect of the intervention design process, including the target audience,
they lack the detailed consideration of the specific and unique attributes of each
target audience, like blind people. And that’s where our third framework,
the five principles for disrupting compulsory sightedness comes in. This framework
was developed by blind scholar Natalie Shaheen and it maps [applause], yep, it
maps in hierarchical order the necessary infrastructure for a given educational
endeavor to cultivate success for blind learners. Now, these things might seem
obvious to us, like embracing nonvisual techniques, creating an empowering
environment, ensuring that all equipment and materials are accessible, but
they’re sadly novel concepts to some of those experts in the vision field.
The combination of interdisciplinary frameworks addresses a key problem with much
of the programming, sexual health or otherwise, developed for blind people. In my
experience, well-meaning content-specific experts like sex educators want to be
inclusive, but they develop programs that do not meet the needs of blind
individuals.</p> <p>Conversely, professionals in the blindness field want to
address identified knowledge and information gaps, but they lack the content-specific
expertise—like credentialing and sexual health education—to do that
effectively. It’s the combination of blindness-specific and content-specific
expertise that’s critical here. And though it took us three frameworks and
thirteen constructs from them, we achieved that goal with SHERT.</p> <p>So, at
this point, I’ve introduced to you lots of acronyms; SHERT, CBPR, CDT,
NSES, REAIM, PRISM, framework, five principles, we’ve got a whole alphabet
soup. Since we all know that the quality of your work directly correlates to the
number of fancy acronyms you have, I posit that I have thus adequately convinced
you of the validity of this endeavor. Sarcasm aside, the fact that our work is
grounded in science is profoundly important, but it’s also a bit of a drag
if research isn’t your thing. So let me turn now to some of the things we
learned from our years long meticulous effort to bring the SHERT project to
fruition. I’ll spare you the research specifics this time and just say that
we learned these things because we asked blind people, both the fourteen facilitators
that helped run the event and the 178 participants that attended it, what they
thought. So, this information comes from us. It doesn’t come from somebody
else who thought they might know what blind people need.</p> <p>It’s clear
from our data that there’s a resounding need for continued sexual health
education work in our community. Both participants and facilitators emphasized
that they were excited and relieved that our organization was engaging in this
critical work. Here’s what two participants said. One said, “The
positive blindness philosophy and complete openness of the facilitators was amazing.
Every table I visited was patient, kind, and happy to answer questions. The fact
that this was happening at all changed my life, and I cannot name just one thing
that was great about this particular activity. I’ve been saying for a long
time that we needed a way to learn about sexual and relationship health that would
be inclusive to blind people, and this was it.”</p> <p>Our data also
highlights that for sensitive information like sexual health, it is imperative
that blind people have autonomy over what and how they learn. So rather than
creating a seminar where folks would be exposed to prescribed content, we developed
a self-directed open house where participants could decide what and how they
learned. Some folks were just interested in anatomy. Others were there for the
contraception. Many were interested in gender and identity, but most folks wanted
to visit every table to learn all that they could. It sounds so simple to let
people choose what and how they learn, but for many attendees, this was the very
first time—these are adult attendees, and this was the very first time that
they could one, choose what topics they wanted to know about; two, have time to
explore those topics without fifty-seven people asking if they needed help; three,
have access to somebody who knew non-visual techniques and could answer their
questions; four, decide that they didn’t want to talk to that person who
was there to answer questions because they wanted to explore on their own; and
five, have everything—not just one thing or two things, but
everything—available in accessible, high quality formats.</p> <p>Here’s
what this meant for just one participant. It’s a story that was shared by
one of our facilitators: “I had an asexual, aromantic person come to my
table and she was in tears, and she said, ‘I never thought I’d be
welcome at an event like this.’ And then she said, ‘I can just leave
the tables where I’m uncomfortable, and I never thought I’d be able
to do that.’” This person was asexual, meaning they don’t
experience sexual attraction to anyone at all. They’re also aromantic,
which means they don’t have romantic feelings either. Essentially, this is
perhaps the last person we might expect to attend an event about sex, but she
showed up because—well, I don’t know why she showed up, we’ll
have to do more research to know why people came to these things—but I
would hypothesize that it’s because she got all the wrong messages growing
up. But regardless, this person had a transformative experience because her autonomy
was respected, because we made space for all of us, and because we had the courage
to tackle these difficult things together [applause].</p> <p>We learned plenty of
other things about what makes sexual health education effective, what we did well,
and what we could do better. But with my remaining time today, I want to share
with you a few more glimpses of what happened at the SHERT Project. We didn’t
shy away from tough conversations, and these stories, these are our collective
reward. At the end of the evening, a blind woman, probably in her early twenties,
who didn’t know how to use a tampon, was learning how to use a tampon,
asking questions about “Why is this here, and how does it stay in?”
and having all these questions answered for her that nobody’s ever answered
before. This is incredibly important information that somebody should have shared
with this person, and it didn’t happen until this event. And we had someone
come up who wanted to be a blind parent. She had never met a blind mom before,
and she didn’t really think it was possible. She burst into tears hearing
our stories about how we were parenting positively in the community and how it
really was possible. Then she starts being all apologetic about crying, and I was
like, “No, no, it’s fine. Please keep crying.” And at that
point, that’s when I knew that this is where I’m supposed to be.
[Applause] And finally we had a family who lost a baby at thirteen weeks, and
seeing the 3D printed thirteen-week ultrasound, they connected with it so emotionally
and so hard. It was such an important moment for them to see what their baby
might’ve looked like. They finally got some closure.</p> <p>We don’t
have to continue to simply absorb the messages of others. We’re not empty
vessels just waiting to be filled with whatever they decide we should hear. We
don’t have to wait and hang on and hold tight while someone else determines
what crumbs of knowledge we are allowed to have. If we ask nicely, maybe someone
will explain how to use a condom. If we don’t make a fuss, perhaps
they’ll describe labor and delivery or lactation. Maybe we’ll get
enough to get by and maybe we won’t. But make no mistake, unless and until
blind people are at the center and at the helm of this sex education ship, we will
never experience the freedom to live the sexual, asexual, or anywhere-in-between
lives that we want. [Applause] We decide what messages, ideas, and values and
priorities flow freely within our movement. And when we do that, by extension, we
also decide what flows freely from our movement into the hearts and minds of those
vision experts and anyone else who hasn’t yet realized that when we say
blind people live the lives we want, it applies to every aspect of our existence.
Whether you are a blind, black, queer, or a kinky retired pastor from rural America,
or you’re a young, blind, deeply devout Catholic from the inner city
who’s just trying to conceive a child, you belong here. And if none of
these struggles resonate inside you because you did get adequate sexual health
education or because you did figure it out all on your own, pick up a brick and
help us build something, because you especially belong here. Maybe you don’t
need blind-led, blind-centered sex education or research, but I assure you that
blind-led, blind-centered research needs you. It’s not about your personal
views on sex. It’s about our collective right to have equal, if not superior,
access to all educational opportunities, including sexual health. We didn’t
stay silent when they wanted to do away with Braille. We didn’t sit still
when they said that STEM careers just aren’t for you. We’re moving
to make sure that teachers have the tools and philosophy they need to nurture our
next round of blind leaders. Wherever there’s educational injustice, wherever
blind people are getting the short end of the stick, and whenever they tell us
that you are not eligible for all that life has to offer, we’ll be there.
We’ll step into weird, awkward, uncomfortable spaces together. We’ll
do the work to generate the data that will tell us how to make it better, and
we’ll use that data, along with courage and commitment and a solemn promise
forged from shared pain and shared resolve, that we will not let their messages
win.</p> <p>We’ll do research on Braille and science and sex and whatever
comes next. We’ll craft our own messages to share with others. And most
importantly, those messages, our messages, are the ones we’ll amplify back
to ourselves. Thank you.</p> <p>----------</p> <h2 id="the-2026-dr.-jacob-bolotin-awards">The
2026 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards</h2> <p><strong>by Everette Bacon</strong></p>
<p><strong>From the Editor: Everette Bacon is the second vice president of the
National Federation of the Blind and the affiliate president in Utah. He also
chairs the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award Committee. Here is his announcement about the
2026 Bolotin Awards program:</strong></p> <p>The National Federation of the Blind
is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the Dr. Jacob
Bolotin Awards. These prestigious awards, granted each year as funds permit, seek
to honor initiatives, innovations, and individuals that are an exemplary positive
force in the lives of blind people and advance the ultimate goal of helping them
to live the lives they want. Award winners will be publicly recognized during the
2026 Convention of the National Federation of the Blind in Austin, Texas. Each
recipient will receive a cash award determined by the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award
Committee and will also be honored with an engraved medallion and plaque.</p>
<p>Dr. Jacob W. Bolotin (1888-1924) was a pioneering blind physician, the first
blind-from-birth person in history who achieved that goal despite the
tremendous challenges faced by blind people in his time. Not only did he realize
his own dream; he went on to support and inspire many others in making their own
dreams a reality. The awards which bear his name are supported in part by the
Alfred and Rosalind Perlman Trust, left as a bequest by Dr. Bolotin’s late
nephew and niece-in-law to the Santa Barbara Foundation and the National Federation
of the Blind to present the annual cash awards.</p> <p>As chronicled in his
biography, <em>The Blind Doctor</em> by Rosalind Perlman, Dr. Bolotin
fought ignorance and prejudice to gain entrance to medical school and the medical
profession. He became one of the most respected physicians in Chicago during his
career, which spanned the period from 1912 until his death in 1924. He was
particularly known for his expertise in diseases of the heart and lungs. During
his successful career, Dr. Bolotin used his many public speaking engagements to
advocate for employment of the blind and the full integration of the blind into
society. Interested in young people in general and blind youth in particular, Dr.
Bolotin established the first Boy Scout troop consisting entirely of blind boys
and served as its leader.</p> <p>Jacob Bolotin’s wife Helen had a sister
whose husband died suddenly, leaving her to raise a son, Alfred Perlman. The
Perlmans moved in with the Bolotins when Alfred was eleven, and for four years
(until Jacob Bolotin’s untimely death at age thirty-six), “Uncle
Jake” became Alfred’s surrogate father. Alfred later married Rosalind,
and the couple worked on a book about Dr. Bolotin’s life. After Alfred’s
death in 2001, Rosalind dedicated the rest of her life to completing and publishing
the book, <em>The Blind Doctor: The Jacob Bolotin Story,</em> published
by Blue Point Books. The book is available in digital audio format from the National
Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) program.</p> <p>Past award
winners have included entrepreneurs, volunteers, filmmakers, authors, mathematicians,
technology developers, artists, teachers, nonprofit organizations, programs,
partnerships, and more. These people, organizations, and projects have:</p> <ol
style="list-style-type: decimal"> <li><p>Broken down barriers facing blind people
in innovative ways.</p></li> <li><p>Changed negative perceptions of blindness and
blind people.</p></li> <li><p>Pushed past existing boundaries to inspire blind
people to achieve new heights.</p></li> </ol> <h3 id="award-description">Award
Description</h3> <p>In 2026, the National Federation of the Blind will again
recognize individuals and organizations that have distinguished themselves in
accordance with the criteria established to receive a Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award.
The committee will determine both the number of awards and the value of each cash
award presented. The Federation determines the total amount to be distributed each
year based on income received from the trust supporting the award program. The
award categories for each year are blind individuals; sighted individuals; and
organizations, corporations, or other entities. Individuals may apply on their
own behalf or may submit a third-party nomination, or the committee may also
consider other individual or organizational candidates.</p> <h3 id="who-should-apply">Who
Should Apply?</h3> <p><strong>Individuals:</strong> Only individuals over
eighteen years of age may be considered for a Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award. Applicants
must demonstrate that they have shown substantial initiative and leadership in
improving the lives of the blind. Examples of such initiative include but are not
limited to developing products, technologies, or techniques that increase the
independence of the blind; directing quality programs or agencies for the blind;
or mentoring other blind people. All individual applicants or third-party applicants
nominating other individuals must demonstrate that the work to be recognized has
been conducted within the twelve months preceding the application and/or that the
work is continuing. Applications by or on behalf of individuals must include at
least one letter of recommendation from a person familiar with or directly affected
by the work to be recognized.</p> <p><strong>Organizations:</strong> Organizations
may apply for a Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award in order to further programs, services,
technology, or techniques of unique and outstanding merit that have assisted and
will continue to assist the blind. Applications from third parties nominating an
organization will also be considered. The organization category includes for-profit
or nonprofit corporations or organizations or other entities, such as a specific
division within an organization. Organizations or third-party applicants must
demonstrate that the programs or services to be recognized include substantial
participation by blind people as developers, mentors, administrators, or executives
and not merely as clients, consumers, or beneficiaries. For example, an organization
operating a program for blind youth might demonstrate that a substantial number
of the counselors, teachers, or mentors involved in the program are blind. The
organization or third-party applicant must demonstrate that it has substantially
aided blind people within the twelve months prior to application and that an award
would support efforts to build on previous successes. The application must also
include at least one testimonial from a blind person who has benefited substantially
from the programs or services.</p> <p>To qualify for an award, both individuals
and organizations must provide programs, services, or benefits to blind people in
the United States of America.</p> <h3 id="procedures">Procedures</h3> <p>More
information, including an online application, can be found on the National Federation
of the Blind website at <a
href="https://nfb.org/bolotin"><u>https://nfb.org/bolotin</u></a>.</p> <p>Online
submission of nominations, letters of support, and other relevant materials is
strongly encouraged, but applications sent by mail and postmarked by the deadline
will also be accepted. The 2026 deadline for application submission is April 15,
and recipients chosen by the committee will be individually notified of their
selection no later than May 15. Receipt of all complete applications will be
acknowledged, but only those applicants chosen to receive an award will be notified
of their selection. All decisions of the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award Committee are
final.</p> <p>The awards will be presented in July during the annual convention
of the National Federation of the Blind. Individuals selected to receive an award
must appear in person, not send a representative. Organizations may send an
individual representative, preferably their chief executive officer. Recipient
candidates must confirm that they will appear in person to accept the award at
the National Federation of the Blind Convention. Failure to confirm attendance
for the award presentation by June 1 will result in forfeiture of the award.</p>
<h3 id="ineligible-persons">Ineligible Persons</h3> <p>Those employed full-time
by the National Federation of the Blind may not apply for a Dr. Jacob Bolotin
Award for work performed within the scope of their employment. Students may not
apply for both a Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award and a National Federation of the Blind
Scholarship in the same year.</p> <p>----------</p> <p>[PHOTO CAPTION: Anil
Lewis]</p> <h2 id="a-10000-investment">A $10,000 Investment</h2> <p><strong>by
Anil Lewis</strong></p> <p>As a blind college student, I had to think constantly
about how to position myself for success—how to fund my education, expand
my network, and build a future grounded in opportunity rather than limitation.
When I reflect on pivotal moments in my own journey, one experience stands out
above all others: being awarded the Dr. Kenneth Jernigan Memorial Scholarship in
the amount of $10,000 in 2002. That scholarship was far more than a financial
award; it was an investment. It was an investment in my education, in my confidence,
and in my belief that I could build the life I envisioned.</p> <p>This same
investment has been made in hundreds of blind students over the years, and every
year the National Federation of the Blind selects thirty more outstanding blind
scholars to join this legacy. If you are a blind student pursuing postsecondary
education, I strongly encourage you to apply. This is an opportunity that can
change the direction of your academic and professional career, just as it did
mine.</p> <p>One of the things I appreciated most when I first applied was that
<em>membership in the National Federation of the Blind is not required</em>. Many
students who apply do not initially know much about the organization. What matters
is a recognition of the capacity of blind people and a commitment to living that
belief. Scholarship winners are expected to embrace the understanding that blind
people can compete on terms of equality with our sighted peers and contribute
meaningfully to society. If you embody that belief—or are ready to grow
into it—you belong in this applicant pool.</p> <p>Our scholarships are
merit-based and highly competitive. Each year, hundreds of students apply, and
thirty are selected as finalists. While that may seem daunting, do not let the
competitive nature discourage you. There is substantial value in the application
process itself. By applying, you will engage with leaders and members of your
state affiliate who have the potential to become mentors, allies, and sources of
support throughout your college career. Some applicants apply multiple times before
becoming finalists; persistence is recognized and rewarded. Additionally, many
state affiliates of the National Federation of the Blind offer their own scholarships,
which may provide you with additional opportunities to further your academic
goals.</p> <p>And now, more than ever, the opportunity is worth pursuing. College
is expensive, and the Federation is committed to helping blind students meet that
challenge. For years, the top national scholarship was $10,000, with others ranging
from $3,000 to $8,000. Recently, our National Board of Directors voted to
raise <em>all</em> thirty scholarships to $10,000 beginning in 2026.
That means every finalist receives the same significant financial award, along
with additional support and gifts.</p> <p>Yet the money is only part of what makes
this program so transformative. The scholarship committee—comprised of
thirty successful blind adults—does more than select winners. They mentor
finalists throughout the national convention, a required and unforgettable part
of the experience. These mentors introduce you to leading members of the Federation
and connect you with blind professionals across nearly every discipline imaginable.
Many of those relationships continue long after the convention ends.</p> <p>The
convention itself is a powerful environment for a blind student. You will engage
with your cohort, exchange perspectives and strategies, and meet hundreds of blind
people thriving in careers you may never have realized were accessible. It is the
kind of immersion that resets expectations and expands your sense of what is
possible. Through discussions with these successful blind mentors, scholarship
winners have an unequaled opportunity to get to know our organization’s
leaders. Furthermore, by asking questions and discussing their own ideas and
opinions, they also have the chance to make all our Federation experiences richer.
They share their own diverse experiences and perspectives during the National
Federation of the Blind Board of Directors meeting and at student division
events.</p> <p>Past NFB scholarship recipients represent a broad range of academic
fields, backgrounds, ages, and experiences. What they share is strong academic
performance, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to their
communities. Does this sound like you? You could be one of our 2026 scholarship
finalists.</p> <p>To be eligible for an NFB scholarship, you must:</p> <ul>
<li><p>Be legally blind in both eyes and able to provide proof of legal
blindness.</p></li> <li><p>Reside in the United States, the District of Columbia,
or Puerto Rico.</p></li> <li><p>Be 18 years of age by July 3, 2026.</p></li>
<li><p>Be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time postsecondary degree program
in the fall of 2026; up to five part-time students may also be selected.</p></li>
<li><p>Attend the full 2026 National Convention in Austin, Texas, from July
3–8; assistance will be provided to all finalists.</p></li> </ul> <p>Take
the next step and apply! Visit <a
href="http://www.nfb.org/scholarships">www.nfb.org/scholarships</a>, read the
eligibility FAQs and submission checklist, complete the 2026 application, gather
your documents, and schedule your interview with your NFB affiliate president.
You can save your progress and return to the application as needed prior to the
March 31, 2026 deadline. Just be sure to hit the submit button when your application
is complete!</p> <p>As someone who has been through this process, my advice is
simple:</p> <ul> <li><p>Provide every required document—missing information
can cost you consideration.</p></li> <li><p>Choose references who understand and
respect your abilities, and can represent them with genuine positivity.</p></li>
<li><p>Most of all, focus on your essay. The essay is your opportunity to let our
scholarship committee members get to know you. You should describe your life, how
you live it, and how you’d like to live it.</p></li> </ul> <p>When I stood
before the Board of Directors as a 2002 scholarship finalist, I said, “This
is very humbling. I want to take this opportunity to express to all of you that
I consider this scholarship an investment as well as an award.” I explained
that I would use my graduate degree to help build opportunities for blind people,
fight for equality, and ensure economic security for others. I meant every word.</p>
<p>That scholarship helped me complete my Master of Public Administration. I later
realized that the nonprofit center I envisioned building already existed. It was
the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, where I now serve as
Executive Director of Blindness Initiatives. I continue this work because of the
investment the Federation made in me. Thousands of blind people have benefited
from that investment, and thousands more will.</p> <p>Apply for an NFB national
scholarship today. I look forward to the return on the investment we will make in
you.</p> <p>Information, applications, and resources are available at <a
href="http://www.nfb.org/scholarships">www.nfb.org/scholarships</a>, including
links to information about previous winners, student tools, and additional guidance.
This is your moment—take it.</p> <p>----------</p> <p>[PHOTO CAPTION: Carla
McQuillan]</p> <h2 id="the-2026-distinguished-educator-of-blind-students-award">The
2026 Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award</h2> <p><strong>by Carla
McQuillan<br /> </strong></p> <p><strong>From the Editor: Carla McQuillan served
as president of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon for twenty-six
years and as a member of the National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors
for sixteen years. She is the chairperson of the Distinguished Educator of Blind
Students Award Committee, and she has written this announcement seeking applications
for the 2026 award:</strong></p> <p>The National Federation of the Blind will
recognize an outstanding teacher of blind students at our 2026 National Convention,
taking place in Austin, Texas, from July 3 through July 8, 2026. The winner of
this award will receive the following:</p> <ul> <li><p>An expense-paid trip to
attend the convention;</p></li> <li><p>a check for $1,000;</p></li> <li><p>a
commemorative plaque;</p></li> <li><p>a place on the agenda of the annual meeting
of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children to make a presentation
regarding the education of blind children;</p></li> <li><p>and the opportunity to
attend seminars and workshops that address the current state of education of blind
students, as well as a chance to meet and network with hundreds of blind individuals,
teachers, parents, and other professionals in the field.</p></li> </ul> <p>The
education of blind children is one of the National Federation of the Blind’s
highest priorities. We are committed to offering and supporting programs that
enhance educational opportunities for this group. Please help us recognize dedicated
and innovative teachers who provide quality education and meaningful experiences
and opportunities for their blind students.</p> <h3 id="award-faq">Award FAQ</h3>
<p>Q: Who is eligible for this award?<br /> A: Anyone who is currently a teacher,
counselor, or the administrator of programs for blind students.</p> <p>Q: Does an
applicant have to be a member of the National Federation of the Blind?<br /> A:
No, but attending the 2026 Convention of the National Federation of the Blind in
Austin, Texas, is required.</p> <p>Q: Can I nominate someone else for this award?<br
/> A: Yes. Applicants can be nominated by colleagues, parents, supervisors, or
friends who have first-hand knowledge of the individual’s work with blind
students.</p> <p>Q: How would I apply?<br /> A: You can fill out the application
at the end of this article or find it on our website at <a
href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award/application">https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award/application</a></p>
<p>Q: What is the deadline to submit an application or make a nomination?<br />
A: All applications must be received no later than May 1, 2026.</p> <p>Please
complete the application and attach the required documents specified in the
application. If you are submitting a nomination for someone other than yourself,
please answer the questions to the best of your ability. Your experience and
observations of the nominee will assist the selection committee in their decision.
Direct questions to Carla McQuillan at 541-915-0896, or by email at <a
href="mailto:carla@mainstreetmontessori.org">carla@mainstreetmontessori.org</a>.</p>
<h3
id="national-federation-of-the-blind-distinguished-educator-of-blind-students-award-2026-application">National
Federation of the Blind<br /> Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award<br
/> 2026 Application</h3> <p>Deadline: May 1, 2026</p> <p>Name:
_______________________________________________________<br /> Home Address:
_________________________________________________<br /> City, State, Zip:
_________________________________________________<br /> Phone: (H) ____________________
(W) ____________________________<br /> Email:
______________________________________________________<br /> School/Program:
______________________________________________________<br /> Address:
_____________________________________________________<br /> City, State, Zip:
_________________________________________________</p> <p>Please list any awards
or commendations the applicant has received.</p> <p>How long and in what programs
have you worked with blind children?</p> <p>In what setting do you currently
work?</p> <p>Briefly describe your current job and teaching responsibilities.</p>
<p>How would you describe your philosophy of blindness as it relates to the
education of blind students?</p> <p>What are your thoughts on teaching Braille
and cane travel? When and at what age would you begin? How do you determine whether
to teach print or Braille?</p> <p>What was your most memorable experience working
with blind students?</p> <p>Why should you be selected to receive this award?</p>
<p>Email is strongly encouraged for transmitting nominations; letters of support
and other relevant materials should be included as attachments. Applications sent
by mail and postmarked by the deadline will also be accepted. Send all material
by May 1, 2026, to:</p> <p>Carla McQuillan, Chairperson<br /> Teacher Award
Committee<br /> 2378 11th Street<br /> Florence, OR 97439<br /> Phone: 541-915-0896<br
/> Email: <a href="mailto:carla@mainstreetmontessori.org">carla@mainstreetmontessori.org</a></p>
<p>----------</p> <p>[PHOTO CAPTION: Robin House]</p> <h2
id="the-2026-blind-educator-of-the-year-award">The 2026 Blind Educator of the Year
Award</h2> <p><strong>by Robin House</strong></p> <p><strong>From the Editor:
Robin House has many initials after her name for her educational credentials: MEd,
LPC, RPT. In other words, she holds a Master of Education, is a Licensed Professional
Counselor, and a Registered Play Therapist. Selected as our Blind Educator
of the Year in 2018, Robin now chairs the NFB’s 2026 Blind Educator of the
Year Award Selection Committee. Here is her annual announcement soliciting
nominations for this award:</strong></p> <p>Many years ago, the Blind Educator of
the Year Award was established by the National Organization of Blind Educators
(the educators’ division of the National Federation of the Blind) to pay
tribute to a blind teacher whose exceptional classroom performance, notable
community service, and uncommon commitment to the NFB merit national recognition.
Beginning with the 1991 presentation, this award became an honor bestowed by our
entire movement. This change reflects our recognition of the importance of good
teaching and the effect an outstanding blind teacher has on students, faculty,
community, and all blind Americans.</p> <p>This award is presented in the spirit
of the outstanding educators who founded and have continued to nurture the National
Federation of the Blind and who, by example, have imparted knowledge of our
strengths to us and raised our expectations. We have learned from Dr. Jacobus
tenBroek, Dr. Kenneth Jernigan, Dr. Marc Maurer, and our current President, Mark
Riccobono, that a teacher not only provides a student with information but also
provides guidance, advocacy, and love. The recipient of the Blind Educator of the
Year Award must exhibit all these traits and must advance the cause of blind people
in the spirit and philosophy of the National Federation of the Blind.</p> <p>The
Blind Educator of the Year Award is presented at the annual convention of the
National Federation of the Blind. Honorees must be present to receive an appropriately
inscribed plaque and a check for $1,000.</p> <p>Nominations should be sent to Ms.
Robin House by email to <a
href="mailto:robin@mindsrealm.net"><u>robin@mindsrealm.net</u></a> or by mail
to Stix ECC, 647 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110. Letters of nomination must
be accompanied by a copy of the nominee’s current résumé and
supporting documentation of community and Federation activity. All nomination
materials must be in the hands of the committee chairperson by May 1, 2026, to be
considered for this year’s award. For further information, contact Robin
House at 314-265-6852, or <a
href="mailto:robin@mindsrealm.net"><u>robin@mindsrealm.net</u></a>.</p>
<p>----------</p> <h2 id="monitor-miniatures"><em>Monitor</em> Miniatures</h2>
<h3 id="in-brief">In Brief</h3> <p><strong>Notices and information in this section
may be of interest to Monitor readers. We are not responsible for the accuracy of
the information; we have edited only for space and clarity.</strong></p> <h3
id="touch-of-genius-prize-for-innovation-deadline-extended">Touch of Genius Prize
for Innovation Deadline Extended</h3> <p>National Braille Press is STILL accepting
applications for the 2026 Louis Braille Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation. The
award, which can be worth up to $10,000, recognizes creative products that advance
tactile literacy for blind people and promote Braille or access to information.
Eligible projects include professional or educational software, apps that foster
Braille or tactile learning, and Braille- or tactile-related hardware.<br /> <br
/> The application deadline has been extended until <strong>March 6, 2026.</strong>
Details and application materials are available at <a
href="http://www.touchofgeniusprize.org">www.touchofgeniusprize.org</a> or by
email at <a href="mailto:geniusprize@nbp.org">geniusprize@nbp.org</a>.</p>
<p>----------</p> <h2 id="nfb-pledge">NFB Pledge</h2> <p>I pledge to participate
actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality,
opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of
the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.</p> </body> </html>