Nation's Blind Podcast

If you haven't already submitted a policy proposal for consideration at the national convention in the form of a resolution, or are just curious about the process, then this episode will tell you everything you need to know. President Riccobono talks with Resolutions Committee Chair, Donald Porterfield, who also serves as president of the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona and on our national Board of Directors, about how to submit a resolution, what happens once it's submitted, and the importance of resolutions to the activity of our movement.

In honor of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we have invited Jonathan Mosen, our executive director for accessibility excellence and Brittany Savage, an instructor at our Colorado Center for the Blind. They discuss the latest technology, efficient ways to use technology, and emphasize the importance of being tech-savvy with low tech skills.

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Pam Allen, executive director of the Louisiana Center for the Blind, and Jordyn Castor. They provide advice on how blind people can travel with confidence to the National Convention, conferences, vacation, and more. They are also joined by Carlin Thomas who provides audio descriptions for vacations, live performances and events. 

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa and Chris are joined by President Riccobono. They discuss our stance on recent proposals to restructure or eliminate government agencies and programs that serve the blind community, such as the Department of Education, Social Security Administration, and Institute of Museum and Library Services. They emphasize our commitment to being partisan for blind people and advocating for policies that directly benefit the blind. They also address concerns that our members and followers have about the organized blind movement. 

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by legislative directors Denise Avant, and Liz Wisecarver. They discuss the Blind Americans Return to Work Act, ways that blind people can advocate for ourselves, and highlights from the 2025 Washington Seminar.

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Jim Marks, a hunting instructor, and president of the NFB of Montana. They respond to a segment that The Breakfast Club did on a viral news story of a blind man from Indiana who experimented to see if he would be able to acquire a gun license, and to his surprise, he was able to but felt that he shouldn't have been. Anil and Melissa also discuss a trending video from Audible that sparked a debate on social media about listening speeds.

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by Cameron Loehr, a blind Chef and instructor at the Louisiana Center for the Blind. They're also joined by Elizabeth Rouse, a former student of the Louisiana Center, and Delfina Rodriguez, an instructor at the Colorado Center for the Blind. They discuss how they became successful in cooking and preparing meals for over forty people.

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by NFB scholarship winners, Joshua Olukanni, and Trisha Kulkarni. They are also joined by Jenn Han, a registered nurse. They discuss their experiences, and advocacy efforts and share how they achieve the careers they want as blind students.

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Lisamaria Martinez and Stacie Leap. They discuss alternative techniques, tips, and advice for blind parents.

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Lia Stone, a co-chairperson of our employment committee, Shawn Callaway, an employer liaison, and Janice Forbes, a jobseeker liaison. They discuss what needs to be done to increase employment for the blind, as well as resources that we offer to remove barriers and strengthen opportunities for blind jobseekers.

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by Carla McQuillan, executive director of Main Street Montessori. They're also joined by Sean Seward, our independence market manager, and Grace Pires, board member and president of the NFB of Rhode Island. They discuss whether they describe themselves as blind, low vision, or visually impaired and why it matters.

In today's episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil Lewis and Melissa Riccobono are joined by colleagues, Danielle McCann, our membership coordinator, and Nikki Jackson, our employment programs coordinator. They discuss how blind people are portrayed in the media and in pop culture, and what should change to ensure that the portrayals are accurate and positive representations.

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil Lewis and Chris Danielsen are joined by Jonathan Mosen, former producer and host of the Bolotin award-winning Living Blindfully podcast and our incoming executive director for Accessibility Excellence. They discuss Access On, our new podcast that focuses on the role that technology plays in living the life we want. Jonathan also provided advice and tips for new podcasters.

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by two of our new board members, Jamie Richey and Ben Dallin. They discuss how to protect our dignity as blind people and how to properly respond to individuals who may challenge our dignity. They also reflect and share their thoughts on President Riccobono's 2024 banquet speech that focuses on dignity. Important link: 2024 Banquet Speech

This episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast focuses on the right of blind Americans to cast a secret, independent ballot, and what we can do when that right is compromised. The conversation covers the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), ways blind voters can prepare for Election Day, different accessible voting options, blind people as poll workers and election officials, and more. The episode also highlights the continuing advocacy and data collection efforts of the National Federation of the Blind, including the NFB's blind voter survey and hotline.   Important links: NFB Voting Resources Page: https://nfb.org/resources/voting-resources  

  In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa Riccobono, Anil Lewis, and Danielle McCann (NFB Membership Building Coordinator) discuss the upcoming National Federation of the Blind  National Convention. They talk about the virtual convention experience, which allows individuals who are unable to attend in person to participate in hours of convention content from home. They mention that there will be exclusive virtual events, such as a walk around the exhibit hall and a discussion on employment. They emphasize the importance of the convention and the opportunities it provides for networking, learning, and advocacy.   Important Links: Convention Web page: https://nfb.org/convention

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil Lewis and Chris Danielsen are joined by Sanho Steele-Louchart, an attorney and the legal program coordinator for the National Federation of the Blind. They discuss strategies we employ to address issues faced by blind individuals in ways that make systemic change. They also describe some current cases and explain how the program can help with self-advocacy skills and resources.   Important links: Legal program web page: https://nfb.org/legal

In this special episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil Lewis is joined by members of the Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility (CENA) team to discuss the work they do in promoting accessibility. They discuss topics such as artificial intelligence, including its potential benefits and risks, as well as various technologies and devices that promote accessibility, such as the Cadence Tablet, Monarch dynamic tactile display, and Tactonom Reader. They also highlight the work they do under the Nonvisual Accessibility Initiative grant from the state of Maryland, including training modules for education professionals, customer service training for the Maryland Department of Labor, and the Accessibility Inclusion Fellows program. Additionally, they mention upcoming boutiques and trainings on topics such as accessible video gaming, advanced PDF tagging, and native low-vision accessibility features. There is also a discussion of the Nonvisual Accessibility Self-Advocacy Toolkit, which provides resources for individuals to report accessibility issues and contribute to creating more accessible experiences.   Important links: https://nfb.org/cena

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Marinela “Mari” Ortiz, an assistive technology instructor and writer. Mari shares her journey of pursuing her master's degree in assistive technology, including the challenges she faced at one university and her subsequent success at another. The discussion addresses topics including the importance of mentors and support systems in overcoming doubts and achieving goals and the value of meeting individuals where they are and helping them discover their own potential.   Important links: Not Letting the Flood of Doubt Win (HTML) Not Letting the Flood of Doubt Win(MP3) by Marinela Ortiz (Braille Monitor, February 2024) Episode transcript: https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/nations-blind-podcast/archive/not-letting-flood-doubt-win  

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil, Melissa, and Chris Danielsen discuss the upcoming Washington Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. They talk about their memories of past seminars and the importance of advocacy, as well as the issues that will be addressed during the seminar, including Social Security reform, accessible medical equipment, and website and software accessibility. They emphasize the power of personal stories in influencing legislators and encourage listeners to get involved in advocacy efforts.   Important Links: NFB Washington Seminar Page: https://nfb.org/washington-seminar  

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by Gary Wunder, editor of the Braille Monitor, and Aaron Cannon, a blind accessibility specialist for Ancestry.com. They discuss the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in various aspects of life, with feedback from listeners incorporated into the conversation. The discussion touches on AI tools such as Be My AI and ChatGPT, their benefits and limitations, and the broader implications of AI for the blind community and for society. Your thoughts are welcome on social media and at podcast@nfb.org or by calling 410-659-9314, extension 2444.   Important links: National Federation of the Blind Resolution 2023-13 Regarding Artificial Intelligence Chatbots and their Information on Blindness: https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/resolutions/2023-resolutions#13 Large language model (Wikipedia entry): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Large_language_model  “There Will Come Soft Rains,” short story by Ray Bradbury about an automated house (Wikipedia entry with plot summary): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There_Will_Come_Soft_Rains_(short_story)  

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa Riccobono and Anil Lewis discuss various shopping strategies that blind people use, both in stores and virtually, and some of the pros and cons of each method. Shopping methods discussed include using apps like Instacart, Shipt, and more, as well as acquiring assistance from Aira and Be My Eyes. Join the discussion by sharing your own strategies and tips for possible airing on a future episode!

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil Lewis and Chris Danielsen introduce the 2023/2024 Braille Readers Are Leaders contest, which is a project of the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults, a longtime partner of the National Federation of the Blind. Lisamaria Martinez, the project manager for the program, joins them to provide more details. They encourage listeners to sign up, practice their Braille skills at whatever level for a chance to win exciting prizes, and explore the benefits  of Braille literacy.   Important links: Register for the contest: https://actionfund.beanstack.com Learn more: https://actionfund.org  

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa Riccobono and Chris Danielsen discuss Veterans Day and the role of veterans in the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). They are joined by Dr. Vernon Humphrey, the president of the National Association of Blind Veterans (NABV), a division of the National Federation of the Blind; and José Centeno, a blind veteran, marathon runner, and member of the NABV. They discuss the work of the NABV in supporting blind veterans and advocating for their rights and benefits. They also talk about the importance of raising awareness about blindness and the resources available to blind veterans. The podcast highlights the contributions of blind veterans and the ways in which they have paved the way for advancements in rehabilitation. The guests share personal stories and experiences, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and support within the blind veteran community. They also discuss the need for continued advocacy and outreach to blind veterans, as well as the potential for more collaboration between the National Federation of the Blind and other veterans' agencies and organizations. CW: Mental health issues and suicide are mentioned in this episode. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.   Important links: National association of Blind Veterans website: https://nabv.org News item about José Centeno's marathon run: https://www.wdtn.com/news/local-news/blind-veteran-to-run-in-xenia-marathon-alongside-optometrist/

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, hosts Melissa Riccobono and Anil Lewis discuss Blind Equality Achievement Month with two chapter and affiliate leaders, Cindy Scott-Huisman of Little Rock, Arkansas and Stacie Gallegos of Houston, Texas. They talk about the importance of educating the public about blindness and blind people and share the various activities and events they have been involved in to promote and celebrate blind equality. They also discuss the challenges of representing the blind community and the importance of individuality and choice in how we as blind individuals navigate the world and engage in public education. Note: The episode was recorded October 19, 2023, so days and dates referenced are relative to the recording date.   Important links: Blind Equality Achievement Month web page: https://nfb.org/blind-month Transcript of this episode: https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/nations-blind-podcast/archive/blindmonth-2023-transcript

The Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility (CENA) is a concentrated center of expertise, best practices, and resources that enables businesses, government, and educational institutions to provide accessible information and services more effectively to the blind community. In this episode, originally recorded around Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Anil Lewis reviews CENA's work in education, employment, technology evaluation, navigation, accessible COVID testing,  and more with Karl Belanger and Kennedy Zimnik of the CENA team. Many CENA projects are funded through the state of Maryland's Nonvisual Access Initiative grants administered by the Maryland Department of Disabilities.   Important Links: Center for Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility: https://nfb.org/cena Learn more about and register for CENA events, trainings, and boutiques: https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events Accessibility Inclusion Fellowship Program: https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/accessibility-inclusion-fellowship-program Higher Education Accessibility Online Resource Center: https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/higher-education-accessibility-online-resource Join the BUILD Team: https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/blind-users-innovating-and-leading-design

In this episode, Melissa and Chris Danielsen preview the virtual convention experience, a free, dedicated online space for people who are unable to attend the national convention but want to get a flavor of what's happening. They detail the components of this experience, from exclusive content for virtual attendees to the live convention meetings and sessions that will be streamed online.   Important links: Register for the Virtual Convention Experience Give 20 Convention drawing

If you haven't already submitted a policy proposal for consideration at the national convention in the form of a resolution, or are just curious about the process, then this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast will tell you everything you need to know. President Riccobono talks with new Resolutions Committee Chair, Donald Porterfield, who also serves as president of the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona and on our national Board of Directors, about how to submit a resolution, what happens once it's submitted, and the importance of resolutions to the activity of our movement. Plus, Melissa has an important breaking news announcement, so be sure to listen all the way to the end!   Important links: NFB Resolutions page: https://nfb.org/resolutions Resolution Reminders by Donald Porterfield (Braille Monitor, May 2023)

The wealthy and influential YouTube celebrity MrBeast recently caused a stir in our community by posting a video in which he “cured” the blindness of a thousand people by funding cataract removal. In this episode, Anil Lewis and Chris Danielsen discuss why well-intentioned public efforts like this can be problematic. They also talk about what it means to be “okay with blindness” and about the importance of understanding and respecting individual choices regarding whether to seek or accept medical intervention to improve or restore eyesight.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, United states Treasury Department, is close to producing paper currency with tactile features to make it more easily identifiable by the blind beginning with a new ten-dollar bill in 2026. Anil Lewis and Chris Danielsen discuss how blind people currently use paper money and the long journey to this announcement. But first, they do some myth-busting about the historical position of the National Federation of the Blind on changing our country's paper money.   Important links: 2008 Resolutions, containing Resolution 2008-08 regarding the blind and American paper currency

Is there such a thing as a model Federationist or blind person? Is Federation philosophy a rigid set of rules? How do we provide support and raise expectations without judging each other's choices? Anil and melissa discuss these questions, dispel some common misconceptions, and point to some resources to help understand and apply the NFB philosophy.   Important links: NFB Philosophy: What It Is and What It Is Not (Braille Monitor article by President Riccobono and others) The nature of Independence (speech by Dr. Kenneth Jernigan given at the 1993 National Convention)

This episode highlights recent developments in a case supported by the National Federation of the Blind, Orozco v. Garland, addressing the right of federal employees to sue their agencies under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act when information and communication technology are inaccessible to them in violation of that law. Roving reporter Chris Danielsen interviewed Ronza Othman, an attorney and president of the National Association of Blind Government Employees, right after oral arguments in the case to understand its implications. Anil and Melissa play that interview, discuss what has happened since the case was argued, and talk about what it hopefully means for the future.   Important links: Voice of the Nation's Blind blog post about the case News brief about the court ruling U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) report on section 508 compliance Response of Senator Bob Casey to the DOJ report Transcript of this episode  

  In January 2023, Anil and Melissa spoke with Dr. Craig Meador, President of the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). They discussed the monarch, the new dynamic tactile display that has emerged from a partnership among APH, Humanware, and the National Federation of the Blind. With ten lines that can display both braille and tactile graphics, this device is a potential game-changer, especially for blind students. Hear about its potential and the ways in which a partnership with the organized blind movement made it possible.

In celebration of Black History Month, this episode highlights the National Organization of Blind Black Leaders, a division of the National Federation of the Blind. Melissa and Anil talk with Shawn Callaway, the division's president, who is also president of the Washington, DC affiliate and a member of the national board of directors. Shawn explains the inspiration for forming the division, its mentoring and educational efforts, and how it functions as an integral part of the National Federation of the blind. The division welcomes all, and you can become a part of it by reaching out to Shawn at callaway.shawn@gmail.com.   Important links: Transcript of this episode Reflection, Revolution, and Race: A Growing Understanding Within the Organized Blind Movement, 2021 banquet address by President Mark Riccobono (transcript): Strength through a Diverse Organized Blind Movement: The Intersection Of Characteristics And The Common Bond Of Raising Expectations; Moderator: Colin Wong, Co-Chair, National Federation of the Blind Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, a panel from 2021 National Convention (transcript) Not Blind to Color in the Federation: A Panel on the Experience of Black and Blind in America, a panel from 2021 National Convention (transcript)

In this episode, Melissa chats with Beth Foor from Kellogg Company, makers of some of your favorite cereals and snacks. Beth shares her story with blindness and discusses NaviLens, a technology to assist blind and low-vision adults. Kellogg is proud to be the first food company to feature this technology on packaging in the U.S on select cereal boxes. The NaviLens app and the NaviLens GO app are available for free download for use on both iPhone and Android.

In this episode, Anil and Melissa talk with Karen Anderson, who coordinates educational programs at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute. She talks about the Teacher of Tomorrow program, which connects teachers of blind K-12 students with blind people so that our lived experience can inform their instruction of the children they teach. Karen shares the reaction of some of these teachers to the kick-off event of the year-long program, which was held at the end of September 2022.

This episode features an interview with NFB President Mark Riccobono about the purpose and importance of Blind Equality Achievement Month, formerly known as Meet the Blind Month. President Riccobono talks with anil and Melissa about how blind people are often forced to educate the public in situations that are not ideal, making it critical for us to plan intentional ways of conducting this education. Blind Equality Achievement Month is a dedicated time for us to create these intentional opportunities by conducting educational events or by simply interacting with the rest of the public in our own communities through volunteering, social events, and more. #BlindMonth   Important link: https://nfb.org/blindmonth  

This episode features an interview with Elisa Beniero of Netflix. The popular streaming service received one of the 2022 Dr. Jacob Bolotin awards at the national convention in New Orleans. The award was given for Netflix's industry-leading work in providing quality audio description in multiple languages for an ever-increasing number of hours of programming (over 18,000 at the time the interview was recorded and counting), as well as for its focus on authentic casting of the blind and for accessibility innovations on its app and platform. Elisa talks to Chris danielsen about Netflix's commitment in all of these areas and more.  

This episode features an interview with Caroline Karbowski, who received one of the 2022 Dr. Jacob Bolotin awards at the national convention in New Orleans. She is the founder of See3D, which provides all kinds of models created through 3D printing technology to blind people, teachers, schools, and families of blind children  who request them. Caroline describes how she became a sighted Braille user and then was led to expand her skills to the creation of these tactile models, which include Braille labels if desired as well as  written descriptions in accessible formats.   Important links: learn more about see3D and request a model: https://see3d.org Learn more about the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards: https://nfb.org/bolotin

In this episode, Anil and Melissa chat with President Riccobono, as well as Chris Danielsen and Danielle McCann, who participated in the “pre-shows” for virtual experience registrants prior to the board meeting and general sessions during the recent national convention. They give an overview of our first in-person convention in three years, discuss some of their personal favorite moments, and share information about how you can relive your own favorite moments or experience aspects of the convention for the first time.   Important Link Convention Highlights https://nfb.org/convention

In this episode, Anil and Melissa chat with John Berggren, Executive Director for Operations for the National Federation of the Blind and chairperson of convention organization and activities. He tells us about some of the features and amenities of our two hotels, including dining options and where our meeting spaces and exhibit hall will be located. They also discuss our COVID safety protocols, including how you can acquire and submit a test result prior to arriving in New Orleans and what to do if you feel ill during the convention. Finally, they preview the virtual experience for those who are unable to join us in person.   Important links: Main convention information page: https://nfb.org/convention Convention safety protocols: https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2022-national-convention-safety-protocols COVID testing protocols: https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2022-national-convention-safety-protocols/covid-testing-protocols Registration for virtual experience: https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=481 New Orleans City services: https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/new-orleans-city-service-locations  

In this special episode for Global Accessibility Awareness Day (#GAAD), Anil Lewis and his special guest co-host take a deep dive into the work of the National Federation of the Blind Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access (CENA). Meet the team behind the work of this center, funded in part through a grant from the Maryland Department of Disabilities, and learn about the events and trainings provided, as well as resources like the International Braille and Technology Center, Accessibility Switchboard, and more. The episode also includes a message from Maryland Secretary of Disabilities Carol A. Beatty. For more information about the CENA or to collaborate with us, visit nfb.org/cena or email access@nfb.org.

The Nation's Blind Podcast is back for 2022! On this first new episode, recorded in the fall of 2021, Anil and Melissa talk with Ted Henter, who is one of the pioneers of the modern Windows screen reader. Mr. Henter was the cofounder of Henter-Joyce, which created the original Job Access With Speech (JAWS) screen reader still available and widely used today. Listen to find out about his fascinating life before JAWS as well as about how this groundbreaking, life-changing product came into being.

In this episode, Anil talks with President Riccobono to get a sneak preview of #NFB21, the biggest event of the year. Learn how our President prepares his banquet speech, what his favorite parts of the convention are, and more. For the latest information about the convention, be sure to visit www.nfb.org/convention. The Nation's Blind Podcast will take a brief post-convention hiatus and then be back better than ever!

In this episode, Anil and Melissa talk with Petr Kucheryavyy, senior manager at Charter Spectrum's Product Accessibility Center of Excellence, about Spectrum Access, a free and innovative smartphone app for both iOS and Android that uses audio synchronization to allow you to hear audio description for a variety of content without regard to source or streaming platform, even if you are not a Spectrum customer. Petr explains how the app works, talks about its expanding library of over 500 movies and shows and counting, and briefly touches on other efforts that Charter Spectrum is making to incorporate accessibility across its services. For more information, you can contact: Spectrum Access inbox: SpectrumAccess@charter.com Spectrum's Disability Support Desk: 1-844-762-1301 Spectrum's Product Accessibility Center of Excellence: Accessibility@charter.com

In this episode, Anil and Melissa talk with Rick Boggs, CEO and general manager of AudioEyes. He has breaking news about a forthcoming event with live audio description (AD) provided through a partnership among his company, Vitac, and a major television network, with sponsorship from Google. You'll want to listen right away so you won't miss the big event! You may even want to issue the Audio Description Challenge to a friend and watch it together. Rick also talks about AudioEyes, the only company providing audio description that is run and staffed by blind people, and the differences between live and pre-recorded audio description, as well as providing some interesting information about the history and craft of AD.

In this episode, Anil and Melissa talk with Colin Wong, who co-chairs the diversity and Inclusion Committee of the National Federation of the Blind. Colin talks candidly about his own lived experiences as a blind Asian American, including the conflict between the “model minority” myth and low expectations for the blind in both the Asian community and among the general public. He also talks about why intentional diversity and inclusion efforts are important in the National Federation of the Blind and what members can do to get involved in and enhance the committee's work.

Content warning: This episode of the Nation's blind podcast discusses abuse and sexual assault. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, you are not alone. The National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential support, 24/7, at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or online.rainn.org. In this episode, Anil and Melissa talk with Marci Carpenter and Daphne Mitchell of the NFB Survivor Task Force. They discuss the role of the task force in helping to advance a safer culture in our organization. They also explore related topics including: Who is a survivor? Why might blind people in particular struggle with the concepts of boundaries and consent, and what other specific challenges do blind survivors face? What is grooming, and what role do power dynamics play in making people vulnerable to it? For the latest information about survivor-led change within the National Federation of the Blind and additional resources, visit nfb.org/survivors.

On this episode, Anil and Chris talk with Dean Blazie, who has been working with blind people to develop technology we can use since the 1960s. They discuss how dean got involved in working with blind people through his relationship with Tim Cranmer; how initial ideas they worked on developed into products for blind people; and the origins of the Braille'n'Speak, the pioneering Braille notetaker that took the blind community by storm in the late 1980s and paved the way for similar devices in use today.

On this episode, Anil and Melissa talk with Stephanie Flynt, government program specialist for the National Federation of the Blind. They discuss the continued momentum to eliminate the practice of paying workers with disabilities subminimum wages, including recent reports from the United States Commission on Civil Rights and the National Council on Disability. They also talk about why there is continued resistance to phasing out this practice and what can be done to better educate lawmakers, families of people with disabilities, and the general public.

In this episode, Anil and Melissa talk with Lou Ann Blake, the NFB's Help America Vote Act project coordinator, about the November 3 election and how blind people can cast our votes. They discuss what the law says about the rights of blind voters, different ways we can vote accessibly, and what the NFB is doing to ensure that more blind voters can cast our ballots privately and independently. They urge everyone to vote and to take our forthcoming voting survey so we can learn how jurisdictions are doing in protecting the rights of blind voters. Watch our video "The Blind Voter Experience" to learn about your rights under federal law and how to exercise them. Also, take a look at our voting resources page.