Nation’s Blind Podcast

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa Riccobono and Colin Wong discuss privacy concerns surrounding smart glasses while highlighting their importance as an accessibility tool for blind people.

Something new is happening on the Nation’s Blind Podcast. Tune in to this episode to find out what it is!

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil Lewis and Danielle McCann are joined by Federation leader Jordan Moon and member Cindy Scott-Huisman. They respond to some of the most common concerns about autonomous vehicles.

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil Lewis and Danielle McCann are joined by Federation leaders, Jordan Moon and Cindy Scott-Huisman. They discuss their experiences with driverless cars.

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil Lewis and Danielle McCann are joined by Kevan Worley, our 2026 Jacobus tenBroek award winner. They are also joined by Federation leaders, Steve Sawczyn, Reggie Herbert, and Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship winner, Windolyn Mills. They discuss President Riccobono’s banquet speech and the melody of the organized blind movement. Important Lin...

In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil discuss back to school tips for blind parents and parents of blind children.

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa is joined by Individualized Education Program (IEP) advocates Katie Filaski, and Javier Diaz. They discuss their experiences supporting blind students and their families and share tips and insights on why IEP advocacy matters. Important Links: Individualized Education Plans | National Federation of the Blind Home | National Organization of Par...

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 an...

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Chris discuss the stories of blind people who have been negatively impacted by delays to ADA Title II and Section 504, and what we’re doing about them.

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Corbb O’Connor and Deja Powell to discuss their experiences as blind parents and share advice for new or future moms and dads.

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 nati...

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Gary Wunder. They dive into the story of Adelmo Vigil, president of the NFB of New Mexico. They discuss how he overcame obstacles such as being prevented from learning Braille, being told that he couldn’t teach in a mainstream public school, and his advocacy in the organized blind movement.

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil is joined by blind comedians Yvonne Neubert and Shannon Cantan. Tune in for laughs, great storytelling, and their journey through comedy. Important Link Homepage | National Federation of the Blind of Performing Arts Division

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Denise Avant, Chairperson of our Membership Committee. They address misconceptions about the NFB and emphasize the importance of your voice within the organized blind movement.

In recognition of Women’s History Month, we are honoring blind women who have made significant contributions to the organized blind movement. In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Joyce Brooks and Lois Staves, two women who have gone above and beyond to help blind people live the lives they want.

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Ashleigh Moon, our STEM2U Coordinator. They celebrate Pi Day and discuss accessible ways that blind students and blind adults can practice STEM.  

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by President Riccobono; Kelsy Tallant, First Vice President of the NFB of Alaska; and Barbie Elliot, Secretary of the NFB of Utah. They discuss highlights from the Washington Seminar and how their advocacy continued through snow and ice.

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Casey Robertson and Chris Parsons to continue their conversation about the importance of Braille, plus some fun Braille trivia.

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by Dorothy Griffin and Brian Mackey. They discuss the importance of service and how it can help you fulfill your purpose.

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by Casey Robertson and Chris Parsons. They discuss the importance of Braille, and why it’s still relevant in 2026 and beyond.

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by board member Norma Crosby. They react to a very honest discussion about the experiences that student leaders have had within the organized blind movement.

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by board members Marilyn Green and Tracy Soforenko. They share interesting and sometimes surprising social interactions that they’ve had with sighted people while traveling, hanging out with friends, and even while spending time with family members, especially during the holidays. They also discuss the best ways that sighte...

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by counselors LaKisha Holmes and James Boehm. They discuss mental health, share words of encouragement, and talk about ways to relieve stress and anxiety.   Important Links: Mental Health: Overcoming Stress and Anxiety Transcript Alliance Counseling - Depression, Anxiety, Therapy LaKisha Holmes, Licensed Professional Counse...

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Legislative Director Leah Campbell and advocates Nathanael Wales and Lindsay Kerr. They discuss the mass layoffs within the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, the expiration of Medicare telehealth benefits, and the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act. They also talk about why advocacy is impo...

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa is joined by Individualized Education Program (IEP) advocates Katie Filaski, and Javier Diaz. They discuss their experiences supporting blind students and their families and share tips and insights on why IEP advocacy matters. Important Links: Individualized Education Plans | National Federation of the Blind Home | National Organization of Par...