[NFBWATlk] national news

Thu May 29 19:36:55 UTC 2025

News:
Presidential Release Chapter Recording June 1:
The June Presidential Release chapter recording <https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases> will be available by June 1. Please share the chapter recording as part of your chapter meeting agenda and discuss among members. There will not be a Presidential Release Live in June or July. Tune into the Presidential Report during the NFB National Convention on July 11, during the morning session.

New Partnership Announced: Innosearch AI:
As announced in the May Presidential Release Live <https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases>, the National Federation of the Blind is proud to announce a formal partnership with Innosearch AI, an innovative AI-powered accessibility and shopping platform. Read the press release <https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/innosearch-ai-and-national-federation-blind-announce-strategic-partnership> and access the membership benefits in your member profile <https://nfb.org/member_profile/login>.

Legislative News: The Website and Software Applications Accessibility Act:
The National Federation of the Blind applauds the introduction of the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act, H.R. 3417, into the House of Representatives by Representative Pete Sessions (Texas) and lead cosponsor Representative Steny Hoyer (Maryland). This legislation seeks to eliminate persistent digital accessibility barriers faced by blind and disabled Americans. Read the full joint press release <https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/disability-advocates-commend-introduction-websites-and-software-applications>.  

Two Recent Legislation Introductions:
The month of May has been great for our legislative advocacy. In the last two weeks, we have gotten two of our legislative priorities reintroduced in the 119th Congress. On May 14, Representative Pete Sessions (TX-17) sponsored our Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act in the House. He was joined by Representative Steny Hoyer (MD-05) as the lead cosponsor. And on May 22, Senator John Boozman (AR) reintroduced our Access Technology Affordability Act in the Senate with Senator Ben Ray Lujan (NM) as the lead cosponsor. We want to ensure the Congress knows how important both of these bills are to the blind of America, so please call or email your members in the House and Senate today and urge them to cosponsor!

2026 Washington Seminar:
We know that we’re still a month out from the national convention, but our government affairs group is excited to announce that the 2026 Washington Seminar will take place from Monday, January 26, through Thursday, January 29, 2026. Next year’s Washington Seminar will be located at the Holiday Inn Washington Capitol – National Mall at 550 C Street, SW Washington, DC. More information about next year’s event will be posted on our website in the coming months. 

Convention:
Volunteers Needed:
New Orleans is the place, and the Independence Market is the space! We are looking for folks who are interested in helping to make the 2025 NFB National Convention a huge success. You can help by volunteering in the Independence Market at the national convention! We are currently looking for volunteers to serve as demonstrators, storekeepers, and line marshals during all four days the Independence Market is open. The dates and times are as follows:

·         Tuesday, July 8: 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. or 12:45 to 5:00 p.m.
·         Wednesday, July 9: 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. or 12:45 to 5:00 p.m.
·         Thursday, July 10: 12:00 to 1:45 p.m.
·         Friday, July 11: 12:00 to 1:45 p.m.

The Independence Market at the national convention would not be possible without the support, dedication, and hard work of our numerous volunteers. For more information or to volunteer, please complete our new market volunteer form <https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/market-volunteer> or contact Jen White at 410-659-9314, extension 2236, or email her at jwhite at nfb.org <mailto:jwhite at nfb.org> today.

Independence Market Convention Schedule:
Independence Market telephone orders will close on Monday, June 30, at 5:00 p.m., Eastern, and reopen on Thursday, July 17, at 8:00 a.m., Eastern. This is to ensure that orders can be processed and shipped before our market employees travel to New Orleans for this year’s national convention. However, the ecommerce system will remain open and continue to accept and process your orders during those days. 

Congratulations to the 2025 Scholarship Finalists:
The National Federation of the Blind announced the finalists for its annual scholarship program, which provides financial assistance and connects students with blind mentors and other resources. Congratulations to the thirty outstanding finalists. <https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/celebrating-outstanding-blind-students>

National Federation of the Blind National Convention Career Fair:
Join us for the National Federation of the Blind National Convention Career Fair on July 9, 1:00–4:00 p.m., Central. Hosted by the National Employment Committee, this event is an opportunity for blind and low-vision people seeking jobs to connect with employers and is an opportunity for employers to seek more talent for their teams. 

National Convention Jobseeker Registration  <https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/career-fair-jobseeker-registration>
National Convention Employer Registration  <https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&action=preview&id=621>
To prepare jobseekers and employers, the Employment Committee will be hosting “Getting Career-Fair Ready: For Jobseekers and Employers,” virtual seminars designed to provide strategies for creating the most positive experience while attending the fair. Individuals will automatically be registered for these events once they have registered for the career fair. For more information on the career fair or virtual seminars, please contact Charles Bennett, jobseeker liaison, at cbennett at cocenter.org <mailto:cbennett at cocenter.org>, or Kris Colcock, employer liaison, at Kris at colcok.com <mailto:Kris at colcok.com>.

Register and Book Hotel for National Convention:
Promote registration for the 2025 National Federation of the Blind National Convention <https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention>, July 8-13, in New Orleans. Let members know to register early because prices go up if you register on site in New Orleans. Registration includes the biggest event of the year, access to the event app, and communications on the latest news and events. The hotel blocks are filling up—there is now limited space at the Marriott. Reserve your room at the Sheraton New Orleans by calling 855-516-1090. Ask for the “National Federation of the Blind 2025 Convention” block. Registration will be closing on May 31. Attendees can still register on site at an increased cost. Promote registration now!

Critical:
Independence Market Now Available for Online Orders:
As announced during the May Presidential Release Live, the Independence Market is now online, making it easier than ever to find and order reliable blindness-related tools and resources you need. Shop online now at catalog.nfb.org <file:///C:/Users/LamkinSeth/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/PXN5EKPU/catalog.nfb.org>.