NFB updates in January from our NFB President
Raul Gallegos - NAGDU
Hello everyone. Please share this wherever appropriate.
National Convention
Convention Information Accidentally Omitted from Print Braille Monitor:
Some editions of the January 2026 issue of the Braille Monitor did not include the complete and correct hotel reservation information in the “Convention Bulletin 2026” article. We apologize for the error and any inconvenience it has caused. The relevant information is as follows:
Our 2026 National 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.
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.
The complete and correct article is located at https://nfb.org//images/nfb/publications/bm/bm26/bm2601/bm260102.htm
Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards:
The National Federation of the Blind is now accepting nominations and recommendations for the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards. This award recognizes individuals and organizations that develop initiatives, programs, or innovations to advance the lives of blind people. The application, eligibility criteria, and award details are available at nfb.org/Bolotin.
First-Timer Convention Scholarship:
The Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship provides funding support for active NFB members, blind or sighted, who have never attended an in-person NFB National Convention.
Interested members may apply for the Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship and can review eligibility requirements in the latest Braille Monitor article. The application deadline is April 15, 2026.
After a form is submitted, the applicant’s affiliate president will receive a copy for their records. Applicants are responsible for contacting their president to request a letter of recommendation. Affiliate presidents must email their recommendation to kjschol...@nfb.org by April 15, 2026.
Advocacy
Access Technology Affordability Act (H.R. 1529):
Since the beginning of December, we have done a fantastic job of creating cosponsor support for the Access Technology Affordability Act in the House of Representatives. We have gained eight new cosponsors in that span of time. Those representatives are James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Chuck Edwards (NC-11), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Derrick Van Orden (WI-3), Chris Pappas (NH-1), Madeleine Dean (PA-4), and Maxwell Frost (FL-10). This is a well-timed surge of support heading into the Washington Seminar. Thank you for all your hard work, and please keep up the advocacy!
Dates to Keep in Mind:
- January 26-29, 2026: Washington Seminar
- July 3-8, 2026: National Convention; Austin, Texas
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Raul Gallegos, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users
346.439.7444 • rgal...@nagdu.org
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“Blindness is a characteristic, not a handicap.”
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 have the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.