A Thanksgiving message from our NFB president

[Raul Gallegos - NAGDU]

Hello everyone. Following is a message from Mark Riccobono, president of the National Federation of the Blind, which I am sharing with everyone here. Feel free to pass this along to others.

 

Dear Federation Family,

For this Thanksgiving week, I was thinking about what to write to you and my mind wandered to leaders who have been part of this group in the past. When my mind went to Joe Ruffalo, I knew what I should write.

 

Here is my Federation THANKSGIVING Gratitude List for 2025—feel free to share this widely with others:

 

T H A N K S G I V I N G – Gratitude in Our Shared Movement

T — Transformation through Collective Action
The power we have to reshape systems, expectations, and lives when blind people work together.

H — Hope Rooted in Lived Experience
Our confidence in the future grows from the authentic stories and leadership of blind individuals.

A — Accessibility Advancements We Drive
From technology to policy to culture, we lead the push for full accessibility grounded in real needs.

N — Networks of Support and Belonging
Affiliates, chapters, and divisions fueled by friendships that make no blind person feel alone.

K — Knowledge-Sharing Across Generations
Mentorship, leadership development, and the passing forward of experience that melds  with emerging generations with new insights.

S — Self-Determination for Every Blind Person
Our unwavering belief in the capacity of blind people to direct their own lives.

G — Growth of Our Movement
New members, new leaders, and expanding partnerships amplifying the reach of our mission.

I — Innovation Driven by Blind Creativity
Bold ideas—from technology to advocacy—that emerge authentically from the blind community.

V — Voice in Policy and Public Attitudes
Our influential, organized voice that ensures blind people redefine blindness in society and demonstrate there are no boundaries.

I — Inclusion That’s More Than a Buzzword
A genuine, lived practice of welcoming all blind people into meaningful participation and reframing equal access.

N — National Presence with Neighborhood Impact
From Washington, DC, to neighborhoods across America, our work touches lives everywhere.

G — Generosity of Spirit and Service
Members freely giving time, energy, expertise, and heart to lift one another and build the future for ourselves.

 

I am grateful to be part of our Federation family.

 

Warmly,

Mark

 

 

--

Raul Gallegos, President

National Association of Guide Dog Users

346.439.7444 • rgal...@nagdu.org

www.nagdu.org • www.nfb.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.