The presidential release is a monthly audio message from President Mark A. Riccobono that highlights the current activities of the National Federation of the Blind. It is shared with every chapter of the organization.
The presidential release is typically available in English, Spanish, and as a text transcript in both languages. You can subscribe to the English and Spanish versions of the presidential release via your podcast client by searching for "National Federation of the Blind."
Upcoming Live Release
The National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release #538 will be May 1, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. eastern. Zoom details are coming soon.
April 2024
President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #537. He shares more updates about the 2024 National Convention including the Service Support Provider volunteers, the annual Book Fair, and NAGDU opportunity. President Riccobono discusses how employers illegally require driver’s licenses in job applications when driving is not an essential function of the job and how we can combat that, and he announces the Teachers of Tomorrow program, the Self-Advocacy Toolkit and Tracking Form for Nonvisual Accessibility, the 2025 Washington Seminar, and more. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and customary endings.
- Presidential Release #537, April 2024 (Audio for Chapters)
- Presidential Release #537, April 2024 (YouTube) - Full Live Recording
- Presidential Release #537, April 2024 (Full Transcript)
March 2024
President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #536 on Leap Day with the ninety-fourth Leadership Seminar at the Jernigan Institute. He shares reminders about the scholarship applications and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion calendar for planning Federation events. President Riccobono discusses the importance of national convention and announces the convention theme, registration, first timer opportunities, the ambassador program, and the convention ally network. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and customary endings.
- Presidential Release #536, March 2024 (Audio for Chapters)
- Presidential Release #536, March 2024 (YouTube) - Full Live Recording
- Presidential Release #536, March 2024 Spanish Audio
- Presidential Release #536, March 2024 (Full Transcript)
February 2024
President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #535, recorded in the NFB studio. He gives us a recap on the Great Gathering-In and congressional reception, the anniversary of the Jernigan Institute groundbreaking, and a request for members to share their stories. He discusses our publications, the Federation’s award programs, and more. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and customary endings.
- Presidential Release #535, February 2024 (Audio for Chapters)
- Presidential Release #535, February 2024 (Transcript)
January 2024
President Mark Riccobono presents presidential release #534. He celebrates World Braille Day and shares a difficult announcement regarding our affiliated training center, BLIND, Inc. He discusses Washington Seminar, our opposition on Cogswell and Macy Act, and membership reminder. President Riccobono also shares Federation Family news and customary endings.
- Presidential Release #534, January 2024 (Audio for Chapters)
- Presidential Release #534, January 2024 (YouTube) - Full Live Recording
- Presidential Release #534, January 2024 (Full Transcript)
- Presidential Release #534, January 2024 (Spanish Audio)
Previous Presidential Releases
To listen to previous presidential releases, please visit the presidential release archive.