National Federation of the Blind of North Dakota

12/05/2025

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

10/03/2025

10/02/2025

October is Blind Equality Achievement Month when we celebrate our accomplishments and the progress that we have made in advocating for equal rights and equal access for blind people.

09/28/2025

"Ask yourself whether you have discovered the full truth about living blind in America or whether you have settled for what is most comfortable," President Riccobono said in his banquet speech at . "Then I want you to ask yourself whether you are creating space to teach others about the understanding we share; not weaponizing the truth or shaming others into understanding but taking the careful, loving steps needed to invite people to experience the truth for themselves.

This is what happens daily in our affiliated training centers, in our chapter meetings, and in the small moments of members reaching out to members, people sharing their power with people. When you reflect, I hope that your understanding will be that a movement of blind people is critically important in your life and that we must reclaim the narrative within society. That is my commitment and reflection as I anticipate the next thirty years of our time exploring our truth together."

Read more of "Creativity, Persistence, and Hope: Reclaiming Our Stories through the Organized Blind Movement" in the August/September 2025 issue of the Braille Monitor: https://buff.ly/LprLh2B

09/26/2025

The National Federation of the Blind of North Dakota was proud to take part in The Longest Table in Grand Forks, joining nearly 50 tables of community members in conversations about education, industry, and our shared future.

At our table, we discussed wages and the cost of essential living equipment for blind North Dakotans; we explored transportation barriers — including local bus routes, paratransit, and rideshares like Lyft and Uber — and the urgent need for reliable, accessible options. We also addressed challenges faced by blind students in accessing course materials, the transition from education into the workforce, and barriers like inaccessible job application websites. Lastly, we highlighted building design and how inclusion must be built in from the start — not added later.

We’re thankful to have been part of that dialogue alongside partners and community leaders like Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region, City of Grand Forks - Government, Cities Area TransitCities Area Transit, University of North DakotaWe look forward to seeing the ideas shared grow into real change for a more inclusive North Dakota.

09/21/2025

💫 What an incredible day we shared at the 2025 NFB of North Dakota State Convention! 💫

From the very start — energy high, excitement building — we came together to learn, connect, and build a future together.

Here are some of the highlights:

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🗣 National Updates & Inspiration
Danielle McCann’s luncheon keynote was especially moving. She reminded us that as part of NFB, we don’t stand alone. We are a network of support — just like advice given on airplanes: put on your oxygen mask first, so you are able to help others. She inspired us to keep that spirit alive.

Her opening address (pre‑lunch) covered what’s happening nationally with NFB: programs advocating for accessible medical devices; stronger advocacy around diabetes through the NFB Diabetes Action Network; and fundraising efforts and legislation that push for better access and equality for blind people everywhere.

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📚 Programs That Empower
Here are some of the national NFB programs we discussed, and what we’re working toward in North Dakota:
• NFB‑NEWSLINE — a free service for those who are blind, low‑vision, deaf‑blind or print‑disabled. Includes newspapers, magazines, emergency weather alerts, job listings & more. Also offers a limited/child‑safe access option so younger people can enjoy age‑appropriate content.
• Diabetes Action Network — supports blind or low vision diabetics, sharing information, peer support, advocating for accessible glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and other medical devices.
• Accessible Medical Device Advocacy — working to promote laws such as the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act, to ensure devices are usable without relying on vision.

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🏫 North Dakota Vision Services & Education, Transition, & BELL
We heard from Vision Services (formerly the School for the Blind) about their STEM programs and the growing possibilities when we partner with NFB’s experience. We discussed helping students transitioning to college or careers; supporting parents early on; and collaborating to bring a BELL program (Braille Enrichment for Literacy & Learning) to North Dakota.

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🔍 Other Inspiring Talks
• Shannon Bozovsky from ND Assistive showed us the many assistive tools & device‑loan programs available.
• Jesse Shirek described the benefits of NFB‑NEWSLINE in making reading & information accessible for people of all ages, and the safety features like child‑/age‑appropriate content options.
• Corb O’Connor (NFB of Minnesota) assured us of their support for our efforts—NEWSLINE expansion, parental rights, BELL, and more.

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🥂 Community, Connection, & Gratitude
We voted in our leadership:
Angelita Martinez — President
Menuka Rai — Vice President (and full of energy running door prizes!)
Charlene Ota — Secretary
Jessica Sargent — Treasurer

We shared laughs, dinner, stories, and that wonderful feeling of building something together.

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This convention reminded us what’s possible when we bring passion, unity, and clear mission together. I leave more determined than ever—because together, we can and will continue making positive change for blind people here in North Dakota and beyond.

04/23/2025

If you have diabetes you won’t want to miss this one! 

DAN is hosting a seminar to empower diabetics with the knowledge and tools to manage their medical health.

04/10/2025

Please select the option below that most accurately reflects your current situation. You may register as a jobseeker for the National Convention Career Fair on July 9, register as a federal worker impacted by government layoffs who would like to be added to our jobseeker database, or both if it appl...

03/15/2025

If you live in Minnesota you can sign up for a free account. Unfortunately North Dakota is one of three states that does not offer the service. We’ve tried to advocate for it. Blind  and low Vision North Dakotans are missing out on the availability of reading the local newspapers 

It’s more than news—access a world of content in this free audio and Braille service for blind and print-disabled people.

03/01/2025

Are you a teacher of blind students or are you studying to become one? Join Teachers of Tomorrow, an immersive, and free professional development program connecting teachers of blind students to the lived experiences of blind people. The program will equip the participants with knowledge of the skills and attitudes that can help blind students thrive in school and beyond.

You will also have the opportunity to attend the 2026 Washington Seminar in Washington DC, and our 2026 National Convention in Austin, Texas.

Register today: https://buff.ly/3TwFIiC