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."
August 2020
This month, President Riccobono recaps the 2020 National Convention, welcomes new members, and discusses our August 9 open house. He also looks ahead to the fall, mentions important research around Walmart and unemployment benefits, and provides updates regarding the Dream Makers Circle and our monthly giving program.
- Presidential Release #496, August 2020 (English Audio)
- Presidential Release #496, August 2020 (English Transcript)
- Presidential Release #496, August 2020 (Spanish Transcript)
June 2020
President Riccobono again presents the presidential release before a live virtual audience. He delivers the NFB's public statement on racial injustice, and discusses the great work being done during COVID-19 as well as preparations for our national convention. The release includes a live Q&A session.
- Presidential Release #495, June 2020 (English Audio)
- Presidential Release #495, June 2020 (English Transcript)
May 2020
President Riccobono again delivers the presidential release before a live virtual audience. He discusses the national convention, advocacy efforts, legal efforts, Global Accessibility Awareness Day, the Braille Monitor, the NFB BELL® Academy, and Giving Tuesday Now—all of which was followed by a live Q&A session. More than 900 people attended.
- Presidential Release #494, May 2020 (English Audio)
- Presidential Release #494, May 2020 (English Transcript)
- Presidential Release #494, May 2020 (Spanish Transcript)
April 2020
President Riccobono delivers this month's presidential release before a live online audience for the first time. He discusses COVID-19 resources, advocacy efforts, virtual events, the national convention, and more. More than 800 members and friends listened in and many asked questions in the Q&A portion of the release, which was moderated by NFB's first vice president, Pam Allen.
- Presidential Release #493, April 2020 (English Audio)
- Presidential Release #493, April 2020 (English Transcript)
- Presidential Release #493, April 2020 (Spanish Transcript)
March 2020 (2 of 2)
This is a special message from NFB President Mark A. Riccobono regarding the evolving coronavirus situation and public events.
- Presidential Release #492.5, March 2020 (English Audio)
- Presidential Release #492.5, March 2020 (English Transcript)
March 2020 (1 of 2)
President Riccobono delivers breaking news from Washington Seminar, announces that registration for the 2020 National Convention is now open, and reminds everyone to complete the Braille Monitor survey. The President also provides updates from our Dream Makers Circle.
- Presidential Release #492, March 2020 (English Audio)
- Presidential Release #492, March 2020 (English Transcript)
- Presidential Release #492, March 2020 (Spanish Transcript)
February 2020
As we dive into February, President Riccobono reviews the important legislative issues we'll address at this year's Washington Seminar. He also discusses upcoming summer programs, the 2020 National Convention, our Braille Monitor survey, and the PAC program.
- Presidential Release #491, February 2020 (English Audio)
- Presidential Release #491, February 2020 (English Transcript)
- Presidential Release #491, February 2020 (Spanish Transcript)
January 2020
President Riccobono wishes everyone a Happy New Year and discusses World Braille Day, the 2020 Washington Seminar, the 2020 National Convention in Houston, including important details regarding hotel reservations, and our goals and priorities for 2020. The President also provides updates from our Dream Makers Circle.
- Presidential Release #490, January 2020 (English Audio)
- Presidential Release #490, January 2020 (English Transcript)
- Presidential Release #490, January 2020 (Spanish Transcript)
December 2019
President Riccobono discusses our newly renovated space in Baltimore, the 2020 Washington Seminar, and the many accomplishments and milestones we will celebrate during the NFB board meeting this weekend.
- Presidential Release #489, December 2019 (English Audio)
- Presidential Release #489, December 2019 (English Transcript)
- Presidential Release #489, December 2019 (Spanish Transcript)
November 2019
President Riccobono talks about our fall convention season, wrapping up Meet the Blind Month, quiet cars, the 2020 National Convention (including an important date change), the scholarship program, the Braille Readers Are Leaders contest, Santa Letters, and the Braille Monitor.
- Presidential Release #488, November 2019 (English Audio)
- Presidential Release #488, November 2019 (English Transcript)
- Presidential Release #488, November 2019 (Spanish Transcript)
October 2019
President Riccobono discusses the ultimate goal of and philosophy behind Meet the Blind Month. He also discusses White Cane Awareness Day, NFB's Meet the Blind Month Twitter chats, and our partnership with Mattel featuring the recent launch of UNO Braille. The President also provides updates from our Dream Makers Circle.
- Presidential Release #487, October 2019 (English Audio)
- Presidential Release #487, October 2019 (English Transcript)
- Presidential Release #487, October 2019 (Spanish Transcript)
September 2019
President Riccobono recaps the 2019 NFB BELL Academies and talks about National Guide Dog Month, the Braille Readers are Leaders contest for blind children and adults, Meet the Blind Month, our September open house gathering, and White Cane Awareness Day. The President also provides updates from our Dream Makers Circle.
- Presidential Release #486, September 2019 (English Audio)
- Presidential Release #486, September 2019 (English Transcript)
- Presidential Release #486, September 2019 (Spanish Transcript)
August 2019
President Riccobono discusses the 2019 National Convention (#NFB19), including the 2019 resolutions, and talks about plans for 2020. He also discusses the introduction of the GAIN Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, Meet the Blind Month, Braille calendars, and Pedro and the Octopus. The President also provides updates from our PAC program and Dream Makers Circle.
- Presidential Release #485, August 2019 (English Audio)
- Presidential Release #485, August 2019 (English Transcript)
- Presidential Release #485, August 2019 (Spanish Transcript)
June 2019
President Riccobono discusses the World Blind Union meeting in Trinidad, NFB summer programs, a special blind parents division seminar in Colorado, new member programs, and the national convention. Executive Director and Convention Chairman John Berggren joins the President to talk about convention logistics. The President also provides updates from our PAC program and Dream Makers Circle.
- Presidential Release #484, June 2019 (English Audio)
- Presidential Release #484, June 2019 (English Transcript)
- Presidential Release #484, June 2019 (Spanish Transcript)
Previous Presidential Releases
To listen to previous presidential releases, please visit the presidential release archive.