Mark Riccobono: Leading the National Federation of the Blind

Mark Riccobono is a name synonymous with advocacy and leadership in the visually impaired community. As the President of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), Riccobono has dedicated his career to empowering the blind and advocating for their rights. Under his leadership, the NFB has made significant strides in promoting accessibility, inclusion, and independence for blind individuals across the United States. This blog explores Mark Riccobono's journey, his contributions to the NFB, and the impact of his leadership on the blind community.

Early Life and Education

Mark Riccobono was born on November 22, 1976, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was diagnosed with glaucoma and aniridia at a young age, leading to significant vision loss. Despite these challenges, Riccobono excelled academically and participated in various extracurricular activities. He earned a Bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and later obtained a Master of Science in educational policy and administration from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

Journey to the National Federation of the Blind

Riccobono's involvement with the NFB began during his college years. He attended his first NFB convention in 1996, where he was inspired by the organization's mission and community. This experience marked the beginning of his deep commitment to advocating for the rights of the blind.

Riccobono held various leadership positions within the NFB, including serving as the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. His dedication and passion for the cause eventually led to his election as President of the NFB in 2014.

Leading the National Federation of the Blind

As President of the NFB, Mark Riccobono has focused on several key areas to improve the lives of blind individuals:

Advocacy and Policy: Riccobono has been a vocal advocate for policies that promote accessibility and equal opportunities for the blind. Under his leadership, the NFB has worked on numerous legislative initiatives, including advocating for the ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty, which facilitates access to published works for individuals who are blind or have print disabilities.

Education and Employment: Recognizing the importance of education and employment in achieving independence, Riccobono has spearheaded programs to support blind students and job seekers. The NFB's education initiatives include providing scholarships, mentoring, and resources to blind students. The organization also collaborates with employers to create more inclusive workplaces.

Technology and Innovation: Riccobono understands the transformative power of technology for the blind. Under his leadership, the NFB has promoted the development and adoption of accessible technologies. This includes working with tech companies to ensure their products are usable by blind individuals and advocating for policies that support technological innovation.

Community and Support: Building a strong, supportive community has been a cornerstone of Riccobono's leadership. The NFB provides numerous resources and programs to support blind individuals and their families, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.

Notable Achievements

During Mark Riccobono's tenure, the NFB has achieved several significant milestones:

• Accessible Currency: The NFB successfully advocated for the U.S. Treasury to make U.S. currency accessible to the blind by adding tactile features to bills.
• Accessible Voting: The organization has worked tirelessly to ensure that blind individuals can vote independently and privately, advocating for accessible voting machines and other accommodations.
• Braille Literacy: Under Riccobono's leadership, the NFB has continued to promote Braille literacy through programs such as the Braille Readers Are Leaders contest and the development of the NFB Braille Certification Training Program.

Conclusion

Mark Riccobono's leadership of the National Federation of the Blind has been marked by a steadfast commitment to advocacy, education, technology, and community support. His vision and dedication have not only advanced the rights and opportunities for blind individuals but have also inspired countless others to join the cause. As the NFB continues to grow and evolve under Riccobono's guidance, the future looks bright for the blind community, with greater accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment on the horizon.