Updated as of February 4, 2024.
Join us as we spotlight some publications and media available from the National Federation of the Blind (NFB).
Blindness/Low Vision Publications and Media
The National Federation of the Blind distributes several publications in various formats, including online HTML, email, podcast, Braille, print, and video. These publications cover topics of interest to blind/low vision people and their families from a variety of perspectives. Here’s a sampling.
The Braille Monitor
NFB’s flagship publication is the Braille Monitor. NFB publishes the “Monitor” 11 times per year, and offers it at no cost in digital and audio formats – including email “subscriptions.” The Monitor covers NFB activities and other events and issues important to blind/low vision individuals. The Monitor also often contains personal articles from NFB members sharing their personal experiences and reflections. Here’s how NFB describes the purpose of the Monitor: “Distributed eleven times a year since 1957, the Braille Monitor:
- Offers a positive philosophy about blindness to both blind readers and the public at large
- Serves as a vehicle for advocacy and protection of civil rights
- Addresses social concerns affecting the blind
- Discusses issues related to employment, education, legislation, and rehabilitation
- Provides news about products and technology used by the blind
Anyone may access current and past issues of the Braille Monitor at no cost online. As noted above, NFB also offers email subscriptions at no cost. Additionally, individuals may access the Braille Monitor at no cost to NFB Newsline® subscribers and on our favorite podcast apps by searching for “National Federation of the Blind—Braille Monitor.”
Additionally, the NFB offers annual subscriptions to the Monitor in hard copy braille, hard copy print, and on USB drive. NFB requests, but does not require, U.S. residents to submit a $40 donation to cover the cost of the subscription. Subscriptions sent to Canadian addresses cost $50 per year, and subscriptions sent to other foreign addresses cost $75 per year.
NFB also offers all 2023 issues of the Braille Monitor in Spanish on El Braille Monitor web page.
Future Reflections
Future Reflections is the NFB’s quarterly magazine dedicated to parents and teachers of blind children and students. Much of its material comes from the NFB’s division for parents of blind children, the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC). Here is what NFB has to say about the magazine: “Future Reflections is a quarterly magazine for parents and teachers of blind children that offers resources and information based on the National Federation of the Blind’s positive philosophy of blindness.” Future Reflections includes articles written by parents, blind/low vision adults, and educators about blind/low vision children and students, education, and community activities. While Future Reflections focuses on parents and educators of blind/low vision children, many students, themselves, write articles for the magazine and enjoy reading the publication.
Individuals may access current and past issues of Future Reflections online and current editions on NFB-Newsline®. Additionally, use this link to subscribe to Future Reflections by email; follow the instructions, or send an email to subscribe to Future Reflections in print or on USB thumb drive. “Include your preferred medium in the body. Please include your address, whether you are a parent of a blind child (and, if so, include your child’s name and birth date), a teacher, or other subscriber.”
Per the NFB: “Subscriptions to the print version [of Future Reflections] are available free of charge to addresses in the United States. Canadian subscriptions are $35 per year, and other foreign subscriptions are 75 US dollars per year.”
Voice of the Nation’s Blind Blog
This blog features short essays covering current topics of interest to blind/low vision individuals. Access current and past blog entries at this link to the Voice of the Nation’s Blind Blog.
Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research
The Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research (JBIR) provides, at no cost, access to high-quality research articles on blindness/low vision topics, including education, rehabilitation, nonvisual techniques and tools, and nonvisually-accessible technology. Note that JBIR does not contain articles that focus on medical matters. Access current and past issues of JBIR at no cost at this link to Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research.
NFB-focused Publications and Media
Imagineering Our Future
Imagineering Our Future serves as the NFB’s monthly email newsletter. This newsletter features a personal message from the NFB president, the latest news on the activities of the organization, and information on how to get involved. Link to subscribe to the Imagineering Your Future newsletter.
Nation’s Blind Podcast
The NFB produces and hosts the Nation’s Blind Podcast; Anil Lewis and Melissa Riccobono serve as hosts. This podcast serves as an informative and often entertaining way to learn about the NFB and engage in interesting conversations. Access current and past podcasts using your favorite podcast apps by searching for “Nation’s Blind Podcast.” Also, find selected podcast episode on the Nation’s Blind Podcast web page.
NFB Presidential Releases
The NFB Presidential Release is a monthly audio message from the NFB president. It contains updates on the activities of the organization and news of interest to blind people from around the country. Presidential Releases are recorded live on Zoom, and there is an opportunity to submit questions in advance. Find the dates of the Zoom releases in the Imagineering Our Future newsletter.
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