NABS Notes – December 2024
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Welcome to the December edition of our NABS Notes! As the year winds down, we’re excited to bring NABS Notes back and share the latest updates with you. We hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on all that’s happened and recharge for the exciting year ahead. Whether you're wrapping up for the holidays or looking forward to new opportunities, we invite you to dive into the latest updates from our student movement. There’s a lot to be excited about, and we can’t wait to share it with you! If you have any questions as you read through, feel free to reach out to the respective committee chair or anyone from NABS leadership—we’re looking forward to connecting with you. In this edition you will find:
- A Message from the President
- Changes to the NABS Board
- Committee Updates
- A new episode of the NABS Now Podcast
- State Division Spotlights
- Helpful Holiday Resources
A Message from the President
Below is a message from Lauren Altman, President of The National Association of Blind Students:
Dear National Association of Blind Students,
The December holiday season is always a great time for reflection. As 2024 draws to a close and we reach the halfway point for another Federation year, we as members of the National Association of Blind Students have a lot to reflect on. We've done a lot in 2024. We hosted five seminars, put on memorable and innovative programming throughout the year, and welcomed five new individuals onto the NABS board. Likewise, we also have much to look forward to in the new year. In just a few months we will be marching on Capitol Hill together and hearing from our fantastic speakers during our Winter Seminar. We have fundraisers, advocacy workshops, game nights, and new podcast episodes to look forward to.
As we get ready to wind down with family and loved ones towards the end of the year, I invite you to take a moment to think about your NABS family. If you are a seasoned member--thank you for your continuous support, engagement and love. If you just recently found NABS, we would love for you to get more involved in 2025. We are a community of friends who lift each other up during times of success, act as a shoulder during times of stress, and constantly challenge each other to be the best versions of ourselves. We are a family. Thank you for all of your time this year; wishing you and your loved ones a happy holiday season.
Warmly,
Lauren Chaya Altman
Please don’t hesitate to contact Lauren with any questions or concerns.
Changes to the NABS Board
Big changes are happening at NABS! After years of incredible dedication, Kyle Garcia has stepped down from the board. We are so grateful for all the passion and hard work he’s poured into NABS since 2021, and we wish him nothing but success in his next adventure!
Stepping up to complete Kyle’s term is none other than Kaleigh Brendle! A senior at Villanova University majoring in Peace and Justice, Kaleigh has been a driving force in NABS, serving as Chair of our Advocacy Committee and co-chairing the dynamic Mid-Atlantic Seminar this past August. Kaleigh is bursting with energy, ideas, and an unwavering passion for disability rights—and we can’t wait to see all she’ll bring to the board! Learn more about Kaleigh and her background here.
Committee Updates
Currently we have four committees: Advocacy, Content Creation, Fundraising, and Membership. The committees have contributed tremendously to our organization in various ways. Below, you'll find recent updates and information on upcoming events and initiatives from all four committees.
Advocacy Committee
In September, we kicked off the first Disability Advocacy Resilience Education (DARE) call on September 9th, which focused on how blind students can succeed in the university setting. The call covered several key topics, including how students can prepare for college, effective communication with the Office of Disability Services, building positive relationships with professors, and the importance of advocacy—even when it feels challenging. Additionally, we discussed steps to take if accommodations are not being received. The call saw high attendance, and the discussions were both meaningful and engaging for everyone involved.
The second DARE call took place on October 22nd in honor of Blindness Equality Achievement Month. This session featured a panel of accomplished Federationists and allies of the organized blind movement who answered questions about blindness from sighted participants. The esteemed panelists included:
- Dr. Christa Bialka, Director of the Disability and Deaf Studies minor at Villanova University
- Dr. Natalie Shaheen, Assistant Professor of Blind Education at Illinois State University and seasoned Federationist
- James Yesel, Treasurer of the National Association of Blind Students (NABS) and Master's student in Finance at Georgetown University
- Angelita Martinez, a student at the Louisiana Center for the Blind (LCB) aspiring to become an attorney
We deeply appreciate the participation of all panelists.
On November 20, we hosted another successful DARE call, during which we played a recording of a mock trial held during the Mid-Atlantic Student Seminar in August. The recording offered valuable insights into advocacy, legal processes, and the challenges faced by blind students. The call fostered meaningful discussion and provided attendees with an opportunity to engage with the content in a unique and interactive way.
Last but not least, the Advocacy Committee recently formed a partnership with Project Rise at the National Federation of the Blind, a program that helps blind and low-vision students develop employment skills. In this way, we hope to help students who are transitioning from high school to post-secondary education.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or are interested in getting involved, please don't hesitate to reach out to Kaleigh Brendle, Advocacy Committee Chair.
Content Creation Committee
Have you ever considered having a roommate in college? Want to hear firsthand experiences from both a cane user and a guide dog user about living with roommates? Then our November NABS Now podcast episode is just for you! The podcast can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and any other podcast streaming platforms.
December’s podcast episode is “Students Making Change – It's Our #RightToRide.” There’s no denying that since their formation, rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber have afforded blind people much greater and more equitable access to transportation at parity with sighted people. However, Uber and Lyft have also systematically failed to uphold their obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to prevent discrimination against blind riders, particularly guide dog users, with the result being that rideshare drivers unlawfully deny Blind riders in general—and guide dog users in particular—at shockingly high rates. For years, the National Federation of the Blind has engaged in good faith dialogue with Lyft and Uber in hopes of ending this illegal treatment with little success. So, hundreds of Blind people took to the streets on White Cane Awareness Day to make our voices heard, protesting in front of Uber and Lyft headquarters to demand that our rights be upheld. In this episode, NABS NOW hosts Noah Carver and Akliesia Teshome interview Lindsay Kerr and Colin Wong, two students who attended the rally. They'll share their own personal rideshare denial stories, their experiences at the rally, reactions to recent developments, including Uber's unlawful self-identification program for blind riders, and what they hope rideshare companies will take away from our advocacy.
Additionally, we are working on several videos such as Board Member introductions, and a day in the life of a student at a training center. These videos will be uploaded on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
Please check out our new Linktree with links to all our socials, email list, WhatsApp community and more to stay updated on everything NABS is up to and learn more about various resources pertaining to students at all levels ranging from high school to graduate school to training centers.
If you would like to get involved, please contact Noah Carver, committee chair.
Fundraising Committee
The Fundraising Committee has lined up a variety of exciting events and initiatives to help raise funds—and have fun while doing it!
Are you already diving into holiday movies? Why not enjoy one with the coolest crew at NABS? Join us for a Movie Night on December 15! The best part? The entry fee is only $5! You can even cast your vote for the film we’ll be watching by heading over to our Facebook page or joining our WhatsApp community.
Please let us know if you will be joining us by filling out this form.
Additionally, we are seeking items to be auctioned during the Washington Seminar, which will take place in the first week of February. Do you have a keyboard you no longer use? Or perhaps you’d like to showcase your baking skills by donating some homemade treats? In the past, we’ve received everything from blow-up mattresses to various types of coffee and even Amazon spa treatments. We also welcome monetary donations.
If you’d like to donate any items to be auctioned or monetary donations, please fill out this form.
Please reach out to Zachary Ledford, chair of the Fundraising Committee with any questions.
Membership Committee
If you are interested in becoming a member of NABS, please visit this link to learn more, fill out the necessary forms, and to pay your $5 dues.
Have you been wondering if the new program your professor is using is accessible? Or looking for tips on navigating a public gym? Do you want to connect with students from across the country? Our WhatsApp community is the perfect place for you! We have dedicated channels for each of our committees, plus a channel where members can share resources and opportunities, and a Social channel for students to connect and socialize.
Additionally, we sent out forms for both mentors and mentees, a new initiative to support students who are new to NABS and the greater NFB as well as connect them with individuals that have the same career interest.
Lastly, on November 25, we hosted a trivia night where individuals were separated into two teams and were able to answer questions in the following categories: NFB History, Sports, Song Quiz, and a random category. We host game nights over Zoom every 4th Sunday of the month and we would love to have you join!
If you have questions or want to get involved, please reach out to Nikhil Dadlani, committee chair.
State Division Spotlights
In this issue, we will be highlighting Missouri Association Of Blind Students and Nebraska Association of Blind Students due to the amazing work they have been doing recently. Below is a message and a year in review from the presidents of both divisions.
Svetlana Ehlers- Missouri Association of Blind Students President
This past year, the Missouri Association of Blind Students has been hard at work developing impactful programming, hosting seminars, organizing monthly meetings, and actively supporting each student in their journey toward self-advocacy, leadership, and personal growth.
One notable event we hosted was a seminar on October 12th, focused on getting involved on college campuses, navigating college life, and accessing documents in accessible formats. This seminar provided us with the incredible opportunity to make a meaningful difference in students' lives by sharing our expertise and facilitating important conversations. We partnered with the Columbia Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri, which graciously collaborated with us to bring this vision to life. Columbia University in Missouri also provided a space for this enriching event. Together, we worked to empower students to become leaders in their communities.
In addition to hosting events, we hold monthly meetings to stay connected with our members. These meetings are a platform to discuss scholarships, share study tips, and address pressing issues faced by students. Our goal is to continuously support our members and foster a sense of community where everyone feels encouraged to succeed.
The Missouri Student Division is deeply committed to developing leadership skills in our members, including my board and myself. In another organization I am involved with, we use the phrase “leadership laboratory,” and I believe that perfectly describes what we are creating here. I remind my board members that failure is a natural part of the learning process and an essential element of leadership growth. Our mission is to build a culture of continuous learning and leadership development, which, in turn, will strengthen our division and enhance our advocacy for the rights of blind students.
All in all, the Missouri Student Division works tirelessly to address barriers that blind students face, guiding them toward the right path by equipping them with the skills needed for self-advocacy and ultimately helping them pursue their dreams.
Lucas Griess- Nebraska Association of Blind Students President
The National Association of Blind Students (NABS) has selected the Nebraska division for its prestigious “State Division Spotlight,” a recognition that underscores our steadfast commitment to empowering blind students. As president of the Nebraska Association of Blind Students, I’m honored to share the highlights of our recent activities, upcoming plans, and our ongoing mission to ensure every blind student in Nebraska has the tools and opportunities to succeed.
October was Blind Equality Achievement Month, and we marked the occasion with an ambitious walkathon on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. This event was more than a fundraiser—it was a statement. We raised awareness, showcased our community’s strength, and gently reminded a few startled joggers that we also excel at multitasking.
As we move forward, we’re thrilled to host a Goalball Recreational Day in mid-January.
We’re also preparing for a major advocacy effort: the Washington Seminar in February. This annual event brings blind leaders and students to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to advocate for our rights and promote legislation that supports blind individuals.
As we gear up for the exciting months ahead, we invite you to join us. Whether you’re an ally, donor, or potential teammate at the Goalball event, your support helps amplify the voices of blind students in Nebraska. With hard work and a little humor, we’re proving that there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
Helpful Holiday Resources
The holidays are a fun time, but they can also be overwhelming and stressful for some. Check out this episode of NABS Now, where we share tips and tricks for handling common situations and managing stress during the season.
You have probably put up some decorations already but there’s always room to incorporate Braille. Check out these directions to Braille your own drawings, from a Christmas tree to a Double heart, you can always find an image for any occasion.
Looking for a unique way to surprise your younger cousin? Or maybe you've always wished for a Braille letter from Santa yourself? Now you can make that holiday magic happen! You can request a Braille letter from Santa at no cost. It's a wonderful way to spread some festive cheer and make the season extra special!
Closing and contact info
This concludes December’s edition of NABS Notes. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions for future editions, please reach out to Amina Orzueva at aminaorzueva@gmail.com