The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is the Maryland state affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind. We are changing what it means to be blind in Maryland! Find a local chapter or division. The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

Pilots of Progress: Sixty Years Strong, Soaring to New Horizons!

 

Get ready for a weekend of fun and fellowship.  Come and be part of celebrating our accomplishments and planning for the future!

 

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is holding a cruise donation drive to support our work. 

 

From September 5 - 10, 2026, NFBMD will be hosting Blind Cruising 2023, which is a 5-night cruise on the Royal Caribbean Vision of the Seas to Bermuda. Individuals may book passage directly with our travel agent, with a portion of cabin costs going to NFBMD. Those interested may find information at NFBMD Blind Cruising 2026 Information Page.

 

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland will be hosting a cruise fundraiser from September 5, 2026 to September 10, 2026.   The affiliate will receive a portion of the cost of each cabin that is booked.  All are welcome, including members of the NFBMD, other affiliates, families, colleagues, and friends.  For additional information, please contact our travel agent, Cindy Kiper at ckiper@dreamvacations.com or 813-418-0647.  To make your deposit, please contact Cindy dir

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland (NFBMD) is thrilled to administer the John T.  McCraw Scholarship Program for Academic Year 2026-2027.   The Program will award up to four individual scholarships of $4,000 each.  These scholarships will be given to qualified blind students who exhibit academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership.

 

In this issue...
NFBMD Blind Cruising 2026
Pilots of Progress: Sixty Years Strong, Soaring to New Horizons: The State Convention is Coming!
Seeking Door Prize Donations
Seeking Baked Deliciousness for NFBMD Fire Sale!
Seeking Donations for the NFBMD Bake and Experience Auction!
State Convention Orientation: February 4, 2026
Success in Annapolis!
Success at Washington Seminar!
Get ready for Austin in 2026!
Pay Your 2026 Dues!
NFB and NFBMD Scholarship Programs
NFBMD Cruise Donation Drive and Drawing – Blind Cruising 2026!!
do You Feel Lucky?
Basket and Bag Bingo is Coming!
Important Upcoming Dates

By gmehl, 30 January, 2026

This message serves as a reminder that we have our next NFB Central Maryland Chapter business meeting Tuesday night, February 3, 2026 at 6:30PM.  This meeting will be conducted in-person and over the phone.  I highly encourage you to invite family and friends, both sighted and blind to join us to gain a better understanding of who we are and how to support our cause.

 

In this issue: • The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 2026 Annual Convention – Pilots of Progress: 60 Years Strong, Soaring to New Horizons! • The BELLs Ring Once Again in Maryland • Perspectives on Attending an NFB National Convention: Why We Go, What We Learn, and the Lasting Changes Convention Makes • Coffee with an NFB Staff Member: Gary Wunder • Leaving No Blind Person Behind: Advocating for Raising the Property Tax Exemption for Blind Homeowners • Adventure in Annapolis • Student Spotlight: Akliesia Techome • Chapter Spotlight: Maryland Association of Blind Merchants • Remembering John Cheadle • As a Prosecutor in Baltimore, Garret Mooney Tries Misdemeanor Cases. He Also Happens to Be Blind. • Remembering Treva Olivero • Remembering Steve Brand • Spectator Specs