NABS NOW Podcast

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is one of three bedrock civil rights laws protecting the rights of disabled Americans, and it is in danger of being struck down with immediate and serious consequences not only for blind students but for all disabled Americans via a lawsuit brought by seventeen U.S. states. In this podcast, hosts Noah Carver and Selene Monjaraz talk with Casey Robertson, one of America’s foremost experts on the teaching of blind students, to discuss what Section 504 does, how it protects blind students, and how we can fight back against this clear attempt at the decimation of our rights to live the lives we want.This show was hosted by Noah Carver and Selene Monjaraz. It was produced by Noah Carver, Naudia Graham, Selene Monjaraz, Akliesia Teshome, and Patrick Wilson. Our editors for this episode were Naudia Graham and Patrick Wilson. Our NABS board rep is Manahil Jafri.Follow NABS on social media, visit our website, and join our mailing list and WhatsApp community: https://linktr.ee/nabslink.More Info on Section 504:March 2025 DARE Call | Section 504 Under Attack: What Blind Students Need to Know: https://youtu.be/a0LqmR-JquY?si=Cy4XW3rFCMM-cmjKApril 2025 Braille Monitor| The Lawsuit That Could Kill Section 504: https://nfb.org//images/nfb/publications/bm/bm25/bm2504/bm250403.htm

Though rideshare has been a great equalizer for blind travelers, consistent discrimination against blind riders—especially guide dog users—has been a relentless issue that has not been meaningfully addressed by Uber and Lyft, the most popular ride-sharing services in the United States. After years of good-faith attempts at a resolution, hundreds of blind people rallied in front of the corporate headquarters of both companies in San Francisco, CA, on White Cane Awareness Day, October 15, 2024, to demand that our right to ride be upheld. In this episode, we'll hear from 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. This show was hosted by Noah Carver and Akliesia Teshome. It was produced by Noah Carver, Naudia Graham, Selene Monjaraz, and Akliesia Teshome. Our editor for this episode is James Yesel. Our NABS Board Representative is Manahil Jafri. Special thanks to Marcy Carpenter and Gene Kim for their support in making this episode possible. Follow NABS on social media, visit our website, and join our mailing list and WhatsApp community: https://linktr.ee/nabslink. Adventures with Eve: https://www.adventureswitheve.com/. 2024 National Federation of the Blind Scholarships: https://nfb.org/scholarships. Learn more: October 2024 Presidential Release Live: https://www.youtube.com/live/xphq_PFDdEE. “Uber Almost Got Me Killed!” by Ronza Othman: https://nfb.org//images/nfb/publications/bm/bm24/bm2409/bm240904.htm. National Federation of the Blind to Raise Awareness of Discrimination by Rideshare Companies: https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-raise-awareness-discrimination-rideshare-companies. “Rideshare Advocacy on Unlawful Implementation of Self-Identification” by President Mark Riccobono: https://nfb.org/blog/rideshare-advocacy-unlawful-implementation-self-identification.

Are you considering taking the next step in your academic journey by pursuing a graduate degree? Join us on this episode of NABS Now podcast for an in-depth look at everything you need to know about graduate school. We’ll cover the ins and outs of applying, choosing the right program, and what to expect once you’re in the program as a blind student. Thank you to our guest panelists. Hosted by Isabel Rosario and Noah Carver Produced by Seyoon Choi Visit us on the web at nabslink.org

In this episode, "Echoes of Advocacy & Empowerment: United Voices for Change," we delve into the heart of collective action and advocacy with Dr. Justin Young, a governmental affairs specialist. Join us as we explore the impactful narratives from the National Federation of the Blind Washington Seminar, highlighting the powerful convergence of voices advocating for meaningful legislative change. Discover how unity, empowerment, and collective action pushes our movement forward. From where it all began to our three current legislative priorities today, members of the Federation gather in Washington DC to meet with our elected officials at the nation's capital to advocate for change. Learn more about Washington seminar and our legislative priorities: https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar Hosted by Seyoon Choi and cohosted by Isabel Rosario Produced by James Yesel and Seyoon Choi Visit us on the web at nabslink.org Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Mastodon @nabslink

"In this unique and heartfelt bonus episode of the NABS Now podcast, titled 'What Blind Equality Achievement Month Means to Us', we step back and turn the spotlight onto our vibrant community of blind students. As we celebrate White Cane Awareness Day and immerse ourselves in Blindness Equality Achievement Month, we hear directly from blind students from across the nation. Through their personal testimonies, discover the depth of meaning, the moments of triumph, and the spirit of unity that defines #BlindMonth for our community. Each voice brings a fresh perspective, each story adds a new layer to our collective narrative. Join us in this immersive journey and witness the diverse and powerful interpretations of Blind Equality Achievement Month." Be sure to checkout our previous episode, where we sat down with Lauren Altman on her journey through blindness. Created and produced by Seyoon Choi Visit us on the web at nabslink.org Social media: @nabslink and as the National Association of Blind Students

In this enlightening episode, our host, Seyoon Choi, alongside co-host Hunter Kuester, welcomes speakers Manahil Jafri and Lizzy Cappelli to share their inspiring journeys. From the vibrant countries like Denmark and Spain, to the intimate corners of international classrooms within those respective nations, these students offer a front-row seat to the challenges, joys, and lessons they've garnered from their travels. Whether you're a student, a mentor, or an eager listener, this episode is an invitation to redefine what's possible and to see the world through fresh, unbounded eyes. Join us on this global trek without leaving the comfort of your space. Produced out of the National Association of Blind Students, a proud division of the National Federation of the blind. www.nabslink.org Produced by James Yesel, Kinshuk Tella and Seyoon Choi Interested in assisting with the production of the NABS Now podcast episode? Email Seyoon at schoi@nfbmo.org

In this insightful episode, Seyoon and Manahil sit down with our colleagues, Juhi and Mausam, who share their personal stories, invaluable advice, and practical tips on how they navigated the transition from college life to a fulfilling professional career. They discuss overcoming barriers, adapting to new environments, and building a strong support network to thrive in the adult world post college graduation. Don't miss this empowering conversation, as Juhi and Mausam share their wisdom and experiences to help guide you through the exciting and challenging transition from being a blind student to a thriving blind adult. Tune in to the NABS Now Podcast, and let us support you on your journey to success! Thank you to our special guests Juhi Narula and Mausam Mehta This episode is hosted by Seyoon Choi and Manahil Jafri Created and produced by Kinshuk Tella and Seyoon Choi Visit us on the web at nabs link.org for even more resources for blind students. Are you interested in assisting with the production of the future nABS Now podcast episodes? Email Seyoon at schoi@nfbmo.org

The NABS Now team is thrilled to have Luke from Clusiv, his education startup dedicated to birding the gap for blind students to obtain the necessary skillsets to jump into modern day workforce. Whether you are looking to improve on your use of sophisticated Microsoft 365 sweet with JAWS, virtual meeting platform such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, to exploring potential roles and preparing for postsecondary life into college, Clusiv has it all. Plus, a graduate from Clusiv's program for a deeper look at the amazing work for advancing the rights of blind population and raising expectations everyday. To learn more about Clusiv's unique offerings visit https://clusiv.io Search Clusiv on the App Store or Google Play Store Thank you to our special guests Luke simianer and Kassahun Yibeltal Created and produced by Kinshuk Tella and Seyoon Choi, and hosted by Seyoon Choi out of the National Association of Blind Students Content Creation Committee Visit us on the web at www.nabslink.org Are you interested in assisting with the creation and production of the NABS Now podcast? Contact Seyoon Choi at schoi@nfbmo.org

Happy new year! The NABS Now crew is back with a fresh season of our podcast, with individuals devoted to competitive and recreational mainstream video games. Yet wondered how this is achievable as a blind player? Listen to the episode, as our speakers for this month has answers to share. Are you interested in assisting with the production of our future episodes of the NABS Now podcast? Email Seyoon at schoi@nfbmo.org Thank you to our special guests James Yesel and Ali Abdulhadi Hosted by Seyoon Choi Created and produced by Kinshuk Tella and Seyoon Choi out of the National Association of Blind Students Content Creation Committee, a proud division of the National Federation of the Blind Visit us on the web at: www.nabslink.org Facebook: facebook.com/nabspage/ Twitter & Instagram @nabslinnk

Marching bands are found in many places, and at many occasions. With its profound roots from military bands to highly competitive marching core groups and marching bands in high school, college and beyond, magnificent sounds from those drums and detailed choreographies are as detailed oriented as it is highly visual. So are there in fact tips, tricks and ways a blind musician could possibly step into the world of marching arts? Listen to this month’s episode as you’ll hear from two of the highly advanced blind marchers and your host jump in with full of stories, tips and advice to share and geek out on all things marching band, plus why marching bands are highly important in their lives. Thank you to our special guests Emily Kiehl and Dustin Cather Created and produced by Kinshuk Tella and Seyoon Choi Visit us on the web at www.nabslink.org Find National Association of Blind Students on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, @nabslink

Description: Fall can be quite exciting for so many. Perhaps a pumpkin spice Latte from Starbucks or watching the leaves fall under the clear blue sky as the temperatures gently fall is not enough? For many students and educators, fall also marks the beginning of the start of the school year. Have you always wondered how you can support your blind students in your learning environment? Curious as to how you can create a more open and welcoming atmosphere for both students and educators could work collaboratively on implementing those accommodations and best support those diverse learning styles? We are joined by three vibrant, highly insightful educators in all disciplines bringing both perspectives as teachers and students themselves. Thank you to our special guests Shelby Felter, Nick and Michelle Thompson. Created and produced by Seyoon Choi and Kinshuk Tella Visit us on the web at nabslink.org Facebook: facebook.com/nabspage/ Twitter & Instagram: @nabslink