The official policy statements of the National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts are established every year with annual resolutions adopted at the state convention.

The resolutions committee meets early during the convention. Each proposed resolution is read, spoken for by the authoring member, considered, and then ultimately withdrawn or recommended for passage or disapproval by the Convention.

At times, resolutions may also be presented and adopted during an affiliate board meeting when timely action is needed between conventions. These resolutions hold the same official weight and reflect the affiliate’s ongoing commitment to addressing current issues affecting blind New Jerseyans.

Proposed Resolution 2026-01: Regarding Equal Access to Target Stores for Blind Customers

WHEREAS, two blind individuals recently experienced a denial of equal access while shopping at a Target store in Westwood, Massachusetts, when they requested brief in-store assistance to locate a small number of items; and

WHEREAS, store personnel informed them of an alleged internal policy requiring 24-hour advance notice for shopping assistance, which is not publicly disclosed or otherwise accessible to customers; and

WHEREAS, such a policy, if enforced, places blind customers at a significant disadvantage by preventing spontaneous and timely access to goods and services; and

WHEREAS, Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires places of public accommodation to provide equal access and reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures; and

WHEREAS, Target’s lack of transparency, adequate staff training, and failure to offer any alternative accommodations resulted in an experience that was exclusionary and inconsistent with the principles of equal access: NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts in convention assembled this 29th day of March, 2026, in the city of Woburn, Massachusetts, that this organization urge Target to ensure that blind customers are provided with timely, in-store assistance as a reasonable modification necessary to achieve equal access; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization call upon Target to publicly disclose in writing its policies regarding in-store assistance for customers with disabilities and to ensure that such policies comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization call upon Target to provide comprehensive and ongoing training to all store and customer service staff on disability rights, accessibility practices, and appropriate methods of assisting blind customers.

Proposed Resolution 2026-02: Regarding Structured Discovery Cane Travel Instruction

WHEREAS, effective travel instruction is essential for blind people to achieve independence, confidence, and full participation in their communities; and

WHEREAS, traditional orientation and mobility instruction in Massachusetts often focuses on memorizing specific routes, landmarks, and directions provided by sighted instructors rather than teaching blind students how to independently analyze unfamiliar environments; and

WHEREAS, this approach may limit the ability of blind travelers to adapt to changing environments or unfamiliar locations; and

WHEREAS, Structured Discovery, a methodology and teaching model by the national blindness professional certification board (NBPCB), has been a proven and research-driven model of instruction for more than 25 years; and

WHEREAS, Structured Discovery cane travel instruction emphasizes nonvisual problem-solving, environmental analysis, and critical thinking skills that enable blind individuals to independently navigate unexpected obstacles and travel to unfamiliar destinations; and

WHEREAS, this training philosophy promotes independence and self-confidence by equipping blind travelers with the tools necessary to navigate an ever-changing world; and

WHEREAS, certification by the NBPCB, whose certifications include the National Orientation and Mobility Certification and the National Certification in Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind, is required in order to teach the Structured Discovery methodology: NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts in convention assembled this 29th day of March, 2026, in the city of Woburn, Massachusetts, that this organization support the expansion and availability of Structured Discovery cane travel instruction in Massachusetts; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization call upon the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and any associated entities that work with blind adults, seniors, and children to seek out and employ Structured Discovery professionals certified by the national blindness professional certification board (NBPCB); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization call upon Massachusetts legislators and policymakers to take action to promote, fund, and ensure access to cane travel instruction for blind individuals by NBPCB-certified Structured Discovery professionals statewide.