Melissa Riccobono, Second Vice President

Email: melissaariccobono@gmail.com

Melissa Riccobono has been blind since birth due to Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), a rare genetic eye condition. From an early age, she was fortunate to have parents who firmly believed in her and her older sister—who is also blind—encouraging them to live full and independent lives. Melissa and her sister were expected to do everything their sighted brothers did, from household chores to extracurricular activities, fostering a strong sense of self-reliance and confidence. Today, Melissa remains deeply grateful for the high expectations her parents set, as well as the essential blindness skills they ensured she learned before heading off to college.

Melissa pursued her passion for psychology and education by earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis on school counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During her college years, she joined the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights, independence, and opportunities of blind individuals. This involvement sparked a lifelong commitment to leadership and advocacy.

After completing her degrees, Melissa worked as an elementary school counselor for three years in a public school just outside of Baltimore, Maryland. In this role, she supported students with academic, emotional, and social development, honing her skills as a mentor and advocate. Though she loved her work, she ultimately chose to leave her position to become a full-time stay-at-home mom, dedicating herself to raising her children and continuing her advocacy work.

Melissa is married to Mark Riccobono, who currently serves as the President of the National Federation of the Blind. Together, they have three children: Austin (sighted) is in fifth grade, Oriana (blind) is in second grade, and Elizabeth (blind) is in kindergarten.

As a longtime advocate for blind children and their families, Melissa was well aware of the challenges and opportunities that come with raising a blind child. However, she quickly discovered that raising her own blind daughters provided an entirely new perspective. Navigating the education system, ensuring her children receive appropriate blindness skills training, and fostering their independence has deepened her understanding of the unique needs of blind students and their families.

Melissa actively works on encouraging Braille literacy, advocating for inclusive education policies, and helping her children develop strong cane travel skills—something she personally struggled with until adulthood. She understands firsthand the importance of early intervention and equal access to education, and she is committed to helping other parents ensure their blind children receive the best possible support.

Melissa’s passion for advocacy extends far beyond her own family. She serves as President of the Maryland Parents of Blind Children (MDPOBC) and Second Vice President of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC), working closely with families across the country to provide resources, guidance, and encouragement. In these leadership roles, Melissa mentors parents of blind children, helping them navigate school accommodations, IEPs, and independent living skills. She advocates for expanded access to Braille instruction, assistive technology, and inclusive education policies. She speaks at conferences and workshops, sharing her expertise on raising blind children, fostering independence, and breaking down misconceptions about blindness. She collaborates with educators and policymakers to promote equitable opportunities for blind students in public and private schools.

Melissa is deeply committed to building a strong network of parents and families who can support and learn from one another. She firmly believes that everyone has something to teach and something to learn, and this philosophy drives her involvement in the National Federation of the Blind community.

As she continues her work in blindness advocacy, Melissa looks forward to further expanding her outreach, ensuring that all blind children have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive. Whether through public speaking, mentoring, or policy advocacy, she is determined to help create a world where blind children can grow up with confidence, independence, and the expectation of success.

Melissa’s story is a testament to the power of high expectations, strong mentorship, and community support. Her journey—as a blind woman, advocate, counselor, mother, and leader—serves as an inspiration to parents, educators, and blind individuals everywhere.