[4Alabama] Critical Convention Actions

[Jennifer Reeves]

 *Critical Convention Actions:*

*Convention Registration and Hotels:*

Time is running out! Just two weeks left to register online for convention
and to book your hotel room. You can register to attend convention in
person and purchase your banquet tickets at https://nfb.org/registration
<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://nfb.org/registration&source=gmail-imap&ust=1653500083000000&usg=AOvVaw2JwUb6eob1bL8-kwReT2gl>
until May 31. Prices go up if you wait until you arrive in New Orleans. And
don’t wait any longer to make your reservations. Space at the Marriott has
filled up but there are still rooms available at the convention rate right
across the street at the New Orleans Sheraton. Call 888-627-7033 and ask to
book a room for the “NFB Convention.” Please note that this is a different
number than originally published in the *Braille Monitor*. The convention
rate and our room block disappear after May 31, so don’t delay!



*Share Feedback—Help Track the PAC Survey:*

Whether you donate to the National Federation of the Blind through the
Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) Program or not, your feedback is needed
to help improve the program for the organized blind movement. Please
complete the five-minute survey and share it with members and supporters. Take
the PAC survey now online
<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/nfb-pac&source=gmail-imap&ust=1653500083000000&usg=AOvVaw0L5qfccMUIWimgY5PfdgIO>
or by phone. To complete the survey by phone, call 229-632-7878 or
toll-free 833-632-7878. Please note that the phone number provides the
survey in an automated system and will require the survey to be completed
in one session. There is an option to pause the survey for five minutes and
the pause can be extended as needed. Push # for help.





*Congratulations to the 2022 Scholarship Program Finalists!:*

Each year the National Federation of the Blind is proud to honor blind
scholars, all of whom are raising expectations and expanding possibilities.
On May 12, we announced the 2022 scholarship finalists. The scholarship
program provides financial assistance and connects students with mentoring
and other resources. Meet the finalists and learn about their vocational
goals
<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/celebrate-outstanding-blind-students-2022&source=gmail-imap&ust=1653500083000000&usg=AOvVaw3QLOTmC0paIpQ-FsN8sFIL>
.





*Access Technology Stories and Experiences for Congress:*

We’re trying a new, more personalized, strategy in our advocacy for the
Access Technology Affordability Act (H.R. 431/S. 212). We want to gather
quotes and short stories from our members all across the country who use
access technology on a daily basis about how important it is to them.
Conversely, we are also looking for quotes and short stories which
illustrate how prohibitively expensive access technology can be. The idea
is that we can then take these stories straight to members of Congress from
all states and show them how this issue affects their constituents, and how
important it is for them to support and pass the Access Technology
Affordability Act. Please send your quotes to Jeff Kaloc at jkaloc at nfb.org.





*Mark Riccobono Keynote Speaker for ICT Accessibility Testing Symposium:*

On Monday, May 16, President Riccobono was the keynote speaker for the ICT
Accessibility Testing Symposium, and he discussed the Blind Driver
Challenge—its impact on technology, accessibility, and new possibilities
for independence. Review and share the symposium keynote speech that is
available on YouTube
<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://youtu.be/mEmwW5duQhs?t%3D1740&source=gmail-imap&ust=1653500083000000&usg=AOvVaw3L9Opf297IzDZb1dtE8_YQ>
.



*Upcoming June Presidential Release:*

The next Presidential Release will take place Wednesday, June 1, at 8:00
p.m., eastern. The monthly Presidential Release provides important updates
and perspectives of the organized blind movement, and the live event
includes a Q&A session. Submit questions in advance to cdanielsen at nfb.org
and put PR517 in the subject line, or call 410-659-9314, extension 2473.
Zoom details coming soon.



*Submit an Article for the Braille Monitor—No Experience Needed:*

The National Federation of the Blind is seeking articles for the *Braille
Monitor* that focus on your lived experiences. Share a blind moment or a
strategy that other blind people should know about. To learn more or submit
an article, connect with Gary Wunder, *Braille Monitor* editor, at
gwunder at nfb.org*.*



















Barbara Manuel, President

National Federation of the Blind

Alabama Affiliate

251.656.5165