[4Alabama] Announcements from NFB

[Jennifer Reeves]

*Last Chance for a Legislative Surge:*

Congress is back in session. This is a perfect time to contact your members
of Congress to urge them to cosponsor our legislation: Access Technology
Affordability Act (H.R. 431/S. 212), Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility
Act (H.R. 4853), Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act
(H.R. 2373/S. 3238), and Websites and Software Applications Accessibility
Act (H.R. 9021/S. 4998). If we gain support for our legislation in these
final few weeks of the 117th Congress, it might be just enough to push it
over the top for a late vote before they adjourn for the year. This is our
last chance in this Congress and we have to make it count! Your calls and
emails absolutely make a difference!





*Upcoming Early Childhood Initiatives: Santa Letters and Winter Celebration
Program:*

Again this year, the National Federation of the Blind is not only helping
Santa out with Braille letters to blind children but our program also has a
winter-themed Braille letter for those who do not celebrate the Christmas
holiday. We are excited to provide both of these letters in English and
Spanish. Parents of children under the age of ten can select one of the
options that best fits their family.

Starting November 7, parents can request the Braille activity packet
online, via fax, or email. The celebration packets will start going out to
blind children around the country on December 6. The Braille letter will
also be accompanied by a print copy for the whole family to participate in
the fun activities that accompany the celebration letters. The deadline for
letter requests is December 16 to ensure that a return letter in Braille is
received before the winter season ends. Learn more about the Santa Letters
and Winter Celebration Program
<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://nfb.org/programs-services/early-childhood-initiatives/santa-letters&source=gmail-imap&ust=1669160459000000&usg=AOvVaw1pBaaqR1X9_SAkM2KOVKxT>
.



*Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest:*

The National Federation of the Blind, in partnership with the American
Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults, brings you the 2022-2023 Braille
Readers Are Leaders Contest. The registration for the contest officially
opens today. Registration and logging will be done through Beanstack. You
can reach registration by visiting
https://actionfund.beanstack.org/reader365
<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://actionfund.beanstack.org/reader365&source=gmail-imap&ust=1669160459000000&usg=AOvVaw0S9EdcPdMt4T50EL4w56Ap>.
You can register now and prepare for all of the Braille reading you will do
during the contest.

The contest runs from December 5, 2022, through January 23, 2023, and all
of the minutes you read will be logged into Beanstack. You can use the app
or web to log your minutes. There will be badges and activities for all age
groups, including adults. Sign up today and happy reading!



*Dream Makers Circle:*

You can help build a future of opportunity for the blind by becoming a
member of our Dream Makers Circle. It is easier than you think. You can
visit your bank and convert an account to a P.O.D. (payable on death) bank
account that is payable after your passing to the National Federation of
the Blind or one of our affiliates. Your legacy gift to the National
Federation of the Blind or your state affiliate can be made in the form of
a will or living trust; an income generating gift; or by naming us as the
beneficiary of a retirement plan, IRA, pension, or a life insurance policy.
You can designate a specific amount, a percentage, or list the NFB as one
of several beneficiaries. For additional information, please contact Patti
Chang at 410-659-9314, extension 2422, or at pchang at nfb.org.



*Giving Tuesday:*

Giving Tuesday happens on November 29 this year. If you missed giving on
White Cane Awareness Day, please consider giving on Giving Tuesday. You can
celebrate and you can still double your dollars thanks to a challenge grant
from Vispero, the maker of JAWS for Windows. If you are not in a position
to give yourself, please share this opportunity with colleagues, friends,
and family.

·        Give online at nfb.org/donate
<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://nfb.org/donate&source=gmail-imap&ust=1669160459000000&usg=AOvVaw3L1w1lGBJwSERz_JdkvC0j>

·        Mail a check to National Federation of the Blind, 200 East Wells
Street, Baltimore, MD 21230

·        Contribute by phone using a credit card by calling 410-659-9314,
extension 2430

·        Share this information with family and friends!

Thank you for contributing to our mission and helping blind people live the
lives they want. For more information visit the Vispero matching-gift
landing page
<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/challenging-expectations-partnership-vispero&source=gmail-imap&ust=1669160459000000&usg=AOvVaw3utGsF7rkg7qgenxhLMAQH>







Thanks for all you do!



Barbara