From auburngirl2021 at gmail.com Mon Feb 9 19:17:26 2026 From: auburngirl2021 at gmail.com (Jennifer Reeves) Date: Mon, 9 Feb 2026 13:17:26 -0600 Subject: [4Alabama] NFB Announcements Message-ID: *NFB Scholarship Program:* The National Federation of the Blind is accepting applications for the 2026 NFB Scholarship Program. We offer an array of scholarships to blind students to support their educational and professional goals. In addition to the $10,000 cash award, each recipient receives funding to attend our national convention, opportunities to network with other blind students, and avenues to connect with hundreds of blind professionals. Apply for the 2026 scholarship program. The application deadline is March 31, 2026. Students may review the eligibility requirements, rules, and submission checklist for more information. *2026 Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium:* This year’s Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium will take place March 26–27 at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. Our theme for 2026 is "Collaboration and Creativity: Addressing Challenges and Advancing Opportunities Now and in the Future." Attendees will experience interactive workshops and in-depth plenary sessions focused on intersectional representation in the disability rights community. Registration opens later this week. A hotel block is available at the Courtyard Baltimore Downtown McHenry Row (1803 Porter Street, Baltimore, MD 21230), with a room rate of $159, plus taxes and fees, per night. To reserve your room, call 443-853-9918 and mention the "National Federation of the Blind JTLS2026," or book online through the Marriott website . The hotel block deadline is Wednesday, March 9, 2026. We will operate complimentary shuttles between the Courtyard and the NFB Jernigan Institute throughout the conference. To learn more about the symposium, visit Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium | National Federation of the Blind . *Independence Market Specialized Product Support:* Here at the National Federation of the Blind our Independence Market is committed to providing excellent customer service. That includes answering general questions about the products we offer to our members and customers, and while many items are familiar to our team, some specialized products may require customers to contact the manufacturer directly for detailed support. If this is the case, an Independence Market specialist is happy to assist with providing the appropriate contact information. To reach us, call 410-659-9314, then press 3, email us at independencemarket at nfb.org, or you can browse the catalog and shop online on the NFB website at Independence Market . *NEW: Federal Lawsuit Challenging Army-Wide Waiver of Randolph-Sheppard Act:* The National Federation of the Blind, the National Association of Blind Merchants, and several blind entrepreneurs have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the US Department of Education’s approval of an Army‑wide waiver that eliminates the Randolph‑Sheppard Act priority for blind vendors operating dining facilities on Army installations. Filed in the District of Maryland, the suit argues that the Department of Education exceeded its authority, failed to follow required procedures, and relied on unsupported claims. This action threatens the livelihoods of blind vendors nationwide. Read the press release announcement at “National Federation of the Blind and Blind Entrepreneurs File Federal Lawsuit Challenging Army-Wide Waiver of Randolph-Sheppard Act .” *Upcoming Webinar: Strengthen Your Emergency Readiness:* Be ready before disaster strikes. Join the National Federation of the Blind, the American Red Cross, and Operation HOPE for a webinar on February 11 at 2:00 p.m., Eastern, on emergency and financial preparedness. Learn strategies to stay safe, explore Red Cross tools and apps, and build financial resilience. Register for the Disaster and Financial Preparedness Webinar. Thanks for all you do and please, have a good weekend. Warmly, Barbara Manuel, President National Federation of the Blind of Alabama President at NFBAL.org 251.656.5165 NFB.org NFBAL.org Live The Life You Want From auburngirl2021 at gmail.com Mon Feb 9 19:24:01 2026 From: auburngirl2021 at gmail.com (Jennifer Reeves) Date: Mon, 9 Feb 2026 13:24:01 -0600 Subject: [4Alabama] NFB Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement Calls Message-ID: Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement Calls - Wednesday, May 6 - Wednesday, August 5 - Wednesday, November 4 Thanks, Barbara Manuel, President National Federation of the Blind of Alabama President at NFBAL.org 251.656.5165 NFB.org NFBAL.org Live The Life You Want