[4Alabama] NFB Announcements

[Jennifer Reeves]

*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.
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program>
The application deadline is March 31, 2026. Students may review the
eligibility requirements, rules, and submission checklist for more
information.
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program/scholarship-program-faqs>


*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
<https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1765306812041&key=GRP&app=resvlink&_branch_match_id=1302272576938599399&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXTywo0MtNLCrKzC8p0UvOz9UvSi3OyczLtgdK2ALZZSCOWmaKraG5mamxgZmFoZGBiaFadmqlrXtQgFpdUWpaKlB3Xnp8UlF%2BeXFqka1zRlF%2BbioAWF4%2Bd2AAAAA%3D>.
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
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/jacobus-tenbroek-disability-law-symposium>.



*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 <https://nfb.org/programs-services/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
<https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-and-blind-entrepreneurs-file-federal-lawsuit>
.”


*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.
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/training-and-education/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



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