[IABS-Talk] President Riccobono's notebook for the week of April 22

Tue Apr 23 15:01:52 UTC 2024

Critical Actions:

May Presidential Release:

The
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases> May
Presidential Release is scheduled for Wednesday, May 1, at 8:00 p.m.,
eastern. Each Presidential Release Live includes a question-and-answer
session. These questions can be about recent activities or common questions
members have about being in the organized blind movement. Please submit
questions early to  <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org--questions>
cdanielsen at nfb.org.  <https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91678124399> Zoom ID 916
7812 4399.

Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award:

The deadline to submit applications for the Distinguished Educator of Blind
Students Award is May 1, 2024. Go to
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-edu
cator-blind-students-award>
https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educ
ator-blind-students-award for information and to submit an application. 

Convention:

Grant from National Association of Blind Veterans:

The National Association of Blind Veterans is offering a grant for
first-time convention attendees who are veterans. If you have questions
about this grant, please reach out to Vernon Humphrey at
<mailto:mr_president at nabv.org> mr_president at nabv.org. Please share this
message with your members who are vets. 

News:

Department of Justice ADA Title II Website Accessibility Final Rule:

Earlier this month, the United States Department of Justice released the
final rule regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II website
accessibility regulations. On April 10, the Federation published
<https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-applauds-us-d
epartment-justice-web-and-mobile-content> our official statement on the
release of the rule, which can be read in its entirety on the
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements> Policy
Statements page of our website. 

April Legislative Update:

Throughout the month of April, we have gained a total of four new cosponsors
across two of our bills in the House. First, the Websites and Software
Applications Accessibility Act (H.R. 5813) gained Jamie Raskin of Maryland
and Colin Allred of Texas. Second, the Medical Device Nonvisual
Accessibility Act (H.R. 1328) gained André Carson of Indiana and also Colin
Allred of Texas. Way to go Indiana, Maryland, and Texas! Keep up the great
work. 

Advocate and Track with Us: Report Web Inaccessibility:

Your advocacy makes a difference. The National Federation of the Blind
tracks and reviews many platforms, websites, software, and products for
accessibility. Given the vast number of inaccessible apps and websites, it
is vital that we work together to report issues, educate companies, and help
make many more products and services accessible. Learn about self-advocacy
for accessibility and tracking inaccessibility:
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-accessibility
/self-advocacy-toolkit-and-tracking-form>
https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-accessibility/
self-advocacy-toolkit-and-tracking-form.

Catch Up on Content and Share on Social Media:

Highlights, news, and stories are available in the most recent Braille
Monitor, Future Reflections, Nation’s Blind Podcast, and Voice of the
Nation’s Blind Blog. The following are National Federation of the Blind
publications for you to access and share with Federationists. These articles
and episodes are great to share on affiliate and division social media to
create discussions on various topics. 

*
<https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm24/bm2404/bm2404tc.htm> April
Braille Monitor
*
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/nations-blind-podcast>
Nation's Blind Podcast episode, “Not Letting the Flood of Doubt Win”
*	Blog article, “
<https://nfb.org/blog/project-bold-fostering-inclusion-through-immersion-and
-observation> Project BOLD: Fostering Inclusion through Immersion and
Observation”

Do You Have a Favorite Kernel Book Story?:

The National Federation of the Blind's Kernel Book series highlights the
stories of blind people and goes beyond sentimentality and misconceptions—to
the very "kernel" of blindness. They are a great way to have philosophy
discussions with members. Read and share the
<https://nfb.org/resources/jacobus-tenbroek-library/collections/kernel-books
> Kernel Books online series. Let us know which story you recommend the most
by emailing us at  <mailto:communications at nfb.org> communications at nfb.org
and share why it is your favorite. 

Dates to Keep in Mind:

(all times eastern)

*	May 1: Deadline for
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-edu
cator-blind-students-award> Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award
nominations
*	July 3-8: National Convention; Orlando, Florida

Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement

*	Wednesday, May 8, 8:00 p.m.
*	Wednesday, August 7, 8:00 p.m. 
*	Wednesday, November 6, 8:00 p.m. 

Chapter Presidents Calls

*	Thursday, June 13, and Sunday, June 16, at 8:00 p.m. 
*	Thursday, September 12, and Sunday, September 15, at 8:00 p.m. 

Thursday, December 19, and Sunday, December 22, at 8:00 p.m.

Marilyn Green, President

National Federation of the Blind of Illinois

312-343-8396

 <mailto:president at nfbofillinois.org> president at nfbofillinois.org

 <http://www.nfbofillinois.org> www.nfbofillinois.org

Live the life you want!

The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois is a community of members
and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every
day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.