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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Mark Your Calendar: Presidential Release Live on March 6:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>The next Presidential Release Live will be Thursday, March 6, at 8:00 p.m., Eastern. Zoom details are below. Attend to get the latest updates on the movement, ask questions, and hear important perspectives on the organized blind movement.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Presidential Release Live Zoom:</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91752100862"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91752100862</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>One Tap Mobile: +13017158592,,91752100862# US (Washington, DC)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Zoom ID:<b> </b>91752100862</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>News:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Federal Workers Impacted by Recent Layoffs:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>We know that federal employees with disabilities have been disproportionally affected by recent reductions in the federal workforce and we are doing all we can to help our blind colleagues. If you are a federal worker impacted by the government layoffs and are interested in information on career opportunities through the National Federation of the Blind Employment Initiatives, please submit the </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/general-interest-form"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>Employment Interest Form</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'> to receive announcements regarding career opportunities.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Upcoming Presidential Release Recording for Chapters:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>The next National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release chapter version will be published on Friday, February 28. The chapter version is intended to be played during each chapter meeting throughout the month and used for discussion among members. </span><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>Access the chapter version and live details</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Submit Nominations for Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>The education of blind children is one of the National Federation of the Blind's highest priorities. Please help us recognize dedicated and innovative teachers who provide quality education and meaningful experiences and opportunities for their blind students. Nominate a teacher, counselor, or administrator of programs for blind students. </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>Learn more about the Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Submit Nominations for Blind Educator of the Year Award:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>The </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/blind-educator-year-award"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>Blind Educator of the Year Award</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'> pays tribute to a blind teacher whose exceptional classroom performance, notable community service, and commitment to the organized blind movement merit national recognition. Submit nominations to the committee chairperson, Robin House, via email at </span><a href="mailto:robin@mindsrealm.net"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>robin@mindsrealm.net</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>. Letters of nomination must be accompanied by a copy of the nominee’s current résumé and supporting documentation of community and Federation activity. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Jacobus tenBroek Disability Rights Law Symposium:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>The Jacobus tenBroek Disability Rights Law Symposium is the largest disability rights law symposium in the world and will be held from Thursday, March 20, through Friday, March 21, right here in the Jernigan Institute. In-person registration is open through March 7 and virtual registration will stay open until March 14. Fees are $200 for in-person attendance, $150 for virtual attendance, and a discounted rate of $25 for students. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Registration for in-person attendance: </span><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=616"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=616</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Registration for virtual attendance: </span><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=617"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=617</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>More information about the symposium can be found at </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/jacobus-tenbroek-disability-law-symposium"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium | National Federation of the Blind</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Religious Observances Calendar:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>The calendar listing religious holidays and observances has been updated to include the year 2029. The revised calendar can be found </span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/diversity-equity-inclusion"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion page of our website</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Recent Press Releases to Share:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Please read and share the following press releases:</span><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>“</span><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-commends-introductions-blind-americans-return-work"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>National Federation of the Blind Commends the Introductions of Blind Americans Return to Work Act</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>” </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>“</span><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/statement-national-federation-blind-harmful-stereotyping-blind-people-political"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>Statement from the National Federation of the Blind on the Harmful Stereotyping of Blind People in Political Discourse</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>”</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><a name="_Hlk183426075"><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Dates to Keep in Mind:</span></b><o:p></o:p></a></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk183426075'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>(all times Eastern)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk183426075'></span><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>February 28: Deadline to register for IEP Advocacy Academy</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>March 20-21: Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium, registration deadline is March 7</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>May 16-17: Diabetes Action Network; Baltimore, Maryland; registration coming soon</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>July 8-13: National Convention; New Orleans, Louisiana</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition, Registration for our National Convention will be open soon. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shara Winton<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President, National federation of the Blind of Massachusetts<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.nfbma.org/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>www.nfbma.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:sharawinton@gmail.com"><span style='color:#0563C1'>sharawinton@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>617-304-0347<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>