<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto">Hi Shara, <div>I'd be happy to let Congress know about the Connect with Health Act. I didn't get a Zoom link for the guide dog hearing, either. Didn't want to bug you. I know you have lots going on. </div><div>Pam <br id="lineBreakAtBeginningOfSignature"><div dir="ltr">Sent from my iPhone</div><div dir="ltr"><br><blockquote type="cite">On Nov 17, 2025, at 6:59\u202fPM, Shara Winton via Massachusetts-NFB <massachusetts-nfb@nfbnet.org> wrote:<br><br></blockquote></div><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr">\ufeff<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style>@font-face { font-family: Wingdings; }
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ul { margin-bottom: 0in; }</style><div class="WordSection1"><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Happy Day NFB Family,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">I hope you are all well. First of all, I want to let each of you know that I am grateful for each and every one of you! Our members are on the move and making a difference in many areas! Our Transportation Director, Stephen, has been working so hard and showing up for every meeting that has anything to do with autonomous vehicles, guide dogs and the Ride and the T. Thank you Stephen for all your hard work and thank you to everyone else who has shown up for any of these events. Kyra has been working hard on getting meetings with all of our U.S. Reps to discuss changes to the Department of Education and how it is especially effecting people with disabilities in a significant way. Thank you Kyra and to all of the others who have accompanied her in these meetings. Thank you to all of the Chapter presidents and division presidents for having your meetings and planning lots of Holiday cheer in December! This affiliate is what it is thanks to each and every one of you! <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Walking Alone and Marching Together</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The <i>Walking Alone and Marching Together</i> podcast launched on November 16, the eighty-fifth Federation anniversary. This podcast shares the history of the National Federation of the Blind's fight for equality and inclusion from 1940 to 1990. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The first three episodes are now available. We will be releasing a new episode every Sunday. You can listen, subscribe, or share on: </span><o:p></o:p></p><ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc"><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/walking-alone-and-marching-together"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Walking Alone and Marching Together</span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> webpage</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> (includes episode transcripts)</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/walking-alone-and-marching-together-podcast/id1849913820"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Apple Podcasts</span></a><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6TMfseujdBqtecMXyj3DSO"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Spotify</span></a><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/702e141c-675d-4df5-b5e3-c7fda1a73414/walking-alone-and-marching-together-podcast"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Amazon Music</span></a><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><a href="https://walkingaloneandmarchingtogether.podbean.com/"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Podbean</span></a><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Department of Education OSERS and OCR Update:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Since the announcement of reduction in force (RIF) notices in the Department of Education, specifically in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), on October 10, the members of the National Federation of the Blind have been engaging with our members in Congress to let them know just how big of an impact this action will have on us. We asked you to call or email your senators and representatives, and you did. Then we asked some of you to come to Washington, DC, in person to meet with your senators on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and you did. I am happy to report that in the most recent Continuing Resolution to fund the government, Congress agreed that the RIF notices would be rescinded. However, that does not mean that this battle is won. We need to keep advocating to ensure that the government knows just how important the programs that are administered by OSERS and OCR are to us. If you didn\u2019t get to meet with your members in Congress, please still try to get those meetings so that we can make sure our message is heard from one corner of the Capitol to the other. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">We, in Massachusetts, have meant with Senator Warren, Representative Auchincloss, representative Keating and we will be meeting with Senator Markey later this week. We also just heard from Representative Clark\u2019s office and will meet with her after Thanksgiving. Our legislative director, Kyra is trying to firm up appointments with the other seven reps, now. Please let us know if you are able and willing to meet your rep. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Giggle Gala: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText">Our first Annual Giggle Gala is coming on December 11!!! It promises to be an evening full of laughter, food and good cheer! Please secure your seat by purchasing your tickets now. Seats are limited, so Hurry, don't miss out on this evening of doing something great while having a fabulous time! Thanks to a generous donation, the next 20 people who purchase tickets will go in to a drawing to win a crisp $100!!! So, don't delay purchase your ticket now. If you buy more than one ticket, your name will go in more than one time. So... think Christmas gifts for your loved ones. Most would love a comedy show and pizza! You must be in the room when this drawing takes place to win! Good Luck! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoPlainText"> Our silent auctions include a Wine party for 20, vacation packages to seven different locations; including: Las Vegas, Nappa Valley, New York City, and Nashville. This is not all, but just some of the items you can bid on that this exciting event! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoPlainText">Attached, you will find a flyer, that can be printed and shared in any way you choose. Some ideas include texting it to your network, posting it on social media or printing hard copies and hanging them on community bulletin boards. Whatever you do, please share and get out the word about this wonderful evening with the NFB of Massachusetts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoPlainText">There is a QR code on the flyer for your convenience, which will bring you directly to the place to order tickets. We can't wait to see you and laugh with you at the Giggle Gala 2025!!!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Medicare Telehealth Benefits Extended:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">With the passage of the most recent Continuing Resolution on November 13 to fund the federal government, a provision was included to extend Medicare telehealth benefits once again. However, this is again a temporary extension and will expire on January 30, 2026. We need to continue our advocacy on this effort to ensure that these benefits are made permanent. The most effective way to do that is to call or email your members in Congress and ask them to cosponsor the CONNECT for Health Act (H.R. 4206/S. 1261). For more information on the bill, please refer to our </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/legislative-priorities/legislative-alerts/pass-connect-health-act"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">legislative alert from September</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Independence Market Upcoming Holiday Schedule:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The Independence Market will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28. The market will reopen for regular business on Monday, December 1. Additionally, for best holiday gift results, customers should order by Thursday, December 11, for delivery before Christmas Day. Please be mindful that deliveries around the holiday may take longer than usual. Customers are welcome to reach out to the market staff for tracking information and updates. Keep in mind that the Independence Market online store will remain open and will accept orders twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, at nfb.org/ecommerce. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Career Quest Program at the Washington Seminar: </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Share this opportunity with blind students, early professionals, or emerging leaders:</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Blind students are invited to join us at the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Career Quest Program, held during the NFB Washington Seminar, from January 25 to January 28. This program empowers blind and low-vision students and early professionals to become confident advocates and future leaders.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Participants will have the opportunity to advocate on Capitol Hill, learn advocacy skills that will become valuable in college and in their careers, connect with peers at the NABS Winter Meeting, meet employers at the NFB Career Fair, and network with Federation mentors and professionals.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Participants must complete the </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/career-quest/application"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Career Quest Interest Application</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> by December 12<b> </b>to secure their spot. Please direct all questions to Nikki Jackson at 410-659-9314, extension 2404. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><h2><a name="_Hlk183426075">Dates to Keep in Mind:<o:p></o:p></a></h2><h2><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk183426075"><o:p> </o:p></span></h2><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk183426075"></span><ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc"><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2;background:white">December 11, 2025 Giggle Gala<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2;background:white">December 17, 2025Affiliate Board meeting<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">January 26-29, 2026: Washington Seminar</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">July 3-8, 2026: National Convention; Austin, Texas</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Chapter Presidents Calls</span><o:p></o:p></p><ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc"><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Thursday, December 11 and Sunday, December 14</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Shara Winton<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">President, National federation of the Blind of Massachusetts<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><a href="http://www.nfbma.org/"><span style="color:#0563C1">www.nfbma.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><a href="mailto:sharawinton@gmail.com"><span style="color:#0563C1">sharawinton@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">617-304-0347<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><div><gigglegalaf;yer.PNG></div><span>_______________________________________________</span><br><span>Massachusetts-NFB mailing list</span><br><span>Massachusetts-NFB@nfbnet.org</span><br><span>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/massachusetts-nfb_nfbnet.org</span><br><span>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Massachusetts-NFB:</span><br><span>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/massachusetts-nfb_nfbnet.org/pamsyk52%40gmail.com</span><br></div></blockquote></div></body></html>