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--></style></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Dear members, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind recently learned of the following opportunity for our members to elevate our lived experiences. The U.S. Department of Education\u2019s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) is hosting a virtual national listening session regarding special education and vocational rehabilitation. OSERS leadership will attend to listen to participants\u2019 stories\u2014both successes and challenges\u2014on a first\u2011come, first\u2011served basis, with a three\u2011minute speaking limit. Those unable to speak due to time constraints may submit remarks by email to the Department. We encourage members to participate and help ensure that diverse voices are heard.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When: THIS Wednesday, January 28, from 11:00 a.m. \u2013 2:00 p.m Central Time<br><a href="https://events.zoomgov.com/ev/AkxJmtZeb4zY7wOJ0yHZ32u0038ivsipaiUoY0dmbhDnrMx20xAB~AvSqWUoosMeZH4NElEerjEfzAjv-uMiGfywnmIe3m8nVbSVD3Q0ijvMOxw">Zoom Registration Required</a><br><br>Please read the full message from the Department of Education below:<br><br>\u2014<br><br>Dear Colleagues, <br><br>Please join us for a virtual listening session with the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS):<br><br>The U.S. Department of Education\u2019s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) invites parents, students, teachers, paraprofessionals, school staff, individuals with disabilities, and other disability stakeholders across the nation to participate in a virtual listening session. You are invited to share your personal experiences with special education and vocational rehabilitation, including stories of success and challenges and any matters you would like the Department to hear as we work to empower parents, teachers, and local leaders and return education to the states.<br><br>OSERS leadership will be in attendance to hear from participants. The Department intends only to listen to feedback; no information will be shared, and Department staff will not engage in discussion. Please note that opportunities to speak are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and will include a 3-min max time per speaker. For registered participants unable to participate due to time constraints, listening session remarks may be submitted by email to a designated inbox. Consistent with the structure of the listening session, the Department will not respond to emailed session remarks. <br><br>This session will be closed to the press and strictly off the record.<br><br>WHEN: Wednesday, January 28, 2026<br> 12:00 \u2013 3:00 pm EST<br>WHERE: Zoom Registration Link<br><br>We are looking forward to hearing from you personally. Thank you for your time, your care, and commitment.<br><br><a href="https://events.zoomgov.com/ev/AkxJmtZeb4zY7wOJ0yHZ32u0038ivsipaiUoY0dmbhDnrMx20xAB~AvSqWUoosMeZH4NElEerjEfzAjv-uMiGfywnmIe3m8nVbSVD3Q0ijvMOxw">https://events.zoomgov.com/ev/AkxJmtZeb4zY7wOJ0yHZ32u0038ivsipaiUoY0dmbhDnrMx20xAB~AvSqWUoosMeZH4NElEerjEfzAjv-uMiGfywnmIe3m8nVbSVD3Q0ijvMOxw</a><br><br>Sincerely,<br>David Cantrell<br>David J. Cantrell, PhD<br>Deputy Director and Acting Director<br>Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)<br>U.S. Department of Education<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you register, please let us know by sending an email to <a href="mailto:Communications@nfb.org">Communications@nfb.org</a>. Thank you for your commitment to the organized blind movement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Live the life you want.<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>