[MDABS] November 2024 Minute Message from the Movement
Maryland President
president at nfbmd.org
Sat Nov 30 23:04:28 UTC 2024
November 2024 Minute Message
Fellow Federationists:
Happy Thanksgiving! I’m thankful every day for each of you. I hope you had the opportunity to spend the holiday with people you love and enjoy.
We’ve continued to work hard on activities and events to protect the civil rights of the blind in Maryland. We held our Crab Feast and Scholarship Dinner and Auction fundraisers to support the John T. McCraw Scholarship Program. We also held an incredible Basket and Bag Bingo hosted by the Baltimore County and Greater Baltimore Chapters. Our Merchants Division held a fabulous mixer and networking event. Each of our chapters hosted at least one Blind Equality Achievement Month activity. We once again hosted Wizarding Weekend on Magical Main, where roughly twelve thousand people attended a festival organized by the blind. We held a grant writing training seminar for our leaders so we can diversify our funding sources. We updated and migrated our website and conducted a number of other logistical and operational changes to be able to better manage the work of NFBMD. And we now turn our attention to preparing for end-of-year activities and preparing for 2025.
In the first six weeks of 2025, we will host our annual Day In Annapolis, participate in Washington Seminar, and hold our annual State Convention. Things are moving very quickly, so for the most up-to-date information about NFBMD’s activities, please visit our website – Nfbmd.org.
Read on for more information!
NFBMD Fall Theater Donation Drive
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is conducting a Theater Donation Drive, with the support of Access Maryland. In appreciation for your financial support, we will enter contributors in this program into a monthly drawing for a pair of tickets to a hit musical. The shows and associated dates are listed below.
Life of Pi - December 14, 2024 at 2:00PM
Annie - January 11, 2025 at 2:00PM
The show will be audio described.
For every $10, the contributor will get one chance to win. For example, if an individual donates $20, they will be entered into the drawing two times.
The drawing will take place on a monthly basis one week before each show date.
Here are the rules:
- Contributions will be taken on a rolling basis one week before the final show as part of this initiative.
- For each $10 donated, the individual's name will be entered into the drawing. That means the more the individual donates, the greater their chance of winning.
- We will draw on a monthly basis, one week before the scheduled show date, one name from those who have contributed at least $10 during the campaign. That individual will receive 2 tickets to the next show.
- Tickets are nonrefundable and nonexchangeable.
To make a donation as part of this drive, please use Zell ( <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org), use the PayPal button at: <Https://nfbmd.org/theaterdonation> Https://nfbmd.org/theaterdonation, or mail a check to NFBMD Fall Theater Donation Drive, 1800 Johnson Street, Suite N1, Baltimore, MD 21230.
NFBMD End of Year Appeal
As we complete 58 years of service to blind persons in Maryland, I am asking for your support of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland with a special holiday tax-deductible donation. We accomplished a great deal this year. To continue our work in the coming year, we urgently need your support. In 2024 we:
* Worked with members of the Maryland General Assembly to enact legislation to expand access to textbooks and instructional materials for blind and low vision k-12 students, ensuring that blind and low vision students receive their instructional materials on time and in the formats they need.
* Worked with the Maryland Board of Pharmacy to promulgate regulations to ensure that pharmacies make labels on prescription medications accessible using alternate formats to standard print so that blind and low vision patients can safely and independently dispense their own medications.
* Awarded scholarships to blind college students and offered paid internships to those seeking work experience early in their careers.
* Provided people with diabetes and vision loss with information managing the complications of their disease.
* Helped blind seniors and those who lost vision recently to live independently with blindness training.
This summer, we served 30 Maryland children through the 17th Braille Enrichment Literacy and Learning Academy for blind children ages 4 to 12 who have limited vision at three different locations throughout Maryland. Learning to read and write Braille is vital for these children because any limited vision they may have is likely to deteriorate as they mature into adulthood. We engaged in significant advocacy casework for parents, students, seniors, employees, and those who recently lost vision in order to ensure equal access to Maryland programs and services.
We advocated on behalf of dozens of blind and low vision students related to special education. We helped many blind and low vision employees navigate the job search process and advocated in several disability discrimination cases. We provided training and mentorship for those who work in the blindness field and for families, friends, and companies.
Much more remains to be done. Your donations enable us to do more field work to locate blind persons who need help and encouragement so they can live the lives they want. Please make checks payable to NFBMD and mail them to the address below. You may donate by check, or via Zelle using <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org , or via credit card or PayPal by visiting <https://nfbmd.org/donate> https://nfbmd.org/donate. If you already donated this year, we thank you again for your generous support. Please remember, donations are welcome any time.
NFBMD Virtual Board Meeting – December 8, 2024
Everyone is invited to attend the NFB of Maryland Board of Directors meeting on Sunday, December 8, 2024 to plan for 2025.
We plan to meet virtually via <https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/6248138327?pwd=3j1veR63Yr9IbB8Kv0xxaxMCA2tKOb.1> Zoom.
The meeting will begin at 2:00.
Click on the zoom meeting ID to launch the Zoom desktop client or mobile application.
<https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/6248138327?pwd=3j1veR63Yr9IbB8Kv0xxaxMCA2tKOb.1> Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: <https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/6248138327?pwd=3j1veR63Yr9IbB8Kv0xxaxMCA2tKOb.1> 624 813 8327
Passcode: 63263
Zoom One tap mobile
+13017158592,,6248138327# US (Washington DC)
Seeking Day in Annapolis Attendees
We’ll be holding our annual Day in Annapolis where we meet with all 188 members of the Maryland General Assembly on January 16, 2025. There we will advocate for issues of importance to the blind of Maryland. We need all hands on deck. This will be solely an in-person event, and there will be no virtual meetings.
This will be a long day, so please be prepared to do a fair amount of walking, bring any needed medication, have snacks with you or plan to buy them from the cantina, and dress appropriately for meeting elected officials.
We need those who plan to participate to RSVP to <mailto:Annapolis at nfbmd.org> Annapolis at nfbmd.org by December 15, 2024. This is a hard date because we need to sign a contract for dinner which has a guaranteed number of individuals and also ensure sufficient transportation resources. Moreover, with Day in Annapolis, Washington Seminar and state Convention all within 30 days of each other, we have to finish logistical planning for Annapolis well in advance.
We will provide transportation from the NFB for Baltimore-based individuals and from a location to be determined from the DC suburbs. Transportation will leave very early, likely around 6:30AM or earlier. We will have meetings between around 8AM and 4:30PM, and then we will transport folks to our restaurant for dinner and debriefing. We expect people will get back to their pick-up locations between 8:30PM and 9:30PM.
If you want to reserve a space on NFB of Maryland transportation, please contact Ellen Ringlein ( <mailto:germlish77 at gmail.com> germlish77 at gmail.com) for Baltimore-based transportation and Debbie Brown ( <mailto:deborahb14 at verizon.net> deborahb14 at verizon.net) for the DC suburbs.
We will be meeting for dinner after our meetings with the legislature to debrief and report on our success. Each individual will be expected to bring cash for their meal, which will cost $30 including tax and tip.
We will host a virtual training session on Monday, January 13 at 7PM via Zoom. We will use our affiliate Zoom number for this training session.
We will publish the Fact Sheets in mid-late December on NFB Newsline, the listserves, and the NFB of Maryland website.
Please consider joining us on January 16 – this is one way NFB of Maryland changes what it means to be blind of which you are a critical part.
Nominate a Crab
We hold a Crab Race in connection with our annual NFB of Maryland State Convention. This is a fundraiser where you can support your favorite crab contestant by putting a bit of money on them in $5 increments, and the people who supported the winning crab split the pot with NFBMD. Following the banquet, the six crab contestants – we call them “crabs” participate in a race to see who gets to the “finish line” first.
This year, you will get to decide who one of the six crabs will be.
Here are the rules:
Nomination Round:
Anyone can nominate someone to be a crab between now and December 15, 2024. You can nominate yourself if you wish. Send nominations via email to <mailto:Convention at nfbmd.org> Convention at nfbmd.org. We recommend you make sure the person you are nominating wishes to participate and also plans to attend the convention in person.
Voting Round:
Those who get two or more nominations will be advanced to the voting round. We will post a form online for folks to cast their vote after December 15. Voting will close on January 15, 2025. We will announce the winner at the Convention, and they will be the sixth crab.
Existing Crabs:
The following are already chosen as crabs for the 2025 convention, so you may want to choose someone else to nominate:
* Fearless Crab Judy Rasmussen
* Christmas Crab – Sharon Maneki
* TBD Crab Mark Riccobono
For questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Ronza Othman at <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org.
Lead, Love, Live: The State Convention is Coming!
You will not want to miss the state convention at the Ashore Resort and Beach Club in Ocean City which takes place on February 13 - 16, 2025. Come and meet our National Representative. You may reserve your room by calling the Ashore at 410-524-3535. Convention Room Rates: Standard Room - $99 per night plus tax; cabana and other types of sleeping rooms range in cost from $129 - $149 per night plus tax. The deadline for making room reservations is December 31, 2024.
Pre-registration is open through December 31, 2024. Visit <https://nfbmd.org/convention> https://nfbmd.org/convention to register online. We will not be mailing hard copy registration forms this year, so those needing to register via hard copy will need to download, print, and mail the hard copy form or request assistance from their chapter president.
Below are the prices for the various convention activities (prices are per person unless otherwise stated):
* Registration: $25 on or before December 31, 2024; $35 after - Kids age 12 and under are free
* Transportation from Baltimore and New Carrollton: $65 on or before December 31, 2024; $75 after
* Banquet: $60 on or before December 31, 2024; $70 after
* Friday Boxed Lunch: $25 on or before December 31, 2024
* Friday Dinner & a Play Pizza Buffet: $25 on or before December 31, 2024; $35 after
* Saturday Luncheons (Seniors, Parents, and Students): $30 on or before December 31, 2024; $40 after
* Sunday Training Center Alumni and Networking Breakfast: $25 on or before December 31, 2024; $35 after
Seeking Resolutions for the State Convention
The Convention is the supreme authority of the National Federation of the Blind, and this too is true of the affiliates. One of the most important charges of the Convention is to consider and vote on resolutions that come before it; those resolutions become the policy of the organization. To that end, individuals interested in submitting resolutions should send them to NFBMD Resolutions Chairperson Chris Danielsen by email at <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org> cdanielsen at nfb.org by January 31, 2025.
Seeking Convention Sponsors and Exhibitors
We are seeking sponsors for our 2025 NFB of Maryland State Convention. There are various levels of sponsorship, and the various levels include different benefits. Entities and individuals interested in serving as an NFBMD Convention sponsor should contact Jen White at <mailto:Jwhite at nfb.org> Jwhite at nfb.org or Justin Young at <mailto:JYoung at nfb.org> JYoung at nfb.org to request additional information. Sponsorship forms and additional information may also be found at <https://nfbmd.org/convention> https://nfbmd.org/convention.
We are also seeking exhibitors for our Friday Exhibit Hall. Individuals and entities interested in exhibiting should also contact Jen White at <mailto:Jwhite at nfb.org> Jwhite at nfb.org or Justin Young at <mailto:Jyoung at nfb.org> Jyoung at nfb.org to request additional information. Exhibitor forms are available for download at <https://nfbmd.org/convention> https://nfbmd.org/convention.
The sponsorship and exhibitor deadlines are December 6, 2024.
Seeking Door Prize Donations
We are seeking donations of door prizes to give away at the NFB of Maryland Annual Convention. Door prizes should have a cash value of a minimum of $25 each. For questions, please contact Door Prize Co-chairs Qualik Ford at <mailto:Qford at bism.org> Qford at bism.org and Juhi Narula at <mailto:Jnarula at bism.org> Jnarula at bism.org. Please bring door prizes to the convention.
Seeking Donations for the NFBMD Bake and Experience Auction!
We are seeking donations of baked goods and experiences for the NFBMD auction. Some examples of experiences include taking the winner to dinner, giving cooking lessons, musical or show tickets, etc. We are asking for donation commitments prior to January 31, 2025. Please notify Convention Logistics chairperson Justin Young of your donation via email at <mailto:Jyoung at nfb.org> Jyoung at nfb.org.
Seeking Baked Deliciousness for NFBMD Fire Sale!
Attention all!
This message is going out to all you bakers, non-bakers, and anyone else with baked goods. As state convention rolls around again, so does our annual fire sale. If you want to help feed our movement and fund the important work we do, please take the time to donate your freshly baked goods, whatever they may be. Cookies, cakes, candies and croissants, we'll take them all. Please contact Justin Young with your donation commitment via email at <mailto:Jyoung at nfb.org> Jyoung at nfb.org.
State Convention Orientation: February 10, 2025
All first-time convention attendees are cordially invited to attend a First-Timers Orientation from 8 to 9:30 p.m., on Monday, February 10. The Ambassadors Committee will walk you through the events that will take place throughout the weekend, explain processes such as door prizes and voting, as well as make sure every first-time convention attendee is matched with a mentor.
Connection information is as follows:
Zoom Meeting ID: <https://zoom.us/j/6248138327?pwd=eTZlYUgwR3ZQVVl1dXBLSHcrbml1QT09> 624 813 8327
One-Number Conference Call: 339-209-4083
NFBMD Convention Donation Drive and Drawing!!
Want to win either $500 or have your 2026 State Convention hotel and meals covered? Here's your chance!
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is hosting the 2025 NFBMD Convention donation drive. For each $20 donation, you will get one chance in the Convention drawing. For example, if you donate $100, you will get five chances.
The winner will have their choice of either $500 or their 2026 state convention hotel (two nights) and meals covered by the affiliate. The drawing will take place at the NFBMD banquet on Saturday, February 15, 2025. The winner does not need to be present.
The fundraiser is open through 3PM on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
The rules for the drawing are as follows:
1. For each $20 donated, the donor will receive one chance. For example, if the donor contributes $100, that equates to 5 chances.
2. The donor must expressly state that they wish to have their name placed in the convention drawing.
3. Donations must be made separately from any door prize contributions, convention registration donations, theater donation drive, or end-of-year sharing contributions.
4. Donations must be received on or before 3PM on February 15, 2025.
Individuals may make donations using the PayPal button located at <https://nfbmd.org/conventiondrawing> https://nfbmd.org/conventiondrawing
via Zelle ( <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org),
or by mailing checks to:
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
Convention Donation Drive
1800 Johnson Street, Suite N1
Baltimore, MD 21230
Washington Seminar Is Coming!
On February 3 and 4, Maryland will join Federationists in person from throughout the country to let Congress know about our legislative priorities for blind Americans. We will share the legislative priorities once they become available. You may read the Washington Seminar fact sheets by visiting <https://nfb.org/washington-seminar> https://nfb.org/washington-seminar or via Newsline. The Great Gathering In will take place at 5:00PM on Monday, February 3, 2025 at the Holiday Inn Capitol Hotel. Maryland will be visiting our Congressional Delegation on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 in person on the Hill. If you would like to attend Congressional appointments, please let Joel Zimba and me know by January 20, 2025 by emailing <mailto:joelszimba at gmail.com> joelszimba at gmail.com and
<mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org.
Get ready for New Orleans in 2025!
The NFB 2025 National Convention will take place from July 8 – 13, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The New Orleans Marriott Hotel will be the primary location. The NFB Board of Directors also announced that the 2026 and 2027 national conventions will take place in Austin, Texas, and the 2028 and 2029 national conventions will take place in Chicago, Illinois. It’s never too early to start preparing for the largest and most powerful gathering of blind people in America.
Pay Your 2025 Dues!
NFBMD maintains an online portal for individuals to pay their chapter and division dues. We are asking members to pay their 2025 dues by January 15, 2025 so we can ensure that our rolls are accurate for State Convention voting.
Individuals may use NFBMD’s Dues Portal to pay their 2024 annual dues and/or lifetime membership dues for those chapters that have lifetime membership. The portal lists all NFBMD chapters and divisions and their dues amounts. Individuals may pay for as many chapters and divisions as they wish. The portal is located at http://nfbmd.org/dues. Alternatively, individuals may mail a check to their chapter or division treasurer.
Individuals may also pay their chapter dues at the Registration Table at the State Convention.
Please note that those paying via the online portal will incur a small processing fee.
NFB and NFBMD Scholarship Programs
The National Federation of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland each administer a separate scholarship program for post-secondary students. The deadline to apply for both scholarship programs is March 31, 2025.
National Scholarship Program: Each year, the NFB awards 30 merit-based scholarships totaling $240,000.
* Each scholarship recipient will receive $8,000 and additional prizes.
* Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and community service.
* The 30 scholarship finalists are announced in the spring and attend the NFB National Convention, where they are mentored by blind role models.
* Application materials must be submitted (online or postmarked) by 11:59PM on March 31, 2025.
* To be eligible, applicants must:
* Be legally blind in both eyes;
* Reside in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico;
* Be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program at a U.S. institution in the Fall of 2025 (one scholarship may be awarded to an individual who works full-time and attends school part-time);
* Be age 18 before July 7, 2025; and
* Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind (and all scholarship activities) in New Orleans, Louisiana from July 8 through 13, 2025 (scholarship finalists will receive convention grants).
* To apply, submit an application using the online application system at <https://scholarships.nfb.org/> https://scholarships.nfb.org/.
State Scholarship Program: The NFB of Maryland will award up to four scholarships of $4,000 each as part of the John T. McCraw Scholarship Program. NFBMD may award a scholarship to a former McCraw scholarship recipient.
* Scholarships are merit-based and awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership.
* Application materials must be submitted (online only) by 11:59PM on March 31, 2025.
* To be eligible, applicants must:
* Be legally blind in both eyes;
* reside in Maryland or be pursuing post-secondary studies at a school in Maryland;
* be age 18 prior to July 7, 2025;
* Be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time or part-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program in the Fall of 2025 and Spring of 2026 (priority will be given to full-time students); and
* Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind in New Orleans, Louisiana from July 8 through 13, 2025 and the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland in Maryland in February 2026 (scholarship finalists will receive convention grants).
* To apply submit an application using the online application system at <http://nfbmd.org/scholarship/apply> http://nfbmd.org/scholarship/apply; or
NFBMD Committees: Are You Interested?
I am beginning to make 2025 committee appointments for the NFB of Maryland, and Groups are also continuing their work. If you are interested in being appointed to a particular committee, please send me an email with the name of the committee or committees for which you are interested. I can’t promise everyone will be appointed to the committees they request, but it is very helpful to know where people are interested in contributing most. Please send your interest email to me at <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org by January 15, 2025. In addition, if you are interested in joining a particular group, please reach out directly to the chair of that group.
If there are committees that you think should be added, please also let me know.
Below is a list of the 2025 committees and groups as they currently stand. The individuals listed below have been asked to chair these committees or groups, but this may change slightly when final appointments are sent out.
Advocacy Committee
Sharon Maneki and Melissa Riccobono, Co-chairpersons
Advocates with employers, schools, Vocational Rehabilitation entities, and other public or private agencies for blind residents of Maryland
Ambassadors Committee
Judy Rasmussen and Debbie Brown, co-chairpersons
responsible for orienting first-time attendees to state and national Convention and mentoring first-timers at those events
Audit Committee
Barry Hond and Justin Young, Co-chairpersons
responsible for auditing financial accounts and spending for the affiliate, local chapters, and divisions
BELL Committee
Melissa Riccobono, Amy Crouse, and Erin Zobell, co-chairpersons
plans and administers the Maryland Bell program and incorporating Bell into NFBMD conventions and seminars
Braille Spectator Committee
Ronza Othman and Sharon Maneki, editors
Responsible for sourcing and creating content, assembling, editing, formatting, and disseminating the semi-annual magazine of the NFB of Maryland
Deaf-Blind and Hearing Loss Issues Committee
Janice Toothman and Heather Guy, Co-chairpersons
works on issues of concern and interest to the deaf-blind of Maryland
Development and Fundraising Committee
Jenivieve White and Ellen Ringlein, Co-chairpersons
coordinates long-term and short-term fundraising initiatives including: preparing and submitting grant proposals; sending out annual appeal letters; working with estate attorneys; administering Spring and Fall raffles; marketing Amazon smile; planning Basket Bingo, Crab Feast, and other fundraisers
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Qualik Ford and Juhi Narula, co-chairpersons
Provides leadership and guidance to the affiliate and chapters and divisions on matters related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Employment Committee
Pam Goodman and Jannis Forbes, co-chairpersons
Provides guidance and support related to strategies for increasing the employment of Maryland’s blind.
Guide Dog Issues Committee
Sherri Shirek, chairperson
works on issues of concern and interest to guide dog users in Maryland
Legislation Committee - Federal
Sharon Maneki and Joel Zimba, Co-chairpersons
responsible for Federal legislative action and educating elected officials on issues of importance to the blind of Maryland
Legislation Committee - State
Sharon Maneki and Ronza Othman, Co-chairpersons
responsible for state legislative action and educating elected officials on issues of importance to the blind of Maryland
Membership Committee
Dezman Jackson and TBD, co-chairpersons
responsible for helping chapters and divisions with recruitment, retention, and development of members
PAC Plan Committee
John Paré and Ann-Marie Laney, co-chairpersons
Coordinate the Maryland Pre-Authorized Check (PAC) efforts.
Public Relations Committee
Chris Danielsen, chairperson
responsible for marketing NFBMD programs and initiatives
Resolutions Committee
Chris Danielsen, chairperson
responsible for recommending (or not) that resolutions submitted by members be brought to the NFBMD Convention floor
Scholarship Committee
Juhi Narula, chairperson
responsible for administering the John T. McCraw Scholarship Program, including mentoring candidates at national and state conventions and beyond
Sharon Maneki Youth Empowerment Grant Committee
Sharon Maneki, chairperson
responsible for reviewing and approving (or not) grant applications for youth to attend blindness programs and training or to receive technology
Social Media Committee
Karen Anderson, chairperson
responsible for NFBMD’s social media presence, communication, and outreach using forums like Twitter and Facebook
Spanish Services Committee
Teresa Graham, chairperson
responsible for coordinating programming, outreach, and language interpretation for Spanish speakers
Sports and Recreation Committee
Qualik Ford and TBD, co-chairpersons
responsible for coordinating sports and rec activities for the affiliate.
Transportation Committee
Cheryl Fogle-Hatch and Aloma Bouma, co-chairpersons
responsible for coordinating transportation-related advocacy and working to improve the state of public transportation in Maryland
Website and Technology Committee
John Berggren, chairperson
responsible for NFBMD.org content and formatting, NFBMD databases, AV/IT at conventions, seminars, and other events, and other technology necessary for the operations of the NFB of Maryland
Youth Activity Committee
Erin Zobell, Chairperson
responsible for engaging youth and planning youth-focused programs
Convention-Related Committees
Anna Freysz Cable Award Committee
Debbie Brown, chairperson
administers award program for an adult who has demonstrated exceptional effort in learning blindness skills, which is given at the NFBMD Convention
Convention Child Care Committee
Brittany Bomboy, chairperson
coordinates childcare at the NFBMD Convention
Convention Organization and Activities
Justin Young, chairperson
coordinates the NFBMD Convention, including planning and logistics
Convention Registration Committee
Marie Marucci, chairperson
Coordinates and oversees convention registration.
Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award Committee
Teresa Graham, chairperson
administers award to an exceptional teacher of the blind in Maryland; awarded at the NFBMD Convention
Door Prize Committee
Juhi Narula and Qualik Ford, co-chairpersons
coordinates and runs NFBMD Convention door prize activities
Gold Cup Crab Race Committee
Juhi Narula and Jen White, co-chairpersons
Administers Gold Crab Race Fundraiser at state convention
Jennifer Baker Award Committee
Melissa Riccobono, chairperson
administers award program for a child who has overcome significant challenges to learn blindness skills; administered at the NFBMD Convention
Kenneth Jernigan Award Committee
Mary Ellen Jernigan, chairperson
administers award program for a Federationist who has demonstrated exceptional and sustained service and commitment to the NFB of Maryland; awarded at the NFBMD Convention
National Funding Support Auction Committee
Joel Zimba and Erin Zobell, Co-chairpersons
Administers the NFB of Maryland Bake and Experience Auction at the state convention.
Nominating Committee
TBD, chairperson
responsible for recommending to the NFBMD Convention individuals for open Board seats
NFBMD Groups
Blind Parents Group
Denna Lambert, chairperson
Crafters Group
Danielle McCann and Karen Anderson, co-chairpersons
Diabetes Action Network Group
Eileen Ley, chairperson
Performing Arts Group
Chris Danielsen, chairperson
Sighted Significant Others and Loved Ones Group
Jen White and David Waybright, co-chairpersons
Veterans Group
Ed Jackson, chairperson
Important Upcoming Dates
* January 16, 2025 – NFBMD Day in Annapolis, Annapolis, Maryland
* February 3, 2025 – Washington Seminar Great Gathering In, Washington, DC
* February 4, 2025 – NFB of Maryland Day on the Hill, Washington, DC
* February 13 – 16, 2025 – NFBMD 2025 Convention, Ocean City, Maryland
* July 8 – 13, 2025 – NFB National Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana
* September 19, 2025 – NFBMD Crab Feast, Rosedale, Maryland
Ronza Othman, President
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
443-426-4110
Pronouns: she, her, hers
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back
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