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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Dear Fellow Federationists:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As I write this, we’re two short weeks away from the 49<sup>th</sup> annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland—a time of information, inspiration and fellowship which will empower all of us to live the lives we want and continue to transform dreams into reality. As students, we are a vital part of the work of the Federation. For this reason, your MDABS Convention Planning Committee has been hard at work planning a wide array of activities just for students which will be packed with learning, empowerment and a whole lot of fun! Here’s what we have planned just for you in Ocean City:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Business Meeting:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As always, the focal point of our activities at convention will be our annual business meeting, which will take place on Friday, November 13 from 2:00-4:00 PM. We have a jam-packed agenda planned for this exciting seminar, including: remarks from a blind chemistry professor who shows that blindness is not what holds you back from participating in science at the college level, an informational presentation on the ABLE Act and how it benefits blind students, a panel of successful blind college students who will share their experiences in higher education, and much more. We are excited to welcome to Maryland the Secretary/Treasurer of the National Association of Blind Students, Kathryn Webster, who will be providing us with an update on what NABS is doing at the national level and how you can get involved. Please see the attached agenda for more detailed information on all the dynamic presentations we have scheduled for this meeting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Would you like to get your registration done ahead of time, skip the lines and get into the meeting early? Thanks to the hard work of our national rep, Kathryn Webster, that’s now possible! For the first time, we have made a <a href="file:///C:\Users\Christopher\Documents\Bills%20from%20Chris">preregistration form</a> available which will allow you to register for our business meeting ahead of time. You need only pay your $5 dues at the meeting, and you’ll be ready to go. We are asking that everyone who is planning to attend the meeting fill out this preregistration form, whether or not we already have your contact information. Just click on the above link, follow the prompts,, and contact me with any questions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Luncheon:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But that’s not all! On Saturday afternoon, November 14, we will hold a special luncheon just for students. This will be a time for you to relax and get to know our members and leaders in an informal setting. We will also hear from our national representative, Jeannie Massay, as well as our NABS rep, Kathryn Webster. These dynamic ladies will share their personal stories with us, emphasizing how the Federation has changed their lives. We are sure that this will be an inspiration to us all. Oh, and did I mention free pizza? That’s right, I said free! All students are welcome, so come take part in the food, fun and friendship!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you have any questions about activities for students at the NFB of Maryland convention, please write to me at <a href="mailto:dotkid.nusbaum@gmail.com">dotkid.nusbaum@gmail.com</a>. We look forward to an exciting convention filled with opportunities to learn, network and have a great time building the Federation. See you in Ocean City!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Live the life you want,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chris Nusbaum, Chairman<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Convention Planning Committee<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Maryland Association of Blind Students<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chris Nusbaum, Vice President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Greater Carroll County Chapter, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Vice President, Maryland Association of Blind Students<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Board Member, National Association of Blind Students<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Coordinator of Social Media, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Phone: (443) 547-2409<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Email: <a href="mailto:dotkid.nusbaum@gmail.com">dotkid.nusbaum@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Twitter: @Chrisn98 and @NFBMD<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind 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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>