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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><h1><a name="OLE_LINK9"></a><a name="_Hlk75706218"></a><a name="_Hlk84098815"></a><a name="_Hlk94641879"></a><a name="_Hlk113649310"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>February 2026 Minute Message </span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><a name="_Hlk89042392"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Fellow Federationists:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>As the snow melts and the flowers begin to bud, we have just returned home from a wildly successful state convention, where we celebrated our 60<sup>th</sup> anniversary. We have also done a tremendous amount of work advocating for issues of importance to the blind of our state at the Maryland General Assembly. Our divisions have held life-changing seminars, and our Maryland Organization of Parents of Blind Children once again hosted a ski trip for blind children and their families. And yet, we have many important events and activities in the weeks ahead. Read on for information about what is happening in the NFB of Maryland. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFBMD Blind Cruising 2026</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><a name="_Hlk215876970"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland will be cruising to Bermuda in 2026. Join us for this five-night cruise on the beautiful Royal Caribbean Vision of the Seas, which departs the Port of Baltimore on Saturday, September 5, 2026. We will have two full days in Bermuda. Balcony cabins cost $1520.84 per person assuming double occupancy, including port charges and tax. Ocean view and inside cabins are also available at the prevailing rate. A $250 deposit is required to book the cabin, and final payment is due May 15, 2026. <o:p></o:p></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk215876970'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk215876970'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Supply is limited, so please make your reservations as soon as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk215876970'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk215876970'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>To make your deposit for a balcony cabin, or to request pricing for ocean view and inside cabins, please contact our travel agent, Cindy Kiper, at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:ckiper@dreamvacations.com"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk215876970'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>ckiper@dreamvacations.com</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk215876970'></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk215876970'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> or at 813-418-0647.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk215876970'></span><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Thank You for Flying Your Own Life! </span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Thank you to each of you who attended the 60th annual NFB of Maryland State Convention. Together, we were able to demonstrate that we are \u201cPilots of Progress,\u201d and with 60 strong years behind us, we\u2019re \u201cSoaring to New Horizons.\u201d </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>I am immensely grateful to each of you who played a role, from running a workshop or seminar, to coordinating the Exhibit Hall and soliciting sponsors, to providing door prizes and auction items, to running sound and streaming, to organizing seminars, to speaking to the convention, to working childcare, to engaging social media, to leading a very energetic opening ceremony, to hosting hospitality, to staffing the PAC and Registration Tables, to managing door prizes and the auctions, to baking for the Fire Sale, to selling, buying, and delivering Love Notes, to selling candy, nuts, cell phone carriers, and more, to participating in Pizza and a Play and Crab Idol, and on and on and on. you can see, it takes a myriad of people to put on a convention, especially one as big and energetic as ours. Please visit our website, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfbmd.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>https://nfbmd.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>, in the coming weeks to find the 2026 resolutions and some key highlights such as many important moments you\u2019ll want to revisit. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Basket and Bag Bingo is Coming!<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Would you like to win over $4,000 in prizes? Would you like to play 23 games of BINGO? Snacks and raffles will also be available. Join us at NFBMD Spring Basket and Bag Bingo, hosted by the Central Maryland Chapter, on March 13, 2025 in Catonsville. Buy your tickets early.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Prizes will feature baskets and bags from designer brands. We need financial contributions to help with these purchases. Please let us know whether you would like to sponsor a basket or bag for $200. All contributions of any amount are welcome. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>You may also purchase your ticket for $30 before March 13 and for $40 on March 13 if tickets are available. Please find information on how to purchase your ticket by visiting </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfbmd.org/bingo"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>https://nfbmd.org/bingo</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Annapolis Advocacy Continues!<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>We continue to advocate for our legislative priorities at the Maryland General Assembly. We attended four hearings where our members testified before the General Assembly about our primary legislative priorities, and we will testify at least two more times in the coming days. We have also testified orally on another 14 bills so far this legislative session. We have also provided written testimony to another more than 100 bills and signed on with the Maryland Cross Disability Coalition and the Maryland Education Advocacy Coalition to provide our support or opposition to another roughly 60 bills. </span>These cover areas including access to information, education, housing, transportation, health care, voting, commerce, and employment. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>On February 25, we testified on HB1027 and SB0901, our legislation to ensure access to an accessible telephone absentee voting process. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>On February 25, 2026, we also testified on HB1066 and SB0727, our legislation to ensure that local governments and municipalities have the ability, should they choose, to use end-to-end encrypted, secure, and accessible voting via a mobile application. This would give us access, often for the first time, to accessible and independent voting in local and municipal elections such as those for mayor, city council, and school board.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>On March 4 and 5, 2026, we will testify on SB0909 and HB1295, which will permit autonomous vehicles to come to Maryland so that we can have the opportunity to move about our communities independently and without suffering the constant discrimination many of us experience at the hands of rideshare services due to our blindness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>We have also testified about library funding, the need to ensure AI tools are accessible in schools, preserving privacy and dignity for students who need mobile devices in schools due to their disabilities, protecting blind voters from ID and signature requirements that will disproportionately impact the blind and disabled, ensuring schools inform parents when special education services are missed, protecting the blind when it comes to bicycle lanes, Paratransit and MTA fixed bus routes, deaf-blind services, implementing privacy and chain of custody requirements for curbside voting, pedestrian protection, prohibiting ads from being louder than programming for streaming services, bus stop violation enforcement, paying para-educators appropriately, ensuring special education para-educators and other support personnel are appropriately background checked, protecting blind merchant priority in the state\u2019s business enterprise programs, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access recreational, boating, and other opportunities free from discrimination, and many more. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>The Maryland legislature is extremely busy this year with a tremendous number of bills. In order to make sure that our delegates and senators know our matters are critical to us, we need to contact them to tell them to support our initiatives. Our State Legislation Committee is hard at work leading this effort, including holding workshops and office hours to help members with our 2026 legislative letter writing campaign. If you\u2019d like assistance writing letters to urge the General Assembly to support our legislative priorities, please email </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:Annapolis@nfbmd.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'>Annapolis@nfbmd.org</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Get ready for Austin in 2026!<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The NFB 2026 National Convention will take place from July 3 \u2013 8, 2026 in Austin, Texas. The JW Marriott Austin Hotel will be the primary location and host all convention meetings and seminars, while the Austin Marriott Downtown will serve as our overflow hotel. Both hotels will offer a nightly convention rate of $139 per night for singles and doubles and $155 for triples and quads, plus a tourism fee and taxes of 19%. You can begin making your reservations on January 1, 2026 with a reservation deadline of May 31, 2026. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Convention pre-registration opened March 1 and will close May 31, 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>First time national convention attendees may apply for the Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship, which is a grant the NFB provides to people who have not attended a national convention in person previously. The deadline is April 15, 2026. Visit this link for more information on how to apply. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'> <span lang=EN><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Those from Maryland who are seeking financial assistance should speak with their chapter president to find out what assistance their local chapter may have available. The affiliate\u2019s Financial Assistance Application Form is now live and must be submitted by March 31, 2026. Please note that though the Financial Assistance Committee will give due consideration to every application, the affiliate has limited resources and is unable to grant every request. Priority will be given to those who have not attended a national convention in the past and to students. Initials must both pre-register for the national convention and get a letter of support from their local chapter president in order to be eligible for NFBMD financial assistance. For questions about the Financial Assistance Application Program, please reach out to your chapter president or me at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>President@nfbmd.org</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfbmd.org/financialassistance"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Applications for financial assistance may be completed here</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span lang=EN style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>We hope to see you in Austin!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFB STEM2U: Solve the Mystery! Science Experience for Blind and Low Vision Maryland Students<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#757575'>Join the NFB of Maryland for an exciting day of investigation and discovery on April 18 at the National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore. This year, blind and low-vision students will become forensic scientists.<br><br>Using accessible, nonvisual tools and techniques, participants will analyze clues, solve challenges, and uncover the truth through hands-on forensic experiments. Every activity builds confidence and shows how science can be accessible, engaging, and exciting for everyone. This opportunity offers your child blind role models, accessible experiments and hands-on nonvisual skills instruction.<br><br></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://list-manage.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=3f9c81e88d&e=c0cd56ea26" target="_blank"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#007C89'>Register for NFB STEM2U</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#757575'>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#757575'>This program will be held from 8 am to 3 pm and is free to all registered blind and low-vision youth (K-12). Lunch and snacks will be provided and a concurrent parent seminar will take place for parents to attend. Contact Erin Zobell at 760-382-9466 or by email at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:erin.zobell@gmail.com"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>erin.zobell@gmail.com</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#757575'> for more information.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Pay Your 2026 Dues!<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFBMD maintains an online portal for individuals to pay their chapter and division dues. We are asking members to pay their 2026 dues by December 31, 2025 so we can ensure that our rolls are accurate for State Convention voting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Individuals may use NFBMD\u2019s Dues Portal to pay their 2026 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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Individuals may also pay their chapter dues at the Membership Table at the State Convention, but we strongly encourage individuals to pay dues prior to convention.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Please note that those paying via the online portal will incur a small processing fee.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>NFB and NFBMD Scholarship Programs</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><a name="_Hlk93169595"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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, 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>National Scholarship Program: Each year, the NFB awards 30 merit-based scholarships totaling $300,000. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Each scholarship recipient will receive $10,000 and additional prizes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and community service.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The 30 scholarship finalists are announced in the spring and attend the NFB National Convention, where they are mentored by blind role models.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Application materials must be submitted (online or postmarked) by 11:59PM on March 31, 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>To be eligible, applicants must:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=circle><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Be legally blind in both eyes;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Reside in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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 2026 (a few scholarships may be awarded to an individual who attends school part-time with certain parameters); <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Be age 18 before July 3, 2026; and<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind (and all scholarship activities) in Austin, Texas from July 3 through 8, 2026 (scholarship finalists will receive convention grants).<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>To apply, submit an application using the online application system at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://scholarships.nfb.org/"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>https://scholarships.nfb.org/</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.75in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Scholarships are merit-based and awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Application materials must be submitted (online only) by 11:59PM on March 31, 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>To be eligible, applicants must:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=circle><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Be legally blind in both eyes;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>reside in Maryland or be pursuing post-secondary studies at a school in Maryland;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>be age 18 prior to July 3, 2026;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>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 2026 and Spring of 2027 (priority will be given to full-time students); and<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind in Austin, Texas from July 3 through 8, 2026 and the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland in Maryland in February 2027 (scholarship finalists will receive convention grants).<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='color:black;margin-top:12.0pt;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo6;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>To apply, submit an application using the online application system at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://nfbmd.org/scholarship/apply"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>http://nfbmd.org/scholarship/apply</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk93169595'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>do You Feel Lucky? </span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><p style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='color:black'>The NFBMD spring raffle is beginning. During the month of May, you have the opportunity to win $50 Sunday through Friday, or $100 on Saturday. Purchase a 3-digit number raffle ticket for $5. You will be the only one who has this number. Tickets are available from chapter presidents and affiliate Board Members. Help us sell all 1,000 tickets! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Important Upcoming Dates </span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk89042392'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75706218'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84098815'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk94641879'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk113649310'></span><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>March 1, 2026 \u2013 Preregistration opens for NFB National Convention<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>March 13, 2026 \u2013 Basket and Bag Bingo, Catonsville, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>March 31, 2026 \u2013 Deadline for National Scholarship Applications.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>March 31, 2026 \u2013 Deadline for NFBMD Scholarship Applications.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>March 31, 2026 \u2013 Deadline for NFBMD National Convention Financial Assistance Applications<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>April 18, 2026 \u2013 NFBMD STEM2U, Baltimore, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>May 15, 2026 \u2013 Deadline to pay for Blind Cruising 2026<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>May 31, 2026 \u2013 Deadline to Preregister for NFB Annual Convention, Austin, Texas<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Summer TBD, 2026 \u2013 Southern Maryland NFB BELL Academy, Southern Maryland, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Summer TBD, 2026 \u2013 Eastern Shore NFB BELL Academy, Salisbury, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Summer TBD, 2026 \u2013 Baltimore NFB BELL Academy, Baltimore, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>July 3 \u2013 8, 2026 \u2013 NFB National Convention, Austin, Texas<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>July 27 \u2013 August 7, 2026 \u2013 Montgomery County NFB BELL Academy, Rockville, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>August 22, 2026 \u2013 Give-A-Hoot Comedy Night Fundraiser, Gaithersburg, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>September 5 \u2013 10, 2026 \u2013 NFBMD Cruise to Bermuda, Baltimore, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>September 18, 2026 \u2013 NFBMD Crab Feast, Rosedale, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>October 1 \u2013 31, 2026 \u2013 Blind Equality Achievement Month<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>October 15, 2026 \u2013 White Cane Awareness Day<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>November 14, 2026 \u2013 NFBMD Scholarship Dinner and Auction, College Park, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>November 15, 2026 \u2013 NFBMD Winter Market, Baltimore, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>January 21, 2027 \u2013 NFBMD Day in Annapolis, Annapolis, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>TBD, 2027 \u2013 Washington Seminar Great Gathering In, Washington, DC<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>TBD, 2027 \u2013 NFB of Maryland Day on the Hill, Washington, DC<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo10;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>February 11 \u2013 14, 2027 \u2013 NFBMD 2027 Convention, Pikesville, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Ronza Othman, </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>President</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>443-426-4110<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Pronouns: she, her, hers<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>