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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>National Federation of the Blind<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>North Daikota<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>NFB Newswire<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Vol. 1, Issue 2<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Hello Friends and Federationist:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>A few weeks ago I sent out one of my newsletters telling you what is going on with the National Federation of the Blind of North Dakota. I have decided now to call it the NFB-Newswire. This is now Volume 1, Issue 2. I intend to publish these newsletters when there is urgent news that I need to get out to everyone. So, enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Critical Actions:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Call to Action: Opposition to H.R. 620, the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017:<br>As you know, we ask members from time to time to contact their representatives in Congress in support of legislation that would benefit the blind community. But today I am calling upon all Federationists to contact their representatives in opposition to H.R. 620. The phone number for the Capitol switchboard is (202) 224-3121. From there, simply ask to be connected with your representative. In addition, please call the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Robert Goodlatte, at (202) 225-5431.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Here are some brief talking points to share with the offices of your representative and Chairman Goodlatte: (1) the ADA was enacted in 1990, so covered entities have had ample time to learn about and comply with the law; (2) the ADA already contains an “undue burden” provision to protect covered entities when the costs of making facilities accessible are too high; and (3) Title III of the ADA (which applies to public accommodations) does not allow monetary damages for noncompliance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The National Federation of the Blind has joined with 216 other allied civil rights organizations in opposing this bill. You can read our joint letter at <u><span style='color:blue'><https://nfb.org/images/nfb/documents/pdf/sign-on-letters/comments_on_hr620_03162017.pdf></span></u>. If you want to know how this bill would affect us, consider internet access guaranteed under the ADA and <u><span style='color:blue'>our comments filed with DOJ last October <https://nfb.org/ada-title-ii-internet-regulations-joint-sanprm-comments></span></u> as just one example. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>News:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>National Federation of the Blind Comments on Department of Justice Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Section 504:<br>Last Thursday, the National Federation of the Blind filed comments regarding the recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued by the Department of Justice on updates to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. You can read our comments at <u><span style='color:blue'><https://nfb.org/images/nfb/documents/pdf/sign-on-letters/nfb_comments_re_504_regs.pdf></span></u>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Request for Focus Group Participants<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Hello,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> The National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute is partnering with the Sports and Recreation Division and WE Fit Wellness to conduct research regarding the barriers to exercise, nutrition, and access to medical equipment and services faced by individuals who are blind and low vision. Amber Sherrard will be the principal investigator. She and her research team are in the process of recruiting participants for several focus groups that will be conducted over-the-phone. There are currently six focus groups scheduled as follows;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt;margin-left:40.5pt;text-indent:-.25in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>· March 27<sup>th</sup> at 10 am MST<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt;margin-left:40.5pt;text-indent:-.25in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>· March 27<sup>th</sup> at 6 pm MST<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt;margin-left:40.5pt;text-indent:-.25in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>· March 28<sup>th</sup> at 12 noon MST<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt;margin-left:40.5pt;text-indent:-.25in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>· March 28<sup>th</sup> at 7 pm MST<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt;margin-left:40.5pt;text-indent:-.25in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>· March 29th at 10 am MST<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt;margin-left:40.5pt;text-indent:-.25in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>· March 29<sup>th</sup> at 6 pm MST<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Focus groups are an important part of this study, the data provided through these focus groups will play an important role in the improvement of health promotion programs and policies that affect people who are blind and low vision. Participation is completely voluntary and confidential. To participate, please email Amber at <u><span style='color:blue'>amber@wefitwellness.com <mailto:amber@wefitwellness.com></span></u> to RSVP for one of the scheduled focus groups, as space is limited. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Participants will have the opportunity to be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift card. Four winners will be chosen. For more information, please contact Amber Sherrard at <u><span style='color:blue'>amber@wefitwellness.com <mailto:amber@wefitwellness.com></span></u> or (225)-892-3697.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> Yours in health,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Amber K. Sherrard<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Graduate Intern<br>WE Fit Wellness<br>1837 S. Nevada Ave<br>PMB 243<br>CO Springs, CO 80905<br>W 866-543-6808<br>C 225-892-3697<br>a</span><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'>mber@wefitwellness.com <mailto:mber@wefitwellness.com></span></u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><br></span><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'>www.wefitwellness.com <http://www.wefitwellness.com></span></u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><br><br><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Uber/Lyft Monitoring<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The National Federation of the Blind will be conducting a Uber/Lyft Monitoring program beginning May 8, 2017. I have attached 2 Word documents to this e-mail message, one explains the program and the second document is a sample of the form that needs to be completed online.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>There will be an article in the April issue of the Braille Monitor which will have more details.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>For the state of North Dakota, we will be focusing on Uber. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>If you are not aware, Uber is now available in Fargo, Bismarck and Grand Forkes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>We will need at least 2 report a month for the next 2-years with a possible 3rd year extention. There is also monitary insentives for our affiliate. This monitoring program is not limited to Federation members but any blind person using a guide dog/service animal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Access to Technology and Resources<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The next teleconference meeting for the planning committee of the Access to Technology and Resources will be on Wednesday, March 29, via Free Conference at 8:00 PM. Please be on time!For all committee members, you will receive an e-mail notice from me via Free Conference.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Next Meeting!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Save the date! ... Mark your calendar!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The next meeting of the National Federation of the Blind of North Dakota, "Face-to-Face" will be on Saturday, April 8 from 12-Noon to 2:00 PM. Place: The Fryn' Pan, 300 Main Avenue, Fargo.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>for those who cannot be at the Fryn' Pan, you can join the meeting via Free Conference by dialing in with the number (712) 832-8300 and enter the code 9381122# . Even if you don't receive the invitation, there will be enough seats for you to call-in. Hope you all can make this meeting!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>With Regrets!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>A "Special Meeting" of the members of the National Federation of the Blind of North Dakota was held on Wednesday, March 22, to releave Jessiaca Evans as the Secretary/Treasurer and to elect someone to be Secretary/Treasurer until September, when we will hold our annual convention and at that time elect someone to finish out her term until 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The members present on the conference call nominated Jesse Shirek to serve as Secretary/Treasurer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Should anyone have questions regarding this matter, they should contact Milton Ota, President of the National Federation of the Blind of North Dakota to discuss this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Please feel free to forward this newsletter.</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Milton Ota, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>National Federation of the Blind of North Dakota<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Web: http://nfbnd.org/<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>909 8th St., S.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Fargo, ND 58103-2723<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>Cell: (701) 731-0511<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>E-mail: mota1252@gmail.com<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>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></span></p></div></body></html>