<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Calibri Light";
panose-1:2 15 3 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Verdana;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:8.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
line-height:106%;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;}
h1
{mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char";
margin-top:12.0pt;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
line-height:106%;
page-break-after:avoid;
font-size:16.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#2F5496;
font-weight:normal;}
h2
{mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 2 Char";
margin-top:2.0pt;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
line-height:106%;
page-break-after:avoid;
font-size:13.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#2F5496;
font-weight:normal;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#0563C1;
text-decoration:underline;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#954F72;
text-decoration:underline;}
span.EmailStyle17
{mso-style-type:personal-compose;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
span.Heading1Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1";
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#2F5496;}
span.Heading2Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 2 Char";
mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 2";
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#2F5496;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><h1 align=center style='text-align:center'><a name="_GoBack"></a>NEWSWIRE<o:p></o:p></h1><h1 align=center style='text-align:center'>National Federation of the Blind of<o:p></o:p></h1><h1 align=center style='text-align:center'>North Dakota<o:p></o:p></h1><h1 align=center style='text-align:center'><o:p> </o:p></h1><h1 align=center style='text-align:center'>Vol. 2, No. 18<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Next Meeting<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The next meeting of the National Federation of the Blind of North Dakota will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2018 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, you ask, where:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2511 South University Drive<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fargo, ND 58103<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You can also join us by phone by dialing (712) 832-8300 and entering 93381122 # The meeting will last about 2 hours.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For questions contact Milton Ota, (701) 731-0511 or by sending e-mail to <a href="mailto:mota1252@gmail.com">mota1252@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also begin to make plans to attend the 2018 State Convention to be held Friday and Saturday, September 7-8, 2018 in Fargo. You ask where:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Holiday Inn Fargo<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>3803 13<sup>th</sup> Avenue, South<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fargo, ND 58103<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Room reservations can be made by dialing (701) 2882-2700. Rooms have been blocked under National Federation of the Blind of North Dakota at a special rate. Watch for more details about the convention.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h2>Legislative Action:<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Our legislative priorities continue to gain momentum in both the House and Senate. In the House, the Aim High Act has sixty-nine cosponsors, of which the two most recent are Derek Kilmer of Washington and Dwight Evans of Pennsylvania. In the Senate, the Access Technology Affordability Act has a total of ten cosponsors, of which the most recent are Gary Peters of Michigan, Deb Fischer of Nebraska, and James Inhofe of Oklahoma. Special thanks to Nebraska and Oklahoma for securing the support of these two influential senators. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The Marrakesh Implementation Act was introduced in the Senate on March 15 by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa. Other originating cosponsors included Senators Bob Corker (TN), Dianne Feinstein (CA), Kamala Harris (CA), Orrin Hatch (UT), Patrick Leahy (VT), and Robert Menendez (NJ). If your senator is not on this list, please contact him or her and urge them to cosponsor S. 2559. The introduction of this bill is the direct result of your great advocacy and it is critical that we now work to build cosponsor support. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>H.R. 620, the ADA Education and Reform Act, was passed in the House of Representatives on February 15 and is now waiting for possible Senate action. The National Federation of the Blind opposes this legislation. Senator Duckworth has organized a letter opposing H.R. 620 in the Senate. So far thirty-seven senators have signed on to this letter but we need forty-one signatures to have a substantial impact. We are currently concentrating our efforts on the following ten senators:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>1. Maria Cantwell (WA)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>2. Joe Donnelly (IN)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>3. Martin Heinrich (NM)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>4. Heidi Heitkamp (ND)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>5. Joe Manchin (WV)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>6. Doug Jones (AL)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>7. Bill Nelson (FL)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>8. Gary Peters (MI)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>9.Tom Udall (NM)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>10. Angus King (ME) <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>These ten Senators should be contacted and urged to sign the Senator Duckworth letter regarding opposition to H.R. 620.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>You can contact your senator by calling the Capitol Switchboard and asking for the office in question. The number is (202) 224-3121. If you email your senators, please copy me at <u><span style='color:blue'>JPare@nfb.org <mailto:JPare@nfb.org></span></u> .<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>It is critical that we move on this quickly, so please strive to make your calls and send your emails as soon as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>I have also included a short sample ask that could be used for the items above: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:black'>Most importantly we need to contact Senator Heitkamp. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:black'>to the Honorable [ Senator's name]:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:black'>“My name is [name] and I am a constituent of Senator [name]. I am calling to encourage the Senator to cosponsor the Marrakesh Implementation Act (S. 2559). The Marrakesh Implementation Act would expand reading options for millions of blind and other Americans with print disabilities. I also ask that the Senator sign Senator Duckworth’s letter opposing the ADA Education and Reform Act (H.R. 620). H.R. 620 has been sent to the Senate and, if passed, would significantly erode the ADA and set disability rights back thirty years. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:black'>Thank you for your support of blind Americans.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:black'>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:black'>[Your Name]”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2 align=center style='text-align:center'>2018 National Convention<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:106%;color:black'>Online registration is now open until May 31 for the 2018 National Convention in Orlando, Florida. Go to <a href="https://nfb.org/convention">https://nfb.org/convention</a> to register and find information about the National Convention. Remember, this is the last year we will be in Orlando, Florida. The 2019 convention will be somewhere West of the Missippi and if you want to know first hand it will be announced at the 2018 National Convention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>This NEWSWIRE is edited and compiled by:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Milton Ota, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of North Dakota<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Web: http://nfbnd.org/<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>909 8th St., S.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fargo, ND 58103-2723<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cell: (701) 731-0511<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>E-mail: mota1252@gmail.com<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND KNOWS THAT BLINDNESS IS NOT THE CHARACTERISTIC THAT DEFINES YOU OR YOUR FUTURE. EVERY DAY WE RAISE THE EXPECTATIONS<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>YOU BACK. THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND IS NOT AN ORGANIZATION SPEAKING FOR THE BLIND--IT IS THE BLIND SPEAKING FOR OURSELVES.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With Love, Hope and Determination, We Turn Dreams Into Reality.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Together We Change What It Means to Be Blind.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>