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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><h1 align=left style='text-align:left'><a name="_Hlk116739834"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;font-weight:normal'>The full agenda for next weekend will be sent shortly.<o:p></o:p></span></a></h1><h1 align=left style='text-align:left'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;font-weight:normal'> The phone number for the hotel if you need shuttle service from the airport or Depew train station is </span></span><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Buffalo+Airport+Hotel&ludocid=17898142762314510277&gsas=1&lsig=AB86z5Ulhfeqiwc6ul1_cGhc5pht&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjVk6y9n-X6AhUaEFkFHfJpB_sQoAJ6BAgIEAc&biw=1219&bih=713&dpr=1.5"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1A0DAB;background:white;font-weight:normal'>(716) 634-6969</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;font-weight:normal'><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 align=left style='text-align:left'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;font-weight:normal'>Breakfast will be provided by the hotel in the restaurant both Saturday and Sunday mornings. There is also a Denny’s across the parking lot. If you go out the front doors and go to the left.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><o:p> </o:p></span></h1><h1><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>National Federation of the Blind of New York State<o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>66th Annual Convention<o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoSubtitleCxSpFirst><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>October 16 - 23, 2022<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoSubtitleCxSpLast><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>This year’s Theme: “Blind Swag”<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>The NFB Pledge<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>I pledge to participate actively in the effort of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>NFB One Minute Message<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>The NFB Brand Promise<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>Together with love, hope, and determination, we transform dreams into reality.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>The NFB Tag Line<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>Live the Life You Want <o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>Thank You to our 2021 Sponsor<o:p></o:p></span></h2><h2 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:12.0pt'> Platinum Sponsors<o:p></o:p></span></span></h2><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=circle><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;mso-list:l3 level2 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>New York State Commission for the Blind<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;mso-list:l3 level2 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>NFB NEWSLINE<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.5in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><b>Silver Sponsor<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=circle><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>Election Systems & Software<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.5in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>Bronze Sponsors<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=circle><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>4Blind<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>VISIONS<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><br clear=all style='page-break-before:always'></span><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;layout-grid-mode:both'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span class=field><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Our National Representative<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>The National Federation of the Blind of New York State is proud to welcome Norma Crosby.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>Norma Beathard was born on January 25, 1956, in Conroe, Texas. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>Norma found the National Federation of the Blind and became an active member in 1983. By 1985 she was living in Houston, and she was an important part of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas leadership. She didn't hold elective office in the Federation, but she worked hard to help the affiliate president and other leaders to carry out the organization's mission. She became president of the Houston Chapter in 1989, and she continued in that role for eight years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>When Norma joined the Federation, she met Glenn Crosby. Glenn was serving as president of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas, and as the two worked closely together, a personal relationship developed. They were married on April 15, 1989. Glenn and Norma have 4 children and are the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren, ranging in age from three to twenty.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>In 2012, Norma was chosen to serve as the first president of the Lone Star Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas. Then, at the affiliate's 2014 convention, she was elected to serve as the state president. While Norma believes strongly that it is not necessary to hold an office in order to be an effective leader, she is honored to serve as both the president of the </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/state-affiliates/texas"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:#005AA3'>NFB of Texas</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'> and, since her election at the 2015 National Convention, as a member of the organization's national board of directors as well as National Treasurer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><br clear=all style='page-break-before:always'></span></b><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;layout-grid-mode:both'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%'>Registration<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>Registration can be done up until Friday October 21<sup>st</sup> at midnight. You may register at </span><a href="https://nfbny.org/convention/register"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>Convention Registration | National Federation of the Blind of New York (nfbny.org)</span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'> All who registered will have their name placed for drawings of door prizes on Saturday, October 22<sup>nd</sup> & Sunday, October 23<sup>rd</sup>. When you register, you may also purchase tickets for our Gift Card Drawing to be held at the banquet.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>Door Prizes<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>During the General Sessions and Banquet door prizes will be drawn. You must be present to win! If your name is drawn, raise your hand and we’ll acknowledge your receipt of a prize. To raise your hand virtually: if dialed in, press *9; if on a windows computer, press ALT + Y; or, if on a Mac, press <span style='color:black'>Option + Y. Door prizes will be mailed at the conclusion of the convention. In person, Kindly stand until you receive your prize.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span class=field><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Affiliate Fundraiser<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>We are selling chances to win one of at least 8 gift cards for a variety of state-wide or national companies. Chances are $10 each or 3/$25. Drawing will be held during the Banquet on Sunday afternoon. Tickets can be purchased at <a name="_Hlk85141334"></a></span><a href="http://www.nfbny.org/raffle"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk85141334'>nfbny.org/raffle</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk85141334'></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk85141334'>.</span> Tickets for a chance to win a $100 Independence Market Gift Certificate can also be purchased at </span><a href="https://nfbny.org/node/193"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>https://nfbny.org/node/193</span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>. Proceeds from this drawing will benefit the New York State Chapter-at-Large.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span class=field><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Resolutions<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>NFB policy, at the state and national level, is made by writing resolutions, discussing them in committee, and passing them to the general membership for a final vote. Any NFBNY member can submit a resolution for consideration by the convention of the NFB of New York, and any interested member may join the resolutions committee. If you have an idea for a resolution but need some support in formatting it correctly, or if you have questions about the process, please contact Resolutions Chair Chancey Fleet at </span><a href="mailto:chancey.fleet@gmail.com"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>chancey.fleet@gmail.com</span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span class=field><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Zoom Information</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></h2><h3 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>Accessing the Zoom Platform<o:p></o:p></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>Those wishing to join the convention via Zoom can do so in one of three ways:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>By using the Windows or macOS desktop application, found at </span><a href="http://www.zoom.us"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>zoom.us</span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>By using the mobile app found in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>By dialing in to the provided phone number and using the Meeting ID and Password given. <b>*Please note:</b> Make sure to dial the local number to ensure you will not be charged long distance fees.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><h2 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>Code of Conduct<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>Please note, the NFB’s code of conduct will be in effect during this event. Have questions? Contact any member of the board.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>About Us <o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>The National Federation of the Blind Of New York 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><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>For more information about the National Federation of the Blind of New York, visit our website at </span><a href="http://www.nfbny.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>nfbny.org</span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'>, or call us at 716-222-3632.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 style='margin-top:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><a name="_Hlk84767669">NFB-NEWSLINE<o:p></o:p></a></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84767669'>NFB-NEWSLINE provides access to hundreds of general and special interest publications such as newspapers, magazines, TV listings, retail ads, and job search platforms. It was proudly developed and maintained by the National Federation of the Blind. NFB-NEWSLINE is made available to New Yorkers who are blind or have other print-related disabilities through funds provided by the New York State Commission for the Blind and the NY Legislature.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84767669'>Newsline content can be accessed via a traditional landline telephone, a mobile telephone, on Amazon Alexa devices using the National Federation skill, with the NEWSLINE Smartphone app, by email, and on the web.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84767669'>During the 2022 New York State NFB Convention, your Newsline team will be available to provide tips and information on the various ways to access Newsline content. We will also be available to answer any questions that you may have about the service and to assist you in obtaining and filling out an application for the service.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk84767669'></span><p class=xmsonormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>COVID Procedures<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class=xmsonormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;line-height:115%;color:black'>The health and safety of our members and visitors is of deepest importance to the National Federation of the Blind of New York State. Please see below for a detailed outline of our health and safety procedures for this year’s convention. While we acknowledge that in many venues Covid protocols have been relaxed over the past few months, we know that as an organization we have a significant incidence of members with intersecting health conditions that may cause them to be more at risk in a crowded convention setting. Participants in our in-person convention must agree to comply with the below-stated health and safety procedures upon registration. Those who would prefer not to abide by these safety protocols are welcome to join us for the streamed content from our convention, and for some limited interactive hybrid participation opportunities. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=xmsonormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;line-height:115%;color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=xmsonormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;line-height:115%;color:black'>We recommend that all those planning to travel to the in-person convention secure and take a Covid test within 48 hours before leaving home to travel to Buffalo. In the event of a positive test, please do not come to the convention in person. Instead, contact the affiliate president, Mike Robinson, at (716-222-3632), so that your registration can be modified to a hybrid registration. Those with Covid are welcome to attend our convention virtually via the hybrid and streaming option.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=xmsonormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;line-height:115%;color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=xmsonormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;line-height:115%;color:black'>All those attending the convention in person will be required to take an on-site Covid test and to be masked at all times unless actively eating, drinking, or presenting. On-site Covid testing will be administered by a nurse on Thursday, October 20 from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm and Friday October 21<sup>st</sup>from 7:00 am until 10:00 am. Please see the agenda for the on-site testing location. If arriving after 10:00 am Friday, please find a member of the executive board for instructions on how to get tested. Those testing negative on-site will be given a wristband which must be worn at ALL convention functions. There will be affiliate members checking for wrist bands throughout the weekend. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=xmsonormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;line-height:115%;color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=xmsonormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;line-height:115%;color:black'>Those testing positive on-site will not receive a wristband and will be advised to return to their hotel room immediately so as to protect the health of others. Those finding themselves in this situation will not be allowed to participate in convention events in person, again, for the safety of others, but will be welcome to attend virtually from their hotel room. Again, we urge everyone to test before leaving home, to lessen the possibility of traveling while already infected with Covid. The NFB of NYS will not be responsible for any costs incurred as a result of a positive on-site Covid test.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=xmsonormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;line-height:115%;color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=xmsonormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;line-height:115%;color:black'>As noted above, all in-person participants are required to properly wear a mask at all times unless eating, drinking, or presenting. Masks will not be provided, so all attendees are encouraged to bring an adequate supply for the weekend.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=xmsonormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;line-height:115%;color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=xmsonormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk116739834'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;line-height:115%;color:black'>Working together we can keep each other safe, and we thank all in-person registrants and attendees in advance for their cooperation.</span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>