[NFB-Maryland] Updated COVID-19 Information
president at nfbmd.org
president at nfbmd.org
Mon Apr 6 04:59:24 UTC 2020
Please find below a great deal of information about COVID-19 as well as how
it impacts Maryland services. You will also find information about our
advocacy efforts and resources that we have gathered and made available.
The below information can be found at http://www.nfbmd.org/covid19. This
webpage will be updated regularly.
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is closely monitoring the
COVID-19 emergency, which is impacting all Marylanders but may have unique
effects on the blind.
The health and safety of all of our members, colleagues, and friends is
always our top priority. This page provides resources that may be
particularly useful to blind people in Maryland facing challenges during the
outbreak. If you have found other resources that you believe are useful,
please email the information to president at nfbmd.org
What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread
from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 has spread very
rapidly throughout the world and has become a global pandemic.
The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close
contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets
produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible
that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the
virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes,
but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with
symptoms of:
- Fever
- Cough
- shortness of breath
Severe symptoms include pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure, and in
some cases even death.
Some individuals are at high risk for infection. These include:
- seniors age 65 or older
- those who live in nursing homes and long-term care facilities
- those with chronic lung disease and moderate to severe asthma
- those with serious heart conditions
- those who are Immunocompromised including those who are currently
undergoing or have recently undergone cancer treatment
- those with Diabetes
- those in renal failure
- those with liver disease
- those with other immune deficiency causes, e.g. colitis, chrones
disease, lupus, etc.
- those who are severely obese
People can prevent the spread of COVID-19 by:
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Avoiding touching their eyes, nose, and mouth;
- Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
- Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60%
alcohol if soap and water are not available.
What If I Think I Might Have COVID-19?
If you have symptoms generally associated with COVID-19, including fever,
coughing, and difficulty breathing, contact your doctor. Also stay away
from having physical contact with others, especially those who are at higher
risk for infection.
There are a number of online tools to assess whether you are likely to have
COVID-19. The below Corona checker is accessible and easy to use.
https://www.protocol.com/vital-coronavirus-checker-symptoms-website
What Should I do If I Was subjected to Discrimination Due to Blindness
During the COVID-19 Outbreak?
Many services and programs are now being operated exclusively online such as
employment and schooling. Other services are now only available via
drive-up methods. The blind are disproportionately impacted in such
situations because many software and technology platforms are not accessible
to screen readers. Additionally, the blind are not able to drive, and thus
some entities are refusing them service if they attempt to walk up to a
drive-through restaurant or bank. We are also monitoring COVID-19 Drive-Up
Testing Facilities to ensure that they are accessible to individuals with
disabilities.
Should any individual be refused service on the grounds that he/she is not
in a car, we encourage the individual to cite the ADA and then contact
NFBMD. If any students or employees encounter accessible technology
barriers, I encourage you to reach out to me.
NFBMD COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland has established an
affiliate COVID-19 fund to assist individuals and families that are
experiencing financial hardship during the COVID-19 crisis. This fund is
available to blind individuals and families with a blind household member
living in Maryland. The financial assistance must be needed due to a change
in circumstance, e.g. loss of employment income, because of COVID-19 or
associated government directives like the Stay-at-Home order. Assistance is
limited to essentials such as groceries and medication. This Fund is being
administered by the NFBMD Financial Assistance Committee.
Anyone wishing to request assistance should email President at nfbmd.org
<mailto:President at nfbmd.org> or call 443-426-4110.
In addition, NFBMD is seeking contributions to augment the NFBMD COVID-19
Emergency Response Fund. Those interested in making a tax deductible
monetary donation may do so by using the PayPal button at
http://nfbmd.org/COVID-19Fund or by mailing a check to:
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
15 Charles Plaza
#3002
Baltimore, MD 21201
How to Stay Connected While Social Distancing
Social distancing means staying at least six feet apart from others in order
to reduce the chances of spreading the COVID-19 virus. However, we
encourage individuals to reach out to family members, friends, neighbors,
and colleagues on a regular basis to make sure that the people in our
network are safe and healthy.
We are holding a weekly Zoom call for blind Marylanders to share information
and to check in with one another. Please reach out to chapter presidents or
President at nfbmd.org <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> to obtain the call-in
information.
Senior Call Check Program Recommended During COVID-19 Emergency
The Senior Call Check program is the first-in-the-nation, statewide, free
program designed to help keep older adults safe while aging in their homes.
All Maryland residents, 65 and older, are invited to sign up for a daily
call at a time convenient to their lifestyle.
The Senior Call Check participants receive an automated call every day.
These calls will take place within a time frame chosen by the participant.
If the participant does not answer their first call, they will be called two
additional times in the same day. If those calls go unanswered, an alternate
person, selected by the participant, will be notified. This alternate could
be an adult child, a neighbor, or anyone designated as a reliable contact.
The alternate will then be asked to check on the participant. For those who
do not have an alternate or whose alternate is unresponsive, the state will
call local law enforcement to conduct a wellness check.
For more information on this program and to register, call 1-866-50-CHECK
(1-866-502-4325) or visit aging.maryland.gov <http://aging.maryland.gov> .
Please help spread the word to seniors living alone at home.
About Maryland Department of Aging
How Bad is the COVID-19 Outbreak?
This outbreak is a global emergency, and experts expect it will get worse
before it gets better. The Maryland Department of Health predicts that the
COVID-19 outbreak will peak (reach its worst point) in Maryland and the
National Capitol Region (Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia) the week of
April 12, 2020.
The below statistics have been updated as of April 5, 2020.
- Global data
o 1,273,794 total confirmed cases
o 69,419 deaths
o 260,193 recovered
- National data
o 336,958 confirmed cases
o 9,626 deaths
o 17,407 recovered
- Maryland data
o 3,609 confirmed cases
o 67 deaths
o 159 recovered
o Demographics:
§ 16 people ages 0-9
§ 69 people ages 10-19
§ 462 people ages 20-29
§ 638 people ages 30-39
§ 666 people ages 40-49
§ 736 people ages 50-59
§ 546 people ages 60-69
§ 354 people ages 70-79
§ 162 people 80 or older
§ 1,915 females
§ 1,694 males
How Is the Government Responding to COVID-19?
Federal Response: The Federal Government has instituted social distancing
guidelines that prohibit people from gathering in large groups and require
people to keep at least 6 feet apart.
The Federal government has also enacted several laws that are focused on
helping families and businesses get through the current emergency. One such
law, the CARES Act, provides for stimulus payments for low and middle income
individuals and families as well as small businesses.
Maryland Response:
- Stay-At-Home Order: On March 30, 2020, Governor Hogan issued a
statewide Stay-At-Home Order. This Order:
o prohibits Marylanders from leaving their homes except for essential
reasons, such as obtaining groceries and medicine, seeking urgent medical
care, or going to jobs that have been deemed essential.
o Requires all businesses and entities to close unless they are part of the
supply chain or performing essential services. Such businesses include:
§ Hospitals
§ Pharmacies
§ Grocery stores
§ Pet stores
§ Hardware stores
§ Restaurants that deliver or have carry out only
§ Convenience stores
§ Gas stations
§ Liquor stores
§ banks
- Prohibition of In-Person Gatherings: On March 16, 2020, Governor
Hogan prohibited in-person gatherings of more than ten people. This
superseded a March 12, 2020 order prohibiting gatherings of 50 or more
people.
- Closure of Schools: Governor Hogans March 12, 2020 Executive Order
required all elementary, middle, and high schools as well as all colleges
and universities (state and private) to close their buildings for at least
two weeks. This was later extended until April 24, 2020. All colleges and
universities associated with the University of Maryland have moved to online
learning for the remainder of the 2020 Spring semester. Elementary, middle,
and high schools are deploying online learning at least until the current
emergency has ended.
- Vote by Mail: Governor Hogan ordered the Maryland State Board of
Elections to implement Vote by Mail for the District 7 Special General
Election on April 28, 2020. The Governor also moved the Maryland Primary
Election from April 28, 2020 to June 2, 2020, and it will also be a
Vote-by-Mail election.
Maryland State Programs
On March 12, 2020, Governor Hogan ordered all State agencies to implement
mandatory telework effective March 16, 2020. As a result, many offices are
only providing service by phone and email.
- Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (formerly the
Maryland Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped): LBPD is
operating but the building is closed to the public. Patrons may request and
will receive by mail books in Braille, audio, and large print formats, but
they are asked to hold onto them for at least two weeks before returning
them. BARD continues to be available for digital downloads. Patrons can
contact staff via email. Visit LBPDs website for additional information
at
<https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Maryland-Library-for-the-Blind-and-
Physically-Handicapped.aspx>
https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Maryland-Library-for-the-Blind-and-P
hysically-Handicapped.aspx
- Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) and Washington Area
Metropolitan Transit Administration (WAMATA): MTA and WAMATA continue to
operate but fixed transit is on a reduced schedule and some fixed bus lines
have been suspended. Mobility is operating to provide essential trips only,
which includes medical appointments, grocery shopping, pharmacy visits,
dialysis, and jobs deemed essential. Individuals using the fixed route bus
services must board and disembark at the rear door unless they need access
to the wheelchair ramp.
- Maryland Technology Assistance Program (Maryland TAP): The programs
are operating but the building is closed. Demonstrations are available
virtually.
- Maryland Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS): DORS programs
continue to operate remotely. All in-person trainings and appointments are
canceled. Those that can occur remotely or by phone are being conducted
that way. Staff is available by email.
- Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM): The CORE and SALE
Programs are on hiatus and the Rehab staff has been furloughed. The
manufacturing side is operating when essential to the supply chain.
- Maryland School for the Blind (MSB): MSB is closed at least through
April 24, 2020.
NFB and NFBMD Operating Status and Programs
- National Federation of the Blind: The National Federation of the
Blind National Office has moved to telework only, and the NFB Jernigan
Institute building on Wells Street as well as the NFB Independence Market is
closed. However, the staff is working remotely and available to provide
assistance. They may be contacted by calling 410-659-9314, entering star,
and dialing by name. In addition, the NFB has launched several remote
training and learning opportunities. Visit https://www.nfb.org/ for the
most up-to-date information. The NFB has also launched a COVID-19 resource
page, which can be accessed at
<https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources>
https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources
- National Federation of the Blind of Maryland: NFBMD is operating on a
remote basis. We are launching a number of new initiatives and programs
during the COVID-19 outbreak to connect with our members. These include:
o NFBMD COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund
o Weekly teleconferences to discuss new information and keep members
connected with one another
o Community of volunteers to drive our members to medical appointments and
run essential errands when public transportation is not available or
operating
o Sharing information about resources available to our community
- NFBMD Local Chapters and Divisions: In compliance with the Governors
Stay-at-Home Order, social distancing guidelines, and the April 4, 2020
policy of the NFB National Board of Directors, all chapters will not meet in
person through May 31, 2020. This may be extended based on information
received from the State of Maryland and the National Federation of the
Blind. Local chapters are conducting their meetings remotely.
o Central Maryland Chapter: April 7, 2020 for access information contact
Graham Mehl at <mailto:blind at trailstone.com> blind at trailstone.com
o Sligo Creek Chapter: April 11, 2020 for access, contact Debbie Brown
at <mailto:deborahb14 at verizon.net> deborahb14 at verizon.net
o Greater Carroll County Chapter: April 11, 2020 for access, contact
Brian Kesseling at <mailto:bkmaverick at gmail.com> bkmaverick at gmail.com
o Eastern Shore Chapter: April 11, 2020 for access contact Heather Guy
at <mailto:hguy403 at comcast.net> hguy403 at comcast.net
o Greater Cumberland Chapter: April 15, 2020 for access contact Jean
Faulcner at 301-729-8942
o TLC Chapter: April 16, 2020 for access contact Meleah Jensen at
<mailto:meleahheather at gmail.com> meleahheather at gmail.com
o Greater Baltimore Chapter: April 18, 2020 for access contact Ellana
Crew at eemcrew at gmail.com <mailto:eemcrew at gmail.com>
o At-Large Chapter: April 21, 2020 for access contact Marguerite Woods
at <mailto:mwoods719 at gmail.com> mwoods719 at gmail.com
o Baltimore County Chapter: April 22, 2020 for access contact Ruth Sager
at <mailto:rsager78 at gmail.com> rsager78 at gmail.com
o National Harbor Chapter: April 25, 2020 for access contact Amber Woods
at woodsamber83 at gmail.com
Public Transportation Information for Specific Systems
MTA: MTA continues to operate but Marc, Light rail, and most fixed transit
bus lines are on a reduced schedule. Some fixed route bus lines have been
suspended. Mobility is operating to provide essential trips only, which
includes medical appointments, grocery shopping, pharmacy visits, dialysis,
and jobs deemed essential. Individuals using the fixed route bus service
must board and disembark at the rear door unless they need access to the
wheelchair ramp. Fares have been suspended. For the most up-to-date
information about MTA, visit https://www.mta.maryland.gov/.
MTA Commuter Bus: MTA Maryland Commuter Bus is operating on an S schedule
only.
Baltimore Metro Subway and Light Rail: Metro Subway and Light Rail will
operate on a Saturday schedule on weekdays. See all MTA transit changes
here . <https://www.mta.maryland.gov/coronavirus>
MTA Express BusLink Service: MTA is temporarily discontinuing 11 routes that
recently experienced an average of 82% decline in ridership. These routes
include all nine peak-hour Express BusLink routes and LocalLinks 38 and 92,
which primarily serve schools that are now closed.
RTA: RTA fixed route is operating on an enhanced Saturday/Sunday schedule
and all FARES will be temporarily suspended. RIDERS should use the Transit
App for real-time data and schedules. The Modified Schedule
<http://www.transitrta.com/modifiedschedule/> is available but may change.
RTA paratransit service has changed its hours of operations to 9:30AM to
4:45PM Monday through Friday.
Metro Rail: Metro has reduced rail service such that trains will now run
every 15 minutes on the Red Line and every 20 minutes on all other lines.
Weekday hours are still 5:00AM to 11:00PM. Metro rail will bypass more than
a dozen stations. Click to Find out which stations are closed .
<https://wtop.com/coronavirus/2020/03/metro-to-close-17-more-stations-severa
l-entrances-amid-coronavirus-rider-drop/>
Metro Bus: Metrobuses are running on a Sunday schedule with no supplemental
routes. Bus drivers will have the authority to bypass bus stops to maintain
safe social distancing aboard buses, Metro said. Riders should use the
rear doors to enter and exit unless the accessible ramp is needed. Fares
will be waived.
DC Circulator: The DC Circulator is for the most-part operating with reduced
service. The National Mall Route has been suspended, as has all late night
service. Riders should use the rear doors to enter and exit unless the
accessible ramp is needed. Fares will be waived.
Ride On and Ride On extra: Ride On bus service has been reduced to an
Essential Service Plan. Montgomery Countys Department of Transportation
expects buses will be delayed and encourages users to check the status of
their usual buses before leaving for their bus stop. Ride On follows a new
reduced service plan that maintains coverage of Ride On routes so that
residents can access food, essential services, and essential jobs.
Passengers are now required to board at the rear door of the bus. Passengers
can board through the front doors if a lift is needed to accommodate a
disability or stroller. During the emergency, all Ride On services will be
temporarily free to all passengers. Flex service is suspended.
The Bus: The Prince Georges County system will suspend routes 11, 12, 14,
15x, 21x, 22, 23, 25, 27, 34, 35s, 51 and 53 while running reduced service
on 16, 17, 18, 20, 21 and 32. The routes still running will be free. Riders
will only be allowed to enter using the rear doors, to limit contact with
the driver. However, exceptions will be made for people with disabilities or
those with strollers.
ART: Art is operating on a reduced schedule. ART 41, 42, 45, 51, 55, 77 and
87 are running on a Saturday schedule. ART 42 and 87 will end at the
Pentagon instead of Pentagon City, ART 45 will start an hour early at 6:30
a.m. and ART 43 will run every 20 minutes from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. along its
weekday route. All other routes are suspended.
PRTC OmniRide: Local and Metro Express services will be free to limit
interactions between the driver, fare box and riders. OmniRide Express
services will still have fares, but there will not be a cash option or the
option to reload a SmarTrip with cash on a bus. The main lobby of the
OmniRide Transit Center is also closed.
FRED: FRED Transits VRE Feeder Bus Service is operating on an S schedule.
VQ1 and D6 will not operate.
Additional information can be found at
https://wtop.com/dc-transit/2020/03/local-and-regional-transit-services-adju
st-to-coronavirus-presence/
Resources for Information
- World Health Organization:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- Maryland Department of Health: https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/
- Maryland Department of Disabilities:
http://mdod.maryland.gov/news/Pages/COVID-19.aspx
- NFB COVID-19 Resource Page:
https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources
- NFB Newsline Breaking News Section
Call to Action: Help Blind Vendors
As you know, the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on our blind
entrepreneurs. Approximately 75% of our blind entrepreneurs have seen their
businesses either shut completely down or seriously curtailed. Congress has
provided some relief for small businesses but the Randolph-Sheppard Program
is unique. We need to let Congress know that more needs to be done to
assist our hard working men and women who feed our government employees
every day.
Please click on the link below and send letters to the President, both of
your U.S. Senators, and your Member in the House of Representatives. The
Randolph-Sheppard Act authorizes Congress to appropriate funds for the
Randolph-Sheppard Program. It never has. We are asking Congress for the
first time to appropriate dollars that can be used to provide relief for our
displaced blind entrepreneurs and emergency funding to the states so they
can meet their responsibilities as the state licensing agencies. Go to:
https://blindmerchantsspeakout.org/alert/-urge_congress_to_appropriate_funds
_to_help_blind_vendors/message/congress/write?style=webform
It is simple. Just put in your name and address, click on Preview Message
and then hit Submit and your letters will be sent. Act now and let the
collective voices of the blind be heard.
2019 Federal and State Tax Filing Deadlines Changed to July 15, 2020
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has postponed the deadline to file
2019 income taxes to July 15, 2020. The State of Maryland has aligned its
filing deadline with the Federal deadline such that State returns must also
be filed by July 15, 2020.
COVID-19 Stimulus Check
Those who filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return will automatically receive a
stimulus check provided they meet certain criteria. The amounts of the
stimulus payments vary based on the income and size of the household.
Individuals earning less than $99,000 and couples earning less than $198,000
will receive a check.
Individuals who are retired or receiving Federal social welfare assistance
such as SSI and SSDI will also receive the stimulus payment.
Additional information can be found at www.IRS.Gov/CoronaVirus
<http://www.IRS.Gov/CoronaVirus>
Resources Available to the Blind
Jaws and Fusion software: Opportunity from Vispero Freedom Scientific
We are now offering JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion free of charge for personal
computers at home, until June 30, 2020. Main link with the Announcement from
Tom Tiernan, CEO Vispero: https://www.freedomscientific.com/
National Homework Hotline: VISTAS Education Partners (based out of New
Jersey) started a free resource called the National Homework Hotline for
blind and visually impaired students. The National Homework Hotline is for
students of all ages, from kindergarten through college, that are blind,
have low vision, or have some form of visual impairment that need assistance
with assignments or using assistive technology to make things accessible.
The National Homework Hotline is a free resource for students that are blind
or visually impaired that need assistance with using assistive technology or
with their coursework during school closures. The hotline is staffed by
volunteers including TVIs, assistive technology specialists, tutors,
blind/low vision mentors, STEM professionals, and college students. People
can contact the hotline through email by sending a message with their
students first name, grade, a specific description of the help they need,
and a phone number they can be reached at, or by calling 732-835-6672 and
leaving a message with the same information.
The National Homework Hotline is able to help with a variety of topics,
including but not limited to:
* Using screen readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and similar tools
* Using screen magnification tools
* Accessibility settings and app recommendations for completing
assignments
* Help with using Microsoft and Google products for education
* Nemeth and literary Braille
* Cranmer abacus
* Refreshable Braille displays
* Core curriculum subjects (math, English/language arts, science,
history/social studies)
Aira: We know that many universities and colleges are rapidly shifting to
distance learning. Weve heard that some materials and software being used
are inaccessible so we will be offering free Aira for any college student
for the remainder of the spring semester ending in May 2020. If you know of
a student who could benefit from Aira for their distance learning, please
email support at aira.io for more information on the program.
UEB Pocket Guide: we know that many of you are looking for some productive
and educational activities to keep you and your kids busy and motivated for
the next several weeks. We have pocket reference books of the Unified
English Braille literary code available for sale. This book is 3 by 5 inches
and easily fits in a pocket, purse, or backpack. We have an interpoint
Braille version for those who read Braille tactually. The small size makes
it manageable for both adults and little ones. We also have an ink version
that consists of print and simulated Braille. Perfect for parents, friends,
and teachers. These books are great for those just learning the Braille code
for the first time, or refreshing their Braille knowledge!
· Teach yourself the UEB literary code even if you have no previous
knowledge of braille contractions
· Quiz family members or friends on the Braille code
· Confirm which contractions make up the UEB code
Let us know what other creative ways you find to use our reference books!
Each copy is $10 with all profits benefiting blind childrens literacy
programs! To order either version of our Whittle books, visit www.nbpcb.org
<http://www.nbpcb.org/> . Please help us spread the word!
Upcoming Online Trainings and Webinars
Please find below some virtual webinars and events that may be of interest.
If the method of participation is Zoom, please scroll to the bottom of this
message to get the phone number and / or web address for Zoom. The number
listed with each event is the Zoom passcode, not the phone number.
This list will be updated regularly.
Topic: Hope for the Best - Prepare for the Worst: Wills, Special Needs
Trusts and Legacies
Description: With the COVID-19 crisis, people are writing their wills faster
than ever before. However, if you have a loved one with a disability, you
need to know how to protect both their access to ongoing disability services
and assets. This session will give you key information on how special needs
trusts can help you avoid having a well-intentioned will cut someone off
their life-saving access to healthcare or their housing or job supports.
Hear from caring experts who will help you provide for the safety and
security of those who you love most!
Speakers: Evan Krame, Rabbi and Lawyer
Michelle Wolf, Founding Executive Director, Jewish Los Angeles Special Trust
Frederick M. Misilo, Jr., President, The Arc and Chair, Fletcher Tilton
Trust and Estate Department
Time: Monday, April 6, 2020 01:30 PM Eastern
Click here to register:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AMjJn2tvR_W4pZ9fzF9fkQ
Topic: Maryland LBPH - Vitamin D: What You Need to Know
Description: Vitamin D. We've all heard of it. But what is it? It's often
called the Sunshine Vitamin, but what does it actually do for us? Join Dr.
Mona Habibi for a discussion on the role of Vitamin D in our body. Learn how
Vitamin D is produced, discuss the best time to have our Vitamin D levels
checked, and how to supplement it when it is low. Registration is required
for attendance.
Time: Wednesday, April 8, 2020 @ 6:30 PM Eastern
To participate: Register here: http://bit.ly/UMETelCon
How to Use a Zoom Meeting:
Use one of the below methods and enter the Zoom Meeting ID referenced with
the event.
For web access:
https://zoom.us/j
<https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=16441&qid=3427851>
Dial by Your Location
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
We Need Your Help
Our local chapters and divisions, most are which are made up of all
volunteers, are doing all they can to support blind people in their
communities. They are meeting virtually over conference calls, devising ways
to help neighbors in need, and using the Zoom platform to continue training
and mentoring. We are mindful that many blind people are seniors or have
underlying conditions, and are therefore disproportionately impacted by
COVID-19 and need extra support from their community.
Working together, we know that we can help blind people all over the state
live the lives they want, even in these difficult times. Our efforts may
even save lives by ensuring that blind and deafblind people can access the
latest information about this virus. Please make a
<http://nfbmd.org/donate> donation todayeach dollar makes a difference.
Take a few minutes to help us do what we always do, and so much more.
<http://nfbmd.org/donate> DONATE NOW
For more information and to stay up-to-date on current news with the
National Federation of the Blind, please visit
<http://nfbmd.org/node/343/nfbmd.org> nfbmd.org.
Ronza Othman, President
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
443-426-4110
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.
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