[NFB-Maryland] May Minute Message from the Movement
president at nfbmd.org
president at nfbmd.org
Sun Jun 7 23:29:26 UTC 2020
May 2020 Minute Message
Fellow Federationists:
This is perhaps the most difficult newsletter I’ve written to you all, as we
find our country, our state, and our community and those communities with
which we belong experiencing such challenging times. Many of us have lost
loved ones to COVID-19. Others among us are experiencing tremendous
financial hardship due to the COVID-19 response efforts which have suspended
employment. Others have had to learn how to telework, teleschool, and
generally interact with a world that is often not accessible from a
technology or practical perspective. And in the past few weeks, we have
experienced yet another tragic killing of an unarmed black man and civil
disobedience in response to this killing.
I want to remind you that though we, as blind people, share one thing in
common – our blindness – we each come from different backgrounds and have
had different experiences, including those due to race. Though our
organization’s mission focuses on blindness, blindness affects all races and
what happens in our communities has an impact on our members. I know that
each of you will respect one another because of our shared commonality, but
I hope that you will learn from one another because of our differences.
Later in this newsletter, you will find reprinted a statement, entitled,
“National Federation of the Blind Stands in Solidarity with All Those
Impacted by Racial Injustice.” I urge you to read it, think about it, and
talk about it and what we can collectively do to make the world a more just
place for our black brothers and sisters.
Finally, I want to share with you a link to an Open Letter that President
Riccobono wrote to our members nationwide, the title of which is “Love
Conquers Hate.” I join President Riccobono in saying, “I call upon members
of our organization to recognize the solidarity we share as blind people and
that the value we place on love within our movement is needed more today
than at any other time in our history.” The letter is available at
https://www.nfb.org/blog/open-letter-members-national-federation-blind.
I recognize that we are living in a time of uncertainty, and for many,
anxiety, fear, and pain, and I want each of you to know you are not alone,
the NFBMD is hear for you, and we’ll get through this together. Please
don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any member of the NFBMD Board if you
need assistance or just someone with whom to talk. Together, we will come
out of these crises stronger than we’ve ever been.
Please read below for information about news and upcoming activities.
National Federation of the Blind Stands in Solidarity with All Those
Impacted by Racial Injustice
The below statement was issued on June 4, 2020 by President Riccobono, on
behalf of the National Federation of the Blind, after being unanimously
approved by the NFB Board of Directors.
For eighty years, the National Federation of the Blind has viewed addressing
discrimination and promoting equality as essential elements of our work.
Today we stand in solidarity with the black community in their fight for
justice and in their pursuit of equal treatment under the law. We condemn
the continued murders of black Americans including those of Ahmaud Arbery,
Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. Further, we acknowledge that these
horrific deaths represent a vile and long-standing pattern of
institutionalized racism that permeates the criminal justice system. While
there are police officers that are doing good work, the fact remains that
black and brown individuals are disproportionally impacted by police
brutality, unfairly condemning people of color to prison cells and
graveyards.
As a civil rights organization with a diverse membership, we strive to grow
in our understanding of conditions that affect us. Throughout our history,
we have participated in civil disobedience and honor the value that it holds
to bring about social change. We are firmly committed to enacting our
organizational diversity statement, which in part expresses, “We recognize
that our views and convictions will be challenged, and we expect this
challenge to take place in a climate of tolerance and mutual respect in
order to maintain a united organization.” Recognizing that this is a time of
intense grief, a time of learning, and a time of reflection, we stand with
our members who are in pain and pray not only for peace but for justice. We
stand in solidarity with our black members and publicly commit to do
anti-racist work within our organization. We ask our nonblack members to
take the time to self-reflect in ways we can participate to create an
anti-racist world. With you in love, with you in justice, we affirm that
#BlackLivesMatter.
NFBMD Response to COVID-19
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is working to proactively
respond to the COVID-19 crisis while maintaining regular operations. We are
open and operating consistent with State and local public health
determinations. We have created a webpage to share information and
resources in connection with COVID-19 that can be accessed by visiting
<http://www.nfbmd.org/covid19> http://www.nfbmd.org/covid19. This page will
be updated regularly. The NFB National Office has also established a web
page for information about COVID-19, which can be accessed at
<https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources>
https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources. COVID-19 information is
also available in the Breaking News section of NFB Newsline.
NFBMD has taken the following steps to respond to the coronavirus outbreak:
- We have established an NFBMD COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund.
Blind individuals and their families may request financial assistance for
essentials such as groceries and medication. Anyone interested in donating
to this fund may contact me for information on how to do so. Additional
information about this program is available later in this newsletter.
- We are holding weekly affiliate calls on Wednesdays at 8:00PM. We
are spending the first portion of each meeting sharing updated information
and new resources related to COVID-19 and the remainder of the meeting as a
forum for members to connect socially. To join the Wednesday evening
meeting, use one of the following methods:
o Online direct link: https://zoom.us/j/6248138327
o Meeting ID: 624 813 8327
o One tap mobile:
§ +13017158592,,6248138327# US (Germantown)
§ +16468769923,,6248138327# US (New York)
§ +13126266799,,6248138327# US (Chicago)
o Dial by phone:
§ +13017158592 US (Germantown)
§ +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
§ +1 312 6 26 6799 US (Chicago)
§ Meeting ID: 624 813 8327
- WE have been and will continue to host virtual workshops on a
variety of topics, including how to use Zoom, how to use the Victor Reader
Stream, how to improve use of memory, how to make masks, and other matters
of interest. To suggest a topic or to offer to lead a workshop, please
contact Debbie Brown at <mailto:deborahb14 at verizon.net>
deborahb14 at verizon.net or at 301—881-1892. Please visit our COVID-19 web
page at http://www.nfbmd.org/covid19 to find the most up-to-date list of
virtual seminars.
- Given that the usual methods of public transportation are
diminished or altered, we are seeking and providing volunteers to assist our
members with running essential errands and transportation to medical
appointments. If you are interested in volunteering to assist with this
initiative, please contact me at <mailto:President at nfbmd.org>
President at nfbmd.org or at 443-426-4110.
- WE provided transportation for those individuals who needed
assistance getting to an in-person voting site in order to vote for the
April 28, 2020 District 7 Special General Election and June 2 state-wide
Primary Election.
- We are providing assistance filling out forms and accessing the
Maryland Beacon System, the platform that administers the Maryland
unemployment application and reporting program since it is not fully
accessible at this time. Those needing assistance should contact Sharon
Maneki at <mailto:NFBMD at earthlink.net> NFBMD at earthlink.net or call
410-715-9596.
- We are providing assistance to members who do not have the
technology or otherwise cannot complete their IRS Non-Filer Forms in order
to ensure that those individuals receive their economic impact payments.
Such individuals are generally those receiving SSI, SSDI, Social Security
retirement, or VA benefits and need to complete this form in order to
receive the economic impact payment for dependents. Those needing
assistance should contact Sharon Maneki at <mailto:NFBMD at earthlink.net>
NFBMD at earthlink.net or call 410-715-9596.
- WE are working to ensure that drive-up COVID-19 testing facilities
also serve the blind given that they cannot “drive up” as well as working to
ensure that walk-up testing facilities are accessible to the blind.
- We are monitoring and engaging in advocacy related to situations
that arise due to COVID-19 that disparately impact our blind community. If
you know of an entity or establishment that is serving the public but is
refusing to serve the blind, please contact me immediately at 443-426-4110
or at <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org. Such situations
may relate to drive-through restaurants not allowing blind pedestrians to
order and purchase food, COVID-19 testing facilities refusing to provide
services to individuals who cannot drive, inaccessible technology for those
who are engaging in teleschooling, and similar refusals/denials of service.
- We are working hard to ensure that the blind of Maryland have
equal access to essential services and information. These efforts include
but are not limited to:
o working to ensure that Maryland Executive Orders and information are
accessible; and
o Collaborating with government entities to ensure that COVID-19 testing
and response procedures are accessible.
Please visit the NFBMD COVID-19 webpage often for updated information and
resources.
NFBMD COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund
We have 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 who is wishing to request assistance should
contact me at <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org or at
443-426-4110.
In addition, we are seeking contributions to augment the NFBMD COVID-19
Emergency Response Fund. Those interested in making a monetary donation may
do so by sending a check to NFBMD, 15 Charles Plaza, #3002, Baltimore,
Maryland 21201 or by using the PayPal donation link on our website located
at <http://www.nfbmd.org/COVID-19Fund> http://www.nfbmd.org/COVID-19Fund.
NFB and NFBMD Events Impacted by COVID-19
Your health and safety is of vital importance. In order to ensure the
safety of our members, all chapters and divisions will meet virtually until
at least June 30, 2020. Please pay attention to our listserves or reach out
to your chapter and division presidents for information on how to join our
virtual meetings. We have established a Zoom platform for the majority of
our meetings, and thus the usual conference phone number and password may
not get you access to the particular meeting you wish to attend.
In addition, we have postponed the below events.
- Basket and Bag Bingo – formerly March 13 and now August 21, 2020
- NFBMD Bid for Opportunity and Scholarship Auction – formerly April
4 and now September 19, 2020
- National Harbor Tenth Anniversary Celebration – Formerly March 13
and now TBD
- MDPOBC Bake Auction – formerly March 21 and now TBD
- MDPOBC Spring Seminar – formerly May 2 and now TBD
- MDABS Student Seminar – formerly May 2 and now TBD
- Muir’s Tavern Homecoming Fundraiser – formerly May 9 and now TBD
- New Presidents and Leaders Seminar – formerly April 4 and now TBD
- NFBMD Cruise – formerly September 27 – October 4, 2020 and now
September 19 – 26, 2021
Note: We will share rescheduled dates for all events as soon as they are
determined.
In addition, the following events will take place but will be conducted
virtually.
- NFB National Convention – July 14 – 18, 2020 (see additional
information later in this newsletter)
- NFBMD BELL Academies – June, July, and August, 2020 (see
additional information later in this newsletter)
The following events are still scheduled as planned, but they are subject to
change based on Maryland social distancing and public health orders.
- NFBMD Crab Feast – August 8, 2020
- NFBMD State Convention – November 6-8, 2020
Please contact me at <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org or at
443-426-4110 with questions about any of the above.
NFB National Convention Is Coming – Registration Closes June 15!
The National Federation of the Blind 2020 Annual Convention will soon be
upon us. Though we will have a virtual convention in that we will not be
travelling to Houston, this convention promises to be the biggest and best
in history. The Convention dates have changed slightly in that the
Convention will last five days instead of six. The new dates are Tuesday,
July 14 through Saturday, July 18, 2020.
NFBMD is hoping to have some in-person activities in Baltimore should public
health and social distancing rules permit us to do so. We are hoping to
have an in-person Caucus on Friday, July 17 and an in-person banquet on
Saturday, July 18, 2020. We are also exploring other events that may take
place in person. Any events that are in-person will also have a virtual
component for those who cannot physically travel. We will share information
about the Maryland events associated with the 2020 National Convention as we
finalize them.
Given that our National Headquarters and our National President are in
Maryland, and given that the virtual NFB Convention will be broadcast from
Maryland, I am taking the position that Maryland is now the host of the 2020
NFB National Convention. Other affiliates claim that every affiliate is a
host of the 2020 National Convention, but I think we can show them that
Maryland is the true host. We can do this by having the largest number of
Convention registrants and participants. I am urging you all to register
for the convention by June 15, 2020 by visiting
<https://www.nfb.org/registration> https://www.nfb.org/registration.
Registration is free! If individuals need assistance filling out the online
registration form, they may contact their chapter presidents or me for
assistance. I can be reached at <mailto:President at nfbmd.org>
President at nfbmd.org or at 443-426-4110.
Currently, Maryland is in second place in terms of most registrants, and we
can’t let Texas (or anyone else) beat us. To that end, in order to show our
appreciation for our members, friends, and supporters who register for the
NFB National Convention, we will be holding a drawing if Maryland wins the
attendance banner. First prize is $100, second prize is $50, and third
prize is $25. We can only draw for this token of appreciation if Maryland
has the highest attendance of all affiliates, and so please encourage your
fellow convention attendees – or those interested in attending their first
convention – to register.
The Rookie Round-Up, which will provide information for first-time
Convention attendees, will be at 8:00PM on Tuesday, July 7. Those who
register and indicate this is their first convention will receive
information on how to join. Maryland will be holding a conference call for
our members who will attend their first national convention on Thursday,
July 9 at 8:00PM. We will be distributing information about this meeting in
the coming weeks. First-time conventioneers should plan to attend both the
Rookie Round-Up and the Maryland First-Timers Meeting.
NFB BELL Academy In-Home Edition!
the NFB BELL Academy In-Home Edition will teach critical nonvisual
techniques and Braille literacy to blind children nationwide ages 4 through
12. Due to the public health considerations associated with COVID-19, the
NFB BELL Academy will be offered virtually rather than in person. NFB BELL
has been condensed into three nationally taught and coordinated sessions
with support from NFBMD. Each two-week session will take place Monday
through Friday for 45 minutes at 11:00AM and 6:00PM (participants need only
attend one of the daily sessions). The dates of the three sessions are as
follows:
- June 1 – June 12, 2020 (full and not accepting additional
participants)
- June 22 – July 3, 2020
- July 27 – August 7, 2020
Note: the 11:00AM session from June 22 – July 3, 2020 will be conducted in
Spanish.
Each registered student will receive the materials to complete all sessions
alongside their parent/guardian by mail. There will be two daily
opportunities to connect with an experienced teacher by phone or web during
each session. NFBMD will provide additional support and assistance
throughout the sessions.
Registration is free to families. Participants may register by visiting
<https://www.nfb.org/form/nfb-bell-academy-home-edition>
https://www.nfb.org/form/nfb-bell-academy-home-edition. Anyone needing
assistance with registering should contact NFBMD BELL Coordinator Lizzy
Muhammad at lizzy.muhammad at outlook.com <mailto:lizzy.muhammad at outlook.com>
or at 484-624-9778.
NFB Has a National Scholarship Finalist
This year, Brianna Broadwater, an incoming freshman, has been selected as an
NFB National Scholarship Finalist. She will compete along with her 29
scholarship class members for a number of different scholarships that range
in amount from $3,000 to $12,000. Brianna will attend the virtual National
Convention and the NFBMD State convention in Towson this November, so you
will have the opportunity to get to know her. Please join me in
congratulating Brianna.
NFBMD Scholarship Finalists
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is pleased to announce that
this year, three students have been selected as 2020 John T. McCraw
Scholarship finalists. James “Garret” Mooney is a rising third-year law
student at the University of Baltimore School of Law. Shawn Abraham is a
rising sophomore at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Rachel
Walker is an incoming freshman at East Carolina University. They will all
be attending the NFB National Convention virtually and the NFBMD State
Convention in Towson, so you will have the chance to get to know them. They
will receive their NFBMD scholarships at the state convention in November
provided they remain eligible. We are thrilled with this year’s scholarship
class and know you will be impressed as well.
NFB Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest Winners – Maryland Is Awesome!
Maryland had an impressive showing in the annual Braille Readers Are Leaders
competition, sponsored by the American Action Fund in concert with the
National Federation of the Blind. Participants compete for prizes by
reading and tracking the number of Braille pages read; an adult then
verifies the reading log. This year, there was an adult category for the
first time. Participants came from 22 states, for a total of 93
participants. The contest began on December 1, 2019 and lasted for seven
weeks. Maryland’s Aisha Safi was the overall national contest winner,
having read a whopping 7,798 pages. Aisha is in the fourth grade.
Our other contest participants did a tremendous job as well.
- Aisha Safi, Chevy Chase, Maryland: First Place - Category Grade 4
and 5
- Mercy Rao, Columbia, Maryland: Second place – Grade 6, 7, and 8
- Zanyiah Bell, Bowie, Maryland: Third Place – Category Grade 3 and
4
- Isaiah Rao, Columbia, Maryland: Category Third place – Grade 6 - 8
Paul Wales, Silver Spring, Maryland, category grade 9, received the Breaking
Limits Award.
Congratulations to all of the winners!
Update on Voting Access
NFBMD has worked tirelessly to ensure that Maryland’s blind voters were not
excluded from being able to vote given the Maryland State Board of
Election’s decision to move the Maryland Primary Election on June 2, 2020
and the Maryland District 7 Special General Election on April 28, 2020 to
Vote-by-Mail. Originally, the Board was not going to have any in-person
voting sites, which would have precluded many voters with disabilities
including the blind from being able to access the elections. Though
Maryland administers an absentee ballot for making selections that NFBMD
fought to make accessible several years ago, this method will not work for
all blind voters because it excludes those without printer capabilities and
those who cannot mail out their ballots (this ballot can be voted accessibly
but it is not submitted via the internet and thus must be printed and sent
in to cast the vote).
NFBMD advocated to the Maryland State Board of Elections, Maryland
Department of Disabilities, and directly to the Office of the Governor, and
through our efforts and those of our Disability advocacy partners, the
Maryland State Board of Elections reversed course and implemented same-day
in-person voting sites in Maryland. Each of the three counties in District
7 had one in-person voting site for the Special General Election on April
28, 2020. Each of the 24 counties had at least one in-person voting site
for the Maryland Primary Election on June 2, 2020, with several of the
larger counties having four and Baltimore City having six locations.
We thank everyone who voted in person on April 28 and June 2, 2020. Given
our ongoing efforts to desegregate voting in Maryland due to disability, we
are asking those who voted in person in either election to share their
experiences with us, particularly if you experienced challenges with the
Ballot Marking Device (BMD) or were not able to easily vote independently
for any reason. Please contact me at <mailto:President at nfbmd.org>
President at nfbmd.org or at 443-426-4110.
Important Upcoming Dates
* June 22 – July 3, 2020 – NFB BELL Academy In-Home Edition
* July 14 –18, 2020 – NFB National Convention, Houston, Texas
* July 27 – August 7, 2020 – NFB BELL Academy In-Home Edition
* August 8, 2020 – Annual Crab Feast - Tall Cedars, 2501 Putty Hill
Ave., Parkville, MD 21234
* August 21, 2020 – Basket and Bag Bingo at The Lodge, 2832 9 Mile
Cir. Catonsville, MD.
* September 19, 2020 – Scholarship Dinner and Bid for Opportunity at
VFW Post 9619, 6527 Suitland Rd, Morningside, MD
* November 6-8, 2020 – Annual State Convention, Towson, Maryland
* January 21, 2021 – NFBMD Day in Annapolis
* February 8, 2021 – Washington Seminar Great Gathering In
* February 9, 2021 – Maryland Day on the Hill
* September 19 – 26, 2021 – Blind Cruising 2020, Carnival Pride,
Departing from Port of Baltimore
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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