[NFB-Maryland] April Minute Message from the Movement
president at nfbmd.org
president at nfbmd.org
Mon May 4 00:28:00 UTC 2020
April 2020 Minute Message
Fellow Federationists:
We continue to live in a time of uncertainty and tremendous change due to
the unprecedented challenges that have arisen from the COVID-19 crisis. I
am so moved by the outpouring of support that our Federation family has
demonstrated for one another. This support has taken the form of
contributing financially to the NFBMD COVID-19 fund, volunteering to make
masks and other PPE for one another, helping navigate inaccessible forms and
websites that are used for teleschooling and unemployment applications, and
checking in on one another. We are first and foremost a family, and I,
along with the leaders of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
want to share our hope that our members and supporters are staying healthy
and safe. We recognize that we are living in a time of uncertainty, and for
many, anxiety, and we 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 this
crisis stronger than we’ve ever been.
Please read below for information about news and upcoming activities.
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
of course performing our work virtually so as to comply with Governor
Hogan’s Stay-at-Home order and national social distancing guidelines. 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. Sometimes we may have a guest
presenter, such as the April 29, 2020 meeting when the Blind History Lady,
Peggy Chong, joined us to share stories about Maryland’s history as it
pertains to blindness. 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:
§ +16468769923,,6248138327# US (New York)
§ +13126266799,,6248138327# US (Chicago)
o Dial by phone:
§ +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
§ +1 312 6 26 6799 US (Chicago)
§ Meeting ID: 624 813 8327
- WE are hosting virtual workshops on a variety of topics, including
how to use Zoom, how to use the Victor Reader Stream, 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.
- We will provide transportation where possible for Maryland voters
who need it in order to get to in-person voting sites for the Maryland
Primary Election on June 2, 2020. Individuals who need transportation
should contact me at <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org or at
443-426-4110.
- 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
further notice. 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
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 Blind Cruising 2020 – September 27 – October 4, 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!
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 State
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 as soon as you can 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.
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
will be 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
- 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.
Do You Feel Lucky?
The NFBMD spring raffle is underway. During the months of May and June, you
have the opportunity to win $50 Sunday through Friday, or $100 on Saturday.
Purchase a 3-digit number raffle ticket for $10. You will be the only one
who has this number. You can get your tickets from chapter and division
presidents, Board members, affiliate leaders, or from me at
President at nfbmd.org <mailto:President at nfbmd.org> . This raffle has gone
digital, so please get in touch with me or an NFBMD leader to get your
tickets today. Help us sell all 1,000 tickets!
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 will have at least one in-person voting
site for the Maryland Primary Election on June 2, 2020.
I urge everyone who can safely vote in person on June 2, 2020 to do so,
adhering to social distancing and public health rules such as wearing masks.
Given our ongoing efforts to desegregate voting in Maryland due to
disability, we need as many voters as possible to use the Ballot Marking
Devices and share their experiences with us. If voters need assistance
getting to their in-person voting locations, they should contact me at
<mailto:President at nfbmd.org> President at nfbmd.org or at 443-426-4110.
Important Upcoming Dates
* June 1 – June 12, 2020 – NFB BELL Academy In-Home Edition
* June 15, 2020 – Final Payment Due for Blind Cruising 2020
* 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
* September 27 – October 4, 2020 – Blind Cruising 2020, Carnival
Pride, Departing from Port of Baltimore
* November 6-8, 2020 – Annual State Convention, Towson, Maryland
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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