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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><h1><a name="OLE_LINK9">September 2019 Minute Message </a><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Fellow Federationists:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>As Summer comes to a close, we have had a very busy September. Several of our Chapters held their annual picnics. We have ramped up our advocacy efforts, and our chapters and Divisions are working hard to plan Meet the Blind Month activities. And of course, our Annual State Convention is just around the corner. Please read below for information about important happenings around the affiliate. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'>The State Convention is Almost Here – Deadline to Make Room Reservations & Preregister is October 12, 2019!</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p style='background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>You will not want to miss the state convention at the Crown Plaza Downtown Baltimore Inner Harbor in Baltimore which takes place on November 8-10, 2019. This year, our National Representative will be Carla McQuillan, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon. You may reserve your room by calling the Crown Plaza at </span><b>410-347-5707</b><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>. Convention Room Rates: Standard Room - $85 per night. Tax on sleeping rooms is 15.5%. These room rates start on Thursday, November 7, 2019. The deadline for making room reservations is October 12, 2019. </span><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>You may preregister for the Convention by visiting </span><a href="http://nfbmd.org/convention"><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>http://nfbmd.org/convention</span></a><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'> or by contacting me at </span><a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org"><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>President@nfbmd.org</span></a><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'> to request a paper form. Below are the prices for the various convention activities (prices are per person unless otherwise stated):<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Pre-registration = $20 until October 12, 2019; $25 on-site<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Banquet ticket = $40 until October 12, 2019; $45 on-site<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Parent or Senior Luncheon ticket = $22 until October 12, 2019; $25 on-site<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Friday boxed lunch = $16 until October 12, 2019; $20 on-site<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Picnic & a Play tickets = $18 until October 12, 2019; $20 on-site<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Transportation from New Carrollton Train Station = $35 until October 12, 2019; this covers round-trip travel<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Childcare = $30 per child and $50 per family for the entire weekend <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Please plan to join us at the Crown Plaza.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'>Financial Assistance Application for State Convention – Final Call!</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Individuals who wish to request financial assistance to attend the 2019 NFB of Maryland State Convention must complete and submit a Financial Assistance Application Form no later than October 1, 2019. Individuals are encouraged to first check with their local chapters and divisions to see what financial assistance may be available. If a member’s chapter does not have a financial assistance program, or if there is still unmet financial need, members may complete and submit the form to the State affiliate. More information about the NFBMD Financial Assistance Application Form is available at </span><a href="http://nfbmd.org/financialassistance"><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>http://nfbmd.org/financialassistance</span></a><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>. For questions, please contact me at 443-426-4110 or at </span><a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org"><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>President@nfbmd.org</span></a><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'>Seeking Resolutions for the State Convention </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>The Convention is the supreme authority of the National Federation of the Blind, and this too is true of the affiliates. One of the most important charges of the Convention is to consider and vote on resolutions that come before it; those resolutions become the policy of the organization. To that end, individuals interested in submitting resolutions should send them to NFBMD Resolutions Chairman Jesse Hartle by email at </span><a href="mailto:jesse.hartle63@gmail.com">jesse.hartle63@gmail.com</a><u><span style='color:#0563C1'> by October 19, 2019.<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'>Seeking Convention Sponsors and Exhibitors</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>We are seeking sponsors for our 2019 NFB of Maryland State Convention. There are various levels of sponsorship, and the various levels include different benefits. Entities and individuals interested in serving as an NFBMD Convention sponsor should contact Anil Lewis at </span><a href="mailto:alewis@nfbmd.org"><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>alewis@nfbmd.org</span></a><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'> to request additional information. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><u><span style='color:#0563C1'>We are also seeking exhibitors for our Friday Exhibit Hall. Individuals and entities interested in exhibiting should also contact Anil Lewis at </span></u><a href="mailto:alewis@nfb.org">alewis@nfb.org</a><u><span style='color:#0563C1'> to request additional information.<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'>Seeking Nominations for the 2019 Distinguished Educator of Blind Children </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>The Maryland Organization of Parents of Blind Children (MDPOBC) is seeking nominations for the Distinguished Educator of Blind Children. Please tell us how your child’s teacher works to help his or her students live the life they want with high expectation and strong skill development. Nominations are due to Sharon Maneki by October 7, 2019. Please visit </span><a href="http://www.nfbmd.org/node/317"><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>http://www.nfbmd.org/node/317</span></a><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'> to download the nomination form and send it to </span><a href="mailto:NFBMD@earthlink.net"><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>NFBMD@earthlink.net</span></a><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>. For questions, please contact Sharon Maneki at 410-715-9596.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'>Central Maryland Chapter Fundraiser – September 30, 2019</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>The NFBMD Central Maryland Chapter will be holding its fundraiser on Monday, September 30, 2019 between 11:00AM and 10:00PM at Tino’s Italian Bistro in Columbia. You do not need to mention you are with the NFB for the Central Maryland Chapter to receive a part of your check. For this fundraiser, a local business gives nonprofits a percentage of its sales on a particular day. That means you eat at Tino’s and the Central Maryland Chapter gets a cut of your check. For questions about this event, please contact Sharon Maneki at </span><a href="mailto:NFBMD@earthlink.net"><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>NFBMD@earthlink.net</span></a><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'> or at 410-715-9596.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-bottom:.2in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Tino’s Italian Bistro – 8775 Center Park Drive, Columbia, MD 21045<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'>Meet the Blind Month Activities</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>The below are just some of our Meet the Blind Month activities. Please visit </span><a href="http://nfbmd.org"><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>http://nfbmd.org</span></a><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'> for information on these and additional activities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='margin-bottom:.2in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>At Large Chapter:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l3 level2 lfo2;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Thursday, October 10, 2019 at 12:30PM: Meet the Blind Panel Discussion for the Zeta-Healthy Aging Program (Z-HAP) – Langston Hughes Business and Resource Community Center, 5011 Arbutus Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l3 level2 lfo2;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>October 15, 2019 at 12:15PM: An Afternoon at the Movies (Movie and Fundraiser) - Scent of a Woman Film Showing and lunch; donation of $10 per person is requested – National Federation of the Blind, 200 East Wells, Baltimore, MD 21230<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-bottom:.2in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Central Maryland Chapter & MDPOBC<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l3 level2 lfo2;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>October 5 and 6, 2019 from 10:00AM to Close: Wizarding Weekend on Magical Main OEC (Old Ellicott City) – Main Street, Ellicott City, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-bottom:.2in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>National Harbor<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-bottom:.2in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>October 12, 2019 from 10:00AM – 2:00PM: Ninth Annual Resource Day for People with Blindness or Low Vision – Colmar Manor Town Hall, 3701 Lawrence Street, Colmar Manor, MD 20722 (just outside of the DC line from Bladensburg, NE)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'>NFB Files for a Preliminary Injunction to Compel the Maryland Board of Elections to Use the BMDs as the Default Method for All Voters in the 2020 General Election So the Blind Can Have the Secret Ballot Restored! </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>In August, the National Federation of the Blind, the NFB of Maryland, and three blind members, Joel Zimba, Marie Cobb, and Ruth Sager, filed suit in Federal Court against the Maryland Board of Elections. The suit asserts that the Maryland Board of Elections maintains a segregated system of voting that denies blind voters their right to a secret ballot and equal voting experience as non-disabled voters. The suit claims this violates the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act and that the Board of Elections’ actions are discriminatory based on disability. In early September, the Board of Elections filed a Motion to Dismiss our lawsuit, claiming: 1) the Board could not get the appropriate number of BMDs from the manufacturer; 2) the policy the Board adopted in June 2019 to require 5 people to use the BMD at each polling location solves our problem of not having private ballots; and 3) it would be too costly to obtain a sufficient number of BMDs. The Board later corrected itself, saying it could indeed get enough BMDs from the manufacturer to make the BMDs the default, but it was standing by its other two reasons for not thinking it should have to do so. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>On September 20, 2019, we filed for a preliminary injunction to compel the Board of Elections to have to use the BMDs as the default means for all voters in the 2020 General Election unless a voter specifically asks for a paper ballot. We argued that we should not have to sacrifice our privacy and civil rights for the illusion of security and that since the Board is able to obtain enough machines, they should do so. We also argued that since the Board couldn’t successfully get even two people to use the BMDs before, they aren’t going to succeed in getting five to use them unless the BMDs are the default method of voting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>We will continue to fight to restore the secret ballot and desegregate voting in Maryland – and we’ll do whatever it takes, as long as it takes!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:.2in;margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'>NFB RideShare Testing Program</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>We continue to need your help. If you use a service animal or are accompanying someone who does, please fill out a short form about your experience each time you use Uber or Lyft. In Maryland, we have to complete a certain number of surveys each year. You can submit a survey for every trip you took, so please look back at your ride history and do this if you haven’t already done so. Please go to </span><a href="https://nfb.org/rideshare-test"><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>https://nfb.org/rideshare-test</span></a><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'> or use the NFB Connect app (instructions below) to complete the survey. Please give us information about both good and bad experiences. Spread the word, we need information from every blind person whether they are a member of NFB or not. Ashley Alvey is the Maryland coordinator for this program. If you have questions email her at ashleyalvey1994@gmail.com.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>NFB Connect App instructions for Rideshare Survey<o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start=1 type=1><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo5;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>On the top left corner of the screen, you will find a button that says, Menu button. Double tap Menu.</span><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo5;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>After double tapping on menu, at the top left corner of the screen, you will see Home.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo5;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>Swipe to the right once and you will see Fast Facts. Double tap Fast Facts.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo5;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>You will swipe right until you see, Rideshare Survey. Double tap Rideshare Survey.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo5;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>Lastly, swipe to the right. When you see First Name, this is where the form begins and this is where you put in the information for the survey.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><h3 style='background:white'><span style='font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>use Amazon smile</span><span style='font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h3><p style='background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Since this is the season of anniversaries, weddings and graduations, be sure<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>to use Amazon smile and choose NFBMD for your charity when you purchase that special gift. Go to<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='background:white'><a href="http://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1301033"><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>http://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1301033</span></a><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'>Important Upcoming Dates </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>September 23, 2019 – MDABS Fundraiser at Mothers Grille<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>September 30, 2019 – Central Maryland Chapter Fundraiser at Tino’s Italian Bistro<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>October 1 – 31 – Meet the Blind Month<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>October 15 - National White Cane Awareness Day.</span><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>November 8-10 – Annual State Convention – Crown Plaza Baltimore Downtown<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>February 10, 2020 – Great Gathering In, Washington Seminar, Washington, DC<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>March 13, 2020 – Basket Bingo<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>June 30 – July 5, 2020 – NFB National Convention, Houston, Texas<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>August 8, 2020 – Crab Feast<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Ronza Othman, </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>President</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>443-426-4110<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>