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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">November 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'>We have shared our stories and charted our path forward at our 53<sup>rd</sup> Annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland. I am immensely grateful to each of you who played a role, from running a workshop, to organizing or leading a tour, to coordinating the Exhibit Hall and soliciting sponsors, to providing door prizes and auction items, to organizing Bingo, to running sound, technology, and social media, and on and on and on. As you can see, it takes a myriad of people to put on a convention, especially one as big and energetic as ours. Please visit our website, nfbmd.org, to find the 2019 resolutions as well as some key highlights such as our Audio Quilt, the History of the NFBMD, and some other important moments you’ll want to revisit. Please find below some important announcements and information about our activities as an 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'>National Convention Date Change</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>The 2020 national convention of the National Federation of the Blind will be held <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0">July 14-19</a> in Houston, Texas. While the convention was originally planned for two weeks earlier, the Federation agreed to move its convention to accommodate activities in the city of Houston. We believe this change will further enhance the program, exhibits, and dynamic content provided at America's civil rights and resource convention of blind people and their families. More information regarding convention arrangements will be published in the December issue of the Braille Monitor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'>Blind Cruising 2020 <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 National Federation of the Blind of Maryland will be hosting a cruise fundraiser from September 27, 2020 to October 4, 2020. The affiliate will receive a portion of the cost of each cabin that is booked. All are welcome, including members of the NFBMD, other affiliates, families, colleagues, and friends. For additional information or to reserve your cabin, please email </span><a href="mailto:NFBMD.outreach@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>NFBMD.outreach@gmail.com</span></a><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>. Details are as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Ship: Carnival Pride</b><b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Date: September 27 – October 4, 2020<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Port of Departure: Baltimore, Maryland<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Number of nights: 7<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Ports visited: </b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; and Freeport, Bahamas</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Key Dates:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo9'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>First deposit due: January 10, 2020 = $25 per person<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo9'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Second deposit due: April 15, 2020 - $250 per person plus full names of sailors<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo9'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Final payment due: June 15, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Types and prices of cabins (this is a per person price based on double occupancy and includes cabin fee, port charges, and taxes)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo9'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Balcony cabin (extended balcony) = $951.64 per person <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo9;overflow-wrap: break-word'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Balcony cabin (standard balcony) = $928.64 per person<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo9;overflow-wrap: break-word'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Balcony cabin (obstructed view) = $885.64 per person<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo9;overflow-wrap: break-word'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Ocean View cabin = $835.64 per person<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo9;overflow-wrap: break-word'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>interior cabin = $770.64 per person <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo9;overflow-wrap: break-word'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>if anyone needs a triple or quad cabin, they should let us know. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;overflow-wrap: break-word'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'>Participants Needed for National Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>As part of its mission to promote Braille reading, the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults is sponsoring Braille Readers Are Leaders 2019-2020. Braille readers in grades K-12 compete with others in their grade category to read the most pages during the reading period from December 1 to January 18. An adult category allows adults who want to practice their Braille skills to participate as well. Registration began on November 1, and it will remain open until the final day of the reading period. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top readers in each category, and each participant will receive a packet of Braille-related gifts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:.2in;background:white'>You can find the registration form, reading log form, and contest rules by visiting <a href="https://actionfund.org/BRAL">https://actionfund.org/BRAL</a>. If you have questions, email <a href="mailto:braillereadingcontest@actionfund.org">braillereadingcontest@actionfund.org</a> or call 410-659-9315.<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: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><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'>NFB and NFBMD Scholarship Programs</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: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'>The National Federation of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland each administer a separate scholarship program for post-secondary students. The deadline to apply for an NFB scholarship is March 31, 2020, and the deadline to apply for an NFBMD Scholarship is April 15, 2020.<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><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'>National Scholarship Program: Each year, the NFB awards 30 merit-based scholarships totaling at least $120,000. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Scholarships range in amount from $3,000 to $12,000.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and community service.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>The 30 scholarship finalists are announced in the spring and attend the National Convention, where they are awarded a specific scholarship.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Application materials must be submitted (online or postmarked) by 11:59PM on March 31, 2020.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>To be eligible, applicants must:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Be legally blind in both eyes;<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Reside in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico;<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program at a U.S. institution in the Fall of 2020 (one scholarship may be awarded to an individual who works full-time and attends school part-time); and<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind (and all scholarship activities) in Houston, Texas from July 14 through 19, 2020 (scholarship finalists will receive convention assistance).<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>To apply:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Submit an application using the online application system at </span></b><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/scholarships/login"><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>https://nfb.org/civicrm/scholarships/login</span></b></a><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>; or<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Download, complete, and email or mail in a hard copy application form by visiting: </span></b><a href="https://nfb.org/programs/scholarship-program"><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>https://nfb.org/programs/scholarship-program</span></b></a><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:.75in;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'>State Scholarship Program: Each year, the NFB of Maryland awards the John T. McCraw Scholarship to two students in the amounts of $2,000 and $1,500 each. NFBMD may award a third scholarship to a former McCraw scholarship recipient. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and community involvement.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Application materials must be submitted (online or postmarked) by 11:59PM on April 15, 2020.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>To be eligible, applicants must:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Be legally blind in both eyes;<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Be a legal resident of Maryland or be pursuing post-secondary studies at a school in Maryland;<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program in the Fall of 2020; and<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind in Houston, Texas from July 14 through 19, 2020 and the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland in Towson, Maryland from November 6 – 8, 2020 (scholarship finalists will receive convention assistance).<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>To apply:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Submit an application using the online application system at </span></b><a href="http://nfbmd.org/scholarship/apply"><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>http://nfbmd.org/scholarship/apply</span></b></a><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>; or<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l6 level2 lfo10;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'>Download, complete, and email or mail in a hard copy application form by visiting: </span></b><a href="http://nfbmd.org/scholarship"><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>http://nfbmd.org/scholarship</span></b></a><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:.75in;background:white'><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'>do You Feel Lucky? </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'>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. Between now and February 10, you may request a specific number from Melissa Riccobono and pay the $10. You might want to request your birthday, your anniversary, or some other significant number. After February 10, tickets will be available from chapter presidents and you will not necessarily be able to get the specific number you want. If you want to buy or sell tickets, please contact Melissa Riccobono at MelissaARiccobono@gmail.com. Help us sell all 1,000 tickets! The individual who sells the most winning tickets will win a prize, provided we sell all 1,000 tickets.</span><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: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><h2><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:105%;color:black'>Update on Voting Lawsuit </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'>In mid-October, the Board filed an Answer to our Motion, arguing that it would, in essence, be too costly and burdensome for the State to make using the BMDs the default voting method in Maryland. We now wait for the judge to rule on our preliminary injunction request.<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'>The parties are currently in discovery, meaning we are exchanging information, evidence, and depositions. The Judge has scheduled a hearing on the Board’s Motion to Dismiss our lawsuit for January 13, 2020, and we will definitely be in attendance. <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'>Meanwhile, we know for certain there will be a Special Primary and a Special General Election in February and in April, respectively, in Congressional District 7 to fill the vacant seat of the late Elijah Cummings. Our preliminary injunction request did not envision a special election, and thus, we will be forced to go through the special election cycle without the ability to vote in secret, and we know that segregated voting due to disability will remain in place for that election. Despite this, we will not stop fighting until Maryland desegregates voting for voters with disabilities. <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:l2 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:l2 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:l2 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:l2 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:l2 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><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 gift giving, 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:l3 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>January 16, 2020 – Day in Annapolis, Annapolis, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 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:l3 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:l3 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>July 14 –19, 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:l3 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>August 8, 2020 – Crab Feast, Parkville, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>September 27 – October 4, 2020 – Blind Cruising 2020, Carnival Pride, Departing from Port of Baltimore<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo8;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif'>November 6-8, 2020 – Annual State Convention, Towson, Maryland <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><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>