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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Federation Family,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I hope you are well and remaining healthy. I am writing to provide information about NFBMD’s efforts to share information and keep connected with one another during the time of the Coronavirus. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last week, we held a statewide call where we discussed information about COVID-19, what services and resources are available to the blind, and what unique challenges and opportunities the current situation creates for us. Carol Beatty, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Disabilities was on the call and answered a number of questions from Federationists. You can listen to the recording of the call at this link: <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/fnuv88gqro36gp0/COVID-19%20Recording%203-25-20.mp4?dl=0">https://www.dropbox.com/s/fnuv88gqro36gp0/COVID-19%20Recording%203-25-20.mp4?dl=0</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We have created a web page dedicated to COVID-19 which may be accessed at <a href="http://www.nfbmd.org/coronavirus">http://www.nfbmd.org/coronavirus</a>. This page is constantly being updated, so please visit regularly. You will find information, resources, and much more.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In order to continue sharing information in a myriad of ways so as to ensure as many members as possible have access, and in order for us to keep connected with one another during this unprecedented situation, the NFB of Maryland will be hosting weekly calls. All are welcome. We do ask that folks exercise good conference call etiquette, including muting when not talking (star 6). These meetings will take place every Wednesday starting at 8:00PM. The first hour – 8:00PM – 9:00PM – will focus on pushing out information and hearing from you things that are relevant to Maryland’s blind during the COVID-19 outbreak. The second hour – 9:00PM – 10:00PM will be an opportunity to catch up with one another and socialize with our Federation family.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Information on how to access the weekly meetings is below:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Join Zoom Meeting<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://zoom.us/j/6248138327">https://zoom.us/j/6248138327</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Meeting ID: 624 813 8327<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One tap mobile<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>+16468769923,,6248138327# US (New York)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>+13126266799,,6248138327# US (Chicago)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dial by your location<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Meeting ID: 624 813 8327<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Join by Skype for Business<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>https://zoom.us/skype/6248138327<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If, at any point, you need to get in touch with me or you have an urgent need for assistance, please call me at 443-426-4110, text me at 708-829-0523, or email me at <a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org">President@nfbmd.org</a>. The NFB of Maryland Board and I are standing by to support you.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Stay healthy and safe!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Regards,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ronza<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></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>