<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><br id="lineBreakAtBeginningOfSignature"><div dir="ltr">Sent from my iPhone</div><div dir="ltr"><br>Begin forwarded message:<br><br></div><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><b>From:</b> "President, National Federation of the Blind" <OfficeOfThePresident@nfb.org><br><b>Date:</b> April 9, 2024 at 10:01:50 AM MST<br><b>To:</b> State Presidents <StatePresidents@nfb.org>, NFB-Division-Leaders@nfbnet.org, NCB Staff <NCBStaff@nfb.org><br><b>Subject:</b> <b>NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 04/08/2024</b><br><br></div></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr">
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<h1><a name="OLE_LINK7"></a><a name="OLE_LINK8"></a><a name="OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">President’s Notebook<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></a></h1>
<h1><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">National Federation of the Blind<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></h1>
<h1><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Mark A. Riccobono<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></h1>
<h1><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7">officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></h1>
<h1><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">410-659-9314<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Dear Federation Family,<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Now that the fever of the eclipse has passed, we can settle into
the normal business of April. I appreciate everyone’s work with scholarship applicants over the past few weeks. Please remember that we have an opportunity to pull these folks into the movement. I encourage you not just to leave it to the chance that the scholarship
committee will pull them in by making them a finalist. Many of us got engaged in the organization because we were mentored and supported through the personal investment of leaders. You should also recognize that by mentoring others you also stay open and fresh
to new ideas and new perspectives in our movement. It is helpful to have a very strong foundation, but it is also helpful to be willing to find ways to grow and expand our circle. Mentoring can do that for us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Let me take a moment to thank those of you who have personally
reached out to me during the past week regarding the unexpected passing of my father. The support from each of you means more than I could ever convey in words. The depth of the Federation family never surprises but it does always humble me. I am honored to
be part of this community with you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<h2><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7">Critical Actions:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span class="Heading3Char"><b>April Presidential Release:<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">April
Presidential Release chapter version</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
is available for chapter meetings. Please note the podcast format is now updated. The next live presidential release is scheduled for Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 8:00 p.m., eastern. Zoom TBD.</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<h2><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7">News:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>Need Your Help with the Museum:</b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The Museum Campaign is still looking
to expand its list of prospects and potential contributors. As you review your contacts, please identify anyone you think would be interested in hearing more about the museum project, or who has the capability to pledge $10,000 or more. Affiliate presidents
can expect an initial or follow-up call from Rachel Held to discuss your suggestions in the coming weeks. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Rachel at 410-659-9314, extension 2423, or
</span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:rheld@nfb.org"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">rheld@nfb.org</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span class="Heading3Char"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">2024-2025 NFB Teachers of Tomorrow Cohort—Applications
Now Open:</span></b></span> <br>
</span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Teachers of Tomorrow is an immersive professional development program
that connects teachers of blind and low-vision students to the lived experiences of blind people. The program will equip the participants with knowledge of the skills and attitudes that can help blind students thrive in school and beyond. Please encourage
teachers of blind students in your affiliate to apply for this opportunity, and help circulate the application information to any university programs that prepare teachers of blind students where you have contacts. For more information visit
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/teachers-tomorrow"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/teachers-tomorrow</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.
The application period will end on May 3, 2024. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>Where the Blind Work Webinar:
<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Thursday, April 18, 2024, 8:00-9:00 p.m.,
eastern, via Zoom</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The National Federation of the Blind
champions cultural and economic equity in society. We firmly uphold the belief that blind people possess the inherent ability to pursue our career aspirations. Join us for an enlightening discussion featuring an impressive panel of blind entrepreneurs who
constantly trailblaze the path to professional success. Our panelists are:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:106%;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1">
<span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Shelby Ball, BEP Owner and Operator, Georgia
<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:106%;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1">
<span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">J.J. Meddaugh, Owner and Operator of AT Guys, Michigan
<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:106%;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1">
<span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">William Ruffin, BEP Owner and Operator, Maryland
<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Register at
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-the-blind-work-webinars-registration" title="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-the-blind-work-webinars-registration"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Where
the Blind Work Webinar</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">.</span></span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<h1><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:16.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></h1>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>National Association of Blind Students Rocky Mountain Seminar:
<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Friday, May 17, 5:00 p.m. – Sunday, May
19, 2024, 12:00 p.m., MST.</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Climb higher with us at the National
Association of Blind Students (NABS) Rocky Mountain Regional Seminar. </span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Immerse
yourself in a transformative experience with engaging workshops, skill-building activities, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Registration closes May 3. Be sure to secure your spot at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows:
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nabslink.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=3"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Rocky Mountain Seminar
Registration Form. </span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Please direct questions to NABS board
member </span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Manahil Jafri at
</span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:manahiljafri@gmail.com"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">manahiljafri@gmail.com</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></span></span></span></h3>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>Discriminatory Driver’s License Requirements in Job Applications:</b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Many employers illegally require driver’s
licenses in job applications when driving is not an essential function of the job. To combat this, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) needs as many charges of discrimination as possible before they can file suit on behalf of blind people. Federal
law requires that we file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC before any further action can be taken. If you have been discriminated against in this manner, please contact the EEOC. To start the process, you can schedule your intake interview with the
EEOC at </span></span></span></span><a href="https://publicportal.eeoc.gov/Scheduling/login"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">https://publicportal.eeoc.gov/Scheduling/login</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.
Please contact our legal program coordinator, Sanho Steele-Louchart, with any questions. Sanho can be reached at
</span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:legal@nfb.org"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">legal@nfb.org</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
and at 410-659-9314, extension 2440.</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>Updating Our Legislative Directors List:<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The Advocacy and Policy department is
updating our list of current legislative directors. Please send the name and email address of your affiliate’s legislative director to Lindsey Walsh at
</span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:lwalsh@nfb.org"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">lwalsh@nfb.org</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.
It is important that we receive this information so that we can be sure we’re sending out legislative updates and alerts to the right people.
</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b>Letter Regarding Accessible Vote-by-Mail Sent to 253 Texas Counties:<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">On July 27, 2023, the United States District
Court for the Western District of Texas San Antonio Division held that Bexar County violated Title II of the ADA by providing only a paper absentee ballot that was inaccessible to blind people. This case was brought by the National Federation of the Blind
of Texas, the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, and three blind voters. The Court ordered Bexar County to provide a remote, accessible, vote-by-mail system that would grant blind voters the same opportunity provided to voters without disabilities. On
March 29, 2024, the National Federation of the Blind sent a </span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-sent-253-texas-counties-regarding-remote"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">letter
to the other 253 counties in Texas</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
reminding them of their legal obligation to provide blind voters an accessible way to privately and independently mark an absentee ballot. The letter can be read on the
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Policy Statements
page</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
of our website. </span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"></span><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"></span>
<h2>Dates to Keep in Mind:<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">(all times eastern)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2">
<a name="_Hlk150162423"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">April 15: Deadline for
</span></a><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/dr-jacob-bolotin-awards/application-information"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk150162423"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%">Bolotin Award</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk150162423"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk150162423"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
nominations<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk150162423"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">May 1: Deadline for
</span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk150162423"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%">Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk150162423"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk150162423"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
nominations<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk150162423"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">July 3-8: National Convention; Orlando, Florida<o:p></o:p></span></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk150162423"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk150162423"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3;background:white">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk150162423"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Wednesday, May 8, 8:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3;background:white">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk150162423"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Wednesday, August 7, 8:00 p.m.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3;background:white">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk150162423"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Wednesday, November 6, 8:00 p.m.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk150162423"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk150162423"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Chapter Presidents Calls<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3;background:white">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk150162423"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Thursday, June 13, and Sunday, June 16, at 8:00 p.m.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3;background:white">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk150162423"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Thursday, September 12, and Sunday, September 15, at 8:00 p.m.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3;background:white">
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk150162423"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Thursday, December 19, and Sunday, December 22, at 8:00 p.m.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></li></ul>
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk150162423"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The National Federation of the Blind 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.</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h2><o:p> </o:p></h2>
<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"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mark A. Riccobono, President<br>
National Federation of the Blind <br>
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230<br>
410-659-9314 | <a href="mailto:Officeofthepresident@nfb.org"><span style="color:blue">Officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Please engage with me through <a href="https://riccobono.personal.ai/messaging/profile">
<span style="color:blue">Riccobono Personal AI</span></a><br>
Mastodon: @President@nfb.social <br>
Pronouns: he, him, his<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://nfb.org/"><span style="color:#0563C1;mso-ligatures:none;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="210" height="76" style="width:2.1875in;height:.7916in" id="_x0000_i1028" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/nfblogo.png" alt="National Federation of the Blind" data-unique-identifier=""></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind">
<span style="color:#0563C1;mso-ligatures:none;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="24" height="24" style="width:.25in;height:.25in" id="_x0000_i1027" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/facebook.png" alt="Facebook" data-unique-identifier=""></span></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice"><span style="color:#0563C1;mso-ligatures:none;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="24" height="24" style="width:.25in;height:.25in" id="_x0000_i1026" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/twitter.png" alt="Twitter" data-unique-identifier=""></span></a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind"><span style="color:#0563C1;mso-ligatures:none;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="24" height="24" style="width:.25in;height:.25in" id="_x0000_i1025" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/youtube.png" alt="Youtube" data-unique-identifier=""></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
</div></blockquote></body></html>