<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> October 29, 2024 at 9:04:38 AM EDT<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 10/29/2024</b><br><br></div></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr">
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<h1 style="line-height:115%"><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 style="line-height:115%"><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 style="line-height:115%"><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 style="line-height:115%"><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 style="line-height:115%"><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">I hope this message finds you doing well as we are going into some
of the busiest convention weekends of the year. I wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge some new affiliate presidents who have joined the ranks during the past month.<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">The first is Diane Graves of Indiana who has served briefly as
affiliate president previously. We are glad she is back.<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">Our next new president is in Iowa where Helen Mejia has finished
her first week as affiliate president after a very successful NFB of Iowa convention.<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">Finally, this past weekend, long-time affiliate president Carla
McQuillan transitioned out of her role and the convention elected Stephanie McGary as the new president of our Oregon affiliate. I was honored to be on hand to celebrate Carla McQuillan’s decades of leadership in our Oregon affiliate and beyond.<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">This gives me an opportunity to say to all of our affiliate presidents
that you received an email from me last week inviting you to our annual retreat in February 2025. Please complete the
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/all_presidents_meeting"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">RSVP 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">
as soon as possible, but no later than November 10, 2024, so that we can begin the planning for this important gathering.<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">Best wishes to all those attending conventions this weekend and
happy Halloween!<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"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<h2 style="line-height:115%"><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"><b>Bay Bridge Run:<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The National Organization
of Parents of Blind Children invites you to join us for the Bay Bridge Run on November 10. It’s not too late to register and join Team NFB Dreamers for this 10k walk/run as we bridge the gap between blind people and our dreams. Please visit
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/BayBridge"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%">https://nfb.org/BayBridge</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;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
to learn more and to register. Register by October 25 to receive a Team NFB Dreamers hat before the event. You can also find our
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/bay-bridge-run/bay-bridge-run-participant-toolkit"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%">Participant
Toolkit</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;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
for use in your fundraising efforts. If you have any questions or need assistance registering, please contact Rachel at
</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;line-height:115%">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;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
or 410-659-9314, extension 2423. <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="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Upcoming Presidential
Release:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The National Federation
of the Blind presidential release chapter version will be available on November 1—the audio, transcript, and Spanish translation. The chapter version is intended to be played during each chapter meeting throughout the month.
</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;line-height:115%">Access
the chapter version and live details</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;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The next Presidential
Release Live will be Monday, November 11, at 7:30 p.m., eastern. Zoom details are below.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Presidential Release
Live Zoom:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/99284657783"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%">Via
Zoom Meeting ID is 992 8465 7783</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;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">One tap mobile:
+13017158592,,99284657783#<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<h2 style="line-height:115%"><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"><a name="_Hlk181082449"><b>Election Information on NFB-NEWSLINE<sup>®</sup>:<o:p></o:p></b></a></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk181082449"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">We
have added the All Politics Now publication to our Breaking News Online category on NFB-NEWSLINE. Additionally, we have implemented a candidate search option for the 2024 presidential and vice-presidential candidates. The searches are done across top newspapers,
breaking news, international outlets, and magazines. To access this information via telephone, select option 1 from the main menu, then option 5 for the 2024 candidate searches. If using the NFB-NEWSLINE mobile app, go to the Information Sources tab, select
"All Publications," and then "Candidate 2024 Searches." For subscribers using Web News on Demand, choose "Publications Organized Alphabetically" and select “2024 Candidate Searches.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk181082449"></span>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;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>Blind Voters Survey and Election Day Hotline:<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Our online Blind
Voters Survey is available, and we encourage anyone who has already voted to complete it so that your experiences, whether positive or negative, can be documented. There are three versions of the survey depending on how you voted:
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VDJGSS8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%">Voted in person</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;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">,
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VYYJDXT"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%">voted absentee</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;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">,
or the </span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7J3G7FH"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%">Spanish language
survey</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;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
(which includes both in-person and absentee voting options). Our Election Day Hotline will be operational on Tuesday, November 5. The hotline number is 877-632-1940.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;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>2025 Washington Seminar Hotel Information:<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The 2025 Washington
Seminar will start on Monday, February 3, and run through Thursday, February 6, at the Holiday Inn Washington Capitol – National Mall, and the Great Gathering-In will be that Monday, February 3, at the traditional time of 5:00 p.m. Hotel room rates for the
2025 Washington Seminar are $194 per night, plus taxes and fees, and you can reserve a room by calling the hotel directly at 877-834-3613 and providing our group code, NF5. You can also book a room using our dedicated
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/find-hotels/select-roomrate?fromRedirect=true&qSrt=sBR&qIta=99801505&icdv=99801505&qSlH=WASSM&qCiD=30&qCiMy=002025&qCoD=07&qCoMy=012025&qGrpCd=NF5&setPMCookies=true&qSHBrC=HI&qDest=550%20C%20Street%20S.W.,%20Washington,%20DC,%20US&srb_u=1&qChAge=&qRmFltr="><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%">booking
link</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;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.
For other information about the Washington Seminar, please visit nfb.org/Washington-seminar. We will be posting our legislative priorities for 2025 and the full event agenda in the near future.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;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>Upcoming Early Childhood Initiatives: Santa Letters and Winter Celebration Program:<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">Again, this year the National Federation
of the Blind is not only helping Santa out with Braille letters to blind children, but our program also has a winter-themed Braille letter for those who do not celebrate the Christmas holiday. We are excited to provide both of these letters in English and
Spanish. Parents of children under the age of ten can select one of the options that best fits their family.
<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">Starting November 11, 2024, parents can
request the Braille activity packet online or via email. The celebration packets will start going out to blind children around the country on December 2. The Braille letter will also be accompanied by a print copy for the whole family to participate in the
fun activities that accompany the celebration letters. The deadline for letter requests is December 16 to ensure that a return letter in Braille is received before the winter season ends.</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/early-childhood-initiatives/santa-letters"><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">Learn
more about the Santa Letters and Winter Celebration Program</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" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;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>Social Security Administration Settlement:<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The National Federation
of the Blind is pleased to announce a significant settlement agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA), resolving a lawsuit we filed along with two blind individuals in 2020. The agreement marks a victory for blind Americans by providing more
accessible options for interacting with the SSA through electronic (instead of wet ink) signatures. The case challenged the SSA’s policies limiting the use of electronic signatures for critical forms related to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
The lawsuit alleged that these restrictions created significant barriers for blind and low-vision individuals and other people with disabilities who needed to apply for or access benefits, violating Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. To learn about
the details of the settlement, which includes reimbursement of $300,000 in attorney’s fees,
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/index.php/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-announces-landmark-settlement-social-security"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%">read
the official press release</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;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Affiliate and
Division Website Redesign Project Update:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The National Federation
of the Blind is upgrading the affiliate and division websites to modernize and unify the Federation’s web presence onto the Drupal platform—forty-five state sites have gone through the process as of October 2024. The most recent transitions were NFB of Montana,
NFB of Oklahoma, NFB of Texas, NFB of Missouri, and NFB of New York. The last series of state sites are Idaho, Virginia, Oregon, Alaska, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and California. We will share an update on the divisions after completing the states. We are also
in the process of upgrading all sites to Drupal 10. For questions about the project, please email
</span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:NFBProjectTeam@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;line-height:115%">NFBProjectTeam@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;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;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>
<h2 style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7">Reminders:<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>Hotel Contract Review Training:<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">Ever wonder about what you need to be
looking for when reviewing contracts with our hotels for conventions and other venues? Want to be sure you understand hotel attrition policies and hold harmless clauses? We have a training coming up on December 17 at 8:00 p.m. for you. Please mark your calendars
with the following Zoom information: <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">Join Zoom Meeting
<br>
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/7733076440?pwd=RSs1M1ZYcWk5WVFOdEFIOEF5UkpmZz09&omn=95782327506"><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.zoom.us/j/7733076440?pwd=RSs1M1ZYcWk5WVFOdEFIOEF5UkpmZz09&omn=95782327506</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">Meeting ID: 773 307 6440
<br>
Passcode: 72632 <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">One tap mobile
<br>
+13092053325,,7733076440#,,,,*72632# US <br>
+13126266799,,7733076440#,,,,*72632# US (Chicago) <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK9"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK8"><span style="mso-bookmark:OLE_LINK7"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;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 style="line-height:115%">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 lfo1">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">November 10: Bay Bridge Run<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">February 3, 2025: Great Gathering-In
<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">February 3-6, 2025: Washington Seminar<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">July 8-13, 2025: National Convention; New Orleans, Louisiana<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2;background:white">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Wednesday, November 6, 8:00 p.m.
<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Chapter Presidents Calls<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2;background:white">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Thursday, December 19, and Sunday, December 22, at 8:00 p.m.
<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h2 style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-weight:normal">The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know 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. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.<o:p></o:p></span></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">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;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;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;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;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>