[NFB_of_Georgia] NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 04/08/2024

Tue Apr 9 17:38:51 UTC 2024

Dear Federation Family,

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.

*April Presidential Release:*

The April Presidential Release chapter version
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases> 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.

News:

*2024-2025 NFB Teachers of Tomorrow Cohort—Applications Now Open:*
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
https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/teachers-tomorrow. The
application period will end on May 3, 2024.

*Where the Blind Work Webinar:*

Thursday, April 18, 2024, 8:00-9:00 p.m., eastern, via Zoom

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:

·         Shelby Ball, BEP Owner and Operator, Georgia

·         J.J. Meddaugh, Owner and Operator of AT Guys, Michigan

·         William Ruffin, BEP Owner and Operator, Maryland

Register at Where the Blind Work Webinar
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-the-blind-work-webinars-registration>
.
 *National Association of Blind Students Rocky Mountain Seminar:*

Friday, May 17, 5:00 p.m. – Sunday, May 19, 2024, 12:00 p.m., MST.

Climb higher with us at the National Association of Blind Students (NABS)
Rocky Mountain Regional Seminar. 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: Rocky
Mountain Seminar Registration Form.
<https://nabslink.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=3>

Please direct questions to NABS board member Manahil Jafri at
manahiljafri at gmail.com.

 *Discriminatory Driver’s License Requirements in Job Applications:*

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
https://publicportal.eeoc.gov/Scheduling/login. Please contact our legal
program coordinator, Sanho Steele-Louchart, with any questions. Sanho can
be reached at legal at nfb.org and at 410-659-9314, extension 2440.

*Letter Regarding Accessible Vote-by-Mail Sent to 253 Texas Counties:*

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 letter to the other 253 counties in Texas
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-sent-253-texas-counties-regarding-remote>
 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 Policy Statements page
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements> of our
website.

Dates to Keep in Mind:

(all times eastern)

   - April 15: Deadline for Bolotin Award
   <https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/dr-jacob-bolotin-awards/application-information>
    nominations
   - May 1: Deadline for Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award
   <https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award>
    nominations
   - July 3-8: National Convention; Orlando, Florida

Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement

   - Wednesday, May 8, 8:00 p.m.
   - Wednesday, August 7, 8:00 p.m.
   - Wednesday, November 6, 8:00 p.m.

Chapter Presidents Calls

   - Thursday, June 13, and Sunday, June 16, at 8:00 p.m.
   - Thursday, September 12, and Sunday, September 15, at 8:00 p.m.
   - Thursday, December 19, and Sunday, December 22, at 8:00 p.m.

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.

Mark A. Riccobono, President
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
410-659-9314 | Officeofthepresident at nfb.org

Please engage with me through Riccobono Personal AI
<https://riccobono.personal.ai/messaging/profile>
Mastodon: @President at nfb.social
Pronouns: he, him, his

[image: National Federation of the Blind] <https://nfb.org/>

                         [image: Facebook]
<http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind>    [image: Twitter]
<https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice>    [image: Youtube]
<https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind>

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.

-- 
Dorothy Griffin - President
National Federation of the Blind of Georgia
dgriffin at nfbga.org
770-374-4832

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.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfb_of_georgia_nfbnet.org/attachments/20240409/8c186b85/attachment.html>