<div dir="ltr"><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">This weeks notebook came out yesterday evening.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Dear Federation Family,<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">It feels so great to have our convention registration open for our in-person national convention in New Orleans. We have been waiting for this, and it is finally coming. Encourage participation in our first in-person convention since 2019.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">We have a busy four months leading up to our convention. As you will find below, there is a lot to keep up on. The quickly changing trends with the coronavirus—in the right direction—give great hope for more in-person gatherings across the nation. Also, we are kicking off the spring convention season this weekend with Alabama. So much great energy around the Federation.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Keep up the great work on our legislative priorities. We have a good chance of moving forward with these bills this year.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> </span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt"> </span></p><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">News:<u></u><u></u></span></h2><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b>2022 National Convention Registration Is Open:<u></u><u></u></b></h3><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15pt;margin-left:0.25in;line-height:23px"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">The 2022 National Federation of the Blind National Convention registration is now open until May 31, 2022. Registration is $25 per person. Banquet tickets for Sunday, July 10, are $70 per person. Please review our<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2022-national-convention-safety-protocols" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">2022 National Convention Safety Protocols</span></a><span class="gmail-m_2683624638887930575MsoHyperlink" style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration:underline"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">and the<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">National Federation of the Blind Code of Conduct</span></a><span class="gmail-m_2683624638887930575MsoHyperlink" style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration:underline"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">prior to registering.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=479" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Register online now!</span></a><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>Details regarding convention can be found at<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">nfb.org/convention</span></a><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">. Also, check out the latest<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Braille Monitor</i><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>article, “</span><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm22/bm2203/bm220301.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">New Orleans: Site of 2022 Convention” by John Berggren</span></a><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">.<u></u><u></u></span></p><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b>Access Technology Affordability Act:</b><b><span style="font-size:11pt;line-height:23px"><u></u><u></u></span></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Great news! Yesterday eight new cosponsors were added to the Access Technology Affordability Act in the House and one in the Senate. We are now up to 145 cosponsors on H.R. 431, and 36 cosponsors on S. 212. This is the largest number of cosponsors we have ever had on the Access Technology Affordability Act in both chambers of Congress. Let’s keep up the momentum!<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b>Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium:<u></u><u></u></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=476" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Registration is now open</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>for the 2022 Jacobus tenBroek Disability<b><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>Law<b><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></b>Symposium.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Join nationally renowned disability rights advocates at the United States’ leading disability law symposium, held virtually this year March 24–March 25, 2022, as we examine the right of people with disabilities to live in in a world of pandemics, political polarization, and natural disasters. Registration is $100, and student registration is $25. Visit the<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/jacobus-tenbroek-disability-law-symposium" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">law symposium webpage</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>for additional information about the symposium.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b>Scholarship Program Deadline Approaching in March:<u></u><u></u></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">The National Federation of the Blind scholarship program helps blind college students reach their educational and employment goals and so much more. Building on its strong foundation, we are enhancing the awards granted and making the experience even more inclusive, engaging, and meaningful for the thirty finalists.</span><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">Each scholarship winner will receive $8,000. Encourage students to<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-enhances-largest-scholarship-program-blind-scholars" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">apply for the 2022 scholarship program</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">. The deadline is March 31.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in"><u></u><u></u></span></p><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><u></u> <u></u></h3><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b>Apply for 2022 Bolotin Awards:<u></u><u></u></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">The National Federation of the Blind is accepting nominations of individuals or organizations who are a positive force in the lives of blind people and help us transform dreams into reality. Each application must include a letter of recommendation.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/dr-jacob-bolotin-awards/application-information" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Learn more and submit a nomination for the 2022 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">.<u></u><u></u></span></p><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b><u></u> <u></u></b></h3><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b>March<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Braille Monitor</i><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>Available:<u></u><u></u></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">The latest issue of the National Federation of the Blind flagship publication is now available. Read about the site of the 2022 National Convention, technology and ableism, immersion training, the purpose of discussion in the publication, and many stories from members.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm22/bm2203/bm2203tc.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">Access the<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Braille Monitor</i><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>now</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">.</span><u></u><u></u></p><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b><u></u> <u></u></b></h3><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b>Career Opportunities:<u></u><u></u></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">The National Federation of the Blind is seeking talented individuals to join our staff team. We have several openings in various areas of interest including Braille production; diversity, equity, and inclusion; digital communications; fiscal services; and membership. We encourage candidates seeking to join our movement to submit a general interest cover letter and résumé to us expressing the types of positions being sought. Learn more and share the opportunities:<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/career-opportunities" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">https://nfb.org/about-us/career-opportunities</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b>Attend 2022 NFB BELL^®<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>Academy: Applications Now Open!:</b><b><span style="font-size:11pt;line-height:23px"><u></u><u></u></span></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">We are offering in-person and in-home opportunities! Our in-person programs across the nation and our NFB BELL Academy In-Home Edition will help prepare blind and low-vision children to grow into confident and independent blind people.  <u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">The current in-person program cities include Littleton, Colorado; Rathdrum, Idaho; Chicago, Illinois; Springfield, Illinois; Ruston, Louisiana; St. Louis, Missouri; Kansas City, Missouri; P</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">erth Amboy, New Jersey; Phoenix, Arizona; Tucson, Arizona; and Baltimore, Maryland.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">More in-person programs coming soon!<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">The NFB BELL Academy In-Home Edition program will take place July 18-August 5, 2022. Students and families will receive Braille and other fun materials for lessons, connect with experienced teachers, and build relationships with other blind students and mentors. Please pass this link along to those that would like to apply:<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="gmail-m_2683624638887930575MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> </span></p><p class="gmail-m_2683624638887930575MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Dates to Keep in Mind:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">(all times eastern)<u></u><u></u></span></p><ul type="disc" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-top:0in"><li class="gmail-m_2683624638887930575MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">March 10: Deadline to register for the<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=476" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Jacobus tenBroek Law Symposium</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="gmail-m_2683624638887930575MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">March 31: Deadline to submit<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/scholarships" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">scholarship application</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="gmail-m_2683624638887930575MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">April 15: Deadline for the<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/dr-jacob-bolotin-awards/application-information" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award nominations</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="gmail-m_2683624638887930575MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">July 5-10: National Convention, New Orleans<u></u><u></u></span></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;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"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">Mark A. Riccobono, President<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">410-659-9314 |<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:Officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">Officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></a><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">Twitter: @Riccobono<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">Pronouns: he, him, his<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://nfb.org/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="210" height="76" id="gmail-m_2683624638887930575_x0000_i1028" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/nfblogo.png" alt="National Federation of the Blind" class="gmail-CToWUd" style="width: 2.1886in; height: 0.7924in;"></span></a><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">                        <span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="24" height="24" id="gmail-m_2683624638887930575_x0000_i1027" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/facebook.png" alt="Facebook" class="gmail-CToWUd" style="width: 0.2452in; height: 0.2452in;"></span></a>    <a href="https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="24" height="24" id="gmail-m_2683624638887930575_x0000_i1026" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/twitter.png" alt="Twitter" class="gmail-CToWUd" style="width: 0.2452in; height: 0.2452in;"></span></a>    <a href="https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="24" height="24" id="gmail-m_2683624638887930575_x0000_i1025" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/youtube.png" alt="Youtube" class="gmail-CToWUd" style="width: 0.2452in; height: 0.2452in;"></span></a><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></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.<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> </p></div>-- <br><div dir="ltr" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr">Dorothy Griffin - President <div>National Federation of the Blind of Georgia</div><div><a href="mailto:dgriffin@nfbga.org" target="_blank">dgriffin@nfbga.org</a></div><div>770-374-4832</div><div><br></div><div><p style="margin:0px;font-stretch:normal;font-size:14px;line-height:normal;font-family:Arial"><span>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></p></div><div><span><br></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>