<div dir="ltr"><div><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 was great to be together with so many of you Monday night on the Presidential Release Live. It is always fun to produce these live gatherings of Federation members. ent.<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">I want to acknowledge that we have had a number of changes in affiliate leaders during the past month. Congratulations to our new presidents in Mississippi, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Thanks so much to our past presidents Patrina Pendarvis, Amy Buresh, and John Fritz. <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">Among all the work of the movement, we need to have fun. I am looking forward to the start of baseball season to accompany the warmer weather. Remember a homerun and a sacrifice fly can make the same difference for the home team. Whatever you do this week for the team, know that the most important thing is that you choose not to simply sit on the bench.<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><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt"> </span></p><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;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>“We’re With U! A Benefit Concert to Help Blind Ukrainian Refugees”:<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">Many in the Federation family have been asking if<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><a name="m_-1659174918743842028__Hlk98769618" style="color:rgb(34,34,34)">there is something we can specifically do to help blind people affected by the horrific invasion happening in Ukraine.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></a>In collaboration with the World Blind Union, we are joining the global online blind community for a benefit concert to help blind Ukrainian refugees on Saturday, April 16, at 2:00 p.m., eastern. #BlindWithU</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,73,125);border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/we-are-with-u-benefit-concert" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">Learn more about “We're With U!</span></a>”<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u>  </p><p class="MsoNormal"><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>Deadline Approaching 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><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </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>Upcoming Event with a Panel of Successfully Employed Blind Educators:<u></u><u></u></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Join the National Federation of the Blind on Wednesday, April 27, at 8 p.m., eastern, to celebrate the work and accomplishments of blind educators with a Where the Blind Work panel discussion. Learn from several educators about their typical day, their overall education and work experiences, and the alternative techniques and strategies used to do these jobs. This is a great opportunity for aspiring blind and low-vision educators as well as anyone interested in learning about the work of blind professionals.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-the-blind-work-webinars-registration" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Register now for the April Where the Blind Work webinar</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,73,125)">.<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><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b>April<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 2022 Washington Seminar, what it means to be part of a civil rights organization, awards and deadlines, a call for discussion on humor, and stories from members.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm22/bm2204/bm2204tc.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">.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><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>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, 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><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>Upcoming Event: Comparison of Collaboration Tools:<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">Join the National Federation of the Blind Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, from 1:00-5:00 p.m., eastern, via Zoom for a comparison and overview of the accessibility of several of the top collaboration and communication services. Learn about the initial setup, creating projects, chatting among team members, and sharing files. The use of these skyrocketed during the COVID pandemic. Take advantage of this free opportunity.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Register today!</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;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>Nominations Open for Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award:<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 education of blind children is one of the National Federation of the Blind's highest priorities. We are committed to offering and supporting programs that enhance educational opportunities for this group. Please help us recognize dedicated and innovative teachers who provide quality education and meaningful experiences and opportunities for their blind students. Nominate a teacher, counselor, or administrator of program for blind students. The deadline is May 1.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Learn more about the Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">.<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="gmail-m_-1659174918743842028MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="gmail-m_-1659174918743842028MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Dates to Keep in Mind:<u></u><u></u></span></h2><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="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:15px;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">April 6: Comparison of Collaboration Tools<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">accessibility boutique</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:15px;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">April 15: Deadline for<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>application<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:15px;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">April 15: Deadline for<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/bolotin" 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="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:15px;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">April 16: “</span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/we-are-with-u-benefit-concert" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">We’re With U! A Benefit Concert to Help Blind Ukrainian Refugees</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">”<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:15px;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">May 1: Deadline for<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:15px;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">July 5-10:<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">National Convention</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">, 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"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Mark A. Riccobono, President<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">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></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Twitter: @Riccobono<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Pronouns: he, him, his<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://nfb.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="210" height="76" id="gmail-m_-1659174918743842028_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><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">                        <span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="24" height="24" id="gmail-m_-1659174918743842028_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><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">    </span><a href="https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="24" height="24" id="gmail-m_-1659174918743842028_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><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">    </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="24" height="24" id="gmail-m_-1659174918743842028_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><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> </span></p></div>-- <br><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" 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>