<div dir="ltr"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">Dear Federation Family,<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">I am writing to you from somewhere above ten thousand feet over the state of Missouri. Traveling is part of what I do for the National Federation of the Blind. Visiting blind people in local communities reminds me of both how similar we are and how diverse our organization is. It is truly great to be on the road with Federation members again. Being in person with one another makes a big difference.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:23px"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30);font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt">Keep up the work to get cosponsors on our bills. Now is the time to get our priorities noticed by congress.</span><br></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">News:<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in;line-height:23px"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">2022 National Convention Registration Is Open:<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-left:0.25in;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;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-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:blue">2022 National Convention Safety Protocols</span></a><u><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:blue"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></u><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;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-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:blue">National Federation of the Blind Code of Conduct</span></a><u><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:blue"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></u><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;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-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:blue">Register online now!</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>Details regarding convention can be found </span><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">at<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;color:blue">nfb.org/convention</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in;line-height:23px"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">Upcoming April Presidential Release:<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-left:0.25in;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">The next Presidential Release will take place Monday, May 2, at 8:00 p.m., eastern. The monthly Presidential Release provides important updates and perspectives of the organized blind movement, and the live event includes a Q&A session. Submit questions in advance to<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:blue">cdanielsen@nfb.org</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>and put PR516 in the subject line, or call 410-659-9314, extension 2473. Zoom details coming soon.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in;line-height:23px"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">State Advocacy on Ending Subminimum Wages:</span></b><b><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in"><u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-left:0.25in;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">On April 14, 2022, Governor Bill Lee (R-TN) signed the Tennessee Integrated and Meaningful Employment Act, SB2042. Effective on July 1, 2022, this law would eliminate the practice of paying subminimum wages to workers with disabilities in Tennessee. This makes thirteen states that will no longer permit Section 14(c) certificates, ensuring fair wages for workers with disabilities. We would like to congratulate the efforts of our Tennessee affiliate and hope this will help us to continue the momentum to keep building cosponsors for the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act, S. 3238/H.R. 2373.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in;line-height:23px"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)"><u></u> <u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in;line-height:23px"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">NFB Comments on the AbilityOne Draft Strategic Plan:<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-left:0.25in;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">Last week we submitted our<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/comments-abilityone-draft-strategic-plan-fiscal-years" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:blue">official comments on the AbilityOne Draft Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2022-2026</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">. While we were generally pleased with the direction the strategic plan for the future of the AbilityOne Program, there are still some areas that need improvement. I encourage you to read about our specific concerns in the comments, and to check out some of our other recent policy positions on the<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:blue">Policy Statements page</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>of our website.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-left:0.25in;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">Furthermore, over the weekend the AbilityOne Commission announced that it would be extending the comment period to April 30, so if you would like to<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://www.regulations.gov/docket/CPPBSD-2022-0003/document" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:blue">read the Strategic Plan</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>and<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://www.regulations.gov/document/CPPBSD-2022-0003-0002" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:blue">submit your own comments</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">, we encourage you to do so.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><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:rgb(32,31,30)"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in;line-height:23px"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">Help Reach 100k for “We’re With U!” Concert:</span></b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-left:0.25in;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">This past weekend featured a historic event: over one hundred blind performers from across the world, more than twenty different radio streams, and the global blind community came together to raise over $85,000 for the blind of Ukraine. All done within twelve hours. Thank you to everyone who contributed by sharing performances, donating dollars, and tuning into the “We’re With U!” concert. A special thanks to our host, Jonathan Mosen at Mushroom FM. We are still taking contributions to help support the World Blind Union’s Ukrainian Unity Fund with a goal of $100,000. Your support is greatly appreciated.<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;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:blue">nfb.org/BlindWithU</span></a><u><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:blue">.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></u><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">#BlindWithU</span><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,73,125)"> <span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://mushroomfm.com/BlindWithU" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:blue">The “We’re With U” concert is now available on demand</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,73,125)">.</span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,73,125);border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in;line-height:23px"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">Deadline Approaching for Blind Educator of the Year Award:<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-left:0.25in;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">The Blind Educator of the Year Award is open for nominations. The award pays tribute to a blind teacher whose exceptional classroom performance, notable community service, and uncommon commitment to the NFB merits national recognition. Deadline for nominations is May 1.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/blind-educator-year-award" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:blue">Learn more about the Blind Educator of the Year Award</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">.<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:rgb(32,31,30)"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in;line-height:23px"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">Upcoming Event: Braille for Beginners on April 26:</span></b><b><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)"><u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-left:0.25in;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">Learn all about the basics of Braille, how it is produced, and tips and tricks for beginners. Join the National Federation of the Blind on Tuesday, April 26, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., eastern, to discuss Braille with accessibility specialists. Take advantage of this free opportunity and<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;color:blue">register</span><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:blue"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>for the accessibility boutique</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>today!<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in;line-height:23px"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">Panel of Successfully Employed Blind Educators:</span></b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10pt;margin-left:0.25in;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">Join us as we celebrate the work and accomplishments of blind and low-vision educators with a panel discussion on Wednesday, April 27, at 8:00 p.m., eastern. Register at<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;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:blue">https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-the-blind-work-webinars-registration</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">.<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:rgb(32,31,30)"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">Dates to Keep in Mind:<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">(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;color:rgb(32,31,30);line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">April 26: Braille for Beginners<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">Accessibility Boutique</span></a><u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:15px;color:rgb(32,31,30);line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">April 27:<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-the-blind-work-webinars-registration" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">Successfully Employed Blind Educator Panel</span></a><u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:15px;color:rgb(32,31,30);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><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award" target="_blank"><span style="line-height:23px;color:blue">Distinguished Educator of Blind Students award</span></a><u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:15px;color:rgb(32,31,30);line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">May 31:<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=479" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">Convention registration</span></a><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>closes<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:15px;color:rgb(32,31,30);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><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention" target="_blank"><span style="line-height:23px;color:blue">National Convention</span></a>, New Orleans<u></u><u></u></span></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;line-height:23px"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30)">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.<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"><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_7988244134238652888_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_7988244134238652888_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_7988244134238652888_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_7988244134238652888_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></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>