<div dir="ltr"><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Please share with members that may not be on this listserv</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">Three weeks until July 4 and the day that many will be arriving in New Orleans for our first in-person convention in three years. There are many things to do before we get to our national convention, thus, this is a short and mostly convention-focused notebook. Please note the pressing convention-related items below, opportunities to engage members not attending convention in our virtual convention experience activities, and some final legislative updates so we can enter convention in a strong position to move our agenda.<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">Thank you all for stepping up to help with elements of convention. A reminder that Dan Burke would still love to hear from you about people to help with our ambassador effort at convention. Dan can be reached at</span><a href="mailto:burke.dall@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">burke.dall@gmail.com</span></a><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"><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">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"><span style="font-size:12pt"> </span><br></h3><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b>#NFB22 Virtual Experience Details & Banquet Party Form:<u></u><u></u></b></h3><p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0.25in;line-height:23px"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">The 2022 National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind is almost here.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=481" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Registration for the NFB22 virtual experience is still open</span></a><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">. We encourage you to promote the virtual experience with chapter members who are not going to New Orleans—it’s a great way to be connected to the organized blind movement during the week of July 5 through July 10. There will be a virtual experience component each day of the convention with exclusive activities, including door prizes. For members who will be attending the virtual experience and hosting a banquet party, we would love to know about your party for the chance to say hello from convention.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/banquet-party-form" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Complete the National Convention Virtual Experience Banquet Party Form by June 30</span></a><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="gmail-m_7658420012721879261MsoListParagraph" 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_7658420012721879261MsoListParagraph" 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><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b>Requesting Feedback on a Dynamic, Tactile Braille Display at Convention:</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">Thanks to a revolution in cell technology, we are now close to realizing the dream of multi-line, dynamic electronic Braille that can also accurately display tactile graphics</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">—</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">what the field often refers to as the “Holy Braille.” We are seeking members of NFB divisions who would like to participate in a ninety-minute session to experience and give feedback on this innovative technology. Please visit<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5V5Q8NB" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5V5Q8NB</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>and complete the form. We will contact you, if you are chosen, to participate in one of our sessions. If chosen, you must sign a nondisclosure agreement and acknowledge that the session will be recorded (audio and video) in order to participate. Space is limited, so please complete the form as soon as possible.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><p class="gmail-m_7658420012721879261MsoListParagraph" 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><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b>Call for Door Prizes! (Note: Important Change to Submission Process):<u></u><u></u></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">This is a request for door prizes for this year’s convention in New Orleans. Each year the National Federation of the Blind is gifted various prizes that are then awarded through a drawing to lucky convention registrants. Please note the two submission processes:<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="gmail-m_7658420012721879261MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.75in;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><u></u><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Symbol">·<span style="font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">      <span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><u></u><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">All cash and gift-card prizes are to be taken to New Orleans and given to Bennett Prows in person at the general session stage.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="gmail-m_7658420012721879261MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.75in;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><u></u><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Symbol">·<span style="font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">      <span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><u></u><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Products, baskets, or other items like Louisiana spices, should be sent to Tammy Green at the NFB of Louisiana, 4401 Kennon Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70122.<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">Contact Bennett Prows at<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="mailto:prize@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">prize@nfb.org</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>with any questions. We appreciate the generous door-prize support from NFB affiliates, divisions, chapters, and all our members.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="gmail-m_7658420012721879261MsoListParagraph" 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_7658420012721879261MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt">Legislative Push Leading into Convention:</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">We want to head into the 2022 National Convention with as much support for our legislation as possible. The House and Senate are in session this week and next. If your representative or senators have not already cosponsored the following, please urge them to do so:<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">House<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">H.R. 431 – Access Technology Affordability Act<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">H.R. 2373 – Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">H.R. 4853 – Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act<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">Senate<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">S. 212 – Access Technology Affordability Act<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">S. 3238 – Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act<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">Special thanks to Maryland and Minnesota for our two most recent cosponsors on the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act (H.R. 4853), Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02) and Angie Craig (MN-02).<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="gmail-m_7658420012721879261MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> </span></p><p class="gmail-m_7658420012721879261MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Upcoming Event: Online Learning Services Seminar:</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">Many services exist to help people learn new skills in a variety of areas. However, the accessibility of both the user interface and course content can vary widely. Come join the NFB CENA staff to learn about several popular learning services on June 15 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. via Zoom.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/form/accessibility-boutique-reg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">Register at https://nfb.org/form/accessibility-boutique-reg</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="gmail-m_7658420012721879261MsoListParagraph" 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_7658420012721879261MsoListParagraph" 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><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b>Social Security Administration Kiosks:<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 NFB continues to seek information about the accessibility of the Social Security Administration’s current visitor-intake-processing methods. If you have visited an SSA field office since their reopening in April 2022, or plan to visit an office soon, please contact Valerie Yingling at 410-659-9314, extension 2440, or<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="mailto:legal@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">legal@nfb.org</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">. We are specifically gathering information on whether the field offices are using kiosk, web-based, or human check-in processes, and whether these processes are accessible to blind individuals.<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>Youth STEM Programs:<u></u><u></u></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">For more than fifteen years the National Federation of the Blind has been committed to helping blind youth realize that they can succeed in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. We have held programs that have allowed us to develop techniques for teaching STEM concepts that make them accessible for everyone, and graduates of our programs are working in a variety of STEM-related careers.<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">Now we want to bring our STEM programs to you! We are looking for affiliates who are interested in hosting a STEM program for youth in the fall of 2022 or spring 2023. Participating affiliates will be trained in a variety of STEM lessons at a seminar in Baltimore. This training will include how to set up materials, explain scientific concepts, and methods of instruction. Participating affiliates will also receive materials, accessible instructions, and financial support to put on a day-long STEM workshop for youth in the fall or spring using a selection of these lessons.<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"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">If this is something you are interested in, please email Karen Anderson, education programs coordinator, at<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="mailto:kanderson@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">kanderson@nfb.org</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">, or call her at 410-659-9314, extension 2243. We are looking forward to bringing our STEM programs to you!<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p><p class="gmail-m_7658420012721879261MsoListParagraph" 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="gmail-m_7658420012721879261MsoListParagraph" 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">June 21: Convention career fair registration closes<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="gmail-m_7658420012721879261MsoListParagraph" 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: 2022<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"><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_7658420012721879261_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_7658420012721879261_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_7658420012721879261_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_7658420012721879261_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><br class="gmail-Apple-interchange-newline"></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>