<div dir="ltr"><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">The past four days have been spent reviewing our progress this year and planning for the year(s) ahead. Our board of directors started the weekend with a number of meetings with partners followed by a celebration with our supporters. The enthusiasm for our work together in the movement is as high as it has ever been among our partners and friends. Take a moment to share<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://youtu.be/RrpR8h1KD-s" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">this thank-you video</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>with supporters of our organization.<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">The National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors spent the following two days doing a deep review of the work of the organization and laying plans to make that work even stronger at all levels. We will be eager to roll some new things out to the members in 2023. One of the decisions made was to finalize our legislative priorities for the 2023 Washington Seminar. Our three issues this year will be:</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></p><ol start="1" type="1" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-top:0in"><li class="m_3732076745101249462MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="m_3732076745101249462MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="m_3732076745101249462MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Eliminating the SSDI Earnings Cliff<u></u><u></u></span></li></ol><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">You are likely familiar with the first two issues, but the third is something new. We will be proposing a bill to Congress that will eliminate the SSDI earnings cliff and instead institute a gradual phase-out of benefits based on income. This will incentivize more blind and disabled Americans to find more fulfilling, better-paying jobs without fear of completely losing all of their SSDI benefits if they cross a specific earnings threshold. Each of these three issues will be discussed in depth during a Zoom issues training call on Tuesday, December 20 at 8:00 p.m., eastern.<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">Our weekend concluded on Sunday with a steering committee continuing the work on the organization’s strategic plan. We received very meaningful feedback from hundreds of members across the country and we are now working to shape the strategic commitments we will make to take our movement to the next level. I look forward to working with members and affiliate leaders on those commitments as we get into the second half of 2023.<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:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">News:<u></u><u></u></h2><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b>December Presidential Release Recording 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">The<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Presidential Release #522 recording for chapters</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>is available to share with chapter presidents to use during their December chapter meetings. Transcripts and Spanish coming this week. The next Presidential Release LIVE will be January 4, World Braille Day.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="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>Lyft Up and Share:<u></u><u></u></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">On Giving Tuesday 2022 Lyft added us to its round-up program. Now you can add the National Federation of the Blind as an option to receive contributions every time you ride–a great option for all of our friends and family. Please share the following blurb with members in emails and social media to help encourage people to participate. You can copy and paste the following:<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">An exciting and easy giving option for everyone: the organized blind movement has joined the Lyft Up program, so you can contribute every time you ride with Lyft. The program will round up the cost of your ride to the nearest dollar and donate the difference. In the Lyft app, simply go to the menu, navigate to donate, and choose National Federation of the Blind. Share this with all of your friends and family, because all of our small change leads to making a big difference. Thank you for your support!</span><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><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b>Accessibility Requirements for Self-Service Transaction Machines and Self-Service Kiosks:</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">The National Federation of the Blind recently submitted comments to the US Access Board regarding its advanced notice of public rulemaking (ANPRM) related to accessibility requirements for self-service transaction machines and self-service kiosks. In our comments, we urge the Access Board to incorporate Section 508 regulations and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines into the rulemaking and further urge the Access Board to require 100 percent accessibility conformance in all locations. You can read our comments, as well as the other content 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;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Policy Statements</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>section of our website.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><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><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<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,73,125);border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">have</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>enhanc</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,73,125);border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">ed</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>the awards granted</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,73,125);border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">—</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">making the experience even more inclusive, engaging, and meaningful for the thirty finalists.</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">Each scholarship winner will receive $8,000. Students can now be encouraged to<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><a href="https://scholarships.nfb.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,73,125);border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">apply for the 2023 scholarship program</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:red;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in"></span><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"><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"><b><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></b></p><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b>Indeed Pre-Employment Assessments:<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 investigating the accessibility of Indeed’s pre-employment assessments. If you have been invited by an employer to complete a pre-employment assessment through Indeed, or if you have wanted to or attempted to complete a pre-employment assessment as a way of bolstering your resume on Indeed, please contact Valerie Yingling, legal program coordinator, at<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">.</span><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;color:black;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"><b><i>Braille Monitor</i></b><b><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>December Issue Available and Its History:<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 latest issue of our flagship publication is now available. Read about the experience of attending one’s first convention, information on the Social Security announcement, tech tips, stories from members, and more.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm22/bm2211/bm2211tc.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Access the December<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Braille Monito</i>r now.</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Also available on our<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Voice of the Nation’s Blind Blog</i><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>is an article titled “</span><a href="https://nfb.org/blog/brief-history-braille-monitor" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">A Brief History of the Braille Monitor</span></a><span class="m_3732076745101249462MsoHyperlink" style="color:rgb(5,99,193);text-decoration:underline"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">,”</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>by Gary Wunder.<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><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b>Braille Readers Are Leaders Has Begun:</b><b><span style="font-size:14pt;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">December 5was the beginning of the 2022-2023 Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest. Participants in the contest should track the minutes they read Braille and log them at<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://actionfund.beanstack.org" target="_blank">actionfund.beanstack.org</a>. If someone wants to participate in the contest and has not yet registered, it is not too late. Individuals can sign up and participate in the contest until it ends on January 23, 2023. Remember that this year we have contests for youth as well as contests for adults of all Braille reading experience levels. If you have any questions, please email<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="mailto:braillereadingcontest@actionfund.org" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">braillereadingcontest@actionfund.org</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> <u></u></span></p><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Reminders:<u></u><u></u></h2><h1 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><u></u> <u></u></span></h1><h3 style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:23px;font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><b>Santa and Winter Celebration Letters:<u></u><u></u></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Don’t forget! The time is now to request a Santa or Winter Celebration letter from the National Federation of the Blind. There are only two weeks left! We are providing both letters and the activities to go along with them in English and Spanish. Wouldn’t your child, grandchild, or student love to receive a Braille letter in the mail during the winter break? The letters and activities are also provided in print for sighted family members and friends. Just think how fun it will be making lasting memories with your blind child that you cherish for years to come. All you need to do is visit<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://nfb.org/program-servics/early-childhood-initiatives/santa-letters" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">http://nfb.org/program-servics/early-childhood-initiatives/santa-letters</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>and complete the form. Hurry, requests will only be accepted through December 16, 2022.</span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt">.</span></p><p class="m_3732076745101249462MsoListParagraph" 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="m_3732076745101249462MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14pt"><br></span></p><p class="m_3732076745101249462MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14pt">Dates to Keep in Mind:</span></p><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u></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="m_3732076745101249462MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">December 16: Deadline for<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/early-childhood-initiatives/santa-letters" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt">Santa Letters and Winter Celebration</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="m_3732076745101249462MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">December 31: Deadline for assistance with updating member data<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="m_3732076745101249462MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">January 4, 2023:<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><a href="https://braille.day/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt">Braille Day</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="m_3732076745101249462MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">January 30, 2023: Great Gathering-In<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="m_3732076745101249462MsoListParagraph" 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 23, 2023: Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium</span></li><li class="m_3732076745101249462MsoListParagraph" 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 1-6, 2023: National Convention; Houston, Texas<u></u><u></u></span></li></ul><div><font face="Arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrpR8h1KD-s&authuser=0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrpR8h1KD-s&authuser=0</a><br></div><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</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">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="m_3732076745101249462_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><div><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span>-- <br></div><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"><br></div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr"><br></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>