<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">Cheers to you for an outstanding national convention. The work of our delegates, the engagement of our volunteers across the convention, and the outstanding work of our staff made this our best convention ever. Thank you to each of you for executing your parts of the convention and for jumping in when you found a need.<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">Coming out of the convention there are many great things happening. This week we will kick off our Ride for Literacy efforts in addition to hosting the United States Access Board, celebrating the Americans with Disabilities Act and our commitment to the work left unfinished, and kicking off our NFB BELL In-Home Edition. Things have not slowed down after the national convention.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt"> </span><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Enjoy this special week ahead.</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><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">Critical Actions:</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.S. Access Board at Jernigan Institute:<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 U.S. Access Board will hold a public town hall meeting on Tuesday, July 25, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., eastern, at the headquarters of the National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore, Maryland. Attend in person or virtually.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://www.access-board.gov/news/2023/03/30/u-s-access-board-to-hold-town-hall-meeting-in-baltimore/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Learn more about the upcoming Access Board meeting.</span></a><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"><u></u> <u></u></span></h2><h2 style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></h2><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>National Convention Highlights:<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;background-image:none;background-position:0%;background-size:auto;background-repeat:repeat;background-origin:padding-box;background-clip:border-box">Thanks again to our members, sponsors, exhibitors, and everyone who made #NFB23 a success. A post-convention survey is being sent out this week. We are excited for your feedback.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">The convention highlights will be posted at<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://nfb.org/convention" target="_blank">nfb.org/convention</a><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>by July 31. Access the following highlights now available.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:60pt"><u></u><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black">·<span style="font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman";font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal">   <span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><u></u><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/banquet-speeches/belief-courage-and-wisdom-centering-blind-peoples" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">2023 Banquet Address: Belief, Courage, and Wisdom: Centering on the Blind People’s Movement</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:60pt;line-height:23px"><u></u><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Symbol;color:black">·<span style="font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman";font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal">   <span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><u></u><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/presidential-reports/2023-presidential-report" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">2023 Presidential Report</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:60pt;line-height:23px"><u></u><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Symbol;color:black">·<span style="font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman";font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal">   <span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><u></u><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/resolutions/2023-resolutions" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">2023 Resolutions</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.25pt;margin-left:60pt;line-height:23px"><u></u><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Symbol;color:black">·<span style="font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman";font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-feature-settings:normal">   <span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><u></u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@NationsBlind/streams" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">General Sessions and Board of Directors Meeting on YouTube</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><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"><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>Upcoming: Presidential Release:<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 windowtext;padding:0in;background-image:none;background-position:0%;background-size:auto;background-repeat:repeat;background-origin:padding-box;background-clip:border-box">The National Federation of the Blind<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;border:1pt windowtext;padding:0in;background-image:none;background-position:0%;background-size:auto;background-repeat:repeat;background-origin:padding-box;background-clip:border-box">Presidential Release #529</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black;border:1pt windowtext;padding:0in;background-image:none;background-position:0%;background-size:auto;background-repeat:repeat;background-origin:padding-box;background-clip:border-box"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>is scheduled for Tuesday, August 1, at 8:00 p.m., eastern. Mark your calendar. Zoom details coming soon.<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"><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>House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Hearing on Autonomous Vehicles:</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">On Wednesday, July 26, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce will be conducting a legislative hearing titled “Self-Driving Vehicle Legislative Framework: Enhancing Safety, Improving Lives and Mobility, and Beating China.” I was asked to testify at this hearing regarding the impact of autonomous vehicles on people with disabilities. The hearing begins at 10:30 a.m., eastern, and will be in the Rayburn House Office Building in room 2322. It is open to the public for in-person attendance, or you can watch it online via the<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://energycommerce.house.gov/events/innovation-data-and-commerce-subcommittee-hearing-1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Energy and Commerce Committee website</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"><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>Route 66 Ride for Literacy with Dan O’Rourke:<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 excited to partner with Dan O’Rourke for a journey of strength, dedication, and connection. On July 27 from Santa Monica, California, Dan will start his 2,700-mile bike ride on the famous U.S. Route 66.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/route66" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Follow Dan and share the Ride for Literacy with your friends and family.</span></a><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"><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><span style="line-height:23px">Uber Town Hall/Listening Session:<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">As I mentioned in the<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="https://u32452178.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=mTCu8dGvOkl-2BXqaCK8sZ2XZsIV-2FIHwCJ1wu82RzQMT8t64jmb9bmcUogA-2Bzxye9vRNGJ0NBYj-2FqT-2FL45JPC63-2B-2Bu1hAgAKCc9t5USw7Ov88-3DGAr0_-2FRWZngb3c1ml-2BuKo9uafT-2F1OcrZ-2Bq55sKh8pJLha9Oi2pPYgHae80RuJomZBKMMOTRxk8vRoEjC8gT99h67DSUE4pDNpYij1FOKE8jXtO4wZoirhBaJkgcq-2BosKWeKwNdXkOdMJsssUOMb6sTEqjsIX25P20iU6ROhQp6Lqgvn7k5m23ZHWHoT3ujAEFp2XQ945Vtgvlcwn482G4IZqk3g-3D-3D" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">2023 Presidential Report</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">, a persistent problem we face is the denial by rideshare drivers who refuse to transport us because of our guide dogs and, sometimes, even just because we are blind people. The National Federation of the Blind has redoubled our efforts to make progress, but there is still much work to do. Please join us for a town hall listening session with Uber on Thursday, July 27, at 3:00 p.m., eastern. The Zoom information to access the meeting is:</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"><a href="https://u32452178.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=mTCu8dGvOkl-2BXqaCK8sZ2XZsIV-2FIHwCJ1wu82RzQMT8t64jmb9bmcUogA-2Bzxye9vN59vFFYy5oAhkZzGAjypNvXmMiWneHOXdWvjC6JdZbs-3DVkEU_-2FRWZngb3c1ml-2BuKo9uafT-2F1OcrZ-2Bq55sKh8pJLha9Oi2pPYgHae80RuJomZBKMMOWpSjHhIm-2BDLbPon0ISSH1Z8z2NDHyhZZvWBZ-2FcEkIljtTIsG8V7AWyqv19huHvAHUAsdnDLHoIwriHxmcYsyVa2RodJpvIzG72g-2FFzp9A4Pn1JkP1AYhI-2FePJvma6e7ZJBExmMlnA8BuGZsXEFoQpg-3D-3D" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">https://uber.zoom.us/j/99960753787?pwd=akwxTzBlQnNiak5FVmw2OHVQVytvdz09</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><br>Meeting ID: 999 6075 3787<br>Password: 743850<br>Dial by your location<br>        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)<br>        +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)<br>        +1 564 217 2000 US<br><br><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>Thank You:<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 staff would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the hundreds of volunteers who helped in the Independence Market this year at convention. You all have once again allowed so many of our members and visitors to see how we can bring an entire store to convention and make it run in an efficient manner.<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">You certainly could have not given of your time and chosen to spend it doing several other things at convention, but you gave of your time and talents to help. Just know we are standing and applauding you all!!<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></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt">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="m_7141718790965931943MsoListParagraph" style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;line-height:23px"><a name="m_7141718790965931943__Hlk122434215"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:23px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">July 25: U.S. Access Board Town Hall, 1:30-3:30 p.m.<u></u><u></u></span></a></li><li class="m_7141718790965931943MsoListParagraph" 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 27: Uber Town Hall Listening Session, 3:00 p.m.<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="m_7141718790965931943MsoListParagraph" 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">August 1: Presidential Release Live, 8:00 p.m.<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="m_7141718790965931943MsoListParagraph" 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">August 9: I<span style="color:black">ntroduction to the Organized Blind Movement</span>, 8:00 p.m.</span></li><li class="m_7141718790965931943MsoListParagraph" 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">September 7 and 10: Chapter Presidents Call, 8:00 p.m. (Blind Equality Achievement Month)<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="m_7141718790965931943MsoListParagraph" 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">November 8: I<span style="color:black">ntroduction to the Organized Blind Movement</span>, 8:00 p.m.<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="m_7141718790965931943MsoListParagraph" 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">December 7 and 10: Chapter Presidents Call, 8:00 p.m. (Planning the Year Ahead)<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"><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">Mastodon: @President@nfb.social<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_7141718790965931943_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="m_7141718790965931943_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="m_7141718790965931943_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="m_7141718790965931943_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> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">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.<span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><br class="gmail-Apple-interchange-newline"></div><span class="gmail_signature_prefix">-- </span><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>