<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Dear Federation Family,<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Today I am writing from the city of Atlanta, Georgia. I was reflecting upon our last national convention here in 2007 and the inspiring experience of hearing from Congressman John Lewis in Centennial Park. Congressman Lewis has a prominent place in the history of Black Americans and the struggle for equality in this nation. His intersection with our movement was no accident, and it continues to serve as a lasting motivation for how critical it is that we coordinate our efforts and synergize them with other allies in our communities. It is no exaggeration to say that our 2007 March for Independence and Congressman Lewis's charge of "make good trouble" inspired the multiple generations represented at our convention to continue pushing for equality. It was not too much later that we got a number of bills through Congress, including the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act\u2014an issue for which we are still doing work on the national stage.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Congressman Lewis's presentation is an important piece of our National Archives of the Blind People\u2019s Movement, and we last featured it during our 2020 virtual convention\u2014during which we learned of his passing. These connections and the collecting of these kinds of stories are at the heart of our Blind Unbound initiative through which we want to change the understanding of blindness and the capacity of blind people in society. As we move through Black History Month, consider what stories of blind Black Federationists we might not have captured and archived to more fully tell the stories of our march together. Please let us know and help us collect that content.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">While you are considering that, remember to make some good trouble today for the movement.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Critical Actions:<u></u><u></u></b></p><ul type="disc" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-top:0in"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:15px"><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/legislative-priorities" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt">Legislative alert</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt"><span> </span>via email coming week of February 23<span> </span><u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:15px"><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt">National convention</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt"><span> </span>registration opens March 1</span></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> </span><b>News:</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11pt">Promote the Scholarship Program:<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Please help us spread the word about the NFB Scholarship Program. Please encourage students of all ages to apply. You can promote the program by sharing the<span> </span></span><a href="https://scholarships.nfb.org/sites/scholarships.nfb.org/files/2025-12/NFB-2026-Scholarship-Program-Flyer.docx" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt">informational flyer</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt">, posting the application link on social media, and highlighting the achievements of past recipients. </span><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11pt">2026 Washington Seminar Review:<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Your hard work and perseverance during this year\u2019s Washington Seminar continues to pay dividends. Since the end of this year\u2019s event, we have gained twelve new cosponsors on the Access Technology Affordability Act in the House, five new cosponsors on the Access Technology Affordability Act in the Senate, and four new cosponsors on the Blind Americans Return to Work Act in the House. This is great progress in just a few weeks\u2019 time! Be sure to keep up the advocacy by working to get meetings in your home districts. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">ed.</span><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11pt"><br></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11pt">S</span></b><b><span style="font-size:11pt">ummer Internship Opportunity:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">The National Federation of the Blind\u2019s (NFB) 2026 Summer Internship Program offers a unique opportunity to make an impact while gaining professional experience. Interns work on projects that advance innovation and raise expectations for blind people nationwide.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">This paid, ten-week internship runs from June 1\u2013August 7 at NFB headquarters in Baltimore and includes participation in the NFB National Convention in Austin, Texas.<span> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/summer-internship-program" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt">Apply by March 14 to help shape the future and build leadership skills</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt">.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11pt">2026 Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium:<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">This year\u2019s Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium will take place March 26\u201327 at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. Our theme for 2026 is "Collaboration and Creativity: Addressing Challenges and Advancing Opportunities Now and in the Future." Attendees will experience interactive workshops and in-depth plenary sessions focused on intersectional representation in the disability rights community. Registration is now open. A hotel block is available at the Courtyard Baltimore Downtown McHenry Row (1803 Porter Street, Baltimore, MD 21230), with a room rate of $159, plus taxes and fees, per night. To reserve your room, call 443-853-9918 and mention the "National Federation of the Blind JTLS2026," or<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1765306812041&key=GRP&app=resvlink&_branch_match_id=1302272576938599399&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXTywo0MtNLCrKzC8p0UvOz9UvSi3OyczLtgdK2ALZZSCOWmaKraG5mamxgZmFoZGBiaFadmqlrXtQgFpdUWpaKlB3Xnp8UlF%2BeXFqka1zRlF%2BbioAWF4%2Bd2AAAAA%3D" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt">book online through the Marriott website</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt">. The hotel block deadline is Wednesday, March 9, 2026. We will operate complimentary shuttles between the Courtyard and the NFB Jernigan Institute throughout the conference. To learn more about the symposium, visit<span> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/jacobus-tenbroek-disability-law-symposium" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt">Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium | National Federation of the Blind</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt">.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size:11pt">Access On</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:11pt"><span> </span>Webinar: Working with 1Password:<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">1Password is a powerful, accessible password and information manager that works on multiple operating systems and browsers. In this<span> </span><i>Access On</i><span> </span>webinar, Tuesday, February 24, 2:00-3:30 p.m., we\u2019ll introduce you to the key features of 1Password, ensuring you have a unique password for every website you visit, available on every browser and every device you use. Learn how to get started with 1Password and integrate it into your daily computer and smartphone use.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Register at<span> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events/accessibility-boutique-reg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt">https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events/accessibility-boutique-reg</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt">.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11pt">2026 NFB Youth Programs: NFB BELL Academy and NFB STEM2U:<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">The National Federation of the Blind is excited to announce its 2026 youth programming through the NFB BELL<sup>?</sup><span> </span>Academy and NFB STEM2U programs. The NFB BELL Academy builds Braille literacy, nonvisual skills, and confidence for blind and low-vision children through hands-on learning. NFB STEM2U offers accessible, hands-on STEM experiences that encourage exploration, problem-solving, and interest in STEM careers. Programs will be offered in multiple locations in 2026. Learn more and register at<span> </span><a href="http://nfb.org/bell" target="_blank">nfb.org/bell</a><span> </span>and<span> </span><a href="http://nfb.org/stem2u" target="_blank">nfb.org/stem2u</a>.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11pt">Letter to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Regarding Autonomous Vehicles:<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">On February 2, we sent a letter to the chair and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The letter urged the committee leaders to include a national autonomous vehicle framework in the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act. The full letter can be found on the<span> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt">policy statements page</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt"><span> </span>of our website.<span> </span><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11pt">Letter from Nine Affiliate<span> </span><span><span>Presidents</span></span><span> </span>to their Attorneys General Regarding Section 504 Lawsuit:<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">On February 12, a coalition of nine affiliates of the National Federation of the Blind (Texas, Alaska, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, and South Dakota) sent a joint letter to each state\u2019s attorney general regarding a new Section 504 lawsuit. This letter can be read in its entirety on the<span> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt">policy statements page</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt"><span> </span>of our website.<span> </span><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> </span><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Reminders:<u></u><u></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11pt">Student Regional Seminar: Registration Closes Friday:<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Encourage blind students to register for the NFB Regional Student Seminar, hosted by the National Association of Blind Students, taking place from March 13\u201315, in Chicago, Illinois. Students will learn effective communication for success in school, employment, and advocacy. Participants will learn from their peers, explore access technology, and build relationships with Federation leaders and professionals. Learn more about the program and<span> </span></span><a href="https://nabslink.org/civicrm/event/info?id=7&reset=1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt">register for the Midwest Student Seminar.</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt"><span> </span>The deadline is this Friday, February 20. For more information, contact Riley Letterman at<span> </span></span><a href="mailto:rileyletterman07@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11pt">rileyletterman07@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt">.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a name="m_2699126742865004353_m_1670459831118331536__Hlk216694561"></a><a name="m_2699126742865004353_m_1670459831118331536__Hlk183426075"><b>Dates to Keep in Mind:<u></u><u></u></b></a></p><ul type="disc" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-top:0in"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:15px"><span style="font-size:11pt">July 3-8, 2026: National Convention; Austin, Texas<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:15px"><span style="font-size:11pt">July 2-7, 2027: National Convention; Austin, Texas<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:15px"><span style="font-size:11pt">July 3-8, 2028: National Convention; Chicago, Illinois<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:15px"><span style="font-size:11pt">July 2-7, 2029: National Convention; Chicago, Illinois<u></u><u></u></span></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement Calls<u></u><u></u></span></p><ul type="disc" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-top:0in"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:15px"><span style="font-size:11pt">Wednesday, May 6<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:15px"><span style="font-size:11pt">Wednesday, August 5<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:15px"><span style="font-size:11pt">Wednesday, November 4<u></u><u></u></span></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know 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. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> </span><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:11pt">Mark A. Riccobono,</span><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:11pt"> </span><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:11pt"><span>President</span></span></p><div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">National Federation of the Blind <br>200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230<br>410-659-9314 |<span> </span><a href="mailto:Officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">Officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></a><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Please engage with me through<span> </span><a href="https://riccobono.personal.ai/messaging/profile" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">Riccobono Personal AI</span></a><br>Mastodon: @<span><span>President</span></span>@nfb.social <br>Pronouns: he, him, his<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </span></p></div></div></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><div style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Lato,sans-serif;color:black;background-image:none;background-position:0% 0%;background-repeat:repeat">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. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.</span><u></u><u></u></p><div><span style="font-family:Lato,sans-serif;color:black;background-image:none;background-position:0% 0%;background-repeat:repeat"><br></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>
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