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--></style></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Greetings: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please see below an updated and corrected letter you can use either via email or by phone to express our opposition to Florida Senate Bill 792 and its House Companion Bill 897. The update is that a bill is currently in committee in the Florida House. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dear [insert name of legislator]: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My name is [insert name], and I am a constituent of [insert district]. I am also a member of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida. I am writing to express my concerns regarding [Florida House Bill 897 or Florida Senate Bill 792]. This proposed legislation would significantly affect my access to services provided by Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRP's) and other agencies responsible for training blind and low vision individuals for independence and future success. Specifically, the bill would allow these programs to provide training even when instructors do not hold the required certifications to teach essential skills.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I strongly object to any policy that permits agencies or organizations charged with preparing individuals like me for independent living, employment, or educational success; particularly services provided to children; to operate without properly certified professionals. Certified training ensures quality, safety, and effectiveness, and it is essential for blind and low vision Floridians striving to become productive, job-ready, and independent members of our communities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> I respectfully ask for your support in protecting and strengthening these programs by ensuring they continue to meet established certification standards. Doing so will help preserve the quality of services that blind and low vision Floridians rely on to achieve independence and meaningful employment. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sincerely, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>[insert your name] <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>[insert any NFB titles you hold]<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> Camille Tate, president<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>National Federation of the Blind of Florida <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Board of Directors <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="http://www.nfbflorida.org/"><span style='color:blue'>www.nfbflorida.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Tel: 321.372.4899<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>With love, hope and determination, we transform dreams into reality.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>