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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Federation Family,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I’m delighted to share that Sharon Maneki received the Maryland Governor's Disability Culture and Achievement Award from Governor Moore at the State’s celebration of the 36<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which took place on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The press release described the reason for Sharon receiving this award as follows:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>“Sharon Maneki:</b> A prominent, longtime leader within the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, author of two books, and past President of the Board for the Maryland Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, who retired after a distinguished 27-year career as a Research Analyst for the Department of Defense.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Here is the link to the press release.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press-releases/governor-moore-presents-governors-disability-awards-honors-congressman-steny-hoyer">https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press-releases/governor-moore-presents-governors-disability-awards-honors-congressman-steny-hoyer</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Every blind, deaf blind, or low vision Marylander in a generation has benefited from Sharon’s advocacy, tenacity, and drive. Her work advanced civil rights in education, voting, employment, access to information, social services, public accommodations, and beyond.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please join me in congratulating Sharon on this well-deserved award.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Regards,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ronza<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Ronza Othman, </b>President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>443-426-4110<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Pronouns: she, her, hers<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Need to meet with me? <a href="https://calendly.com/president-nfbmd/30min"><span style='color:blue'>Please use this link to schedule through Calendly</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>