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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hello All,</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We were very successful in the Maryland General Assembly this year. We achieved our three objectives. As you will remember, our first objective was to keep the $250,000 in the Governor’s budget for the Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access to Commerce, Public Information and Education (CENA). <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The General Assembly passed HB396/SB446, bills that instruct the Maryland Department of Disabilities in partnership with the National Federation of the Blind to conduct a study on how Maryland colleges teach accessibility concepts in their various computer science and information systems curricula. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The MD General Assembly also passed HB1242/SB419, bills that will provide consistent funding for LBPH. We will let you know when the governor signs these bills. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Many thanks to all who wrote letters, sent emails, attended hearings, made phone calls, and came to Annapolis to visit with Delegates and Senators. We were successful because of each of you and our high level of participation. Congratulations to NFBMD on three important victories that will have long term benefits for blind citizens in Maryland. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sharon Maneki<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>