[NFBMI-Talk] Introducing NFBMI R. E. A. L.

[Robert Earl Parsons]

Wonderful Wednesday Federation Friends, Family and Followers!,

I hope you are well. I am so excited to write this email describing the 2023 NFBMI R. E. A. L. program! Today, the launch of our program registration, is so significant in that it marks the first of our exciting new approach to programming for youth and families. There are so many emotions, surprises, and developments to discuss here so I'll keep the introduction short. For now, let's talk about the program:
As the National Federation of the Blind is the largest organization of blind people advocating for the rights of blind people. Our mission, to achieve equality, opportunity and security for the blind is recognized in the work we do at a national, state, and local level. Our Michigan affiliate, the NFB of Michigan, is proud to introduce NFBMI Raising Expectations, Accessing Life (R. E. A. L.), a weekend-long, wholistic program aimed to support blind youth and their families on their respective academic, professional, and vocational journeys. This statewide program, taking place June 23-25 in Flint, boasts our exciting NFB STEM2U track, for blind youth ages 8-13, which provides attendees an opportunity to create accessible STEM projects themed around space. Scholarship opportunities are available for families of blind children who are interested in the STEM2U track. Our concurrent NFBMI Scholars track, for students ages 14+, includes a weekend of activities, discussions and presentations that cultivate attendees' professional and vocational development. Parents of blind children and blind parents will also have informative, engaging activities and presentations that build both access to and knowledge of the plethora of resources that the National Federation of the Blind offers for all members, regardless of age.
The onset of the global pandemic caused learning styles, academic ambitions, and professional aspirations to take a backseat in lieu of the need for health and safety. The National federation of the Blind of Michigan recognizes this need disproportionately affects blind youth, students, and their families. Our program is one step towards increasing our attendees' self-concept and chances for success. I have included our official NFBMI REAL flyer for your review and distribution, which includes an embedded registration link and a QR code. A direct link to the registration page is included at the end of this email and I encourage you all to take some time to read more about the program there. Finally, please share this information with as many blind students, blind parents, parents of blind children, and teachers/rehabilitation professionals you can. Our pledge calls for us to support programs and policies of the Federation and I can't think of a greater way we can make a difference in the lives of blind people and their families this June. For questions about NFBMI R. E. A. L., please email me at President at nfbmi.org. Let's go build the Federation!

Respectfully,

Robert E. Parsons, Jr., M. A., CRC, CVRT, LLPC
President, National Federation of the Blind of Michigan

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/vNrUotGcmQCEonAo6<https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.gle%2FvNrUotGcmQCEonAo6&data=05%7C01%7Crobert.e.parsons%40wmich.edu%7Cd5489ea12274492de9c908db23e3f4a5%7C257622517aa94c72905f39bf026a8a84%7C0%7C0%7C638143234222746278%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vNjTI2lF1ZeASvrFzmimFktudLyXWHxe47ZvQAcvyqY%3D&reserved=0>


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