<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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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><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Hello Members,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Below and attached is a copy of our 2026 Legislative Agenda for the 2026 Jefferson City Seminar. If you know of someone not on our group lists, please share this message with them. I know that many of you can use this in preparation of our time at the Missouri State Capitol next week, February 9-10, 2026. When you arrive at the Capitol, we will have table and chairs set up on the edge of the Rotunda across from the Third Floor Senate Alcove. You will be able to pick up packets with our information there starting Monday morning. Looking forward to seeing you there!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Shelia Wright<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>R<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;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>Shelia Wright, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>LEGISLATIVE AGENDA OF BLIND MISSOURIANS</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>PRESENTED TO</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>THE SECOND SESSION OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>From: </span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>The National Federation of the Blind of Missouri<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>Date: </span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>February 9–10, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>We, the members of the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri, come before you to share our lived experience and present practical solutions grounded in a clear understanding of blindness. We are committed to improving the lives of blind Missourians and expect you to strengthen Missouri statutes when our proposals are sound and effective.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>We also commit to serving as a resource to you and your constituents when questions arise about blindness or services for blind people. Thank you for meeting with us and considering our concerns.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>ACCESS FOR DEAFBLIND MISSOURIANS</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>In 2016, the Missouri Legislature established the Support Service Provider (SSP) Program within the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This program serves DeafBlind people by providing trained professionals who deliver environmental information, support communication access, promote safety, and provide transportation when needed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>The legislature took important action by authorizing the SSP Program, and DeafBlind participants have benefited significantly. Approximately eighty consumers currently participate in the program and may receive up to thirteen service hours per month. We appreciate your continued support and the independence this program provides to the DeafBlind community.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>We are concerned that current law includes a fixed funding cap of $300,000 that restricts the legislature’s ability to act when that amount is no longer sufficient. When that time comes, lawmakers will be unnecessarily constrained by the cap. Inflation and program growth now threaten to create hardship for DeafBlind Missourians.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>Representative Brenda Shields has introduced HB 2408 to remove the $300,000 cap and place funding within the appropriations process. We urge your support for this legislation so the department can request funding that reflects actual program needs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>REFORM OF BLIND PENSION MAILING REQUIREMENTS</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>This legislation has a single purpose: removing the word “certified” from statutes governing correspondence with Blind Pension recipients. Although well intended, this requirement has created unnecessary costs for the state and unnecessary barriers for blind Missourians.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>This policy often forces blind Missourians to travel to post offices to retrieve mail that should be delivered to their homes. It also shortens the time available for recipients to complete annual recertification. As a result, some recipients are terminated from the program and must reapply before benefits are restored.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>HB 2180, introduced by Representative Griffith, removes the certified mail requirement for Blind Pension correspondence. For these reasons, the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri strongly supports this legislation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>ACCESS TO AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>Missouri is considering legislation governing self-driving and autonomous vehicles. These technologies offer major opportunities for increased independence for blind Missourians. Access must be addressed at the policy level from the start.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>Blind people must be permitted to use autonomous vehicles on equal terms without unnecessary driver’s license requirements. Because these vehicles operate without human drivers, passenger access must not depend on vision.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>Vehicle interfaces must be accessible without sight. If speech recognition is used, the system must provide clear spoken confirmation or clarification of commands. If touchscreen systems are included, they must offer a nonvisual mode that allows blind users to explore the screen and select functions independently.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>Although SB 1050 and HB 2208 need not contain detailed technical standards, these bills must not restrict collaboration between advocates and manufacturers to ensure equal access. Full access must also include audible arrival cues so blind passengers can locate autonomous vehicles when they arrive.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>Shelia Wright, President<br></span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>National Federation of the Blind of Missouri<br>Phone: 816-679-5258<br>Email: president@nfbmo.org<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>National Federation of the Blind of Missouri<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>7928 NW Milrey Drive, Kansas City, MO 64152<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>816-679-5258<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><a href="mailto:Sbwright95@gmail.com">Sbwright95@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><a href="mailto:President@nfbmo.org">President@nfbmo.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><a href="http://www.nfbmo.org/">www.nfbmo.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>