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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>Greetings NFB of Nebraska Members and Friends,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>As April draws to a close there is a lot of information to share. Several events are happening nationwide this next week as well as deadlines. Please read below for the latest scoop and pass along to those who you think may benefit!<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>“We’re With U!”:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>This past weekend featured a historic event: over one hundred blind performers from across the world, more than twenty different radio streams, and the global blind community came together to raise over $85,000 for the blind of Ukraine. <b>If you missed the show it is now available </b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'> </span><span style='color:black'><a href="https://mushroomfm.com/BlindWithU"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue'>On Demand</span></a></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>Thank you to everyone who contributed by donating dollars and tuning into the “We’re With U!” concert. A special thanks to the host of the event<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='color:black'><a href="https://mushroomfm.com/"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Jonathan Mosen with Mushroom Fm</span></a></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>Contributions can still be made to help support the World Blind Union’s Ukrainian Unity Fund with a goal of $100,000. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'><a href="http://nfb.org/BlindWithU">Blind With U</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;background:white'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>Braille for Beginners:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>Learn all about the basics of Braille, how it is produced, and tips and tricks for beginners. Join the National Federation of the Blind on Tuesday, April 26, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., eastern, to discuss Braille with accessibility specialists. Take advantage of this free opportunity and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'> </span><span style='color:black'><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue'>register for the accessibility boutique</span></a></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'> today!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>Panel of Successfully Employed Blind Educators:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>Join us as we celebrate the work and accomplishments of blind and low-vision educators with a panel discussion on Wednesday, April 27, at 8:00 p.m., eastern. <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-the-blind-work-webinars-registration">Register here</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>NFB Comments on the AbilityOne Draft Strategic Plan:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>Last week the NFB submitted our<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'> </span><span style='color:black'><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/comments-abilityone-draft-strategic-plan-fiscal-years"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue'>official comments on the AbilityOne Draft Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2022-2026</span></a></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>While we were generally pleased with the direction the strategic plan for the future of the AbilityOne Program, there are still some areas that need improvement. Read about our specific concerns in the comments, and check out some of our other recent policy positions on the<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'> </span><span style='color:black'><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue'>Policy Statements page</span></a></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>of our website. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>Furthermore, over the weekend the AbilityOne Commission announced that it would be extending the comment period to April 30, so if you would like to<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'> </span><span style='color:black'><a href="https://www.regulations.gov/docket/CPPBSD-2022-0003/document"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue'>read the Strategic Plan</span></a></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'> </span><span style='color:black'><a href="https://www.regulations.gov/document/CPPBSD-2022-0003-0002"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue'>submit your own comments</span></a></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>we encourage you to do so. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Apply for our Teachers of Tomorrow Program<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Applications Due May 1, 2022<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind Teachers of Tomorrow is an immersive, professional development program that connects teachers of blind and low-vision students to the lived experiences of blind people. The program equips participants with knowledge about the skills and attitudes that help blind students thrive in school and beyond.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you are preparing for a career in teaching blind students, or if you are an early career educator looking to enhance your teaching, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) invites you to apply for a spot in the 2022-2023 cohort that kicks off this fall.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/education/teachers-tomorrow.">Learn more about the program and apply today</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%;background:white'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>Blind Educator of the Year Award:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>Deadline for nominations is May 1, 2022 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>The Blind Educator of the Year Award is open for nominations. The award pays tribute to a blind teacher whose exceptional classroom performance, notable community service, and uncommon commitment to the NFB merits national recognition.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'> </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/blind-educator-year-award"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue'>Learn more about the Blind Educator of the Year Award</span></a><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Just to Recap:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>• April 26: Braille for Beginners Accessibility Boutique<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>• April 27: Successfully Employed Blind Educator Panel<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>• April 30: Deadline for <span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>AbilityOne <b>Draft Strategic Plan</b></span> Comments <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>• May 1: Application deadline for the Teachers of Tomorrow Program<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>• May 1: Deadline for Distinguished Educator of Blind Students award<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Wow that was a lot! With the NFB of Nebraska Board of Directors meeting happening this Saturday, April 23, 2022, Look for even more news next week!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>Jamie K. Richey, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>Office: (402) 477-7711<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>E-Mail: <a href="mailto:president@ne.nfb.org">president@ne.nfb.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>Website: <a href="http://www.ne.nfb.org">www.ne.nfb.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:10.0pt;line-height:115%;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#201F1E'>The National Federation of the Blind 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.</span><o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>