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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>Greetings Federationists and Friends!<o:p></o:p></p><p>There is only a couple of weeks left to apply for financial assistance to attend the premier event of the year — the National Federation of the Blind National Convention!<o:p></o:p></p><p>The largest gathering of blind people in the world will take place July 3 through July 8, 2026, in Austin, Texas. This powerful and inspiring event brings thousands together for training, support, and information, while also serving as the governing body of our movement, where we democratically elect leadership and set our priorities for the year ahead.<o:p></o:p></p><p>There is truly nothing like National Convention. It is an opportunity to connect with blind people from across the country, learn new skills, gain valuable resources, and experience the strength and spirit of our movement firsthand.<o:p></o:p></p><p>Assistance Opportunity<o:p></o:p></p><p>The National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska is once again offering financial assistance to help individuals attend.<o:p></o:p></p><p>You do not need to be a member to apply. Preference will be given to first-time attendees, but all are encouraged to apply.<o:p></o:p></p><p>Assistance Guidelines<o:p></o:p></p><p>• You must register for the convention and pay for the banquet to receive assistance<br>• If requesting hotel assistance, only half the cost of the room will be covered<br>• You are responsible for finding a roommate or covering the remaining cost<br>• By submitting a request, you agree to attend:<br>• General sessions<br>• The Nebraska Caucus<br>• The banquet<br>• Other sessions of interest<o:p></o:p></p><p>Registration Information<o:p></o:p></p><p>• Online registration is 25 dollars per person, plus 85 dollars for the banquet<br>• Registration deadline: May 31<br>• Registration will be available on-site at a higher rate<o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention-prep">Register Online</a><o:p></o:p></p><p>Hotel Information<o:p></o:p></p><p>The JW Marriott Austin will serve as the headquarters hotel and host all convention events, but sleeping rooms are already sold out.<o:p></o:p></p><p>Rooms are available at overflow hotels at the convention rate:<o:p></o:p></p><p>• 139 dollars per night for singles and doubles<br>• 159 dollars per night for triples and quads<o:p></o:p></p><p>Overflow Hotels and Booking Information:<o:p></o:p></p><p>• Austin Marriott Downtown<br>Call 800-627-7468<br>Ask for the Austin Marriott Downtown and reference room block code BL1<o:p></o:p></p><p>• Courtyard by Marriott Austin Downtown<br>Call 800-321-2211<br>Ask for the Courtyard by Marriott Austin Downtown and mention the National Federation of the Blind National Convention<o:p></o:p></p><p>• Residence Inn Austin Downtown<br>Call 800-331-3131<br>Ask for the Residence Inn Austin Downtown and mention the National Federation of the Blind National Convention<o:p></o:p></p><p>A deposit equal to the first night’s stay is required. Cancellations made before June 1 will receive a partial refund.<o:p></o:p></p><p>Convention Schedule Highlights<o:p></o:p></p><p>• July 3: Seminars begin and registration opens<br>• July 4–5: Breakout sessions and meetings<br>• July 6–8: General sessions<br>• July 8: Banquet and closing session<o:p></o:p></p><p>Apply for Assistance<o:p></o:p></p><p>If you are interested in attending and would like to be considered for assistance, please apply using the following link:<o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAua2ShIj9sVbHqeWUIhPCe5CWjIYJvGZNkMWyysjGkZMkBQ/viewform">Online Application</a><o:p></o:p></p><p>Application deadline: May 25<o:p></o:p></p><p>For questions, contact Cheryl Livingston at<o:p></o:p></p><p> <a href="mailto:treasurer@ne.nfb.org">treasurer@ne.nfb.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p>We encourage anyone interested to apply as soon as possible. Whether this would be your first National Convention or your tenth, we hope you will join us in Austin as we continue building the National Federation of the Blind together.<o:p></o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></p><p>Jamie K. Richey, President<br>National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska<o:p></o:p></p><p>Office: (402) 477-7711<br>Email: <a href="mailto:president@ne.nfb.org">president@ne.nfb.org</a><br>Website: <a href="http://www.ne.nfb.org/">www.ne.nfb.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p>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></p></div></body></html>