[NFBNJ] NFB President’s Notebook - week of 09/05/2017

Tue Sep 5 20:58:31 UTC 2017

    Greetings to all!
At times I forward portions of the President’s Notebook to all on oudistribution list.
As you read further, I wanted to share the news with all!
I have provided information that hopefully will continue to raise your expectations to live the life we want!
For those NFBNJ members that were assigned to test ATM’s, please take careful notice on the summary below.
In addition, information pertaining to the NFB efforts to support our brothers and sisters from Texas that experienced hurricane harvey.

Also, super news highlighting legislation passed!

We care. We share. We grow. We make a difference
Joe Ruffalo, President 
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey 
973 743 0075
nfbnj1 at verizon.net
www.nfbnj.org
Your old car keys can be keys to literacy for the blind.
Donate your unwanted vehicle to us by clicking 
www.carshelpingtheblind.org 
or call 855 659 9314

From: President, National Federation of the Blind 
Sent: Tuesday, September 05, 2017 3:36 PM
To: President, National Federation of the Blind 
Subject: NFB President’s Notebook - week of 09/05/2017

President’s Notebook
National Federation of the Blind
Mark A. Riccobono
officeofthepresident at nfb.org
(410) 659-9314

Dear Fellow Federationists,

The Federation fall convention season is now in full swing. Starting with this past weekend, our affiliates are having conventions every weekend through the weekend before Thanksgiving. This is always a great period of energy and growth due to the heavy level of events. I am anticipating the reports of the great activities happening across the country. 

We have just completed the Breaking Blind (85th) Leadership Seminar. Remember that I am always accepting recommendations from Federation leaders regarding potential people that I should consider inviting to the seminar. There will be another next spring, so keep those recommendations coming. 

Today I am pleased to say that we finally have the rules related to the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act. Congratulations and thank you to each of you who have put energy into this over the past decade. You can read the full blurb below. We will continue our relationship with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers to advance this and other issues in the vehicle space. 

Critical Item:
New Cardtronics Testing Incentive: 
As you know, the Cardtronics testing started on September 1. The first ten affiliates that successfully complete their tests will be given a redemption code for one copy of KNFB Reader for Windows that they can use as a door prize at an upcoming convention. Thank you for mobilizing the members to action for this important work.

News:
National Federation of the Blind Hurricane Harvey Relief Project:
During the past week, many members of the National Federation of the Blind have reached out with offers of support for blind individuals impacted by Hurricane Harvey. We have been asking that you hold those offers of support until we could coordinate with our Texas affiliate, determine what needs exist, and develop a plan that most effectively marshals resources to meet the needs of blind people in impacted communities. We are now prepared to mobilize the National Federation of the Blind’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Project. Below are the things you need to know and ways that you can best help.

·         The National Federation of the Blind Hurricane Harvey Relief Project will be managed by Norma Crosby, president of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas. Norma will be assisted by our national staff as needed.

·         How you can help:

o   Donate to our Harvey Relief Fund which we commit to only using for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. We will accept:

§  Gift cards to major retailers, because they are easier to share than supplies. We encourage gift cards from Target, Walmart, Academy Sports and Outdoors, Amazon, and Bed Bath and Beyond.

§  Transportation credits/gift cards for Uber and Lyft to provide transportation assistance.

§  Financial contributions either online (be sure to write “Harvey Relief Fund” in the note field) or write a check to the National Federation of the Blind of Texas with “Harvey Relief Fund” in the memo line.

o   Adopt a family: If you would like us to match your affiliate/chapter with a specific family that you can help, please reach out to Norma Crosby. 

o   Help us find families that include blind individuals by sharing the following information via email or on social media:

§  The National Federation of the Blind wants to help! If you, or a blind person you know, has been impacted by Hurricane Harvey, please reach out to the National Federation of the Blind for support from our Hurricane Harvey Relief Project. Call (281) 968-7733, email ncrosby at nfbtx.org, or send us a message on our Facebook page.

§  Here is a sample tweet you can cut and paste into Twitter: 

If a blind person you know has been impacted by Hurricane Harvey, email the NFB Hurricane Harvey Relief Project ncrosby at nfbtx.org or DM @NFB_Voice. 

Send all donations to the NFB Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund to National Federation of the Blind of Texas, 1600 E. Highway 6, Ste. 215, Alvin, TX 77511-2595.

We appreciate the tremendous concern and offers of support being offered by members and friends of the National Federation of the Blind. We thank you for being patient as we determine where the needs exist and work to match resources with the people that need help. Together with love, hope, and determination, we will rebuild and transform our dreams into reality.

Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act:
The final regulation for the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act went into effect today. The National Federation of the Blind identified this problem, created a partnership with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, got the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to study the issue, wrote the legislation, persuaded the US Congress to pass it, and the president to sign it into law. The final regulation was issued on December 14, 2016, with an effective date of February 13, 2017. The effective date was then delayed to March 21, then to May 22, then to June 5, and then to today, September 5, 2017. At each step of the way, the National Federation of the Blind remained steadfast, resolute, determined, and passionate. It is a result of our collective efforts that we have made the roads safer for all Americans, especially blind Americans. The final regulation covers all four-wheeled hybrid-electric passenger vehicles under ten thousand pounds. The regulation prohibits a pause switch, manufacturer supplied selectable sounds, and any tampering with the device. In general, the vehicle must emit a sound of at least 44 decibels when stationary (and when the shifter is not in "Park"), 48 decibels when moving in reverse, and between 51 and 62 decibels dependent upon forward driving speed. The rule requires all hybrid-electric vehicles produced on or after September 1, 2019 to be compliant. To read the regulation in its entirety, please visit the Federal Register.

Social Security Administration Lawsuit:
Last week the National Federation of the Blind and two blind individuals who receive Social Security benefits filed a federal lawsuit against the Social Security Administration (SSA) for its failure to make its Visitor Intake Processing touchscreen kiosks accessible to its blind visitors. As a result, blind patrons are unable to check in independently at their local SSA field offices, and are forced to divulge private information, such as their social security numbers, to SSA staff or other sighted third parties to assist them. In addition, they cannot read the printed ticket generated by the kiosks, which contains their check-in number, so they must ask someone else to read the number or risk losing their appointment.

Homepage:
We are updating the nfb.org homepage on a regular basis and adding important events such as state conventions and training opportunities. I encourage everyone to bookmark nfb.org and check it often. Even better, make it the default homepage on your web browser. If you need assistance, please email communicationsteam at nfb.org.
Did You Know?
Opportunities to Fundraise and Give through Thrivent: 
Are you a member of Thrivent Financial? There are multiple ways for members to give back to the National Federation of the Blind.
Thrivent’s Choice Dollars donations can help NFB - Are you a member of Thrivent Financial and eligible to direct Choice Dollars? With Thrivent Choice, you can recommend where some of Thrivent Financial's charitable outreach funds go. Choice Dollars funds can make a world of difference to the NFB. Directing Choice Dollars is easy. Simply go to Thrivent Choice to learn more and find program terms and conditions, or contact Nathan Beattie, Financial Associate, at (515) 276-1527, extension 228, or nathan.beattie at thrivent.com.

Thrivent’s Action Team Program - Thrivent’s Action Team program is a volunteer program for Thrivent members to lead a one-time fundraiser, service activity, or educational event with the help of their family and friends. Thrivent will provide resources to help promote the event, promotional items (including Thrivent t-shirts) and a Community Impact Card with $250 of seed money. To learn more and apply, visit Thrivent Action Team, or contact Nathan Beattie, Financial Associate, at (515) 276-1527, extension 228, or nathan.beattie at thrivent.com.

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