[NFBNJ] NFB PresidentRiccobono's Notebook - week of 08/03/2020

[joe ruffalo]

Greetings to all!

I have provided information from President Riccobono’s Notebook for week of 
August 3, 2020

If needed, I provided my comments after each section.
Remember, get involved, stay involved!
Warmly,
Joe

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
Raising Expectations To Live The Life You Want!

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: Monday, August 03, 2020 3:44 PM
Subject: NFB President’s Notebook - week of 08/03/2020

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


Dear Fellow Federationists,



The dog days of summer are here, but the work of the Federation has not 
slowed down.

I want to call your attention to the fact that the August Presidential 
Release is out. You will note that the September release will be live on the 
first of September.



We have a number of staff positions available at the Federation 
headquarters. Some positions are posted and others are not yet written. If 
you know of members looking to join a dynamic movement in full-time 
employment, please invite them to submit a cover letter and resume for one 
of the positions posted at 
https://www.nfb.org/about-us/career-opportunities. You can encourage members 
to submit general interest in employment to the Federation. We are always 
looking for talented people.



Have a great week.


News
Sami’s Law:
Sami’s Law passed in the House on Wednesday, July 29. Representative Chris 
Smith, who spoke at our Congressional Reception earlier this year, 
specifically thanked the National Federation of the Blind from the House 
floor. We are urging the Senate to immediately pass the House bill, H.R. 
4686, via unanimous consent.

Comments: Congratulations to members from NFBNJ that assisted with 
information, phone calls and emails to Congressman Chris Smith.  As you 
know, Chris Smith is from the great state of New Jersey.





SAFE TO WORK Act:

On Monday, July 27, Senators Cornyn and McConnell introduced the SAFE TO 
WORK Act, S. 4317. The National Federation of the Blind opposes all 
references to the Americans with Disabilities Act in Section 181 of this 
bill. As currently drafted, Section 181 would eliminate critical protections 
provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act beginning December 1, 2019 
and ending October 1, 2024. Specifically, we urge Congress to strike the 
reference to the Americans with Disabilities Act contained in the definition 
of “covered Federal employment law” and to completely strike Section 181(b) 
entitled “Public Accommodation Laws.” Watch for a legislative alert on this 
and on Sami’s Law.

Comments: Be on the alert for upcoming legislation action needed.




Continuing the ADA Conversation:
Join us on Twitter Wednesday, August 12, at 2:00 p.m. eastern for our 
Twitter chat focused on the ADA. This will be a continuation of our panel 
discussion, “Leveraging the ADA,” that took place during the #NFB20 National 
Convention. For more updates and information, follow us on Twitter at 
@NFB_Voice. To view the panel discussion from the convention, visit our 
YouTube channel.

Comments: Take time to view.



Upcoming Accessibility Boutique—Technology and Training Options for Seniors:
Join us on Tuesday, August 25, at 2:00 p.m. eastern to learn more about 
easy, accessible, and powerful tools for seniors. Accessibility boutiques 
are workshops presented by National Federation of the Blind access 
technology experts that provide introductions to accessibility best 
practices and the latest trends in access tech. Learn more and register now!

Comments: Attention Seniors.  An opportunity to learn items of interest.

Jane or I will reforward as a reminder several days in advance of the date 
provided .

If interested, don’t hesitate, register.



Early Childhood Initiatives:

The National Federation of the Blind’s early childhood initiatives are great 
resources for young blind children and their families, providing guidance on 
literacy and independent travel. Families with blind children up to eight 
years old can sign up for the Braille Reading Pals Club, which provides 
Braille books and other fun Braille activities at no cost, and our Early 
Explorers initiative, which encourages independent travel and exploration, 
also free to participants. Share the programs and early childhood 
application today!

Comments: Please reforward to parents as the two programs are a benefit to 
all.



Duke University:
As it relates to the NFB’s lawsuit against Duke University, we are hoping to 
hear from any blind students currently attending or planning to attend Duke. 
Please contact Valerie Yingling at vyingling at nfb.org if this applies to you.

Comments: Thanks to Mary Fernandez for her voice that was heard.

Any other voices that want to make a difference!

Contact Valarie Yingling, contact info is above.





Dates to Keep in Mind
  a.. July 27-August 7: NFB BELL® In-Home Edition
  b.. September 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. eastern
  c.. September 13: Open-House Gathering call, 4:00 p.m. eastern
  d.. October 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. eastern
  e.. October: Meet the Blind Month
  f.. November 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m eastern
  g.. December 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. eastern
  h.. December 9: Open-House Gathering call, 8:00 p.m. eastern
  i.. February 8, 2021: Washington Seminar Great Gathering-In




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.







Mark A. Riccobono, President

200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230

(410) 659-9314 | officeofthepresident at nfb.org













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.






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