[NFBNJ] NFB President Riccobono's Notebook Several Items Of Interest - Week of 08/31/2020

Tue Sep 1 00:57:23 UTC 2020

Greetings to all!
I have pasted several items of interest from President Riccobono’s Notebook 
for week Aug 31, 2020.
I have offered my comments after each item.

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 31, 2020 4:43 PM
President’s Notebook
National Federation of the Blind
Mark A. Riccobono
officeofthepresident at nfb.org
410-659-9314

Dear Fellow Federationists,

With Labor Day approaching, the unofficial close of the summer is here. Many 
of you are getting ready to send your children back to school (virtually or 
otherwise); a number of you have already done so. The vast majority of you 
are working on conventions for the fall in virtual formats and are wrestling 
with all of the decisions to be made. A lot of you are working on securing 
accessible voting in your state in time for this historic election. All of 
us are dealing with continuing the programs to build our movement. All of 
this is while we grapple with the social justice issues receiving 
significant attention in our communities and trying to make sense of the new 
normal during a pandemic. In other words, take a deep breath and I thank you 
for your dedication to our movement—you make a difference.

I want to let you know that I have heard from Pam Allen in Louisiana. 
Assessment of the impact of hurricane Laura on our members is still 
happening. You may have heard that much of Ruston continues to be without 
power not to mention the damage in other cities that is being highly covered 
by the media. If we learn of unmet needs among our Louisiana family, we will 
definitely put out the word.

Below is the usual list of interesting announcements, reminders, and 
important things you should know about for this week. Stay safe and enjoy a 
relaxing Labor Day as we move into a busy fall season during the next couple 
weeks.

Comments: When I receive additional information from what is mentioned 
above, I will distribute.

News:
Presidential Release Tuesday Night:
The September Presidential Release of the National Federation of the Blind 
will be Tuesday, September 1, at 8:00 p.m. eastern for all members, and 
non-members are warmly welcomed. The release will also be offered with 
Spanish translation and closed captions. The is a free-form event, so a 
transcript will be made available forty-eight hours afterwards

Comments: Save the first of each month from September through December for 
President Riccobono’s monthly realease.

Information with zoom details was forwarded.  Please check your in box.

. Note: the Spanish translation has separate Zoom details. We look forward 
to your participation!

DOT Announced Extension of the Quiet Car Rule:
The US Department of Transportation announced a six-month extension for the 
quiet car rule, part of the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act that requires 
audible sounds be equipped on electric and hybrid electric vehicles to help 
all pedestrians, especially blind pedestrians, be aware when a vehicle is 
nearby. This extension is needed in response to COVID-19-related 
manufacturing delays. The National Federation of the Blind recognizes the 
impact of COVID-19 on the automobile industry and believes that the DOT’s 
action strikes an appropriate balance while continuing to ensure 
implementation of the law. Learn more about our advocacy for the Pedestrian 
Safety Enhancement Act.

Comments: As updates are available, distribution to all will be forwarded.

NFB-Branded Masks Available Soon—Preorder Yours Now:

We have ordered a limited number of branded, fabric masks with our logo 
prominently displayed that will be carried in our Independence Market. The 
face masks are medium blue with our logo centered in white. The face 
covering is approximately seven and one-fourth inches by four and 
three-fourths inches. The inside of the mask is white soft fabric. There are 
loops that go over the ears. We are taking preorders for masks, which will 
be available around the beginning of October. The cost will be $4.00 per 
mask or $10.00 for three masks, plus shipping and handling. Please note that 
these masks are not eligible for Free Matter shipping so we will be shipping 
them by UPS ground. To reserve your mask(s), call the Independence Market at 
410-659-9314, extension 2216. We will contact you for payment, once the 
masks arrive at NFB headquarters.

Comments: If you need, please consider.

Meet the Blind Month:

The National Federation of the Blind celebrates Meet the Blind Month every 
October, with members conducting outreach activities across the country. If 
you are looking for ideas, a recommendation is to focus on lived experiences 
with problem solving, self-confidence, and intersectionality. Plan a virtual 
event in your local community to talk about blindness and the Federation 
philosophy. Invite schools, libraries, and other establishments. The 
Courtesy Rules of Blindness resource or White Cane Awareness Day resources 
are great to share. If needed, there is still time to order materials from 
the Independence Market such as Braille alphabet cards. Send the date of 
your event and a brief description to web at nfb.org. Please use #MeetTheBlind 
in social media.

Comments: Affiliate board, chapter/division leaders, let’s discuss 
possibilities.

Please submit your ideas no later than Monday, September 21.

Infrared Thermometers Available:

During the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, we are all more conscious about 
monitoring our health by checking our body temperature. The Independence 
Market can help. We currently have a talking infrared thermometer available 
for ordering. By the end of September, we will also have a talking oral 
thermometer back in stock. To place an order, please call the Independence 
Market at 410-659-9314, extension 2216.

Comments: For your consideration.

Dates to Keep in Mind:

  a.. September 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. eastern
  b.. September 13: Open-House Gathering call, 4:00 p.m. eastern
  c.. October 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. eastern
  d.. October: Meet the Blind Month
  e.. November 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. eastern
  f.. December 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. eastern
  g.. December 9: Open-House Gathering call, 8:00 p.m. eastern
  h.. 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.

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