[NFBNJ] Week of April 26, 2021 President Riccobono's Notebook, NationalItems of Interest and Dates to Keep in Mind
Linda Melendez
president at nfbnj.org
Thu Apr 29 15:42:41 UTC 2021
Greetings all,
To help stay connected with our National Office and with the work of our
organization I am sharing some of President Riccobono's weekly notebook,
National Items of Interest and Dates to Keep in Mind.
Warmly,
Linda Melendez, President
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
732-421-7063
Email: president at nfbnj.org
President’s Notebook
National Federation of the Blind
Mark A. Riccobono
410-659-9314
officeofthepresident at nfb.org
Dear Federation Family,
My words are few as there is a lot happening, as you will find below. Note
there are a number of time sensitive items below. There are also a number
of new initiatives that require our affiliates to consider and coordinate
with our national movement. All I can say is thank you for continuing to
build and strengthen our movement every day. We could not sustain this
level of impact and raising expectations without your membership.
News: Legislative Activity:
There is a lot happening with our advocacy and policy work. Along with
several new cosponsors on the Access Technology Affordability Act (H.R.
431/S. 212) and the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act
(H.R. 2373), there will likely be an amendment introduced today or tomorrow
to the Endless Frontiers Act (S. 1260) regarding autonomous vehicles.
Pending our analysis of the final language, we anticipate supporting this
amendment. Please watch for possible legislative alerts later this week.
Climate Assessment Survey Coming This Week:
As mentioned in the April 15 open letter from President Riccobono
<https://nfb.org/blog/open-letter-safety-and-support-progress>*, *the
National Federation of the Blind has extended our partnership with RAINN,
the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN will develop
and administer an anonymous survey to collect feedback directly from our
diverse community, including members and nonmembers, to better understand
the experiences, needs, and concerns of our community as they relate to
sexual misconduct. The survey is expected to be released on Wednesday,
April 28, and may take up to thirty minutes. There will be a web version on
Survey Monkey and an automated phone option for completing the survey. Stay
tuned for more details.
Participate on Potential Radio Project:
The National Federation of the Blind is exploring a potential pilot
streaming-audio project to inform, inspire, and entertain members and
potential members. The initial plan is to start by using our large existing
audio library in a way that allows simple access at any time of day or
night, similar to an online radio station. If you have technical expertise
or content ideas and/or are interested in participating in an ad-hoc group
for this project, send an email to communicationsteam at nfb.org. Please
include any relevant background about you, why you think this potential
resource might be useful, and/or any recommendations you have.
National Federation of the Blind Code of Conduct now on NFB-NEWSLINE®:
The NFB Code of Conduct and a list of frequently asked questions regarding
the code is now available on NFB-NEWSLINE. You will find both audio and
text versions using the telephone access method, by selecting option one
from the main menu, followed by another press of the one key for the NFB
National Channel, then following the prompts. To access this content on the
NFB-NEWSLINE Mobile app, go to the “Information Sources” page and select
the “All Publications” link. The NFB Code of Conduct is the first
publication in the list.
New Mobile Ballot Marking Platform by GlobalMobile:
A new mobile ballot marking platform to mark and return ballots using a
smartphone has been developed by GlobalMobile. We are working with
GlobalMobile to ensure that the platform is accessible. Please be advised
that GlobalMobile may also reach out to our affiliates to provide feedback
on the platform or to participate in a meeting they have arranged with your
secretary of state. It is important that affiliates coordinate their
participation with our national office staff. If your affiliate decides to
participate in these meetings, please let us know, and please bear in mind
that in our advocacy efforts for accessible electronic ballot delivery and
return we do not endorse a particular platform.
Spring 2021 College Board AP Exams:
High school students who encounter barriers with their Spring 2021 College
Board AP Exam accommodations, and/or have been told that Braille or tactile
graphics are not available for exams, are encouraged to contact Valerie
Yingling, legal program coordinator, at vyingling at nfb.org.
National Telecommuting Institute:
The National Federation of the Blind, on behalf of itself, an NFB member,
and all similarly situated individuals, has filed a complaint with the
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination against National
Telecommuting Institute (NTI) for NTI’s discrimination against blind job
applicants who use screen access software and other assistive technology.
If you have applied for a job through NTI and similarly been denied
employment because you use screen access software, or if you wish to work
from home doing customer service work and are willing to apply with NTI,
please contact Valerie Yingling, legal program coordinator, at
vyingling at nfb.org.
Amazon Fulfillment Center Employment:
As it relates to our recent agreement with Amazon, the National Federation
of the Blind is hoping to speak with individuals who have had workplace
accommodations denied, been placed on unpaid leave, and/or otherwise
experienced discrimination related to Amazon fulfillment center employment.
Please contact Valerie Yingling at vyingling at nfb.org to report your Amazon
fulfillment center experience.
Presidential Release Next Week—Captioning and Spanish Available:
Tune in to the next Presidential Release of the National Federation of the
Blind on Monday, May 3, at 8:00 p.m. eastern. After the remarks there is an
opportunity for questions. Submit questions in advance to
cdanielsen at nfb.org and
put PR505 in the subject line, or call 410-659-9314, extension 2473. Closed
captions and Spanish interpretation will be available. Mark your
calendars! Learn
the many ways to access the presidential release
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/info?&reset=1&id=455>. Try listening to the
live stream on your favorite Amazon device by asking Alexa to play Nation’s
Blind.
Facebook Live this Wednesday for NFB BELL® and NFB EQ:
Join the National Federation of the Blind on Wednesday, April 28, at 1:30
p.m. eastern, to learn about some of the materials we will be sending out
for the summer programs, NFB BELL and NFB EQ. NFB BELL will have three
virtual sessions over the summer for blind children ages four to twelve.
NFB EQ is a month-long virtual program during July for blind high school
students. Registration for both programs is still open. Deadlines are
approaching in early May. Learn more about the Facebook Live event
<https://fb.me/e/4rxvCXTNJ>.
Blind Driver Challenge Initial Test Runs April 30 to May 2:
As part of the Blind Driver Challenge, the National Federation of the Blind
and Cruise Automation are collaborating with Federationist Dan Parker to
build and operate a car to attempt to break the Guinness Book World Record
for the “Fastest Speed for a Car Driven Blindfolded” in the fall of 2021,
anticipating reaching a speed of over two hundred miles per hour. This
coming weekend, April 30 to May 2, Dan will be doing several test runs in
Blytheville, Arkansas. Stay tuned for more details coming at
BlindDriverChallenge.org.
California DMV Kiosks to Become More Accessible:
The National Federation of the Blind and three blind Californians have
collaborated with the California Department of Motor Vehicles and
Intellectual Technology, Inc., a provider of self-service kiosks, regarding
accessibility features for DMV Now kiosks utilized in California. Read and
share the press release
<https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/california-dmv-kiosks-become-more-accessible-blind>
Reminders: Give $20 Convention Drawing:
Each year, thousands of Federation members and friends make donations to
fund our great programs. Your continued support is needed. When you
participate in the Give $20 campaign
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=20749&qid=5147870> you will be
entered into the Give $20 convention drawing (formerly known as the Kenneth
Jernigan convention drawing) AND help our work to change lives for blind
people across the country.
How to Contribute and Qualify:
*Please note: The drawing is for individuals and is not intended for
contributions by divisions, state affiliates, or chapters.*
You must specify a fund in order to be entered into the drawing. You can do
this by using our Give $20 online donation form
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=45> or writing
in the memo if giving by check. Choose one of the following funds: Kenneth
Jernigan Fund, SUN Fund, White Cane Fund, or the tenBroek Fund. Your
donation will be counted for the drawing regardless of which fund you
designate.
· Donate online now
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=45>.
· Donate via phone by calling our donation line at
410-659-9314, extension 2282.
· Send a check to Attention: Give20, National Federation of
the Blind Jernigan Institute, 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230.
Be sure to have "Give 20" and the fund you are donating to in the memo.
Register for the 2021 NFB National Convention:
The 2021 National Federation of the Blind National Convention is July 6
through July 10. Registration is open and free. By registering, you will
get access to the latest information as it is made available, the
opportunity to win door prizes, and more! Register for the 2021 NFB
National Convention online now.
<https://www.nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=432> Or, if someone
you know needs help with registration or would prefer to email or mail in a
registration, please use the 2021 National Convention Registration Form
(fillable PDF)
<https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/files-pdf/2021-national-convention-registration-form-fillable-web.pdf>
.
NFB BELL Academy®:
The NFB BELL Academy provides children with Braille and nonvisual skills
instruction through fun, hands-on learning activities.
The NFB BELL Academy—which stands for National Federation of the Blind
Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning®—is a nationwide (United
States and Puerto Rico) summer program that prepares blind and low-vision
children to grow into confident and independent blind people who live the
lives they want.
Who Should Attend
Blind and low-vision children, ages four through twelve, who:
Do not receive enough Braille and nonvisual skills instruction in school
Could benefit from more Braille exposure over the summer
Would enjoy connecting with blind role models
Session 1 - June 7-18, 2021
Session 2 - July 19-30, 2021
Session 3 - August 9-20, 2021
Students will receive Braille and other fun materials for lessons. Connect
with experienced teachers and build relationships with other blind students
and mentors. Take advantage of this opportunity for your child to connect
with blind role models.
Apply today! Limited space is available.
English application link below:
https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/education/nfb-bell-academy/2021-nfb-bell-academy-home-edition-application
Clicke en este enlase para registrase en el programa Bell desde la casa
este Verano. My apologies again.
www.nfb.org/programs-services/education/nfb-bell-academy/en-espanol-2021-solicitud-para-la-edicion-en-casa-de
Dates to Keep in Mind: (all times eastern)
· May 1: Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award>
nominations
deadline
· May 3: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.
· May 7: NFB BELL Academy application
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy> deadline (for session
one)
· May 10: NFB EQ application <http://www.nfb.org/eq> deadline
· June 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.
· July 6-10: NFB National Convention, anywhere and everywhere
--
Warmly,
Linda Melendez, President
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
732-421-7063
Email: president at nfbnj.org
*Website: **www.nfbnj.org* <http://www.nfbnj.org/>
*Facebook: **https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238*
<https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238>
*Twitter: **@NFBNewJersey* <https://twitter.com/nfbnewjersey>
*YouTube: **NFBNJTransformDreams*
<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKEDbjGsCYHMlwd4gqpBPjg>
*Live the life you want.*
*The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey is a community of
members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s
blind. Everyday we work together to help blind people live the lives they
want.*
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbnj_nfbnet.org/attachments/20210429/3b61d086/attachment.html>
More information about the NFBNJ
mailing list