[NFBNJ] Week of March 21, 2021 PresidentRiccobono's Notebook, National Items of Interest and Dates to Keep in Mind

Tue Mar 23 18:17:06 UTC 2021

Dear Fellow Federationists,

I hope that you are getting to enjoy a slice of spring where you are. It is
nice to be thinking about having more time outside, and the warm air makes
me start to think about our national convention, which is coming around the
corner quickly.

Below you will find an announcement regarding the National Library Service
Braille eReader Pilot Project. We want to make sure that the National
Library Service is hearing from regional libraries about the excitement and
demand for the new Braille devices. Whether your library for the blind is
part of the pilot or not, we are encouraging people to call the regional
library and express interest in having a device. We think it is important
to continue to let the library know this program is important so that the
momentum for refreshable Braille devices provided by the National Library
Service continues to build and receive support at all levels of leadership.
Get your library to start keeping a waiting list if they are not part of
the pilot program, and help libraries identify more individuals to
participate in the pilot projects where they exist. We want every Braille
display to get out into the hands of blind people.

Thank you for all you do.
Critical Actions: Scholarship Program–Deadline to Submit Is Next Week,
March 31:

The National Federation of the Blind awards more than $120,000 to blind
scholars across the country. There is still time to submit an application
for the 2021 NFB Scholarship Program. Share this opportunity that invests
in the future of blind people. Learn about the eligibility criteria and
other requirements of the 2021 NFB Scholarship Program
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program>
.
NLS eReader Pilot Program:

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) began a
pilot ereader program in four states last September. It is now time for
this program to roll out nationwide. If you are interested in getting an
NLS eReader, we urge you to call the talking book library in your state,
regardless of whether it is part of the pilot program. They should be able
to get you a pilot machine or put you on a waiting list. If you have any
questions, please contact Stephanie Flynt at sflynt at nfb.org.
News: National Convention Registration:

A number of you have asked about registering members for convention who do
not have an email account of their own. We strongly encourage you to not
register these members using your email address. This will likely add to or
overwrite your contact information in our database. Instead, you can
complete an accessible, fellable, PDF registration form on the member’s
behalf that may be sent to the national office via email or printed and
mailed via US mail. This form will be available on our convention
information page at www.nfb.org/convention by the end of March. Those
members wishing to make a donation to the NFB to defray convention expenses
may include a check when mailing in their registration form. Email and
snail mail address information will be included on the registration form.
Apply for 2021 Bolotin Awards:

The National Federation of the Blind is accepting nominations of
individuals or organizations who are a positive force in the lives of blind
people and help us transform dreams into reality. Each application must
include a letter of recommendation. Learn more and submit a nomination for
the 2021 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/dr-jacob-bolotin-awards/application-information>
.
New Resource for Blind Parents of School-Age Children:

The NFB’s new resource, “A Blind Parent’s Essential Guide to Effective
Communication from Public and Private Schools,” is now available at
https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/advocacy-resources/blind-parents-essential-guide-effective-communication.
Please share this guide with other blind parents in your network.
Access Technology Affordability Act:

Last week proved to be another productive week in gaining cosponsors for
the Access Technology Affordability Act. In the House we had four new
cosponsors sign on: Chuy Garcia (IL-4), Tim Burchett (TN-2), Jan Schakowsky
(IL-9), and John Moolenaar (MI-4). This brings our total number of House
cosponsors to 66. In the Senate, Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri signed on as
cosponsor bringing our total number of cosponsors in that chamber up to
thirteen. Well done Illinois, Tennessee, Michigan, and Missouri! Keep up
the great work! It is essential that we continue to build support for this
bill. We will be sending out a legislative alert with further details early
this week.
Latest Blog Post: “Finding a Therapist Who Moved Beyond My Blindness”:

The *Voice of the Nation's Blind Blog* highlights personal experiences and
stories of blind people. In the recent article, Gary Wunder shares his
experience needing and finding the assistance of a therapist. Read the
blog, "Finding a Therapist Who Moved Beyond My Blindness."
<https://nfb.org/blog/finding-therapist-who-moved-beyond-my-blindness> If
you are interested in sharing a story, please email
CommunicationsTeam at nfb.org.
Apple Mobile Development Seminar:

On Wednesday, March 31, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. eastern, the National
Federation of the Blind, in collaboration with Apple, is hosting an app
development seminar focused on accessibility. Anyone who develops or is
considering developing apps is encouraged to register for this Zoom event.
There are also limited opportunities to meet directly with Apple engineers
to discuss your app and have your accessibility questions answered. Take
advantage of this free opportunity, register for the mobile application
development seminar
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings>
today!
New Podcast Episode: A Conversation with the Survivor Task Force:

*Nation’s Blind Podcast*hosts, Anil and Melissa, talk with Marci Carpenter
and Daphne Mitchell of the NFB Survivor Task Force. They discuss who is a
survivor, specific challenges and misconceptions blind survivors face, and
more. Listen to the latest *Nation’s Blind Podcast*
<https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2021-03/A%20Conversation%20with%20the%20NFB%20Survivor%20Task%20Force.mp3>
now.
National Federation of the Blind Engineering Quotient (NFB EQ) Program:

NFB EQ applications are now open. NFB EQ is going virtual July 5-30. High
school students can join us on a month-long adventure into engineering and
problem-solving. No specific level of engineering experience is required.
Engage in activities designed to strengthen knowledge and grow interests.
The deadline to apply is May 10. Learn more and apply now at www.nfb.org/eq.
Dates to Keep in Mind:
(all times eastern)

   - March 31: Scholarship application
   <https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program/scholarship-program-application-checklist>
    deadline
   - April 5: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.
   - April 15: Bolotin Awards <https://www.nfb.org/bolotin> nominations
   deadline
   - April 15: Survivor Task Force Open Call
   - April 18: Survivor Task Force Open Call
   - May 1: Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award
   <https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award>
   nominations deadlinMay 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
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