[NFBNJ] NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 04/18/2022 President’s Notebook

[Linda Melendez]

*National Federation of the Blind*

*Mark A. Riccobono*

*officeofthepresident at nfb.org* <officeofthepresident at nfb.org>

*410-659-9314    *



Dear Federation Family,


I am writing to you from somewhere above ten thousand feet over the state
of Missouri. Traveling is part of what I do for the National Federation of
the Blind. Visiting blind people in local communities reminds me of both
how similar we are and how diverse our organization is. It is truly great
to be on the road with Federation members again. Being in person with one
another makes a big difference. Keep up the work to get cosponsors on our
bills. Now is the time to get our priorities noticed by congress.
News: 2022 National Convention Registration Is Open:

The 2022 National Federation of the Blind National Convention registration
is now open until May 31, 2022. Registration is $25 per person. Banquet
tickets for Sunday, July 10, are $70 per person. Please review our 2022
National Convention Safety Protocols
<https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2022-national-convention-safety-protocols>
 and the National Federation of the Blind Code of Conduct
<https://nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct> prior to
registering. Register online now!
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=479> Details regarding
convention can be found at nfb.org/convention
<https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention>.
Upcoming Presidential Release:

The next Presidential Release will take place Monday, May 2, at 8:00 p.m.,
eastern. The monthly Presidential Release provides important updates and
perspectives of the organized blind movement, and the live event includes a
Q&A session. Submit questions in advance to cdanielsen at nfb.org and put
PR516 in the subject line, or call 410-659-9314, extension 2473. Zoom
details coming soon.
State Advocacy on Ending Subminimum Wages:

On April 14, 2022, Governor Bill Lee (R-TN) signed the Tennessee Integrated
and Meaningful Employment Act, SB2042. Effective on July 1, 2022, this law
would eliminate the practice of paying subminimum wages to workers with
disabilities in Tennessee. This makes thirteen states that will no longer
permit Section 14(c) certificates, ensuring fair wages for workers with
disabilities. We would like to congratulate the efforts of our Tennessee
affiliate and hope this will help us to continue the momentum to keep
building cosponsors for the Transformation to Competitive Integrated
Employment Act, S. 3238/H.R. 2373.
NFB Comments on the AbilityOne Draft Strategic Plan:

Last week we submitted our official comments on the AbilityOne Draft
Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2022-2026
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/comments-abilityone-draft-strategic-plan-fiscal-years>.
While we were generally pleased with the direction of the strategic plan
for the future of the AbilityOne Program, there are still some areas that
need improvement. I encourage you to read about our specific concerns in
the comments, and to check out some of our other recent policy positions on
the Policy Statements page
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements> of our
website.

Furthermore, over the weekend the AbilityOne Commission announced that it
would be extending the comment period to April 30, so if you would like to read
the Strategic Plan
<https://www.regulations.gov/docket/CPPBSD-2022-0003/document> and submit
your own comments
<https://www.regulations.gov/document/CPPBSD-2022-0003-0002>, we encourage
you to do so.
Help Reach 100k for “We’re With U!” Concert:

This past weekend featured a historic event: over one hundred blind
performers from across the world, more than twenty different radio streams,
and the global blind community came together to raise over $85,000 for the
blind of Ukraine. All done within twelve hours. Thank you to everyone who
contributed by sharing performances, donating dollars, and tuning into the
“We’re With U!” concert. A special thanks to our host, Jonathan Mosen at
Mushroom FM. We are still taking contributions to help support the World
Blind Union’s Ukrainian Unity Fund with a goal of $100,000. Your support is
greatly appreciated. nfb.org/BlindWithU
<https://nfb.org/get-involved/we-are-with-u-benefit-concert>*. *#BlindWithU The
“We’re With U” concert is now available on demand
<https://mushroomfm.com/BlindWithU>.
Deadline Approaching for Blind Educator of the Year Award:

The Blind Educator of the Year Award is open for nominations. The award
pays tribute to a blind teacher whose exceptional classroom performance,
notable community service, and uncommon commitment to the NFB merits
national recognition. Deadline for nominations is May 1. Learn more about
the Blind Educator of the Year Award
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/blind-educator-year-award>
.
Upcoming Event: Braille for Beginners on April 26:

Learn all about the basics of Braille, how it is produced, and tips and
tricks for beginners. Join the National Federation of the Blind on Tuesday,
April 26, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., eastern, to discuss Braille with
accessibility specialists. Take advantage of this free opportunity and
register for
the accessibility boutique
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration>
 today!
Panel of Successfully Employed Blind Educators:

Join us as we celebrate the work and accomplishments of blind and
low-vision educators with a panel discussion on Wednesday, April 27, at
8:00 p.m., eastern. Register at
https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-the-blind-work-webinars-registration
.
Dates to Keep in Mind: (all times eastern)


   - April 26: Braille for Beginners Accessibility Boutique
   <https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration>
   - April 27: Successfully Employed Blind Educator Panel
   <https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-the-blind-work-webinars-registration>
   - May 1: Deadline for Distinguished Educator of Blind Students award
   <https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award>
   - May 31: Convention registration
   <https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=479> closes
   - July 5-10: National Convention
   <https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention>, New Orleans
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