[NFBNJ] Week of April 10, 2023 President Riccobono's Notebook, National Items of Interest and Dates to Keep in Mind

Tue Apr 11 14:38:32 UTC 2023

President’s Notebook

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

Dear Federation Family,

If your neighborhood is like ours here in Baltimore, the signs of spring
are popping up everywhere. In Riverside Park, across the street from our
offices, it sounds like the birds have started their spring convention. It
is wonderful to be out and about more. It is also great to consider the
possibilities it presents for us to continue changing the attitudes of the
public.

As you know from last week’s Presidential Release, we have a lot of
opportunities in front of us. I am grateful for the team we have working on
it in every community across this country.

Please take ten minutes to consider if you have any projects to nominate
for our Bolotin Award process for 2023. Innovative projects in local
communities that have potential to impact a wide range of blind people
going forward are what we are looking to support. Get your nominations in
this week so the committee can consider them.

Critical Actions:

Deadline this Week for 2023 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 2023 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/dr-jacob-bolotin-awards/application-information>
.

Opportunity for First-Time National Convention Attendees:

The Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship provides funding support to
National Federation of the Blind members who want to attend the national
convention in person for the first time. Applications close April 15. Learn
more about the Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship
<https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship>
.

News:

Presidential Release:

The National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release #526 chapter
version
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases> is
available. Additional formats coming soon. Please mark your calendars for
the next Presidential Release scheduled for May 2, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.,
eastern.

Route 66 Ride for Literacy with Dan O’Rourke:

As announced in the April Presidential Release, the National Federation of
the Blind is partnering with Dan O’Rourke, an on-ice official for the
National Hockey League since 1999, for a campaign this summer. At the end
of July, Dan will bike ride from Santa Monica, California, to Chicago,
Illinois, along the famous Route 66 to raise awareness of our mission to
raise expectations of blind people. This is an opportunity for us to
connect with more people across the country—coordinating meet and greets
along the ride. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for partners.
There are still lots of details to coordinate and we will be sharing them
all as they unfold. Learn more at nfb.org/route66 and sign up for email
updates.

Growing Support for Our Legislative Priorities:

Last week we gained four new cosponsors across two of our bills in the
House of Representatives. First, the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility
Act added Representative Frank Mrvan (Indiana), bringing the total number
of cosponsors for that bill up to forty-three. Then, the Transformation to
Competitive Integrated Employment Act added Representatives Chellie Pingree
(Maine), Becca Balint (Vermont), and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Florida)
to bring the total number of cosponsors up to five. This is a strong
showing in the early parts of the 118th Congress, but we need to keep
pressing to really show that our priorities are important, so call or email
your representatives and ask them to cosponsor the Medical Device Nonvisual
Accessibility Act (H.R. 1328) and the Transformation to Competitive
Integrated Employment Act (H.R. 1263).

High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) Exam Experiences:

If you, or someone you know, has interacted with the PSI testing-service
provider while preparing for or taking the High School Equivalency Test (
HiSET) exam, the new alternative to the GED, we encourage you to share your
experience with us. Please email legal at nfb.org if you have any experiences
to share, including interactions regarding both practice tests and testing
materials.

Upcoming Event: Basics of PDF Remediation:

On Tuesday, April 25, the Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access will
present an Accessibility Boutique on creating accessible PDF documents. Come
learn strategies experts use to make digital documents readable by screen
readers! Register for the Basics of PDF Remediation boutique
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=28168&qid=8111077> today.

Where the Blind Work—Investigating the News with Blind Journalists:

Journalism involves interviewing, research, and sometimes extensive travel,
all of which could potentially present barriers to entry for blind people
given society’s low expectations. We are severely underrepresented in the
field, making our perspective even more valuable. Some blind journalists
have been immensely successful. Join us on April 20, 8:00-9:15 p.m., eastern,
to find out how. Registration information is available on our website
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-the-blind-work-webinars-registration>
.

Dates to Keep in Mind: (all times eastern)

   - April 15: Deadline for Bolotin Award
   <https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/dr-jacob-bolotin-awards/application-information%22%20/t%20%22_blank>
    submissions
   - April 15: Deadline for Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship
   <https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship>

   - April 20: Where the Blind Work: Blind Journalists, 8:00 p.m.
   - April 25: Accessibility Boutique: Creating Accessible PDF Documents
   - May 10: Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement, 8:00 p.m.
   - July 1-6: 2023 National Convention; Houston, Texas
   - August 9: Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement, 8:00 p.m.
   - November 8: Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement, 8:00 p.m.
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