[NFBNJ] NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 07/24/2021

Mon Jul 24 16:12:21 UTC 2023

LPresident’s Notebook

National Federation of the Blind

Mark A. Riccobono

officeofthepresident at nfb.org

410-659-9314

Dear Federation Family,

Cheers to you for an outstanding national convention. The work of our
delegates, the engagement of our volunteers across the convention, and the
outstanding work of our staff made this our best convention ever. Thank you
to each of you for executing your parts of the convention and for jumping
in when you found a need.

Coming out of the convention there are many great things happening. This
week we will kick off our Ride for Literacy efforts in addition to hosting
the United States Access Board, celebrating the Americans with Disabilities
Act and our commitment to the work left unfinished, and kicking off our NFB
BELL In-Home Edition. Things have not slowed down after the national
convention.

Enjoy this special week ahead.

Critical Actions:

U.S. Access Board at Jernigan Institute:

The U.S. Access Board will hold a public town hall meeting on Tuesday, July
25, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., eastern, at the headquarters of the National
Federation of the Blind in Baltimore, Maryland. Attend in person or
virtually. Learn more about the upcoming Access Board meeting.
<https://www.access-board.gov/news/2023/03/30/u-s-access-board-to-hold-town-hall-meeting-in-baltimore/>

News:

National Convention Highlights:

Thanks again to our members, sponsors, exhibitors, and everyone who made
#NFB23 a success. A post-convention survey is being sent out this week. We
are excited for your feedback. The convention highlights will be posted at
nfb.org/convention by July 31. Access the following highlights now
available.

·    2023 Banquet Address: Belief, Courage, and Wisdom: Centering on the
Blind People’s Movement
<https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/banquet-speeches/belief-courage-and-wisdom-centering-blind-peoples>

·    2023 Presidential Report
<https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/presidential-reports/2023-presidential-report>

·    2023 Resolutions
<https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/resolutions/2023-resolutions>

·    General Sessions and Board of Directors Meeting on YouTube
<https://www.youtube.com/@NationsBlind/streams>

Upcoming: Presidential Release:

The National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release #529
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases> is
scheduled for Tuesday, August 1, at 8:00 p.m., eastern. Mark your calendar.
Zoom details coming soon.

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Hearing on Autonomous Vehicles:

On Wednesday, July 26, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce
Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce will be conducting a
legislative hearing titled “Self-Driving Vehicle Legislative Framework:
Enhancing Safety, Improving Lives and Mobility, and Beating China.” I was
asked to testify at this hearing regarding the impact of autonomous
vehicles on people with disabilities. The hearing begins at 10:30 a.m.,
eastern, and will be in the Rayburn House Office Building in room 2322. It
is open to the public for in-person attendance, or you can watch it online
via the Energy and Commerce Committee website
<https://energycommerce.house.gov/events/innovation-data-and-commerce-subcommittee-hearing-1>
.

Uber Town Hall/Listening Session:

As I mentioned in the 2023 Presidential Report
<https://u32452178.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=mTCu8dGvOkl-2BXqaCK8sZ2XZsIV-2FIHwCJ1wu82RzQMT8t64jmb9bmcUogA-2Bzxye9vRNGJ0NBYj-2FqT-2FL45JPC63-2B-2Bu1hAgAKCc9t5USw7Ov88-3DGAr0_-2FRWZngb3c1ml-2BuKo9uafT-2F1OcrZ-2Bq55sKh8pJLha9Oi2pPYgHae80RuJomZBKMMOTRxk8vRoEjC8gT99h67DSUE4pDNpYij1FOKE8jXtO4wZoirhBaJkgcq-2BosKWeKwNdXkOdMJsssUOMb6sTEqjsIX25P20iU6ROhQp6Lqgvn7k5m23ZHWHoT3ujAEFp2XQ945Vtgvlcwn482G4IZqk3g-3D-3D>,
a persistent problem we face is the denial by rideshare drivers who refuse
to transport us because of our guide dogs and, sometimes, even just because
we are blind people. The National Federation of the Blind has redoubled our
efforts to make progress, but there is still much work to do. Please join
us for a town hall listening session with Uber on Thursday, July 27, at
3:00 p.m., eastern. The Zoom information to access the meeting is:

https://uber.zoom.us/j/99960753787?pwd=akwxTzBlQnNiak5FVmw2OHVQVytvdz09
<https://u32452178.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=mTCu8dGvOkl-2BXqaCK8sZ2XZsIV-2FIHwCJ1wu82RzQMT8t64jmb9bmcUogA-2Bzxye9vN59vFFYy5oAhkZzGAjypNvXmMiWneHOXdWvjC6JdZbs-3DVkEU_-2FRWZngb3c1ml-2BuKo9uafT-2F1OcrZ-2Bq55sKh8pJLha9Oi2pPYgHae80RuJomZBKMMOWpSjHhIm-2BDLbPon0ISSH1Z8z2NDHyhZZvWBZ-2FcEkIljtTIsG8V7AWyqv19huHvAHUAsdnDLHoIwriHxmcYsyVa2RodJpvIzG72g-2FFzp9A4Pn1JkP1AYhI-2FePJvma6e7ZJBExmMlnA8BuGZsXEFoQpg-3D-3D>

Meeting ID: 999 6075 3787
Password: 743850
Dial by your location
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
        +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
        +1 564 217 2000 US

Thank You:

The NFB staff would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the hundreds of
volunteers who helped in the Independence Market this year at the
convention. You all have once again allowed so many of our members and
visitors to see how we can bring an entire store to convention and make it
run in an efficient manner.

You certainly could have not given of your time and chosen to spend it
doing several other things at convention, but you gave of your time and
talents to help. Just know we are standing and applauding you all!!

Dates to Keep in Mind:(all times eastern)

   - July 25: U.S. Access Board Town Hall, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
   - July 27: Uber Town Hall Listening Session, 3:00 p.m.
   - August 1: Presidential Release Live, 8:00 p.m.
   - August 9: Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement, 8:00 p.m.
   - September 7 and 10: Chapter Presidents Call, 8:00 p.m. (Blind Equality
   Achievement Month)
   - November 8: Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement, 8:00 p.m.
   - December 7 and 10: Chapter Presidents Call, 8:00 p.m. (Planning the
   Year Ahead)
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