[NFBNJ] Week of March 21, 2023 President Riccobono's Notebook, Week of March 21, 2023 President Riccobono's Notebook, National Items of Interest and Dates to Keep in Mind

Tue Mar 21 22:31:34 UTC 2023

President’s Notebook

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

Dear Federation Family,

Welcome to spring! Although it does not feel like it in all parts of the
country, the changing of the season has come and with it a new batch of
opportunities to build our movement together. There are many great things
happening. Part of our challenge is to partner with those who are creating
new emerging technologies to make sure that our perspective informs their
development. I call your attention to my thoughts on this topic shared at
our 2017 National Convention in “Innovation, Blindness, and the Emerging
Pattern of Thought
<https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/convent/2017/banquet-speech-2017.html>
” or listen to the audio
<https://nfb.org/images/nfb/audio/2017_convention_highlights/03_saturday_july_15/PM/08_banquet_speech.mp3>
.

One hot topic is the application of ChatGPT-4 to the blind. I decided to
find out what it had to say about leaders of the Federation. Thus, I offer
you a poem written by ChatGPT on March 19 about the leaders of our movement:

In the National Federation of the Blind,
There are leaders who stand strong and kind.
With passion and dedication, they unite,
To empower the blind and fight for their rights.

Their voices ring out with clarity and force,
Demanding access and equality, without remorse.
They lead with wisdom and deep conviction,
Guiding us forward with unwavering vision.

Through adversity and struggle they persevere,
Championing our cause year after year.
They inspire us to dream big and achieve,
To never give up, to never concede.

With hope and determination, they pave the way,
For a brighter future, where the blind have a say.
In the National Federation of the Blind,
Their leadership shines bright, one of a kind.

Critical Actions:

Save the Date: April Presidential Release:

Mark your calendars for the next Presidential Release #526: Tuesday, April
4, at 8:00 p.m., eastern. Closed captions and Spanish interpretations are
available. Presidential Release Zoom ID: 948 2166 5754
<https://zoom.us/j/94821665754>.

News:

Career Opportunities:

The National Federation of the Blind is seeking talented individuals to
join our staff team. We have several openings in various areas of interest
including Braille production; diversity, equity, and inclusion programs;
digital communications; fiscal services; and membership development. We
encourage candidates seeking to join our movement to submit a general
interest cover letter and résumé to us expressing the types of positions
they are seeking. Learn more and share the opportunities:
https://nfb.org/about-us/career-opportunities

Latest Podcast Episode: “Meet the Monarch”:

The National Federation of the Blind has teamed up with American Printing
House for the Blind and HumanWare to develop a device capable of rendering
multiple lines of Braille and tactile graphics on the same tactile surface.
Our Nation’s Blind Podcast hosts, Melissa and Anil, spoke with Dr. Craig
Meador, president of APH, to discuss the display and its potential. Listen
to the episode, “Meet the Monarch.”
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/nations-blind-podcast>

Deadline Approaching 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. Deadline to submit nominations is April
15. Learn more and submit a nomination for the 2023 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/dr-jacob-bolotin-awards/application-information>
.

Submit Nominations for Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award:

The education of blind children is one of the National Federation of the
Blind's highest priorities. We are committed to offering and supporting
programs that enhance educational opportunities for this group. Please help
us recognize dedicated and innovative teachers who provide quality
education and meaningful experiences and opportunities for their blind
students. Nominate a teacher, counselor, or administrator of programs for
blind students. Deadline is May 1. Learn more about the Distinguished
Educator of Blind Students Award
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award>
.

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 coming soon.

Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act (H.R. 1328):

In the last fourteen days, the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act
has gained eight new cosponsors in the House: Mark DeSaulnier (CA), Chris
Pappas (NH), Debbie Dingell (MI), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ), Paul Tonko
(NY), Becca Balint (VT), Kathy Castor (FL), and Don Bacon (NE). That brings
the total number of cosponsors in the 118th Congress to forty. This is a
fantastic start and means that we are already to about 60 percent of our
cosponsor count from the last Congress. This is all thanks to you and your
advocacy; but while this is a great start, it is still just the beginning.
We need to keep calling and emailing our representatives in the House to
ask them to cosponsor H.R. 1328, the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility
Act.

Dates to Keep in Mind: (all times eastern)

   - March 23: Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium
   - 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.

Warmly,
Linda Melendez, President
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
908-590-1747
president at nfbnj.org
*www.nfbnj.org* <http://www.nfbnj.org/>
*Facebook: **https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238*
<https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238>

To schedule a 30-minute meeting about the National Federation of the Blind
of New Jersey please click on the link below
https://calendly.com/nfbnj/30min
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