[NFBNJ] NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 04/22/2024

Wed Apr 24 12:00:00 UTC 2024

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

Dear Federation Family,

I send this notebook with a significant appreciation for the importance of
our chosen family here in this movement. Thank you to the many among you
who have checked in, provided support, and offered me grace in the past
three weeks. I want you to know that I am back in the saddle and working to
catch up.

As always, the information flow will steadily increase between now and our
national convention in July. See below for other convention-specific
updates.

Speaking of convention, you have likely heard rumbling that our main hotel
is already full during some nights of the convention. This is, in fact, the
case. John Berggren is working closely with the Rosen team to make
additional arrangements and clarify policies. It seems as though demand for
attendance at our convention is on the rise, and you all are doing a great
job mobilizing interest. Please know we will be doing our part to make sure
the resources are available in Orlando to accommodate all who want to be at
our annual business meeting and family reunion.
Critical Actions:*May Presidential Release:*

The May Presidential Release
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases> is
scheduled for Wednesday, May 1, at 8:00 p.m., eastern. Each Presidential
Release Live includes a question-and-answer session. These questions can be
about recent activities or common questions members have about being in the
organized blind movement. Please submit questions early to
cdanielsen at nfb.org. <cdanielsen at nfb.org--questions> Zoom ID 916 7812 4399
<https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91678124399>.

*Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award:*

The deadline to submit applications for the Distinguished Educator of Blind
Students Award is May 1, 2024. Go to
https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award
for
information and to submit an application.
Convention:*Grant from National Association of Blind Veterans:*

The National Association of Blind Veterans is offering a grant for
first-time convention attendees who are veterans. If you have questions
about this grant, please reach out to Vernon Humphrey at
mr_president at nabv.org. Please share this message with your members who are
vets.
News:Department of Justice ADA Title II Website Accessibility Final Rule:

Earlier this month, the United States Department of Justice released the
final rule regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II website
accessibility regulations. On April 10, the Federation published our
official statement on the release of the rule
<https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-applauds-us-department-justice-web-and-mobile-content>,
which can be read in its entirety on the Policy Statements page
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements> of our
website.
April Legislative Update:

Throughout the month of April, we have gained a total of four new
cosponsors across two of our bills in the House. First, the Websites and
Software Applications Accessibility Act (H.R. 5813) gained Jamie Raskin of
Maryland and Colin Allred of Texas. Second, the Medical Device Nonvisual
Accessibility Act (H.R. 1328) gained André Carson of Indiana and also Colin
Allred of Texas. Way to go Indiana, Maryland, and Texas! Keep up the great
work.
*Advocate and Track with Us: Report Web Inaccessibility:*

Your advocacy makes a difference. The National Federation of the Blind
tracks and reviews many platforms, websites, software, and products for
accessibility. Given the vast number of inaccessible apps and websites, it
is vital that we work together to report issues, educate companies, and
help make many more products and services accessible. Learn about
self-advocacy for accessibility and tracking inaccessibility:
https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-accessibility/self-advocacy-toolkit-and-tracking-form
.
*Catch Up on Content and Share on Social Media:*

Highlights, news, and stories are available in the most recent *Braille
Monitor*, *Future Reflections*, *Nation’s Blind Podcast*, and *Voice of the
Nation’s Blind Blog*. The following are National Federation of the Blind
publications for you to access and share with Federationists. These
articles and episodes are great to share on affiliate and division social
media to create discussions on various topics.

   - April *Braille Monitor*
   <https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm24/bm2404/bm2404tc.htm>
   - *Nation's Blind Podcast* episode, “Not Letting the Flood of Doubt Win
   <https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/nations-blind-podcast>”
   - Blog article*, “*Project BOLD: Fostering Inclusion through Immersion
   and Observation
   <https://nfb.org/blog/project-bold-fostering-inclusion-through-immersion-and-observation>
   *”*

*Do You Have a Favorite Kernel Book Story?*:

The National Federation of the Blind's Kernel Book series highlights the
stories of blind people and goes beyond sentimentality and
misconceptions—to the very "kernel" of blindness. They are a great way to
have philosophy discussions with members. Read and share the Kernel Books
online
<https://nfb.org/resources/jacobus-tenbroek-library/collections/kernel-books>
series.
Let us know which story you recommend the most by emailing us at
communications at nfb.org and share why it is your favorite.
Dates to Keep in Mind:

(all times eastern)

   - May 1: Deadline for Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award
   <https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award>
    nominations
   - July 3-8: National Convention; Orlando, Florida

Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement

   - Wednesday, May 8, 8:00 p.m.
   - Wednesday, August 7, 8:00 p.m.
   - Wednesday, November 6, 8:00 p.m.

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.
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