[NFBNJ] Important: NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 08/26/2024

[NFB New Jersey]

President’s NotebookNational Federation of the BlindMark A. Riccobono
officeofthepresident at nfb.org410-659-9314



Dear Federation Family,



I just got back from taking my mom to San Francisco. It is fun to utilize
the advancements that have been made because of the collective action of
the Federation. During our time there we took a ride in a Waymo vehicle,
and it reminded me how important it is that we were pioneering
accessibility with the autonomous vehicle industry more than fifteen years
ago. I had a number of other meetings to discuss engagement with the blind
community in emerging technologies. Stay tuned for ways that you can
participate.



Finally, thank you to those who have taken time to write to me about both
the importance of having a message from our President at every chapter
meeting and the opportunities to evolve the format. Your thoughtfulness is
deeply appreciated. For those of you who have not taken the time to share
your thoughts, please know that the door is always open.


Critical Actions:*Upcoming Presidential Release:*

The National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release #541
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases> is
scheduled for Tuesday, September 3, at 8:00 p.m., eastern. Mark your
calendar. Zoom Meeting ID 913 3339 9714
<https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91333399714>. Please submit questions to
cdanielsen at nfb.org with #PR541 in the subject line.


News:*Rideshare Rally in San Francisco:*

The National Federation of the Blind announced an upcoming Rideshare Rally
at the Lyft and Uber headquarters on October 15 in San Francisco,
California. Join our demonstration to protest rideshare discrimination
against blind people using guide dogs and white canes. Please let us know
if you are interested in attending this demonstration by submitting
the Rideshare
Rally Interest Form
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/rideshare-rally-interest>.
Please note: the exact location and rally route will be shared in the
coming weeks with recommended lodging for those traveling to San Francisco.
More details coming soon.


*Blind Equality Achievement Month Planning:*

Remember history. Advance equality. Celebrate accomplishments. The National
Federation of the Blind celebrates the organized blind movement during
October each year. Chapters across the country organize local outreach
events. Submit your events, activities, and celebrations to web at nfb.org, so
they can be posted on https://nfb.org/blind-month. If you need items or
ideas, check out the free literature resources and White Cane Awareness Day
Proclamation <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/view?id=2378&reset=1>.
Reminder: please use Blind Equality Achievement Month, Blind Month, or
#BlindMonth when referring to and promoting activities.



*Promote Voting Resources*

The National Federation of the Blind works to provide information and
resources regarding accessible voting. A great opportunity for affiliates,
chapters, and members is to host a voter registration drive over the next
couple of months to share the voting resources. You can find the resources
at https://nfb.org/vote. Share the importance of voting and the voting
resources on social media, during chapter meetings, and at state
conventions.


*Dare to Be Remarkable Conference:*

Register for the National Federation of the Blind 2024 Dare to Be Remarkable
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/dare-be-remarkable> conference,
a three-day national conference for education and rehabilitation
professionals who work with blind students and adults. The conference will
be held from November 11-13 at the National Federation of the Blind
Jernigan Institute. We also invite you to submit your presentation
proposals for this event. The deadline to submit proposals is September 20.

Registration is $400 until October 5 and $500 after October 6. Register on
our website, Dare to Be Remarkable Conference
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/dare-be-remarkable>.



Please direct all inquiries to the conference organizers, Edward Bell (
ebell at latech.edu or 318-257-4554) or Anil Lewis (alewis at nfb.org or
410-659-9314, extension 2374).


*Access Technology Affordability Act (H.R. 3702/S. 1467):*

In the last couple of weeks, we have gained three new cosponsors on the
Access Technology Affordability Act (H.R. 3702/S. 1467) in the House.
Representative Judy Chu of California, Representative Jerry Carl of
Alabama, and Delegate James Moylan of Guam have all joined in support of
the bill. We now have a total of ninety-eight cosponsors on the Access
Technology Affordability Act in the House of Representatives. We are so
close to that milestone one hundred cosponsor mark, so please keep calling
and emailing your representatives and urge them to cosponsor the Access
Technology Affordability Act, H.R. 3702.



*Braille Calendars*

The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults produces over eight
thousand Braille calendars each year, and they are given free to any blind
or deafblind persons in the United States. These pocket calendars are great
for the office, home, or your travel bag. You can order up to three Braille
calendars via the online form at actionfund.org
<https://actionfund.org/resources/braille-calendars> or by sending an email
to calendars at actionfund.org.


*Advanced PDF Tagging Techniques – Forms:*

The upcoming CENA event, Advanced PDF Tagging Techniques: Forms, will
happen on Tuesday, August 27, from 2:00-3:30 p.m., eastern. Join CENA to
learn how to make fillable forms accessible to screen readers. Register
today at https://nfb.org/form/accessibility-boutique-reg.




Dates to Keep in Mind:

(all times eastern)

   - February 3, 2025: Great Gathering-In
   - February 3-6, 2025: Washington Seminar
   - July 8-13, 2025: National Convention; New Orleans, Louisiana



Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement

   - Wednesday, November 6, 8:00 p.m.




The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and
all blind people in the United States. We know 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. Our collective power, determination,
and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.
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