[NFBNJ] NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 07/23/2024

[NFB New Jersey]

Presid ent’s Notebook

*National Federation of the Blind*

*Mark A. Riccobono*

*officeofthepresident at nfb.org <officeofthepresident at nfb.org>*

*410-659-9314*



Dear Federation Family,



I hope that everyone has recovered and is still on a convention high from
the outstanding movement building we did in Orlando. Things are moving
forward at a rapid pace here at our national office. This week, we are
involved in a number of celebrations for the Americans with Disabilities
Act, which will also afford us opportunities to advance our priorities.



Please also take a minute to complete the 2024 Convention survey so that we
can capture your feedback and reflections.



Stay cool and keep building.



*Critical Actions:*

Upcoming: Presidential Release:

The National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release #540
<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
Meeting ID 979 1008 0432 <https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/97910080432>. Please
submit questions to cdanielsen at nfb.org with #PR540 in the subject line.



*News:*

*National Convention Highlights:*

Thanks again to our members, sponsors, exhibitors, and everyone who made
#NFB24 a success. A post-convention survey is being sent out soon. We are
excited for your feedback. The convention highlights will be posted at
nfb.org/convention by July 31. Access the following highlights, which are
now available:

   - 2024 Banquet Address: “Dignity, Respect, and Determination: The
   Momentum of the Blind People's Movement
   <https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/banquet-speeches/dignity-respect-and-determination-momentum-blind>
   ”
   - 2024 Banquet Address: “Dignity, Respect, and Determination: The
   Momentum of the Blind People's Movement” (audio)
   <https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/08-2024/2024_banguet_speech.mp3>
   - 2024 Presidential Report
   <https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/presidential-reports/2024-presidential-report>
   - 2024 Resolutions
   <https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/resolutions/2024-resolutions>
   - General Sessions and Board of Directors Meeting on YouTube
   <https://www.youtube.com/@NationsBlind/streams>

*NFB-NEWSLINE® Service Disruption Update:*

Earlier this month, NFB-NEWSLINE experienced server disruptions affecting
online services and file reception from publishers. Most services are
restored, but we are actively working to restore the Amazon Alexa skill,
and we are updating newspapers in collaboration with their publishers. For
assistance accessing NFB-NEWSLINE, contact customer service at 866-504-7300
or email nfbnewsline at nfb.org. You can obtain the most up-to-date status of
our system recovery by calling 410-609-7081.



*NABS Mid-Atlantic Student Seminar:*

Register for the National Federation of the Blind National Association of
Blind Students Mid-Atlantic Regional Seminar, to be held August 16-18.
Hosted by the Maryland Association of Blind Students (MDABS), and held at
the Jernigan Institute, it will be an opportunity to immerse yourself in a
transformative experience with engaging workshops, skill-building
activities, and networking opportunities. Please direct questions to MDABS
President Qualik Ford at qford at bism.org. Registration, ending on August 2,
is required at Mid-Atlantic Seminar Registration Form
<https://nabslink.org/civicrm/event/info?id=4&reset=1>



*Special Note:  The NFB of NJ is proud to sponsor three students attending
and we hope about this seminar during our State Convention General Session.*



*Dare to Be Remarkable Conference*

Mark your calendars for November 11-13 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 held at the Jernigan Institute for
education and rehabilitation professionals who work with blind students and
adults to be. Registration is $400 until October 5 and $500 beginning on
October 6. More registration details are coming soon. Please direct all
inquiries to the conference organizers Edward Bell, at ebell at latech.edu or
318-257-4554, or Anil Lewis, at alewis at nfb.org or 410-659-9314, extension
2374.



*NFB Comments on Problems with EAC’s Voter Registration Process:*

Last Friday, we submitted comments to the Election Assistance Commission
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/comments-eac-accessible-digital-form-filler-tool>
regarding
its national voter registration form. We reported problems with the
accessibility of the associated pdf along with the handwritten signature
requirement.



*Blind Americans Return to Work Act:*

On June 28, Congressman Pete Sessions (Texas) introduced the Blind
Americans Return to Work Act in the House of Representatives. Congressman
Kweisi Mfume (Maryland) was the lead cosponsor, and the bill number is H.R.
8878. As a reminder, the Blind Americans Return to Work Act will eliminate
the SSDI earnings cliff by instituting a two-for-one phaseout for any
income earned above the substantial gainful activity threshold. Since
introduction, the bill has already gained a second cosponsor in
Representative Donald Davis of North Carolina. Please be sure to call or
email your member in the House and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 8878, the
Blind Americans Return to Work Act.



*Social Security Administration Kiosks:*

On July 8, the Social Security Administration announced that it now had
ADA-compliant kiosks available in most of their local offices. These new
kiosks are “designed to enhance accessibility and ease of use for all
visitors, particularly those who are blind or have low vision.” One of the
new kiosks was available in the exhibit hall during our national convention.



*Donated Services Reminder:*

Just a reminder to turn in your donated services forms and to please remind
those in your affiliate to do the same. We are tracking less hours this
year than last and this impacts our annual financials, which influence
donors. Please take a few minutes to follow up. Questions can be directed
to Belinda Hooks at extension 2508. Submit your NFB donated services form
here <https://nfb.org/get-involved/donated-services-form>.



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