[NFBNJ] NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 09/23/2024

Tue Sep 24 23:35:46 UTC 2024

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

News:*End of September Legislation Surge:*

Both the House and the Senate will be in session through the end of this
week before they both go into a district work period until after the
November elections. That makes this week the perfect time to call or email
your members of Congress and urge them to cosponsor our legislation. When
you call or email, please ask them to cosponsor:

   - Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act (H.R. 5813/S.
   2984)
   - Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act (H.R. 1328/S. 3621)
   - Blind Americans Return to Work Act (H.R. 8878)
   - Access Technology Affordability Act (H.R. 3702/S. 1467)
   - Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (H.R. 1263/S.
   533)

*Uber Research Survey:*

We have recently received communications from several Federationists who
have been invited to participate in research conducted by Uber. Naturally,
many of these Federation members were concerned about how Uber knew the
person the email was sent to was blind. We reached out to Uber and were
told that they used “a number of data points associated with users’
accounts to make guesses about which users might be good candidates to
participate.” In this case the data points used were Uber communication
channels between riders and drivers that used words such as “blind” or “low
vision.” Uber went on to say that they use this information only to conduct
the research and that they do not “record, store, or retain this
information beyond sending the invitations.” The National Federation of the
Blind feels that rideshare companies have some work to do to prevent
discrimination against and ensure equal access for blind customers. We
encourage blind customers to participate in this research to give
meaningful feedback to Uber.

*Bay Bridge Run:*

The National Organization of Parents of Blind Children invites you to
participate in the Bay Bridge Run this fall! On November 10, 2024, join
team National Federation of the Blind Dreamers, led by the NOPBC Board of
Directors. Whether you’re running or walking, participating in person or
virtually, this is your chance to help bridge the gap between blind people
and our dreams. Want to get your chapter or affiliate involved? NFB
chapters can sponsor a participant (or a group!) by helping them register
and fundraise. To learn more about how to participate, attend the
informational session on Monday, September 30, from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m.,
eastern.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/7733076440?pwd=RSs1M1ZYcWk5WVFOdEFIOEF5UkpmZz09&omn=96477831121

Meeting ID: 773 307 6440

Register for the race at https://nfb.org/BayBridge.

*New PAC Plan Processing Date:*

The National Federation of the Blind is now processing PAC contributions on
the 2nd of the month. Those who want to start giving through PAC and
current donors can go to https://nfb.org/pac <http://www.nfb.org/PAC> to
complete the form to sign up or make a change to an existing monthly
contribution. Don’t worry, we are still processing on the four original
dates of the 10th, 15th, 20th, and 28th of the month, and we are adding the
2nd as an additional date. If you have any questions about this addition or
your current contribution, please contact us at pac at nfb.org or 877-NFB-2PAC
(877-632-2722).

Reminders:*Virtual Career Fair:*

The deadline to register for the National Federation of the Blind Virtual
Career Fair is October 4 by 5:00 p.m., eastern. This event will be held
October 22, 1:00–4:00 p.m., eastern, via Zoom. Jobseekers, this is an
opportunity to find your occupational passion. Employers, this is a chance
to connect with great talent.

Career Fair – Jobseeker Registration
<https://nfb.org/form/career-fair-jobseeker-registration>
Career Fair – Employer Registration
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=606>

Jobseekers, please direct all questions to jobseeker liaison Lia Stone at
evangeliastone at gmail.com.

Employers, please direct all questions to employer liaison Charles Bennett
at cbennett at cocenter.org.

*Dare To Be Remarkable Conference:*

The deadline for early registration for the National Federation of the
Blind 2024 Dare to Be Remarkable
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/dare-be-remarkable> conference
is October 5. The conference will be held from November 11-13 at the
National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute.

Registration is $400 until October 5 and $500 after October 6.

Register for Dare to Be Remarkable Conference
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/dare-be-remarkable>

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.

*Where The Blind Work Webinar:*

Join us for an informative discussion featuring a panel of professionals
who are changing what it means to be blind in the blindness rehabilitation
field. Our panelists are:

   - Colin Wong, National Orientation & Mobility/Blindness Education
   Consultant, Washington; PhD student, University of South Dakota
   - Yadiel Sotomayor, Access Technology Instructor, Virginia
   Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired, Virginia
   - Charles Acheson, Certified Assistive Technology Instruction Specialist
   (CATIS), Colorado Center for The Blind, Colorado

We look forward to your participation on October 24, 8:00–9:00 p.m.,
eastern, via Zoom. Register for the Where the Blind Work Webinar
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-the-blind-work-webinars-registration>
.

Dates to Keep in Mind: (all times eastern)

   - October 15: Rideshare Rally
   - November 10: Bay Bridge Run
   - 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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