[NFBNJ] NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 02/24/2025

[NFBNJ President]

*President’s Notebook*

*National Federation of the Blind*

*Mark A. Riccobono*

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

*410-659-9314*



Dear Federation Family,

It is hard to believe that March is almost here. It has been a great start
to 2025 for the Federation, and this is largely due to your outstanding
efforts to organize at the local level. Keep up the great work.

I am looking forward to our best national convention ever, this summer in
New Orleans. I welcome your suggestions about excellent program items for
the general sessions. Please note that registration will open later this
week.

Finally, many of you have written to us about Innosearch AI. As you may
know, we had them on the NFB’s *Access On* podcast, and I am in the process
of planning a meeting with the executives of the company. We do not have a
formal partnership with them. If that changes, I will let you know. We are
hopeful that they will have a strong presence at the convention and that we
will have a strong working relationship going forward. Stay tuned on
Innosearch AI and theration.



*Critical Actions:*

*Mark Your Calendar: Presidential Release Live on March 6:*

The next Presidential Release Live will be Thursday, March 6, at 8:00 p.m.,
Eastern. Zoom details are below. Attend to get the latest updates on the
movement, ask questions, and hear important perspectives on the organized
blind movement.

Presidential Release Live Zoom:

https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91752100862

One Tap Mobile: +13017158592,,91752100862# US (Washington, DC)

Zoom ID: 91752100862



*News:*

*Federal Workers Impacted by Recent Layoffs:*

We know that federal employees with disabilities have been
disproportionately affected by recent reductions in the federal workforce
and we are doing all we can to help our blind colleagues. If you are a
federal worker impacted by the government layoffs and are interested in
information on career opportunities through the National Federation of the
Blind Employment Initiatives, please submit the Employment Interest Form
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/general-interest-form> to
receive announcements regarding career opportunities.

*Upcoming Presidential Release Recording for Chapters:*

The next National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release chapter
version will be published on Friday, February 28. The chapter version is
intended to be played during each chapter meeting throughout the month and
used for discussion among members. Access the chapter version and live
details
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases>.

*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. 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. Learn more
about the Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award>
.

*Submit Nominations for Blind Educator of the Year Award:*

The Blind Educator of the Year Award
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/blind-educator-year-award>
pays
tribute to a blind teacher whose exceptional classroom performance, notable
community service, and commitment to the organized blind movement merit
national recognition. Submit nominations to the committee chairperson,
Robin House, via email at robin at mindsrealm.net. Letters of nomination must
be accompanied by a copy of the nominee’s current résumé and supporting
documentation of community and Federation activity.

*Jacobus tenBroek Disability Rights Law Symposium:*

The Jacobus tenBroek Disability Rights Law Symposium is the largest
disability rights law symposium in the world and will be held from
Thursday, March 20, through Friday, March 21, right here in the Jernigan
Institute. In-person registration is open through March 7 and virtual
registration will stay open until March 14. Fees are $200 for in-person
attendance, $150 for virtual attendance, and a discounted rate of $25 for
students.

Registration for in-person attendance:
https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=616

Registration for virtual attendance:
https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=617

More information about the symposium can be found at Jacobus tenBroek
Disability Law Symposium | National Federation of the Blind
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/jacobus-tenbroek-disability-law-symposium>


*Blind Americans Return to Work Act:*

The Blind Americans Return to Work Act, H.R. 1175, was introduced in the
House on February 10. We will be issuing a legislative alert to all
listservs on Tuesday, February 25, urging all National Federation of the
Blind members to contact their United States representative and urge them
to cosponsor the.

*Recent Press Releases to Share:*

Please read and share the following press releases:

   - “National Federation of the Blind Commends the Introductions of Blind
   Americans Return to Work Act
   <https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-commends-introductions-blind-americans-return-work>
   ”
   - “Statement from the National Federation of the Blind on the Harmful
   Stereotyping of Blind People in Political Discourse
   <https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/statement-national-federation-blind-harmful-stereotyping-blind-people-political>
   ”

 *Dates to Keep in Mind:*

(all times Eastern)

   - February 28: Deadline to register for IEP Advocacy Academy
   - March 20-21: Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium, registration
   deadline is March 7
   - May 16-17: Diabetes Action Network; Baltimore, Maryland; registration
   coming soon
   - July 8-13: National Convention; New Orleans, Louisiana





Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement

   - Wednesday, May 7
   - Wednesday, August 6
   - Wednesday, November 5
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