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<DIV
style='FONT-SIZE: small; TEXT-DECORATION: none; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri"; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-STYLE: normal; DISPLAY: inline'>Greetings
to all!<o:p></o:p></DIV>
<DIV class=WordSection1>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p><FONT size=3></FONT></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>I am writing this message during the March blizzard of
2017. As the snow comes down, let’s think of spring and the activities
planned to raise the expectations to live the life we want as we transform
dreams into reality. The affiliate will be establishing two committees; The
Spanish and the Sports and Recreation committees. Information will be
distributed shortly. In addition, in early April we will distribute an updated
list of contacts for the NFBNJ, a list of local chapters, division information
and highlights pertaining to committees, programs and projects to review and
share with others. We have much to offer as our members continue to get and stay
involved to raise the expectations to live the life we want.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Joe Ruffalo, President<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>National Federation of the Blind of New
Jersey<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>973 743 0075<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><A
href="mailto:Nfbnj1@verizon.net">Nfbnj1@verizon.net</A><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><A
href="http://www.nfbnj.org">www.nfbnj.org</A><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>****<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Items of Interest:<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>1. Blindparents.org<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>2. Creation of the NFBNJ YouTube
channel<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>3. Increasing membership<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>4. State convention update and surfing
opportunity<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>5. Introduction of the TIME Act<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>6. Information on Social Security forms<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>1. The NFB has launched <A
href="http://www.blindparents.org/">blindparents.org</A> as a new resource for
blind parents, blind people thinking of becoming parents, blind grandparents,
professionals, and other family members. Right now the site has wonderful
information, but we need it to grow. Here are the things we are looking for in
order to truly make <A href="http://www.blindparents.org/">blindparents.org</A>
our own.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>We need your stories: We need written accounts of
experiences you have had parenting.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>We need stories from kids and/or adults who have blind
parents. These do not need to be long—just from the heart.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>We need videos: There are many different techniques blind
parents use every day to care for children. We need videos explaining and
showing these techniques. Again, these do not have to be too long, and it would
be best to focus on one specific task in each video—although it would be fine to
talk about the different ways you might complete the task if that is
appropriate.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>We especially need these videos in Spanish, and we would
welcome other languages as well.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>We need product reviews: There are so many products out
there that make our lives as parents just a little easier. Some are completely
mainstream products such as baby carriers. Others are more blindness specific
like talking thermometers. What are your favorite products, or what things do or
did you find particularly useful? Please consider writing product reviews so
others who are looking for information have a place to go to find opinions of
other blind parents like them.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>We need mentees—and mentors: We recently began our blind
parent mentor program. We have had a nice response of mentors, but very few
mentees. Don’t be shy! Feel free to sign up as a mentor or mentee
today!<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>We need your feedback: What is this website missing? What
else do we need to make it great? Please, take a look and let us know what you
think!<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>The email address for the Blind Parent Initiative is <A
href="mailto:parenting@nfb.org">parenting@nfb.org</A> Melissa Riccobono is
helping with this project. She can be reached by phone at 410-659-9314 Ext.
2466.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>****<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>2. As many of you are aware, we created
a YouTube channel prior to state convention. The channel is called
NFBNJTransformDreams and it currently has 27 subscribers.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>To view the channel, please visit <A
href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKEDbjGsCYHMlwd4gqpBPjg">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKEDbjGsCYHMlwd4gqpBPjg</A>
and hopefully you will become a subscriber to the channel.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>As you may have noted, the ending of the URL doesn’t
really tell you what the channel really is. In order to customize the URL for
our YouTube channel, we need at least 100 subscribers.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>After you visit the channel, please view some of the
videos, subscribe to the channel, and tell your friends to subscribe to the
channel as well.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>In order to subscribe, navigate to the subscribe button
and press ENTER (or click) on it, then log in using your Gmail user information
(YouTube is owned by Google), after that point you become a subscriber to the
channel.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Thank you for your assistance in this
matter.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Brian A. Mackey<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>609 953 6988<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><A
href="mailto:Bmackey88@gmail.com">Bmackey88@gmail.com</A><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>****<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>3. Increasing Membership
Campaign<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Fellow Federationists:<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>During the month of March, we will be running a social
media campaign to increase membership. Our goal is to encourage new members to
join by sharing the stories of how the NFB changes lives. As affiliate and
chapter presidents, we need your leadership to make this campaign a success.
First, we ask that you share your story, and encourage your members to share
theirs, on social media (Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram) using
#WhyImAFederationist. Tell us what the NFB means to you or how the NFB has
helped you. Second, we are asking that each chapter set a goal for themselves of
bringing on at least one new member by March 31.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Finally, we want to welcome new members into the
Federation family. To this end, we ask that you fill out the new member form, <A
href="http://www.nfb.org/new-member-form">www.nfb.org/new-member-form</A>. If
applicable, please also include the new member’s Twitter handle. If you have any
questions, please contact me at <A
href="mailto:seller@nfb.org">seller@nfb.org</A> or (410) 659-9314, extension
2423.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Best,<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Stephanie Eller<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Coordinator of Strategic Partnerships<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>(410) 659-9314, 2423 | <A
href="mailto:seller@nfb.org">seller@nfb.org</A><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>****<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>4. State convention update and surfing
opportunity<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Greetings to all!<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>There is nothing like planning ahead.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>The affiliate is planning the 41st state convention
scheduled from Thursday, November 9 through Sunday, November 12, 2017, at the
Holiday Inn, 151 Route 72 East in Manahawkin.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>For any early birds, you can make your hotel reservations
by calling the hotel in Manahawkin at 609 481 6100 and use code,
NFB.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>The second surfing experience, surfing for vision to be
held in Long Branch on Saturday, August 12,2017 and plans are underway to enjoy
an experience of a lifetime.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Michael Benson has provided information for all to
consider.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Yes, we are less than five months from raising
expectations with riding the surf to live the life we want as we know that there
is life after blindness! We have lost our eyesight however, we haven't lost our
vision!<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>The fifty spots will go fast and therefore, please
consider joining me and others as we surf out of our comfort
zones!<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Note, as of this writing, we have nearly 30 registered.
Don’t delay, get to it!<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>See below.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>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 have the life you want; blindness
does not hold us back.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>**<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Michael Benson has 50 surfing spots this year and he
wants to offer them first to the members of the NFBNJ. Remember, nearly 30 have
registered!<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>The website is ready to take registrations. The date will
be Saturday August 12th in long Branch. The times will be determined due
to tides and the exact beach is being planned but the date is set and
registration is open.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Michael will begin to start contacting
those who surfed last year soon.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Please visit the following website, <A
href="http://www.visualexperiencefoundation.org/surfer-registration">http://www.visualexperiencefoundation.org/surfer-registration</A><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Michael Benson<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Founder<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>VISUAL EXPERIENCE FOUNDATION<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>PO Box 346<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Spring Lake, NJ 07762<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Tele:732-616-3304<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Email : <A
href="mailto:michael@lovevision.org">michael@lovevision.org</A><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Web: <A
href="http://www.visualexperiencefoundation.org">www.visualexperiencefoundation.org</A><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Facebook/visualexperiencefoundation<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><A
href="http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/visual-experience-foundation-takes-man-losing-vision-grand-29815832">http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/visual-experience-foundation-takes-man-losing-vision-grand-29815832</A><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>****<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p><FONT size=3></FONT></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>5. TIME Act Introduced:<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Congressman Harper has introduced the Transitioning to
Integrated and Meaningful Employment (TIME) Act to remove barriers to employment
opportunities for people with disabilities by phasing out Section 14(c) of the
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and facilitating the transitioning of people
with disabilities now working in segregated employment settings into competitive
employment opportunities in their communities.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p><FONT size=3></FONT></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p><FONT size=3>**** </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p><FONT size=3></FONT></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>6. Social Security Forms:<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>The NFB is seeking members who currently receive social
security benefits and would like social security forms to be accessible and
available online, so that blind individuals can privately and independently
complete these forms. We are particularly interested in hearing from members who
are iOS users. Please contact Valerie Yingling at <A
href="mailto:vyingling@nfb.org">vyingling@nfb.org</A> to discuss how you can
help NFB push the Social Security Administration toward accessibility. </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><FONT size=3></FONT> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Thank you for your continued support.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>We care. We share. We grow. We make a
difference<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Joe Ruffalo, President<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>National Federation of the Blind of New
Jersey<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>973 743 0075<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><A
href="mailto:nfbnj1@verizon.net">nfbnj1@verizon.net</A><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><A
href="http://www.nfbnj.org">www.nfbnj.org</A><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Your old car keys can be keys to literacy for the
blind.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Donate your unwanted vehicle to us by clicking <A
href="http://www.carshelpingtheblind.org">www.carshelpingtheblind.org</A> or
call 855 659 9314 <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p><FONT size=3></FONT></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV></BODY></HTML>