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<DIV dir=ltr>
<DIV style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri'; COLOR: #000000">
<DIV>Greetings to all!</DIV>
<DIV>Received from Richard Fox,NFBNJ President of the Northern Chapter
</DIV>
<DIV>Press Release received from Chris Danielsen, NFB, Baltimore,
Maryland</DIV>
<DIV>Our voices must be heard!</DIV>
<DIV>Joe </DIV>
<DIV>---</DIV>
<DIV>
<DIV
style='FONT-SIZE: small; TEXT-DECORATION: none; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri";
FONT-WEIGHT: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-STYLE: normal; DISPLAY:
inline'><B>Sent:</B>
Saturday, March 21, 2020 10:58 AM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt tahoma">
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: #f5f5f5">
<DIV><B>To:</B> <A title=NCBStaff@nfb.org href="mailto:NCBStaff@nfb.org">NCB
Staff</A> ; <A title=state-affiliate-leadership-list@nfbnet.org
href="mailto:state-affiliate-leadership-list@nfbnet.org">State Affiliate
Leadership List</A> ; <A title=nfbnet-members-list@nfbnet.org
href="mailto:nfbnet-members-list@nfbnet.org">nfbnet-members-list@nfbnet.org</A>
</DIV>
<DIV><B>Cc:</B> <A title=CDanielsen@nfb.org
href="mailto:CDanielsen@nfb.org">Danielsen, Chris</A> </DIV>
<DIV><B>Subject:</B> [State-Affiliate-Leadership-List] National Federation
of
the Blind Demands that Policymakers Protect and Assist Blind Students During
COVID-19 Emergency</DIV></DIV></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV></DIV>
<DIV
style='FONT-SIZE: small; TEXT-DECORATION: none; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri";
FONT-WEIGHT: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-STYLE: normal; DISPLAY: inline'>
<DIV class=WordSection1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white"><STRONG><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE</SPAN></STRONG><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR:
black'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1
style="BOX-SIZING: border-box; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 7.5pt; BACKGROUND: white;
COLOR: ; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt:
22.5pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 39pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; FONT-WEIGHT:
normal; COLOR: black'>National
Federation of the Blind Demands that Policymakers Protect and Assist Blind
Students During COVID-19 Emergency<o:p></o:p></SPAN></H1>
<P
style="BOX-SIZING: border-box; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15pt; BACKGROUND: white;
MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><STRONG><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR:
black'>Washington,
DC (March 20, 2020):</SPAN></STRONG><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>
The
National Federation of the Blind, America’s civil rights organization of the
blind, today expressed its absolute opposition to any proposal in COVID-19
emergency legislation, or any other legislative or regulatory action, that
would
undermine the rights of blind students and other students with disabilities
under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and other applicable
laws
during the crisis.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="BOX-SIZING: border-box; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15pt; BACKGROUND: white;
MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>“Congress
is considering actions that would threaten the educational rights of blind
students like my two daughters and jeopardize the provision of accessible
textbooks and course materials, Braille instruction, and much more – all at
a
time when blind students need these services the most given that many public
schools are closed and they, like their peers, are expected to learn at
home,”
said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. “We
all
recognize the national COVID-19 emergency, but it does not justify
discrimination against the blind or other students with disabilities.
Instead of
cruelly undermining the rights of the blind and others, Congress should
provide
additional resources to school systems so that they can better meet the
needs of
students with disabilities during this crisis. Lawmakers should not relegate
disabled students to second-class status by undermining our rights while
providing relief and assistance to other groups and industries affected by
this
emergency. The National Federation of the Blind will remain vigilant and
continue to vigorously oppose any provision or action that erodes the
fundamental right of blind students to an equal
education.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H2
style="BOX-SIZING: border-box; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 7.5pt; BACKGROUND: white;
COLOR: ; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt:
22.5pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 27pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; FONT-WEIGHT:
normal; COLOR: black'>What
You Can Do<o:p></o:p></SPAN></H2>
<P
style="BOX-SIZING: border-box; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15pt; BACKGROUND: white;
MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR:
black'>Call or
email your two senators today and ask them to vote against this proposal.
Currently offices are swamped with phone calls, so it may be better to email
your two senators and advocate against any legislation that could undermine
the
rights of people with disabilities.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="BOX-SIZING: border-box; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15pt; BACKGROUND: white;
MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR:
black'>When
you call or email, you might say something like the
following:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="BOX-SIZING: border-box; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15pt; BACKGROUND: white;
MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR:
black'>"Hello,
my name is [your name] and I am a constituent of [your senator]. I live in
[city, state]. I am calling to urge [your senator] to advocate against any
legislation that could undermine the rights of people with disabilities.
While
the COVID-19 outbreak has placed a tremendous and unprecedented strain on
schools and districts, it is imperative that we work together to find
solutions
that allow children to receive equal access to an education and the services
that support them without undoing all of their civil and educational rights.
I
am writing as a concerned (parent, teacher, blind person, etc.) to urge you
to
reject any provision that would negatively impact the civil rights of people
with disabilities. Please support your constituents with disabilities in
achieving equality, opportunity, and security during this critical time in
America.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="BOX-SIZING: border-box; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15pt; BACKGROUND: white;
MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR:
black'>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="BOX-SIZING: border-box; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15pt; BACKGROUND: white;
MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR:
black'>(Your
Name)”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="BOX-SIZING: border-box; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15pt; BACKGROUND: white;
MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>You
can
contact your senators by calling the Capitol Switchboard and asking for the
office in question. The number is 202-224-3121. If you email your senators,
please copy Stephanie Flynt at <A href="mailto:sflynt@nfb.org"><SPAN
style="COLOR: #005aa3">sflynt@nfb.org</SPAN></A>. Your calls and emails do
make
a difference.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="BOX-SIZING: border-box; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15pt; BACKGROUND: white;
MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>It
is
best to call or email the relevant education staffer in your member of
Congress's office. If you need the name and email of the appropriate staff
person for any Senate office, please email Jesa Medders at <A
href="mailto:jmedders@nfb.org"><SPAN
style="COLOR: #005aa3">jmedders@nfb.org</SPAN></A>.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="BOX-SIZING: border-box; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15pt; BACKGROUND: white;
MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><STRONG><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR:
black'>###</SPAN></STRONG><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR:
black'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P
style="BOX-SIZING: border-box; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15pt; BACKGROUND: white;
MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><STRONG><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR:
black'>About
the National Federation of the Blind</SPAN></STRONG><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR:
black'><BR>The
National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore, is the
oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in
1940,
the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the fifty states,
Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The NFB defends the rights of blind people
of
all ages, and provides information and support to families with blind
children,
older Americans who are losing vision, and more. We believe in the hopes and
dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into reality.
Learn
more about our many programs and initiatives at <A
href="https://www.nfb.org/"><SPAN
style="COLOR: #005aa3">nfb.org</SPAN></A>.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR:
black'>CONTACT<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR:
black'>Chris
Danielsen<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR:
black'>Director
of Public Relations<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR:
black'>National
Federation of the Blind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR:
black'>410-659-9314,
extension 2330<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR:
black'>410-262-1281
(cell)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 13.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'><A
href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org"><SPAN
style="COLOR: #005aa3">cdanielsen@nfb.org</SPAN></A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal>this press release is also available at: <A
href="https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-demands-policymakers-protect-and-assist-blind">https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-demands-policymakers-protect-and-assist-blind</A><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal>Christopher S. Danielsen, J.D.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal>Director of Public Relations<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal>200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal>(410) 659-9314, Ext. 2330 |
cdanielsen@nfb.org<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal>Twitter: @rlawyer <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><A href="https://nfb.org/"><SPAN
style="TEXT-DECORATION: none; COLOR: blue"><IMG id=_x0000_i1028 border=0
alt="National Federation of the Blind"
src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/nfblogo.png" width=262
height=95></SPAN></A><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P
class=MsoNormal>
<A href="http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind"><SPAN
style="TEXT-DECORATION: none; COLOR: blue"><IMG id=_x0000_i1027 border=0
alt=Facebook src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/facebook.png"
width=30 height=30></SPAN></A> <A
href="https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice"><SPAN
style="TEXT-DECORATION: none; COLOR: blue"><IMG id=_x0000_i1026 border=0
alt=Twitter src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/twitter.png"
width=30
height=30></SPAN></A> <A
href="https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind"><SPAN
style="TEXT-DECORATION: none; COLOR: blue"><IMG id=_x0000_i1025 border=0
alt=Youtube src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/youtube.png"
width=30
height=30></SPAN></A><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind is a community of
members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s
blind.
Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.
<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><o:p></o:p> </P></DIV>
<P>
<HR>
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