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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Greetings all,</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">To stay connected with our National
Office and the work of our organization I am sharing some of President
Riccobono's weekly notebook, National Items of Interest and Dates to Keep in
Mind.<span></span></font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Please read and save for future
reference.<span></span></font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt;line-height:normal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Warmly, <br>
Linda Melendez, President<br>
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey<br>
732-421-7063<br>
Email: <a href="mailto:president@nfbnj.org" target="_blank">president@nfbnj.org</a><span></span></font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">****<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><a name="m_-5644449089696755519_m_5523633350323564716_m_-1553329516353739716_m_-1242579371816077187_OLE_LINK9">President’s
Notebook</a> <br>Week of January 4, 2021<br>
National Federation of the Blind<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Mark A.
Riccobono<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style="margin-top:0in"><span style="font-size:small;font-weight:normal">Dear Fellow
Federationists,</span><br></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">Happy New Year to each
of you. The year is already moving at an accelerated pace. I encourage you to
work to stay engaged with all of our updates, especially this month. </span><br></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial" dir="auto"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">I am sure each of you
tuned in to the Presidential Release last night. You can find the release in
different formats <a href="https://www.nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases" target="_blank">on our website</a>. If you
have not prioritized tuning in live, I would urge you to recognize it is the
best way to stay on the cutting edge of what is happening. I also welcome your
participation and questions in that forum. Last evening we announced two
important actions we are taking. These were <a href="https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-announces-partnership-rainn" target="_blank">our partnership with RAINN</a>
and the establishment of an initial <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/safety-support-marchingtogether" target="_blank">Survivor Taskforce</a>. We
welcome your feedback and ideas as we build this out over the next couple of
months. We are eager to move forward on this important work with RAINN and the
Survivors Task Force.</font><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial" dir="auto"><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"><br></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">News:<span></span></font></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">In the News: “Is It Better to Be a Braille Reader Than a Print
Reader?”:<span></span></font></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Please read the recent
<i>Education and Career News </i>article titled, “<a href="https://www.educationandcareernews.com/literacy-in-america/is-it-better-to-be-a-braille-reader-than-a-print-reader/" target="_blank">Is It Better to Be a Braille Reader
Than a Print Reader?</a>” by Mark Riccobono, with input from Natalie
Shaheen, EdD. This article was featured in <i>USA Today</i> on
December 29 and discusses what is needed to improve literacy for blind
students.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Read the Latest<i>Braille Monitor</i>:<span></span></font></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">The<i>Braille Monitor </i>is
the flagship publication of the National Federation of the Blind. It covers
Federation events and activities, addresses the issues we face as blind people,
and more. Access the January <i>Braille Monitor </i>now:<br>
<a href="https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm21/bm2101/bm2101tc.htm" target="_blank">https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm21/bm2101/bm2101tc.htm</a><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Louis Braille Commemorative Silver Dollar on Sale in Honor of
2021 World Braille Day:<span></span></font></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">During the week of
January 4-8 only, the National Federation of the Blind Independence Market will
be offering special pricing for the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar.
This commemorative coin was issued by the United States Mint in 2009 to honor
the two hundredth anniversary of Louis Braille's birth. The United States Mint
issues only two commemorative silver dollars each year, so it is truly special
that our incredible advocacy led to the recognition of Louis Braille’s
contribution to the literacy of blind people in this way. During this week, the
price of this collector’s coin will be $50.00 plus shipping and handling. To
make a purchase or for further questions, please contact the NFB Independence
Market by phone at 410-659-9314, extension 2216, or by email at <a href="mailto:independencemarket@nfb.org" target="_blank">independencemarket@nfb.org</a>.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Independence Market Product of the Month:<span></span></font></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Independence Market is
starting a new trend for 2021 with the “Product of the Month.” The January 2021
Product of the Month is thermometers, both oral and infrared (non-contact). You
can purchase an oral thermometer from the Independence Market for $18.00 and an
infrared thermometer for $50.00.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Upcoming Accessibility Boutiques (all via Zoom):<span></span></font></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Advocating for
Accessibility—January 26, 2:00-3:30 p.m. eastern<br>
Whether in school, the workplace, or everyday life, we often encounter products
or services that are not accessible. While lawsuits get most of the attention,
many products and services are made accessible through the efforts of their
users. Please join the National Federation of the Blind Center for Excellence
in Nonvisual Accessibility to learn how you can reach companies and work with
them to improve the accessibility of their products. Check our website for updates,
including the link to register.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Future Boutiques:<br>
Accessibility of Virtual Meeting Platforms—February 23, 2:00-3:30 p.m. eastern<b><span></span></b></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">How to Best Utilize Your Smartphone Accessibly—March 30,
2:00-3:30 p.m. eastern<b><span></span></b></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Accessibility of Google Workspace (formerly G Suite)
Products—April 27, 2:00-3:30 p.m. eastern<b><span></span></b></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial" dir="auto"><b><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">National Dates to Keep in Mind:<span></span></font></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">(all times eastern)<span></span></font></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">January 18: <a href="https://actionfund.org/programs/braille-readers-are-leaders" target="_blank">Braille Readers Are Leaders</a>
registration (and page count) deadline<span></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">January 26: Advocating for
Accessibility, 2:00-3:30 p.m.<span></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">February 1: Presidential
Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.<span></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">February 8: <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar" target="_blank">Washington Seminar</a> Great
Gathering-In<span></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">February 23: Accessibility of
Virtual Meeting Platforms, 2:00-3:30 p.m.<span></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">March 1: Presidential Release
LIVE, 8:00 p.m.<span></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">March 24-26: Jacobus tenBroek
Law Symposium<span></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">March 31: <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program/scholarship-program-application-checklist" target="_blank">Scholarship application</a>
deadline<span></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">April 1: Presidential Release
LIVE, 8:00 p.m.<span></span></font></li>
</ul>
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