<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:small;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"><span style="line-height:115%"></span><span style="line-height:115%"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Greetings
all,<br></font></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">To
help 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></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">I
have used headings for easy navigation. Pease read and save for future
reference.<span></span></font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><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></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">****<span></span></font></span></p><h1><font size="2" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><a name="m_2661331538304444964_m_-8991916780686305111_m_4506644173433786484_m_5868950994202076063_m_1412506259006487073_m_-397005143975677"><span style="line-height:115%">President’s Notebook</span></a><span style="line-height:115%"> <br>
Week of February 15, 2021<br>
National Federation of the Blind<br>
Mark A. Riccobono <span></span></span></font></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="line-height:115%"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"> </font></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Dear
Fellow Federationists,<span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">We are
launching a diversity and inclusion survey that is open to all members. We are
currently in the process of building a system so that all future surveys can
also be offered via telephone. Please encourage your chapters to assist people
who might need help completing the survey. Alternatively, <a name="m_2661331538304444964_m_-8991916780686305111_m_4506644173433786484_m_5868950994202076063_m_8670129956804406747__Hlk64369354">members can call </a>Janice
Glenn Kershaw (extension 2413) or email <a href="mailto:diversity@nfb.org" target="_blank">diversity@nfb.org</a> to get
assistance filling out the survey in a more confidential manner if they prefer.
This should give us some important baseline data for our diversity work as we
move forward in 2021. Please help promote this survey and encourage broad
participation.<span></span></font></p><h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font size="2" face="tahoma, sans-serif">News:<br>
National Convention—2021 Update and 2022 Announcement:<span></span></font></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Announced
during the <a href="https://youtu.be/fTFJ2fRD2gw?t=1866" target="_blank">2021 Great
Gathering-In</a>, this year’s national convention
will be held virtually from July 6 through July 10, 2021, with the National
Federation of the Blind of Maryland as our host affiliate. Stay tuned for more
details, which will be posted at <a href="https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention" target="_blank">nfb.org/convention</a>. Registration for the 2021 NFB National Convention will
be coming soon. Also announced, the 2022 NFB National Convention will be held
from July 5-10 in New Orleans, Louisiana.<span></span></font></p><h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font size="2" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Complete
and Share the Diversity and Inclusion Survey:<span></span></font></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">The
National Federation of the Blind is gathering information on diversity and
inclusion from members and leaders in the organization. Please take
approximately fifteen minutes to complete this important survey. The survey
includes a short optional and confidential questionnaire about you. Your
perspective and experiences are needed to develop diversity and inclusion
initiatives for our movement. If you have questions or need assistance with the
survey please connect with <a href="mailto:diversity@nfb.org" target="_blank">diversity@nfb.org</a> or call
410-659-9314 extension 2413.<span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NFB-Diversity-Inclusion" target="_blank">2021
Diversity and Inclusion Survey (English)</a><span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NFB-Diversidad-Inclusion" target="_blank">En
Español: 2021 Encuesta sobre Diversidad e Inclusión</a><span></span></font></p><h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font size="2" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Latest
Podcast: Meet Blindness Tech Pioneer Dean Blazie:<span></span></font></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="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>Nation's
Blind Podcast </i>highlights different themes related to blindness, independent
living, and news from the National Federation of the Blind. On this episode,
Anil and Chris talk with Dean Blazie, who has been working with blind people to
develop technology we can use since the 1960s. Learn more about <a href="https://www.nfb.org/sites/www.nfb.org/files/2021-02/nations_blind_podcast_dean_blazie_2.mp3" target="_blank">Dean and the Braille’n’Speak in the recent podcast episode</a><span></span></font></p><h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font size="2" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Washington
Seminar Recap:<span></span></font></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Last
week’s Washington Seminar is a perfect example of what we can do when we all
work together. We had 393 Congressional meetings—many with the elected member
of Congress. We have twelve more meetings scheduled for this week and five for
next week. Four additional senators have cosponsored the Access Technology
Affordability Act, S. 212: Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Robert Casey (PA), Shelley
Moore Capito (WV), and Lisa Murkowski (AK).<span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">In
addition, we expect a number of additional cosponsors on H.R. 431 when the
House updates its cosponsor count.<span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">We
have had a number of representatives and senators reach out to us regarding our
three other issues. There is no question your advocacy is paying off. We should
have more to report on our issues in the near future. <span></span></font></p><h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font size="2" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Independence
Market Special Items for February:<span></span></font></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Our
product of the month is the Kenneth Jernigan Cornbread Kit. Dr. Jernigan loved
southern fried corn bread and he devised this kit. The kit contains a cast iron
muffin pan that makes twelve scallop-shaped muffins, an oil measurer, disposable
filling cups, and two cooking templates to guide you in getting the batter into
the muffin pan. Dr. Jernigan's "NFB cornbread" recipe is included in
print and Braille (Item # AIK08C; $15.00). Kits are flying off the
shelves and quantities are limited. Order your Kenneth Jernigan Cornbread Kit
today.<span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">The
following products are currently on sale:<span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Carbon
Fiber Rigid Long White Canes with Metal Glide Tips on sale (ACF##S) (Available
in sizes ranging from 49 through 69 inches)<span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Solitaire
and Fox & Geese (two board games in one) ITEM #AIG75G ($10)<span></span></font></p><h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font size="2" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Celebrating
Black Leaders in the National Federation of the Blind:<span></span></font></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">In honor of
Black History Month, on February 27, at 1:00 p.m., join Ron Brown and Shawn
Calloway as they discuss the characteristics of a good leader and how they
became leaders and sustained leadership roles in the National Federation of the
Blind.<span></span></font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Join
Zoom Meeting<br>
<a href="https://zoom.us/j/97730665309" target="_blank">https://zoom.us/j/97730665309</a><br>
<br>
Meeting ID: 977 3066 5309</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br>
One tap mobile<br>
+13017158592,,97730665309# US (Washington DC) 16468769923,,97730665309#<br>
+US (New York)<br>
<br>
Dial by your location<br>
1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)<br>
1 646 876 9923 US (New York)<br>
1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)<br>
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1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)<br>
1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)<br>
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<br>
<span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Meeting
ID: 977 3066 5309<span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in;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><h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font size="2" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Reminders:<br>
Upcoming Accessibility Boutiques and Seminars:<span></span></font></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Accessibility boutiques and seminars are workshops
presented by National Federation of the Blind access technology experts that
provide introductions to accessibility best practices and the latest trends in
access tech. </font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques" target="_blank">Learn more and register today for an accessibility boutique</a>.</font></p><h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font size="2" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Dates
to Keep in Mind:<br>
(all times eastern)<span></span></font></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 43.15pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>March 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.<span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 43.15pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>March 24-26: Jacobus tenBroek Law Symposium<span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 43.15pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>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></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 43.15pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>April 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.<span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 43.15pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>April 15: <a href="https://www.nfb.org/bolotin" target="_blank">Bolotin Awards</a> nominations deadline<span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 43.15pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>May 2: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.<span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 43.15pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>June 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.<span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 43.15pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>July 6-10, 2021: NFB National Convention, anywhere and
everywhere<span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt 43.15pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>July 5-10, 2022: NFB National Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana<span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal">
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