<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Greetings
all,<span></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"> </font></span></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%"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"> </font></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">I
have used headings for easy navigation. Please read and save for future
reference.<span></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12pt"><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></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">****<span></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a name="m_2053850820678799148_m_4506644173433786484_m_5868950994202076"><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">President’s
Notebook <br>
Week of March 1, 2021<br>
National Federation of the Blind<br>
Mark A. Riccobono <span></span></font></span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a name="m_2053850820678799148_m_4506644173433786484_m_5868950994202076"><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></span></a></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"><span><span><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span>It’s
March and that definitely has me thinking about the year we have been socially
distanced from each other. March 1, 2020, was the departure day for our last
major weekend event at the NFB Jernigan Institute—our last in-person leadership
seminar. Although it has been a hard year not gathering in the same physical
spaces as other Federationists, I continue to be inspired by the work,
innovation, and togetherness that have been generated during this past year.</span><span></span></font></span></span></span></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2"><span>Complete and Share the
Diversity and Inclusion Survey:</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><span><span><span><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 by March 15.
The survey includes a short, optional, confidential questionnaire about you. Your
perspective and experiences are needed to develop diversity and inclusion
initiatives for our movement.<span></span></font></span></span></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"><span><span><span><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NFB-Diversity-Inclusion" target="_blank"></a></span></span><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NFB-Diversity-Inclusion" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>2021
Diversity and Inclusion Survey (English)</span></span></span></span></a></span><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"><span><span><span><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NFB-Diversidad-Inclusion" target="_blank"></a></span></span><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NFB-Diversidad-Inclusion" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>En
Español: 2021 Encuesta sobre Diversidad e Inclusión</span></span></span></span></a></span><span></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2"><span>National Convention—Stronger
Together: Transforming and Unifying Our Future:</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><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span><span>Plan
to attend the National Federation of the Blind 2021 National Convention, July
6-10, being held virtually. Our national convention is the largest gathering of
blind people, and this year will be bigger and better than ever. We are eager
to connect more blind Americans from anywhere to build opportunities everywhere.
Registration is now open and free! While there is no registration fee to
attend, please consider a donation if you are in a position to do so. Register
today at <a href="https://www.nfb.org/convention" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>https:\\nfb.org/convention</span></span></span></span></a></span></span><span><span><span><span>.<span></span></span></span></span></span></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">In
order to participate in the convention voting process you will have to register
and have your 2021 dues paid no later than May 31, 2021.<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"><span><span><span><span>We
need your ideas about the program items, training, and other sessions you would
like to discover at #NFB21. Please send those great ideas to me at </span><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank"></a></span></span><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></span></span></span></a></span><span>.<span></span></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Presidential Release:<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"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span><span><span style="line-height:115%"><span><span>In case you missed it last night, the </span><a href="https://www.nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/presidential-reports" target="_blank"></a></span></span></span><a href="https://www.nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/presidential-reports" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>March
Presidential Release</span></span></span></span></a></span><span> is now available on our
website.<span></span></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Pedestrian Safety Enhancement
Act:<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"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">The
Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act is in full effect! One hundred percent of all
hybrid and electric vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021, must
comply with the law and the associated regulation. Congratulations to all
Federationists who helped make this law a reality. The roads of America are
safer for all pedestrians, especially blind pedestrians!<span></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Latest Blog Post: “Did I Say
That Was OK with Me? Understanding Consent and Boundaries”:<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"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span><span><span><span>The
<i>Voice of the Nation's Blind Blog</i> highlights personal experiences
and stories of blind people. In the recent article, Sarah Meyer shares her
story and the importance of honoring your own and others’ boundaries. </span><a href="https://www.nfb.org/blog/did-i-say-was-ok-me-understanding-consent-and-boundaries" target="_blank"></a></span></span><a href="https://www.nfb.org/blog/did-i-say-was-ok-me-understanding-consent-and-boundaries" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>Read the
recent blog post, “Did I Say That Was OK with Me? Understanding Consent and
Boundaries.</span></span></span></span></a></span><u><span><span><span style="color:blue"><span><span>”</span></span></span></span></span></u><span></span><span></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Upcoming Event: Advocating for
Accessibility:<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"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span><span><span><span>On
March 9, learn how you can reach companies and work with them to improve the
accessibility of their products. 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. </span><a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques" target="_blank"></a></span></span><a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>Learn more
and register today for an accessibility boutique</span></span></span></span></a></span><span>.<span></span></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2"><span>Letter to Governors:</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"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span><span><span><span>In
February, President Riccobono wrote to all governors regarding the urgent need
to ensure access for individuals with disabilities to COVID-19 vaccines and
tests. A copy of the letter is available on the </span><a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements" target="_blank"></a></span></span><a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>NFB’s Policy
Statements</span></span></span></span></a></span><span> webpage. We will soon be releasing a survey
to help us gather data regarding COVID-19 vaccine and testing-related
discrimination and will be encouraging affiliates to contact their local
COVID-19 vaccine and test-administrating agency to request information about
how accessibility is being implemented at the local level. Please stay tuned.<span></span></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2"><span>Legal Program Contact Us Form:</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"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span><span><span><span>The
NFB has created a legal program contact us form, available via our </span><a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program" target="_blank"></a></span></span><a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>legal webpage</span></span></span></span></a></span><span>. We invite
you to contact the NFB regarding blindness-related legal concerns and
questions. While we cannot assist with every request, we can often connect
members with resources and tools for advocacy.<span></span></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Unemployment Benefits Survey:<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><span><span><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">The
NFB is investigating barriers and denials related to unemployment benefits. If
you have been terminated or laid off from your job within the last two years,
please take time to complete our important survey, available at the NFB’s legal
webpage.<span></span></font></span></span></span></span></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">NFB BELL Academy<sup>®</sup>:<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><span><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span>The
National Federation of the Blind is offering three virtual programs of the NFB
BELL Academy this summer to prepare blind and low-vision children to grow into
confident and independent blind people by enhancing their education. Options
are available for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students for the
following dates:</span><span></span></font></span></span></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"><span><span><span><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Session 1 - June 7-18, 2021<span></span></font></span></span></span></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"><span><span><span><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Session 2 - July 19-30, 2021<span></span></font></span></span></span></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"><span><span><span><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Session 3 - August 9-20, 2021<span></span></font></span></span></span></span></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Jacobus tenBroek Law Symposium Keynote
Speaker Announced:<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><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span><span><span>Kathy
Martinez, who recently joined Disability Rights Advocates as president and CEO,
will be the keynote speaker for the 2021 Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law
Symposium. An internationally recognized disability rights advocate, Ms.
Martinez previously served as senior vice president at Wells Fargo, as US
Assistant Secretary of the Office of Disability Employment Policy, and as
executive director of the World Institute on Disability. Don’t miss this
opportunity to j</span></span></span><span><span><span><span>oin nationally renowned disability rights
advocates at the United States’ leading disability law symposium, held
virtually this year March 24–26, as we examine issues relating to race,
diversity, inclusion, and the right to live in the world. Registration is $100,
and student registration is free. Visit the <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/jacobus-tenbroek-disability-law-symposium" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>law symposium webpage</span></span></span></span></a></span></span><span><span><span><span> to register and view the
agenda and speaker bios. Registration will close on March 10, 2021.<span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></font></span></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2"><span>Post-Washington Seminar Update:</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><span><span><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Despite
not being able to assemble in person for the 2021 Washington Seminar, we were
still able to ensure that the presence of the National Federation of the Blind
was felt throughout the halls of Congress. Due to your advocacy, the number of
cosponsors for the Access Technology Affordability Act more than doubled in
both the House and the Senate. We gained twenty-nine new House cosponsors for
ATAA and seven new Senate cosponsors. Additionally, we have received
significant interest and requests for more information on each of our other
legislative priorities as well. Thank you so much for all of your hard work and
advocacy that helped make this year’s Washington Seminar a success.<span></span></font></span></span></span></span></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Letters to Congress:<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><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span><span>In
the past two weeks, I have sent two very important letters to Congress
regarding <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-congressional-leaders-regarding-amendments-hr-1" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>voting accessibility</span></span></span></span></a></span></span><span><span><span><span> and the <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/open-letter-regarding-american-rescue-plan-subminimum-2021-02-22" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>elimination of subminimum wages</span></span></span></span></a></span></span><span><span><span><span> for
Americans with disabilities. I encourage you to read both letters on the <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>Policy Statements page</span></span></span></span></a></span></span><span><span><span><span> of our website. As a general
reminder, the Policy Statements page is where we will post any important
correspondence from the National Federation of the Blind to Congress or the
executive branch of the federal government. We also post all of our responses to
requests for comments or information from any of the federal agencies in this
section of our website. So If you would like to know what our position on a
particular issue is, the Policy Statements page is the place to check.<span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></font></span></span></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Independence Market March Product
of the Month:<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><span><span><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Kenneth
Jernigan Map of the United States: This colorful take-apart topographical
puzzle map makes it fun and interesting to learn about various geographical
features of the United States. Each state is a puzzle piece. The major rivers,
mountain chains, state capitals, and latitude and longitude lines, are all
indicated tactilely. Underneath the puzzle pieces the map shows the boundaries
of all fifty states with Braille state abbreviations. The map measures 32 1/2 ×
18 inches and includes Braille and print reference guides that give facts about
each state. AIG19M $250.00</font></span></span></span></span></p><h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Independence Market March
Sale Items:<span></span></font></h1><p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span>·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal"><span> </span></span></span>Plastic
Envelope Writing Guide AIL08G $1.00<span></span></font></span></span></p><p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span>·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal"><span> </span></span></span>Plastic
Letter Writing Guide AIL12G $1.00<span></span></font></span></span></p><p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span>·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal"><span> </span></span></span>2X
Illuminated Magnifier with 6X Insert and Folding Handle AIL103M $5.00<span></span></font></span></span></p><p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span>·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal"><span> </span></span></span>Carbon
Fiber Rigid Long White Cane with Metal Glide Tip (available in sizes from 49
through 69 inches in two-inch increments) ACF##S $15.00<span></span></font></span></span></p><p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span>·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal"><span> </span></span></span>Solitaire
and Fox & Geese (two board games in one) AIG75G $10.00<span></span></font></span></span></p><h1><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Scholarship
Program–Deadline Approaching:<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"><span><span><span><span>The
National Federation of the Blind awards more than $120,000 to blind scholars
across the country. The application process is open until March 31, and we
encourage students to start the process now. Review the scholarship application
checklist and the scholarship program FAQs. Share this opportunity that invests
in the future of blind people. </span><a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program" target="_blank"></a></span></span><a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>Learn about
the eligibility and requirements of the 2021 scholarship program and start the
application process now.</span></span></span></span></a></span><span></span></font></p><h1><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Dates
to Keep in Mind:<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><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">(all times eastern)<span></span></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"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">March 24-26: Jacobus tenBroek Law Symposium<span></span></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"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span>March 31: <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program/scholarship-program-application-checklist" target="_blank"><span>Scholarship application</span></a></span><span> deadline<span></span></span></font></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"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">April 5: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.<span></span></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"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">April 15: <a href="https://www.nfb.org/bolotin" target="_blank"><span>Bolotin Awards</span></a> nominations deadline<span></span></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"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">May 3: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.<span></span></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"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">June 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.<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">
<font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;background:white"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">July 6-10: NFB National Convention, anywhere
and everywhere</font><font face="Tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-size:14pt"><span></span></font></span></p></div><div><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div><div></div></div><div dir="auto"></div><font color="#888888"></font></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>