<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="line-height:115%;color:rgb(0,176,80)"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"></font></span></b></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">I hope that you are getting to enjoy a slice of spring where you
are. It is nice to be thinking about having more time outside, and the warm air
makes me start to think about our national convention, which is coming around
the corner quickly.<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">Below you will find an announcement regarding the National
Library Service Braille eReader Pilot Project. We want to make sure that the
National Library Service is hearing from regional libraries about the
excitement and demand for the new Braille devices. Whether your library for the
blind is part of the pilot or not, we are encouraging people to call the
regional library and express interest in having a device. We think it is
important to continue to let the library know this program is important so that
the momentum for refreshable Braille devices provided by the National Library
Service continues to build and receive support at all levels of leadership. Get
your library to start keeping a waiting list if they are not part of the pilot
program, and help libraries identify more individuals to participate in the
pilot projects where they exist. We want every Braille display to get out into
the hands of blind people.<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">Thank you for all you do.<span></span></font></p>
<h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Critical
Actions:<span></span></font></span></h1>
<h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><font size="4">Scholarship
Program–Deadline to Submit Is Next Week, March 31:</font><font size="2"><span></span></font></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 awards more than $120,000
to blind scholars across the country. There is still time to submit an
application for the 2021 NFB Scholarship Program. Share this opportunity that
invests in the future of blind people. Learn about the eligibility criteria and
other requirements of the <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program" target="_blank">2021 NFB Scholarship Program</a>.<span></span></font></p>
<h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><font size="4">NLS
eReader Pilot Program:</font><font size="2"><span></span></font></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 Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
(NLS) began a pilot ereader program in four states last September. It is now
time for this program to roll out nationwide. If you are interested in getting
an NLS eReader, we urge you to call the talking book library in your state,
regardless of whether it is part of the pilot program. They should be able to
get you a pilot machine or put you on a waiting list. If you have any
questions, please contact Stephanie Flynt at <a href="mailto:sflynt@nfb.org" target="_blank">sflynt@nfb.org</a>.<span></span></font></p>
<h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">News:<span></span></font></span></h1>
<h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><font size="4">National
Convention Registration:</font><font size="2"><span></span></font></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">A number of you have asked about registering members for
convention who do not have an email account of their own. We strongly encourage
you to not register these members using your email address. This will likely
add to or overwrite your contact information in our database. Instead, you can
complete an accessible, fellable, PDF registration form on the member’s behalf
that may be sent to the national office via email or printed and mailed via US
mail. This form will be available on our convention information page at <a href="http://www.nfb.org/convention" target="_blank">www.nfb.org/convention</a>
by the end of March. Those members wishing to make a donation to the NFB to
defray convention expenses may include a check when mailing in their
registration form. Email and snail mail address information will be included on
the registration form.<span></span></font></p>
<h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><font size="4">Apply
for 2021 Bolotin Awards:</font><font size="2"><span></span></font></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 accepting nominations of
individuals or organizations who are a positive force in the lives of blind
people and help us transform dreams into reality. Each application must include
a letter of recommendation. <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/dr-jacob-bolotin-awards/application-information" target="_blank">Learn more and submit a nomination for the 2021 Dr. Jacob
Bolotin Awards</a>.<span></span></font></p>
<h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><font size="4">New
Resource for Blind Parents of School-Age Children:</font><font size="2"><span></span></font></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 NFB’s new resource, “A Blind Parent’s Essential Guide to
Effective Communication from Public and Private Schools,” is now available at <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/advocacy-resources/blind-parents-essential-guide-effective-communication" target="_blank">https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/advocacy-resources/blind-parents-essential-guide-effective-communication</a>.
Please share this guide with other blind parents in your network.<span></span></font></p>
<h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><font size="4">Access
Technology Affordability Act:</font><font size="2"><span></span></font></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 proved to be another productive week in gaining
cosponsors for the Access Technology Affordability Act. In the House we had
four new cosponsors sign on: Chuy Garcia (IL-4), Tim Burchett (TN-2), Jan
Schakowsky (IL-9), and John Moolenaar (MI-4). This brings our total number of
House cosponsors to 66. In the Senate, Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri signed on
as cosponsor bringing our total number of cosponsors in that chamber up to
thirteen. Well done Illinois, Tennessee, Michigan, and Missouri! Keep up the
great work! It is essential that we continue to build support for this bill. We
will be sending out a legislative alert with further details early this week.<span></span></font></p>
<h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Latest
Blog Post: “Finding a Therapist Who Moved Beyond My Blindness”</font><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><font size="4">:</font><font size="2"><span></span></font></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>Voice of the Nation's Blind Blog</i> highlights
personal experiences and stories of blind people. In the recent article, Gary
Wunder shares his experience needing and finding the assistance of a therapist.
Read the blog, <a href="https://nfb.org/blog/finding-therapist-who-moved-beyond-my-blindness" target="_blank">"Finding
a Therapist Who Moved Beyond My Blindness."</a> If you are interested
in sharing a story, please email <a href="mailto:CommunicationsTeam@nfb.org" target="_blank">CommunicationsTeam@nfb.org</a>.<span></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="line-height:115%"><font size="4">Apple
Mobile Development Seminar<span style="border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">:</span></font></span><span style="font-size:small;line-height:115%"><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 style="color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">On Wednesday, March 31, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.
eastern, the National Federation of the Blind, in collaboration with Apple, is
hosting an app development seminar focused on accessibility. Anyone who
develops or is considering developing apps is encouraged to register for this
Zoom event. There are also limited opportunities to meet directly with Apple
engineers to discuss your app and have your accessibility questions answered. </span><span style="color:black">Take
advantage of this free opportunity, </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings" target="_blank">register for the mobile application development seminar</a> <span style="color:black">today!</span><span></span></font></p>
<h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><font size="4">New
Podcast Episode: A Conversation with the Survivor Task Force:</font><font size="2"><span></span></font></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"><i>Nation’s Blind Podcast</i>hosts, Anil and Melissa, talk
with Marci Carpenter and Daphne Mitchell of the NFB Survivor Task Force. They
discuss who is a survivor, specific challenges and misconceptions blind
survivors face, and more. Listen to <a href="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2021-03/A%20Conversation%20with%20the%20NFB%20Survivor%20Task%20Force.mp3" target="_blank">the latest <i>Nation’s Blind Podcast</i></a> now.<span></span></font></p>
<h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><font size="4">National
Federation of the Blind Engineering Quotient (NFB EQ) Program:</font><font size="2"><span></span></font></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 style="color:black">NFB EQ applications are now open. NFB EQ is going virtual July
5-30. High school students can join us on a month-long adventure into
engineering and problem-solving. No specific level of engineering experience is
required. Engage in activities designed to strengthen knowledge and grow
interests. The deadline to apply is May 10. Learn more and apply now at </span><a href="http://www.nfb.org/eq" target="_blank">www.nfb.org/eq</a><span style="color:black">.</span><span></span></font></p>
<h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><font size="4">Dates
to Keep in Mind:<br>
(all times eastern)</font></font></span></h1><h1><ul><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-weight:normal" size="2">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</font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-weight:normal" size="2">April 5: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.</font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-weight:normal" size="2">April 15: <a href="https://www.nfb.org/bolotin" target="_blank">Bolotin
Awards</a> nominations deadline</font></li><li><a name="m_7936675479689673883_m_2559902259812593003_m_-782855990211917248__Hlk67381336"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-weight:normal" size="2">April 15: Survivor Task Force Open Call</font></a></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-weight:normal" size="2">April 18: Survivor Task Force Open Call</font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-weight:normal" size="2">May 1: <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award" target="_blank">Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award</a> nominations
deadlinMay 3: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.</font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><a name="m_7936675479689673883_m_2559902259812593003_m_-782855990211917248__Hlk67308853" style="font-size:small;font-weight:normal">May 7:</a><span style="font-size:small;font-weight:normal"> </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy" style="font-size:small;font-weight:normal" target="_blank">NFB BELL Academy application</a><span style="font-size:small;font-weight:normal"> deadline (for session one)</span></font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:small;font-weight:normal">May 10: </span><a href="http://www.nfb.org/eq" style="font-size:small;font-weight:normal" target="_blank">NFB EQ
application</a><span style="font-size:small;font-weight:normal"> deadline</span></font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2" style="font-weight:normal">June 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.</font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2" style="font-weight:normal">July 6-10: NFB National Convention, anywhere and everywhere</font></li></ul></h1>
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