<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><b><span style="line-height:115%;color:rgb(0,176,80)"></span></b></font></div>
<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%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">To stay connected with our National Office and with
the work of our organization I am sharing some of President Riccobono's weekly
notebook<span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:small"> (sent to affiliate presidents)</span>, 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">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="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">Dear
Federation Family,</span><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"><br></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="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">Every
day I hear more and more from Federation members who are eager to get back
together in person. I am optimistic that those days are coming. I do want to
caution our leaders to continue to take a measured and thoughtful approach to
in-person<span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:small"> </span>meetings<span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:small"> or events</span>. As we know, access to the vaccine has been difficult for
many segments of the blind community, and we do not want to create divides or
force people into uncomfortable situations by rushing to in-person meetings<span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:small"> or events</span>.
Trust me, I am ready to get back together in person, but I recognize we are not
there yet.</span><br></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><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></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"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:small"><b>Comments from President Melendez:</b> Our 2021 National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey State Convention will be held virtually. In addition, we will not be holding any in-person affiliate, chapter or division events until further notice.</span><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"><span><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></span></span></p>
<span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span></span></font></span><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><span class="gmail_default"></span>I
hope that you have already read </span><a href="https://nfb.org/blog/open-letter-safety-and-support-progress" target="_blank"></a></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/blog/open-letter-safety-and-support-progress" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>my open
letter on safety and support</span></span></span></span></a></span><span><span> that we released on
Thursday as part of the planned updates to my letter of December 16 (</span><a href="https://nfb.org/blog/carta-abierta-sobre-los-avances-en-materia-de-seguridad-y-apoyo" target="_blank"></a></span><a href="https://nfb.org/blog/carta-abierta-sobre-los-avances-en-materia-de-seguridad-y-apoyo" target="_blank"><span>also
available in Spanish</span></a><span>). This letter will also be in
the May issue of the <i>Braille Monitor</i>. I invite you to make sure all
of our members have read it, and I encourage you to invite people to continue
to contribute to the work of our task force.<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"><span><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">As
the Federation marches forward, it is always good to pause and celebrate where
we have been. A note of congratulations to the National Federation of the Blind
of Washington, which celebrated its fortieth anniversary days ago. I had the
opportunity to join a Zoom celebration this weekend. I did not know previously
that the expansion of our Washington affiliate in April 1981 was the first time
Hazel tenBroek had taken on an elected position in the Federation. Last week we
had a visit to our building from her son, Dutch tenBroek, whom many of you have
heard speak. Both Dutch's visit and the new learning about the depth of Hazel's
roles in our movement remind me how true the term “Federation Family” is, and
how meaningful the generations of family involvement are to the strength and
stability of our movement. It is also a good reminder of how critical it is to
archive the history of our affiliates at our tenBroek Library for use by future
generations. Thanks to our Washington affiliate for continuing to contribute
significantly to our national work.</font></span></span><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"> </span></p>
<font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span>
<h1><span style="line-height:115%"><span><span><span><span><font size="4">News:</font><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1>
</span>
</font><h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><font size="4">Attend the Next Presidential
Release on May 3—Captioning and Spanish Available:</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><span><span><span>The
next Presidential Release of the National Federation of the Blind will be
delivered on Monday, May 3, at 8:00 p.m. eastern. After the remarks there is an
opportunity for questions. Submit questions in advance to </span><a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org" target="_blank"></a></span></span><a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>cdanielsen@nfb.org</span></span></span></span></a></span><span> and put
PR505 in the subject line, or call 410-659-9314, extension 2473. Closed
captions and Spanish interpretation will be available. Mark your calendars!
Zoom details will be available soon. You can also access the live stream on
your favorite Amazon device by asking Alexa to play Nation’s Blind.</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 class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:small"></span></p><h1><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:115%">S. 1 and Accessible Voting:<span></span></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 class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:small"></span><br></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>Monday
of last week (April 12) we sent out a legislative alert regarding some of our
concerns with S. 1, the For the People Act. These concerns are in the areas of
accessible in-person voting and accessible vote-by-mail. Specifically, we are
asking that Congress make two amendments to the legislation: the first would
require that at least two accessible ballot-marking devices are in each polling
place and are actively and specifically offered to voters with and without
disabilities; the second would ensure that states maintain the requirements for
accessible voting mandated in the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Help
America Vote Act. I also wrote an </span><a href="https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/548596-changing-the-world-one-ballot-at-a-time" target="_blank"></a></span></span><a href="https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/548596-changing-the-world-one-ballot-at-a-time" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>op-ed on this
topic that was published in <i>The Hill</i></span></span></span></span></a></span><span> on
Friday, April 16. I encourage you to read it.<span></span></span></font></p>
<h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><font size="4">Distinguished Educator of Blind
Students Award—Deadline May 1:</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"><span><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span><span>Every
year, the National Federation of the Blind Distinguished Educator of Blind
Students Award recognizes an outstanding teacher of blind students. The
education of blind children is one of our highest priorities. Please help us
recognize dedicated and innovative teachers who provide quality education and
meaningful experiences and opportunities for their blind students. <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award?q=programs-services%2Fscholarships-and-awards%2Fdistinguished-educator-blind-students-award" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>Learn more about Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award</span></span></span></span></a></span></span><span><span><span><span> and nominate
an individual by May 1.<span></span></span></span></span></span></font></span></span></p>
<h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><font size="4">Latest Blog Posts: Read about
Audio Descriptions and Fundraising:</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"><span><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">The
Voice of the Nation's Blind Blog highlights personal experiences
and stories of blind people. Read and share one of the recent articles below:<span></span></font></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: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><span>·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal"></span> </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/blog/pork-chops-taste-good-bacon-tastes-good-why-i-am-advocate-audio-description" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>"’Pork
Chops Taste Good, Bacon Tastes Good!’ Why I Am an Advocate for Audio Description</span></span></span></span></a><span>” by Everette
Bacon<span></span></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><font size="4"><span style="line-height:115%">Nation’s Blind Podcast</span><span style="line-height:115%"></span> Episode on Diversity and Inclusion:</font><font size="2"><span></span></font></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>Nation's
Blind Podcast</i> highlights different themes related to blindness,
independent living, and news from the National Federation of the Blind. Hosts
Anil and Melissa talk with Colin Wong, who co-chairs the Diversity and
Inclusion Committee of the Federation. Access </span><a href="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2021-04/nations_blind_podcast_diversity_equity_and_inclusion_01.mp3" target="_blank"></a></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2021-04/nations_blind_podcast_diversity_equity_and_inclusion_01.mp3" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(0,62,112);background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span><span><span><span>April 14, 2021 – Diversity and Inclusion in the
National Federation of the Blind</span></span></span></span></span></a></span><span> or
subscribe and listen by searching for <i>Nation's Blind Podcast</i> in
your podcast client.<span></span></span></font></p>
<h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><font size="4">Give $20 Convention Drawing:</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><span><span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span><span>Each year, thousands of Federation members and friends make
donations to fund our great programs. Your continued support is needed. When
you participate in the </span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=20749&qid=5147870" target="_blank"></a></span><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=20749&qid=5147870" target="_blank"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span><span><span><span>Give $20 campaign</span></span></span></span></span></a></span><span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span><span><span><span> you will be entered into the Give $20 convention drawing
(formerly known as the Kenneth Jernigan convention drawing) AND help our work
to change lives for blind people across the country.</span></span></span><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><span></span></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"><span><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">How
to Contribute and Qualify:<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"><span><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></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"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><i><span><span><span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Please note: The drawing is for individuals and is not
intended for contributions by divisions, state affiliates, or chapters.</span></span></span></i><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><span><span><br></span></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><span>Y</span></span></span></span></font><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">ou
must specify a fund in order to be entered into the drawing. You can do this by
using our <a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=45" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=45" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(0,90,163)">Give $20 online donation form</span></a></span><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"> or
writing in the memo if giving by check. Choose one of the following funds:
Kenneth Jernigan Fund, SUN Fund, White Cane Fund, or the tenBroek Fund. </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>Y</span></font><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">our
donation will be counted for the drawing regardless of which fund you designate.</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="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"></p><ul><li><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=45" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(0,90,163)">Donate online now</span></a></li><li><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">Donate
via phone by calling our donation line at 410-659-9314, extension 2282.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">Send a
check to Attention: Give20, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan
Institute, 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230. Be sure to have
"Give 20" and the fund you are donating to in the memo.</span></li></ul><p></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><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></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"><span><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Thank
you for your support!<span></span></font></span></span></p>
<h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Dates to Keep in Mind:<span></span></font></span></h1>
<h1><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">(all
times eastern)</font></span></h1><h1><ul><li><a name="m_2242630343399948977_m_-7754440191971834284_m_-6109296142977150153_m_-5650565408060740425_m_1129365069755805537__Hlk67308830" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:small;font-weight:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal"> </span><span style="font-weight:normal"><font size="2">May 1: </font></span></a><span style="font-weight:normal"><font size="2"><a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif" target="_blank">Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award</a><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"> nominations
deadline</span></font></span></li><li><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight:normal"><font size="2">May 3: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.</font></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:normal"><font size="2"><a name="m_2242630343399948977_m_-7754440191971834284_m_-6109296142977150153_m_-5650565408060740425_m_1129365069755805537__Hlk67308853" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">May 7: </a><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif" target="_blank">NFB BELL<sup>®</sup> Academy
application</a><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"> deadline (for session one</span><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">)</span></font></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:normal"><font size="2">May 10: <a href="http://www.nfb.org/eq" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.nfb.org/eq" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif" target="_blank">NFB EQ application</a><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"> deadline</span></font></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:normal"><font size="2">June 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.</font></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:normal"><font size="2">July 6-10: NFB National Convention, anywhere
and everywhere</font></span></li></ul></h1>
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>