<div dir="ltr"><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"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Greetings all,</font></p><p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">To help stay connected with our National Office and with
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">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>

<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2"><a name="m_-6215432574593737144_m_-3918590843127836222_OLE_LINK9">President’s
Notebook</a><br>
National Federation of the Blind<br>
Mark A. Riccobono<br>
410-659-9314<br>
<a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank">officeofthepresident@nfb.org</a><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="color:black"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"> </font></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:17.05pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="color:rgb(33,29,30)"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Dear
Federation Family,<span></span></font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:17.05pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="color:rgb(33,29,30)"><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">Happy
Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) week. A number of things happening
this week to promote accessibility. Thanks for doing your part at the local
level.<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">Some of our federal legislative efforts are starting to move.
Continue to be at the ready to activate on legislative alerts. Please continue
to encourage members to actively work on getting members of Congress signed
onto our legislative priorities. Let’s make 2021 a banner year for getting
things done to benefit the blind in Congress.<span></span></font></p>

<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Critical Actions:<span></span></font></h1>

<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Register for the 2021 NFB
National Convention:<span></span></font></h1>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">The 2021 National Federation of the Blind National
Convention is July 6 through July 10. Registration is open and free. By
registering, you will get access to the latest information as it is made
available, the opportunity to win door prizes, and more! <a href="https://www.nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=432" target="_blank">Register for the 2021 NFB National Convention online now.</a>
Or, if someone you know needs help with registration or would prefer to email
or mail in a registration, please use the <a href="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/files-pdf/2021-national-convention-registration-form-fillable-web.pdf" target="_blank">2021 National Convention Registration Form (fillable PDF)</a>.<span></span></font></span></p>

<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Double Your Dollars: NFB
and Deque GAAD Gift Matching Campaign:<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">Thanks to the generous donations from Deque Systems and an
anonymous donor, there will be a gift-matching campaign during the week of
Global Accessibility Awareness Day. A gift-matching donation means that every
dollar you donate to the National Federation of the Blind will be matched up to
$25,000 during the week of May 16 through May 23. This will also be part of our
Give 20 campaign, so donations during the gift matching will also be
included in the Give 20 drawing to either win a trip to the 2022 National
Convention OR take the cash prize of $2,000. Double your dollars: learn more
about <a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/give-20-convention-drawing/double-your-dollars-gaad-gift-matching" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(0,90,163)">the gift matching campaign</span></a>.<span></span></font></p>

<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Celebrating Global
Accessibility Awareness Day:<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">May 20 is the tenth Global Accessibility Awareness Day, a day to
emphasize the importance of integrating accessibility into everything digital
(web, software, mobile, etc.). The National Federation of the Blind is
celebrating all week. Follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NationalFederationoftheBlind" target="_blank">Facebook</a>
and <a href="https://twitter.com/NFB_voice" target="_blank">Twitter</a> to
join the conversation. <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings" target="_blank">Share
our accessibility work</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"><span>Attend
the Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access GAAD Presentation</span><b>:</b><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"><b><br></b></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 presentation will be held on May 20 from 11:00 a.m.–1:00
p.m. eastern via Zoom. The National Federation of the Blind will be
highlighting our 2020-2021 efforts to promote accessibility. Register now: <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/cena-2021-gaad-presentation" target="_blank">https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/cena-2021-gaad-presentation</a><u><span style="color:blue">.</span></u><span></span></font></p>

<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">News:<span></span></font></h1>

<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Congratulations to the 2021
Scholarship Program Finalists!:<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">Each year the National Federation of the Blind is proud to honor
blind scholars, all of whom are raising expectations and expanding
possibilities. On May 12, we announced the 2021 scholarship finalists. The
scholarship program provides financial assistance and connects students with
mentoring and other resources. <a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-announces-2021-scholarship-program-finalists" target="_blank">Meet
the finalists and learn about their vocational goals</a>.<span></span></font></p>

<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Mark Your Calendars: Next
Presidential Release on June 1—Captioning and Spanish Available:<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 next Presidential Release of the National Federation of the
Blind will be delivered on Tuesday, June 1, at 8:00 p.m. eastern. After the
remarks there is an opportunity for questions. Submit questions in advance
to <a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org" target="_blank">cdanielsen@nfb.org</a>
and put PR506 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.<span></span></font></p>

<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Upcoming: Open Call on Code
of Conduct FAQs:<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">May 23 at 8:00-10:00 p.m. eastern via Zoom – The Survivors Task
Force invites Federationists and other members of the blind community to attend
open calls to review the Code of Conduct Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and
to collect feedback on the Code of Conduct itself. Aggregated concerns
collected during the Code of Conduct feedback sessions will help inform the
Code review, which is presently underway. The tentative agenda, 1CapApp, Zoom
participation information, and other Survivor Task Force branch meeting dates
are available for review at <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/safety-support/safety-support-upcoming-events" target="_blank">https://nfb.org/programs-services/safety-support/safety-support-upcoming-events</a><span></span></font></p>

<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">May <i>Braille
Monitor</i></span>—<span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Access Now:</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;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">The latest issue of the National Federation of
the Blind’s flagship publication is now available. </span><a name="m_-6215432574593737144_m_-4793620449487749097__Hlk72159019"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Articles
include an update on our progress to make the Federation a safe space in all of
its activities; a discussion about the history of Maryland as the affiliate
prepares to host our 2021 National Convention; a discussion about integrating
Federation activities so they do not conflict with religious holidays; a
feature highlighting some of our black leaders; an article about chainsaws and
missionary work; a discussion about personal boundaries, how to establish them
and see they are respected; and a discussion about web accessibility and the
way we deal with the challenge of getting quality access when so many sites are
being created and comprise a vital part of our ability to participate in the
commerce of the nation</span></a><span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">. Read the </span><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm21/bm2105/bm2105tc.htm" target="_blank"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">May issue of the <i>Braille Monitor</i></span></a><i>.</i><span></span></font></p>

<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Submit an Article for the <i>Braille
Monitor</i>—No Experience Needed:<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 National Federation of the Blind is seeking articles for
the <i>Braille Monitor</i> that focus on your lived experiences.
Share a blind moment or a strategy that other blind people should know about.
To learn more or submit an article, connect with Gary Wunder, <i>Braille
Monitor</i> editor, at <a href="mailto:gwunder@nfb.org" target="_blank">gwunder@nfb.org</a>.<span></span></font></p>

<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Amendment to the Endless
Frontier Act from Senator John Thune:<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">Last week Senator John Thune of South Dakota introduced an
amendment to the Endless Frontier Act that contained two important provisions
to ensure that people with disabilities would be included in the design and
utilization of highly automated vehicles. The first would create an exemption
classification for manufacturers who “provide transportation access for
individuals with disabilities (as defined in section 3 of the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102)), including non-visual access for
individuals who are blind or visually impaired,” as long as the vehicle was
equivalently safe to a non-exempt vehicle. The second would prohibit a state
from issuing a “motor vehicle operator’s license for the operation or use of a
highly automated vehicle in a manner that discriminates on the basis of
disability.” Despite support from both automobile manufacturers and disability
advocates, Senator Thune reluctantly withdrew his amendment on May 12 due to a
lack of support from other senators on the Commerce, Science, and
Transportation Committee over safety and liability concerns. The Endless
Frontier Act has been moved to the Senate floor for debate this week, and we
believe Senator Thune will try to introduce his amendment for the full Senate
to debate. Please contact your senators and ask them to support this important
amendment.<span></span></font></p>

<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Recent Blog: “Thinking Fast
for a Show: How I Conquered My Anxiety to Perform on Stage”:<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">Being a performer is no cakewalk; read Precious Perez’s
experience the first time she organized a gig herself in our recent <a href="https://nfb.org/blog/thinking-fast-show-how-i-conquered-my-anxiety-perform-stage" target="_blank"><i>Voice
of the Nation’s Blind Blog</i></a>.<span></span></font></p>

<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">App Development Seminar:<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">On Wednesday, June 9, the National Federation of the Blind, in
collaboration with Google, 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. The registration page will be live
shortly, check <a href="http://www.nfb.org/cena" target="_blank">www.nfb.org/cena</a> for
updates.<span></span></font></p>

<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Reminders:<span></span></font></h1>

<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Calling All
Veterans:<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">Vernon Humphries, the president of the National Association of
Blind Veterans, is looking for all veterans to include in the convention’s
Celebration of Freedom. This year he is asking to receive a ten-second audio
recording of each veteran introducing themself and providing a short glimpse of
their service. He is requesting that you all spread the word and to assist
veterans who might have difficulty in creating an audio recording. He would
like to receive these at <a href="mailto:mr_president@nabv.org" target="_blank">mr_president@nabv.org</a> before June 6.<span></span></font></p>

<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Dates to Keep in Mind: (all
times eastern)</font></h1><div><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"></p><ul><li><a name="m_-6215432574593737144_m_-4793620449487749097__Hlk67308830"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">May
20: Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)</font></a></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">June 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.</font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">June 9: App Development Seminar, <a href="http://www.nfb.org/cena" target="_blank">www.nfb.org/cena</a></font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">July 6-10: NFB National Convention, anywhere and everywhere</font></li></ul><p></p>





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