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<p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Greetings all,<span></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style=""><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" style=""><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="line-height:115%">Warmly,<br>
Linda Melendez, President<br>
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey<br>
732-421-7063<br>
Email: </span><a href="mailto:president@nfbnj.org" target="_blank"><span style="line-height:115%">president@nfbnj.org</span></a><span style="line-height:115%"><span></span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2"><a name="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"><span style="color:rgb(54,95,145);text-decoration-line:none">officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></a></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="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Dear Federation Family Members,<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"> </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">This is it, the final month leading to the
2021 National Convention and, I am going to boldly predict, our last fully
virtual convention for many decades to come. For now, we have a lot of work to
do to execute a great convention, and you are critical to making it so.<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"> </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"> </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">Celebrating Pride Month and the intersection
with the blind—it was great to feature our NFB LGBTQIA+ group during the June
Presidential Release. This might have been the first time for many of you to
get to know <span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Sanho
Steele-Louchart</span>. I remind you of his
article “<a href="https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/audio/braille_monitor/2021/february/04_nfb_philosophy_what_i_wish_id_known.mp3" target="_blank">NFB Philosophy: What I Wish I'd
Known</a>” from the February
issue of the <i>Braille Monitor</i>. Also, among other great articles in
this month’s issue of the <i>Monitor</i>, you might want to share “<a href="https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/audio/braille_monitor/2021/june/18_fateful_intersectionality.mp3" target="_blank">Fateful Intersectionality</a>” as part of our local efforts to demonstrate
the Federation’s intersections with Pride Month.<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">News:<span></span></font></h1>
<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">June Presidential
Release:<span></span></font></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="break-after:avoid;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">The audio and streaming versions of the June Presidential
Release are available now at <a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases" target="_blank">nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases</a>. The English and Spanish transcripts will be
posted at the same link as soon as they are ready.<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">The June <i>Braille
Monitor</i> Is 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 latest issue of the National Federation of
the Blind flagship publication is now available. Read about national
convention, stories from members, raising expectations, and more.<span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"> </span><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm21/bm2106/bm2106tc.htm" target="_blank">Access the <i>Braille Monitor</i> now</a><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></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">National Convention
Registration Still 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 2021 National Federation of the Blind
National Convention registration is still open. Early registration prior to May
31 was required for member voting access and door prizes. Register to get
access to convention information as it becomes available at <a href="https://www.nfb.org/registration" target="_blank">nfb.org/registration</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">Also check <a href="https://www.nfb.org/convention" target="_blank">nfb.org/convention</a>
for fun information from our affiliate host,
first time convention concierge to share, and more!<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Pre-Convention
Activity: Zoom Training on June 13:<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">Attend a Zoom training on Sunday, June 13, at
6:00 p.m. eastern with drop-in hours for anyone interested in learning about
Zoom and how to interact with it. Hosted by the NFB Muslims group, the training
will be geared toward preparing participants for the national convention.
Everyone is welcome—all ages and from any state and division. Please send
questions to our group at <a href="mailto:nfb-m@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfb-m@nfbnet.org</a> or email the chair, Tasnim Alshuli, at <a href="mailto:tasnim.shuli@gmail.com" target="_blank">tasnim.shuli@gmail.com</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">Zoom details: <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"><a href="https://arizona.zoom.us/j/84819687811" target="_blank">https://arizona.zoom.us/j/84819687811</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">Zoom Meeting ID: 848 1968 7811<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">one tap mobile: <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">+16027530140,,84819687811#<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Access Technology Affordability Act:</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 we issued a legislative alert for
the Access Technology Affordability Act (H.R. 431 and S. 212). If your
representative or senators have not yet cosponsored this legislation, please
urge them to do so. We are working to increase the number of House cosponsors
from 86 to 109 and the number of Senate cosponsors from 20 to 25 within the
next two weeks. This would represent 25 percent of the membership of both the
House and the Senate.<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Twenty-First
Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act Fulfillment Comments:<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 Thursday, we submitted <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/nfb-comments-fcc-fulfillment-twenty-first-century" target="_blank">comments to the Federal
Communications Commission</a>
(FCC) regarding their fulfillment of the Twenty-First Century Communications
and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA). These comments were regarding the rules established
by the FCC after the passage of the CVAA in 2010 and what specific updates
needed to be made to those rules. I encourage you to read our comments, as well
as the other content on the <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements" target="_blank">Policy Statements</a> section of our website.<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">A Blind Parent’s
Essential Guide to Effective Communication from Public and Private Schools:<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’s
resource, <i>A Blind Parent’s Essential Guide to Effective Communication
from Public and Private Schools</i>, is now available in <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/advocacy-resources/blind-parents-essential-guide-effective-communication" target="_blank">English</a> and <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/advocacy-resources/blind-parents-essential-guide-effective-0" target="_blank">Spanish</a>.<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">June Open House
Gathering Call for Non-Members<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 invites
blind people to learn more about being a member and the benefits on June 30,
2021, at 8:00 p.m. eastern via Zoom. Take advantage of this opportunity to hear
from active members and leaders on the myths and uncertainties of the
Federation. Register for the <a href="https://nfb.org/form/open-house-gathering-call-regist" target="_blank">June Open House Gathering Call.</a><span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Recent Blog: “Light
in Darkness: My Journey through Depression”:<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">If you are dealing with mental illness,
whether it be circumstantial or biological, you are not alone. Read Rachel
Grider’s story in our recent <a href="https://nfb.org/blog/light-darkness-my-journey-through-depression" target="_blank"><i>Voice of the Nation’s Blind Blog</i></a>.<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">New NFB-NEWSLINE<sup>®</sup> Magazines:<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">Six new magazines added to NFB-NEWSLINE:</span><span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"></p><ul><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><i><span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Ability Magazine</span></i><span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">, launched as the first
newsstand magazine focused on issues of health and disability.</span></font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><i><span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Animal Tales </span></i><span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">is a children's magazine of its
kind to focus entirely on animals, engages young readers with heartwarming,
educational animal.</span></font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><i><span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Fast Company </span></i><span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">is the world's leading
progressive business media brand, with a unique editorial focus on innovation
in technology, leadership, and design. </span></font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><i><span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Forbes </span></i><span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">is an American business
magazine.</span></font></li><li><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">J</span></font><i style="font-family: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">-14</span></i><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;color:black">, abbreviated from the original
title "just for teens,” the number one teen celebrity magazine.</span></li><li><i style="font-family: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">Toastmasters </span></i><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;color:black">is dedicated to helping people
from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and
leaders.</span></li></ul><p></p>
<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Independence Market
Product of the Month—<span style="color:black">Athletic Balls with Bells:</span><span></span></font></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:14.05pt;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">These standard-sized
rubber balls have bells inside that jingle when the ball is in motion.</span><span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"></p><ul><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Basketball (orange) - AIG08B - $15.00</span></font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Football (brown) - AIG09B - $15.00</span></font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Soccer ball </span>- <span style="color:black">AIG79B </span>- <span style="color:black">$23.00</span></font></li></ul><p></p>
<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Upcoming
Event—Android Application 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"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30);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, June 9, from
12:00 to 5:00 p.m. eastern, 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. There are also limited
opportunities to meet directly with Google engineers to discuss your app and
have your accessibility questions answered. Take advantage of this free
opportunity. Register at:<br>
</span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/android-app-dev-seminar-reg" target="_blank">https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/android-app-dev-seminar-reg</a><span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Upcoming
Event—Getting the Most Out of Microsoft Office with a Screen Reader Accessibility
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 16, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
eastern, the National Federation of the Blind’s CENA team is hosting an
accessibility seminar based on using Microsoft Office products with a screen
reader. Anyone who wants to learn how to use Office products more efficiently
is encouraged to attend. Take advantage of this free opportunity. Register at:<br>
<a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration">https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration</a>.<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Upcoming
Event—Gaming for Everyone:<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 Tuesday, June 29, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
eastern, the National Federation of the Blind, in collaboration with the
Maryland Department of Disabilities, is hosting a boutique discussing the many
games accessible to the Blind. Whether for PC, mobile phones, or gaming
consoles, there are many games that the blind can play. Register today at<br>
</span><a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration" target="_blank">https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration</a><span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Thanks to NFB of
New Jersey and NFB of Mississippi<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 for recent contributions go to the NFB
of New Jersey and the NFB of Mississippi. Support from our affiliates and
chapters are essential for our continued building of the National Federation of
the Blind.<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Reminders<span></span></font></h1>
<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="2">Dates to Keep in
Mind (all times eastern)<span></span></font></h1>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" 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"><a name="m_-6027625874185433563__Hlk67308830">June 9: App Development Seminar, </a><a href="http://www.nfb.org/cena" target="_blank">www.nfb.org/cena</a><span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" 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><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">June 16: Screen Reader Accessibility Seminar</font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">June 29: Gaming Seminar</font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">June 29: Rookie Roundup, 8:30 p.m.</font></li><li><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: NFB
National Convention, anywhere and everywhere</font></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" style=""> </font></span></p></div><div><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div><div></div></div><div dir="auto"></div><font color="#888888"></font></div></div></div></div></div>