<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:small"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Greetings all,<span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:115%;font-family: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></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:115%;font-family: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></span></p><h1><a name="m_-3918590843127836222_OLE_LINK9"><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">President’s
Notebook</span></a><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><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></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 style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:black"> </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-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Dear
Federation Family,<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"><span style="font-size:14pt;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-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">As we come to the symbolic end of summer, it is exciting to
think about the Federation activities planned for the coming months. One thing
I am doing to make our work more effective this fall is to continue to
fine-tune the Presidential Release. The live event has come to be very helpful
to the movement, but many of you have asked that we continue to have something
for each chapter to play and I agree with the importance of that priority.
Beginning with September, we are going to try to compact the recorded version
of the Presidential Release to be a little more focused for local chapter
meetings. The goal is to encourage participation in the live event while still
bringing important and consistent messaging to every local chapter. This will
be a good time for affiliate leaders to reinforce the importance of the release
in keeping our movement connected at all levels.<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"><span style="font-size:14pt;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-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Please keep our members and their friends and families who are
in the path of Ida in your thoughts and prayers. If we learn that there are
needs among blind people, we will definitely let the Federation family know.<span></span></span></p><h1><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Critical Actions:<span></span></span></h1><h1><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">This
Week: Attend the </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=464" target="_blank"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">September Presidential Release</span></a></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">—Captioning
and Spanish Available:</span><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><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 style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">The next Presidential Release of the National
Federation of the Blind will be Wednesday, September 1, at 8:00 p.m., eastern.
There will be an opportunity for questions after President Riccobono’s remarks.
Submit questions in advance to </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">cdanielsen@nfb.org</span></a></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"> and put PR508 in the subject line or call 410-659-9314,
extension 2473. Closed captions and Spanish interpretation will be available.
Join via Zoom: </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><a href="https://zoom.us/j/94690762213" target="_blank"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">https://zoom.us/j/94690762213</span></a></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"> or one-tap mobile: </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">+13017158592,,94690762213#<span></span></span></p><h1><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">News:<span></span></span></h1><h1><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Federation Opportunity: Be
on a Committee:<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 style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/divisions-committees-and-groups/committees" target="_blank">Committees</a>
of the National Federation of the Blind are appointed by the President, with
the exception of the nominating committee, and serve to advise the
organization’s national leadership on important matters and to carry out
projects to build the organization at all levels. Complete the <a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/divisions-committees-and-groups/committee-interest-form" target="_blank">Committee Interest Form</a> to be considered for a role. Please
note: members are able to contribute to the organization’s work regardless of
service on a committee.<span></span></span></p><h1><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Recent Voice of the
Nation’s Blind Blog Posts:<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 style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">The <i>Voice of the Nation's Blind Blog </i>features
stories from our members, news, and commentary on issues affecting our
community. If you would like to submit a blog entry, please send an email to </span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><a href="mailto:dmccann@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">dmccann@nfb.org</span></a></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">. Share the most recent blog posts:</span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><span></span></span></p><p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Symbol">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">“<a href="https://nfb.org/blog/positive-step-forward-update-issues-i-had-while-trying-participate-vaccine-trial" target="_blank">A
Positive Step Forward: Update on the Issues I Had while Trying to Participate
in a Vaccine Trial</a></span><u><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:blue">” </span></u><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">by Chris Sabine<span></span></span></p><p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Symbol">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">“<a href="https://nfb.org/blog/stem-education-can-be-accessible-and-fun" target="_blank">STEM
Education Can Be Accessible—And Fun!</a></span><u><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:blue">” </span></u><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">by Madeline
Mau<span></span></span></p><p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Symbol">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">“<a href="https://nfb.org/blog/i-didnt-know-you-were-out-there-finding-connections-through-stories-we-share" target="_blank">I
Didn’t Know You Were Out There: Finding Connections through the Stories We
Share</a></span><u><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:blue">” </span></u><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">by Danielle McCann<span></span></span></p><h1><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Recent Letter to President
Biden Regarding Interagency Coordinating Council on Blindness:<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 style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Throughout recent American history, a myriad of programs and
supports have been put into place by the federal government that promote
greater productivity and self-sufficiency for the nation’s blind. Yet, various
related initiatives remain uncoordinated. Read <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-president-biden-regarding-establishment" target="_blank">our
recent letter to President Biden regarding the establishment of an Interagency
Coordinating Council on Blindness.</a><span></span></span></p><h1><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">The Macy Act: Objections
and Proposed Changes:<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 style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">The Alice Cogswell Anne Sullivan Macy Act (H.R. 1959/ S. 813 in
the 117th Congress) seeks to improve K-12 education for blind students, but it
focuses on the wrong areas. Learn more about <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/macy-act-objections-proposed-changes" target="_blank">the
Macy Act and how it should be amended</a>.<span></span></span></p><h1><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Upcoming Event: Learn about
Chromebook Accessibility:<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 style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">If you’re a student, parent, or teacher you’ve likely used a
Chromebook recently. They’re also becoming more frequently used in employment
settings, especially now that many of them can run Android apps. The Chromebooks
have a variety of accessibility options. However, Chromebooks do have some
accessibility differences that can make it more difficult to learn for
screen-reader users. Come join the National Federation of the Blind Center of
Excellence in Nonvisual Access on Tuesday, September 7, from 2:00-3:30 p.m.,
eastern, via Zoom to learn what the Chromebook can do and how to access its
many features with a screen reader. Take advantage of this free opportunity and
register today: <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></span></p><h1><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Dates to Keep in Mind: (all times eastern)<span></span></span></h1><p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Symbol">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">September
1: Presidential Release, 8:00 p.m.<span></span></span></p><p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Symbol">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">October
1: Presidential Release, 12:00 p.m.<span></span></span></p><p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Symbol">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">November
1: Presidential Release, 8:00 p.m.<span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Symbol">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">December
2: Presidential Release, 8:00 p.m.<span></span></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></div>