<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style=""><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><font size="4" style="" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Greetings all,<br></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="line-height:115%"><font size="4" 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 size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><font size="4" 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 size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><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">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 size="4" 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 size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Dear
Federation Family,<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 size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">How
did it get to be October already? It is great to observe all of the Federation
activity with affiliate conventions and Blind Equality Achievement Month, but
it is starting to feel like we are moving in super speed again. I encourage
everyone to remember that we need to take our work one day at a time and build
for tomorrow with everything we do.<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 size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Here
are a few things I wanted to share, in addition to all the information below
the letter:<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"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">1.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Some of you have been wondering about our safety and support
efforts. We are getting ready to launch our NFB Survivor Group in the coming
weeks. In the meantime, the board of directors is examining recommendations
that have been made and is considering how to best structure our Code of
Conduct going forward. In the meantime, our process for receiving and
externally investigating reports of sexual misconduct is working well. As our
board considers what our policies should be for 2022 and beyond, we need your
input. Remember you can share your thoughts by emailing <a href="mailto:boardofdirectors@nfb.org" target="_blank">boardofdirectors@nfb.org</a>.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">2.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Thank you to those who gave feedback on the Presidential Release
Live #509. As always, your suggestions are welcome. If you have ideas for other
programming that would benefit you, please share that with me.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">3.<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span>Earlier I announced that the hope was to move committee
appointments to September instead of January. That turned out to be not such a
great idea, logistically speaking, as other projects and priorities have gotten
in the way. I am still evaluating how to more effectively manage committee
appointments. Please know if you have not heard anything it is because I have
not created new committee appointments yet. All committee appointments will
remain in effect through the end of this calendar year unless new appointment
letters are sent out prior to that time.<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Critical Actions:<span></span></font></h1>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Blind
Equality Achievement Month: Send in Your Events:</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 size="4" 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">Remember history. Advance equality. Celebrate
accomplishments. The National Federation of the Blind celebrates the organized
blind movement during the month of October. Chapters across the country
organize local outreach events and many </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/blind-equality-achievement-month/white-cane-awareness-day" target="_blank"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">White Cane Awareness Day</span></a> <span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Proclamations.
Submit your events, activities, and celebrations to </span><a href="mailto:web@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">web@nfb.org</span></a><span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">so they can be posted on </span><a href="https://nfb.org/blind-month" target="_blank"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">nfb.org/blind-month</span></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 size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">News:<span></span></font></h1>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Access Technology
Affordability Act:<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 size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">We
continue to make progress on the Access Technology Affordability Act on several
fronts. H.R. 431 is now up to 114 cosponsors. The most recent House cosponsors
are from Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, and New York, so special thanks to
those affiliates. On the Senate side, S. 212 is up to 27 cosponsors, with the
two most recent being Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN), the Chair of the Senate
Committee on Rules and Administration, and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (NV),
who is a member of the Senate Finance Committee. Finally, the text of the
Access Technology Affordability Act has been included in the reconciliation
package currently moving through Congress, in Section 138519, starting on page
2339. Please keep up the good work and continue to build cosponsor support for
the ATAA.<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Celebrate Blind Equality
Achievement Month with Our Blind Students:<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 size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:rgb(32,33,36);letter-spacing:0.15pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Use </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecmriDvTsPgduC3xCXQ6vmP58gtlCDnAOYeL4tBKdl7OMLvQ/viewform" target="_blank"><span style="letter-spacing:0.15pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">the registration form</span></a> <span style="color:rgb(32,33,36);letter-spacing:0.15pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">to sign up to join the National
Association of Blind Students (NABS) on Saturday, October 16, at 8:00 p.m., eastern,
for our virtual Blind Equality Achievement Month Trivia Fundraiser! The event
will be a great night of friendly Federation competition and a celebration of
the movement of the organized blind. Registration is a $5 donation to NABS. We
will be giving a portion of the proceeds to the student division of the winning
state. If the winning state does not have an active division, the funds will be
gifted to the affiliate instead.</span><span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">October
Presidential Release Available:</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 size="4" 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 audio and streaming versions of the October Presidential
Release are available now at </span><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases" target="_blank"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases</span></a><span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">. The English and Spanish transcripts will be posted at the
same link as soon as they are ready. The next presidential release is scheduled
for November 1 at 8 p.m., eastern, via Zoom.</span><span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Pearson:<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 size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">As a
reminder, in 2020, the National Federation of the Blind engaged in a <a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-and-pearson-announce-agreement-promote-equal-access" target="_blank">collaboration
agreement with Pearson</a>. As a part of the agreement, Pearson
established a communication channel through which the NFB can alert Pearson to
accessibility issues that blind students are experiencing. If you or your
student encounter barriers with Pearson products this fall, please contact
Valerie Yingling, legal program coordinator at the NFB, at <a href="mailto:vyingling@nfb.org" target="_blank">vyingling@nfb.org</a>.<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Where the Blind Work
Webinar:<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 size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">This
webinar is a panel discussion celebrating the work and workplace
accomplishments of blind and low-vision people. On Thursday, October 14, at
8:00 p.m., eastern, hear about what a typical day looks like, discover elements
that prepare for career success, learn about alternative techniques and
strategies used to do these jobs, as well as how to advocate for accommodations
on the job. <a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=23101&qid=" target="_blank">Register for the
webinar today</a>.<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Upcoming Accessibility
Seminar: iOS 15 and Android 12 Releases:<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 size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Both
iOS and Android have exciting new features, and the National Federation of the
Blind <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration" target="_blank">Center
of Excellence in Nonvisual Access</a> is covering them in an
upcoming seminar. Come join us on October 13 from 1:00-5:00 p.m., eastern, via
Zoom to learn about all the new features coming to iOS 15 and Android 12. <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration" target="_blank">Register
today</a><u><span style="color:blue">.</span></u><span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Journal of Blindness
Innovation and Research:<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 size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/jbir/jbir21/jbir1102tc.html" target="_blank">Volume
11 number 2</a> of our <i>Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research</i> is
now available. Articles included in this issue describe how sculpture can be
used to teach concepts in the visual arts education of blind students,
inexpensive and easily employed methods to make geographic instructional
materials accessible, the perspectives of blind patients on their interactions
with healthcare providers, and the perceptions of blind students in
post-graduate distance learning in STEM fields.<span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">New
Blog—On Blindness, Equality, and Achievement: Who Defines Us:</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 size="4" 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">Read the first blog of defining Blind Equality Achievement
Month in the <i>Voice of the Nation’s Blind Blog</i>, “</span><a href="https://nfb.org/blog/blindness-equality-and-achievement-who-defines-us" target="_blank"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">On Blindness, Equality, and Achievement: Who Defines Us</span></a><span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">,” by President Mark Riccobono. New blog posts are published
each Monday.</span><span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">October <i>Braille
Monitor</i> Available:</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 size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">The
latest issue of the National Federation of the Blind flagship publication is
now available. Read more 2021 National Convention speeches, articles about
raising expectations, and stories from members. <a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm21/bm2109/bm2109tc.htm" target="_blank">Access
the <i>Braille Monitor</i> now<span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">.</span></a><span></span></font></p>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Independence Market
Highlighted Items for October:</font></h1><h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="font-weight:normal">Products of the Month:</font></h1><h1 style=""><ul><li><span style="font-weight:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Talking All-Purpose Thermometer - $35.00</font></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Digital talking
thermometer that can be used for cooking, candy making, gardening, and other
hobbies.</font></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Pot Clip for Talking Thermometer - $4.50 – To be used in
conjunction with the Talking All-Purpose Thermometer mentioned above. Handy for
monitoring the temperature of liquids. Thermometer sold separately.</font></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Braille Measuring Spoons (set of four) - $6.00 – Plastic
measuring spoons labeled in print and Braille; includes sizes of 1 tablespoon,
1 teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, and ¼ teaspoon.</font></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Braille Measuring Cups (set of four) - $9.00 – Plastic measuring
cups labeled in print and Braille; includes sizes of 1 cup, ½ cup, 1/3 cup, and
¼ cup.</font></span></li></ul></h1>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Sale and Close-Out Items
(Supplies Limited):</font></h1><h1 style=""><ul><li><span style="font-weight:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Solitaire and Fox and Geese Game - $10.00</font></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Shut the Box Math Game - $10.00</font></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Egg Separator - $1.00</font></span></li></ul></h1>
<h1 style=""><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Dates to Keep in Mind: (all
times eastern)<span></span></font></h1>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="break-after:avoid;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"></p><ul><li><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">October
14: <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/blind-month/2021_where_the_blind_work_webinar" target="_blank">Where
the Blind Works Webinar</a>, 8:00 p.m.</font></li><li><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">October
15: <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/blind-month/2021_where_the_blind_work_webinar" target="_blank">White
Cane Awareness Day</a></font></li><li><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">November
1: <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program" target="_blank">Scholarship
Program Applications Open</a></font></li><li><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">November
1: Presidential Release, 8:00 p.m.</font></li><li><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">November
18: NFB Training Centers Meeting, 8:00 p.m.</font></li><li><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">December
2: Presidential Release, 8:00 p.m.</font></li><li><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">July
5-10, 2022: National Convention, New Orleans</font></li></ul><p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="line-height:115%"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"> </font></span></p></div><div><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><i><font size="1"><br></font></i></span></font></div><div></div></div><div dir="auto"></div><font color="#888888"></font></div></div></div></div></div>