<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><p class="MsoNormal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><a name="m_-6880299047075185221_OLE_LINK9"><b><span style="line-height:115%"><span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large"></span></span></b></a></font><a name="m_-6880299047075185221_OLE_LINK9" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large"><b><span style="line-height:115%"><span class="gmail_default"></span>President’s
Notebook</span></b></a></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"><b><span style="line-height:115%">
National Federation of the Blind<br>
Mark A. Riccobono<br>
</span></b><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span class="gmail-il"><b><span style="line-height:115%">officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></b></span></a><span style="line-height:115%"><br>
<b>410-659-9314</b></span></font></p>
<h1><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Critical
Actions:</font></h1>
<h1><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Securing At-Home COVID Tests from the
Federal Government:</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">We
learned yesterday that </span><a href="https://www.covidtests.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.covidtests.gov/</a><span style="color:black"> is
live for people to order free COVID19 tests from the federal government. While
the website can be used by blind people to order tests, we have no information
from the government yet about the accessibility of those tests or accessible instructions
for those tests. When we secure information from the government, we will share
it with Federation members.</span></font></p>
<h1><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">At-Home
COVID-19 Test Kits:</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">Also we
are gathering information regarding the accessibility of at-home COVID-19 test
kits and websites used to order these tests from all entities, including and in
addition to the federal government’s. Please share your experiences via </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/access-covid-19-vaccine-and-testing-survey?q=programs-services%2Flegal-program%2Faccess-covid-19-vaccine-and-testing-survey" target="_blank">NFB’s
Access to COVID-19 Vaccine and Testing Survey</a><span style="color:black"> and/or with Karl
Belanger at </span><a href="mailto:kbelanger@nfb.org" target="_blank">kbelanger@nfb.org</a><span style="color:black">.</span></font></p>
<h1><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Remembering
Marsha Dyer:</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">Some of
you have asked about plans to offer a virtual connection to the memorial event
for Marsha Dyer on February 10. We will plan to offer a virtual connection. We
will share those details as soon as they are available.</span></font></p>
<h1><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">News:</font></h1>
<h1><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">2022
Washington Seminar Updates:</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">As a
reminder, we announced last week that we will be hosting the entirety of the
2022 Washington Seminar virtually. This was a tough decision for us, but we
ultimately felt that it was the best course of action for the health and safety
of our members. </span></font></p>
<h1><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Civil
Rights Museum of the Blind:</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">The
National Federation of the Blind has begun the initial planning of a
state-of-the-art museum dedicated to the civil rights struggle of blind
Americans, including the history of our organization as the leader in the blind
civil rights movement. Our museum will highlight the struggles, triumphs, and
challenges blind people have experienced and the contributions we have made as
we continue to secure our place in the world as fully participating citizens.</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"><span style="color:black">We would
like to obtain your thoughts, suggestions, and opinions to help with the
planning of our museum. We would appreciate it if you would take the time to
complete our online or telephone survey. You can </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1byRFNrP1741YzcukC0pcG3s4_1ufxpRuPTGXAM_q-JE/viewform?edit_requested=true" target="_blank">complete
the survey online,</a><span style="color:black"> or you can complete the telephone survey by calling
229-632-7878 or, toll-free, 833-632-7878.</span></font></p>
<h1><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Career
Opportunities:</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">The
National Federation of the Blind is seeking talented individuals to join our
staff team. We have several openings in various areas of interest including
Braille production, DEI, digital communications, fiscal services, government
affairs, and membership. We encourage candidates seeking to join our movement
to submit a general interest cover letter and résumé to us expressing the types
of positions being sought. Learn more and share the opportunities: </span><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/career-opportunities" target="_blank">https://nfb.org/about-us/career-opportunities</a></font></p>
<h1><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Code of
Conduct FAQs Updated:</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/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct/code-conduct-frequently-asked-questions" target="_blank">The
National Federation of the Blind Code of Conduct Frequently Asked Questions</a><u><span style="color:blue"> </span></u><span style="color:black">are
updated and available to help with more understanding of our Code of Conduct.
The FAQs can be found along with additional resources like the Obligations of
Elected Leaders document at </span><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct" target="_blank">nfb.org/codeofconduct</a><u><span style="color:blue">.</span></u></font></p>
<h1><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Read the
Latest Blog Post:</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">Karl
Belanger shares a review of the BrailleSense 6. He discussed the physical
description, basic operation, math, internal programs, Android apps, and
accessories. </span><a href="https://nfb.org/blog/braillesense-6-better-faster-familiar" target="_blank">Read
our latest <i>Voice of the Nation’s Blind</i> <i>Blog</i> post,
“The BrailleSense 6: Better, Faster, Familiar</a><u><span style="color:blue">”</span></u></font></p>
<h1><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Independence
Market:</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">Products
of the Month:</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"><span style="color:black">Talking
Non-Contact Thermometer - $50.00</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"><span style="color:black">Talking
Oral Thermometer - $18.00</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"><span style="color:black">Ladies
Gold Bracelet Braille Watch - $155.00</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"> </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"><span style="color:black">Sale and
Close-Out Items (Limited Supplies):</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"><i><span style="color:black">The
Prophet</span></i><span style="color:black"> by Kahlil Gibran, Audio, Read by Kenneth Jernigan - $5.00</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"><i><span style="color:black">The
Prophet</span></i><span style="color:black"> by Kahlil Gibran, Braille - $7.50</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"><span style="color:black">Camera
Bag - $1.00</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"><span style="color:black">Monocular
with Case - $3.00</span></font></p>
<h1><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Lyft
Denials Due to Service Animals:</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">NFB and
NAGDU will be gathering stories in video format from individuals who are denied
rides because of their service animals by Lyft drivers during the week of
January 24-30. For more information please visit </span><a href="https://forms.gle/jLY8NiL7G6GgbrHS6" target="_blank">NAGDU’s webform</a><span style="color:black">, and in
the meantime, please continue to document rideshare discrimination experiences
through </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/rideshare-discrimination-survey" target="_blank">NFB’s
rideshare discrimination survey</a><span style="color:black">.</span></font></p>
<h1><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Final Days
of the 2021-2022 Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest:</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">The
American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults runs the Braille Readers Are
Leaders contest to promote Braille reading for both blind children and adults.
The 2021-2022 contest is winding down and concludes on Friday, January 21. The
last day to log minutes you have read between December 1, 2021, and January 21,
2022, is January 28, 2022. If you have any questions, please email </span><a href="mailto:BrailleReadingContest@actionfund.org" target="_blank">BrailleReadingContest@actionfund.org</a><span style="color:black">.</span></font></p>
<h1><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">2022
Virtual Career Fair:</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">The 2022
Virtual Career Fair will be held on February 7, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00
p.m., eastern. This is an opportunity for employers to identify candidates and
for job seekers to network and learn about important business and workforce
trends. Job seekers should also include a current résumé with their
registration to be shared with employers. For information about how to
register, contact Dick Davis at </span><a href="mailto:dickblind@gmail.com" target="_blank">dickblind@gmail.com</a><span style="color:black"> or
John Dubay at </span><a href="mailto:jdubay@leadsatscale.com" target="_blank">jdubay@leadsatscale.com</a><span style="color:black">.</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"><span style="color:black">A
preparatory Fearless Interviewing webinar for blind job seekers will occur on
Monday, January 24, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., eastern.</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"><span style="color:black">Please
click the link below to join the webinar:</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"><a href="https://zoom.us/j/97523588063" target="_blank">https://zoom.us/j/97523588063</a></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"><span style="color:black">Meeting
ID: 975 2358 8063</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"><span style="color:black">One tap
mobile</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"><span style="color:black">+13126266799,,97523588063#
US (Chicago)</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"><span style="color:black">+16468769923,,97523588063#
US (New York)</span></font></p>
<h1><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Where the
Blind Work Webinars:</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">As part
of our Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) initiative, we are holding
another in a series of Where the Blind Work webinars on Wednesday, January 26,
2022, at 8:00 p.m., eastern, via Zoom. Hear from a panel of blind professionals
in a variety of fields and engage in Q&A.</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"><span style="color:black">Please
click the link below to join the webinar:</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"><a href="https://zoom.us/j/94195782360" target="_blank">https://zoom.us/j/94195782360</a></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"><span style="color:black">Or one
tap mobile : US: +13017158592,,94195782360# or +13126266799,,94195782360#</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"><span style="color:black">Or
Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current
location):</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"><span style="color:black">US: +1
301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346
248 7799 or +1 408 638 0968 or +1 669 900 6833</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"><span style="color:black">Webinar
ID: 941 9578 2360</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"><span style="color:black">For
information about how to register, please contact Maurice Peret at
410-659-9314, extension 2350, or </span><a href="mailto:mperet@nfb.org" target="_blank">mperet@nfb.org</a><span style="color:black">.</span></font></p>
<h1><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Dates to
Keep in Mind: (all times eastern)</font></h1>
<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"><span style="color:black"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">February 1: Presidential Release, 8:00 p.m.</font></span></p>
<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"><span style="color:black"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">February 7: Great Gathering-In, 5:00 p.m. (virtual)</font></span></p>
<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"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:black">February 7-10: </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar/" target="_blank">Washington
Seminar</a><span style="color:black"></span></font></p>
<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"><span style="color:black"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">March 1: Presidential Release, 8:00 p.m.</font></span></p>
<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"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:black">March 31: Deadline to submit </span><a href="https://nfb.org/scholarships" target="_blank">scholarship application</a><span style="color:black"></span></font></p>
<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"><span style="color:black"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">July 5-10: National Convention, New Orleans</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"> </font></span></p><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"></div>
</div>
</div></div></div></div></div>