<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default"><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"><b>President’s Notebook</b><span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"><b>National Federation of the Blind</b><span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"><b>Mark A. Riccobono</b><span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank"><b><span style="color:blue">officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></b></a><span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"><b>410-659-9314</b><span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"> <span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">Dear Federation
Family,<span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">Happy Pi Day to you. I
hope you will be enjoying some tasty pie to celebrate tonight. During my time
managing educational programs directly for the Federation, I put together quite
a collection of science related songs. Here is one of my favorite Pi related
songs—you can likely find the full version with the other versions still out on
the web: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJJJmQojcLM" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJJJmQojcLM</span></a><span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">Some of you have asked
if the Federation will be taking any steps to help blind people in Ukraine. You
should know that we have been talking with our friends at the World Blind Union
as that is our primary outlet to coordinate activities internationally. I do
expect there will be ways Federation members can make a difference. We want to
make sure that our assistance actually goes to efforts that will impact blind
people. Please stand by while we vet opportunities with our colleagues in the
world organization. In the meantime, there are dozens of general ways that you
can assist with efforts in Ukraine. If your city is like Baltimore, there are
dozens of pop-up opportunities to help. We will find ways to impact blind
people who have been displaced, but it is going to take just a little longer.
In the meantime, if we have members who are from or have family in Ukraine, please
reach out to them and remind them their Federation family is here.<span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"> <span></span></font></p>

<h1><b><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">Critical
Actions:<span></span></font></b></h1>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;break-after:avoid;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"> <span></span></font></p>

<h1><b><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">Jacobus tenBroek
Disability Law Symposium Registration Closes March 17:<span></span></font></b></h1>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"> </font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">Don’t miss this
opportunity to join nationally renowned disability rights advocates at the
United States’ leading disability law symposium. Held virtually this year March
24-25, 2022, the symposium will examine the right of people with disabilities
to live in a world of pandemics, political polarization, and natural disasters.
Registration is $100, and student registration is $25. Visit the <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/jacobus-tenbroek-disability-law-symposium" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">law symposium webpage</span></a><u><span style="color:blue"> to register and view the agenda</span></u>.<span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"> <span></span></font></p>

<h1><b><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">News:<span></span></font></b></h1>

<h1><b><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">Legislation
Update:<span></span></font></b></h1>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"> </font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">In recent weeks our
legislative priorities have seen a big bump in cosponsor support. Since the
beginning of March, the Access Technology Affordability Act has gained eight
new cosponsors in the House (H.R. 431) from the states of California, Florida,
New York, Illinois, and Tennessee. During that same period, the Senate version
of ATAA has gained two new cosponsors: Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa and Senator
Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona.<span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">Similarly, the Medical
Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act (H.R. 4853) has gained seven new cosponsors
in March from the states of California, Illinois, Michigan, Rhode Island, and
North Carolina. This is all thanks to you and your continued advocacy. Please
keep calling and emailing your members of Congress and asking them to support
our legislation!<span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"><b> </b><span></span></font></p>

<h1><b><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">Calling All NFB
EQ Alumni:<span></span></font></b></h1>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;break-after:avoid;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"> </font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;break-after:avoid;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">This year an NFB EQ
Convention program will be offered at our national convention for all past NFB
EQ participants (since 2018). Participants will have fun in teaching art and
engaging others at the exhibit hall while participating in an insulation and roller
coaster challenge. Field trips to the Pharmacy and Presbytère museums are also
on the agenda and even a STEM reunion event to catch up with old friends!
Parents/guardians will also have the opportunity to participate in parent
workshops, networking, and the NOPBC national convention.<span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">Please note that this
opportunity is only available to students who have participated in the NFB EQ
Program since 2018. Invitation emails have been sent to eligible students. For
more information, please email <a href="mailto:stem@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">stem@nfb.org</span></a>.<span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"> <span></span></font></p>

<h1><b><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">NFB BELL^® Academy
Applications Open and More Locations:<span></span></font></b></h1>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"> </font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">The National
Federation of the Blind is offering in-person and in-home opportunities! Our
in-person programs across the nation and our NFB BELL Academy In-Home Edition
will help prepare blind and low-vision children to grow into confident and
independent blind people.  <span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">The current in-person
program cities include Madison, Alabama; Mobile, Alabama; Phoenix, Arizona;
Tucson, Arizona; Littleton, Colorado; Rathdrum, Idaho; Chicago, Illinois;
Springfield, Illinois; Ruston, Louisiana; Baltimore, Maryland; St. Louis,
Missouri; Kansas City, Missouri; Perth Amboy, New Jersey; and Portland, Oregon.
More in-person programs coming soon!<span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">The NFB BELL Academy
In-Home Edition program will take place July 18-August 5, 2022. During the NFB
BELL Academy In-Home Edition, students and families will receive Braille and
other fun materials for lessons, connect with experienced teachers, and build
relationships with other blind students and mentors. Space is limited for this
program, so apply soon! <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy</span></a><span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"> <span></span></font></p>

<h1><b><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">2022-2023
Teachers of Tomorrow Program:<span></span></font></b></h1>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"> </font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">Individuals in the
United States who are currently studying to be teachers of blind students or
career teachers who are currently employed teaching blind/low-vision students
in PK-12 settings are encouraged to apply for the next cohort of NFB Teachers
of Tomorrow. This is an immersive, professional development program that
connects teachers of blind and low-vision students to the lived experiences of
blind people. This program will begin in the fall of 2022 and continue
throughout the 2022-2023 school year, culminating in a gathering at our 2023
National Convention. For more information and to apply visit <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/teachers-tomorrow" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/teachers-tomorrow</span></a>.<span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"> <span></span></font></p>

<h1><b><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">Upcoming Event:
Comparison of Collaboration Tools:<span></span></font></b></h1>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"> </font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">Join the National
Federation of the Blind Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access on Wednesday,
March 16, 2022, from 1:00-5:00 p.m., eastern, via Zoom for a comparison and
overview of the accessibility of several of the top collaboration and
communication services. Learn about the initial setup, creating projects,
chatting among team members, and sharing files. The use of these skyrocketed
during the COVID pandemic. Take advantage of this free opportunity. <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">Register today!</span></a><span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"> <span></span></font></p>

<h1><b><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">Upcoming Event:
Accessible Excel and PowerPoint Creation:<span></span></font></b></h1>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"> </font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, 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">Learn how to
create accessible Excel documents and PowerPoint presentations. Join the
National Federation of the Blind on March 29 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., eastern,
to discuss the powerful tools you can use in either program. Take advantage of
this free opportunity and </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">register for
the accessibility boutique</span></a><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"> today!</span><span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"> <span></span></font></p>

<h1><b><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">Rideshare
Denials Due to Service Animals<span></span></font></b></h1>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;break-after:avoid;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"> </font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;break-after:avoid;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">NFB and NAGDU are
gathering video interviews about Uber and Lyft denials from travelers with
service animals. We hope to capture stories that describe the significant
barriers and stress travelers experience with each denial and to use these
videos in our advocacy efforts. If you were denied a ride by Lyft or Uber
because of your service animal anytime between October 1, 2021, and present and
would like to participate in a recorded Zoom interview, please contact the NAGDU
board at 346-439-7444 or <a href="mailto:board@nagdu.org" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">board@nagdu.org</span></a>.<span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"> <span></span></font></p>

<h1><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"><a name="m_-8209069916552182828_m_906920154035303109__Hlk98150655">Please Share Content with our Communications Team:</a><b><span></span></b></font></h1>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif"> </font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font size="4" face="arial, sans-serif">Our affiliates sponsor
great content, and our outreach and communications teams can repurpose and
magnify it. We are asking that you record content like presentations, podcasts,
panels, and the like and send the link to your recorded content with a quick
explanation of what the content consists of to <a href="mailto:comunicationsteam@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">comunicationsteam@nfb.org</span></a>. Please record anything you are
doing as it is too easy to miss good content. We don’t know how powerful a
presentation or panel will be until it is done. Let’s capture our amazing
stories told across the country.<span></span></font></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:large"> </span><br></p>

<h1><b><font size="4">Dates to Keep in
Mind: (all times eastern)</font><span></span></b></h1><h1><ul><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4" style="font-weight:normal">March 16: <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">Comparison of Collaboration Tools</span></a> accessibility
boutique</font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4" style="font-weight:normal">March 17: Deadline to register for the Jacobus
tenBroek Disability Law Symposium</font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4" style="font-weight:normal">March 29: <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">Accessible Excel and PowerPoint
Creation</span></a> accessibility boutique</font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4" style="font-weight:normal">March 31: Deadline to submit <a href="https://nfb.org/scholarships" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">scholarship
application</span></a></font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4" style="font-weight:normal">July 5-10: National Convention, New Orleans</font></li></ul></h1>



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