<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><h1 style="margin:0in"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><a name="m_3447155324572864651_OLE_LINK9"><span class="gmail_default" style=""></span></a><a name="m_3447155324572864651_OLE_LINK9" style=""><span class="gmail-gmaildefault"></span></a>President’s Notebook<br>National Federation of the Blind<br>Mark A. Riccobono<br><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank" style="font-weight:normal">officeofthepresident@nfb.org</a><br>410-659-9314<br></font></h1><h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span></span></font></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><span><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Dear Federation
Family,<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="tahoma, sans-serif"> <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="tahoma, sans-serif">It was great to be
together with so many of you Monday night on the Presidential Release Live. It
is always fun to produce these live gatherings of Federation members. If you
have suggestions on how to make them more meaningful to the movement, please share
your thoughts with me. Chapters please continue to play the recorded and
condensed version of the release in local meetings to keep the connection
between all levels of our movement.<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="tahoma, sans-serif"> <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="tahoma, sans-serif">I want to acknowledge
that we have had a number of changes in affiliate leaders during the past
month. Congratulations to our new presidents in Mississippi, Nebraska, and
Wisconsin. Thanks so much to our past presidents Patrina Pendarvis, Amy Buresh,
and John Fritz. While leadership is critical, the most important job is a successful
transition. Thank you to these leaders as they continue to support the
transition to new leaders in their affiliates.<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="tahoma, sans-serif"> <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="tahoma, sans-serif">Among all the work of
the movement, we need to have fun. I am looking forward to the start of
baseball season to accompany the warmer weather. Remember a homerun and a
sacrifice fly can make the same difference for the home team. Whatever you do
this week for the team, know that the most important thing is that you choose
not to simply sit on the bench.<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="tahoma, sans-serif"> <span></span></font></p>
<h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">News:<span></span></font></h1>
<h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">“We’re With U! A Benefit Concert to Help Blind
Ukrainian Refugees”:<span></span></font></h1>
<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="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">Many in the Federation family have been asking if </span><a name="m_3447155324572864651__Hlk98769618"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">there is something we can
specifically do to help blind people affected by the horrific invasion
happening in Ukraine. </span></span></a><span style="color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">In
collaboration with the World Blind Union, we are joining the global online
blind community for a benefit concert to help blind Ukrainian refugees on
Saturday, April 16, at 2:00 p.m., eastern. #BlindWithU</span><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125);border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in"> </span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/we-are-with-u-benefit-concert" target="_blank"><span style="border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">Learn more about “We're With U!</span></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="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></p>
<h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Deadline Approaching for 2022 Bolotin Awards:<span></span></font></h1>
<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="tahoma, sans-serif">The National
Federation of the Blind is accepting nominations of individuals or
organizations who are a positive force in the lives of blind people and help us
transform dreams into reality. Each application must include a letter of
recommendation. <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/dr-jacob-bolotin-awards/application-information" target="_blank">Learn more and submit a nomination for the 2022 Dr. Jacob
Bolotin Awards</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="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></p>
<h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Upcoming Event with a Panel of Successfully
Employed Blind Educators:<span></span></font></h1>
<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="tahoma, sans-serif">Join the National
Federation of the Blind on Wednesday, April 27, at 8 p.m., eastern, to
celebrate the work and accomplishments of blind educators with a Where the
Blind Work panel discussion. Learn from several educators about their typical
day, their overall education and work experiences, and the alternative
techniques and strategies used to do these jobs. This is a great opportunity
for aspiring blind and low-vision educators as well as anyone interested in
learning about the work of blind professionals. <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-the-blind-work-webinars-registration" target="_blank">Register now for the April Where the Blind Work webinar</a><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125)">.</span><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="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125)"><br></span></font></p>
<h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">April <i>Braille Monitor</i> Available:<span></span></font></h1>
<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="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">The latest issue of the National Federation of the
Blind flagship publication is now available. Read about the 2022 Washington
Seminar, what it means to be part of a civil rights organization, awards and
deadlines, a call for discussion on humor, and stories from members. </span><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm22/bm2204/bm2204tc.htm" target="_blank"><span style="border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Access the <i>Braille
Monitor</i> now</span></span></a><span style="color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">.</span></span> <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="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></p>
<h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Career Opportunities:<span></span></font></h1>
<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="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, digital communications, fiscal services, 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><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"><br></p>
<h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Upcoming Event: Comparison of Collaboration
Tools:<span></span></font></h1>
<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="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Join the
National Federation of the Blind Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access on
Wednesday, April 6, 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. </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration" target="_blank"><span lang="EN">Register today!</span></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"><br></p>
<h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Nominations Open for Distinguished Educator of
Blind Students Award:<span></span></font></h1>
<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="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:black">The
education of blind children is one of the National Federation of the Blind's
highest priorities. We are committed to offering and supporting programs that
enhance educational opportunities for this group. Please help us recognize
dedicated and innovative teachers who provide quality education and meaningful
experiences and opportunities for their blind students. Nominate a teacher,
counselor, or administrator of program for blind students. The deadline is May
1. </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award" target="_blank">Learn more about the Distinguished Educator of Blind Students
Award</a><span style="color:black">.</span> <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="tahoma, sans-serif"><br></font></p>
<h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">Dates to Keep in Mind: (all times eastern)<span></span></font></h1>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">April
6: Comparison of Collaboration Tools <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration" target="_blank">accessibility boutique</a><span></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">April
15: Deadline for <a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship" target="_blank">Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship</a> application<span></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">April
15: Deadline for <a href="https://nfb.org/bolotin" target="_blank">Dr.
Jacob Bolotin Award nominations</a><span></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">April
16: “<a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/we-are-with-u-benefit-concert" target="_blank">We’re With U! A Benefit Concert to Help Blind Ukrainian
Refugees</a>”<span></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">May
1: Deadline for <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award" target="_blank">Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award</a><span></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">July
5-10: <a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention" target="_blank">National Convention</a>, New Orleans <span></span></font></li>
</ul>
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