<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style=""><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="" size="4"><b style=""><span style="line-height:115%">National
Federation of the Blind</span></b><span style="line-height:115%"><span></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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b><span style="line-height:115%">Mark A. Riccobono</span></b><span style="line-height:115%"><span></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"><span style="line-height:115%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank"><b>officeofthepresident@nfb.org</b></a><span></span></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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b><span style="line-height:115%">410-659-9314    </span></b><span style="line-height:115%"><span></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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)"> </span><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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">Dear
Federation Family,</span><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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)"><br></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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">I
am writing to you from somewhere above ten thousand feet over the state of
Missouri. Traveling is part of what I do for the National Federation of the
Blind. Visiting blind people in local communities reminds me of both how similar
we are and how diverse our organization is. It is truly great to be on the road
with Federation members again. Being in person with one another makes a big
difference. </span></font><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30);font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large">Keep
up the work to get cosponsors on our bills. Now is the time to get our
priorities noticed by congress.</span><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30);font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large"> </span></p>

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

<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">2022 National Convention Registration Is Open:<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="color:black">The
2022 National Federation of the Blind National Convention registration is now
open until May 31, 2022. Registration is $25 per person. Banquet tickets for
Sunday, July 10, are $70 per person. Please review our </span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2022-national-convention-safety-protocols" target="_blank">2022
National Convention Safety Protocols</a><u><span style="color:blue"> </span></u><span style="color:black">and the </span><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct" target="_blank">National
Federation of the Blind Code of Conduct</a><u><span style="color:blue"> </span></u><span style="color:black">prior to
registering. </span><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=479" target="_blank">Register
online now!</a><span style="color:black"> Details regarding convention can be found at </span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention" target="_blank">nfb.org/convention</a><span style="color:black">.</span><span></span></font></p>

<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Upcoming Presidential Release:<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">The
next Presidential Release will take place Monday, May 2, at 8:00 p.m., eastern.
The monthly Presidential Release provides important updates and perspectives of
the organized blind movement, and the live event includes a Q&A session.
Submit questions in advance to </span><a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org" target="_blank">cdanielsen@nfb.org</a><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)"> and
put PR516 in the subject line, or call 410-659-9314, extension 2473. Zoom
details coming soon.</span><span></span></font></p>

<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">State Advocacy on Ending Subminimum Wages:<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">On
April 14, 2022, Governor Bill Lee (R-TN) signed the Tennessee Integrated and
Meaningful Employment Act, SB2042. Effective on July 1, 2022, this law would
eliminate the practice of paying subminimum wages to workers with disabilities
in Tennessee. This makes thirteen states that will no longer permit Section
14(c) certificates, ensuring fair wages for workers with disabilities. We would
like to congratulate the efforts of our Tennessee affiliate and hope this will
help us to continue the momentum to keep building cosponsors for the
Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act, S. 3238/H.R. 2373.<b> </b></span><span></span></font></p>

<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">NFB Comments on the AbilityOne Draft Strategic Plan:<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">Last
week we submitted our </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/comments-abilityone-draft-strategic-plan-fiscal-years" target="_blank">official
comments on the AbilityOne Draft Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2022-2026</a><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">. While
we were generally pleased with the direction of the strategic plan for the future
of the AbilityOne Program, there are still some areas that need improvement. I
encourage you to read about our specific concerns in the comments, and to check
out some of our other recent policy positions on the </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements" target="_blank">Policy
Statements page</a><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)"> of our website.</span><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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">Furthermore,
over the weekend the AbilityOne Commission announced that it would be extending
the comment period to April 30, so if you would like to </span><a href="https://www.regulations.gov/docket/CPPBSD-2022-0003/document" target="_blank">read
the Strategic Plan</a><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)"> and </span><a href="https://www.regulations.gov/document/CPPBSD-2022-0003-0002" target="_blank">submit
your own comments</a><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">, we encourage you to do so.</span><span></span></font></p>

<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Help Reach 100k for “We’re With U!” Concert:<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">This
past weekend featured a historic event: over one hundred blind performers from
across the world, more than twenty different radio streams, and the global
blind community came together to raise over $85,000 for the blind of Ukraine.
All done within twelve hours. Thank you to everyone who contributed by sharing
performances, donating dollars, and tuning into the “We’re With U!” concert. A
special thanks to our host, Jonathan Mosen at Mushroom FM. We are still taking
contributions to help support the World Blind Union’s Ukrainian Unity Fund with
a goal of $100,000. Your support is greatly appreciated. </span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/we-are-with-u-benefit-concert" target="_blank">nfb.org/BlindWithU</a><u><span style="color:blue">. </span></u><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">#BlindWithU</span><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125)"> </span><a href="https://mushroomfm.com/BlindWithU" target="_blank">The
“We’re With U” concert is now available on demand</a><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125)">.</span><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)"> </span><span></span></font></p>

<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Deadline Approaching for Blind Educator of the Year Award:<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">The
Blind Educator of the Year Award is open for nominations. The award pays
tribute to a blind teacher whose exceptional classroom performance, notable
community service, and uncommon commitment to the NFB merits national
recognition. Deadline for nominations is May 1. </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/blind-educator-year-award" target="_blank">Learn
more about the Blind Educator of the Year Award</a><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">. </span><span></span></font></p>

<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Upcoming Event: Braille for Beginners on April 26:<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">Learn
all about the basics of Braille, how it is produced, and tips and tricks for
beginners. Join the National Federation of the Blind on Tuesday, April 26, from
2:00 to 3:30 p.m., eastern, to discuss Braille with accessibility specialists.
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">register for
the accessibility boutique</a><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)"> today!</span></font><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30);font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large"> </span></p>

<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Panel of Successfully Employed Blind Educators:<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">Join
us as we celebrate the work and accomplishments of blind and low-vision
educators with a panel discussion on Wednesday, April 27, at 8:00 p.m.,
eastern. Register at </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-the-blind-work-webinars-registration" target="_blank">https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-the-blind-work-webinars-registration</a><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">.</span><span></span></font></p>

<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Dates to Keep in Mind: (all times eastern)<span></span></font></h1>

<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"></p><ul><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">April 26: Braille for Beginners <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration" target="_blank">Accessibility
Boutique</a></span></font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">April 27: <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-the-blind-work-webinars-registration" target="_blank">Successfully
Employed Blind Educator Panel</a></span></font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">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></font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">May 31: <a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=479" target="_blank">Convention
registration</a> closes</span></font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">July 5-10: <a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention" target="_blank">National
Convention</a>, New Orleans</span></font></li></ul><p></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="color:rgb(32,31,30)"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="" size="4"> </font></span><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><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>