<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default"><h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:normal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">President’s
Notebook<span></span></font></h1><h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:normal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">National
Federation of the Blind<span></span></font></h1><h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:normal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Mark
A. Riccobono<span></span></font></h1><h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:normal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank">officeofthepresident@nfb.org</a><span></span></font></h1><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:normal"><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">410-659-9314<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><br></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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> <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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Full
steam ahead to New Orleans. I am getting excited for our national convention
knowing that on Monday I will be at the Marriott for our Presidential Release
Live with members of our New Orleans Chapter. Our work is making a difference
in so many places and I cannot wait to celebrate with you and plan for the
future at our convention.<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> <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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">We have
many competing priorities in the National Federation of the Blind. Due to a
variety of factors, we have decided that we were not in a position to operate
our summer internship program at the NFB Jernigan Institute during 2022. Expect
this important program to be back in 2023 refreshed and refocused to build the
Federation. More details will be coming in the fall. <span></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Critical Actions:<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b>Upcoming
May Presidential Release:</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 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><span style="color:black"><a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org" target="_blank">cdanielsen@nfb.org</a></span><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)"> and
put PR516 in the subject line, or call 410-659-9314, extension 2473. The Zoom
Meeting ID is 915 8304 3260 or use the following link: </span><span style="color:black"><a href="https://zoom.us/j/91583043260" target="_blank">https://zoom.us/j/91583043260</a></span><span style="color:rgb(32,31,30)">.</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"><b><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></b></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">News:<span></span></font></h1>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Volunteers Needed!<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Are you
interested in helping to make the 2022 National Convention a huge success? You
can help by volunteering in the Independence Market at national convention. We
are currently looking for volunteers to serve as demonstrators, storekeepers,
pay-station representatives, and line marshals during all four days the market
is open. The dates for the market are Wednesday, July 6, through Saturday, July
9. We will be open on July 6 and 7 for the entire day and July 8 and 9 during
the lunch period only.<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">The
Independence Market at national convention would not be possible without the
support, dedication, and hard work of our numerous volunteers. For more
information or to volunteer, please contact Jen White at 410-659-9314,
extension 2236, or email her at <span style="color:black"><a href="mailto:jwhite@nfb.org" target="_blank">jwhite@nfb.org</a></span> today.</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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></p>
<h1><font size="4" face="tahoma, sans-serif">2022-23 Teachers of Tomorrow
Program Application Deadline Coming Soon:<span></span></font></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;break-after:avoid;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">The
deadline to apply to be part of the 2022-2023 Teachers of Tomorrow cohort is
May 1, 2022. 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 <span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/teachers-tomorrow" target="_blank">https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/teachers-tomorrow</a></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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b> </b><span></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Letter to House
Appropriations Committee Regarding Older Blind and Randolph-Sheppard Programs:<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">On
Monday, April 25 we sent a <span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-chair-and-ranking-member-house-appropriations" target="_blank">letter
to the chair and ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee</a></span> to
request an increase in funding for the Independent Living Services for Older
Blind Individuals (OIB) program, and an appropriation to commission a study on
how to revitalize the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility program. Currently the
OIB program is woefully underfunded and we have asked to increase the
appropriation to that program so that it can help provide the training and
tools needed for older blind Americans to live the life they want. The funding
for the Randolph-Sheppard study would be a reassignment of funds previously
allocated for training and assistance. This money would fund a study to
identify deficiencies and areas for improvement that states can use to create
new opportunities for blind merchants. This letter and all of our other policy
responses can be read on the <span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements" target="_blank">Policy
Statements page</a></span> of our website.<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> <span></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Legislative Alert for the
Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act (H.R. 4853):<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Last
week we sent out a legislative alert urging Federationists to contact their
member of the US House of Representatives and ask them to cosponsor the Medical
Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act. The House is now back in session, so we
need you to contact your representative and ask them to sign on to this critical
piece of accessibility legislation that will give blind Americans the ability
to safely and independently care for themselves. It is especially important
that you contact your representative if they are a <span style="color:black"><a href="https://energycommerce.house.gov/about-ec/membership" target="_blank">member of the House
Energy and Commerce Committee</a></span>, to where the bill has been
assigned. You can contact your member of Congress by calling the Capitol
Switchboard at 202-224-3121.<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> <span></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">NFB EQ Con Registration
Deadline Approaching:<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">This
year an NFB EQ Convention program will be offered at our national convention
for all those who participated in NFB EQ programs between 2018 and 2021.
Participants will have fun 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
annual conference.<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> <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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">The
deadline to register for this opportunity is May 1, 2022. We hope you will
reach out to past NFB EQ participants in your affiliate to encourage them to
take advantage of this opportunity. 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 <span style="color:black"><a href="mailto:stem@nfb.org" target="_blank">stem@nfb.org</a></span>.<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> <span></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Seeking Teachers for NFB BELL<sup>®</sup> Academy:<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">We are
seeking teachers with a positive philosophy about blindness to work in several
of our in-person NFB BELL Academy sites across the country, and remotely as
part of our NFB BELL Academy In-Home Edition. If you have teachers in
your affiliate who might be interested, please have them email <span style="color:black"><a href="mailto:bell@nfb.org" target="_blank">bell@nfb.org</a></span> to
get more information about the various opportunities that are available.<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 face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> <span></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Dates to Keep in Mind: (all
times eastern)<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"></p><ul><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">April
27: <span style="color:black"><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">May 1:
Deadline for <span style="color:black"><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">May1: <span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/teachers-tomorrow" target="_blank">Teachers
of Tomorrow program application</a></span> deadline</font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">May 1:
Give20 Convention Drawing Opens</font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">May 2:
Presidential Release, 8:00 p.m.</font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">May
31: <span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=479" target="_blank">Convention
registration</a></span> closes</font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">July
5-10: <span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention" target="_blank">National Convention</a></span>, New
Orleans</font></li></ul><p></p>
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