<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%"><span class="gmail-gmaildefault"><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:13.5pt"><b>President’s Notebook</b></span></p><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><b>
National Federation of the Blind<br>
Mark A. Riccobono<br>
<a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank">officeofthepresident@nfb.org</a><br>
410-659-9314</b><br>
<br>
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Dear
Federation Family,</span><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Three
weeks until July 4 and the day that many will be arriving in New Orleans for
our first in-person convention in three years. There are many things to do
before we get to our national convention, thus, this is a short and mostly
convention-focused notebook. Please note the pressing convention-related items
below, opportunities to engage members not attending convention in our virtual
convention experience activities, and some final legislative updates so we can
enter convention in a strong position to move our agenda.</span><span></span></p><h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:150%"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">News:</span><span></span></h1><h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:150%"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">#NFB22 Virtual Experience
Details & Banquet Party Form:</span><span></span></h1><p style="margin:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">The
2022 National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind is almost
here. <span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=481" target="_blank">Registration for the NFB22 virtual experience is still
open</a></span>. We encourage you to promote the virtual experience with
chapter members who are not going to New Orleans—it’s a great way to be
connected to the organized blind movement during the week of July 5 through
July 10. There will be a virtual experience component each day of the
convention with exclusive activities, including door prizes. For members who
will be attending the virtual experience and hosting a banquet party, we would
love to know about your party for the chance to say hello from
convention. <span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/banquet-party-form" target="_blank">Complete the National Convention
Virtual Experience Banquet Party Form by June 30</a></span>.</span><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span><span></span></p><p class="gmail-m8307761140728766193msolistparagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span><span></span></p><h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:150%"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Requesting Feedback on a
Dynamic, Tactile Braille Display at Convention:</span><span></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Thanks
to a revolution in cell technology, we are now close to realizing the dream of
multi-line, dynamic electronic Braille that can also accurately display tactile
graphics—what the field often refers to as the “Holy Braille.” We are seeking
members of NFB divisions who would like to participate in a ninety-minute
session to experience and give feedback on this innovative technology. Please
visit <span style="color:black"><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5V5Q8NB" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5V5Q8NB</a></span> and
complete the form. We will contact you, if you are chosen, to participate in
one of our sessions. If chosen, you must sign a nondisclosure agreement and
acknowledge that the session will be recorded (audio and video) in order to
participate. Space is limited, so please complete the form as soon as possible.</span><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span><span></span></p><p class="gmail-m8307761140728766193msolistparagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Contact
Bennett Prows at <span style="color:black"><a href="mailto:prize@nfb.org" target="_blank">prize@nfb.org</a></span> with
any questions. We appreciate the generous door-prize support from NFB
affiliates, divisions, chapters, and all our members.</span><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">  <span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%"><span> </span></p><h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:150%"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Legislative Push Leading into
Convention:</span><span></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">We
want to head into the 2022 National Convention with as much support for our
legislation as possible. The House and Senate are in session this week and
next. If your representative or senators have not already cosponsored the
following, please urge them to do so:</span><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">House</span></b><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">H.R.
431 – Access Technology Affordability Act</span><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">H.R.
2373 – Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act</span><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">H.R.
4853 – Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act</span><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Senate</span></b><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">S.
212 – Access Technology Affordability Act</span><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">S.
3238 – Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act</span><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Special
thanks to Maryland and Minnesota for our two most recent cosponsors on the
Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act (H.R. 4853), Dutch Ruppersberger
(MD-02) and Angie Craig (MN-02).  <span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%"><span> </span></p><h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:150%"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Upcoming Event: Online
Learning Services Seminar:</span><span></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">Many services exist to
help people learn new skills in a variety of areas. However, the accessibility
of both the user interface and course content can vary widely. Come join the
NFB CENA staff to learn about several popular learning services on June 15 from
1:00-5:00 p.m. via Zoom. </span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/form/accessibility-boutique-reg" target="_blank"><span style="border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">Register at
https://nfb.org/form/accessibility-boutique-reg</span></a></span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(32,31,30);border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">.</span><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">  <span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%"><span> </span></p><h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:150%"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Social Security
Administration Kiosks:</span><span></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">The
NFB continues to seek information about the accessibility of the Social
Security Administration’s current visitor-intake-processing methods. If you
have visited an SSA field office since their reopening in April 2022, or plan
to visit an office soon, please contact Valerie Yingling at 410-659-9314,
extension 2440, or <span style="color:black"><a href="mailto:legal@nfb.org" target="_blank">legal@nfb.org</a></span>. We
are specifically gathering information on whether the field offices are using
kiosk, web-based, or human check-in processes, and whether these processes are
accessible to blind individuals.</span><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:13.5pt"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:13.5pt"><br></span></p><h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:150%"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Dates to Keep in Mind: (all
times eastern)</span><span></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">June
21: Convention career fair registration closes</span></li><li><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">July
5-10: 2022 <span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention" target="_blank">National Convention</a></span>, New Orleans</span></li></ul><span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%"><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:150%;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span><span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:large;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif">











































































































</p><h1 style="margin-top:0in;line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </span></h1></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></div></div>