<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style=""><h1 style="margin:0in;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">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>

<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></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">Dear Federation Family,<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></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">It was such an honor to be on
the ground in Jackson, Mississippi, for our Presidential Release LIVE event to
kick off Blind Equality Achievement Month. Thanks to our Mississippi affiliate
for the invitation. Thanks again also to our National Association of Blind
Merchants for stepping up to provide water for us to distribute to our blind
members in Jackson who have been dealing with the ongoing water crisis. I was
humbled to travel around the city with our local chapter president and meet
members at their homes. This was a true showing of the Federation family.<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></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">I encourage affiliates that have
innovative proposals for our live release events in 2023 to submit them to me.
We cannot be on the road every month, but we would love to do more of these in
local communities.<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"> </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">Remember to promote our
#BlindMonth activities by using the hashtag in social media. I encourage all of
our leaders to find something to post for White Cane Awareness Day. Wouldn’t it
be great if every national division and affiliate president put out a post in
social media for October 15? If you do not have your own social media account,
post on an NFB-related account. You can always send your content to <span style="color:black"><a href="mailto:scascone@nfb.org" target="_blank">scascone@nfb.org</a></span> for posting.<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></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">Have a great month of outreach
in local communities. <span></span></font></p>

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

<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">It's
Blind Equality Achievement Month:<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">Members of the National
Federation of the Blind conduct activities in local communities such as white
cane walks, film screenings, and social events. Please send a description of
your affiliate- or chapter-related #BlindMonth activities, including the white
cane proclamations, to <span style="color:black"><a href="mailto:web@nfb.org" target="_blank">web@nfb.org</a></span> so
they can be posted on the <span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/blind-month" target="_blank">Blind
Equality Achievement Month page.</a></span> There is also still time
to encourage your local government to issue a White Cane Awareness Day
proclamation. Learn more at <a href="https://whitecane.day/" target="_blank">whitecane.day</a> <span></span></font></p>

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

<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Nondiscrimination
in Health Programs and Activities:<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">Last Thursday, the NFB submitted
comments to the US Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil
Rights regarding its notice of public rulemaking (NPRM) for Section 1557 of the
Affordable Care Act (ACA). The NPRM proposes to clarify and expand
nondiscrimination requirements in Section 1557 of the ACA and requested
feedback specific to telehealth, medical devices, and website and mobile app
accessibility. I encourage you to read our comments, as well as the other
content on the <span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements" target="_blank">Policy Statements</a></span> section
of our website. <span></span></font></p>

<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Websites
and Software Applications Accessibility Act, S. 4998/H.R. 9021:<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">On September 28, 2022, Senator
Tammy Duckworth of Illinois introduced the Websites and Software Applications
Accessibility Act in the Senate. There are three original cosponsors for the
bill: Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii, and
Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts. On the same day, Representative John
Sarbanes of Maryland introduced an identical bill in the House, which has been
assigned bill number H.R. 9021. Now that the bill is introduced in both
chambers of Congress, please contact your members in the House and Senate and
ask them to cosponsor the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act!
For more information, check out <span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/senator-duckworth-and-representative-sarbanes-introduce-bill-make-websites-and-software-accessible" target="_blank">our press release</a></span>. <span></span></font></p>

<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">2023
Washington Seminar:<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">The days are getting shorter,
there’s a chill in the air, and the leaves have just begun to fall from the
trees—that means our annual Washington Seminar is just around the corner. For
2023, the Washington Seminar will be back in-person. January will mark the
start of the 118th Congress, and we wanted to make sure we were one of the
first groups new members met with. That’s why we scheduled next year’s seminar
from Monday, January 30, through Thursday, February 2, 2023. Save those dates
in your calendars now but stay tuned over the next few weeks and months as we
release more updates details, legislative issues, and
training schedules. <span></span></font></p>

<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">You Can
No Longer ShoutCAST It from the Rooftops:<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">Over the past few years, several
affiliates have leveraged the software tool the national office uses to stream
our national convention. This content-streaming platform has allowed affiliates
to stream state conventions, podcasts, and other types of audio content simply
and accessibly. Unfortunately, ShoutCAST has discontinued the audio-streaming
component of its business model and is no longer available for use. The
national office is evaluating inexpensive streaming options for accessibility
and usability but has yet to find a product that fully fits the Federation’s
needs. We continue to assess various platforms and will share news should we
identify a suitable replacement.  <span></span></font></p>

<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Announcing
Matching Gift Opportunity:<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">We are asking you all to
socialize the information below regarding our upcoming challenge grant from
Vispero.<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 class="gmail-m-7670479411467898811heading3char">Challenging Expectations: A
Partnership with Vispero:</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">We rely on the generosity of
individual supporters and partner organizations to help us transform dreams
into reality for blind people. We are excited to announce a generous challenge
gift from Vispero to celebrate White Cane Awareness Day. Every dollar
contributed between October 15 and the end of the year will be matched up to
$50,000!<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"><br></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">Double your contribution and
help ensure that we fulfill this matching gift. </font><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large">Three ways
you can help:</span></p><p class="gmail-m-7670479411467898811msolistparagraph" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;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><ul><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">
Give online at <span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/donate" target="_blank">nfb.org/donate</a></span></font></font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Mail a check to National Federation of the Blind, 200 East Wells
Street, Baltimore, MD 21230</font></font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Contribute by phone using a credit card by calling 410-659-9314,
extension 2430 </font></font></li></ul><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span></span></font><p></p>





<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Office
365 Suite Accessibility Boutique:<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">October 4, 2:00-3:30 p.m.,
eastern, via Zoom<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">The National Federation of the
Blind, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Disabilities, invites you
to attend the Office 365 Suite Accessibility Boutique. Learn about the features
of Microsoft’s online Office 365 Suite and its accessibility for blind and
low-vision users. The boutique will focus on Office 365’s Word, PowerPoint, and
Excel applications. <span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events" target="_blank">Register for the October 4
Accessibility Boutique.</a></span> <span></span></font></p>

<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Career
Fair—Fearless Job Interview Part 1:<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">October 6, 7:00 p.m., eastern,
via Zoom<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">In the first seminar of the
National Federation of the Blind career fair series, job seekers will be given
information on job search strategies, an overview on customizing their resumes
and cover letters, keys to developing effective interview communication, and an
interactive segment on the tricky prompt “tell me about yourself.” No
registration required. <span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/info?&reset=1&id=522" target="_blank">Access Zoom details for Job
Interview Part 1 on the Career Fair page</a></span>. <span></span></font></p>

<h1 style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Recent Voice
of the Nation’s Blind Blog Post:<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">September was National Guide Dog
Month, and it helps lead us to October, which is Blind Equality Achievement
Month. Danielle McCann’s retired guide dog, Schultz, shares some of the experience
with transitioning to retirement. Read the blog post, “<span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/blog/hanging-harness" target="_blank">Hanging Up the Harness</a></span>.”  <span></span></font></p>

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

<p class="gmail-m-7670479411467898811msolistparagraph" style="margin:0in;break-after:avoid;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">October
4: <span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events" target="_blank">Office 365 Suite Accessibility
Boutique</a></span></font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">October 6: <span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/info?&reset=1&id=522" target="_blank">Career Fair Part 1</a></span></font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">October 15: <span style="color:black"><a href="https://whitecane.day/" target="_blank">White
Cane Awareness Day</a></span></font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">October
21: Where the Blind Work Webinar</font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">October
25: <span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events" target="_blank">Education Technology Accessibility
Boutique</a></span></font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">January
30, 2023: Great Gathering-In</font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">March 23, 2023: Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium</font></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">July 1-6, 2023: National Convention; Houston, Texas</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"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" style="" size="4"> </font><b style="font-size:large;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,176,80)"><span></span></span></b></p></div><div><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div><div></div><div></div></div><div dir="auto"></div><font color="#888888"></font></div></div></div></div></div>