<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b>President’s Notebook</b></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:0in 0in 8pt"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b>
National Federation of the Blind<br>
Mark A. Riccobono<br>
</b><span style="color:black"><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org" style="color:blue" target="_blank"><b><span style="color:rgb(17,85,204)">officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></b></a></span><b><u><span style="color:rgb(17,85,204)"><br>
</span></u></b><b>410-659-9314</b></font></p>

<p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><br></font></p><p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Dear Federation Family,</font></p>

<p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">The past four days have been spent reviewing our progress this
year and planning for the year(s) ahead. Our board of directors started the
weekend with a number of meetings with partners followed by a celebration with
our supporters. The enthusiasm for our work together in the movement is as high
as it has ever been among our partners and friends. Take a moment to
share <span style="color:black"><a href="https://youtu.be/RrpR8h1KD-s" style="color:blue" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(17,85,204)">this thank-you video</span></a></span> with
supporters of our organization.</font></p>

<p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">The National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors spent
the following two days doing a deep review of the work of the organization and
laying plans to make that work even stronger at all levels. We will be eager to
roll some new things out to the members in 2023. One of the decisions made was
to finalize our legislative priorities for the 2023 Washington Seminar. Our
three issues this year will be:</font></p><p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in"></p><ol><li><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:107%"><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal"> </span></span><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large;line-height:107%">Websites and Software Applications
Accessibility Act</span></li><li><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large">Medical Device Nonvisual
Accessibility Act</span></li><li><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large">Eliminating the SSDI Earnings
Cliff</span></li></ol><p></p>

<p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">You are likely familiar with the first two issues, but the third
is something new. We will be proposing a bill to Congress that will eliminate
the SSDI earnings cliff and instead institute a gradual phase-out of benefits
based on income. This will incentivize more blind and disabled Americans to
find more fulfilling, better-paying jobs without fear of completely losing all
of their SSDI benefits if they cross a specific earnings threshold. Each of
these three issues will be discussed in depth during a Zoom issues training
call on Tuesday, December 20 at 8:00 p.m., eastern.</font></p>

<p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in"><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large">Our weekend concluded on Sunday with a steering committee
continuing the work on the organization’s strategic plan. We received very
meaningful feedback from hundreds of members across the country and we are now
working to shape the strategic commitments we will make to take our movement to
the next level. I look forward to working with members and affiliate leaders on
those commitments as we get into the second half of 2023. </span></p>

<h1 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-left:0in;color:rgb(0,112,192)"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">News:</font></h1>

<h1 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-left:0in;color:rgb(0,112,192)"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">December Presidential Release Recording
Available:</font></h1>

<p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">The <span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases" style="color:blue" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(17,85,204)">Presidential Release #522 recording for chapters</span></a></span> is
available to share with chapter presidents to use during their December chapter
meetings. Transcripts and Spanish coming this week. The next Presidential
Release LIVE will be January 4, World Braille Day.</font></p>

<h1 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-left:0in;color:rgb(0,112,192)"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> Lyft Up and Share:</font></h1>

<p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">On Giving Tuesday 2022, Lyft added us to its round-up program.
Now you can add the National Federation of the Blind as an option to receive
contributions every time you ride–a great option for all of our friends and
family. Please share the following blurb with members in emails and social
media to help encourage people to participate. You can copy and paste the
following:</font></p>

<p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">An exciting and easy giving option for everyone: the organized
blind movement has joined the Lyft Up program, so you can contribute every time
you ride with Lyft. The program will round up the cost of your ride to the
nearest dollar and donate the difference. In the Lyft app, simply go to the
menu, navigate to donate, and choose National Federation of the Blind. Share
this with all of your friends and family, because all of our small change leads
to making a big difference. Thank you for your support!</font></p>

<h1 style="break-after:avoid;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-left:0in;color:rgb(0,112,192)"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Accessibility Requirements for Self-Service
Transaction Machines and Self-Service Kiosks:</font></h1>

<p style="break-after:avoid;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">The National Federation of the Blind recently submitted comments
to the US Access Board regarding its advanced notice of public rulemaking
(ANPRM) related to accessibility requirements for self-service transaction
machines and self-service kiosks. In our comments, we urge the Access Board to
incorporate Section 508 regulations and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
into the rulemaking and further urge the Access Board to require 100 percent
accessibility conformance in all locations. You can 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" style="color:blue" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(17,85,204)">Policy Statements</span></a></span> section of our website.</font></p>

<h1 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-left:0in;color:rgb(0,112,192)"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Scholarship Program Deadline Approaching in March:</font></h1>

<p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">The National Federation of the Blind scholarship
program helps blind college students reach their educational and employment
goals and so much more. Building on its strong foundation, we </span><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125);border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">have</span><span style="color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in"> enhanc</span><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125);border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">ed</span><span style="color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in"> the
awards granted</span><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125);border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">—</span><span style="color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in">making the experience even more inclusive, engaging, and
meaningful for the thirty finalists<span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">.</span></span> <span style="color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Each scholarship winner will receive $8,000. Students can now
be encouraged to </span><span style="color:black"><a href="https://scholarships.nfb.org/" style="color:blue" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125);border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">apply for the
2023 scholarship program</span></a></span><span style="color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">.</span></font></p>

<h1 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-left:0in;color:rgb(0,112,192)"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Indeed Pre-Employment Assessments:</font></h1>

<p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">The National Federation of the Blind is investigating the
accessibility of Indeed’s pre-employment assessments. If you have been invited
by an employer to complete a pre-employment assessment through Indeed, or if
you have wanted to or attempted to complete a pre-employment assessment as a
way of bolstering your resume on Indeed, please contact Valerie Yingling, legal
program coordinator, at <span style="color:black"><a href="mailto:legal@nfb.org" style="color:blue" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(17,85,204)">legal@nfb.org</span></a></span>.<span style="color:black;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"> </span></font></p>

<h1 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-left:0in;color:rgb(0,112,192)"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><i>Braille Monitor</i> December Issue Available and Its History:</font></h1>

<p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">The latest issue of our flagship publication is now available.
Read about the experience of attending one’s first convention, information on
the Social Security announcement, tech tips, stories from members, and
more. <span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm22/bm2211/bm2211tc.htm" style="color:blue" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(17,85,204)">Access the December <i>Braille Monito</i>r now.</span></a></span> Also
available on our <i>Voice of the Nation’s Blind Blog</i> is an
article titled “<span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/blog/brief-history-braille-monitor" style="color:blue" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(17,85,204)">A Brief
History of the Braille Monitor</span></a></span>,” by Gary Wunder.</font></p>

<h1 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-left:0in;color:rgb(0,112,192)"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Braille Readers Are Leaders Has Begun:</font></h1>

<p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">December 5was the beginning of the 2022-2023 Braille Readers Are
Leaders Contest. Participants in the contest should track the minutes they read
Braille and log them at <span style="color:black"><a href="http://actionfund.beanstack.org/" style="color:blue" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(17,85,204)">actionfund.beanstack.org</span></a></span>. If
someone wants to participate in the contest and has not yet registered, it is
not too late. Individuals can sign up and participate in the contest until it
ends on January 23, 2023. Remember that this year we have contests for youth as
well as contests for adults of all Braille reading experience levels. If you
have any questions, please email <span style="color:black"><a href="mailto:braillereadingcontest@actionfund.org" style="color:blue" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(17,85,204)">braillereadingcontest@actionfund.org</span></a></span>. </font></p>

<h1 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-left:0in;color:rgb(0,112,192)"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Reminders:</font></h1>

<h1 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-left:0in;color:rgb(0,112,192)"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Santa and Winter Celebration Letters:</font></h1>

<p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Don’t forget! The time is now to request a Santa or Winter
Celebration letter from the National Federation of the Blind. There are only
two weeks left! We are providing both letters and the activities to go along
with them in English and Spanish. Wouldn’t your child, grandchild, or student
love to receive a Braille letter in the mail during the winter break? The
letters and activities are also provided in print for sighted family members
and friends. Just think how fun it will be making lasting memories with your
blind child that you cherish for years to come. All you need to do is
visit <span style="color:black"><a href="http://nfb.org/program-servics/early-childhood-initiatives/santa-letters" style="color:blue" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(17,85,204)">http://nfb.org/program-servics/early-childhood-initiatives/santa-letters</span></a></span> and
complete the form. Hurry, requests will only be accepted through December 16,
2022.  </font></p>

<h1 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-left:0in;color:rgb(0,112,192)"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> Dates to Keep in Mind: <span style="color:rgb(34,34,34)">(all times
eastern)</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;margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%"></p><ul><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">December 16: Deadline for </span><span style="color:black"><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/early-childhood-initiatives/santa-letters" style="color:blue" target="_blank"><span style="line-height:107%;color:rgb(17,85,204)">Santa Letters and Winter Celebration</span></a></span></font></li><li><span style="line-height:107%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">December 31: Deadline for assistance with
updating member data</font></span></li><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">January 4, 2023: </span><span style="color:black"><a href="https://braille.day/" style="color:blue" target="_blank"><span style="line-height:107%;color:rgb(17,85,204)">Braille Day</span></a></span></font></li><li><span style="line-height:107%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">January 30, 2023: Great Gathering-In</font></span></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><li><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></li></ul><p></p>













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