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<h1><a name="m_8154994479623095866_m_7177704007149963865_OLE_LINK7"></a><a name="m_8154994479623095866_m_7177704007149963865_OLE_LINK8"></a><a name="m_8154994479623095866_m_7177704007149963865_OLE_LINK9"><span><span>President’s Notebook<u></u><u></u></span></span></a></h1>
<h1><span><span><span>National Federation of the Blind<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></h1>
<h1><span><span><span>Mark A. Riccobono<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></h1>
<h1><span><span><span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span><span><span>officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><u></u><u></u></span></span></span></h1>
<h1><span><span><span>410-659-9314<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u> <u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Dear Federation Family:<u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u> <u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">With the convention coming up, I am sure all of us are thinking
about the policy advancement work of the organized blind movement. It is important for each of us as leaders to be involved in understanding and shaping the programs and services that affect blind people. As an example, about this time two years ago members
started raising concerns with national leaders about the marketing practices of AccessiBe. The national board took action and the Convention further took action by passing a number of resolutions.<u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u> <u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Recently, the Braille Monitor published an apology authored by
the CEO of accessiBe. Please refer to “</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm23/bm2305/bm230503.htm" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;background-color:white">A
Heart-felt Apology and a Chance to Start Again” (HTML)</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">
from the May 2023 issue. We accepted the writing as it was offered by accessiBe and we now want to hear what our members think about the apology. How does the community feel about it? How do we advance digital access and hold companies accountable for their
marketing practices? These and other questions need to continue to receive debate and attention in our quest for equality. This is the level of engagement that we need throughout the organization. Sharing your thoughts on this and other topics will help to
shape where we go. <u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u> <u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">With that in mind, do not forget that the deadline for submission
of resolutions for our 2023 Convention is June 1, 2023. Please reach out to our new resolutions chairman, Donald Porterfield, at
</span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:resolutions@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">resolutions@nfb.org</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">
to make your submission or get assistance with crafting a resolution.<u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u> <u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Let’s go build the Federation.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p>
<h3><span><span><span><b><span style="line-height:115%">June Presidential Release Is May 31:<u></u><u></u></span></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in" dir="auto"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-color:white;color:black">The
National Federation of the Blind </span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-color:white">Presidential
Release #528</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-color:white;color:black">
is scheduled for Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at 8:00 p.m., eastern. Mark your calendar. Zoom details coming soon.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;background-color:white;border-color:windowtext;color:black"> </span></p>
<h2><span><span><span>Convention:<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></h2>
<h3><span><span><span><b>2023 Convention Resolutions:<u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in" dir="auto"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">The deadline to submit resolutions for
the 2023 National Convention<span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,73,125)"> </span>is just over two weeks away. Make sure that if you have a topic that deserves the recognition of the Convention that you craft a resolution and send it to
</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:resolutions@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">resolutions@nfb.org</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">
before Thursday, June 1, 2023.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt"> </span></p>
<h2><span><span><span>News:<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></h2>
<h3><span><span><span><b><span style="line-height:115%">Section 508 Webinar This Week:<u></u><u></u></span></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in;background-color:white"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Join the
National Federation of the Blind and the US Access Board on Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Thursday, May 18, for a one-hour seminar about Section 508 for government employees with disabilities, their supervisors, human resource professionals, contractors,
and anyone else interested. Learn about what it is supposed to do and how people with disabilities can work together to leverage the new ruling.
</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-color:white"><a href="https://nfb.org/form/gaad-section-508-webinar" target="_blank">Register
for the #GAAD Section 508 Webinar.</a></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span><span><span><b>Share and Forward Teachers of Tomorrow Opportunity:<u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Applications are open for the 2023-2024
National Federation of the Blind Teachers of Tomorrow cohort. NFB Teachers of Tomorrow is an immersive professional-development program that connects teachers of blind and low-vision students to the lived experiences of blind people. The program will equip
the participants with knowledge of the skills and attitudes that can help blind students thrive in school and beyond. Please encourage teachers of blind students in your affiliate to apply for this opportunity and help circulate the application information
to any university programs that prepare teachers of blind students where you have contacts. For more information, visit
</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/teachers-tomorrow" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/teachers-tomorrow</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">.
</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in;background-color:white"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-color:white"><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u><span style="text-decoration:none;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span><span><span><b>Help with Ride for Literacy – Ideas and Introductions:<u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">As part of our Ride for Literacy we are
seeking sponsors and hope you all can help by making suggestions or providing introductions. There are marketing opportunities for sponsors during the ride. We are especially interested in potential supporters with ties to sports or local sponsors whose businesses
are along Route 66. Please reach out to Rachel Held at </span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:rheld@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">rheld@nfb.org</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">
with your ideas. Thanks in advance for making this a successful public awareness and fundraising endeavor.
</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in;background-color:white"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-color:white"><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u><span style="text-decoration:none;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span><span><span><b>Upcoming Event: Accessibility of Virtual Meeting Platforms Boutique:<u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-color:white;color:rgb(32,31,30)">On
Tuesday, May 30, the Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access will present an Accessibility Boutique on recent accessibility improvements in Virtual Meeting Platforms</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">.
Come learn about the accessibility of Zoom, WebEx, and Microsoft Teams meetings, and how they have changed over the last few years!
</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/form/accessibility-boutique-reg" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Register
for the Virtual Meeting Platforms Boutique</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">.</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in;background-color:white"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-color:white"><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u><span style="text-decoration:none;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span><span><span><b>Access Technology Affordability Act (S. 1467):<u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Now that the Access Technology Affordability
Act has been introduced in the 118th Congress, it’s all hands on deck to build cosponsor support. We have a strong start with Senators Boozman (AR), Wyden (OR), and Young (IN) stepping in as original cosponsors, but it’s going to take a lot more than the three
of them to get the bill passed. The Senate will be in session all this week before they take a week break ahead of Memorial Day, so we need you to contact your state’s two senators and urge them to cosponsor S. 1467, the Access Technology Affordability Act.
</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in;background-color:white"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-color:white"><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u><span style="text-decoration:none;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span><span><span><b>Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act (H.R. 1328):<u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Since the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility
Act (H.R. 1328) was introduced on March 1 with thirty-two original cosponsors, we have seen a relatively steady flow of cosponsors sign on throughout the month of April and the beginning of May. We know that the House will be in session for the next two weeks
before the Memorial Day holiday, so we need your help to turn that steady flow into a surge of cosponsors. Please call your representative and urge them to cosponsor H.R. 1328, the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act.
</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in;background-color:white"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-color:white"><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u><span style="text-decoration:none;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span><span><span><a name="m_8154994479623095866_m_7177704007149963865__Hlk135052905"><b>Mondelēz</b></a></span></span></span><span><span><span><b>
Global LLC Settlement:<u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">On May 13, 2023, a class action settlement
agreement regarding Mondelēz Global LLC and its related entities was reached. The suit alleged that Mondelēz Global LLC violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by failing to take the necessary steps to ensure its websites do not discriminate against blind
or visually disabled consumers who use screen-reader auxiliary aids to access digital content. Under the settlement, Mondelēz Global LLC agrees to take additional steps to make its websites, mobile apps, and any new website or mobile app it develops or acquires
accessible to screen-reader users. For a more complete summary of the terms of the proposed settlement and to review other documents and information related to this matter, please visit:
</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.mondelezADAsettlement.com" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">https://www.mondelezADAsettlement.com</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">.
</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt"> </span></p>
<span></span><span></span><span></span>
<h2>Dates to Keep in Mind:<u></u><u></u></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">(all times eastern)<u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%">
<span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">May 18: Global Accessibility Awareness Day<u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></li><li style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%">
<span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">June 1 and 4: Chapter Presidents Call, 8:00 p.m. (Member Engagement and National Convention)<u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></li><li style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%">
<span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">July 1-6, 2023: National Convention; Houston, Texas<u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></li><li style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%">
<span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">August 9: I<span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">ntroduction to the Organized Blind Movement</span>, 8:00 p.m.<u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></li><li style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt">November 8: I</span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt">ntroduction to the Organized Blind Movement</span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt">, 8:00 p.m.</span><br></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u> <u style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"></u></span></p>
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