<div><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b>President’s
Notebook</b><br></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:16.1pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b>National Federation of the Blind<span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:16.1pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b>Mark A. Riccobono<span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:16.1pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank">officeofthepresident@nfb.org</a><span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:16.1pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b>410-659-9314<span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"> <span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Dear Federation Family,<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">As this is the week of Presidents’ Day (officially designated
as Washington’s Birthday), I want to extend my gratitude for the leadership
that you provide to our affiliates and divisions on a daily basis. I had the
opportunity to speak on a panel with other people who have served as presidents
in the organized blind movement during our Maryland convention this past
weekend. One idea I attempted to express was how meaningful the little things
that each of you do behind the scenes without fanfare are to our vitality. I
understand the dozens of phone calls, the gentle nudges of the rehab systems,
the quiet way you direct funding assistance to members in need every day. While
we share in the big victories, remember that it is the little acts of kindness
that you extend in your role that make the biggest difference in building our
movement together. Thank you!</span><span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Speaking of quiet victories, last
week I wrote a letter to Uber when we learned about an ad highlighting a blind
person. You can <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-uber-ceo-stop-recent-ad-promoting-negative" target="_blank">read the letter to Uber here</a>.
We received an immediate and positive response from Uber addressing our
concern. I raise this because we are taking actions like this on a regular
basis. While it might have been nice to throw more public shade at Uber, we
also recognize we have friends there who hear our message and who want to move
that organization in the right direction. So we gave them time to respond, and
they accepted the responsibility. This is the value of having a strongly
coordinated national movement that uses all the tools—gentle and forceful—in
advancing our mission of equality. To be sure, we are keeping the pressure on
Uber, but, in this one case, they get credit for acting swiftly. We will hold
them accountable to follow through.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"> <span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:16.1pt;break-after:avoid;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b>Critical Actions:<span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;break-after:avoid;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b>March Presidential Release:</b><span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><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 </span><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases" target="_blank"><span style="border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">March
Presidential Release</span></a><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"> is scheduled for February 29, 2024, at 8:00
p.m., eastern. Each presidential release live includes a question-and-answer
session. Please submit questions early to </span><a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style="border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">cdanielsen@nfb.org</span></a><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><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/98153925681" target="_blank"><span style="border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Zoom ID 981 5392 5681</span></a><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><span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:16.1pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b>News:<span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b>Legislative Update:</b><span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Since the 2024 Washington Seminar, we have gained forty-nine new
cosponsors on our legislation between the House and the Senate. In the House,
the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act gained twenty-two new
cosponsors to bring the total number up to twenty-six. The Medical Device
Nonvisual Accessibility Act in the House gained nineteen new cosponsors to
bring the total number up to seventy-two. The House version of the Access
Technology Affordability Act gained seven new cosponsors, bringing the total
number up to eighty-one. In the Senate, the Access Technology Affordability Act
gained one new cosponsor to bring the total number up to eighteen. This is
fantastic progress! Please continue to follow up with your members of Congress
and urge them to cosponsor our legislation.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b>Black History Month Events:</b><span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><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">In honor of Black History Month, the National
Organization of Blind Black Leaders (NOBBL) is hosting several meetings and
events on Zoom</span>. There are two
more: February 21 and February 27. <a href="https://nfb.org/national-organization-blind-black-leaders-black-history-month-events" target="_blank">Learn more about the upcoming NOBBL
events</a>.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b>2024 Federation Song Contest:</b><span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><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">Calling all dreamers, melody makers, and lyrical
wizards! Craft your sonic masterpiece for the 2024 Performing Arts Division
Federation Song Contest. You could win a spot at a special songwriting retreat
at the prestigious home to the nation's oldest blindness movement. Don't let
your sound dim; tune in to your muse and hit that </span><a href="https://nfb-pad.org/songwriting" target="_blank">submit
button!</a><span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;break-after:avoid;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b>Submit Nominations for Distinguished
Educator of Blind Students Award:</b><span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;break-after:avoid;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="color:black">The education of
blind children is one of the National Federation of the Blind's highest
priorities. Please help us recognize dedicated and innovative teachers who
provide quality education and meaningful experiences and opportunities for
their blind students. Nominate a teacher, counselor, or administrator of
programs for blind students. </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award" target="_blank">Learn more about the Distinguished
Educator of Blind Students Award</a><span style="color:black">.</span><span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b>Submit Nominations for Blind
Educator of the Year Award:</b><span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><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 </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/blind-educator-year-award" target="_blank"><span style="border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Blind Educator
of the Year Award</span></a><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"> pays tribute to a blind teacher whose
exceptional classroom performance, notable community service, and commitment to
the organized blind movement merit national recognition. Submit nominations to
the committee chairperson, Robin House, via email at </span><a href="mailto:robin@mindsrealm.net" target="_blank"><span style="border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">robin@mindsrealm.net</span></a><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">. Letters of
nomination must be accompanied by a copy of the nominee’s current résumé and
supporting documentation of community and Federation activity.</span><span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b>Save the Date:</b><span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><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 Diabetes
Action Network Seminar will be held on Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April
27, 2024, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the Hilton St. Louis Airport. The cost of
a room is $111 a night, and, when you book be sure to request the room block
under the name National Federation of the Blind. To reach the hotel call
314-426-5500. </span><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/divisions-committees-and-groups/divisions/diabetes-action-network" target="_blank"><span style="border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">More details
on the seminar coming soon</span></a><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></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b>National Federation of the Blind IEP
Advocacy Academy:</b><span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">We are seeking blind adults and parents of blind or low-vision
children willing to gain knowledge of Individual Education Programs (IEPs) to
assist families with the future education of blind or low-vision students.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Parents can easily feel overwhelmed by the IEP process that is
required to establish special education services for their child. Currently,
there is a limited number of people that have the necessary knowledge to assist
these families.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">To address the extreme shortage of knowledgeable parent
advocates for blind and low-vision students across the nation, the National
Federation of the Blind (NFB), with support from the Lavelle Fund for the
Blind, is offering an intensive IEP training opportunity. We invite interested
parents and blind adults from every state to apply.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">Participants will learn to serve as volunteer advocates in
preparation for and/or attendance at IEP meetings for blind or low-vision
students. Participants will gain an understanding of education law, learn how
to develop a thorough and robust IEP, acquire advocacy strategies in order to
empower parents to advocate for students and families, assist in and create the
strongest possible IEPs for blind students, and learn to train other advocates
in their perspective state.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">For more information or to apply visit <a href="https://nfb.org/form/application-for-iep-advocacy-tra" target="_blank">https://nfb.org/form/application-for-iep-advocacy-tra</a>.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.25in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:16.1pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><b>Dates to Keep in
Mind: </b>(all times
eastern)<span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><a name="m_470948513862220813_m_-1302149383860465146__Hlk150162423">April 15: Deadline for </a><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/dr-jacob-bolotin-awards/application-information" target="_blank">Bolotin Award</a> nominations<span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">May 1: Deadline for <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/blind-educator-year-award" target="_blank">Blind Educator of the Year Award</a> nominations<span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></span>May 1: Deadline for <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award" target="_blank">Distinguished Educator of Blind
Students Award</a> nominations<span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">July 3-8, 2024: National Convention; Orlando, Florida<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><span> </span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial" dir="auto">Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement<span></span></p>
<p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial" dir="auto"><span style="color:black">Wednesday, May 8, 8:00 p.m.</span><span></span></p>
<p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial" dir="auto"><span style="color:black">Wednesday, August 7, 8:00 p.m.</span><span></span></p>
<p style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial" dir="auto"><span style="color:black">Wednesday, November 6, 8:00 p.m.</span><span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p></div></div></div>
</div>