<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default"><p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><a name="m_668855198866172555_m_47299154533958215"><b>President\u2019s
Notebook</b></a><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b>National
Federation of the Blind</b><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b><span lang="DE">Mark A. Riccobono</span></b><span lang="DE"><span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank"><b><span lang="DE">officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></b></a><span lang="DE"><span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b>410-659-9314</b><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Dear Federation
Family,<span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><br></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Let me begin by
sharing my appreciation for those who have lost their lives in service of our
nation, and my thoughts are with those of you who have lost loved ones. I hope
that each of you found an opportunity to remember those heroic individuals
yesterday. I am remembering my father this week, who, as a result of his
service in the US Navy, was exposed to harmful chemicals, which led to his
passing.<span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><br></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">As we come to the
close of May, the excitement about our national convention grows. While we
still have a lot of work to do, the Louisiana affiliate, our staff, and I are
looking forward to the opportunity to be back in person with you all. Please be
sure to encourage members to submit their registrations this week before online
registration closes. There are plenty of rooms left at our overflow hotel,
which also will house our exhibit hall, so do not hesitate to encourage members
to reserve rooms at the Sheraton.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Finally, a heads
up that we will have a Presidential Release recording for chapter meetings in
June but then will not have one in July. There continues to be some confusion
about the live Presidential Release events and the chapter recordings. Per the
request of many of you, we have kept the recorded version short and specific to
chapters so that it gets played. Apparently, some of your chapters are still
playing the live version or choosing not to play it because the live version is
too long or there was no live release in that month. Please help chapters
understand the value of the recorded release, how to get it, and how to build
it into meetings.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b>Convention:</b><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b>Volunteers
Needed:</b><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">New Orleans is
the place, and the Independence Market is the space! We are looking for folks
who are interested in helping to make the 2025 NFB National Convention a huge
success. You can help by volunteering in the Independence Market at the
national convention! We are currently looking for volunteers to serve as
demonstrators<b>, </b>storekeepers, and line marshals during all four days
the Independence Market is open. The dates and times are as follows:<span></span></font></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Tuesday,
July 8: 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. or 12:45 to 5:00 p.m.<span></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Wednesday,
July 9: 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. or 12:45 to 5:00 p.m.<span></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Thursday,
July 10: 12:00 to 1:45 p.m.<span></span></font></li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Friday, July
11: 12:00 to 1:45 p.m<br>
<span></span></font></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0.25in"><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large">The Independence
Market at the national convention would not be possible without the support,
dedication, and hard work of our numerous volunteers. For more information or
to volunteer, please complete our </span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/market-volunteer" target="_blank" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large">new market
volunteer form</a><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large"> or contact
Jen White at 410-659-9314, extension 2236, or email her at </span><a href="mailto:jwhite@nfb.org" target="_blank" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large">jwhite@nfb.org</a><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large"> today.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b>Independence
Market Convention Schedule:</b><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Independence
Market telephone orders will close on Monday, June 30, at 5:00 p.m., Eastern,
and reopen on Thursday, July 17, at 8:00 a.m., Eastern. This is to ensure that
orders can be processed and shipped before our market employees travel to New
Orleans for this year\u2019s national convention. However, the ecommerce system will
remain open and continue to accept and process your orders during those days.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> <span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b>Congratulations
to the 2025 Scholarship Finalists:</b><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">The National
Federation of the Blind announced the finalists for its annual scholarship
program, which provides financial assistance and connects students with blind
mentors and other resources. <a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/celebrating-outstanding-blind-students" target="_blank">Congratulations
to the thirty outstanding finalists.</a><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> <span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b>National
Federation of the Blind National Convention Career Fair:</b><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span lang="EN">Join us for the National Federation of the Blind National
Convention Career Fair on July 9, 1:00\u20134:00 p.m., Central. Hosted by the
National Employment Committee, this event is an opportunity for blind and
low-vision people seeking jobs to connect with employers and is an opportunity
for employers to seek more talent for their teams.</span><span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span lang="EN"><br></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/career-fair-jobseeker-registration" target="_blank">National
Convention Jobseeker Registration</a><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&action=preview&id=621" target="_blank">National
Convention Employer Registration</a><span></span></font></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span lang="EN">To prepare job seekers and employers, the Employment
Committee will be hosting \u201cGetting Career-Fair Ready: For Jobseekers and
Employers,\u201d virtual seminars designed to provide strategies for creating the
most positive experience while attending the fair. Individuals will
automatically be registered for these events once they have registered for the
career fair. For more information on the career fair or virtual seminars,
please contact Charles Bennett, jobseeker liaison, at </span><a href="mailto:cbennett@cocenter.org" target="_blank">cbennett@cocenter.org</a><u>, or </u><span lang="EN">Kris Colcock, employer liaison, at </span><a href="mailto:Kris@colcok.com" target="_blank"><span lang="EN">Kris@colcok.com</span></a><span lang="EN">.</span><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b>Register and Book
Hotel for National Convention:</b><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Promote
registration for the 2025 National Federation of the Blind <a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention" target="_blank">National
Convention</a>, July 8-13, in
New Orleans. Let members know to register early because prices go up if you
register on site in New Orleans. Registration includes the biggest event of the
year, access to the event app, and communications on the latest news and
events. The hotel blocks are filling up\u2014there is now limited space at the
Marriott. Reserve your room at the Sheraton New Orleans by calling
855-516-1090. Ask for the \u201cNational Federation of the Blind 2025 Convention\u201d
block. Registration will be closing on May 31. Attendees can still register on
site at an increased cost. Promote registration now!<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b>Critical:</b><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b>Independence
Market Now Available for Online Orders:</b><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">As announced
during the May Presidential Release Live, the Independence Market is now
online, making it easier than ever to find and order reliable blindness-related
tools and resources you need. Shop online now at <a href="http://catalog.nfb.org">catalog.nfb.org</a>.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> <span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b>News:</b><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b>Presidential
Release Chapter Recording June 1:</b><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">The June <a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases" target="_blank">Presidential
Release chapter recording</a> will be
available by June 1. Please share the chapter recording as part of your chapter
meeting agenda and discuss among members. There will not be a Presidential
Release Live in June or July. Tune into the Presidential Report during the NFB
National Convention on July 11, during the morning session.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b>New Partnership
Announced: Innosearch AI:</b><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">As announced in
the <a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases" target="_blank">May Presidential
Release Live</a>, the National
Federation of the Blind is proud to announce a formal partnership with
Innosearch AI, an innovative AI-powered accessibility and shopping
platform. <a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/innosearch-ai-and-national-federation-blind-announce-strategic-partnership" target="_blank">Read the press
release</a> and access
the membership benefits in <a href="https://nfb.org/member_profile/login" target="_blank">your member
profile</a>.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b>Legislative News:
The Website and Software Applications Accessibility Act:</b><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">The National
Federation of the Blind applauds the introduction of the Websites and Software
Applications Accessibility Act, H.R. 3417, into the House of Representatives by
Representative Pete Sessions (Texas) and lead cosponsor Representative Steny
Hoyer (Maryland). This legislation seeks to eliminate persistent digital
accessibility barriers faced by blind and disabled Americans. <a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/disability-advocates-commend-introduction-websites-and-software-applications" target="_blank">Read the full
joint press release</a>. <span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b>Two Recent
Legislation Introductions:</b><span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">The month of May
has been great for our legislative advocacy. In the last two weeks, we have
gotten two of our legislative priorities reintroduced in the 119th Congress. On
May 14, Representative Pete Sessions (TX-17) sponsored our Websites and
Software Applications Accessibility Act in the House. He was joined by
Representative Steny Hoyer (MD-05) as the lead cosponsor. And on May 22,
Senator John Boozman (AR) reintroduced our Access Technology Affordability Act
in the Senate with Senator Ben Ray Lujan (NM) as the lead cosponsor. We want to
ensure the Congress knows how important both of these bills are to the blind of
America, so please call or email your members in the House and Senate today and
urge them to cosponsor!<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><b>Dates to Keep in
Mind: </b></font><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large">(all times eastern)</span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">July 8-13:
National Convention; New Orleans, Louisiana<span></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">June 8,
2025: Deadline to <a href="mailto:resolutions@nfb.org" target="_blank">submit
resolutions</a> for the 2025 National Convention.<span></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">January
26-29, 2026: Washington Seminar<span></span></font></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement<span></span></font></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Wednesday,
August 6<span></span></font></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Wednesday,
November 5<span></span></font></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> <span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></span><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large">The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members
and all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between
blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination, and diversity
achieve the aspirations of all blind people.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></span></p></div></div></div></div>
</div></div>