<div dir="auto"><a name="m_-3197040444555600081_OLE_LINK9" style="font-family:-apple-system,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">President\u2019s Notebook</span></a><br></div><div><div class="gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div lang="EN-US" link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style="word-wrap:break-word"><div class="m_-3197040444555600081WordSection1">
<h1 style="line-height:115%"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">National Federation of the Blind<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="line-height:115%"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Mark A. Riccobono<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="line-height:115%"><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><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="line-height:115%"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">410-659-9314<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></h1>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Dear Federation Family,<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The purpose of the National Federation of the Blind is to serve as a vehicle for
collective action by the blind (</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/constitution" target="_blank"><span><span><span>NFB Constitution
as amended 2022</span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">).
I raise this simple point because I notice that sometimes state affiliates start to position the organization to serve like an agency for the blind\u2014which we are not\u2014or members want us to develop service models like an agency. Our role is a critical one, and
our coordination across states is something not done anywhere else in this nation for blind people. Now is a great time to remind ourselves of our core purpose and lean into that as we ramp up on advocacy efforts that we feared would be necessary earlier this
year.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Last week I was at the annual meeting of the American Printing House for the Blind.
Professionals in the blindness field are not used to being advocates. We need to show them how it is done and continue to enlist their support in letting Congress know why our programs are important and worth defending. This is yet another way for Federation
leaders to put forward our philosophy of the blind speaking and acting for ourselves. I was proud that, at the APH meeting, our organization was recognized for its advocacy leadership, but we need to do more to bring the field into sharing and advancing our
priorities.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" dir="auto"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">To all those with fall conventions, keep up the great work. There have been a number
of great reports about affiliates truly building momentum at the grassroots level. Best wishes to the many affiliates who have conventions coming in the following weeks.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"> </span></p>
<h2 style="line-height:115%" dir="auto"><span><span><span>News:</span></span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The following content contains information to share in your affiliate communications\u2014simply
copy and paste to affiliate\u2019s social media, newsletters, and direct communications as needed.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span><span><span><b><u></u> <u></u></b></span></span></span></h3>
<h3><span><span><span><b>Bay Bridge Run<span class="m_-3197040444555600081Heading3Char">:<u></u><u></u></span></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Registration is still open for the Bay Bridge Run. Select
a representative from your chapter to register or come walk with us in person on November 9. Details and the links to register and donate can be found at
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/BayBridge" target="_blank"><span><span><span>https://nfb.org/BayBridge</span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span>.</span></span></span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
</span><u></u><u></u></span></span></span></p>
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<p class="m_-3197040444555600081MsoListParagraph"><span><span><span><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">\u201cUsing AI Tools for Employment\u201d Boutique:<u></u><u></u></span></b></span></span></span></p>
<p class="m_-3197040444555600081MsoListParagraph"><span><span><span><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Join the National Federation of the Blind\u2019s
Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility on October 27, from 2:00\u20133:30 p.m., Eastern, to learn how you can use artificial intelligence (AI) tools for employment. Topics we will cover include:<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="m_-3197040444555600081MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%">
<span><span><span><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Writing and editing documents and presentations<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></li><li class="m_-3197040444555600081MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%">
<span><span><span><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Taking notes and summarizing meetings<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></li><li class="m_-3197040444555600081MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%">
<span><span><span><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Using deep research to find information<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></li><li class="m_-3197040444555600081MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%">
<span><span><span><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Using AI tools to overcome accessibility barriers<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></li></ul>
<p class="m_-3197040444555600081MsoListParagraph" dir="auto"><span><span><span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events/accessibility-boutique-reg" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Register
for the \u201cUsing AI in Employment\u201d Boutique</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">to receive the Zoom link</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt"> </span></p>
<h3><span><span><span><b>Where the Blind Work Webinar:<u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">To celebrate Blind Equality Achievement Month, join the
National Federation of the Blind for the \u201cWhere the Blind Work Webinar: Arts and Entertainment\u201d on October 30, 8:00\u20139:00 p.m., Eastern, via Zoom. This informative discussion will feature a panel of blind professionals sharing insights into their typical workdays,
how they advocate for job accommodations, and the techniques they use to be successful at work. Our panelists are:</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Natalie Trevon, Accessibility Coordinator, FIFA World
Cup 2026, Florida<br>
Christina Jones, Musician/Performer, Texas<br>
Jourdain Searles, Film Critic/Stand-Up Comedian/Writer, New York <u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in" dir="auto"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Register for the Where the Blind Work Webinar by October
30 at 5 p.m., Eastern.</span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span><span><span><b>NFB BELL and NFB STEM2U Coordinators Needed:<u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in" dir="auto"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The NFB BELL<sup>®</sup> Academy offers hands-on Braille
learning with positive blind role models. NFB STEM2U delivers accessible, nonvisual STEM activities that build essential skills. Affiliates planning to host either program in spring/summer 2026 should appoint coordinators by December 5 to receive timely updates.
Email coordinator names and email addresses to </span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:education@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">education@nfb.org</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">,
noting which program each person will coordinate. Affiliate presidents who want program-specific updates should indicate this in the email, too. Contact Karen Anderson, education programs coordinator, at
</span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:kanderson@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">kanderson@nfb.org</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
or 410-659-9314, extension 2243. Thank you for your dedication to empowering blind youth.</span></span></span></span></p>
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<h2 style="line-height:115%"><a name="m_-3197040444555600081__Hlk183426075">Dates to Keep in Mind:<u></u><u></u></a></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">(all times eastern)<u></u><u></u></span></span></p>
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<li class="m_-3197040444555600081MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;background:white">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">October: Blind Equality Achievement Month<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="m_-3197040444555600081MsoListParagraph" style="color:black;margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;background:white">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">January 26-29, 2026: Washington Seminar<u></u><u></u></span></li><li class="m_-3197040444555600081MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">July 3-8, 2026: National Convention; Austin, Texas<u></u><u></u></span></li></ul>
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<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement<u></u><u></u></span></p>
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<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Wednesday, November 5<u></u><u></u></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Chapter Presidents Calls<u></u><u></u></span></p>
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<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Thursday, December 11 and Sunday, December 14<u></u><u></u></span></li></ul>
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<span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">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.<b><u></u><u></u></b></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Mark A. Riccobono, President<br>
National Federation of the Blind <br>
<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/200+East+Wells+Street,+Baltimore,+MD+21230?entry=gmail&source=g">200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230</a><br>
410-659-9314 | <a href="mailto:Officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">Officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></a><u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Please engage with me through
<a href="https://riccobono.personal.ai/messaging/profile" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">Riccobono Personal AI</span></a><br>
Mastodon: @President@nfb.social <br>
Pronouns: he, him, his<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://nfb.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0563c1;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="210" height="76" style="width:2.1875in;height:.7916in" id="m_-3197040444555600081_x0000_i1028" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/nfblogo.png" alt="National Federation of the Blind"></span></a><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">
</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0563c1;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="24" height="24" style="width:.25in;height:.25in" id="m_-3197040444555600081_x0000_i1027" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/facebook.png" alt="Facebook"></span></a><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0563c1;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="24" height="24" style="width:.25in;height:.25in" id="m_-3197040444555600081_x0000_i1026" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/twitter.png" alt="Twitter"></span></a><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0563c1;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="24" height="24" style="width:.25in;height:.25in" id="m_-3197040444555600081_x0000_i1025" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/youtube.png" alt="Youtube"></span></a><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation\u2019s blind. Every day we work together
to help blind people live the lives they want. <u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
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