<div><div dir="auto"><a name="m_-5678901950851918950_m_-2246418285017668072_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" dir="auto"><div lang="EN-US" link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style="word-wrap:break-word"><div></div></div></div></div></div><div>
<h1><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">National Federation of the Blind<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></h1>
<h1><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Mark A. Riccobono</span>
</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></h1>
<h1><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span>officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></h1>
<h1><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">410-659-9314<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Dear Federation Family,<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" dir="auto"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Thank you for the efforts you all are making
to secure meetings with members of Congress. I recognize that for some of you it feels pointless as your Congressional representatives are messaging that there is nothing they can do. It is more important than ever that we let them know today that blind people
are concerned about the future of services and programs that affect our self-determination and independence.</span></span></span></span></span></p>
</div><div><h3><span><span><span><span><b>ICYMI: Recent Announcements:<u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></span></h3></div><div><div><div class="gmail_quote" dir="auto"><div lang="EN-US" link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style="word-wrap:break-word"><div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">In case you haven\u2019t
shared in your affiliate, here are October advocacy-related announcements and statements.</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:.75in;line-height:115%">
<span><span><span><span><u></u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><u></u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">\u201c</span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-denounces-devastating-job-cuts-within-office-special" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">National
Federation of the Blind Denounces Devastating Job Cuts Within the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">\u201d<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left:.75in;line-height:115%">
<span><span><span><span><u></u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><u></u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">\u201c</span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-commends-house-introduction-medical-device-nonvisual" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">National
Federation of the Blind Commends House Introduction of Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act\u201d </span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left:.75in;line-height:115%">
<span><span><span><span><u></u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><u></u></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-secretary-education-regarding-discontinuance" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Letter
to the Secretary of Education Regarding the Discontinuance of Funding for Blind and Deafblind Training Programs</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-left:.75in;line-height:115%" dir="auto">
<span><span><span><span><u></u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><u></u></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-senate-and-house-armed-services-committees" target="_blank">Letter
to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees Regarding an Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act</a></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span><span><span><span><b>NFB Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge:<u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in" dir="auto"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Tune into our
Coast-to-Coast Facebook Live on November 4 at 3:00 p.m., Eastern, to learn about movement, milestones, and landmarks with our partners at HumanWare. Mark your calendar and access the live feed through our
</span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NationalFederationoftheBlind" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext;text-decoration:none">National
Federation of the Blind Facebook</span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
page. If you don\u2019t have Facebook, join on NFBRN. We will also share the recording via email to members.</span></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span><span><span><span><b>Bay Bridge Run/Walk Approaching: Sign Up Today!:<u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">November 9 in
Maryland </span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Virtual or on
site<br>
</span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/contribute/BayBridge" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Contribute
to the Bay Bridge Run</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Lace up and join
the NFB National Organization of Parents of Blind Children for a 10k walk/run across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. This is your chance to forge connections with your community, empower others to get active, and support education, independence, and opportunities
for blind people.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">If you cannot
attend on site, you can still participate virtually. Our chapters, divisions, and affiliates can even complete the challenge as a White Cane Awareness Day activity during Blind Equality Achievement Month. <u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Registration:<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:.75in;line-height:115%">
<span><span><span><span><u></u><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><u></u><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">On site: Complete the
</span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=113571&multi_use_reservation_code=XBOvlZWuXOORbx4Nn6RtuwhnCLAZIsrk" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">On-Site
Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge form</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.
A RunSignUp account is required; select the National Federation of the Blind Dreamers as your social team and use the team password DREAMERS25 (all caps).<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:.75in;line-height:115%">
<span><span><span><span><u></u><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><u></u><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Virtual: Complete the
</span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=625" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Virtual
Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge form</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">. <u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">There are multiple
goals for your participation. In addition to raising public perception of blind people, you will be raising much-needed funds.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:.75in;line-height:115%">
<span><span><span><span><u></u><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><u></u><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">On-site participants: Raise at least $500. We will waive the registration fee for the Bay Bridge Run.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:.75in;line-height:115%">
<span><span><span><span><u></u><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><u></u><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Virtual participants: Raise at least $250.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:.75in;line-height:115%">
<span><span><span><span><u></u><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><u></u><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">To help you reach this goal, use the
</span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/ways-give/run-and-walk-events/bay-bridge-run/bay-bridge-run-participant-toolkit" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Bay
Bridge Participant Toolkit</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">,
which includes sample emails, social media posts, and scripts.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/contribute/BayBridge" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Contribute
to the Bay Bridge Run</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.
To support a specific runner, write their name in the "In Honor Of" field.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in" dir="auto"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">If you missed
our rally for chapters and affiliates, check back on </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/movers" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">https://nfb.org/movers</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
for the recording or reach out to Rachel Held at extension 2423 or </span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:rheld@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">rheld@nfb.org</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.</span></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span><span><span><span><b><span style="line-height:115%">NFBnet Status:<u></u><u></u></span></b></span></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in" dir="auto"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The National
Federation of the Blind is actively engaged in resolving delivery issues with NFBnet, our longstanding communication and hosting platform. As previously shared, users whose email accounts are hosted by providers such as Yahoo, AOL, Verizon, and Bellsouth may
not be getting messages from NFBnet discussion lists. If you know of someone who is not receiving list emails but ought to be, please send their contact information to
</span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:communications@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">communications@nfb.org</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
regardless of their email domain, so we may investigate further. Members may also check to be sure they have marked any <a href="http://nfb.org" target="_blank">nfb.org</a> emails as safe senders in their email settings. We will continue to share updates. We apologize for any inconvenience members are
experiencing.</span></span></span></span></span><b style="font-family:-apple-system,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span></b></p>
<h3><span><span><span><span><b>Catch up on Content and Share on Social Media:<u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Highlights, news,
and stories are available in our most recent publications. Access and share articles and episodes with Federationists on affiliate and division social media to create discussions on various topics.
</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:.75in;line-height:115%">
<span><span><span><span><u></u><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><u></u></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm25/bm2510/bm2510tc.htm" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">November
<i>Braille Monitor</i></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:.75in;line-height:115%">
<span><span><span><span><u></u><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><u></u></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/nations-blind-podcast" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span><i><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Nation\u2019s
Blind Podcast</span></i></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><i><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
</span></i></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">episodes with transcripts
available<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:.75in;line-height:115%">
<span><span><span><span><u></u><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><u></u></span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/access-on-podcast" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span><i><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Access
On</span></i></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> podcast</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
episodes with transcripts available<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:.75in;line-height:115%">
<span><span><span><span><u></u><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><u></u><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Reminder: the Presidential Release Chapter Recording will be available on November 1.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:.75in;line-height:115%" dir="auto">
<span><span><span><span><u></u><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span><u></u><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">If you have been tuning into NFBRN, our always-on audio experience designed to transform, motivate, and invite you to raise expectations of blind people, please share your feedback
and suggestions to </span></span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:communications@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">communications@nfb.org</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.
Thank you!</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt"> </span></p>
<span></span><span></span><span></span>
<h2 style="line-height:115%"><span><a name="m_-5678901950851918950_m_-2246418285017668072__Hlk183426075">Dates to Keep in Mind:<u></u><u></u></a></span></h2>
<span></span>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li style="color:black;margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;background:white">
<span><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></span></li><li style="margin-left:0in;line-height:115%">
<span><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></span></li></ul>
<p style="margin-left:.5in;line-height:115%;background:white">
<span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" dir="auto"><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div><div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
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