<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div><div class="gmail_default"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Greetings all,</font></div><p><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Thank you to our members, Facebook followers, and friends for your extraordinary engagement and swift action.</font></p><p><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Our first Facebook post generated more than 15,000 views and 130 shares, and we have grown to 960 followers. Your immediate response sent a clear and powerful message to the DHS 2026 Transition Team: we will not tolerate careless actions that jeopardize vital services for blind New Jerseyans.</font></p><p><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Because of your advocacy<span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large"> and the Union</span>, the DHS 2026 Transition Team has rescinded its demand that 70 unclassified<span class="gmail_default" style=""></span> New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired<span class="gmail_default" style=""> (</span>CBVI<span class="gmail_default" style="">)</span> employees submit their resignations, including<span class="gmail_default" style=""></span>Teachers of the Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility instructors.</font></p><p><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">I have received calls to thank the leadership and members of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey for our swift and effective advocacy on behalf of CBVI staff and consumers. Our collective efforts\u2014alongside the Union\u2014made this outcome possible.</font></p><p><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">In addition, the NFB of NJ Board of Directors voted to pass <strong>Resolution 2026-01, Regarding the Immediate Protection of Specialized Blindness Services Staff at the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired</strong>.</font></p><p><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Resolutions are the official policy statements of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey and are typically established each year at our state convention. At times, resolutions may also be presented and adopted by the NFB NJ Board of Directors when timely action is needed between conventions. These resolutions carry the same official weight and reflect the affiliate\u2019s ongoing commitment to addressing urgent issues affecting blind New Jerseyans.</font></p><p><strong><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Summary of Resolution 2026-01</font></strong></p><p><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey condemns any action that would force the resignation or removal of specialized, non-political staff at CBVI, particularly Teachers of Blind Students and Orientation and Mobility Instructors. These professionals are already in critically short supply and are essential to Braille literacy, independent travel, education, employment readiness, and independence for blind New Jerseyans.</font></p><p><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">The resolution expresses grave concern over reports that the Governor-elect\u2019s transition team sought mass resignations within the Department of Human Services, including CBVI staff. Such actions would destabilize blindness services, harm blind children and adults, and potentially violate state and federal law. The NFB of NJ rejects the notion that blind people should suffer harm during a political transition.</font></p><p><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">The resolution demands:</font></p><ul><li><p><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">The immediate exemption of all specialized CBVI staff from any resignation requests</font></p></li><li><p><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">A clear and public commitment from the Governor-elect to protect blindness services and staffing</font></p></li><li><p><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Assurance that no changes affecting CBVI occur without meaningful consultation with the organized blind community</font></p></li></ul><p><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Copies of the resolution are being sent to state leadership and relevant officials.</font></p><p><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">To view the resolution in its entirety, please click the link below:<br><span class="gmail_default" style=""></span><a class="gmail-go-to-link" href="https://nfbnj.org/resolutions/2026-resolutions#2026-01" style="background-color:transparent;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(1,143,226)">-01: Regarding the Immediate Protection of Specialized Blindness Services Staff at the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired</a></font></p><p><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><br></font></p><p><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Warmly,<br><b>Linda Melendez, President</b></font></p></div><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey<br>
Phone: 908-590-1747<br>
Email: <a href="mailto:president@nfbnj.org" target="_blank">president@nfbnj.org</a></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">NFBNJ Events Calendar:<br>
<a href="https://nfbnj.org/events-calendar" target="_blank">Events Calendar |
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey</a></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">NFBNJ on Facebook:<br>
<a href="https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238" target="_blank">https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238</a></font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">To set up a 30-minute meeting to talk about the
National Federation of the Blind of NJ, please click on the link below</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><a href="https://calendly.com/lindamelendez220/30min" target="_blank">https://calendly.com/lindamelendez220/30min</a> </font></p>
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