<div dir="auto"><a name="m_-8234390187048304078_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_-8234390187048304078WordSection1">
<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><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext;text-decoration:none">officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></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>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" dir="auto"><b style="font-family:-apple-system,sans-serif">NFB Scholarship Program:</b><br></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The National Federation of the Blind is accepting applications
for the 2026 NFB Scholarship Program. We offer an array of scholarships to blind students to support their educational and professional goals.<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">In addition to the $10,000 cash award, each recipient
receives funding to attend our national convention, opportunities to network with other blind students, and avenues to connect with hundreds of blind professionals.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span><span><span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Apply
for the 2026 scholarship program.</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
The application deadline is March 31, 2026. Students may </span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program/scholarship-program-faqs" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">review
the eligibility requirements, rules, and submission checklist for more information.</span></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></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span><span><span><b>2026 Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium:<u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="m_-8234390187048304078MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">This year\u2019s Jacobus
tenBroek Disability Law Symposium will take place March 26\u201327 at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. Our theme for 2026 is "Collaboration and Creativity: Addressing Challenges and Advancing Opportunities Now and
in the Future." Attendees will experience interactive workshops and in-depth plenary sessions focused on intersectional representation in the disability rights community. Registration opens later this week. A hotel block is available at the Courtyard Baltimore
Downtown McHenry Row (<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/1803+Porter+Street,+Baltimore,+MD+21230?entry=gmail&source=g">1803 Porter Street, Baltimore, MD 21230</a>), with a room rate of $159, plus taxes and fees, per night. To reserve your room, call 443-853-9918 and mention the "National Federation of the Blind JTLS2026," or
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1765306812041&key=GRP&app=resvlink&_branch_match_id=1302272576938599399&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXTywo0MtNLCrKzC8p0UvOz9UvSi3OyczLtgdK2ALZZSCOWmaKraG5mamxgZmFoZGBiaFadmqlrXtQgFpdUWpaKlB3Xnp8UlF%2BeXFqka1zRlF%2BbioAWF4%2Bd2AAAAA%3D" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">book
online through the Marriott website</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.
The hotel block deadline is Wednesday, March 9, 2026. We will operate complimentary shuttles between the Courtyard and the NFB Jernigan Institute throughout the conference. To learn more about the symposium, visit
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/jacobus-tenbroek-disability-law-symposium" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Jacobus
tenBroek Disability Law Symposium | National Federation of the Blind</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><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></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span><span><span><b>Independence Market Specialized Product Support:<u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></h3>
<p class="m_-8234390187048304078MsoListParagraph" style="line-height:115%"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Here at the National
Federation of the Blind our Independence Market is committed to providing excellent customer service. That includes answering general questions about the products we offer to our members and customers, and while many items are familiar to our team, some specialized
products may require customers to contact the manufacturer directly for detailed support. If this is the case, an Independence Market specialist is happy to assist with providing the appropriate contact information. To reach us, call 410-659-9314, then press
3, email us at <a href="mailto:independencemarket@nfb.org" target="_blank">independencemarket@nfb.org</a>, or you can browse the catalog and shop online on the NFB website at
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/independence-market" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Independence
Market</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><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></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" dir="auto"><b style="font-family:-apple-system,sans-serif">NEW: Federal Lawsuit Challenging Army-Wide Waiver of Randolph-Sheppard Act:</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The National Federation of the Blind, the National Association
of Blind Merchants, and several blind entrepreneurs have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the US Department of Education\u2019s approval of an Army\u2011wide waiver that eliminates the Randolph\u2011Sheppard Act priority for blind vendors operating dining facilities on
Army installations. Filed in the District of Maryland, the suit argues that the Department of Education exceeded its authority, failed to follow required procedures, and relied on unsupported claims. This action threatens the livelihoods of blind vendors nationwide.
Read the press release announcement at \u201c</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-and-blind-entrepreneurs-file-federal-lawsuit" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">National
Federation of the Blind and Blind Entrepreneurs File Federal Lawsuit Challenging Army-Wide Waiver of Randolph-Sheppard Act</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span>.\u201d</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"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span><span><span><b>Wednesday: Blindness Rehabilitation Panel:<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">In recognition of Black History Month, the National Federation
of the Blind National Organization of Blind Black Leaders Division will host a panel discussion featuring three Black Federationists who are succeeding in the field of blindness rehabilitation. Roland Allen, Monique Melton, and Jordan Moon will share their
experiences and answer questions related to their work as rehabilitation specialists.<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">This event will be held on Wednesday, February 4, at 8:00
p.m., Eastern.<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">Zoom link:
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/8204086286?omn=96185224498%23success" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">nfb-org.zoom.us/j/8204086286</span></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></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span><span><span><b>Thursday: 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">Join the National Federation of the Blind for the \u201cWhere
the Blind Work Webinar: Orientation and Mobility\u201d on February 5, 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 succeed at work. Our panelists are:<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">Carley Mullen, NOMC, Cane Travel Instructor,
Maryland<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">Joni Martinez, NOMC, Blindness Skills
Trainer, Admissions Coordinator, Texas<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">Dezman Jackson, NOMC, Independent Contractor,
Maryland<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"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in"><span><span><span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-blind-work" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Register
for the Where the Blind Work Webinar.</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
Registration closes February 5.<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>
<h3><span><span><span><b>Upcoming Webinar: Strengthen Your Emergency Readiness:<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">Be ready before disaster strikes. Join the National Federation
of the Blind, the American Red Cross, and Operation HOPE for a webinar on February 11 at 2:00 p.m., Eastern, on emergency and financial preparedness. Learn strategies to stay safe, explore Red Cross tools and apps, and build financial resilience.</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/training-and-education/disaster-and-financial-preparedness-webinar" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
Register for the Disaster and Financial Preparedness Webinar.</span></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></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><b><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></b></span></span></span></p>
<h3><span><span><span><b>Catch up on Content and Share on Social Media:<u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></h3>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-top:0in;line-height:115%">
<span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Read the
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm26/bm2602/bm2602tc.htm" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">February
</span><i>Braille Monitor</i></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">.</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Tune into
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://podcasts7m.podbean.com/e/living-in-purpose-through-service/" title="https://podcasts7m.podbean.com/e/living-in-purpose-through-service/" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">"Living
in Purpose through Service,"</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
our newest episode of the <i>Nation's Blind Podcast</i>. In this episode, Anil and Melissa are joined by Dorothy Griffin and Brian Mackey. They discuss the importance of service and how it can help you fulfill your purpose.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Listen to
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://storage.pinecast.net/podcasts/6bf32133-3166-4b95-b747-1785b44b401d/audio/8beb0c0d-5cde-428b-aad5-857488cd114f/AO060__The_Dot_Pad_multiline_Braille_tablet__Adobe_fixes_an_accessibility_regression__and_more_feedback_on_changes_at_Vispero.mp3?fbclid=IwY2xjawPtpR9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeP3D4lSSW0LMD_6Io1Z-lU3dhtvjDahJQr4kR-Qbk5oOfLxGlcb8bwB_zxks_aem_qQP9e4t2AP-cWidcLwYWQA" title="https://storage.pinecast.net/podcasts/6bf32133-3166-4b95-b747-1785b44b401d/audio/8beb0c0d-5cde-428b-aad5-857488cd114f/ao060__the_dot_pad_multiline_braille_tablet__adobe_fixes_an_accessibility_regression__and_more_feedback_on_changes_at_vispero.mp3?fbclid=" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">episode
60 of </span><i>Access On</i></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">;
Dave Williams from Dot Inc. tells us about the Dot Pad Braille tablet and helps answer one of our most frequently asked questions of the moment: \u201cHow do I know if Dot Pad or Monarch is right for me?\u201d Adobe has fixed a regression that was causing screen-reader
users problems when completing PDF forms. And there\u2019s more feedback on recent changes at Vispero.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Catch up on the weekly
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/walking-alone-and-marching-together" target="_blank"><span><span><span><i>Walking Alone and Marching
Together</i></span></span></span><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> podcast</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">,
episodes one through thirteen.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%"><span><span><span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/nfbrn" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Access
NFBRN</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">,
our always-on audio experience. <u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<span></span><span></span><span></span>
<h2 style="line-height:115%"><a name="m_-8234390187048304078__Hlk216694561"></a><a name="m_-8234390187048304078__Hlk183426075"><span>Dates to Keep in Mind:<u></u><u></u></span></a></h2>
<span></span>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="m_-8234390187048304078MsoListParagraph" 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">July 3-8, 2026: National Convention; Austin, Texas<u></u><u></u></span></span></li><li class="m_-8234390187048304078MsoListParagraph" 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">July 2-7, 2027: National Convention; Austin, Texas<u></u><u></u></span></span></li><li class="m_-8234390187048304078MsoListParagraph" 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">July 3-8, 2028: National Convention; Chicago, Illinois<u></u><u></u></span></span></li><li class="m_-8234390187048304078MsoListParagraph" 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">July 2-7, 2029: National Convention; Chicago, Illinois<u></u><u></u></span></span></li></ul>
<p class="m_-8234390187048304078MsoListParagraph" 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" style="background:white"><span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement Calls<u></u><u></u></span></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;line-height:115%;background:white">
<span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Wednesday, February 4<u></u><u></u></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;line-height:115%;background:white">
<span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Wednesday, May 6<u></u><u></u></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;line-height:115%;background:white">
<span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Wednesday, August 5<u></u><u></u></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;line-height:115%;background:white">
<span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Wednesday, November 4<u></u><u></u></span></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.25in;background:white">
<span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white" dir="auto"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:-apple-system,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.</span></p>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br></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_-8234390187048304078_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>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <u></u><u></u></span></p>
<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_-8234390187048304078_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_-8234390187048304078_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_-8234390187048304078_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>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <u></u><u></u></span></p>
<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>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></div>