<div><br clear="all"><div><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><p class="MsoNormal" dir="auto"><a name="m_-7681759525310081448_OLE_LINK9" style="font-family:-apple-system,sans-serif"><b>President\u2019s Notebook</b></a><br></p></div></div></div></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_-7681759525310081448WordSection1">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><b>National Federation of the Blind<u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><b>Mark A. Riccobono<u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span><span><span><b>officeofthepresident@nfb.org</b></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><b><u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><b>410-659-9314<u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" dir="auto"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:-apple-system,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.</span><br></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Summer Internship Opportunity:<u></u><u></u></span></b></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">The National Federation of the Blind\u2019s (NFB) 2026 Summer Internship Program offers a unique opportunity
to make an impact while gaining professional experience. Interns work on projects that advance innovation and raise expectations for blind people nationwide.
<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">This paid, ten-week internship runs from June 1\u2013August 7 at NFB headquarters in Baltimore and
includes participation in the NFB National Convention in Austin, Texas. </span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/summer-internship-program" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Apply
by March 14 to help shape the future and build leadership skills</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt">2026 Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium:<u></u><u></u></span></b></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">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 is now open. 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:11.0pt">book
online through the Marriott website</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">.
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:11.0pt">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:11.0pt">.
<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><b><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Access On</span></i></b></span></span></span><span><span><span><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt">
Webinar: Working with 1Password:<u></u><u></u></span></b></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">1Password is a powerful, accessible password and information manager that works on multiple operating
systems and browsers. In this <i>Access On</i> webinar, Tuesday, February 24, 2:00-3:30 p.m., we\u2019ll introduce you to the key features of 1Password, ensuring you have a unique password for every website you visit, available on every browser and every device
you use. Learn how to get started with 1Password and integrate it into your daily computer and smartphone use.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Register at
</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 style="font-size:11.0pt">https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events/accessibility-boutique-reg</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt">2026 NFB Youth Programs: NFB BELL Academy and NFB STEM2U:<u></u><u></u></span></b></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">The National Federation of the Blind is excited to announce its 2026 youth programming through
the NFB BELL<sup>?</sup> Academy and NFB STEM2U programs. The NFB BELL Academy builds Braille literacy, nonvisual skills, and confidence for blind and low-vision children through hands-on learning. NFB STEM2U offers accessible, hands-on STEM experiences that
encourage exploration, problem-solving, and interest in STEM careers. Programs will be offered in multiple locations in 2026. Learn more and register at <a href="http://nfb.org/bell" target="_blank">nfb.org/bell</a> and <a href="http://nfb.org/stem2u" target="_blank">nfb.org/stem2u</a>.
<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Letter to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Regarding Autonomous
Vehicles:<u></u><u></u></span></b></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">On February 2, we sent a letter to the chair and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation. The letter urged the committee leaders to include a national autonomous vehicle framework in the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act. The full letter can be found on the
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">policy statements
page</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">
of our website. <u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Letter from Nine Affiliate Presidents to their Attorneys General Regarding Section 504 Lawsuit:<u></u><u></u></span></b></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" dir="auto"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">On February 12, a coalition of nine affiliates of the National Federation of the Blind (Texas,
Alaska, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, and South Dakota) sent a joint letter to each state\u2019s attorney general regarding a new Section 504 lawsuit. This letter can be read in its entirety on the
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">policy statements
page</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">
of our website.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><b>Reminders:<u></u><u></u></b></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Student Regional Seminar: Registration Closes Friday:<u></u><u></u></span></b></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Encourage blind students to register for the NFB Regional Student Seminar, hosted by the National
Association of Blind Students, taking place from March 13\u201315, in Chicago, Illinois. Students will learn effective communication for success in school, employment, and advocacy. Participants will learn from their peers, explore access technology, and build
relationships with Federation leaders and professionals. Learn more about the program and
</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nabslink.org/civicrm/event/info?id=7&reset=1" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">register for the Midwest
Student Seminar.</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">
The deadline is this Friday, February 20. For more information, contact Riley Letterman at
</span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:rileyletterman07@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">rileyletterman07@gmail.com</span></span></span></span><span><span><span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></span></span></p>
<span></span><span></span><span></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a name="m_-7681759525310081448__Hlk216694561"></a><a name="m_-7681759525310081448__Hlk183426075"><span><b>Dates to Keep in Mind:<u></u><u></u></b></span></a></p>
<span></span>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc" dir="auto">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">July 3-8, 2026: National Convention; Austin, Texas<u></u><u></u></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">July 2-7, 2027: National Convention; Austin, Texas<u></u><u></u></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">July 3-8, 2028: National Convention; Chicago, Illinois<u></u><u></u></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">July 2-7, 2029: National Convention; Chicago, Illinois</span></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement Calls<u></u><u></u></span></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc" dir="auto">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Wednesday, May 6<u></u><u></u></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Wednesday, August 5<u></u><u></u></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Wednesday, November 4</span></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" dir="auto"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">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><span style="font-family:-apple-system,sans-serif;font-size:11pt"> </span></p>
<div>
<div>
<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_-7681759525310081448_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_-7681759525310081448_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_-7681759525310081448_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_-7681759525310081448_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>