<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large"><a name="m_8578651691002507207_OLE_LINK9" style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:14pt"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><b>President\u2019s Notebook</b></span></a></div><h1 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;line-height:21.4667px"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">National Federation of the Blind<u></u><u></u></span></h1><h1 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;line-height:21.4667px"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Mark A. Riccobono<u></u><u></u></span></h1><h1 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;line-height:21.4667px"><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:windowtext;text-decoration:none">officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></a><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></h1><h1 style="margin:0in;font-size:14pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;line-height:21.4667px"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">410-659-9314</span></h1><div><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><br></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><b>Deadline Approaching for #NFB26 Early Registration:</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Register early for the 2026 National Federation of the Blind
National Convention because prices go up if you register on site in Austin,
Texas. Registration includes the biggest event of the year, access to the event
app, and communications on the latest news and events. Register now at <a href="https://nfb.org/registration" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">https://nfb.org/registration</a>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><b>Kenneth Jernigan Leadership-In-Service Program:</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">If you are interested in embarking on a transformative
journey that will shape you into a powerful advocate for blind individuals,
foster your personal growth, and contribute to the continued building of the
organized blind movement, we invite you to apply for the next cohort of our
Kenneth Jernigan Leadership-In-Service Program (<span aria-invalid="spelling" class="LI ng" style="border-style:none;background:none">KJLSP</span>). For more information
and to apply, visit <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/kenneth-jernigan-leadership-service-program" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">https://nfb.org/programs-services/kenneth-jernigan-leadership-service-program</a>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><b>Dare to Be Remarkable 2026:</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">The Dare to Be Remarkable Conference is a specialized,
multi-day, professional development experience designed for an audience of
education and rehabilitation professionals who work with blind and low\u2011vision
adults and transition\u2011aged youth. This conference brings together a balanced
mix of practitioners, administrators, and emerging professionals who are
committed to raising expectations and strengthening outcomes. The conference
will take place from November 18-20, 2026, at the NFB Jernigan Institute. For
more information visit <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/dare-be-remarkable" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/dare-be-remarkable</a>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><b><i>Access On</i> Seminar \u2013 Creating Websites as a
Blind Person:</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">The next <i>Access On</i> seminar, \u201cCreating
Websites as a Blind Person,\u201d will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 1:00\u20135:00 p.m.,
Eastern. This seminar will include an overview of tools, techniques, and tips
for setting up and maintaining a website and writing for the web. <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events/accessibility-boutique-reg" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">Register here.</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><b><i>Braille Monitor</i> May Issue and Early Access
Articles:</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">The <i>Braille Monitor</i> is our flagship
publication and the magazine for the organized blind movement. Early access
articles are made available for relevant and urgent information and updates and
will be featured in future full issues as needed and determined by the President
and editor. Access the latest issue and articles:</p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm26/bm2605/bm2605tc.htm" target="_blank" title="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm26/bm2605/bm2605tc.htm" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)"><i>Braille
Monitor</i> Vol 69 No 5 May 2026</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">\u201c<a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/braille-monitor/early-access-articles/death-blind-refugee-buffalo" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">Death of Blind Refugee in Buffalo Ruled Homicide</a>\u201d</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">\u201c<a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/braille-monitor/early-access-articles/justice-department-delays" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">Justice Department Delays Web Accessibility Requirements;
Federation Calls for Immediate Reversal</a>\u201d</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><b>Meta Glasses Are Now Available in the Independence
Market:</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">The second-generation Meta Glasses are available for
purchase from the Independence Market! Currently, orders can only be placed by
phone. Online purchasing through our eCommerce website will be available soon.
The retail price is $369.00, excluding shipping costs. For additional
information, or to place an order, please contact the Independence Market
directly.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><b>Fresh New NFB Shirts Are Here:</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Get ready for the national convention in style with our
brand-new stock of NFB shirts! Choose from comfortable cotton polos or sporty
Sport-Tek-styles perfect for showing your NFB pride wherever you go. Available
colors are black, white, and blue. Any of these options can be yours today for
just $30 each! Don\u2019t wait! Grab your gear now and be convention-ready! Call the
Independence Market today to place your order. Online ordering will be
available soon, making it even easier to get your favorite shirts.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><b>Podcast Episodes:</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">All National Federation of the Blind podcast audio and
transcripts are available at <a href="http://nfb.org/publications" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">nfb.org/publications</a>, or you can subscribe to them all on
your favorite podcast client.</p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Listen
to "Our Stories, Our Mission: The People Behind the Organized Blind
Movement (Part One)." In this episode of the <i>Nation\u2019s Blind
Podcast</i>, Melissa and Anil are joined by Gary Wunder. They dive into
the story of Adelmo Vigil, president of the NFB of New Mexico. They
discuss how he overcame obstacles such as being prevented from learning
Braille, being told that he couldn\u2019t teach in a mainstream public school,
and his advocacy in the organized blind movement: <a href="https://buff.ly/SHMQYLA" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">https://buff.ly/SHMQYLA</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Tune
into Episode 74 of <i>Access On</i>. We bring you highlights of a
recent <i>Access On</i> webinar looking at some of the AI-based
visual interpretation apps. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of
Seeing AI, Be My AI, Gemini, ChatGPT ScribeMe, Ally, and AI services from
Aira, including a rare public demonstration of the work <span aria-invalid="spelling" class="LI ng" style="border-style:none;background:none">Aira</span> is doing with
Project Astra. Listen to this week\u2019s episode: <a href="https://buff.ly/8UaLwry" target="_blank" title="https://buff.ly/8ualwry" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">https://buff.ly/8UaLwry</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Listen
to episode twenty-eight of our <i>Walking Alone and Marching Together</i> podcast
titled, "Episode 28: Chapter 8 - The Third Generation and the Maurer
Presidency, Part 1:" Listen at <a href="https://buff.ly/G7q9wfm" target="_blank" title="https://buff.ly/g7q9wfm" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">https://buff.ly/G7q9wfm</a></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><b>Keep NFB Advancing: Give $25 Campaign:</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">We recently launched the Keep NFB Advancing: Give $25
Campaign. This year\u2019s theme\u2014Keep NFB Advancing: Connections, Community, and
Opportunity\u2014reflects what we build together as a Federation. Through strong
relationships, an engaged and growing community, and a shared commitment to
expanding opportunity, we continue to raise expectations and transform what is
possible for blind people.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">The campaign will run from May 15 through July 7, 2026. Each
contribution of $25 provides one entry into our drawing, with the winner to be
announced at the national convention banquet. Participants will have the
opportunity to win roundtrip transportation to the 2027 National Convention,
hotel accommodations, registration, banquet tickets, and $1,000 in spending
money\u2014or a $2,000 cash prize.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">A key part of this effort is the role of Federation
Connectors\u2014members who help grow our movement through personal outreach. We are
asking members to invite others to participate in the campaign. When a member
brings in four donors who each contribute $25 or more and credit that member
for their gift, the member will be entered into a special drawing for a
BrailleNote Evolve, generously provided by HumanWare. This is an opportunity
not only to raise funds, but to deepen engagement and expand our network of supporters.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Contributions to the campaign support four important funds
that sustain and strengthen our work. The Kenneth Jernigan Fund helps bring
individuals to their first national convention, supports leadership
development, and more. The SUN Fund serves as our rainy-day reserve, protecting
the Federation in times of need. The White Cane Fund provides flexible,
unrestricted support for our programs and priorities. The Jacobus tenBroek
Memorial Fund supports the property and infrastructure that makes our work possible.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Leaders are encouraged to share the campaign widely. Learn
more at <a href="http://nfb.org/give25" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">nfb.org/give25</a>.
Contributions may be made at <a href="https://nfb.org/donate" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">https://nfb.org/donate</a>, and by phone at 410-659-9314,
extension 2430, or by mailing a check. Donors should indicate which fund they
wish to support; when in doubt, gifts to the White Cane Fund provide the
greatest flexibility to advance our mission.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><a name="m_8578651691002507207__Hlk183426075"></a><a name="m_8578651691002507207__Hlk216694561"></a><b>Dates
to Keep in Mind:</b><b></b></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">May
13: <i>Access On</i> seminar: Creating Websites as a Blind
Person</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">May
18: Information session for Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">July
3-8, 2026: National Convention; Austin, Texas</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">November
18-20: Dare to be Remarkable; Baltimore, Maryland</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">July
2-7, 2027: National Convention; Austin, Texas</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">July
3-8, 2028: National Convention; Chicago, Illinois</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">July
2-7, 2029: National Convention; Chicago, Illinois</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement Calls</p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Wednesday,
August 5</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Wednesday,
November 4</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><br></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,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></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> <b></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif">Mark A. Riccobono, President<br>
National Federation of the Blind <br>
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230<br>
410-659-9314 | <a href="mailto:Officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank" style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">Officeofthepresident@nfb.org</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;font-size:14pt;font-family:Tahoma,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14pt"> </span></p><br><br></div>