[NFBofAlaska] Important notes about the upcoming NFB National Convention and more!

Tue Jun 22 05:40:03 UTC 2021

Hello to All,

I hope you will take the time to peruse the following notes. They will be
useful as you make plans to attend our national convention. 

The 2021 National Convention Agenda Is Available Now:

The agenda of the 2021 National Federation of the Blind National Convention
is available in several formats, including HTML, ePub, Word, BRF, and on
NFB-NEWSLINE. Please review and share with members who may not have received
the email. The formats can be found at  <https://nfb.org/convention>
https://nfb.org/convention. Here is quick access to the HTML version:
<https://nfb.org/2021-national-convention-agenda>
https://nfb.org/2021-national-convention-agenda. Please note: the 2021
National Convention Agenda in Spanish is coming soon!

Box Office Open to Purchase Tickets for One Voice #NFB21 Concert:

The National Federation of the Blind and our Performing Arts Division are
hosting a fundraiser concert on July 6, 2021, at 8:00 p.m. during the 2021
National Convention. Tickets are $20 for a household and can be purchased
online or by calling the Independence Market at 410-659-9314, extension
2216.  <https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=460> Purchase your
tickets now! Get  <https://youtu.be/YzwjTGgMlag> a sneak peek at the
performances.

#NFB21 Career Fair and Career Track Events-Pre-Registration Required:

If you are looking for a job, please consider attending the National
Federation of the Blind Career Fair and Career Track Events, hosted by the
Employment Committee. There are several opportunities to learn how to
prepare for an interview and a chance to meet with employers. Registration
will close at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, June 26. Sorry, no last-minute walk-ins!
Learn more about the
<https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2021-nfb-career-fair-and-c
areer-track-events> career fair and events.

2021 Braille Independence Market Catalogs Now Available!

The Braille and print catalogs for the Independence Market are available
today. You can request one by either calling the Independence Market or
sending an email to  <mailto:Independencemarket at nfb.org>
Independencemarket at nfb.org.

June Open-House Gathering Call for Non-Members:

The National Federation of the Blind invites blind people to learn more
about being a member and the benefits of membership on June 30, 2021, at
8:00 p.m. via Zoom. Take advantage of this opportunity to hear from active
members and leaders on the myths and uncertainties of the Federation.
Register for the  <https://nfb.org/form/open-house-gathering-call-regist>
June Open-House Gathering Call. 

Upcoming Event: Gaming for Everyone Boutique:  

On Tuesday, June 29, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. eastern, the National Federation
of the Blind, in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Disabilities,
is hosting a boutique discussing the many games accessible to the blind.
Whether for PC, mobile phones, or gaming consoles, there are many games that
the blind can play. Register today at
https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainin
gs/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration.

Access Technology Affordability Act:

Our advocacy continues to pay off! Last week we gained nine new cosponsors
in the House. They were:

Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. (New Jersey) 

Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (New Jersey) 

Rep. C. Scott Franklin, (Florida)

Rep. Madison Cawthorn, (North Carolina)

Rep. Bill Huizenga, (Michigan)

Rep. Anthony G. Brown, (Maryland)

Rep. Bill Johnson, (Ohio)

Rep. Fred Keller, (Pennsylvania)

Rep. Andre Carson, (Indiana)

This puts our total House cosponsor count at ninety-five, meaning we are
within reach of our goal of having one quarter of the 117th Congress members
on the bill in the first six months of the legislative session. Your calls
and emails ARE making a big difference! Please keep calling and emailing
your senators and representative. 

Education Technology Survey:

The NFB continues to gather information about accessible and inaccessible
education technology. We are specifically seeking feedback regarding Seesaw,
Zearn, Epic Books, and Prodigy software. If you or your student has had
recent experience with these technologies or any education technology,
please take time to complete the NFB's Education Technology Survey:
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/education-technology-su
rvey> Education Technology Survey.

Dates to Keep in Mind:

(all times eastern)

*	June 29: Rookie Roundup, 8:30 p.m. 
*	July 5-30: NFB EQ Online
*	July 6-10: NFB National Convention, anywhere and everywhere

*	July 19-30: BELL Session 2
*	August 2: Presidential Release, 8:00 p.m.
*	August 9-20: BELL Session 3
*	September 1: Presidential Release, 8:00 p.m.
*	October 1: Presidential Release, 12:00 p.m.
*	November 1: Presidential Release, 8:00 p.m.

(One final Note): I am aware that some had difficulties registering for the
convention. If you had any problems, please let me note either by replying
to this email or writing me at 

lucas.bonnie at gmail.com <mailto:lucas.bonnie at gmail.com> 

I hope you are looking forward to convention as I am. Please stay in touch!
We are planning a gathering during the convention Saturday Banquet. Stay
tuned for more information. It is possible that President Riccobono will do
a "check in," on our celebration. 

Bonnie Lucas
President
National Federation of the Blind of Alaska
Cell: 907-301-6808

Email: lucas.bonnie at gmail.com <mailto:lucas.bonnie at gmail.com> 

Web: alaskanfb.org <https://alaskanfb.org/> 
The National Federation of the Blind knows 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. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

[Delegate-BML]

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