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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Greetings to each of you!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>There is a bit of catching up to do so I encourage you to read my notes completely and carefully, so you won’t miss anything! I hope each of you is doing well as we continue to be mostly locked down. It is wonderful to see our numbers here in Alaska going down and hopefully they will continue in the same direction. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h1><span style='font-size:20.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>IMPORTANT NOTES:<o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:20.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Washington Seminar is here<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Each year the National Federation of the Blind descends on the capital with over 500 members bringing a list of priorities for congress to consider and ultimately pass. Though we cannot attend in person, we are in the process of finalizing Zoom appointments with each of our three legislators. If you are interested in participating, either by listening in to any of our legislative meetings or if you desire to help explain one of the initiatives, please write me immediately. There will be some training on Monday, February 7 as well as the “Great Gathering In,” This is a “rally,” of sorts and is most exhilarating! Naturally, in our current virtual situation, it will be different but exciting, nonetheless. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>You may learn about and study the priorities that we are taking to congress by going <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar/washington-seminar-priorities#main-content">to this link</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>There are four initiatives, and each may be accessed as an HTML document, Word document or in MP3 format. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Their titles are:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListBulletCxSpFirst style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:20.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:20.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Access Technology Affordability Act<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:20.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:20.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:20.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:20.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Twenty-First Century Mobile Apps and Website Accessibility Act<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListBulletCxSpLast style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:20.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:20.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Americans with Disabilities Voting Rights Act <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Rather than explain each one here, I would prefer to have a meeting with those who are interested in participating in one way or another. We want to be effective advocates, so study and practice of the priorities are expected of those who provide information to congress. Generally, each meeting lasts no more than 20 minutes. Currently, only Senator Murkowski has given a definite response. We are in discussion with Congressman Young and have not heard from Senator Sullivan’s office. I will be attempting to get in touch with him on Monday. I hope to have meeting schedules finalized by Tuesday. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:20.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Attend the February Presidential Release on February 1—Captioning and Spanish Available:<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The February Presidential Release of the National Federation of the Blind will be delivered on Monday, February 1, at 8:00 p.m. eastern. After the remarks there is an opportunity for questions. Submit questions in advance to <a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org">cdanielsen@nfb.org</a> and put PR502 in the subject line, or call 410-659-9314, extension 2473. Closed captions and Spanish interpretation will be available. Mark your calendars. Zoom details will be available soon. Learn about the many <a href="https://www.nfb.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=430">ways to participate</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:20.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Access Technology Affordability Act Introduced in the House:<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Introduced in the House on January 21, the Access Technology Affordability Act legislation removes an employment barrier commonly experienced by blind Americans who cannot afford the high cost of access technology by creating a refundable tax credit in the amount of $2,000 to be used over a three-year period to offset the cost of these technologies. <a href="https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-applauds-introduction-access-technology-2">Read the full press release now</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:20.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Scholarship Program–Start Applications Now:<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The National Federation of the Blind awards more than $120,000 to blind scholars across the country. The application process is open, and we encourage students to start the process now. Review the <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program/scholarship-program-application-checklist">scholarship application checklist</a> and the <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program/scholarship-program-faqs">scholarship program FAQs</a>. Share this opportunity that invests in the future of blind people. Learn about the eligibility and requirements of the <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program">2021 NFB Scholarship Program</a> and start the application process now. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:20.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>NFB BELL Academy In-Home Edition:<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The NFB BELL<sup>®</sup> Academy In-Home Edition is back and better than ever! This summer, using the Zoom web conferencing platform, two-week-long sessions of the NFB BELL Academy will take place during the following dates:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:20.0pt'>June 7 through June 18<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:20.0pt'>July 19 through July 30 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:20.0pt'>August 9 through August 20<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>This year we will be organizing students into three tracks (beginning, intermediate, and advanced) with lessons in each track that correspond to the students’ current level. In order to make this possible, the deadline to apply will be one month prior to the start of each session. Applications in English and Spanish will be live on February 15, 2021. For more information, please reach out to Karen Anderson at <a href="mailto:kanderson@nfb.org">kanderson@nfb.org</a> or at 410-659-9314. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph><span style='font-size:20.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:20.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium Registration:<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><a href="https://www.nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=337&participantrole=c4ca4238a0b923820dcc509a6f75849b">Registration is now open</a> for the 2021 Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium. Join nationally renowned disability rights advocates at the United States’ leading disability law symposium, held virtually this year March 24–26, 2021, as we examine issues relating to race, diversity, inclusion, and the right to live in the world. Registration is $100, and student registration is free. Visit the <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/jacobus-tenbroek-disability-law-symposium">law symposium webpage</a> to view the agenda and speaker bios.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:20.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Thank You: <o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Thanks go to our District of Columbia affiliate for a generous recent contribution. Financial support from our affiliates helps us all keep moving forward. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:20.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Toastmaster </span><span style='font-size:20.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Magazine Added to NFB-NEWSLINE:<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>We are pleased to announce the addition of Toastmaster magazine to the NFB-NEWSLINE<sup>®</sup> service. Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership through a worldwide network of clubs. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders. Toastmaster is published monthly and is located under the General Interest category of Magazines.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Before closing this newsy note, I want you to know how honored I feel to be the affiliate president for the National Federation of the Blind of Alaska. I have several ideas that I believe will improve our outreach to you and the quality of our monthly All-State Meetings. If you have thoughts or ideas to share, please write or call so we can discuss them. You may expect more information from me soon regarding some important matters of our dynamic organization. Thanks to each of you for your support.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Warmest Regards,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bonnie Lucas<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Alaska<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>907-301-6808<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:nfbofalaska@gmail.com"><span style='color:blue'>nfbofalaska@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:nfbofalaska@gmail.com"><span style='color:blue'>nfbalaska.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><a name="_Hlk16627103">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.</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>