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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>Hello to All,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The 2021 National Convention Agenda Is Available Now:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>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 <a href="https://nfb.org/convention"><span style='color:blue'>https://nfb.org/convention</span></a>. Here is quick access to the HTML version: <a href="https://nfb.org/2021-national-convention-agenda"><span style='color:blue'>https://nfb.org/2021-national-convention-agenda</span></a>. Please note: the <span style='color:black;background:white'>2021 National Convention Agenda in Spanish is coming soon!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Box Office Open to Purchase Tickets for One Voice #NFB21 Concert:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>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. T<span style='color:black;background:white'>ickets are $20 for a household and can be purchased online or by calling the Independence Market at 410-659-9314, extension 2216. </span><u><span style='color:blue;background:white'><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=460"><span style='color:blue'>Purchase your tickets now</span></a></span></u><span style='color:black;background:white'>! Get </span><a href="https://youtu.be/YzwjTGgMlag"><span style='color:blue;background:white'>a sneak peek at the performances</span></a><span style='color:black;background:white'>.</span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>#NFB21 Career Fair and Career Track Events—Pre-Registration Required:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>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.</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <span style='color:black;background:white'>Registration will close at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, June 26. Sorry, no last-minute walk-ins! Learn more about the </span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2021-nfb-career-fair-and-career-track-events"><span style='color:blue;background:white'>career fair and events</span></a><span style='color:black;background:white'>.</span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>2021 Braille Independence Market Catalogs Now Available!</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>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 <a href="mailto:Independencemarket@nfb.org"><span style='color:blue'>Independencemarket@nfb.org</span></a>.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>June Open-House Gathering Call for Non-Members:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>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 <a href="https://nfb.org/form/open-house-gathering-call-regist"><span style='color:blue'>June Open-House Gathering Call.</span></a> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Upcoming Event: Gaming for Everyone Boutique: </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>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 <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration">https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Access Technology Affordability Act:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Our advocacy continues to pay off! Last week we gained nine new cosponsors in the House. They were:</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. (New Jersey) </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (New Jersey) </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Rep. C. Scott Franklin, (Florida)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Rep. Madison Cawthorn, (North Carolina)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Rep. Bill Huizenga, (Michigan)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Rep. Anthony G. Brown, (Maryland)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Rep. Bill Johnson, (Ohio)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Rep. Fred Keller, (Pennsylvania)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Rep. Andre Carson, (Indiana)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>This puts our total House cosponsor count at ninety-five, meaning we are within reach of our goal of having one quarter of the 117<sup>th</sup> 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. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Education Technology Survey:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>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: <a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/education-technology-survey"><span style='color:blue'>Education Technology Survey</span></a>.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Dates to Keep in Mind:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>(all times eastern)</span><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><a name="_Hlk67308830"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>June 29: Rookie Roundup, 8:30 p.m. </span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk67308830'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk67308830'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>July 5-30: NFB EQ Online</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk67308830'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk67308830'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>July 6-10: NFB National Convention, anywhere and everywhere</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk67308830'><o:p></o:p></span></li><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk67308830'></span><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>July 19-30: BELL Session 2</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>August 2: Presidential Release, 8:00 p.m.</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>August 9-20: BELL Session 3</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>September 1: Presidential Release, 8:00 p.m.</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>October 1: Presidential Release, 12:00 p.m.</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>November 1: Presidential Release, 8:00 p.m.</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'>(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 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><a href="mailto:lucas.bonnie@gmail.com">lucas.bonnie@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:.25in;line-height:115%'>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bonnie Lucas<br>President<br>National Federation of the Blind of Alaska<br>Cell: 907-301-6808<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Email: <a href="mailto:lucas.bonnie@gmail.com">lucas.bonnie@gmail.com</a><br><br><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Web: <a href="https://alaskanfb.org/">alaskanfb.org</a><a name="_Hlk16627103"><br></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_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.</span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk16627103'></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#BFBFBF'>[Delegate-BML]<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>