[NFBofSC] Information From President Riccobono

Tue Nov 10 22:06:05 UTC 2020

Dear Fellow Federationists,

Another outstanding weekend of fall Federation conventions has passed.
Actually two weekends since we did not send out a notebook last week due to the elections. I am loving all the innovation and Federation development happening in our affiliates. There are still a number of fall conventions to go.

I want to congratulate Denise Avant (Illinois) and Terry Sheeler (Arkansas) on their service as affiliate presidents. Both of them turned the affiliate presidency over to new individuals during the past weeks. I know they are both working hard on the transition now. Thank you for your service. Ms.
Avant continues to serve on our national board and continues to work actively on Federation projects across the country.

I want to go back to voting. I cannot emphasize enough that now is the time for members to fill out the Blind Voters Survey and to gather stories about how voting went in your state. We need to be prepared to push over the next couple of years so that the processes used for the 2024 presidential election are fully accessible to all blind people. The data gathering in your affiliate and at our national office will make a big difference.

News:*Scholarship Program–Applications Open:*Every year, the National Federation of the Blind awards more than $120,000 to blind scholars across the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico in recognition of their achievements and professional aspirations. Each scholarship winner is awarded based on their academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The application process is open and we encourage students to start the process now. Review the scholarship application checklist <https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program/scholarship-program-application-checklist>
and
the scholarship program FAQs
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program/scholarship-program-faqs>.
Share this opportunity that invests in the future of blind people. Learn about the eligibility and requirements of the 2021 scholarship program <https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program>
.

*Teachers of Tomorrow Program:*

If you are preparing for a career in teaching blind students, or if you are an early career educator looking to enhance your teaching, then the National Federation of the Blind invites you to apply for a spot in the first cohort of our Teachers of Tomorrow program. This immersive, professional development program connects teachers of blind and low-vision students to the lived experiences of blind people, equipping participants with knowledge about the skills and attitudes that can help blind students thrive in school and beyond. The program is free to participants thanks to a partnership between the National Federation of the Blind and the Gustavus and Louise Pfeiffer Research Foundation. For more information or to apply, visit https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/education/teachers-tomorrow.

*Braille Readers Are Leaders—A Contest for Children and Adults:*

Encourage more Braille, improve reading skills, and win prizes. The National Federation of the Blind is partnering with the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults to present the 2020-2021 Braille Readers Are Leaders contest to encourage Braille literacy and reading for pleasure.
Children and adults across the United States compete against their same-grade peers to read the most Braille pages between December 1, 2020, through January 18, 2021. Registration is open now. Learn more about the Braille Readers Are Leaders <https://www.actionfund.org/programs/braille-readers-are-leaders> contest.

It’s that Time of Year—Who Loves Santa Letters?:

Every year Santa Claus turns the staff at the National Federation of the Blind into his honorary elves to help him send letters and activities in Braille to young children (those under the age of ten) across the United States. Between November 9 and December 16, parents can submit a request for a letter at http://www.nfb.org/santa-letters. The form can also be printed and faxed to 410-685-2340 or emailed to communityrelations at nfb.org.
Beginning Monday, November 30, the Braille letters from Santa will start going out to children. The Braille letter will be accompanied by a print copy as well and some other fun holiday activities. The deadline for letter requests is December 16. Learn more about Santa Letters <https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/early-childhood-initiatives/santa-letters>
.

Independence Market Gift Certificates:

During the November 1 Presidential Release Live call, a question came up as to whether the Independence Market offers gift certificates, and I am happy to report that it does. Additionally, with the holiday season approaching, I’m sure you might like to purchase that special gift from the Independence Market for a family member, friend, neighbor, or loved one. If you’re undecided as to what to buy them, why not consider one of our Independence Market gift certificates? Gift certificates are available for purchase in $25, $50, $75, or $100 increments. They’re valid for one year after purchase.

To learn more about gift certificates, please email the Independence Market at independencemarket at nfb.org or call us at 410-659-9314, extension 2216.

Special Thanks:

Special thanks go to the NFB of Washington, the NFB of Utah, and the NFB of Illinois Chicago Chapter for recent generous unrestricted contributions. I continue to be proud of how our chapters, divisions, and affiliates have stepped up, this year especially, to give to our national organization. You are appreciated. Without your financial help, we could not transform the NFB BELL Academy to a robust in-home edition, pursue voting rights cases, and more.

Blind and Low-Vision Voter Experience Survey:

Blind and low-vision voters who voted in the 2020 general election but have not yet completed our Blind and Low-Vision Voter Experience Survey are urged to take the survey by November 17, 2020. The 2020 survey consists of two separate surveys:

   - If you voted absentee or by mail using an accessible, electronic,
   ballot-delivery system or a traditional paper ballot, please complete the
   survey for blind and low-vision voters who voted absentee or by mail at
   https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YJJL7GN.
   - If you are a blind or low-vision voter who voted at an early voting
   center or at a polling place on Election Day, please complete the survey at
   https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NGFMPF2.

Questions about the blind voter survey may be directed to Lou Ann Blake by email at lblake at nfb.org or by phone at 410-659-9314, extension 2221; or Jeff Kaloc by email at jkaloc at nfb.org or by phone at 410-659-9314, extension 2206.

Dates to Keep in Mind:

   - December 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. eastern
   - December 13: Open-House Gathering call, 8:00 p.m. eastern
   - December 10: Smart Cities Summit
   <https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/smart-cities-summit>,
   12:00-8:00 p.m. eastern
   - December 15-17: Dare to Be Remarkable, 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. eastern
   - February 8, 2021: Washington Seminar
   <https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar> Great
   Gathering-In
   - March 31, 2021: Scholarship application
   <https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program/scholarship-program-application-checklist>
    deadline
   - July 6-11, 2021: NFB National Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana

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.

Mark A. Riccobono, President

200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230

410-659-9314 | Officeofthepresident at nfb.org

Twitter: @Riccobono

Pronouns: he, him, his