[NFBofSC] President's Notebook Week of June 07, 2021

Wed Jun 9 11:05:43 UTC 2021

Dear Federation Family Members,

This is it, the final month leading to the 2021 National Convention and, I am going to boldly predict, our last fully virtual convention for many decades to come. For now, we have a lot of work to do to execute a great convention, and you are critical to making it so.

Celebrating Pride Month and the intersection with the blind—it was great to feature our NFB LGBTQIA+ group during the June Presidential Release. This might have been the first time for many of you to get to know Sanho Steele-Louchart. I remind you of his article “NFB Philosophy: What I Wish I'd Known <https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/audio/braille_monitor/2021/february/04_nfb_philosophy_what_i_wish_id_known.mp3>”
from the February issue of the *Braille Monitor*. Also, among other great articles in this month’s issue of the *Monitor*, you might want to share “Fateful Intersectionality <https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/audio/braille_monitor/2021/june/18_fateful_intersectionality.mp3>”
as part of our local efforts to demonstrate the Federation’s intersections with Pride Month.

*News:*

*June Presidential Release:*

The audio and streaming versions of the June Presidential Release are available now at nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases. The English and Spanish transcripts will be posted at the same link as soon as they are ready.

*The June Braille Monitor Is Available:*

The latest issue of the National Federation of the Blind flagship publication is now available. Read about national convention, stories from members, raising expectations, and more. Access the *Braille Monitor* now <https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm21/bm2106/bm2106tc.htm>.

*National Convention Registration Still Available:*

The 2021 National Federation of the Blind National Convention registration is still open. Early registration prior to May 31 was required for member voting access and door prizes. Register to get access to convention information as it becomes available at nfb.org/registration <https://www.nfb.org/registration>.

Also check nfb.org/convention <https://www.nfb.org/convention> for fun information from our affiliate host, first time convention concierge to share, and more!

*Host a Banquet Party #NFB21:*

The National Federation of the Blind National Convention banquet is a highlight of coming together. Following local guidance, host a banquet party on Saturday, July 10. Fancy clothes and gourmet food are optional.
During the event, we will drop into banquet parties across the country for a chance to say hello to the whole convention. Complete the Banquet Party Form <https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/banquet-party-form> by June 30.

*Pre-Convention Activity: Zoom Training on June 13:*

Attend a Zoom training on Sunday, June 13, at 6:00 p.m. eastern with drop-in hours for anyone interested in learning about Zoom and how to interact with it. Hosted by the NFB Muslims group, the training will be geared toward preparing participants for the national convention. Everyone is welcome—all ages and from any state and division. Please send questions to our group at nfb-m at nfbnet.org or email the chair, Tasnim Alshuli, at tasnim.shuli at gmail.com. Zoom details: https://arizona.zoom.us/j/84819687811;
Zoom Meeting ID: 848 1968 7811; one tap mobile: +16027530140,,84819687811#

*Access Technology Affordability Act:*

Last week we issued a legislative alert for the Access Technology Affordability Act (H.R. 431 and S. 212). If your representative or senators have not yet cosponsored this legislation, please urge them to do so. We are working to increase the number of House cosponsors from 86 to 109 and the number of Senate cosponsors from 20 to 25 within the next two weeks.
This would represent 25 percent of the membership of both the House and the Senate.

*Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act Fulfillment Comments:*

Last Thursday, we submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission <https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/nfb-comments-fcc-fulfillment-twenty-first-century>
(FCC)
regarding their fulfillment of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA). These comments were regarding the rules established by the FCC after the passage of the CVAA in 2010 and what specific updates needed to be made to those rules. I encourage you to read our comments, as well as the other content on the Policy Statements <https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements> section of our website.

*A Blind Parent’s Essential Guide to Effective Communication from Public and Private Schools:*

The National Federation of the Blind’s resource, *A Blind Parent’s Essential Guide to Effective Communication from Public and Private Schools*, is now available in English <https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/advocacy-resources/blind-parents-essential-guide-effective-communication>
 and Spanish
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/advocacy-resources/blind-parents-essential-guide-effective-0>
.

*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 on June 30, 2021, at 8:00 p.m.
eastern 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 June Open House Gathering Call.
<https://nfb.org/form/open-house-gathering-call-regist>

*Recent Blog: “Light in Darkness: My Journey through Depression”:*

If you are dealing with mental illness, whether it be circumstantial or biological, you are not alone. Read Rachel Grider’s story in our recent *Voice of the Nation’s Blind Blog* <https://nfb.org/blog/light-darkness-my-journey-through-depression>.

*New NFB-NEWSLINE® Magazines:*

Six new magazines added to NFB-NEWSLINE:

   - *Ability Magazine*, launched as the first newsstand magazine focused
   on issues of health and disability.
   - *Animal Tales* is a children's magazine of its kind to focus entirely
   on animals, engages young readers with heartwarming, educational animal.
   - *Fast Company* is the world's leading progressive business media
   brand, with a unique editorial focus on innovation in technology,
   leadership, and design.
   - *Forbes* is an American business magazine.
   - *J-14*, abbreviated from the original title "just for teens,” the
   number one teen celebrity magazine.
   - *Toastmasters* is dedicated to helping people from diverse backgrounds
   become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders.

*Independence Market Product of the Month—**Athletic Balls with Bells:*

These standard-sized rubber balls have bells inside that jingle when the ball is in motion.

Basketball (orange) - AIG08B - $15.00

Football (brown) - AIG09B - $15.00

Soccer ball - AIG79B - $23.00

*Upcoming Event—Android Application Development Seminar:  *

On Wednesday, June 9, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. eastern, the National Federation of the Blind, in collaboration with Google, is hosting an app development seminar focused on accessibility. Anyone who develops or is considering developing apps is encouraged to register for this Zoom event.
There are also limited opportunities to meet directly with Google engineers to discuss your app and have your accessibility questions answered. Take advantage of this free opportunity. Register at:
https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/android-app-dev-seminar-reg

*Upcoming Event—Getting the Most Out of Microsoft Office with a Screen Reader Accessibility Seminar:*

On Wednesday, June 16, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. eastern, the National Federation of the Blind’s CENA team is hosting an accessibility seminar based on using Microsoft Office products with a screen reader. Anyone who wants to learn how to use Office products more efficiently is encouraged to attend. Take advantage of this free opportunity. Register at:
https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration
.

*Upcoming Event—Gaming for Everyone:*

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://www.nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/accessibility-boutiques/accessibility-boutique-registration

*Thanks to NFB of New Jersey and NFB of Mississippi*

Thanks for recent contributions go to the NFB of New Jersey and the NFB of Mississippi. Support from our affiliates and chapters is essential for our continued building of the National Federation of the Blind.

*Reminders*

*Door Prizes:*

We are continuing the long-standing fun tradition of door prizes at the
2021 NFB National Convention. Please help us share the excitement of winners’ names being announced and attendees anticipating their coveted prize.

We request cash donations so that we can distribute gift cards and gift certificates as prizes. Please make your checks payable to National Federation of the Blind and write Door Prizes in the memo. Mail the check to National Federation of the Blind, 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230, Attention: Fiscal Services - DP. By addressing the check this way, we will easily identify it as a door prize and process it accordingly. You should also send an email to prize at nfb.org to let us know you are sending a contribution for the door prizes and the full name of the organization that the contribution is from. We want to make sure we recognize your organization in our thank-you list. You can contact Bridgid Burke ( bburke at nfb.org or extension 2271) or Belinda Hooks (bhooks at nfb.org or extension 2508) with any questions. We discourage everyone from making door prize donations through the nfb.org/donate page; however, if a door prize donation is received through this page, we will reduce the donation by 3 percent to help us offset the credit card transaction fees. We are looking forward to another informative, fun, and prize-filled convention.

*PAC Prizes:*

Every year the Pre-Authorized Contribution program holds various contests during the national convention for which NFB affiliates and individual members contribute prizes. We are again asking NFB affiliates and national divisions to support our fun PAC contests by contributing cash donations to the contest prizes. Please make checks payable to National Federation of the Blind, 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230, Attention: Fiscal Services - PAC. You should also send an email to PAC at nfb.org to let us know you are sending a contribution for the contest prizes and the full name of the organization that the contribution is from. We want to make sure we recognize your organization in our thank-you list. You can contact Scott LaBarre (slabarre at nfb.org) or Bridgid Burke (bburke at nfb.org or extension
2271) if you have any questions. We are looking forward to another fun-PACked convention!

*Dates to Keep in Mind*

(all times eastern)

   - June 9: App Development Seminar, www.nfb.org/cena
   - June 16: Screen Reader Accessibility Seminar
   - June 29: Gaming Seminar
   - June 29: Rookie Roundup, 8:30 p.m.
   - July 6-10: NFB National Convention, anywhere and everywhere

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

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The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.