[NFBofSC] President's Notebook Week of March 22, 2021

Thu Mar 25 21:09:09 UTC 2021

Dear Fellow Federationists,

I hope that you are getting to enjoy a slice of spring where you are. It is nice to be thinking about having more time outside, and the warm air makes me start to think about our national convention, which is coming around the corner quickly.

 *Critical Actions:*

*Scholarship Program–Deadline to Submit Is Next Week, March 31:*

The National Federation of the Blind awards more than $120,000 to blind scholars across the country. There is still time to submit an application for the 2021 NFB Scholarship Program. Share this opportunity that invests in the future of blind people. Learn about the eligibility criteria and other requirements of the 2021 NFB Scholarship Program <https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program>
.

*NLS eReader Pilot Program:*

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) began a pilot ereader program in four states last September. It is now time for this program to roll out nationwide. If you are interested in getting an NLS eReader, we urge you to call the talking book library in your state, regardless of whether it is part of the pilot program. They should be able to get you a pilot machine or put you on a waiting list. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Flynt at sflynt at nfb.org.

 *News:*

*National Convention Registration:*

A number of you have asked about registering members for convention who do not have an email account of their own. We strongly encourage you to not register these members using your email address. This will likely add to or overwrite your contact information in our database. Instead, you can complete an accessible, fillable, PDF registration form on the member’s behalf that may be sent to the national office via email or printed and mailed via US mail. This form will be available on our convention information page at www.nfb.org/convention by the end of March. Those members wishing to make a donation to the NFB to defray convention expenses may include a check when mailing in their registration form. Email and snail mail address information will be included on the registration form.

*Apply for 2021 Bolotin Awards:*

The National Federation of the Blind is accepting nominations of individuals or organizations who are a positive force in the lives of blind people and help us transform dreams into reality. Each application must include a letter of recommendation. Learn more and submit a nomination for the 2021 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards <https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/dr-jacob-bolotin-awards/application-information>
.

*2021 NFB BELL® Coordinator Information Needed: *

The 2021 NFB BELL Academy In-Home Edition applications are open, and families are making their summer plans. We want to make sure families in our NFB BELL Academies are connected with local Federationists who can answer questions and be mentors for them for years to come. We also want to make sure that contact information is being handled responsibly. Please send the name and contact information of the individual who should receive contact information for your state’s NFB BELL Academy applicants to bell at nfb.org by Friday, March 27.

*New Resource for Blind Parents of School-Age Children:*

The NFB’s new resource, “A Blind Parent’s Essential Guide to Effective Communication from Public and Private Schools,” is now available at https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/advocacy-resources/blind-parents-essential-guide-effective-communication.
Please share this guide with other blind parents in your network.

*Access Technology Affordability Act:*

Last week proved to be another productive week in gaining cosponsors for the Access Technology Affordability Act. In the House we had four new cosponsors sign on: Chuy Garcia (IL-4), Tim Burchett (TN-2), Jan Schakowsky (IL-9), and John Moolenaar (MI-4). This brings our total number of House cosponsors to 66. In the Senate, Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri signed on as cosponsor bringing our total number of cosponsors in that chamber up to thirteen. Well done Illinois, Tennessee, Michigan, and Missouri! Keep up the great work! It is essential that we continue to build support for this bill. We will be sending out a legislative alert with further details early this week.

*Latest Blog Post: “Finding a Therapist Who Moved Beyond My Blindness”:*

The *Voice of the Nation's Blind Blog* highlights personal experiences and stories of blind people. In the recent article, Gary Wunder shares his experience needing and finding the assistance of a therapist. Read the blog,"Finding a Therapist Who Moved Beyond My Blindness."
<https://nfb.org/blog/finding-therapist-who-moved-beyond-my-blindness> If you are interested in sharing a story, please email CommunicationsTeam at nfb.org.

*Apple Mobile Development Seminar**:*

On Wednesday, March 31, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. eastern, the National Federation of the Blind, in collaboration with Apple, 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 Apple engineers to discuss your app and have your accessibility questions answered.Take advantage of this free opportunity, register for the mobile application development seminar <https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings>
 today!

*New Podcast Episode: A Conversation with the Survivor Task Force:*

*Nation’s Blind Podcast* hosts, Anil and Melissa, talk with Marci Carpenter and Daphne Mitchell of the NFB Survivor Task Force. They discuss who is a survivor, specific challenges and misconceptions blind survivors face, and more. Listen to the latest *Nation’s Blind Podcast* <https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2021-03/A%20Conversation%20with%20the%20NFB%20Survivor%20Task%20Force.mp3>
 now.

*National Federation of the Blind Engineering Quotient (NFB EQ) Program:*

NFB EQ applications are now open. NFB EQ is going virtual July 5-30. High school students can join us on a month-long adventure into engineering and problem-solving. No specific level of engineering experience is required.
Engage in activities designed to strengthen knowledge and grow interests.
The deadline to apply is May 10. Learn more and apply now at www.nfb.org/eq.

*Dates to Keep in Mind:*

(all times eastern)

   - March 24-26: Jacobus tenBroek Law Symposium
   - March 31: Scholarship application
   <https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program/scholarship-program-application-checklist>
    deadline
   - April 5: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.
   - April 15: Bolotin Awards <https://www.nfb.org/bolotin> nominations
   deadline
   - April 15: Survivor Task Force Open Call
   - April 18: Survivor Task Force Open Call
   - May 1: Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award
   <https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award>
   nominations deadline
   - May 3: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m.
   - May 7: NFB BELL Academy application
   <https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy> deadline (for
   session one)
   - May 10: NFB EQ application <http://www.nfb.org/eq> deadline
   - June 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 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

[image: National Federation of the Blind] <https://nfb.org/>

--
Dorothy Griffin - President
National Federation of the Blind of Georgia dgriffin at nfbga.org
770-374-4832

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.
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