[NFBofSC] NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 12/18/2023

Thu Dec 21 21:50:09 UTC 2023

President’s Notebook

National Federation of the Blind

Mark A. Riccobono

officeofthepresident at nfb.org <mailto:officeofthepresident at nfb.org> 

410-659-9314 

Dear Federation Family,

It is hard to believe the year of 2023 is coming to an end. I have just a couple more days in the office before going into a winter break. I will be on family time starting on Thursday evening through the first of the New Year. We will be ramping up quickly in January with the continued work of our movement. I have already thanked you all for your work this year, but I cannot help reflecting upon the many quiet ways we have worked together to do good for our fellow blind this year. The stories that are most compelling to me are not the ones that make the Presidential Report. The quiet ways that each of you assist blind people, take late night calls, help blind people overcome barriers, and open doors of opportunity are the true blessings of our movement. These are the moments that only a small circle of people around you know about, but I know they happen because they are the signature of Federation leadership. Thank you for the quiet acts of kindness you undertake every day.

As we close the year, I need to share one piece of news that is really hard to deliver. The board of directors at Blindness Learning in New Dimensions, Incorporated, (our affiliated training center in Minnesota) announced yesterday its intention to suspend operations in order to reimagine and rebuild the programming in Minnesota. Having sat with the board, I know the gravity of their decision and the commitment of these leaders to building better opportunities for the blind across the country. I want to assure all Federation leaders that we will continue to work with our affiliate leaders in Minnesota and the leadership team at BLIND, Incorporated, to determine how to transition to new and stronger programming in the future. this message.

As we close the year, I hope you will take a few minutes to reflect upon our success together. I also hope you will take note of the things we can do to strengthen our work and our personal relationships in 2024. I plan to do the same and I anticipate the opportunities to synergize my reflections and yours.

Wishing you and yours a healthy, joyous, safe, and rejuvenating holiday break!

Independence Market Holiday Hours:

The Independence Market will be closed from Friday, December 22 through Monday, December 25, 2023, and then again from Friday, December 29, 2023 through Monday, January 1, 2024.

January Presidential Release:

The National Federation of the Blind  <https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases> Presidential Release #534 is scheduled for January 4, 2024, at 8:00 p.m., eastern. Zoom ID 943 1629 4822. Each presidential release live includes a question and answer session. Please submit questions early to  <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org> cdanielsen at nfb.org.

Access Technology Affordability Act:

The cold winter weather has brought with it a flurry of cosponsor activity on the Access Technology Affordability Act (H.R. 3702/S. 1467). In the House, H.R. 3702 has gained twenty-eight new cosponsors since the beginning of December to bring the total number of cosponsors up to seventy-two. In the Senate, Senators Booker (NJ), Ernst (IA), and Tillis (NC), all added their names to the cosponsors of S. 1467 to bring the total number of cosponsors on the Senate bill up to seventeen. This is fantastic progress to finish out the year. Even though the ATAA was not included in the National Defense Authorization Act, we have to keep working in order to make sure we give it the best possible chance of being included in a larger tax package now scheduled for debate in January or February. Be sure to call or email your representatives and senators to urge them to cosponsor the Access Technology Affordability Act (H.R. 3702/S. 1467).

News and Opportunity for Community Services Division:
Our board of directors has initiated the reorganization of the National Federation of the Blind Community Services Division. This division aims to use and improve service as a means to show that blind people have the talent and desire to better the world we live in by promoting equal access and participation in related activities. Federation members who are interested in participating in the consideration of a reorganized Community Services Division should contact Barbara Manuel, president of the NFB of Alabama, at nfbal.president at gmail.com <mailto:nfbal.president at gmail.com> .

Submit and Share Consumer Feedback Survey:

The National Federation of the Blind is working with one of the world’s largest consumer products companies to improve everyday shopping and product experiences. This survey is designed to get the experience of blind and low-vision consumers. Completing the survey will ensure your voice is included and you will also be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of five $200 Amazon gift cards.  <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2VSPT5N> Consumer Feedback Survey

National Federation of the Blind Washington Seminar Career Fair:

Join us on Monday, January 29, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., eastern, for our Washington Seminar in-person career fair. The National Federation of the Blind career fairs are events for blind people seeking jobs to connect with employers and are an opportunity for employers to seek more talent for their teams. Registration is required by Friday, January 12, 2024.

 <https://nfb.org/form/career-fair-jobseeker-registration> Career Fair – Job Seeker Registration

 <https://nfb.org/form/career-fair-employer-registration> Career Fair – Employer Registration 

To prepare job seekers, the Employment Committee will be hosting “Maximizing Your In-person Career Fair Experience,” an online seminar designed to provide tips and techniques for creating the most positive experience while attending the fair. Members will automatically be registered for the online seminar once they have registered for the career fair. For more information on the career fair or webinar, please contact Jennifer Wenzel, Employment Committee chair and employer liaison, at  <mailto:jenwen319 at gmail.com> jenwen319 at gmail.com, or Rachel Kuntz, jobseeker liaison, at  <https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/h/1x9qu3194t9sc/?&cs=wh&v=b&to=rkuntz@saavi.us> rkuntz at saavi.us.

Five New Publications Available on NFB-NEWSLINE®:

NFB-NEWSLINE recently added five new publications to our lineup:

State Newspapers:

Illinois, Chicago Defender - The Chicago Defender is a Chicago-based online African American newspaper. It was founded in 1905 by Robert S. Abbott and was once considered the "most important" newspaper of its kind.

New York, Post-Journal - The Post-Journal is a daily newspaper, serving the area around Jamestown, New York.  It is owned by Ogden Newspapers Inc. and is billed as "southwestern New York's leading newspaper" with a circulation of over ten thousand newspapers.

International Newspaper:

Asahi Shimbun - Founded in 1879, it is also one of the oldest newspapers in Japan and Asia and is considered a newspaper of record for Japan.

Breaking News Online:

19th news – Our goal is to empower women and LGBTQ+ people—particularly those from underrepresented communities—with the information, resources, and tools they need to be equal participants in our democracy. (from the paper’s website)

Magazine:

Inc - An American business magazine founded in 1979 and based in New York City. The magazine publishes six issues per year, along with surrounding online and social media content.

Consider Gifting Your IRA Distribution Directly to the Federation and Avoid Taxes:

If you are in a position to do so, you may be able to avoid taxes on your required minimum distribution from an IRA by giving directly to charity. This is a great way to avoid taxes and give a little more to the Federation and less to Uncle Sam for those who have retirement savings and must take minimum distributions. For more information, contact  <mailto:outreach at nfb.org> outreach at nfb.org.

Where the Blind Work Webinar:

This January, join the National Federation of the Blind as we celebrate the work and accomplishments of blind people with a panel discussion. This online webinar will take place on Wednesday January 24, from 8:00–9:00 p.m., eastern, via Zoom. Unemployment and under-employment persist as among the most stubborn factors affecting blind people’s pursuit of cultural and economic equity in society. Below are our panel participants:

*	Tracey Hall Hennigan, Braille Technician, Maryland
*	Ronza Othman, Director, EEO Compliance, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, US Department of Health and Human Services, Maryland
*	Christopher Kuczynski, General Counsel, US Access Board, Washington DC

 <https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-the-blind-work-webinars-registration> Register for the Where the Blind Work Webinar for Zoom details. We look forward to your participation!

Reminders:

Round-Up with Lyft:

Since this is the holiday season many of our friends and family will be using Lyft. Please ask your friends to round up their fares to the nearest dollar and donate their change from each Lyft ride to the National Federation of the Blind. It is easy: Hit Menu, hit donate, and then choose the National Federation of the Blind.

Dates to Keep in Mind: (all times eastern)

*	Thursday, December 4, at 8:00 p.m.: Presidential Release
*	Monday, January 29, 2024: Great Gathering-In
*	Tuesday, January 30, 2024: Congressional Reception (Washington Seminar)
*	January 29 -February 1, 2024:  <https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar> Washington Seminar
*	April 15, 2024: Deadline for  <https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/dr-jacob-bolotin-awards/application-information> Bolotin Award nominations
*	July 3-8, 2024: National Convention; Orlando, Florida

Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement

*	 Wednesday, February 7, 8:00 p.m.
*	Wednesday, May 8, 8:00 p.m.
*	Wednesday, August 7, 8:00 p.m.
*	Wednesday, November 6, 8:00 p.m.

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