[NFBofSC] NFB President’s Notebook - Week of 02/24/2025

Wed Feb 26 02:14:54 UTC 2025

Steve Cook

If you would like to join my “Smart Glasses” group For the discussion of any Smart Glasses and the apps they operate on! Send a message to  <mailto:SmartGlasses+subscribe at groups.io> SmartGlasses+subscribe at groups.io to join us! Then once subscribe, then to post to the group send a message to  <mailto:SmartGlasses at groups.io> SmartGlasses at groups.io and I look forward to you joining us! 

Dear Federation Family,

It is hard to believe that March is almost here. It has been a great start to 2025 for the Federation, and this is largely due to your outstanding efforts to organize at the local level. Keep up the great work.

I am looking forward to our best national convention ever, this summer in New Orleans.  Please note that registration will open later this week.

Critical Actions:

Mark Your Calendar: Presidential Release Live on March 6:

The next Presidential Release Live will be Thursday, March 6, at 8:00 p.m., Eastern. Zoom details are below. Attend to get the latest updates on the movement, ask questions, and hear important perspectives on the organized blind movement.

Presidential Release Live Zoom:

 <https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91752100862> https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91752100862

One Tap Mobile: +13017158592,,91752100862# US (Washington, DC)

Zoom ID: 91752100862

News:

Federal Workers Impacted by Recent Layoffs:

We know that federal employees with disabilities have been disproportionally affected by recent reductions in the federal workforce and we are doing all we can to help our blind colleagues. If you are a federal worker impacted by the government layoffs and are interested in information on career opportunities through the National Federation of the Blind Employment Initiatives, please submit the <https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/general-interest-form> Employment Interest Form to receive announcements regarding career opportunities.

Upcoming Presidential Release Recording for Chapters:

The next National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release chapter version will be published on Friday, February 28. The chapter version is intended to be played during each chapter meeting throughout the month and used for discussion among members.  <https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases> Access the chapter version and live details.

Submit Nominations for Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award:

The education of blind children is one of the National Federation of the Blind's highest priorities. Please help us recognize dedicated and innovative teachers who provide quality education and meaningful experiences and opportunities for their blind students. Nominate a teacher, counselor, or administrator of programs for blind students.  <https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-educator-blind-students-award> Learn more about the Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award.

Submit Nominations for Blind Educator of the Year Award:

The  <https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/blind-educator-year-award> Blind Educator of the Year Award pays tribute to a blind teacher whose exceptional classroom performance, notable community service, and commitment to the organized blind movement merit national recognition. Submit nominations to the committee chairperson, Robin House, via email at  <mailto:robin at mindsrealm.net> robin at mindsrealm.net. Letters of nomination must be accompanied by a copy of the nominee’s current résumé and supporting documentation of community and Federation activity.

Jacobus tenBroek Disability Rights Law Symposium:

The Jacobus tenBroek Disability Rights Law Symposium is the largest disability rights law symposium in the world and will be held from Thursday, March 20, through Friday, March 21, right here in the Jernigan Institute. In-person registration is open through March 7 and virtual registration will stay open until March 14. Fees are $200 for in-person attendance, $150 for virtual attendance, and a discounted rate of $25 for students.

Registration for in-person attendance:  <https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=616> https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=616

Registration for virtual attendance:  <https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=617> https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=617

More information about the symposium can be found at  <https://nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/jacobus-tenbroek-disability-law-symposium> Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium | National Federation of the Blind

 Religious Observances Calendar:

The calendar listing religious holidays and observances has been updated to include the year 2029. The revised calendar can be found in the NFB Portal under Organizational Documents and  <https://nfb.org/get-involved/diversity-equity-inclusion> on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion page of our website. 

Blind Americans Return to Work Act:

The Blind Americans Return to Work Act, H.R. 1175, was introduced in the House on February 10. We will be issuing a legislative alert to all listservs on Tuesday, February 25, urging all National Federation of the Blind members to contact their United States representative and urge them to cosponsor the bill.

Recent Press Releases to Share:

Please read and share the following press releases:

*        “ <https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-commends-introductions-blind-americans-return-work> National Federation of the Blind Commends the Introductions of Blind Americans Return to Work Act”

*        “ <https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/statement-national-federation-blind-harmful-stereotyping-blind-people-political> Statement from the National Federation of the Blind on the Harmful Stereotyping of Blind People in Political Discourse”

Dates to Keep in Mind:

(all times Eastern)

* February 28: Deadline to register for IEP Advocacy Academy

* March 20-21: Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium, registration deadline is March 7

* May 16-17: Diabetes Action Network; Baltimore, Maryland; registration coming soon

* July 8-13: National Convention; New Orleans, Louisiana

 Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement

* Wednesday, May 7

* Wednesday, August 6

* Wednesday, November 5

Chapter Presidents Calls

* Thursday, March 13 and Sunday, March 16

* Thursday, June 12 and Sunday, June 15

* Thursday, September 11 and Sunday, September 14

* Thursday, December 11 and Sunday, December 14

 The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know 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. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.

Mark A. Riccobono, President

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