[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2072

Sun Apr 26 20:27:16 UTC 2026

April 26, 2026

Memo To:  Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents &
Others

From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President

843-939-8091  president at nfbofsc.org <mailto:president at nfbofsc.org> 

Positive Note: 2072

Dear Federation Family,

We begin this Positive Note by extending our sympathy to the families of
Eugene F. Rogers, Sr., Esq. and Everett Peake. Mr. Rogers represented the
National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina regarding legal matters
in the past. He was the sister of the late Betty C. Capps. Our thoughts and
prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

Everett Peake was a long-time member of the NFB of SC and was active in many
ways in the organization. He was present for our state conventions and also
attended national conventions from what I am told. We are also keeping the
Peake family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

>From Sarah Massengale, District Six Rep and Certified Digital Accessibility
Specialist:

There's recently been a lot of discussion from the National Office around
changes that have happened with the ADA title II Final Rule for digital
accessibility, and it's fair to say there's also been some outrage.  As
someone who's both a long-time Federationist and a Certified Accessibility
Specialist I wanted to share a little about what's actually happening.
Fundamentally, nothing is changing about the Final Rule, content still must
be made accessible, and all newly built Federal and State related websites,
digital documents, etc. must now be built accessibly from the beginning.
The only thing that's changing is the deadline, and I'll be honest that I
support it.  Accessibility after the fact is a long, drawn out process and a
very expensive one.  There are still organizations trying to assess their
accessibility gaps, charting the best ways to fix them.  Do I wish we'd
never have to deal with accessibility after the fact, yes, but in the end
these changes don't represent any concern at the moment.  What I will be
watching for is the possibility that yet another extension may happen and
that's when I feel like outrage becomes necessary.  If you'd like to learn
more about what's happening, reach out to me at
<mailto:communications at nfbofsc.org> communications at nfbofsc.org.

As we gear up for national and state convention, it is a good practice to
review the Code of Conduct located at
<https://nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct>
https://nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct. It is
available in a variety of formats. When registering for the national
convention, each attendee must attest that they have read and understood
this document.

Midlands Gives is right around the corner and the National Federation of the
Blind of South Carolina and Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of
the blind are both participating. Cards are available from David Houck with
QR codes that can be scanned to assist our supporters with giving. Please
reach out to him if you are able to share cards with donors. You can also
give at  <http://www.midlandsgives.org/nfbofsc>
www.midlandsgives.org/nfbofsc and www.midlandsgives.org/rockybottom. 

You are warmly invited to attend the National Federation of the Blind of
South Carolina (NFB of SC) State Convention, an exciting annual event that
brings together blind and low-vision individuals, families, advocates, and
community members from across the state for a weekend of learning,
networking, and inspiration. Whether you are a long-time member or new to
the Federation, the convention offers something for everyone, including
engaging guest speakers, opportunities to connect with others, exhibits
featuring helpful products and services, and time for fun and fellowship.
The event will take place August 13-16, 2026 at the Doubletree by Hilton
located at 2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC. All are encouraged to attend
and be part of this empowering, life-changing experience as we work together
to build a brighter future and change what it means to be blind. For more
information or to register, visit  <http://www.NFBofSC.org> www.NFBofSC.org
and select "State Convention & Exhibit Hall Registration."

The Doubletree by Hilton is now accepting reservations for the National
Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention being held August
13-16, 2026. The Cost of the rooms are as follows: singles and doubles -
$134; triples - $144 and quads - 154 plus applicable taxes and fees.
Breakfast is included with the cost of your room. You may book online at
<https://hil.tn/lkz9ef> https://hil.tn/lkz9ef. You may also call
800-445-8667 and give the code 917 to link to our room block. The cutoff for
these special rates is Thursday, July 22, 2026. Remember the following when
booking your room:

*	The first night's stay will be charged at time of booking.
*	When checking in, a hold will be placed on the card used for the
entire stay.
*	There is a $50 per night hold for incidentals.

It is strongly recommended that a credit card be used for this stay. Using a
debit card means that the funds in your checking account will have these
holds placed on them as well.

Reminders from the fundraising committee:

Fundraising Committee - National Convention Sponsorship Fund  

All application materials must be submitted no later than Thursday, April 30
at 11:59 PM. Required items include the completed application, personal
essay, and a letter of recommendation from your Chapter or Division
President. Please ensure all components are submitted together and on time,
as late submissions will not be considered.

Workout Warriors Registration  

The registration deadline is May 2.  

Do not miss your opportunity to participate. Secure your spot by registering
at the link below:  

 <https://donorbox.org/events/880893/steps/choose_tickets>
https://donorbox.org/events/880893/steps/choose_tickets

Parents of Blind Children - This One's for You! - Sonia Timmons

We're thrilled to open applications for the 2026 NOPBC Duffy Fund, giving
selected families a free five-night hotel stay to attend the National
Federation of the Blind National Convention in Austin, TX! If you've ever
wanted to experience the power of NOPBC programming, connect with other
families, and be part of the largest gathering of blind people in the world.
this is your moment. Apply April 1-May 1, 2026 at
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6yBGEcro1UWuOQ6YeHPOqLFSIHQlgadU
Xujn_s1J1cKynfg/viewform>
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6yBGEcro1UWuOQ6YeHPOqLFSIHQlgadUX
ujn_s1J1cKynfg/viewform. July 2-7, Austin, TX. Learn more, apply today, and
join us in building confidence, community, and opportunity!

2026 NFB of SC Student Scholarships

The 2026 NFB of SC Scholarship Program is now open. The state convention
will be held August 13-16, 2026, and all application materials must be
submitted by 11:59 PM EDT on June 20, 2026. As in recent years, the
committee will select the top three applicants, who will be notified about
one month before the convention. The updated application is available online
at  <http://www.nfbofsc.org> www.nfbofsc.org. Please remember that the
scholarship program is funded entirely by donations. If you or your chapter
would like to sponsor a scholarship or contribute to the Dorothy C.
Barksdale Metro Fund, contact Shannon Cook at 803-605-4250 or via e-mail at
<mailto:scholarships at nfbofsc.org> scholarships at nfbofsc.org. Finally, help us
spread the word-if you or someone you know is enrolled full time in school,
encourage them to apply.

National Convention Registration Now Open

Early bird registration for the National Convention is now open. Go to
<https://www.nfb.org/convention> https://www.nfb.org/convention to register.
The cost is $25 and banquet tickets are $85 for those who plan to attend the
banquet.

Things to Remember:

*        NFB of SC National Convention Fund applications close on April 30,
2026.

*        POBC National Convention Family Scholarship applications due by May
1, 2026.

*        National Convention Early Bird Registration closes on May 31, 2026.

*        NFB of SC Student Scholarship applications due by 11:59 PM on June
20, 2026.

*        NFB of SC Fundraiser ends on June 21, 2026.

*        Hotel reservations and Early Bird Registration for the NFB of SC
State Convention ends on July 22, 2026.

Marty

Marty R. McKenzie, President

National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina

119 S. Kilbourne Road

Columbia, SC 29205

Phone: 803-254-3777

Mobile: 843-939-8091

Website: www.nfbofsc.org <http://www.nfbofsc.org/>  

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