[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2062

[president at nfbofsc.org]

February 15, 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: 2062

 

Dear Federation Family,

 

Monday, February 16 is recognized as Presidents Day. Presidents Day is a
federal holiday observed on the third Monday in February to honor the
leaders who have served as President of the United States. The holiday began
as a celebration of George Washington's Birthday on February 22 then became
a federal holiday in 1879. In 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the
observance to a Monday to create a three-day weekend for workers, and over
time it grew to recognize Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is February 12, as
well as other presidents. Today, Presidents Day is a time to reflect on the
responsibilities of the presidency, the history of the nation, and the
contributions and challenges faced by those who have led the country.

 

The February Braille Monitor is available and there is a great deal of
wonderful information. Below is a sample of the articles that are extremely
important and informative.

*	National Federation of the Blind Responds to Attack on
Randolph-Sheppard Priority for Army Dining Facility Contracts
*	Position Statement on Structured Discovery Training
*	Case Closed: The Story of Technology, a Blind Woman, and an
Eyewitness Account to Solve a Mystery
*	Sexual Health Education and Research: A Community-Centered Approach
Driven by the Blind

 

In today's AI tip, let's talk about describing photos.  How many times have
you seen a picture sent by a friend or posted on social media and thought, I
wish I could understand this picture.  With Chat GPT or Amazon Alexa, you
can.  I like Chat GPT best for this, so that's the example I'm going to use.
All you have to do is upload the picture you want described and tell GPT
something like: describe this photo as you would to a blind person, and it
will.  You can even go a step further.  Like your descriptions long and
poetic, tell GPT and that's what you'll get.  Prefer descriptions that are
short and to the point, GPT can do that too.  It all depends on you and what
you need.

 

The National Federation of the Blind National Convention will be held July
3-8, 2026, in Austin, Texas, at the JW Marriott and the Austin Marriott
Downtown overflow hotel. Room rates are $139 per night for single or double
occupancy and $155 for triple or quad occupancy, plus 19% in taxes and fees.
The first night is charged when booking. To reserve a room, call
800-627-7468 and use room block BL1. Cancellations made by May 31, 2026,
receive a 50% deposit refund; no refunds are available after that date.

 

The Kenneth Jernigan Scholarships support active blind and sighted
first-time attendees at the National Convention. Applications are due by
March 31, 2026, and applicants must meet with President Marty McKenzie for a
letter of support. In recent years, individual awards have been $700 and
family awards $1,100; these do not cover all expenses. Recipients receive a
prepaid VISA card after arriving at the hotel at a specified time and
location. The online application must be completed in one session, so
applicants are encouraged to prepare responses in Microsoft Word and copy
and paste them. Those not comfortable using a computer should seek help from
a friend. The online application can be found at
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention
-scholarship.

 

Things to Remember

*	NFB of SC Statewide Leadership Seminar on March 28, 2026
*	National Scholarship applications due by March 31, 2026
*	Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship applications due by March 31, 2026
*	National Convention hotel reservations due by May 31, 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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