[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2063

Sun Feb 22 21:04:16 UTC 2026

February 22, 2026

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

From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President

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

Positive Note: 2063

Dear Federation Family,

South Carolina experienced beautiful weather over the last week with
springlike temperatures approaching 80 degrees. However, Old Man Winter will
reemerge this week and we will experience colder temperatures. Just as the
temperature rises and falls outside, so does our engagement in the
Federation. There are times when it is higher than others, often due to
personal matters in our lives. During these times, staying connected with
our podcasts, publications, and online content can keep our minds engaged
with the cause. Remember, we can live the lives we want. Blindness is not
what holds us back!

On Thursday, February 19, 2026, the 18th Annual Regional Braille Challenge
was held at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, South Carolina. Forty-eight
students from across the state including teachers of blind students,
professionals from the SC Commission for the Blind and parents gathered for
this event. Attendance totaled approximately 125 people. The atmosphere was
lively and energetic as the students competed while showing off their
awesome braille skills and cheered each other on. Prizes were awarded to the
first, second, and third-place contestants in each of the categories. This
is always a fun and motivating event. My appreciation goes to Coordinator
Jodi Floyd and her team for a job well done. Commissioner Graham was on-site
for the awards ceremony as well as earlier in the day. We are deeply
grateful to the SC Commission for the Blind for providing the meeting space
and lunch for this student activity!

There is some exciting news to share with our statewide membership. On
Friday, February 20, 2026, I shared with my team at the SC School for the
Deaf and the Blind my plan to retire from my role as Principal effective
July 1, 2026. I will have 33 years in the field of special education at that
point and it is time to pass the baton! This will allow me more time to
dedicate to the priorities of the National Federation of the Blind of South
Carolina. I intend to work part-time in some capacity, but I will have more
time for other priorities. Let the countdown begin!

This week's AI tip will work with almost any of the chatbots out there. If
you are wondering what might make a great meal that is different, just
request a recipe from your favorite chatbot. You can say, "Alexa, give me a
recipe for Cajun Jambalaya." The Echo device will tell you where to get
these recipes. You can even provide ChatGPT with a few ingredients you have
on hand and it will give you a meal idea that you can make with those
ingredients. Remember, it is all in the prompt. Do not be afraid to revise
the prompt and see what you get.

Access On Webinar: Working with 1Password:

1Password is a powerful, accessible password and information manager that
works on multiple operating systems and browsers. In this Access On webinar,
Tuesday, February 24, 2:00-3:30 p.m., we'll introduce you to the key
features of 1Password, ensuring you have a unique password for every website
you visit, available on every browser and every device you use. Learn how to
get started with 1Password and integrate it into your daily computer and
smartphone use. Register at
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events
/accessibility-boutique-reg>
https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events/
accessibility-boutique-reg.

Annual Vision Summit

The Annual Vision Summit will be held March 6, 2026 at Saluda Shoals Park
located at 5605 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC, 29210. Registration closes
February 27, 2026 to confirm the lunch count. For more information see the
attached registration information and flyer.

Summer Internship Opportunity:

The National Federation of the Blind's (NFB) 2026 Summer Internship Program
offers a unique opportunity to make an impact while gaining professional
experience. Interns work on projects that advance innovation and raise
expectations for blind people nationwide. 

This paid, ten-week internship runs from June 1-August 7 at NFB headquarters
in Baltimore and includes participation in the NFB National Convention in
Austin, Texas. Apply by March 14 to help shape the future and build
leadership skills. The application can be found at
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/summer-internship-program>
https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/summer-internship-program.

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-conventio
n-scholarship>
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention
-scholarship.

Things to Remember

*	Access On Webinar: Working with 1Password on February 24, 2026
*	Annual Vision Summit Registration due by February 27, 2026; event on
March 6, 2026
*	Summer Internship Opportunity due by March 14, 2026
*	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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