[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2082

Sun Jul 5 22:18:21 UTC 2026

July 5, 2026

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

From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President

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

Positive Note: 2082

Dear Federation Family,

The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina delegation is in
Austin, Texas, where the National Convention is well underway. I met with
another state president early today to provide information on programs in
South Carolina, attended a Microsoft workshop on their newest products and
innovations with Office 365, the New Outlook and Copilot and then attended
the Resolutions Committee meeting. This is the second year I served on the
Resolutions Committee, and I think I now understand how it works. There are
16 resolutions that come before the convention on Monday, July 7, 2026. They
are also available on the national website.

Austin is alive with celebratory sounds as I write this Positive Note. It is
July 4, 2026, which is the 250th anniversary of our democracy. There is
music, and I am certain that fireworks will come a little later in the
evening. The vibe "Keep Austin weird" is certainly at play as there is a
different feeling here from any other host city I have attended. There will
be a complete convention round-up in the Positive Note next week.

The Braille Monitor

The July edition of the Braille Monitor is out and there are some
interesting articles as always. Here are some of the titles you will find in
this edition.

*	From the Backseat to the Driver's Seat: A Federation Journey with
Waymo
*	Federation Sues Government Agencies Over Delayed Web Accessibility
Rules
*	National Federation of the Blind Official Comments in Response to
the Department of Health and Human Services Interim Final Rule Regarding
Section 504 Digital Accessibility
*	How I Came to the Federation
*	Becoming Blind: Finding the Truth Beyond Vision
*	Of Seniors and Seeds
*	The Golden Rule, the Platinum Rule, and the Right to Speak for
Ourselves

NFB of SC Student Scholarship Deadline Extended

The deadline for completing and submitting scholarship applications has been
extended to Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM. High school seniors and
college students who are blind or have low vision are strongly encouraged to
apply for these scholarships. Three scholarships are awarded each year. The
total amount of almost $7,000 was awarded at the 2025 NFB of SC banquet. If
you need assistance, reach out to the Committee Chair, Shannon Cook, at
scholarships at nfbofsc.org <mailto:scholarships at nfbofsc.org> , and you will
receive assistance. It is not too late to get your application in!

Door Prizes for NFB of SC State Convention

First Vice President Lenora Robertson will again serve as the door prize
chairperson. Please bring your door prizes to the state convention and give
them directly to her. If shipping, address them to Lenora Robertson, 1258
Roundtree Circle, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Shipments should arrive no later than
Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Door prizes should have a minimum value of $10.
Cash is always welcome!

Fundraiser Winners

Thank you to everyone who supported the Penny Duffy Fund fundraiser. The
Board sincerely appreciates your generosity and contributions in honor of
Penny Duffy's legacy. Your support helps provide financial assistance to
families who may need help attending the National Convention, allowing more
families to experience the connection, inclusion and community that meant so
much to Penny.

We are pleased to announce the raffle winners:

Jennifer Duffell-Hoffman - Eone Bradley Watch

Sonia Timmons - Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

In a gesture of generosity, Sonia Timmons donated the Bose Ultra Open
Earbuds back to the fund, allowing for a second drawing. The additional
winner selected was:

Diana Castillo - Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Congratulations to our winners, and thank you again to everyone who
participated and helped make this fundraiser a success. The Board deeply
appreciates your support of the Penny Duffy Fund and its mission to help
families attend the National Convention in Penny's memory.

Technology Backpack Fundraiser - Computer Science and Technology Division

The Computer Science and Technology Division (CSTD) of the National
Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is holding a Technology Backpack
Fundraiser with a drawing on August 16, 2026, during the state convention.
Tickets are priced at $5 for one, $10 for three, $20 for seven and $30 for
ten. The prize package includes a technology backpack, a talking meat
thermometer, an infrared thermometer, Bluetooth earbuds, a 256 GB flash
drive, a Bluetooth speaker, a surge protector and a home license copy of
JAWS, ZoomText or Fusion. Ten percent of funds raised will support a student
scholarship. You do not need to be present to win as prizes can be shipped.
To enter, complete the online web form and submit payment via PayPal or
check, or by calling 803-260-1292. If using PayPal, be sure to note
"Technology Backpack Fundraiser" in the notes section. Mail checks to Steve
Cook, 2446 Harrison Road, Columbia, SC 29204.

Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser - Senior Division

The NFB of SC Senior Division is holding a Cash Extravaganza fundraiser with
a chance to win $400 in cash. The drawing will take place Sunday morning,
August 16, at the conclusion of the state convention, and you do not need to
be present to win. Tickets are $10 for one or $20 for three. Half of the
funds raised will go to Rocky Bottom Senior Camp and half to the Senior
Division. To buy or sell tickets, contact Shelley Coppel at 803-796-8662,
303-819-9795 or  <mailto:Frankandshelley51 at gmail.com>
Frankandshelley51 at gmail.com. Checks and money orders should be made payable
to the NFB of SC Senior Division with "Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser" in the
memo line and mailed to Shelley Coppel, 847 Jefferson Street, West Columbia,
SC 29169.

NFB of SC State Convention Registration

You are warmly invited to attend the National Federation of the Blind of
South Carolina State Convention. This annual event brings together blind and
low-vision individuals, families, advocates and community members from
across the state. It is 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: engaging guest speakers, opportunities to
connect, exhibits featuring helpful products and services, plus 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. Join us
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> the NFB of SC website and select "State Convention
& Exhibit Hall Registration."

NFB of SC State Convention Hotel 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 is 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 through
<https://hil.tn/lkz9ef> the DoubleTree's online reservation page. 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 to cover 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 these holds will be placed on the funds in your checking
account.

Things to Remember

*	Hotel reservations and Early Bird Registration for the NFB of SC
State Convention end on July 22, 2026.
*	NFB of SC State Convention takes place August 13-16, 2026.
*	Technology Backpack Fundraiser drawing is August 16, 2026, during
the state convention.
*	Cash Extravaganza drawing is Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the
conclusion of the state convention.

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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