[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2079

Sun Jun 14 22:09:30 UTC 2026

June 14, 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: 2079

Dear Federation Family,

While it may not be official just yet, summer has definitely arrived in
South Carolina! It is currently 96 degrees at the time of the writing of
this Positive Note. Summer activities abound inside and outside of the
Federation. Vacation Bible School is a huge thing in my area. Earlier today
I walked through the education wing and Family Life Center of my church,
which had been transformed into a veritable rainforest. There will be lots
of learning, laughter and fun next week as children and adults enjoy VBS.

During these busy times with other activities, it can be difficult to stay
focused on the priorities of the National Federation of the Blind as a
whole. I encourage you to remain engaged with our podcasts, The Braille
Monitor, Future Reflections and other publications to stay abreast of what
is happening and important items needing our attention. The National Office
does an outstanding job of making members aware of current events impacting
the blind. If you are not on mailing lists or you do not know where to find
podcasts, reach out and I or a designee will assist you with getting
connected.

I am currently assisting Dr. Tina Herzberg with the Access Technology for
Blind and Low Vision Learners class this summer. We started a session on
artificial intelligence (AI), which will extend into the next class. Sarah
Massengale will present in that session as well. In this class, students
shared how they are using AI and a few new use cases came up which I will
pass along here. One student told us she uses AI to take a picture of a room
such as her living room and then asks AI to suggest what it could look like
in a variety of arrangements. Another student uses AI for meal prep. She
takes a picture of the inside of her refrigerator or pantry and asks AI what
she can make with the items on hand. We can leverage AI to continue to live
the lives we want!

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 email 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.

FUNDRAISER EXTENDED TO HELP MORE FAMILIES

Thanks to the generosity of the Penny Duffy Fund, the National Organization
of Parents of Blind Children was able to support five families this July.
Each family received a sponsored five-night stay at the NFB National
Convention in Austin, TX. The Penny Duffy Fund was established in loving
memory of Penny Duffy, who had a deep passion for the National Convention.
The fund helps families who could not otherwise afford to attend. It lets
them share in the same sense of connection and community that Penny valued
so deeply. You can help even more families have this experience. To support
the fund, we are offering a chance to win one of two great prizes: (1) Bose
Ultra Open Earbuds, and (2) Eone Bradley Watch. A donation of $20 for each
entry per prize is required. This fundraiser runs from May 1, 2026 through
June 30, 2026. Get your tickets at
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kBeEcUknBFiYpHdPlSPheU_XIm9N84eFkDahlG39NY
s/viewform?edit_requested=true>
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kBeEcUknBFiYpHdPlSPheU_XIm9N84eFkDahlG39NYs
/viewform?edit_requested=true.

Palmetto Convention Grants

The Palmetto Convention Grant application for first-time attendees to the
NFB of SC State Convention is now available on the home page of the NFB of
SC website at  <http://www.nfbofsc.org> www.nfbofsc.org. Please pass the
word along to your chapter members, division members, fellow Federationists,
and anyone else who fits the bill. We will award four grants in the amount
of $300 each. The application deadline is June 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Technology Backpack Fundraiser - Computer Science and Technology Division

The Computer Science & 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, 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. 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> www.nfbofsc.org 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 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 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

*	NFB of SC Student Scholarship applications due by 11:59 PM on June
20, 2026.
*	Palmetto Convention Grant applications due by June 30, 2026 at 11:59
PM.
*	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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