[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2066

[president at nfbofsc.org]

March 15, 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: 2066

 

Dear Federation Family,

 

It is with sadness that I share with you the passing of Mrs. Lois Tucker who
went to her heavenly home on March 13, 2026. Lois was a long-time member of
the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina in her early years
and she served a term as state president. She also worked on building
chapters and advocacy during those years. Lois was 98 years old and lived a
long, full life. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family and friends
and pray for comfort in the days ahead.

 

The most recent episode of Access On hosted by Jonathan Mosen, focused on NV
Access which produces the NVDA screen reader. This screen reader is
open-source and free to the public. It is a great option for individuals who
are starting out and affordability is a concern. Training materials are also
available at no or low cost. Access On continues to provide Federationists
and others with the latest information on cutting-edge technology and its
implications in the lives of blind people worldwide.

 

AI tips and tricks have become an interesting part of this weekly Positive
Note. You may wonder where I get them. I have resorted to thinking back over
the things I asked AI to do for me during the last week. Here is a prompt
that failed initially, but I am still hopeful. My Honeywell thermostat
stopped responding with the Alexa devices in recent weeks. I got
instructions on how to fix it. The prompt read something like this: "My
Honeywell thermostat stopped responding to me using the Alexa devices.
Provide step-by-step instructions on what I can do to fix this problem." In
reviewing the instructions it gave me, I realize that I may have skipped a
step. More to report on this next week.

 

The National Scholarship Application process is now open for students who
are attending post-secondary institutions in Fall, 2026. I have only seen
one scholarship application come through thus far. Please go to
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-progr
am>
https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-progra
m to complete your application. I will interview those who complete the
entire process. Reach out to me if you are applying for a national
scholarship as a student.

 

 

 

Statewide Leadership Seminar

The Statewide Leadership Seminar takes place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at
the Federation Center of the Blind beginning at 10:00 a.m. This day is set
aside for National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina Board Members,
chapter and division presidents, and boards. We are especially pleased to
welcome Past Presidents Parnell Diggs and Frank Coppel, if they are
available. Please let David Houck know by close of business on Monday, March
24, 2026, how many will attend from your chapter, including drivers who will
remain for the day. This allows for adequate food purchase and preparation.

 

SUN Shares pledges from the Statewide Seminar are due by March 31, 2026. If
you have not taken care of this, please do so. We will mail the final check
to the National Office shortly after March 31, 2026. Thank you for your
generosity!

 

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.

 

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 who are not comfortable using a computer are
encouraged to seek assistance 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

*	NFB of SC Statewide Leadership Seminar on March 28, 2026
*	National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Applications due by
March 31, 2026
*	Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship Applications due by March
31, 2026
*	SUN Shares pledges 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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