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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><a name="_Hlk104128366"></a><a name="_Hlk75539397"></a><a name="_Hlk104126486"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'>Good morning SC!<o:p></o:p></span></span></a></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'>Here is an article on </span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='color:black;background:white'>The Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act (S. 4998) and (H.R. 9021) which was recently introduced in both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives.</span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'>This joint release shows (when appropriate), partnering with other organizations to achieve the same goals benefits our community as a whole. I hope we consider how we (as an organization) can work with other organizations in the state of South Carolina to better the lives of all blind South Carolinians, without sacrificing our values.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'>For your convenience, you can read the article below or </span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/senator-duckworth-and-representative-sarbanes-introduce-bill-make-websites-and-software-accessible"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='background:white'>view the article on the NFB's official website</span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'>The below press release was a joint effort between the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), American Council of the Blind (ACB), American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), and the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN). <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><strong><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></strong></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><h1 style='mso-margin-top-alt:22.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box;color:inherit'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:39.0pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black;font-weight:normal'>Senator Duckworth and Representative Sarbanes Introduce Bill to Make Websites and Mobile Applications Accessible to Individuals with Disabilities <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></h1><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2022 — Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Representative John P. Sarbanes (D-Md.) introduced The Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act (S. 4998) and (H.R. 9021) in both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>The American Council of the Blind (ACB), the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), and the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) commend Sen. Duckworth and Rep. Sarbanes for their leadership and for introducing this legislation with the full support and collaboration of the disability community. Once passed, this legislation would require the Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to establish a clear and enforceable uniform national framework for website and software application accessibility, reaffirm that existing disability rights law covers websites and software applications, and ensure that accessibility standards keep pace with new and emerging technologies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>With respect to a website or application, accessibility means a website or application that enables individuals with disabilities to access the same information as, to engage in the same interactions as, to communicate and to be understood as effectively as, and to enjoy the same services offered to other individuals with the same privacy, independence, and ease of use as individuals without disabilities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>For example, blind and low vision people often use screen-reader technology that reads the content of websites and applications aloud or displays it on a compatible braille device; people who are Deaf and hard of hearing utilize closed captioning and remote video interpreters; people with physical disabilities such as limited manual dexterity may require websites that have full keyboard navigation; and people with communication or speech-related disabilities may encounter barriers if a website uses voice interaction or provides phone numbers as the only method to communicate with the business.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and well before, so many Americans relied on the Internet to work from home, order home goods and connect with loved ones — and yet, too many websites and apps remain nearly impossible to use by Americans with disabilities, barring them from these experiences and opportunities,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Congressman Sarbanes to finally help make the web and other technology more accessible for all users, including those in the disability community.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>“Digital innovation is only as powerful as it is inclusive. As new and emerging technologies have been incorporated into our daily lives, digital inaccessibility has prevented Americans with disabilities from reaching a broad range of health, education, employment and other critical resources. To address this civil rights issue and remedy this longstanding inequity, we need uniform, consistent standards that lay out what true digital accessibility is and provide adequate mechanisms to enforce it,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “The Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act will require federal agencies to provide clear regulations for reducing barriers to web accessibility and help businesses and state and local governments work toward compliance. Senator Duckworth and I are pleased to introduce this legislation with the input of disability advocates to take an important step to achieving equity and inclusion for all Americans.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>“We are delighted that this bill was introduced, and that Congress is finally giving this issue the attention it deserves. We need to make sure that people who are blind or have low vision are not left behind as our world moves into an increasingly digital environment,” said ACB President Dan Spoone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>“The past few years have shown us how important it is that our digital infrastructure is accessible to everyone,” said Stephanie Enyart, Chief Public Policy and Research Officer for the American Foundation for the Blind. “Numerous research studies have revealed digital accessibility barriers, so this bill will transform access to employment, education, healthcare, and all other aspects of daily life for people who are blind and have low vision. We applaud Senator Duckworth and Representative Sarbanes for introducing this legislation and committing to a digital society that is inclusive of all people.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>“In a generation where technology has opened countless doors, it’s appalling that so many users with disabilities are still kept from full access to websites and applications because they are not designed with universal access in mind, nor do they properly interact with assistive technology,” said NDRN’s Deputy Executive Director for Public Policy Eric Buehlmann. “It’s absolutely imperative that all people with disabilities have equal access to online resources. We thank Senator Duckworth and Representative Sarbanes for working with us on this much needed legislation.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>“Although we have had some success in vindicating the right of blind Americans to live and work in our increasingly digital world, individual complaints and agreements simply cannot keep pace with the expansion and evolution of technology, and entities who want to effectively serve customers with disabilities are asking for guidance,” said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. “We therefore urge the United States Congress to act swiftly on this common-sense legislation that will finally close the gap caused by inaccessible technologies and clarify and enforce what our nation’s disability laws and policies require.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>This legislation is supported by the following disability and civil rights organizations: Access Living, American Association of People with Disabilities, American Council of the Blind, American Foundation for the Blind, Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Blinded Veterans Association, CommunicationFIRST, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Epilepsy Foundation of America, Hearing Loss Association of America, National Association of the Deaf, National Council on Independent Living, National Disability Institute, National Disability Rights Network, National Federation of the Blind, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc., The Arc, United Spinal Association, and Vietnam Veterans of America.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><strong><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>###</span></strong></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>Contact:<br>American Council of the Blind: Clark Rachfal, </span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:crachfal@acb.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:#005AA3'>crachfal@acb.org</span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>, 202-467-5081<br>American Foundation for the Blind: Sarah Malaier, </span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:smalaier@afb.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:#005AA3'>smalaier@afb.org</span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>, 202-469-6831<br>National Disability Rights Network: David Card, </span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:press@ndrn.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:#005AA3'>press@ndrn.org</span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>, 202-567-3522<br>National Federation of the Blind: Chris Danielsen, </span></span></span></span><a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:#005AA3'>cdanielsen@nfb.org</span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>, 410-262-1281<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><strong><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>About the American Council of the Blind:</span></strong></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'> The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is a national member-driven organization representing Americans who are blind and visually impaired. For more than 60 years, ACB has become a leader in national, state, local, and even international advocacy efforts. With 68 affiliates, ACB strives to increase independence, security, equality of opportunity, and to improve the quality of life for all people who are blind and visually impaired. For more information, visit </span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.acb.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif'>www.acb.org</span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><strong><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>About the American Foundation for the Blind:</span></strong></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'> The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) mobilizes leaders, advances understanding, and champions impactful policies and practices using research and data. Publisher of the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness for over a century and counting, AFB is also proud to steward the accessible Helen Keller Archive, honoring the legacy of our most famous ambassador. AFB’s mission is to expand pathways to leadership, education, inclusive technology, and career opportunities to create a world of no limits for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. To learn more, visit </span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.afb.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif'>www.afb.org</span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><strong><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>About the National Disability Rights Network:</span></strong></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'> The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) works in Washington, D.C. on behalf of the Protection and Advocacy Systems (P&As) and Client Assistance Programs (CAPs), the nation’s largest providers of legal advocacy services for people with disabilities. NDRN promotes the network’s capacity, ensures that P&As/CAPs remain strong and effective by providing training and technical assistance, and advocates for laws protecting the civil and human rights of all people with disabilities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in;background:white;box-sizing: border-box'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><strong><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>About the National Federation of the Blind: </span></strong></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>The National Federation of the Blind, headquartered in Baltimore, defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. Founded in 1940, the NFB is the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind Americans with affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. We believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and initiatives at</span></span></span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:#005AA3'> nfb.org</span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'></span></span></span><a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:#005AA3'>Email National Federation of the Blind</span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><a name="_Hlk104126609"><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Kristopher I. Crawley<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></a></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.accessibilityassociation.org/"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=432 height=77 style='width:4.5in;height:.802in' id="Picture_x0020_5" src="cid:image001.png@01D8D4B7.F7DEFF40" alt="I, A, A, P, International Association of Accessibility Professionals, Professional Member"></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'></span></span></span></span><a href="https://education.acvrep.org/badges/badge.php?hash=18b8ae05639d02d02387d74e47732a7cb8eeb657"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=96 height=96 style='width:1.0in;height:1.0in' id="Picture_x0020_4" src="cid:image002.png@01D8D4B7.F7DEFF40" alt="Certified Google Chromebook Accessibility Expert"></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.freedomscientific.com/Training/Certification"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=86 height=86 style='width:.8958in;height:.8958in' id="Picture_x0020_3" src="cid:image003.png@01D8D4B7.F7DEFF40" alt="JAWS Certified, 2022"></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.zoomtext.com/learning/certification"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=86 height=86 style='width:.8958in;height:.8958in' id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image004.png@01D8D4B7.F7DEFF40" alt="ZoomText Certified, 2022"></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.nvaccess.org/"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=160 height=96 style='width:1.6666in;height:1.0in' id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image005.png@01D8D4B7.F7DEFF40" alt="NVDA Certified Expert"></span></span></span></span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'></span></span></span></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'><b><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126609'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk75539397'></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104126486'></span><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>At Large Board Member:</span></u></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> National Federation Of The Blind Of SC<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>President:</span></u></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> SC Communities of Faith Division<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Co-Chair:</span></u></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> SC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee<b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Email:</span></u></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'></span><a href="mailto:KICrawley.NFB@Gmail.com"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#0563C1'>KICrawley.NFB@Gmail.com</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Phone/Text:</span></u></b></span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk104128366'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> (803) </span></span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>220-1727<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify;background:white'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>NFB of SC Pages<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><a href="https://www.nfbofsc.org/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>Visit our Website</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/national-federation-of-the-blind-of-south-carolina/id1563280420"><span style='color:#0563C1'>Subscribe to our Podcast</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NatFedofSouthCarolina"><span style='color:#0563C1'>Like us on Facebook</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><a href="https://www.twitter.com/SCNFB"><span style='color:#0563C1'>Follow us on Twitter</span></a></span><u><span style='color:#0563C1'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>