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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=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>June 2, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>From: Marty R. McKenzie, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Positive Note 1973<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>843-939-8091 </span><a href="mailto:president@nfbofsc.org"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>president@nfbofsc.org</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Dear Federation Family,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Braille Monitor is the flagship publication of the National Federation of the Blind. There are several important articles in the June edition. For those interested in one day owning an autonomous vehicle, read “Interview with Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind” taken from Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, State of AV 2024.For individuals interested in web accessibility, pay special attention to “Looking Back as We Move Forward: The Past, Present, and Future of Federal Website Accessibility Regulations: by Sanho Steele-Louchart and Kyle Walls and “Rebuilding What I Should Have Known: Reflections on My Journey to be Accountable to the Blind Community” by Shir Ekerling. For a thought-provoking article feeding directly into NFB philosophy, read “Sighted Saviorism in the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind” by Justin Salisbury. These articles have valuable information as do all of the articles in this issue.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Under Monitor Miniatures, pay very careful attention to “How to Pay for Your Convention Hotel Stay” by Tony Cobb. Each year, individuals have difficulty with paying for hotel rooms using cash or debit cards. Tony’s article gives attendees all of the information required to make a thoughtful decision. A credit card is absolutely the best way to handle hotel expenses. It is very important that attendees understand the incidentals that can be charged to rooms so that unexpected large expenses at the end of the stay can be avoided.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>From Andrew Adams<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Family Fun Day was a resounding success this past Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Weston Lakes! Many Federation members attended, enjoying the opportunity to reconnect with fellow members they had not seen since the convention or previous years. The picnic featured great music, delicious food, and a fun game of bingo! A special thanks to our students from Successful Transitions for assisting with meal prep and to the Singletons for an outstanding job on the grill!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The June Presidential Release took place on May 30, 2024 and President Riccobono provided a great deal of information on the upcoming National Convention. There is excitement in the air as we prepare to reunite with NFB family members that many of us only see once a year. Early registration has closed but you can still register in-person at the convention. The Virtual Experience is still available at $10 and registration will remain open through the convention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>NFB of SC Scholarship Announcement 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Let’s do more in 24! We are springing into the 2024 NFB of SC Scholarship Program season. With the state convention being August 15 - 18, 2024, the deadline for scholarship applications is 11:59 p.m. June 20, 2024. The committee will meet about one month before the state convention to select the top three applicants and winners will be notified following the meeting. The updated scholarship application is now available at </span><a href="https://nfbofsc.org/scholarship-program"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>https://nfbofsc.org/scholarship-program</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>. Please also remember that the scholarship program operates exclusively on donations. If you, your chapter, your division, your civic organization, church etc., would like to contribute a scholarship or donate to the Metro Fund, please contact me, Shannon Cook at </span><a href="mailto:scholarships@nfbofsc.org"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>scholarships@nfbofsc.org</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> or 803-605-4250. Please help us get the word out about the program. If you or someone you know is in post-secondary education full time, please encourage them to apply for a scholarship! Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Palmetto Convention Grant will be offered again this year for first-time in-person state convention attendees. To qualify for a Palmetto Convention Grant, the applicant must be … <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>• A dues-paying member in good standing<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>• Registered for the NFB of SC state convention<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>• Registered to stay at the convention hotel<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>• A first time in-person attendee <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>A completed application packet includes … <o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The completed application itself<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>A letter of recommendation from an NFB of SC chapter or division president.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>A personal letter <o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. June 30, 2024. Please spread the word to chapter and divisions to allow everyone the opportunity to apply. For questions, call Shannon Cook at 803-605-4250 or send an email to secretary@nfbofsc.org.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Lenora Robertson will once again serve as the Door Prize Chair for the NFB of SC State Convention. Cash and gift cards are always favorite items. You can purchase gift cards from the At Large chapter in the amount of $25 or greater. Please bring your door prize contributions to the convention or you can mail them to Lenora Robertson, 1258 Roundtree Circle, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Let’s have an abundance of door prizes to share at the state convention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Embassy Suites is now accepting reservations for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention being held on August 15-18, 2024. Rooms can be booked at $112 plus tax and any applicable fees for singles, doubles, triples and quads. You may call the Embassy Suites at 803-252-8700. Reference the NFB of SC State Convention to obtain the special rate. Members are not being charged the first night’s room; instead, a hold is placed on your card until check-in. The cut-off for room reservations is July 25, 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121'>Registration for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention is now live! The cost is $85 for adults, $55 for students and $25 for children under eighteen. These prices all adjust upward after July 25, 2024. Please visit<span class=apple-converted-space> </span></span><a href="https://nfbofsc.org/node/178" title="https://nfbofsc.org/node/178"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>https://nfbofsc.org/node/178</span></a><span class=apple-converted-space><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> </span></span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>to register online. If you need assistance to register online, , plea<span style='color:#212121'>se contact me and someone will assist you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>From Lori Anne Coley, President, Sports and Recreation Division<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Our Sports and Rec fundraiser is extended to August, coinciding with the state convention. All purchased tickets remain valid. Purchase $20 tickets for a chance to win big, including a $750 and a $250 giveaway. Contributions support our Sports Camp Week for the Blind at Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind in Upstate South Carolina. Led by the NFBSC Sports and Rec Division, our mission is inclusive sports. Purchase tickets via PayPal at </span><a href="https://www.paypal.me/sportrecnfbsc"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>https://www.paypal.me/sportrecnfbsc</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> or Zelle at srnfbsc21@yahoo.com. Goal: sell 100+ tickets by August 17, 2024, with the drawing at the state convention. Spread the word! For more information, contact Lori Anne Coley at 803-316-9838.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>From the SC Association of Black Leaders<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The SC Association of Black Leaders is thrilled to announce that we are extending our coffee basket fundraiser to the State Convention in August! The basket includes 1 tin of hot chocolate, three flavors of Starbucks coffee, two NFB tumblers, and a $25 gift card. Tickets are 1 for $5 or 3 for $10, every $20 spent earns you an entry to win a Keurig! Purchase tickets at the NFB of SC PayPal or by sending a check or money order to the Federation Center at 119 S. Kilbourne Rd., Columbia, SC 29205, noting “coffee basket” in the memo field.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Marty<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Marty R. McKenzie, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>119 S. Kilbourne Road<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Columbia, SC 29205<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Phone: 803-254-3777<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Mobile: 843-939-8091<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Website: <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org/">www.nfbofsc.org</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>