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</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="NFB of SC logo with tagline live the life you want" style='position:absolute;margin-left:4.65pt;margin-top:6.9pt;width:60.85pt;height:68.7pt;z-index:-251657216;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page'>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width=81 height=92 style='width:.8437in;height:.9583in' src="cid:image002.png@01DBACC1.54E793D0" align=left hspace=12 alt="NFB of SC logo with tagline live the life you want" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_2"><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>April 13, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><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><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><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>843-939-8091 <a href="mailto:president@nfbofsc.org">president@nfbofsc.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Positive Note 2018<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'>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 Successful Transitions team, along with other Federationist, participated in Advocacy Day which took place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at the State House. For some members, this was their first Advocacy Day and everyone learned a great deal from this experience. There were many speakers highlighting the challenges people with disabilities currently face. It is events like this that prepare people with disabilities to advocate for ourselves and keep the important issues concerning us in front of our elected leaders. A huge thanks to everyone that participated in this exciting event.<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><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Braille Monitor</span></i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> is the National Federation of the Blind’s flagship publication with eleven issues published each year. Until December 31, 2024, Gary Wonder served as its editor as others have done over the years. Chris Danielsen, originally from South Carolina, became the editor effective January, 2025 and he is doing an excellent job thus far! In the April edition of <i>The Braille Monitor</i>, Chris discusses the Texas vs Kennedy case regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. While there is no movement on this case at this time and several of the attorneys general have softened their stance, only the withdrawal of this case is an acceptable outcome for individuals with disabilities protected by this piece of legislation. On pages 37 and 42 according to the article, the court is asked to overturn Section 504 in its entirety which would set us back decades. NFB members from the 33 states not involved in the lawsuit should reach out to Attorney General Ken Paxton of Texas demanding that he withdraw the lawsuit. NFB members from the other 17 states should contact their attorneys general to demand that they withdraw from the lawsuit. We cannot let up on this issue; it is entirely too important!<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'>National Convention Hotel Reservations:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The National Convention will take place July 8-13, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The last day to make a reservation in the convention hotel with discounted rate is May 31, 2025. Currently, there are no rooms in the New Orleans Marriott. If you plan to attend and have not booked your room, please do so as soon as possible. The overflow hotel is the Sheraton New Orleans and you can reserve a room there by calling 855-516-1090. This year, Janice Bright will assist NFB of SC members who are seeking a roommate to defray expenses. Please reach out to her at 803-760-3717 or via e-mail at <a href="mailto:ms.jlbright@gmail.com">ms.jlbright@gmail.com</a>. We appreciate Janice’s assistance with this convention item.<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'>Register Today<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Registration is open for the National Federation of the Blind National Convention. The registration fee is $25. Get access to the latest information as it is made available. Register for the 2025 National Convention now! The registration link is <a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37855&qid=11045175">https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37855&qid=11045175</a>.<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'>NFB25 Virtual Experience Registration<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>We are excited to offer opportunities for engagement and connection to participants who are unable to attend the convention in-person. The Virtual Experience registration fee is $10. Register for the 2025 National Convention Virtual Experience at <a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37857&qid=11045175">https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37857&qid=11045175</a>.<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'>National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina Scholarship Application Open<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The NFB of SC is thrilled to announce the launch of our Annual Scholarship Program designed to support and empower blind students in their educational journey. In addition to providing financial assistance, we strive to serve as blind mentors by living the lives we want. individuals who believe in the Philosophy of the National Federation of the Blind demonstrate academic excellence, engage in community support, and show a strong passion for pursuing higher education are ideal candidates for the NFB of SC Scholarship Program. .<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'>Eligibility Criteria:<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'>High school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students enrolled in full-time post-secondary education.<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Applicants must be legally blind. <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Strong academic record.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Growing participation in NFB-related activities.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Active participation in community service or extracurricular activities.<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'>Application Details:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Deadline: June 20, 2025 11:59 p.m. <o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Award Amount: Three scholarships are awarded each year. Scholarships are awarded at the banquet of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention held in 2025 at the doubletree by Hilton in Columbia, SC August 14-17. Scholarship recipients will be notified in advance that they are a finalist and will have their hotel reservations and registration costs covered by the state affiliate. The first second, and third place recipients will be announced at the banquet Saturday evening. Students must stay for the convention and participate in all activities during the weekend. Scholarship amounts are dependent on the donations the program receives each year.<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'>How to Apply:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Go to <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org">www.nfbofsc.org</a>. The link to the scholarship page and application is on the home page. Instructions are provided in detail.<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 State Convention<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>I am excited to inform our affiliate that members wishing to make hotel reservations for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention can now do so. The Doubletree by Hilton on Bush River Road in Columbia, SC is the convention hotel for 2025. Singles and doubles are $129 per night, triples are $139 per night and quads are $149 per night, all plus applicable taxes. These rates include breakfast coupons for the number of people in your room up to four individuals. Reservations must be made by July 23, 2025. You may book online at <a href="https://hil.tn/00qbnn">https://hil.tn/00qbnn</a> or by calling Central Reservations at 866-247-3572. When calling, ask for the National Federation of the Blind of SC Attendee Block. Rooms are available between August 12 and 19, 2025 at these rates. We will let you know when registration for the State Convention is available.<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'>Things to remember<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>National Convention room reservations due by May 31, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>National Convention early registration due by May 31, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>NFB of SC Scholarship applications due by June 20, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>NFB of SC hotel reservations and registration due by July 23, 2025<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'><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>