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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><div><div><div><div><div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><a name="m_668855198866172555_m_47299154533958215"><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>President\u2019s Notebook</span></b></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>National Federation of the Blind</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span lang=DE style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Mark A. Riccobono</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank"><b><span lang=DE>officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>410-659-9314</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Dear Federation Family,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Let me begin by sharing my appreciation for those who have lost their lives in service of our nation, and my thoughts are with those of you who have lost loved ones. I hope that each of you found an opportunity to remember those heroic individuals yesterday. I am remembering my father this week, who, as a result of his service in the US Navy, was exposed to harmful chemicals, which led to his passing.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>As we come to the close of May, the excitement about our national convention grows. While we still have a lot of work to do, the Louisiana affiliate, our staff, and I are looking forward to the opportunity to be back in person with you all. Please be sure to encourage members to submit their registrations this week before online registration closes. There are plenty of rooms left at our overflow hotel, which also will house our exhibit hall, so do not hesitate to encourage members to reserve rooms at the Sheraton.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Finally, a heads up that we will have a Presidential Release recording for chapter meetings in June but then will not have one in July. There continues to be some confusion about the live Presidential Release events and the chapter recordings. Per the request of many of you, we have kept the recorded version short and specific to chapters so that it gets played. Apparently, some of your chapters are still playing the live version or choosing not to play it because the live version is too long or there was no live release in that month. Please help chapters understand the value of the recorded release, how to get it, and how to build it into meetings.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Convention:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Volunteers Needed:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>New Orleans is the place, and the Independence Market is the space! We are looking for folks who are interested in helping to make the 2025 NFB National Convention a huge success. You can help by volunteering in the Independence Market at the national convention! We are currently looking for volunteers to serve as demonstrators<b>, </b>storekeepers, and line marshals during all four days the Independence Market is open. The dates and times are as follows:</span><o:p></o:p></p><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Tuesday, July 8: 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. or 12:45 to 5:00 p.m.</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Wednesday, July 9: 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. or 12:45 to 5:00 p.m.</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Thursday, July 10: 12:00 to 1:45 p.m.</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Friday, July 11: 12:00 to 1:45 p.m</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>The Independence Market at the national convention would not be possible without the support, dedication, and hard work of our numerous volunteers. For more information or to volunteer, please complete our </span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/market-volunteer" target="_blank"><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>new market volunteer form</span></a><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> or contact Jen White at 410-659-9314, extension 2236, or email her at </span><a href="mailto:jwhite@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>jwhite@nfb.org</span></a><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> today.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Independence Market Convention Schedule:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Independence Market telephone orders will close on Monday, June 30, at 5:00 p.m., Eastern, and reopen on Thursday, July 17, at 8:00 a.m., Eastern. This is to ensure that orders can be processed and shipped before our market employees travel to New Orleans for this year\u2019s national convention. However, the ecommerce system will remain open and continue to accept and process your orders during those days.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Congratulations to the 2025 Scholarship Finalists:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>The National Federation of the Blind announced the finalists for its annual scholarship program, which provides financial assistance and connects students with blind mentors and other resources. <a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/celebrating-outstanding-blind-students" target="_blank">Congratulations to the thirty outstanding finalists.</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>National Federation of the Blind National Convention Career Fair:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Join us for the National Federation of the Blind National Convention Career Fair on July 9, 1:00\u20134:00 p.m., Central. Hosted by the National Employment Committee, this event is an opportunity for blind and low-vision people seeking jobs to connect with employers and is an opportunity for employers to seek more talent for their teams.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/career-fair-jobseeker-registration" target="_blank">National Convention Jobseeker Registration</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&action=preview&id=621" target="_blank">National Convention Employer Registration</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span lang=EN style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>To prepare job seekers and employers, the Employment Committee will be hosting \u201cGetting Career-Fair Ready: For Jobseekers and Employers,\u201d virtual seminars designed to provide strategies for creating the most positive experience while attending the fair. Individuals will automatically be registered for these events once they have registered for the career fair. For more information on the career fair or virtual seminars, please contact Charles Bennett, jobseeker liaison, at </span><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'><a href="mailto:cbennett@cocenter.org" target="_blank">cbennett@cocenter.org</a><u>, or </u></span><span lang=EN style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Kris Colcock, employer liaison, at </span><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'><a href="mailto:Kris@colcok.com" target="_blank"><span lang=EN>Kris@colcok.com</span></a></span><span lang=EN style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Register and Book Hotel for National Convention:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Promote registration for the 2025 National Federation of the Blind <a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention" target="_blank">National Convention</a>, July 8-13, in New Orleans. Let members know to register early because prices go up if you register on site in New Orleans. Registration includes the biggest event of the year, access to the event app, and communications on the latest news and events. The hotel blocks are filling up\u2014there is now limited space at the Marriott. Reserve your room at the Sheraton New Orleans by calling 855-516-1090. Ask for the \u201cNational Federation of the Blind 2025 Convention\u201d block. Registration will be closing on May 31. Attendees can still register on site at an increased cost. Promote registration now!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Critical:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Independence Market Now Available for Online Orders:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>As announced during the May Presidential Release Live, the Independence Market is now online, making it easier than ever to find and order reliable blindness-related tools and resources you need. Shop online now at <a href="http://catalog.nfb.org">catalog.nfb.org</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>News:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Presidential Release Chapter Recording June 1:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>The June <a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases" target="_blank">Presidential Release chapter recording</a> will be available by June 1. Please share the chapter recording as part of your chapter meeting agenda and discuss among members. There will not be a Presidential Release Live in June or July. Tune into the Presidential Report during the NFB National Convention on July 11, during the morning session.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>New Partnership Announced: Innosearch AI:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>As announced in the <a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases" target="_blank">May Presidential Release Live</a>, the National Federation of the Blind is proud to announce a formal partnership with Innosearch AI, an innovative AI-powered accessibility and shopping platform. <a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/innosearch-ai-and-national-federation-blind-announce-strategic-partnership" target="_blank">Read the press release</a> and access the membership benefits in <a href="https://nfb.org/member_profile/login" target="_blank">your member profile</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Legislative News: The Website and Software Applications Accessibility Act:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>The National Federation of the Blind applauds the introduction of the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act, H.R. 3417, into the House of Representatives by Representative Pete Sessions (Texas) and lead cosponsor Representative Steny Hoyer (Maryland). This legislation seeks to eliminate persistent digital accessibility barriers faced by blind and disabled Americans. <a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/disability-advocates-commend-introduction-websites-and-software-applications" target="_blank">Read the full joint press release</a>. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Two Recent Legislation Introductions:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>The month of May has been great for our legislative advocacy. In the last two weeks, we have gotten two of our legislative priorities reintroduced in the 119th Congress. On May 14, Representative Pete Sessions (TX-17) sponsored our Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act in the House. He was joined by Representative Steny Hoyer (MD-05) as the lead cosponsor. And on May 22, Senator John Boozman (AR) reintroduced our Access Technology Affordability Act in the Senate with Senator Ben Ray Lujan (NM) as the lead cosponsor. We want to ensure the Congress knows how important both of these bills are to the blind of America, so please call or email your members in the House and Senate today and urge them to cosponsor!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Dates to Keep in Mind: </span></b><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>(all times eastern)</span><o:p></o:p></p><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>July 8-13: National Convention; New Orleans, Louisiana</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>June 8, 2025: Deadline to <a href="mailto:resolutions@nfb.org" target="_blank">submit resolutions</a> for the 2025 National Convention.</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>January 26-29, 2026: Washington Seminar</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement</span><o:p></o:p></p><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Wednesday, August 6</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Wednesday, November 5</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></body></html>