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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><div><h1 style='margin:0in'><a name="m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735"><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>President\u2019s Notebook</span><o:p></o:p></a></h1><h1 style='margin:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>National Federation of the Blind</span><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 style='margin:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Mark A. Riccobono</span><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 style='margin:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span><a href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>officeofthepresident@nfb.org</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 style='margin:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>410-659-9314</span><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Dear Federation Family,</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>We have been so jazzed after our time together in New Orleans that we jumped right back into the Federation work. We were too busy to get you a notebook last week, but we are back with plans for the future.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>It may feel like the middle of summer outside, but fall is well underway in the Federation. The schedule has been set for the fall with plans to attend as many conventions as I can and for people to represent me at the others. By my count we have thirty-one affiliate conventions this fall, stretching from the middle of August to the middle of December. There are also a number of other affiliate-building activities; meetings at our national headquarters, including the kickoff for our 2025-2026 Kenneth Jernigan Leadership-in-Service Program; and our participation in other events like the quadrennial General Assembly of the World Blind Union, where Pam Allen and I will represent the Federation.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>If you have not already taken time to do so, please complete the survey regarding our 2025 National Convention. Your feedback is extremely helpful.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Here\u2019s hoping you have a wonderful week.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 style='margin:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>News:</span><o:p></o:p></span></h2><h3 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;line-height:13.8pt'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Next Presidential Release:</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-weight:normal'><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>The </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases" target="_blank"><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>August Presidential Release #551</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> recording for chapter meetings will be available on August 1. There will not be a Presidential Release Live event in August. The next live Presidential Release will be scheduled for September. More details coming soon. Reminder: the Presidential Release for Chapters is part of the chapter meeting agenda. It is recommended to play with enough time for discussion among members afterward. If there are questions from members that cannot be answered by the chapter president, please send the questions to </span></span><a href="mailto:communications@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>communications@nfb.org</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> to incorporate in the live events Q&A session or via another communication.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p><h3 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;line-height:13.8pt'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>National Convention Highlights:</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-weight:normal'><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Thanks again to our members, sponsors, exhibitors, and everyone who made #NFB25 a success. The convention highlights will be posted at </span></span><a href="http://nfb.org/convention" target="_blank"><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>nfb.org/convention</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>. Access the following highlights, which are now available:</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:47.25pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]></span><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/banquet-speeches/creativity-persistence-and-hope-reclaiming-our" target="_blank"><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>2025 Banquet Speech, "Creativity, Persistence, and Hope: Reclaiming Our Stories through the Organized Blind Movement" (HTML)</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:47.25pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/dopoXEDUzS8?t=5349s" target="_blank"><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>2025 Banquet Speech, "Creativity, Persistence, and Hope: Reclaiming Our Stories through the Organized Blind Movement" (YouTube)</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:47.25pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]></span><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/presidential-reports/2025-presidential-report" target="_blank"><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>2025 Presidential Report (HTML)</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:47.25pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/vehnFSymJ80?t=129s" target="_blank"><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>2025 Presidential Report (YouTube)</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:47.25pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>5.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]></span><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/speeches-and-reports/resolutions/2025-resolutions" target="_blank"><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>2025 Resolutions</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:47.25pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>6.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@NationsBlind/streams" target="_blank"><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>General Sessions and Board of Directors Meeting on YouTube</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p><h3 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;line-height:13.8pt'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Blind Equality Achievement Month Planning:</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-weight:normal'><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>The National Federation of the Blind celebrates the organized blind movement during October each year. Chapters across the country organize local outreach events. Submit your events, activities, and celebrations to </span></span><a href="mailto:web@nfb.org" target="_blank"><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>web@nfb.org</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>, so they can be posted on </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/blind-month" target="_blank"><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>https://nfb.org/blind-month</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>. Reminder: please use the terms Blind Equality Achievement Month, Blind Month, or #BlindMonth when referring to and promoting activities.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Suggested idea for Blind Equality Achievement Month: Please consider organizing an event for White Cane Awareness Day on October 15 with the White Cane Awareness Day Proclamation template. The template is available to print or share digitally. Fill in the details of your local area and identify a city council member or mayor to sponsor the proclamation. Please note that the event can also take place the weekend before or after October 15 if needed.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:47.25pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-line-height-alt:11.2pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]></span><a href="https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/meet-blind-month/white-cane-awareness-day-proclamation" target="_blank"><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>White Cane Awareness Day Proclamation (HTML)</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:47.25pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-line-height-alt:11.2pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]></span><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/documents/word/white-cane-awareness-day-proclamation-final.docx" target="_blank"><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>White Cane Awareness Day Proclamation (Word)</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><h3 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;line-height:13.8pt'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>New Podcast Coming Soon:</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-weight:normal'><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>As announced at national convention we will soon be releasing <i>Walking Alone and Marching Together</i>, a podcast series that brings to life the history of the National Federation of the Blind from 1940 to 1990 based on the comprehensive book of the same name. </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media" target="_blank"><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Check out the trailer now on our Publications page.</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act Introduced in Congress:</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>On Thursday, July 24, Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Steve Daines (R-MT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced S. 2438, the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act. Then, on Friday, July 25, Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA-3) and Pete Sessions (R-TX-17) introduced a companion bill, H.R. 4771. This is wonderful news, and it\u2019s now time to contact your senators and representatives to request they cosponsor this legislation so we can once and for all abolish subminimum wages for disabled Americans!</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><h3 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;line-height:13.8pt'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Letter Urging Congress to Make Permanent the Medicare Telehealth Benefits:</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-weight:normal'><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>On Tuesday, July 22, we sent a </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-urging-congress-keep-medicare-telehealth" target="_blank"><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>letter to all members of Congress urging them to make permanent the Medicare Telehealth benefits</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> that are set to expire on September 30, 2025. This letter is to fulfill Resolution 2025-07 that was passed at the national convention earlier this month in New Orleans. The full letter can be read on our </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements" target="_blank"><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Policy Statements page</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><h3 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;line-height:13.8pt'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Where the Blind Work Webinar:</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-weight:normal'><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Join the National Federation of the Blind for the \u201cWhere the Blind Work Webinar: Frontline Professionals.\u201d Taking place on July 31, 8:00-9:00 p.m., Eastern, via Zoom, this informative discussion will feature a panel of blind frontline workers sharing insights into their typical workdays, how they advocate for job accommodations, and the techniques they use to be successful at work. Our panelists are:</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;mso-line-height-alt:12.7pt'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>· Elizabeth Moyer, Teaching Assistant, Chimes, Maryland</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;mso-line-height-alt:12.7pt'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>· Tom Tebockhorst, Concession Stand Attendant, Target Field/Center, Minnesota</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:.5in;mso-line-height-alt:12.7pt'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>· Terry Hall, Switchboard Operator, Magellan Solutions,<b>2025 NABS Mid-Atlantic Student Seminar:</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>There\u2019s still t</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> New York</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-the-blind-work-webinars-registration" target="_blank"><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Register for the Where the Blind Work Webinar</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>. Registration closes on July 30 at 5 p.m., Eastern.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><h3 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.25in;line-height:13.8pt'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Federal Employees Impacted by Layoffs:</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-weight:normal'><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>We know that federal employees with disabilities have been disproportionally affected by recent reductions in the federal employment workforce, and we are doing all we can to help our blind colleagues. If you are aware of blind federal workers impacted by the government layoffs, please encourage them to submit the </span></span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/general-interest-form" target="_blank"><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Employment Interest Form</span></span><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> to receive announcements about career opportunities.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.25in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 style='margin:0in'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>Dates to Keep in Mind:</span><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>(all times Eastern)</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-line-height-alt:12.65pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial'><span style='mso-bookmark:m_2247952834401723323_m_8359275318630735'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:#222222'>January 26-29, 2026: Washington Seminar</span></span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-line-height-alt:12.65pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif'>July 3-8, 2026: National Convention; Austin, Texas</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 style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-line-height-alt:12.65pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial'><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><o:p></o:p></p><h2 style='margin:0in'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;font-weight:normal'>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></h2><h2 style='margin:0in'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;font-weight:normal'> </span><o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><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></div></body></html>