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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@01DC7842.40789050" 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'>December 28, 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: 2055<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'>Christmas 2025 is now in the books and we will celebrate New Years Day on Thursday, January 1, 2026! Can you believe it? It feels like just yesterday when my family lost our home to fire in May, 1975, when Cades-Hebron High School combined with Kingstree Senior High School in August, 1983, when I graduated from high school in June, 1986, when I graduated with my B.A. degree in May, 1992, when I started my first position as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired in August, 1993, when I completed my Master’s Degree in Special Education with Emphasis in Visual Impairments in December, 1994, when I moved to the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind as the Access Technology Consultant in August, 1997, when I became the Statewide Vision Consultant in November, 2004, when I completed my Educational Specialist Certificate as a Principal in May, 2010 and when I started my role as a Principal for Outreach Services in July, 2010. The purpose of this chronology is to demonstrate that time passes quickly. Our worth is measured in what we do that helps others along the way. <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'>As we enter 2026, let us consider what we might do to make a difference in the lives of other blind people who need help. Tech Talk is one of the most effective Zoom calls conducted by members of our affiliate and I am always inspired and blessed by what I find there when I am able to join them. One of the things I can do is answer questions for others who are new to the nonvisual world. What is something that you can do to make a difference in the lives of others?<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'>Continuing our AI tips and tricks, here is this week’s offering from Sarah Massengale.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Chat GPT camera and voice mode:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>There a lot of AI apps out there specifically for blind folks, but most of them ask a blind person to take pictures. I’m terrible at pictures, and sometimes I just want to do something quickly. Which is how I learned this trick.<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'>Back in March, I was at an accessibility conference, and I wanted to control my hotel room thermostat. I was too tired for calling Aira, which I usually do. Instead, I pulled out my iPhone, opened up my Chat GPT app, and pressed the button labeled “voice mode”. I asked the AI if it could help me look at my thermostat, and it told me how to allow it access to my camera. Once I did, it could tell me what my thermostat was set to, and how the settings changed as I pressed the inaccessible buttons.<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'>One quick note here: I’ve been working with ChatGPT on a daily basis for about nine months, and it knows I’m blind. If you’re using it for the first time, you will want to make sure to teach the AI that you’re blind before trying this trick.<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'>Recently, Steve Cook, who serves as the NFB of SC’s web master and list serve moderator released an email with an important update from the National Office. This statement concerned some very startling issues around the Randolph Shepherd Act. A summary of the original statement is below.<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'>On December 23, 2025, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) released a statement strongly criticizing the Department of Education’s decision to limit—effectively remove—the Randolph-Sheppard priority for dining facility contracts on Department of the Army installations. Published in the Federal Register, this decision threatens the jobs and businesses of blind entrepreneurs and goes against Congress’s long-standing goal of expanding employment opportunities for blind Americans.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Randolph-Sheppard Act, passed in 1936, was created to provide meaningful, competitive employment for trained and licensed blind people. Today, about 1,400 blind entrepreneurs nationwide depend on this program. Within the Army alone, twenty-four dining facility contracts across twenty-two installations support real businesses run by blind vendors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>NFB President Mark A. Riccobono called the decision a betrayal of nearly ninety years of congressional commitment, stating it is based on false information and disregards the proven skills and dedication of blind vendors. He emphasized that the NFB stands firmly with affected vendors and will continue to fight to protect their rights through collective action.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The NFB also stressed that the Randolph-Sheppard Program is not charity or a diversity checkbox, but a recognition of barriers blind people face in government contracting. The organization urged the Secretary of Education and the Department of the Army to reconsider the decision, work directly with blind merchants, and honor the promise of equal opportunity for blind Americans to work, build businesses, and contribute to the nation.<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'>Friends of Rocky Bottom Fundraiser<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Friends of Rocky Bottom Fundraiser kicked off on October 1, 2025 and ends on December 31, 2025. This fundraiser assists Rocky Bottom with getting through the winter months when rentals are very low. If you or your chapter have not given to the fundraiser this year, it is not too late! You can mail a check to the Federation Center of the Blind, Attn Rocky Bottom, 119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205. If you know others who routinely participate, please share this announcement with them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>At-Large Chapter Fundraiser<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The At-Large Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is holding an iPad Drawing Fundraiser to support its programs and outreach. The prize is a new 11-inch Apple iPad with an A16 chip and 128 GB of storage. Tickets are $10 each or three for $20. Payments can be mailed to Ed and Julie Bible, 136 Penny Lane, Lexington, SC 29073, or sent by PayPal to <a href="mailto:nfbofsc.atlargechapter@gmail.com">nfbofsc.atlargechapter@gmail.com</a>. The drawing will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, during the Statewide Seminar, and participants do not need to be present to win.<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><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>NFB of SC Statewide Seminar<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina Statewide Seminar will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the Federation Center of the Blind beginning at 10:00 a.m. This will be an exciting kick-off to 2026 and I look forward to seeing you there. Chapter presidents should let David Houck know how many are attending by close of business on Monday, January 5, 2026 so that food preparations can be made. Call David at 803-254-3777 or e-mail him at <a href="mailto:federationcenter@nfbofsc.org">federationcenter@nfbofsc.org</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><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Rocky Bottom auction at Statewide Seminar<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>There will be an auction to benefit Rocky Bottom during the Statewide Seminar! Bring your baked goods, your items you wish to regift that are very nice and anything that you think others may enjoy bidding on. The auction will take place throughout the day based on the number of items available. For more information, contact Chairman Thom Spittle at 803-331-3344.<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><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>From Andrew Adams:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Join us for the Sweetheart Ball on February 6th for an unforgettable evening of fun, fellowship, and celebration. Tickets are $30 per person, making it a perfect night out for members and guests. Gather your friends and reserve a full table for $240 to enjoy the evening together. The purpose of the Sweetheart Ball is to bring our members together while supporting a meaningful cause. Proceeds raised will help sponsor members to attend the national convention in Austin, Texas. Come out, dress up, and participate in a night that strengthens our community and invests in our future.<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><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Things to Remember<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Banquet pledges due by December 31, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>State dues due on December 31, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Friends of Rocky Bottom Fundraiser due on December 31, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Statewide Seminar on January 10, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>At-Large drawing on January 10, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Rocky Bottom Auction on January 10, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Sweethearts Ball on February 6, 2026<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>