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</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" 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:-251658240;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@01DCA414.E4CC07B0" align=left hspace=12 alt="NFB of SC logo with tagline live the life you want" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1"><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>February 22, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:1.5pt;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='margin-bottom:1.5pt;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='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;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:11.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;text-align:justify'>Positive Note: 2063<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in;text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Dear Federation Family,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>South Carolina experienced beautiful weather over the last week with springlike temperatures approaching 80 degrees. However, Old Man Winter will reemerge this week and we will experience colder temperatures. Just as the temperature rises and falls outside, so does our engagement in the Federation. There are times when it is higher than others, often due to personal matters in our lives. During these times, staying connected with our podcasts, publications, and online content can keep our minds engaged with the cause. Remember, we can live the lives we want. Blindness is not what holds us back!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>On Thursday, February 19, 2026, the 18<sup>th</sup> Annual Regional Braille Challenge was held at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, South Carolina. Forty-eight students from across the state including teachers of blind students, professionals from the SC Commission for the Blind and parents gathered for this event. Attendance totaled approximately 125 people. The atmosphere was lively and energetic as the students competed while showing off their awesome braille skills and cheered each other on. Prizes were awarded to the first, second, and third-place contestants in each of the categories. This is always a fun and motivating event. My appreciation goes to Coordinator Jodi Floyd and her team for a job well done. Commissioner Graham was on-site for the awards ceremony as well as earlier in the day. We are deeply grateful to the SC Commission for the Blind for providing the meeting space and lunch for this student activity!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>There is some exciting news to share with our statewide membership. On Friday, February 20, 2026, I shared with my team at the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind my plan to retire from my role as Principal effective July 1, 2026. I will have 33 years in the field of special education at that point and it is time to pass the baton! This will allow me more time to dedicate to the priorities of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina. I intend to work part-time in some capacity, but I will have more time for other priorities. Let the countdown begin!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>This week’s AI tip will work with almost any of the chatbots out there. If you are wondering what might make a great meal that is different, just request a recipe from your favorite chatbot. You can say, “Alexa, give me a recipe for Cajun Jambalaya.” The Echo device will tell you where to get these recipes. You can even provide ChatGPT with a few ingredients you have on hand and it will give you a meal idea that you can make with those ingredients. Remember, it is all in the prompt. Do not be afraid to revise the prompt and see what you get.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Access On Webinar: Working with 1Password:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>1Password is a powerful, accessible password and information manager that works on multiple operating systems and browsers. In this Access On webinar, Tuesday, February 24, 2:00-3:30 p.m., we’ll introduce you to the key features of 1Password, ensuring you have a unique password for every website you visit, available on every browser and every device you use. Learn how to get started with 1Password and integrate it into your daily computer and smartphone use. Register at </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events/accessibility-boutique-reg"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events/accessibility-boutique-reg</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Annual Vision Summit<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The Annual Vision Summit will be held March 6, 2026 at Saluda Shoals Park located at 5605 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC, 29210. Registration closes February 27, 2026 to confirm the lunch count. For more information see the attached registration information and flyer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Summer Internship Opportunity:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The National Federation of the Blind’s (NFB) 2026 Summer Internship Program offers a unique opportunity to make an impact while gaining professional experience. Interns work on projects that advance innovation and raise expectations for blind people nationwide. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>This paid, ten-week internship runs from June 1–August 7 at NFB headquarters in Baltimore and includes participation in the NFB National Convention in Austin, Texas. Apply by March 14 to help shape the future and build leadership skills. The application can be found at </span><a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/summer-internship-program"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/summer-internship-program</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The National Federation of the Blind National Convention will be held July 3–8, 2026, in Austin, Texas, at the JW Marriott and the Austin Marriott Downtown overflow hotel. Room rates are $139 per night for single or double occupancy and $155 for triple or quad occupancy, plus 19% in taxes and fees. The first night is charged when booking. To reserve a room, call 800-627-7468 and use room block BL1. Cancellations made by May 31, 2026, receive a 50% deposit refund; no refunds are available after that date.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The Kenneth Jernigan Scholarships support active blind and sighted first-time attendees at the National Convention. Applications are due by March 31, 2026, and applicants must meet with President Marty McKenzie for a letter of support. In recent years, individual awards have been $700 and family awards $1,100; these do not cover all expenses. Recipients receive a prepaid Visa card after arriving at the hotel at a specified time and location. The online application must be completed in one session, so applicants are encouraged to prepare responses in Microsoft Word and copy and paste them. Those not comfortable using a computer should seek help from a friend. The online application can be found at </span><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Things to Remember<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListBulletCxSpFirst style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Access On Webinar: Working with 1Password on February 24, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Annual Vision Summit Registration due by February 27, 2026; event on March 6, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Summer Internship Opportunity due by March 14, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>NFB of SC Statewide Leadership Seminar on March 28, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>National Scholarship applications due by March 31, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship applications due by March 31, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoListBulletCxSpLast style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>National Convention hotel reservations due by May 31, 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>