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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@01DCF694.D836B950" align=left hspace=12 alt="NFB of SC logo with tagline live the life you want" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1"><![endif]><span style='line-height:150%'>June 7, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:1.5pt'>Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:1.5pt'>From: Marty R. McKenzie, President<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'>843-939-8091 <a href="mailto:president@nfbofsc.org">president@nfbofsc.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><h1><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>Positive Note: 2078<o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-left:1.0in'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Dear Federation Family,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><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:"Arial",sans-serif'>June is here and we are rocketing toward the most exciting event in the Federation year – National Convention! Early registration is closed as well as the opportunity to book hotel rooms at the convention rate. Some Federationists in South Carolina are already planning their wardrobe for Austin and packing their bags. My friends who work for the National Office tell me that June is an extremely busy month as everyone is gearing up for convention. I look forward to seeing members there and to a time of learning together!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>June Braille Monitor<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The June edition of The Braille Monitor contains a number of extremely important articles that all should read. There is continuing dialogue about the delay of the Final Rule related to Section 504. Here are some articles that are of particular interest.<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNoSpacing style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#1A1A1A'>Employment Events at the 2026 National Convention</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNoSpacing style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#1A1A1A'>How to Be a Blind Wheelchair User</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNoSpacing style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#1A1A1A'>When the Pain Is Real, but the Reason Is Invisible</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNoSpacing style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#1A1A1A'>Becoming the Voice His Daughter Will Need</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNoSpacing style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#1A1A1A'>The Super-Braillers and Me</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNoSpacing style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#1A1A1A'>Indiana Drops Out, but States Continue to Threaten Section 504 in Lawsuit</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNoSpacing style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#1A1A1A'>Once Again, the Federal Government Delays Equal Access</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNoSpacing style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Georgia",serif;color:#1A1A1A'>DOJ Delay of ADA Web Rule Undermines Equal Access</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>This is an extremely informative edition of The Braille Monitor.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>FUNDRAISER EXTENDED TO HELP MORE FAMILIES<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The National Organization of Parents of Blind Children was able to support five families with a sponsored five-night stay at the NFB National Convention in Austin, TX this July, made possible through the generosity of the Penny Duffy Fund. The Penny Duffy Fund was established in loving memory of Penny Duffy, who had a deep passion for the National Convention. The fund helps families who could not otherwise afford to attend. It lets them share in the same sense of connection and community that Penny valued so deeply. You can help even more families have this experience. To support the fund, we are offering a chance to win one of two great prizes: (1) Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, and (2) Eone Bradley Watch. A donation of $20 for each entry per prize is required. This fundraiser runs from May 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026. Get your tickets at </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kBeEcUknBFiYpHdPlSPheU_XIm9N84eFkDahlG39NYs/viewform?edit_requested=true"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kBeEcUknBFiYpHdPlSPheU_XIm9N84eFkDahlG39NYs/viewform?edit_requested=true</span></a><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:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>Palmetto Convention Grants<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Palmetto Convention Grant application for first-time attendees to the NFB of SC State Convention is now available on the home page of the NFB of SC website at </span><a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>www.nfbofsc.org</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>. Please pass the word along to your chapter members, division members, fellow Federationists, and anyone else who fits the bill. We will award four grants in the amount of $300 each. The application deadline is June 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>Technology Backpack Fundraiser – Computer Science and Technology Division<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Computer Science & Technology Division (CSTD) of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is holding a Technology Backpack Fundraiser with a drawing on August 16, 2026, during the state convention. Tickets are priced at $5 for one, $10 for three, $20 for seven, and $30 for ten. The prize package includes a technology backpack, a talking meat thermometer, an infrared thermometer, Bluetooth earbuds, a 256 GB flash drive, a Bluetooth speaker, a surge protector, and a home license copy of JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion. Ten percent of funds raised will support a student scholarship. You do not need to be present to win as prizes can be shipped. To enter, complete the online web form and submit payment via PayPal or check, or by calling 803-260-1292. If using PayPal, be sure to note “Technology Backpack Fundraiser” in the notes section. Mail checks to Steve Cook, 2446 Harrison Road, Columbia, SC 29204.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser – Senior Division<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The NFB of SC Senior Division is holding a Cash Extravaganza fundraiser with a chance to win $400 in cash. The drawing will take place Sunday morning, August 16, at the conclusion of the state convention, and you do not need to be present to win. Tickets are $10 for one or $20 for three. Half of the funds raised will go to Rocky Bottom Senior Camp and half to the Senior Division. To buy or sell tickets, contact Shelley Coppel at 803-796-8662, 303-819-9795, or </span><a href="mailto:Frankandshelley51@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Frankandshelley51@gmail.com</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the NFB of SC Senior Division with "Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser" in the memo line and mailed to Shelley Coppel, 847 Jefferson Street, West Columbia, SC 29169.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>NFB of SC State Convention Registration<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>You are warmly invited to attend the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention. This annual event brings together blind and low-vision individuals, families, advocates, and community members from across the state. It is a weekend of learning, networking, and inspiration. Whether you are a long-time member or new to the Federation, the convention offers something for everyone: engaging guest speakers, opportunities to connect, exhibits featuring helpful products and services, and time for fun and fellowship. The event will take place August 13–16, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton located at 2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC. Join us as we work together to build a brighter future and change what it means to be blind. For more information or to register, visit </span><a href="http://www.NFBofSC.org"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>www.nfbofsc.org</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> and select “State Convention & Exhibit Hall Registration.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>NFB of SC State Convention Hotel Registration<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The DoubleTree by Hilton is now accepting reservations for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention being held August 13–16, 2026. The cost of the rooms is as follows: singles and doubles – $134; triples – $144; and quads – $154 plus applicable taxes and fees. Breakfast is included with the cost of your room. You may book online at </span><a href="https://hil.tn/lkz9ef"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>https://hil.tn/lkz9ef</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>. You may also call 800-445-8667 and give the code 917 to link to our room block. The cutoff for these special rates is Thursday, July 22, 2026. Remember the following when booking your room:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNoSpacing style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The first night’s stay will be charged at time of booking.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNoSpacing style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>When checking in, a hold will be placed on the card to cover the entire stay.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNoSpacing style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>There is a $50 per night hold for incidentals.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>It is strongly recommended that a credit card be used for this stay. Using a debit card means these holds will be placed on the funds in your checking account.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>2026 NFB of SC Student Scholarships</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The 2026 NFB of SC Scholarship Program is now open. The state convention will be held August 13–16, 2026, and all application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM EDT on June 20, 2026. As in recent years, the committee will select the top three applicants, who will be notified about one month before the convention. The updated application is available online at </span><a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>www.nfbofsc.org</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>. Please remember that the scholarship program is funded entirely by donations. If you or your chapter would like to sponsor a scholarship or contribute to the Dorothy C. Barksdale Metro Fund, contact Shannon Cook at 803-605-4250 or via email at </span><a href="mailto:scholarships@nfbofsc.org"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>scholarships@nfbofsc.org</span></a><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>. Finally, help us spread the word—if you or someone you know is enrolled full time in school, encourage them to apply.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><span style='font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:windowtext'>Things to Remember<o:p></o:p></span></h2><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNoSpacing style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>NFB of SC Student Scholarship applications due by 11:59 PM on June 20, 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNoSpacing style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Palmetto Convention Grant applications due by June 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNoSpacing style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Hotel reservations and Early Bird Registration for the NFB of SC State Convention end on July 22, 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNoSpacing style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>NFB of SC State Convention takes place August 13–16, 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNoSpacing style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Technology Backpack Fundraiser drawing is August 16, 2026, during the state convention.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNoSpacing style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Cash Extravaganza drawing is Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the conclusion of the state convention.<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>