[NFBSF] Fwd: We are in this together

[Christina Daniels]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Mark Riccobono <outreach at nfb.org>
> Date: March 27, 2020 at 12:21:14 AM PDT
> To: Christina Daniels <ms.christina.daniels at gmail.com>
> Subject: We are in this together
> Reply-To: "Mark Riccobono" <outreach at nfb.org>
> 
> 
>  
> 
> 
> Dear Christina:
> 
> We hope this email finds you well and that you, your family, and friends remain healthy during this COVID-19 pandemic. I know this is a time of uncertainty for us all, but we need your help. We had important work planned before any of us knew the extent of what this virus would bring. That work must continue.
> 
> Now, our advocacy efforts will also need to include:
> 
> Helping blind senior citizens who are more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19
> Supporting blind merchants whose businesses are closed
> Protecting the rights of students whose schools are now using inaccessible distance learning platforms
> Providing continuously updated resources for our members and community
> In fact, we have already opened up NFB-NEWSLINE® to blind and print-disabled people in all states and Puerto Rico, even those without state sponsorship. The “Breaking News” information is now available so everyone can stay knowledgeable about new developments. Also, we are building our communication efforts around legal requirements related to accessibility through information published on our blog.
> 
> The threat of COVID-19 has prompted many schools to close their physical locations and shift to virtual instruction. The NFB is paying close attention to the accessibility of web-based educational technology and is providing resources and recommendations about schools and accessibility as well as an education technology survey to gather data on education trends. Our parents and student divisions are a wealth of knowledge and are working together to provide community support.
> 
> Our state affiliates and local chapters, most are which are made up of all volunteers, are doing all they can to support blind people in their communities. They are meeting virtually over conference calls, devising ways to help neighbors in need, and using the Zoom platform to continue training and mentoring. We are mindful that many blind people are seniors or have underlying conditions, and are therefore disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and need extra support from their community.
> 
> Working together, we know that we can help blind people all over the country live the lives they want, even in these difficult times. Our efforts may even save lives by ensuring that blind and deafblind people can access the latest information about this virus. Please make a donation today—each dollar makes a difference. Take a few minutes to help us do what we always do, and so much more.
> 
> DONATE NOW
> 
> For more information and to stay up-to-date on current news with the National Federation of the Blind, please visit nfb.org.
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
> Mark A. Riccobono, President
> National Federation of the Blind
> 
>  
>  	 	 	 	 	 	
> National Federation of the Blind | 200 E Wells Street | Baltimore, MD 21230 | 410-659-9314
> Unsubscribe | Opt Out |  Sign Up for Our E-newsletter