[Nfbv-announce] Apply today for financial assistance to attend our convention in Orlando this July!

[Corbbmacc O'Connor]

Dear Members and Friends of the NFB of Virginia:

The McDonald Fellowship Program, which offers financial assistance to attend the NFB National Convention this summer, is now accepting applications. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2013.

Details and the online application form are available on the NFB of Virginia web site:
http://www.nfbv.org/mcdonald-fellowships

In years past, individuals were only permitted to receive a McDonald Fellowship once in their lifetime. However, to encourage increased participation at the convention from Virginians and to streamline the process for requesting financial assistance, any person who meets the selection criteria is encouraged to apply, even if he or she previously received a McDonald Fellowship.

I have included a copy of the program details below, and I welcome your questions...and applications!

See you in Orlando.


---
Corbbmacc O'Connor, Chairman
McDonald Fellowship Committee
National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

c: (703) 309-4884 // h: (703) 549-2919
corbbo at gmail.com



Introduction
Every summer, more than 2,500 blind and low-vision people from around the world gather for a week-long convention to discuss the policies, programs, and priorities of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). An exhibit hall features a wide array of assistive technology products, high and low tech items for your home, as well as many companies and services that are designed to empower people who are blind. Those who are employed or interested in various careers will meet in division meetings (teachers, blindness educators, journalists, rehabilitation professionals, students, office professionals and more). There are even divisions geared towards various hobbies such as writing, music, and crafting.

Countless Virginians have greatly benefitted from attending this annual event, and we want you to be there as part of a very unique program. Many of us not only learn from experiences at national conventions about how the problems of vision loss can be overcome, but we also experience the confidence that can come when blindness is reduced to a minor physical nuisance

Whether you have never attended this life changing event or you have faithfully come 30 times, this program is for you.The National Federation of the Blind of Virginia is committed to transforming lives through providing financial assistance to any state resident who would benefit from this event. Committed members, blind students, seniors who are newly blind, parents of blind children, and teachers of blind students are just a sampling of those who we encourage to apply for a McDonald Fellowship.
Program Date & Location
This year, we will celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the NFB in Orlando, Florida at the Rosen Centre Hotel from Monday, July 1 to Saturday, July 6, 2013. The convention will be even better because you were there.
About the Program
The McDonald Fellowship program was established in 1998 in order to grow the Federation by assisting individuals pay the costs associated with national convention.

Robert and Marian McDonald selflessly contributed to our Virginia affiliate to further the progress and better the lives of those who are blind and low vision in Virginia. In their honor, we recognize the personal benefits that come to people who attend a national convention. In their memory, the NFBV continues their legacy of education and empowerment to Virginia's blind residents.
Program Goal
This year, we have expanded the program significantly with the hope of providing up to 15 McDonald fellowship awards. Each award will be in varying amounts depending upon the recipients' level of need. The highest assistance offered will be in the amount of $600 (the approximate cost of airfare and hotel accommodations, when one room is shared by two people).

More than financial assistance, each fellowship finalist will receive a convention experience uniquely suited to their needs. First-time attendees will be paired up with mentors—who will help finalists to get the most out of the experience—and veteran convention-goers will be provided opportunities to contribute in new ways.
Expectations of Finalists
As part of the Fellowship application requirements, McDonald Fellowship finalists are expected to attend the entire NFB convention, actively participate in convention activities, write an article about their experiences for the Vigilant (the semi-annual newsletter produced by the NFBV) upon their return from convention, speak about their experiences at the NFBV state convention this fall, and—most importantly—become even more involved in the efforts of the NFBV.
Deadline
The deadline to apply for fellowships this year is Monday, April 15. Finalists will be announced by May 3, 2013.
Application Process
There are two ways to apply for a McDonald Fellowship.
	• 
		• The preferred method is online, via the NFBV web site at www.nfbv.org; or
		• Applicants may call the committee chairperson and request that a paper application be mailed to them.

If you need assistance to complete the online form, please contact the committee chairperson.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a letter of support from their local NFBV chapter president, but these letters are not required. If you are not currently involved with a local chapter, we encourage you to contact a chapter near you and attend a meeting. Recommendation letters may be sent by the author or applicant to the committee chairperson.
Questions & Submission Information
Please direct all questions to Corbb O’Connor, McDonald Fellowship Committee Chairperson, via e-mail to corbbo at gmail.com or via phone at (202) 684-6130.