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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hey NFB Family and Friends,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please be aware of the new section, Career Opportunities, DBVI and other organizations will be sharing career opportunities with our NFB Family each week. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thanks and enjoy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Things To Do…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica Neue",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dear VIP Friends, (by BCC)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We hope that you will join us for our monthly meeting IN PERSON with a HYBRID ZOOM (LISTEN ONLY) OPTION this coming Monday at 2 PM at the Patrick Henry Library. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>VIENNA VIP RESOURCE GROUP<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>MONTHLY MEETING<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>DATE: Monday, April 24, 2023<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>TIME: 2PM - 4 PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>LOCATION; Patrick Henry Library Conference Room<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna VA 22180<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> AND by Zoom (Invitation at the end of this email)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>TOPIC: A Preview and Explanation of what to expect from the Low Vision/Blind Assistive Technology Fair (on May 22, 2023) that Vienna VIP is hosting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>HOSTS & CO-CHAIRS; Rachel Schreiman and Ann Koch will give a list and explanation of the different types of Visual and Non-Visual Assistive Devices and Resources, from low tech to high tech, many of which will be demonstrated at the Tech Fair next month. They will also show some examples. All members in attendance this Monday will have the opportunity to ask questions and participate in discussion about assistive technology and begin to think about accommodations that might enhance their own independence and quality of life.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We have 4 Low Vision Tech Vendors participating in our first ever VIP Tech Fair, so plenty for everyone to see, learn and touch. And you will be given the opportunity to meet with any of the vendors at a later date if you are interested in taking a closer look. We will be sending several reminders about this event with more specific information about each vendor and what they are demonstrating in the next couple of weeks in preparation for this Fair.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSVP & SIGN-UPS: Unlike most meetings, we are asking for RSVPs for the TECH FAIR. We really need to know if you plan to come and at what time! We will have 2 slotted sessions (at 2PM - 3PM, and at 3PM - 4PM) in order to keep some structure and reduce crowding, chaos and confusion. We will have a spreadsheet Sign-Up at our meeting this Monday for those in attendance to reserve their spot... INCENTIVE TO COME ON MONDAY! We are hoping for great interest and attendance for this Fair in May!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US THIS MONDAY, APRIL 24, AND ON MONDAY, MAY 22 FOR THE VENDOR FAIR!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(SEE THE ZOOM INVITATION BELOW)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>#########<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Rachel Schreiman is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Topic: Vienna VIP Zoom Meeting</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Join Zoom Meeting</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82471264970?pwd=TURKM3g3WWNxUEZ3T3JQMG5WWmFjdz09" target="_blank"><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82471264970?pwd=TURKM3g3WWNxUEZ3T3JQMG5WWmFjdz09</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Meeting ID: 824 7126 4970</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Passcode: 54321</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>One tap mobile</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>+16468769923,,82471264970# US (New York)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>+16469313860,,82471264970# US</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Dial by your location</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'> +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'> +1 646 931 3860 US</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'> +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Meeting ID: 824 7126 4970</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Find your local number: </span><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbAvmTnOaA" target="_blank"><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbAvmTnOaA</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>########</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>We look forward to seeing you all on Monday! </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>All our best wishes for 2023, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Ann Koch</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>John Cox</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Rachel Schreiman</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Vienna VIP</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica Neue",serif'>Come one come all and get your work-out on!!! The National Federation of the Blind of New York State is inviting everyone to join us for a fun-filled hour of physical fitness. Jahron Black, the chair of the NYS Sports & Recreation Group, will be taking us on an exciting journey through health and wellness. All are welcomed! !<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica Neue",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica Neue",serif'>Topic: Spring Cleaning For Your Mind, Body & Spirit<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica Neue",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica Neue",serif'>Date: April, 24 2023<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica Neue",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica Neue",serif'>Time: 7PM-8PM EST<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica Neue",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica Neue",serif'>Where: Everywhere with a WIFI connection<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Rasheta Bunting: One Heart One Vision She/Her is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Topic: The National Federation of the Blind of New York sport’s & recreation group<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Join Zoom Meeting<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><u><span style='color:#094FD1'><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83616576023">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83616576023</a></span></u><span style='color:#094FD1'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Meeting ID: 836 1657 6023<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One tap mobile<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>+16469313860,,83616576023# US<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Career Opportunities…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;background:white;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:1.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica Neue",serif;color:white'>Find info regarding open positions at DBVI. <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><a name="gd_top"></a></td><span style='mso-bookmark:gd_top'></span></tr></table><span style='mso-bookmark:gd_top'></span><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0' id=flexible-abe-main-table><tr><td width="100%" style='width:100.0%;background:whitesmoke;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><tr><td style='padding:15.0pt 0in 15.0pt 0in'></td><td style='padding:15.0pt 0in 15.0pt 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0'><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0'><tr id=abe-section-row-e919ffaf-c225-4999-ae63-14235d9691be><td valign=top style='background:whitesmoke;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%' id=abe-column-block-7964344f-b4ff-481a-9834-67a9b62b916d-outlook-only><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;overflow-wrap: break-word;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0'><tr><td width=600 valign=top style='width:6.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%' id=abe-column-block-7964344f-b4ff-481a-9834-67a9b62b916d-padding><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:7.5pt 7.5pt 7.5pt 7.5pt'><p align=center style='margin:0in;text-align:center;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Having trouble viewing this email? <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NvbnRlbnQuZ292ZGVsaXZlcnkuY29tL2FjY291bnRzL1ZBREJWSS9idWxsZXRpbnMvMzU2NTExOCJ9.hCApxd1n2STsc6D8ZC3k4cIj8HzWHp1EMbVGvHd21XI/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l" target="_blank"><span style='color:#171695'>View it as a Web page</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0'><tr id=abe-section-row-2a95b5e1-6a9f-4adf-92c3-3037202b5aee><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><td valign=top style='background:#171695;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0' id=abe-column-block-82f19f15-dfce-4745-9b33-3efdb30d1eb4-outlook-only><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><tr><td width=600 valign=top style='width:6.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;overflow-wrap: break-word;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0' id=abe-column-block-82f19f15-dfce-4745-9b33-3efdb30d1eb4-padding><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><tr><td style='padding:7.5pt 7.5pt 7.5pt 7.5pt'><p class=MsoNormal><img border=0 width=262 height=80 style='width:2.7333in;height:.8333in' id="_x0000_i1025" src="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/VADBVI/2020/07/3505674/dbvispot-corrected-blue_original.png" alt="Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired"><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0'><tr id=abe-section-row-4eb27cfa-93f2-4b0e-ae4b-17b2ba907160><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><td valign=top style='background:#FDB824;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0' id=abe-column-block-275138c2-e879-4480-b981-59c141183a82-outlook-only><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><tr><td width=600 valign=top style='width:6.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;overflow-wrap: break-word;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0' id=abe-column-block-275138c2-e879-4480-b981-59c141183a82-padding><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><tr><td style='padding:11.25pt 11.25pt 11.25pt 11.25pt'></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0'><tr id=abe-section-row-c5cca430-9d3b-414a-8b02-f34b98983232><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><td valign=top style='background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0' id=abe-column-block-a2942518-3349-44a0-94e1-2c2c1ea06d2e-outlook-only><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><tr><td width=600 valign=top style='width:6.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;overflow-wrap: break-word;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0' id=abe-column-block-a2942518-3349-44a0-94e1-2c2c1ea06d2e-padding><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><tr><td style='padding:11.25pt 11.25pt 11.25pt 11.25pt'><h2 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>DBVI Career Opportunities - 4/21/23<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Listed below are the DBVI Career Opportunities currently posted. Each position may be accessed directly in the state PageUp system by clicking on the applicable Quicklink. Since vacancies are posted frequently, check PageUp for the most up to date listing at <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL3NlYXJjaD9kcm9wZG93bl9maWVsZF8yX3VpZHMlNUIlNUQ9YjliYzM0YjU1ZDNiNmUzMjgxYjE3ZjEwOTA3MjJlYzEmcGFnZT0xJnF1ZXJ5PSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.6aEwmtxyvivzZoFpGKfYO2mbxiElksbOpKHZEm-frbc/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l" target="_blank"><span style='color:#171695'>jobs.virginia.gov</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Here are some helpful tips to remember when applying:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Review the position’s Job Description.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Complete PageUp application accurately to reflect relevant work history as it relates to the position for which you are applying.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Contact HR, <em><b><span style='font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>prior to the position closing</span></b></em>, if you have any issues accessing PageUp or submitting an application. <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-align:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>PageUp closes all positions at <strong><span style='font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>11:55 pm</span></strong> on the Closing Date.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:7.5pt;text-align:justify;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Screening is based upon information relevant to the position for which you are applying. HR determines candidates for interview by comparing the information disclosed in the application, resume, cover letter and transcripts to the screening criteria for the particular position.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Be sure to like DBVI on Facebook at <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWNlYm9vay5jb20vVkRCVkk_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.jifzuBdXjfPtGlc1sJUt6DGmyCeCvQSujrxNzXy_cms/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l" target="_blank"><span style='color:#171695'>https://www.facebook.com/VDBVI</span></a><u> </u>and visit us on the web at <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5kYnZpLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.XPjRef-7I83Beg8pZGCWkhwpuvMtmEQ8FQGKCe3ipNE/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l" target="_blank"><span style='color:#171695'>https://www.dbvi.virginia.gov</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Job Title: Rehabilitation Teacher<br>Location: Richmond<br>Position #: 504068<br>Closing Date: Open until filled<br>Quicklink: <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL3JlaGFiaWxpdGF0aW9uLXRlYWNoZXItYnZpMDAxMDYtYnZpMDAyMTktcmljaG1vbmQtdmlyZ2luaWEtdW5pdGVkLXN0YXRlcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.um86pN2spYTyPkwtAAF52gO90PhmRTtbDFV4KpUD3Cc/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l" target="_blank"><span style='color:#171695'>Apply Now</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Job Title: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor<br>Location: Norfolk<br>Position #: 501814<br>Closing Date: Open until filled<br>Quicklink: <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL3ZvY2F0aW9uYWwtcmVoYWJpbGl0YXRpb24tY291bnNlbG9yLWJ2aTAwMTQ3LW5vcmZvbGstdmlyZ2luaWEtdW5pdGVkLXN0YXRlcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.4vWdDCn5GNGIgmJT3ewre8z-ptdeXD5jjcyJf1lX16I/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l" target="_blank"><span style='color:#171695'>Apply Now</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Job Title: Braille Transcriber<br>Location: Henrico<br>Position #: 497960<br>Closing Date: Open until filled<br>Quicklink: <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL2JyYWlsbGUtdHJhbnNjcmliZXItYnZpMDAxODItaGVucmljby12aXJnaW5pYS11bml0ZWQtc3RhdGVzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.2LVdY1wqnSWcjk0Ldnsyg9jO3-_6e1XL-W2xUj6UQDA/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l"><span style='color:#171695'>Apply Now</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Job Title: Access Technology Instructor<br>Location: Henrico<br>Position #: 499165<br>Closing Date: Open until filled<br>Quicklink: <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL2FjY2Vzcy10ZWNobm9sb2d5LWluc3RydWN0b3ItcmNiMDAwMTEtaGVucmljby12aXJnaW5pYS11bml0ZWQtc3RhdGVzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.5Q7-YU_MNEdW_yQ2RjXmq-Uk4nw5SD18FYUlk7JWgOM/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l" target="_blank"><span style='color:#171695'>Apply Now</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Job Title: Braille Instructor<br>Location: Henrico<br>Position #: 501412<br>Closing Date: Open until filled<br>Quicklink: <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL2JyYWlsbGUtaW5zdHJ1Y3Rvci1yY2IwMDAzOS1oZW5yaWNvLXZpcmdpbmlhLXVuaXRlZC1zdGF0ZXM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.LBL2MpWRfC-9rirC7Pu8B377Pf8ETPWj1Ks8oSBxdow/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l" target="_blank"><span style='color:#171695'>Apply Now</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Job Title: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor<br>Location: Fairfax<br>Position #: 503089<br>Closing Date: Open until filled<br>Quicklink: <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL3ZvY2F0aW9uYWwtcmVoYWJpbGl0YXRpb24tY291bnNlbG9yLWJ2aTAwMTY5LWZhaXJmYXgtdmlyZ2luaWEtdW5pdGVkLXN0YXRlcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.6DIsFH6cBaDwPc9iGkKCnOxwlZOPyacdHAZHezJ2KNY/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l" target="_blank"><span style='color:#171695'>Apply Now</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Job Title: Orientation & Mobility Specialist (Sign on Bonus)<br>Location: Staunton<br>Position #: 499667<br>Closing Date: Open until filled<br>Quicklink: <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL29yaWVudGF0aW9uLW1vYmlsaXR5LXNwZWNpYWxpc3Qtc2lnbi1vbi1ib251cy1idmkwMDEyNy1zdGF1bnRvbi12aXJnaW5pYS11bml0ZWQtc3RhdGVzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.eomIeqBDNLeowXbRgDOmIPERc4HYbHVmQUbCH-yt44I/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l" target="_blank"><span style='color:#171695'>Apply Now</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Job Title: Production Associate III<br>Location: Charlottesville<br>Position #: 501758<br>Closing Date: Open until filled<br>Quicklink: <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL3Byb2R1Y3Rpb24tYXNzb2NpYXRlLWlpaS1idmlpYzAxNC1jaGFybG90dGVzdmlsbGUtdmlyZ2luaWEtdW5pdGVkLXN0YXRlcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.6lOMOhIa77vJGDioJYG3qEI1OEK-VBqjyEfzeuqcBJ4/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l" target="_blank"><span style='color:#171695'>Apply Now</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Job Title: Shipping/ Receiving Associate IV<br>Location: Richmond<br>Position #: 499261<br>Closing Date: Open until filled<br>Quicklink: <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL3NoaXBwaW5nLXJlY2VpdmluZy1hc3NvY2lhdGUtaXYtYnZpaXIwMjAtcmljaG1vbmQtdmlyZ2luaWEtdW5pdGVkLXN0YXRlcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.0xls-5qGeob_1hb5oh-uUpPnkN2ikSQSKnhNY_Ir9A8/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l" target="_blank"><span style='color:#171695'>Apply Now</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Job Title: VIB-Associate - Fire Extinguisher Dept./ Driver/Shipping/Receiving<br>Location: Richmond<br>Position #: 498425<br>Closing Date: Open until filled<br>Quicklink: <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL3ZpYi1hc3NvY2lhdGUtZmlyZS1leHRpbmd1aXNoZXItZGVwdC1kcml2ZXItc2hpcHBpbmctcmVjZWl2aW5nLWJ2aWlyMDAyLXJpY2htb25kLXZpcmdpbmlhLXVuaXRlZC1zdGF0ZXM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.dz6rgaG9IRpj0WOFA-MvDccGg4L4P7dJNbjSbxRF-u4/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l" target="_blank"><span style='color:#171695'>Apply Now</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Job Title: Supply Store Associate - Ft. Belvoir<br>Location: Fairfax County<br>Position #: 498215<br>Closing Date: Open until filled<br>Quicklink: <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL3N1cHBseS1zdG9yZS1hc3NvY2lhdGUtZnQtYmVsdm9pci1idmlpczA5MC1mYWlyZmF4LWNvdW50eS12aXJnaW5pYS11bml0ZWQtc3RhdGVzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.4cKsUKLXHJwJmkmWnpIblsqZdNoZP9PuRhdayh-dKCQ/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l" target="_blank"><span style='color:#171695'>Apply Now</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Job Title: Receiver/Delivery Driver - Ft. Belvoir VIB Base Supply Store<br>Location: Fairfax County<br>Position #: 498128<br>Closing Date: Open until filled<br>Quicklink: <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL3JlY2VpdmVyLWRlbGl2ZXJ5LWRyaXZlci1mdC1iZWx2b2lyLXZpYi1iYXNlLXN1cHBseS1zdG9yZS1idmlpczE3NS1mYWlyZmF4LWNvdW50eS12aXJnaW5pYS11bml0ZWQtc3RhdGVzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.tTmbfhPZn3xJERjfcPePdoRwytqozG-Cvnve2hQdzks/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l" target="_blank"><span style='color:#171695'>Apply Now</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Job Title: VIB Kitting Warehouse Associate I (Wage) <br>Location: Virginia Beach<br>Position #: 495466<br>Closing Date: Open until filled<br>Quicklink: <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL3ZpYi1raXR0aW5nLXdhcmVob3VzZS1hc3NvY2lhdGUtaS13YWdlLXdlczAyLXJpY2htb25kLXZpcmdpbmlhLXVuaXRlZC1zdGF0ZXM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.tllNx43rLKjKZQ94temchMngaJRD37tr0HU_Wsku-QQ/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l"><span style='color:#171695'>Apply Now</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Job Title: Contract Closeout Specialist CMS /Chester<br>Location: Chesterfield<br>Position #: 494352<br>Closing Date: Open until filled<br>Quicklink: <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL2NvbnRyYWN0LWNsb3Nlb3V0LXNwZWNpYWxpc3QtY21zLWNoZXN0ZXItYnZpaXMwOTktcmljaG1vbmQtdmlyZ2luaWEtdW5pdGVkLXN0YXRlcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.G-D_9nE6Twz3FiFiuKqtBmPKDOTosPgjmEb31YJPkQ4/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l"><span style='color:#171695'>Apply Now</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Job Title: Rehabilitation Technology Specialist (Wage)<br>Location: Norfolk<br>Position #: 494780<br>Closing Date: Open until filled<br>Quicklink: <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL3JlaGFiaWxpdGF0aW9uLXRlY2hub2xvZ3ktc3BlY2lhbGlzdC13YWdlLWJ2aXdlMDEyLXJpY2htb25kLXZpcmdpbmlhLXVuaXRlZC1zdGF0ZXM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.uE4ormxx2DYXkAEU6pwUYYPi48YVL8cKgyCsHrItksk/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l"><span style='color:#171695'>Apply Now</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black'>Job Title: Production Supervisor<br>Location: Charlottesville<br>Position #: 494686<br>Closing Date: Open until filled<br>Quicklink: <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL3Byb2R1Y3Rpb24tc3VwZXJ2aXNvci1pdDAwNi1yaWNobW9uZC12aXJnaW5pYS11bml0ZWQtc3RhdGVzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.QCxiIwjkqwd-Bgc_9VbTM8SQ6s_zNwDoUmjdSpDHmLI/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l"><span style='color:#171695'>Apply Now</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0'><tr id=abe-section-row-dffadcd4-ab27-45ac-8e0c-20ab71a1280b><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><td valign=top style='background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0' id=abe-column-block-1c04ae46-3dbf-4e87-a885-4554654f95c3-outlook-only><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><tr><td width=600 valign=top style='width:6.25in;background:#171695;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;overflow-wrap: break-word;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0' id=abe-column-block-1c04ae46-3dbf-4e87-a885-4554654f95c3-padding><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><tr><td style='padding:11.25pt 11.25pt 11.25pt 11.25pt;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><p align=center style='margin:0in;text-align:center;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:white'>© Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0'><tr id=abe-section-row-393c1a28-99cd-4399-95be-411806e63821><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><td valign=top style='background:#FDB824;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0' id=abe-column-block-3e894095-69de-4872-ad77-8efb73292289-outlook-only><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><tr><td width=600 valign=top style='width:6.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;overflow-wrap: break-word;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0' id=abe-column-block-3e894095-69de-4872-ad77-8efb73292289-padding><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><tr><td style='padding:3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt'></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></td><td style='padding:15.0pt 0in 15.0pt 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Articles…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p>The Hearing Review - Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 10:53 AM<o:p></o:p></p><h1>Scientists Create Drug-like Cocktail to Regenerate Hair Cells<o:p></o:p></h1><h2 id=h-researchers-make-breakthrough-with-drug-like-cocktail-to-regenerate-hair-cells-using-a-mouse-model>Researchers make breakthrough with drug-like cocktail to regenerate hair cells using a mouse model<o:p></o:p></h2><p>Experts say that effective hearing loss treatments have eluded medicine due to sensory cells in the inner ear—called hair cells—becoming damaged or destroyed, of which cannot be regenerated. This loss of hair cells, which can be caused by aging, noise exposure, and other factors, renders an individual’s hearing loss permanent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><em><b><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Zheng-Yi Chen, DPhil</span></b></em> <o:p></o:p></p><p>Scientists at Mass Eye and Ear, a member of Mass General Brigham, share that they may have developed a solution to address this limitation. A research team led by<a href="https://researchers.masseyeandear.org/details/289" target="_blank"> Zheng-Yi Chen, DPhil</a>, an associate scientist in the<a href="https://www.masseyeandear.org/research/otolaryngology/eaton-peabody-laboratories" target="_blank"> Eaton-Peabody Laboratories</a> at Mass Eye and Ear, reports that they have created a drug-like cocktail of different molecules that successfully regenerated hair cells in a mouse model by reprogramming a series of genetic pathways within the inner ear.<o:p></o:p></p><p>The researchers published their findings<em><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> </span></em>April 17 in<a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2215253120" target="_blank"><em><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:blue'> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)</span></em>,</a> stating that they could one day pave the way for clinical trials for a gene therapy that can be administered to people with hearing loss.<o:p></o:p></p><p>“These findings are extremely exciting because throughout the history of the hearing loss field, the ability to regenerate hair cells in an inner ear has been the holy grail,” commented Chen, who is also an associate professor of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Harvard Medical School. “We now have a drug-like cocktail that shows the feasibility of an approach that we can explore for future clinical applications.”<o:p></o:p></p><p>Past research notes that hearing loss impacts about 48 million Americans and 430 million people worldwide, with the numbers expected to grow with the aging population. More than 90% of these individuals have sensorineural hearing loss, which is reportedly caused by damage to the inner ear and the destruction of hair cells responsible for relaying sounds to the brain. Preceding research states that hair cells cannot be regenerated in mammals, including humans, because unlike other cells in the body, any remaining hair cells in the inner ear cannot divide and other inner ear cells cannot convert themselves into new hair cells. Other species like fish, birds and reptiles, however, possess this ability.<o:p></o:p></p><p>Previously, it has been reported that Chen’s research team studied zebrafish and chickens to uncover which pathways were responsible for inducing the cell division required to regenerate new hair cells. They discovered two molecular signaling pathways—Myc and Notch—were crucial to this process. In a study<a href="https://www.masseyeandear.org/news/press-releases/2019/12/reprogramming-the-inner-ear-to-regrow-hair-cells-shows-promise-to-be-an-effective-target-for-hearing-loss-treatments" target="_blank"> published in 2019</a>, they demonstrated that when these pathways were activated in adult transgenic mice, remaining inner ear cells could divide and develop characteristics of hair cells. According to the team, the new cells contained transduction channels that relay sound signals and the ability to form connections with auditory neurons—processes essential to hearing.<o:p></o:p></p><p>According to Chen, while an exciting discovery at the time, such an approach was not directly translatable to people. Unlike transgenic mice, humans cannot have Myc and Notch pathways turned on like a light switch. A drug therapy, he explained, would have to be introduced to the inner ear to activate the Myc and Notch pathways.<o:p></o:p></p><p>Previous studies have shown that a chemical compound called valproic acid (VPA), can activate Notch, however, as of now no molecule exists to effectively activate Myc. That led the researchers to instead look for drug molecules that can alter the downstream pathways that turn on and off when Myc is activated. Through single-cell RNA sequencing, they discovered that activating Myc and Notch led to a downstream effect in which two other pathways, Wnt and cAMP, became activated. The researchers noted they found chemical compounds that can directly activate Wnt and cAMP, which were said to be of utmost importance. They then used small biological molecules called small interfering RNAs (siRNA) to remove genes downstream that suppressed the activation of the Myc pathway.<o:p></o:p></p><p>“Think about a brake when driving a car,” explained Chen. “If the brake is always engaged, you can’t drive. We found an siRNA that could remove the brake in this genetic pathway.”<o:p></o:p></p><p>The researchers then combined the chemical compounds and siRNA molecules into a drug-like cocktail. They delivered it to the inner ear of a normal adult mouse with damaged hair cells—an important distinction, as wildtype, non-transgenic mice would be more translatable to humans. They further delivered the gene Atoh1 by a gene therapy approach that utilizes a harmless adenovirus into the cocktail-treated inner ear. Remarkably, they found this drug-like cocktail combined with adenovirus turned on Myc and Notch, which led to the regeneration of new hair cells. They verified that the hair cells were functional through advanced imaging and other techniques.<o:p></o:p></p><p>Last year, this research project was selected as one of the<a href="https://worldmedicalinnovation.org/2022-disruptive-dozen/" target="_blank"> “Disruptive Dozen”</a> gene and cell therapy technologies most likely to have a significant impact on health care over the next several years at the Mass General Brigham World Medical Innovation Forum. Mass General Brigham recently launched its<a href="https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/research-and-innovation/centers-and-programs/gene-cell-therapy" target="_blank"> Gene and Cell Therapy Institute</a> to help translate scientific discoveries made by researchers like Chen into first-in-human clinical trials.<o:p></o:p></p><p>It has been reported that the researchers are conducting ongoing studies and refinements to this treatment approach in larger animal models, which they say are necessary before applying to initiate clinical trials. They note that more research is needed to address limitations and challenges for delivering a treatment to the inner ear. They are examining different gene therapy and surgical methods, including an<a href="https://masseyeandear.org/news/press-releases/2022/03/synthetic-viral-vector-and-surgical-technique-effectively-deliver-genetic-cargo-to-inner-ear-in-preclinical-study" target="_blank"> approach previously honed at Mass Eye and Ear</a>, in which a different viral vector called an adeno-associated virus (AAV) was able to precisely and safely deliver gene therapy to the inner ear through a novel surgery. Similar AAV-surgical approaches are currently used at Mass Eye and Ear in approved and experimental drug therapies for patients with blinding inherited retinal disorders.<o:p></o:p></p><p>“My colleagues and I frequently are contacted by people with hearing loss who are desperate for effective treatments,” commented Chen. “If we can combine a surgical procedure with a refined gene therapy delivery method, we hope we can achieve our number one goal of bringing a new treatment into the clinic.”<o:p></o:p></p><p><em><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Source: Mass Eye and Ear</span></em><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>Expanding the reach of accessible books<o:p></o:p></h1><p>Millions of people with disabilities face what is known as a “book famine”, preventing them from reading books in a format that meets their accessibility needs. <o:p></o:p></p><p>Furthermore, there is a global divide in people’s access to technology. While 75 percent of people in developed countries own a smartphone, only 25 percent of people in the top 10 low- and middle-income do, and people with disabilities often earning less than those without disabilities. <o:p></o:p></p><p>The number of accessible digital books is growing. However, they are often in formats that cannot be accessed on basic phones, MP3 players or less powerful refreshable braille displays, let alone account for lack of internet connectivity or electricity. <o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="https://daisy.org/" target="_blank">DAISY</a>’s vision is to create a world where books and learning are accessible to everyone, regardless of disability. Together with their members they have developed a software suite which can produce, validate and convert accessible books. While the solution, known as “Pipeline”, has proven benefits and capability, it also holds a high degree of complexity that often requires an IT department for installation and configuration. Through a <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/ai-for-accessibility" target="_blank">Microsoft Accessibility Innovation grant</a>, DAISY took on the challenge of leveraging the existing technology and making it more efficient for lower power computers, while also simplifying installation and configuration. <o:p></o:p></p><p>Additionally, DAISY recognized that in many low- and middle-income countries, local languages do not exist for the mor affordable digital braille displays. DAISY analysed the areas of biggest need (number of speakers, whether books are published in that particular language, potential impact) and as a result prioritized two new languages, Swahili and Chichewa. DAISY then collaborated with braille experts in these languages to create and integrate new braille tables into Liblouis, the open-source software that powers devices and products. The latest version of Liblouis, released earlier this year, now supports Swahili and Chichewa braille. <o:p></o:p></p><p>The outputs of the new conversion tool were validated with local communities and people with disabilities. Even within these trials the impact has been considerable, with many of the users being able to read for themselves for the first time in their lives. As Masho Kidanemariam, Executive Director for SENEthiopia, shares: “The Blind and visually impaired students in Ethiopia have very limited access to accessible book formats and their chances of owning smart phones or DAISY player to read books have reduced further due to the war. DAISY Consortium has developed the software to convert DAISY books to a format compatible with simple MP3 player. This has unimaginable benefit to our situation as we now have access to several thousands of books that can be provided to persons with print disabilities even in our country. This will enable the Blind and visually impaired persons in low-income countries, including Ethiopia, to not only have access to school textbooks but also university reference works, fiction and nonfictional works in accessible formats.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A student at the Mekele Blind School using Talking Textbook (photo credit SENEthiopia) <o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="https://blogs.microsoft.com/accessibility/expanding-the-reach-of-accessible-books/">https://blogs.microsoft.com/accessibility/expanding-the-reach-of-accessible-books/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Peace,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jacki Bruce<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Corresponding Secretary, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RISE/Silver Bells Outreach Coordinator<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#222222'><a href="mailto:jackibruce6@gmail.com"><span style='color:blue'>mailto:jackibruce6@gmail.com</span></a></span><span style='color:black'><br></span><span style='color:#222222'><a href="tel:(757)291-1789" target="_blank"><span style='color:blue'>tel:(757)291-1789</span></a></span><span style='color:black'><br></span><span style='color:#222222'><a href="http://www.nfb.org/" target="_blank"><span style='color:blue'>www.nfb.org</span></a></span><span style='color:black'><br></span><span style='color:#222222'><a href="http://www.nfbv.org/" target="_blank"><span style='color:blue'>www.nfbv.org</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='color:#222222'>Follow us on Twitter @NFBVirginia<br>Find us on Facebook @NationalFederationoftheBlindofVirginia</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='color:#222222'>Live the life you want.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#222222'>The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>