<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We are excited to announce that Rachel Schreiman has been appointed as the new Silver BELLS coordinator. Rachel brings a wealth of experience in low vision services, advocacy, and community engagement. Her background includes her current role as Financial Administrator and Low Vision Advocate at a rehabilitation optometry practice, where she has connected individuals with services and technology ranging from optical and video magnifiers to accessible apps for smartphones and computers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Rachel serves as a Resource Navigator with the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington, where she has become a featured presenter at monthly virtual tech talks and community events., and she is an active member of the Low Vision Task Force. Her dedication to meeting the unique needs of blind and low vision community members is reflected in her frequent educational presentations and one-on-one mentorship.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>With a professional background in finance and administration, and a commitment to adaptive technology, Rachel is well-positioned to lead the Silver BELLS program into its next chapter. Her collaborative spirit and experience in program improvement align closely with the aims of Silver BELLS: empowering blind and low vision individuals through training, mentoring, and support.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Sandy Halverson for her dedicated service as the immediate past coordinator. Sandy’s leadership has helped lay a solid foundation for the program’s future success.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Please join us in welcoming Rachel, her team, and expressing gratitude to Sandy as we look forward to continued growth and renewed impact for Silver BELLS.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>Tracy Soforenko<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>202 285-4595<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><a href="mailto:Tracy.soforenko@gmail.com"><span style='color:#0563C1'>Tracy.soforenko@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><a href="http://www.nfb.org"><span style='color:#0563C1'>www.nfb.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'><a href="http://www.nfbv.org"><span style='color:#0563C1'>www.nfbv.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>National Federation of the Blind. Live the Life You Want<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:none'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>