[Ohio-talk] fyi

[richard]

President's Notebook
National Federation of the Blind
Mark A. Riccobono
officeofthepresident at nfb.org
(410) 659-9314

Dear Fellow Federationists,

The time after Labor Day always seems to move faster than other parts of the
year. Many things are starting up again, our affiliates are busy with
convention activities and Meet the Blind Month, and lots of new plans are
undertaken. In the midst of all of the activity, I urge every leader of the
Federation to be sure to find balance in his or her life. I was thinking
about this as I logged 17,000 steps on my Fitbit yesterday doing activities
with the family. My work for the Federation is always sharper when I am
striking a balance and being sure to take care of myself. I urge you to do
the same. I encourage leaders in the Federation to share with each other the
techniques they use to maintain balance in their lives. And if anyone wants
to friend me on Fitbit, I am ready for the extra motivation.

I want to extend congratulations to Bob Kresmer of Arizona who completed a
long run as president of our Arizona affiliate. Bob has built a strong
affiliate in Arizona and he is now working on the transition to the new
president, Donald Porterfield. Thank you, Bob, for your service to the
organization. We look forward to continuing to work with you on building the
Federation, and we welcome our new Arizona president.

Let's go build the Federation!

News:
	Letter to Congress re: H.R. 3765:
	Attached is a letter we sent to all of the chiefs of staff of the
members of the House of Representatives last week. The letter addresses our
opposition to H.R. 3765 which states that a person with a disability
confronting an access barrier would be required to give written notice to
the business owner, who then has 60 days to even acknowledge the problem,
followed by an additional 120 days to take corrective action. No other group
is required to wait 180 days to enforce their civil rights.

	Video:
	This week's video, featuring David Stayer and his life in the
Federation, is now live at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=744dSXz-W5M.
	

Reminders:
	Logo Request:
	Just a reminder, affiliates should be using the new NFB logo in
publications, on their websites, and in social media. There is a logo
customized for every affiliate. Affiliate presidents who need the updated
files should contact Suzanne Shaffer. She can be reached at sshaffer at nfb.org
or at (410) 659-9314, extension 2264. 


Dates to Keep in Mind:
*	Fall Conventions <https://nfb.org/state-conventions> 
*	September 15: Deadline for representatives from accepted prospective
NFB BELL Academy affiliates to register for the NFB BELL Academy Training
Seminar, October 20-23, 2016. Please choose: Novice/Intermediate,
registration form <https://nfb.org/bell-seminar-registration-form> 
*	September 30-October 2: NFB BELL Academy Training Seminar (Advanced)
in Baltimore, Maryland
*	October 20-24: NFB BELL Academy Training Seminar
(Novice/Intermediate) in Baltimore, Maryland
	
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.


Mark A. Riccobono, President
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Phone: (410) 659-9314
Fax: (410) 659-5129
Email: officeofthepresident at nfb.org
Twitter: @Riccobono and @NFB_Voice
Web: www.nfb.org <http://www.nfb.org/> 

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.