[Ohio-talk] NFB President’s Notebook - week of 05/06/2019

Tue May 7 12:00:07 UTC 2019

From: President, National Federation of the Blind <OfficeOfThePresident at nfb.org> 
Sent: Monday, May 6, 2019 4:26 PM
To: President, National Federation of the Blind <OfficeOfThePresident at nfb.org>
Subject: NFB President’s Notebook - week of 05/06/2019

President’s Notebook

National Federation of the Blind

Mark A. Riccobono

 <mailto:officeofthepresident at nfb.org> officeofthepresident at nfb.org

410-659-9314

Dear Fellow Federationists,

This seems like a good week to remind everyone that the purpose of the notebook is to batch together announcements and other items from our national organization so you can find them in one place. I am willing, if you prefer, to develop other methods of communication for our leaders. 

When I started the notebook five years ago, it was based on what I heard from affiliate leaders about keeping up with all of the current and time-sensitive information. If you think we should develop new communication channels, please let me know.

Those affiliates who have not yet submitted membership lists have been asked to do so by May 15. I have written to each of our affiliate presidents asking that you let me know if that deadline requires further support from us. I am hoping we can move to the next phase of our membership efforts next week.

There are a number of important, time-sensitive, and response-required items below. I invite you to give them consideration.

Critical Actions This Week:

TIME SENSITIVE—Affiliate President Feedback Requested: 
For many years we have had a meeting for presidents and treasurers at the national convention. We instituted this gathering when we made significant changes to our flow of financial information. We now have a decade of experience dealing with the current procedures. We have also instituted recent training for treasurers via teleconference that many presidents have participated in. If you believe there is value in a presidents and treasurers gathering at this year's convention, or alternatively, just a gathering for presidents, send me an email by noon on May 13 with your support for the meeting and suggestions for topics that would be most useful. If there is sufficient demand for a formal gathering at convention, we will do so.

News:

Convention Delegates Save the Date: 
On Wednesday, June 5, at 8:00 p.m. eastern, we will have a teleconference for delegates to the national convention. This will be especially for new delegates, so they are fully in the loop about the expectations for their participation in the convention as a delegate and to answer questions that new delegates may have. Experienced delegates are welcome to attend the call, but it is not required. Watch your email over the next day or two for the delegate expense reporting procedures. Spoiler alert: that message will also ask you to send your delegate and alternative delegate names to Beth Braun in the Office of the President (bbraun at nfb.org <mailto:bbraun at nfb.org> ). 

Contributions at the National Convention:
During the national convention, we will be collecting financial contributions for the Jernigan Fund, the SUN Fund, the tenBroek Fund, and the White Cane Fund. In recent years, our Imagination Fund has not operated differently than our White Cane Fund, so we have combined it into one fund—the White Cane Fund. As you know, that is how we designate general donations to the National Federation of the Blind. Please keep this in mind when making contributions to the organization at the national convention.

Kenneth Jernigan Scholarships: 
This morning I had the opportunity to speak with Allen Harris of Alabama who chairs the Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship Fund Committee. Mr. Harris reports a tremendous amount of interest in the scholarships this year, which I know is the result of the great work you all have been doing to promote our organization. While May 15 continues to be our target for letting individuals know if they have been selected to receive funds, he expects some difficulty in meeting that timeline based on the volume of interest. He also asked that I remind affiliate presidents that if you have recipients in your affiliate you will receive a copy of the information that any Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship recipients receive. Thus, you should be well positioned to assist them with the first-time convention experience.

Presidential Release:
The May Presidential Release is available at https://www.nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases.

Letter to the Editor: 
Read my letter in the Baltimore Sun regarding our involvement in the education system: https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/readersrespond/bs-ed-rr-blind-students-letter-20190503-story.html

NFB Pledge/One Minute Message Cards:
We have the cards available for sale. A bundle of fifty cards is $20.00, plus shipping and handling. To place an order, please call the Independence Market at 410-659-9314, extension 2216.

Legislative Update:
Congratulations to the members of the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia who successfully defeated HB 2296, ill-named the “Relating to Rights of Persons with Disabilities; Procedures for Certain Actions; Website Accessibility.” This bill sought to codify in state law the burdensome and onerous notice and cure provisions that we have seen at the federal level regarding website accessibility. However, thanks to the diligence and active engagement of our Virginia affiliate, Governor Ralph Northam was persuaded to veto this legislation. Read his press release at https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/all-releases/2019/may/headline-840397-en.html.

Recent Offensive Cartoon in NYT:
At the end of April, the international edition of the New York Times published an offensive cartoon showing President Donald J. Trump, in dark sunglasses, apparently being led by a dog that had the face of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a Star of David hanging from its collar. Read why it was offensive in more ways than one <https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-condemns-cartoon-thats-offensive-more-ways-one> . We have yet to receive an apology or acknowledgement from NYT regarding our letter that the cartoon perpetuates low expectations. 

Partnering and the Development of Innovative Technology:
We continue to be committed to participating in forums that foster independence through accessible technology and design. Our most recent blog <https://www.nfb.org/blog/partnering-and-development-innovative-technology>  covers some ways that we participate and create new initiatives like BUILD <https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/blind-users-innovating-and-leading-design>  and SNAP <https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/strategic-nonvisual-accessibility-partnership> . 

Let Us Play Us Campaign:
We have reached out again to the executives of the CW show, In the Dark, in regard to authentic representation. The show has now been renewed for a second season. In their initial response, they offered to meet with us after we watch the first season to discuss the second season. The full first season is not available to watch, and frankly not accessible. We do not intend on waiting and continue to push to meet now. Read one review about how they get the blind experience wrong <https://www.ebar.com/news/commentary/275601/seeing_in_the_dark:_in_the_dark_gets_the_blind_experience_wrong> .  

Dates to Keep in Mind:

*	June 16-22, 2019:  <http://www.blindscience.org/nfbeq> NFB EQ, Baltimore, Maryland

*	July 7-12, 2019: NFB National Convention <https://nfb.org/convention/2019> , Las Vegas, Nevada
*	February 10, 2020: Great Gathering-In; Washington Seminar begins

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

200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230

(410) 659-9314 | officeofthepresident at nfb.org <mailto:officeofthepresident at nfb.org>  

 <https://nfb.org/> 

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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. 