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<TITLE>From The President’s Desk</TITLE>
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<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><A NAME=""><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><A NAME=""><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><A NAME=""><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">National Federation of the Blind of Ohio</FONT></B></SPAN></A></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">From The President’s Desk</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">August 3, 2023</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Dear Members and Friends,</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">In this edition, some highlights include:</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">1. Bell</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">2. The People’s Movement</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">3. The Ohio State Convention</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">4.</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B> <FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Kenneth Jernigan Leadership-in-Service Program</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">5.</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B> <FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Rideshare Denials</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Ohio, the month of July was a busy month as many of us participated with the National Convention in Houston Texas. It was packed with many really good events, presentations and more. I could not describe it, better than saying “you should make every attempt to attend next year”.</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">While that affair is over now! Ohio is planning for the BELL Academy starting this Saturday, August 5</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><SUP><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">th</FONT></SUP></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> through Saturday, August 12</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><SUP><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">th</FONT></SUP></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> at the Ohio State School for the Blind in Columbus. you still can send monetary gifts to our State Treasurer, Kathy Legg. Please do not write the checks out to her personally, but to NFB of Ohio or the Ohio Council of the Blind of Ohio. Kathy’s address is 1916 15th Street SW Akron Ohio 44314</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">The Ohio Affiliate would like to take this time to thank all of you for your dedication and commitment to the people’s movement. The calls continue to come in with newly blind people seeking answers and those who still need to find us. You play a large part in transforming dreams into reality. So, stand ready if I call on you to provide service or advocacy.</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">I want to remind you that the zoom room can be requested by sending an email to me and copying</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Arial">Delcenia Brown at</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="mailto:delcenia@prodigy.net"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0563C1" FACE="Arial">delcenia@prodigy.net</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0563C1" FACE="Arial">.</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Arial"> She will let me know if the room is open and unless it is not business of the NFB, you should be able to reserve it.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Arial">All, come by bus, car, guide dog or white cane to the capital city of Ohio! Do not miss the most happening event of 2023! It has been four years since the Ohio State Convention has graced its presence in the largest metropolitan Buckeye region of the Midwest. We will return to the DoubleTree by Hilton Columbus/Worthington Hotel, on November 17</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><SUP><FONT FACE="Arial">th</FONT></SUP></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Arial">, 18</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><SUP><FONT FACE="Arial">th</FONT></SUP></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Arial"> and 19</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><SUP><FONT FACE="Arial">th,</FONT></SUP></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Arial"> where spacious rooms, double chocolate chip cookies, and Hilton points are waiting for you!</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Arial">The 2023 Ohio Convention theme is, “Stronger Together!”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Arial">The hotel address is 175 Hutchinson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43235. You can make reservations by calling (614) 885-3334. The room rates are only $109.00, taxes are 17.5%, which includes breakfast for 2 occupants per room. By the way, there is comfortable seating in the restaurant where we all will gather for fellowship each morning prior to great presentations during the General Sessions and inspiring Breakout Seminars. The good news is that when you make your reservations, funds are not deducted from your credit card until you arrive at the hotel. The</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT COLOR="#1F497D" FACE="Arial">Group code is NFB.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT FACE="Arial">“RESERVE NOW!”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Arial">The 77</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><SUP><FONT FACE="Arial">th</FONT></SUP></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Arial"> Annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio (NFBOH) is the largest gathering of blind people in the state. This will be an opportunity for participants to learn about accessible technology at our Technology Fair and on living with blindness, by attending educational seminars and much more.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Arial">For more information, contact,</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Arial">Richard Payne, Affiliate President</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Arial">National Federation of the Blind of Ohio</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Arial">(937) 829-3368</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><A HREF="mailto:Rchpay7@gmail.com"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0563C1" FACE="Arial">Rchpay7@gmail.com</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR ALIGN=CENTER><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Arial">NFBOhio.org</FONT></SPAN></P>
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<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Critical Actions:</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<UL DIR=LTR>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Calling Visionary Leaders—</FONT></B></SPAN><A NAME=""><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Kenneth Jernigan Leadership-in-Service Program</FONT></B></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">:</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Are you passionate about empowering the blind community? Do you have a burning desire to make a difference and lead with conviction? The National Federation of the Blind invites you to be part of our pilot cohort that will develop the Kenneth Jernigan Leadership-in-Service Program. Prepare to embark on a transformative journey that will shape you into a powerful advocate for blind individuals, foster your personal growth, and simultaneously develop a program to build future leaders and a stronger community.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">This is a leadership training opportunity that should not be taken lightly. Interested individuals should meet the following criteria: </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
</UL>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Have a fundamental understanding of the NFB</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Have attended at least one national convention</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Have attended at least one affiliate convention</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Ideally serve, or have served, in an elected position in a chapter, affiliate, or division</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Commit to participate in three in-person sessions (travel and lodging provided)</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Commit to participate in nine virtual monthly sessions (computer and internet access required)</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<UL DIR=LTR><UL DIR=LTR>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
</UL>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">In order to apply, interested individuals should contact and secure the support of two NFB affiliate presidents who agree to serve as sponsors/mentors for the program, providing them with a written essay or audio/video recording explaining the merits of your participation and your leadership goals. Affiliate presidents are only allowed to sponsor two candidates, and they must make their submissions to the Office of the President by August 25, 2023.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
</UL>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Convention Survey and Highlights:</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<UL DIR=LTR>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Thank you for a great #NFB23 convention. Please share feedback in the National Federation of the Blind survey available at</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="https://nfb.org/convention"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">nfb.org/convention</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> in English and Spanish or by phone. To complete the survey by phone, call 229-632-7878 or toll-free 833-632-7878. Please note that the phone number above provides the survey in an automated system and will require the survey to be completed in one session. There is an option to pause the survey for five minutes and the pause can be extended as needed. Push the pound key for help. The #NFB23 convention highlights are also available at</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="https://nfb.org/convention"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">nfb.org/convention</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">. Save the date: NFB24 is scheduled for July 3 through 8 in Orlando, Florida.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
</UL>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">News:</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<UL DIR=LTR>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Route 66 Ride for Literacy Update:</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">The National Federation of the Blind Route 66 Ride for Literacy with Dan O’Rourke has officially kicked off. Starting in Santa Monica, California, on July 27, Dan has biked across the first state and is heading through Arizona as of August 1. Please share this ride with your friends and family to raise awareness on the importance of Braille literacy and connecting with our community. Follow the Ride for Literacy at</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="https://nfb.org/route66"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">nfb.org/route66</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
</UL>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">United States Access Board Meeting:</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<UL DIR=LTR>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">On Tuesday, July 25, the United States Access Board conducted its quarterly meeting at our headquarters right here in Baltimore. The public portion of the meeting is available on the</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUgAv8c_HzY"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">Access Board’s YouTube channel</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
</UL>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Hearing on Autonomous Vehicles:</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<UL DIR=LTR>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">On Wednesday, July 26, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce conducted a legislative hearing titled “Self-Driving Vehicle Legislative Framework: Enhancing Safety, Improving Lives and Mobility, and Beating China.” I was asked to testify at this hearing regarding the impact of autonomous vehicles on people with disabilities.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2023-07/IDC_Mark%20Riccobono%20Testimony-Self%20Driving%20Vehicles-AV%20Hearing_7.26.2023.pdf"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">My written testimony</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> is available on our Policy Statements page, and the</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-um7LWAEUTY"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">full video of the hearing</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">, including</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-um7LWAEUTY&t=2805s"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">my verbal testimony</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">, is available on the Energy and Commerce Committee’s YouTube channel.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN></P>
</UL>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Uber Town Hall Meeting:</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<UL DIR=LTR>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Thank you to everyone who participated in the Uber Town Hall meeting last Thursday, July 27. We had approximately three hundred people on the call. Uber will be conducting a second town hall meeting regarding service animals on Wednesday, August 16, at 8:30 p.m., eastern, in case you missed the first call and want to have an opportunity to participate. Please stay tuned for Zoom information, which will be available in the coming weeks.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN></P>
</UL>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Rideshare Denials:</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<UL DIR=LTR>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">The National Federation of the Blind encourages individuals who are denied access to an Uber or Lyft vehicle due to the presence of a service animal or otherwise on the basis of blindness to file complaints with the Civil Rights division of the US Department of Justice. Complaints of each incident can be filed using the following online form:</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">civilrights.justice.gov/report/</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">.</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Individuals who file complaints through this multi-step online form should download or print a copy of the confirmation screen, which contains the text of the complaint and the record number (example 123987-ABC). The text of a submitted complaint is not currently included in the confirmation email or easily available after you leave the submission screen.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">We are asking members to forward the email confirmation of the complaints or send their record numbers to</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="mailto:legal@nfb.org"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">legal@nfb.org</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> so that our legal team may follow up in further advocacy. Submitting an online complaint through the above website should generate a confirmation email from</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="mailto:civilrightsdonotreply@mail.civilrights.usdoj.gov"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">civilrightsdonotreply@mail.civilrights.usdoj.gov</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">. Note that the Department of Justice has significant enforcement power under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Several of our members participated in a recent multi-million-dollar settlement involving discriminatory wait-time fees. Individuals can learn more about that case at the following website:</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="https://www.justice.gov/crt/case/united-states-v-uber-technologies-inc"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">justice.gov/crt/case/united-states-v-uber-technologies-inc</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">.</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Please help us advocate for change in the rideshare space by submitting your complaints to the US DOJ and forwarding the confirmation emails so we can follow up.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
</UL>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<UL DIR=LTR>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Blind Equality Achievement Month Planning:</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Remember history. Advance equality. Celebrate accomplishments. The National Federation of the Blind celebrates the organized blind movement during October each year. Chapters across the country organize local outreach events. Submit your events, activities, celebrations to</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="mailto:web@nfb.org"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">web@nfb.org</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">, so they can be posted on</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="https://nfb.org/blind-month"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">nfb.org/blind-month</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">. If you need items or ideas, check out</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/view?id=2378&reset=1"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">the free literature resources and White Cane Awareness Day Proclamation</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
</UL>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<UL DIR=LTR>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Braille Calendars:</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Are you ready for a 2024 Braille calendar? The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults produces over eight thousand Braille calendars each year, and they are given free to any blind or deafblind persons in the United States. These pocket calendars are great for the office, home, or your travel bag.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">You can order up to three Braille calendars via our online form at</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="http://actionfund.org/resources/braille-calendars"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">actionfund.org/resources/braille-calendars</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">, by sending an email to</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="mailto:actionfund@actionfund.org"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">actionfund@actionfund.org</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">, or by leaving a telephone message at 410-659-9315.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">As in past years, the Action Fund offers each NFB affiliate an opportunity to order up to fifty Braille calendars for the members of their affiliate. Just send us an email by August 31, 2023, and we will make sure your request is completed.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN></P>
</UL>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<UL DIR=LTR>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Dream Makers Circle:</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">You can help build a future of opportunity for the blind by becoming a member of our Dream Makers Circle. It is easier than you think. You can visit your bank and convert an account to a P.O.D. (payable on death) bank account, which is payable after your passing to the National Federation of the Blind or one of our affiliates. Your legacy gift to the National Federation of the Blind or the National Federation of the Blind of {insert state} can be made in the form of a will or living trust, an income-generating gift, or by naming us as the beneficiary of a retirement plan, IRA, pension, or a life insurance policy. You can designate a specific amount, a percentage, or list the NFB as one of several beneficiaries. For additional information, please contact Patti Chang at 410-659-9314, extension 2422, or at</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="mailto:pchang@nfb.org"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">pchang@nfb.org</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
</UL>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<UL DIR=LTR>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Vehicle Donations:</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">The National Federation of the Blind uses car donations to improve the education of blind children, distribute free white canes, help veterans, and so much more. We have partnered with Vehicles for Charity to process donated vehicles. Please call toll-free 855-659-9314, and a representative can make arrangements. Or you can donate online by visiting</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="http://www.nfb.org/vehicledonations"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">nfb.org/vehicledonations</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
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<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
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<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Preauthorized Contributions (PAC):</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Can you help the National Federation of the Blind on a regular basis? Please consider joining our preauthorized contribution plan. Starting at $5 per month, you can help us turn dreams into reality and raise expectations for blind people. Visit</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="https://nfb.formstack.com/forms/pac"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">nfb.org/pac</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> to fill out the online form or email</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="mailto:pac@nfb.org"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">pac@nfb.org</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> for additional information.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
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<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
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<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
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<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">Dates to Keep in Mind:</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">(all times eastern)</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><A NAME=""><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></B></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">August 9: Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement, 8:00 p.m.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">August 16: Call to answer questions about the Kenneth Jernigan Leadership-in-Service Program, 8:00 p.m.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">August 16: Uber Town Hall #2, 8:30 p.m.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">August 25: Deadline for submissions for the Kenneth Jernigan Leadership-in-Service Program</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">August 31: Deadline for affiliates</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="mailto:actionfund@actionfund.org"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">to request calendars</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">September 7 and 10: Chapter Presidents Call, 8:00 p.m. (Blind Equality Achievement Month)</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">October: Blind Equality Achievement Month</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">November 8: Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement, 8:00 p.m.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">December 7 and 10: Chapter Presidents Call, 8:00 p.m. (Planning the Year Ahead)</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial">July 3-8, 2024: National Convention; Orlando, Florida</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
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<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial"> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
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<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=5 FACE="Arial">Richard Payne, Presid</FONT><FONT SIZE=5 FACE="Arial">ent</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=5 FACE="Arial">National Federation of the Blind of Ohio</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=5 FACE="Arial">937/829/3368</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><A HREF="mailto:Rchpay7@gmail.com"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U></U></SPAN><U><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></U><U><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#0563C1" SIZE=5 FACE="Times New Roman">Rchpay7@gmail.com</FONT></SPAN></U><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=5 FACE="Arial">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 ca</FONT><FONT SIZE=5 FACE="Arial">n</FONT><FONT SIZE=5 FACE="Arial"> live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
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