[IL-Talk] President Riccobono's notebook for the week of December 16

Wed Dec 18 16:41:02 UTC 2024

Critical Actions:

Accessible Device Showcase:

Come learn about the fun and accessible devices that have come out in 2024.
Join the Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility on Wednesday,
December 18, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. to round out your gift list! Register at
<https://nfb.org/form/accessibility-boutique-reg>
https://nfb.org/form/accessibility-boutique-reg to receive the Zoom link. 

News:

2025 Washington Seminar Update:

The 2025 Washington Seminar is only about six weeks away! As we announced
last week, our three legislative priorities for the 2025 Washington Seminar
will be the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act, the
Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act, and the Blind Americans Return
to Work Act. Our government affairs group is busily working on the fact
sheets for these issues as we speak, and we plan to get them through the
proofing process and published on our website in early January.
Additionally, the agenda for the 2025 Washington Seminar is almost complete.
We just have a couple more things that need to be finalized, but we are
planning to have the full event agenda posted on our Washington Seminar page
before the end of this year. Finally, if you have not already reserved your
room at the Holiday Inn, please do so. The hotel is filling up quickly and
we have already had to have our room block expanded once. The last day to
reserve your room at our special rate of $194 per night (plus taxes and
fees) is Tuesday, December 31, which is only two weeks away! As always, be
sure to check our Washington Seminar page (nfb.org/Washington-seminar)
frequently for updates. 

Upcoming Presidential Release:

The National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release chapter version
for January will be available on January 3-the audio, transcript, and
Spanish translation. The chapter version is intended to be played during
each chapter meeting throughout the month.
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases>
Access the chapter version and live details.

The next Presidential Release Live will be Tuesday, January 7, at 8:00 p.m.,
eastern. Zoom details are below.  

 <https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/92603932934>
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/92603932934

Webinar ID: 926 0393 2934

Scholarship Program Application Open:

The National Federation of the Blind scholarship program helps blind college
students reach their educational and employment goals and so much more.
Building on its strong foundation, we have enhanced the awards granted,
making the experience even more inclusive, engaging, and meaningful for the
thirty finalists. Each scholarship winner will receive $8,000. Students can
be encouraged to  <https://scholarships.nfb.org/> apply now for the 2025
scholarship program. 

Round Up with Lyft:

Since this is the holiday season, many of our friends and family will be
using Lyft. Please ask your friends to round up their fares to the nearest
dollar and donate their change from each Lyft ride to the National
Federation of the Blind. It is easy: Hit menu, hit donate, and then choose
the National Federation of the Blind.

Braille Readers Are Leaders: 

The Braille Readers Are Leaders contest registration opened on November 15.
Registration lasts through the end of the contest, January 17, 2025. Logging
of reading minutes started December 2. 

This year, we will have the youth, adult, and teachers of blind students
contests. Be sure to complete the first activity as that will give us your
address so that we can send any prizes you win along the way. 

Use the Beanstack website or the Beanstack app to log your many minutes of
reading. Have fun and challenge your friends, family members, and colleagues
who read Braille to join you.  

More information is available at
<https://actionfund.org/programs/braille-readers-are-leaders>
https://actionfund.org/programs/braille-readers-are-leaders.

Dates to Keep in Mind:

(all times eastern)

*	January 4: World Braille Day
*	February 3: Great Gathering-In 
*	February 3-6: Washington Seminar
*	July 8-13: National Convention; New Orleans, Louisiana

Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement

*	Wednesday, February 5
*	Wednesday, May 7
*	Wednesday, August 6
*	Wednesday, November 5

Chapter Presidents Calls

*	Thursday, December 19, and Sunday, December 22 
*	Thursday, March 13 and Sunday, March 16
*	Thursday, June 12 and Sunday, June 15
*	Thursday, September 11 and Sunday, September 14
*	Thursday, December 11 and Sunday, December 14

Marilyn Green, President

National Federation of the Blind of Illinois

312-343-8396

 <mailto:president at nfbofillinois.org> president at nfbofillinois.org

 <http://www.nfbofillinois.org> www.nfbofillinois.org

Live the life you want!

The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois 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.