[IL-Talk] President Riccobono's notebook for the week of March 24

[president at nfbofillinois.org]

Critical Actions:

Mark Your Calendar: Presidential Release Live on March 6:

The next Presidential Release Live will be Thursday, March 6, at 8:00 p.m.,
Eastern. Zoom details are below. Attend to get the latest updates on the
movement, ask questions, and hear important perspectives on the organized
blind movement.

Presidential Release Live Zoom:

 <https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91752100862>
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91752100862

One Tap Mobile: +13017158592,,91752100862# US (Washington, DC)

Zoom ID: 91752100862

 

News:

Federal Workers Impacted by Recent Layoffs:

We know that federal employees with disabilities have been disproportionally
affected by recent reductions in the federal workforce and we are doing all
we can to help our blind colleagues. If you are a federal worker impacted by
the government layoffs and are interested in information on career
opportunities through the National Federation of the Blind Employment
Initiatives, please submit the
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/general-interest-form>
Employment Interest Form to receive announcements regarding career
opportunities.

 

Upcoming Presidential Release Recording for Chapters:

The next National Federation of the Blind Presidential Release chapter
version will be published on Friday, February 28. The chapter version is
intended to be played during each chapter meeting throughout the month and
used for discussion among members.
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases>
Access the chapter version and live details.

 

Submit Nominations for Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award:

The education of blind children is one of the National Federation of the
Blind's highest priorities. Please help us recognize dedicated and
innovative teachers who provide quality education and meaningful experiences
and opportunities for their blind students. Nominate a teacher, counselor,
or administrator of programs for blind students.
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/distinguished-edu
cator-blind-students-award> Learn more about the Distinguished Educator of
Blind Students Award.

 

Submit Nominations for Blind Educator of the Year Award:

The
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/blind-educator-ye
ar-award> Blind Educator of the Year Award pays tribute to a blind teacher
whose exceptional classroom performance, notable community service, and
commitment to the organized blind movement merit national recognition.
Submit nominations to the committee chairperson, Robin House, via email at
<mailto:robin at mindsrealm.net> robin at mindsrealm.net. Letters of nomination
must be accompanied by a copy of the nominee’s current résumé and supporting
documentation of community and Federation activity. 

Jacobus tenBroek Disability Rights Law Symposium:

The Jacobus tenBroek Disability Rights Law Symposium is the largest
disability rights law symposium in the world and will be held from Thursday,
March 20, through Friday, March 21, right here in the Jernigan Institute.
In-person registration is open through March 7 and virtual registration will
stay open until March 14. Fees are $200 for in-person attendance, $150 for
virtual attendance, and a discounted rate of $25 for students. 

Registration for in-person attendance:
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=616>
https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=616

Registration for virtual attendance:
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=617>
https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=617

More information about the symposium can be found at
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/legal-program/jacobus-tenbroek-disability
-law-symposium> Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium | National
Federation of the Blind

 

Blind Americans Return to Work Act:

The Blind Americans Return to Work Act, H.R. 1175, was introduced in the
House on February 10. We will be issuing a legislative alert to all
listservs on Tuesday, February 25, urging all National Federation of the
Blind members to contact their United States representative and urge them to
cosponsor the bill.

 

Recent Press Releases to Share:

Please read and share the following press releases:

*	“
<https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-commends-intr
oductions-blind-americans-return-work> National Federation of the Blind
Commends the Introductions of Blind Americans Return to Work Act” 
*	“
<https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/statement-national-federation-blind-har
mful-stereotyping-blind-people-political> Statement from the National
Federation of the Blind on the Harmful Stereotyping of Blind People in
Political Discourse”

 

Dates to Keep in Mind:

(all times Eastern)

*	February 28: Deadline to register for IEP Advocacy Academy
*	March 20-21: Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium, registration
deadline is March 7
*	May 16-17: Diabetes Action Network; Baltimore, Maryland;
registration coming soon
*	July 8-13: National Convention; New Orleans, Louisiana

 

 

Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement

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

 

Chapter Presidents Calls

*	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.