The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is the Maryland state affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind. We are changing what it means to be blind in Maryland! Find a local chapter or division. The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 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.
In This Issue ...
Open Letter of Apology
Successful Week in Annapolis!
Washington Seminar Is Coming!
NFB and NFBMD Scholarship Programs
do You Feel Lucky?
NFBMD COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund
Important Upcoming Dates
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is closely monitoring the COVID-19 emergency, which is impacting all Marylanders but may have unique effects on the blind.
The health and safety of all of our members, colleagues, and friends is always our top priority. This page provides resources that may be particularly useful to blind people in Maryland facing challenges during the outbreak. If you have found other resources that you believe are useful, please email the information to president@nfbmd.org
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is pleased to announce that the John T. McCraw Scholarship Program for 2021-2022 will include up to four individual scholarships with a combined maximum total of $10,000. Though the Scholarship Committee will determine the amounts awarded to each finalist, the minimum amount to be awarded is $2,000 and the maximum is $3,500. These scholarships will be awarded to qualified blind students who exhibit academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership.
In this issue... • The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 2020 Annual Convention: Rise Up! • COVID-19 Can’t Keep Our BELLs from Ringing • State Board of Election Promotes Misinformation About Online Ballot Tool • Our History, Our Story • List of Presidents of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland • Chapter Spotlight: The Greater Cumberland and Eastern Shore Chapters • Fighting for Equal Access to Education for Blind Students • The Convention Will Go On • Remembering Charlie Cook • Reflections on MTA Budget Cut Process • Profile of an NFBMD Leader: Judy Rasmussen • Spectator Specs
We are accepting dues for 2020 and/or 2021. Individuals interested in paying chapter and division dues may do so in one of two ways: 1. Pay dues online; or 2. send a physical check to the chapter or division treasurer.
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland has established an affiliate COVID-19 fund to assist individuals and families that are experiencing financial hardship during the COVID-19 crisis. This fund is available to blind individuals and families with a blind household member living in Maryland. The financial assistance must be needed due to a change in circumstance, e.g. loss of employment income, because of COVID-19 or associated government directives like the Stay-at-Home order. Assistance is limited to essentials such as groceries and medication. This Fund is being administered by the NFBMD Financial Assistance Committee.
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
Ronza Othman, President
15 Charles Plaza
Apartment 3002
Baltimore, MD 21201
(443) 426-4110 president@nfbmd.org