Fellow Federationists:
My how busy this past month has been. Our Seniors Division hosted a successful seminar on maintaining independence. We spent what felt like every day attending and testifying at hearings in Annapolis. We wound down our Washington Seminar activities. We continued with case specific advocacy, assisting with employment discrimination, child custody work, and special education advocacy. We launched our Are You Hungry Poppin Popcorn fundraiser, and so much more. As we begin anticipating warmer weather and more sunshine, our work to ensure that Maryland’s blind, low vision, and deaf-blind residents can live the lives they want continues. Read below about what is happening throughout the State.
Annapolis Advocacy Continues!
We continue to advocate for our legislative priorities at the Maryland General Assembly. We attended six hearings where our members testified before the General Assembly about our legislative priorities, and we will testify at three more hearings in the coming days. We have also provided written testimony to another half-a-dozen bills and signed on with the Maryland Cross Disability Coalition and the Maryland Education Advocacy Coalition to provide our support or opposition to another roughly thirty bills. These cover areas of access to information, education, housing, transportation, health care, voting, commerce, and employment.
On February 21 and 23, we testified on HB 608 and SB 535, our legislation to expand guide dog and service animal protections in housing.
On February 24 and 27, we testified at the Maryland Department of Disabilities Budget Hearing in support of funding the Center for Excellence in Nonvisual Access.
On February 24 and 28, we testified on SB 488 and HB 645, our electronic ballot return study legislation.
On March 1, we will testify on HB 456, our accessible prescription labels bill, and we expect the hearing for the senate companion, SB 940 to take place in early March.
On March 2, we will testify about expanding protections for bus lanes to address some of the challenges that exist related to public transportation.
The Maryland legislature is extremely busy this year with a tremendous number of bills. In order to make sure that our delegates and senators know our matters are critical to us, we need to contact them to tell them to support our initiatives. Our Director of Legislation and Advocacy, Sharon Maneki, has posted information on our lists about how to do this as well as visited many chapters. You may also contact Sharon Maneki directly to request it at 410-715-9596 or at NFBMDSM@gmail.com.
Here is the information that has been shared thus far – please help us by contacting the members that represent you or are in your county based on the list below.
Accessible Prescription Drug Labels Bill: HB 456
Hello Delegate,
My name is [insert name]. the blind, the print disabled and the elderly have the same rights to manage their medical care as the sighted public. Accessible prescription labels should be available to any customer who needs them. The technology is available. The pharmacists need to be told to give it to the people.
The email address is [firstname].[lastname]@house.state.md.us.
Everyone should write to the chairman of the committee, Joseline Pena-Melnyk.
Everyone should also write to the sponsor to thank her, Michele Guyton.
If you live in Anne Arundel County: write to Nicholaus Kipke, Heather Bagnall, and Brian Chisholm.
If you live in Baltimore City : write to Delegates Robbyn Lewis and Samuel Rosenberg.
If you live in Baltimore County : write to Delegate Harry Bhandary, Kathy Szeliga and Jennifer White.
If you live in Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot, or Wicomico Counties: write to Tom Hutchinson.
If you live in Cecil County : write to Teresa Reilly.
If you live in Frederick County : write to Kenneth Kerr.
If you live in Harford County : write to Steve Johnson and Teresa Reilly.
If you live in Howard County : write to Terri Hill and Pam Guzzone.
If you live in Montgomery County : write to Bonnie Cullison- vice chairman, Anne Kaiser, and Lesley Lopez.
If you live in Prince George's County : write to Tiffany Alston, Deni Taveras and Jamila Woods.
If you live in St. Mary's County : write to Matt Morgan.
If you live in Talbot or Wicomico Counties: write to Tom Hutchinson.
Electronic Ballot Return Study: HB 654
Please write letters to the House Ways and Means Committee in favor of HB 654, Electronic Ballot Return Study. In your note, you might add a personal example from your experience and say the following :
Dear Delegate,
My name is [name] and I am asking you to please support HB 645. This bill calls for the General Assembly to study the feasibility of whether Maryland should have electronic ballot return for vote by mail. Some classes of voters, such as the blind, print disabled, and the military, are impacted by the failure to have electronic ballot return. Blind and print disabled voters lose their right to privacy and a secret ballot; military voters may miss the deadline and their vote will not be counted. Everyone deserves the right to have their vote count while maintaining their privacy and secrecy.
The email address for delegates is [first name].[last name]@house.state.md.us.
Everyone should write to the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Vanessa Atterbeary.
Everyone should write to Jessica Feldmark and thank her for sponsoring the bill.
If you live in Allegany County: write to Jason Buckel.
If you live in Anne Arundel County: write to Dana Jones.
If you live in Baltimore City: write to Melissa Wells and Dalya Attar.
If you live in Baltimore County: write to Bob Long and Eric Ebersole.
If you live in Cecil County: write to Kevin Hornberger and Mike Griffith.
If you live in Charles County: write to Edith Patterson.
If you live in Frederick County: write to Kris Fair and April Miller.
If you live in Howard or Montgomery County: write to Chao Wu.
If you live in Montgomery County: write to Julie Palakovich Carr (email is julie.palakovichcarr@house.state.md.us), Jheanelle Wilkins, Bernice Mireku-North (email is bernice.mireku-north@house.state.md.us ), and Joe Vogel.
If you live in Prince George's County: write to Darryl Barnes and Nick Charles.
If you live in Washington County: write to Brooke Grossman.
If you live in Wicomico and Worcester County: write to Wayne Hartman.
Electronic Ballot Return Study: SB 488
Please write letters to the Senate Education, Energy, and Environment Committee in favor of SB 488, Electronic Ballot Return Study. In your note, you might add a personal example from your experience and say the following :
Dear Senator,
My name is [name] and I am asking you to please support SB 488. This bill calls for the General Assembly to study the feasibility of whether Maryland should have electronic ballot return for vote by mail. Some classes of voters, such as the blind, print disabled, and the military, are impacted by the failure to have electronic ballot return. Blind and print disabled voters lose their right to privacy and a secret ballot; military voters may miss the deadline and their vote will not be counted. Everyone deserves the right to have their vote count while maintaining their privacy and secrecy.
The email address for senators is [firstname].[lastname]@senate.state.md.us.
Everyone should write to the chairman of the Education, Energy and the Environment Committee, Brian Feldman.
Everyone should also write to Benjamin Brooks to thank him for sponsoring the bill.
If you live in Anne Arundel County: write to Bryan Simonaire.
If you live in Baltimore City: write to Mary Washington.
If you live in Frederick County: write to Karen Young.
If you live in Harford or Cecil County: write to Jason Gallion.
If you live in Howard or Montgomery County: write to Katie Fry Hester (email is katiefry.hester@senate.state.md.us).
If you live in Montgomery County: write to Cheryl Kagan.
If you live in Prince George's County: write to Ron Watson and Malcolm Augustine.
If you live in Somerset, Wicomico, or Worcester counties: write to Mary Beth Carozza (email is marybeth.carozza@senate.state.md.us).
Guide Dog Protections in Housing: HB 608:
Please write letters to the House Environment and Transportation Committee in favor of HB 608, Enhancing Protections in Housing for Service Animals and Guide Dogs. In your note, you might add a personal example from your experience and say the following :
Dear Delegate,
My name is [name] and I am asking you to please vote in favor of HB 608. Please put an end to discrimination by landlords against retired service dogs. End the worry and uncertainty that blind people face when it is time to retire their service animal.
The email address for delegates is [firstname].[lastname]@house.state.md.us.
Everyone should write to the chairman of the Environment and Transportation Committee, Kumar Barve.
Everyone should also write to Mary Lehman and thank her for sponsoring the bill.
If you live in Allegany or Washington Counties: write to Terry Baker.
If you live in Baltimore City: write to Jackie Addison and Elizabeth Embry.
If you live in Baltimore County: write to Dana Stein, Nick Allen, Michele Guyton, Ryan Nawrocki, and Sheila Ruth.
If you live in Calvert County: write to Jeffrie Long and Todd Morgan.
If you live in Charles County: write to Debra Davis.
If you live in Frederick County: write to Barrie Ciliberti.
If you live in Howard County: write to Natalie Ziegler and Jen Terrasa.
If you live in Montgomery County: write to Natalie Ziegler, Linda Foley, Sara Love, and Vaughn Stewart. .
If you live in Prince George's County: write to Anne Healey, Marvin Holmes, and Jeffrie Long.
If you live in St. Mary's County: write to Todd Morgan.
If you live in Caroline, Cecil, Kent, or Queen Anne's County: write to Jay Jacobs.
If you live in Somerset, Wicomico, or Worcester Counties: write to Charles Otto.
Guide Dog Protections in Housing: SB 535:
Please write letters to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee in favor of SB 535, Enhancing Protections in Housing for Service Animals and Guide Dogs. In your note, you might add a personal example from your experience and say the following :
Dear Senator,
My name is [name] and I am asking you to please vote in favor of SB 535. Please put an end to discrimination by landlords against retired service dogs. End the worry and uncertainty that blind people face when it is time to retire their service animal.
The email address for senators is [firstname].[lastname]@senate.state.md.us.
Everyone should write to the chairman of the Judicial Proceedings Committee, Will Smith.
Everyone should also write to Mary-Dulany James (email is marydulany.james@senate.state.md.us) and thank her for sponsoring the bill.
If you live in Allegany, Garrett, or Washington Counties: write to Mike McKay.
If you live in Baltimore City: write to Jill Carter.
If you live in Baltimore County: write to Charles Sydnor and Chris West.
If you live in Frederick County: write to William Folden.
If you live in Montgomery County: write to Jeff Waldstreicher.
If you live in Prince George's County: write to Anthony Muse.
Thanks for all you do! Legislative advocacy is the true embodiment of collective action.
Success at Washington Seminar!
On January 30, Maryland joined Federationists in person from throughout the country to let Congress know about the priorities for blind Americans. The three issues that we discussed were:
- Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act
- Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act
- Blind Americans Return to Work Act
You may read the Washington Seminar fact sheets by visiting
https://nfb.org/washington-seminar or via Newsline.
Maryland visited our Congressional Delegation on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 in person on the Hill and many of us attended the Congressional Reception. Thanks to the 34 people who participated in Washington Seminar as part of our Maryland delegation.
We will continue the legislative advocacy in our districts in the coming months.
Are You Hungry? Poppin Popcorn Fundraiser!
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is hosting a fundraiser in conjunction with Poppin Popcorn where you can purchase popcorn, candy, and other snacks, and NFBMD will receive a portion of the sales.
It's so simple: Just go to the link below, buy delicious snacks, they'll show up to your house in a few days, and NFBMD gets part of what you paid to support our programs.
Please share this link and opportunity with your friends, neighbors, and strangers you randomly meet.
The fundraiser is open through March 31, 2023.
Visit this link to place your order:
NFBMD State Board Meeting – April 1, 2023
The Board of Directors of the NFB of Maryland will hold an in-person Board Meeting on Saturday, April 1, 2023. The meeting will take place from approximately 10AM – 3PM at Blind Industries and Services of Maryland. Our newly reorganized Baltimore County Chapter will serve as the host. Lunch will be available for purchase for approximately $20. Please let me know by March 23, 2023 if you plan to attend by emailing President@nfbmd.org or calling 443-426-4110.
An Evening at the Movies with the NFBMD At-Large Chapter!
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland At-Large Chapter invites you to join us as we listen to an audio described presentation of the classic movie: A Patch of Blue, starring the famous Sydney Poitier. Participate in our thoughtful discussion of love, relationships, and blindness.
Date: Saturday, April 1
Time: 6:30pm
Place: Anywhere and Everywhere on Zoom
Suggested Donation: $15 which also gives you one entry in a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card
Please register by Wednesday, March 29, so that we have time to send you the Zoom information. Be sure to include your email address when you register.
You may donate by using the PayPal button located at
https://nfbmd.org/patchofblue or by mailing a check payable to NFBMD At-Large Chapter, C/O Sharon Maneki, 9013 Nelson Way, Columbia, MD 21045. For questions, email: Mwoods719@gmail.com
It’s Back! MDPOBC Breakfast and Bake Auction!
Please join the Maryland Parents of Blind Children (MDPOBC) for their breakfast and bake auction, which will take place Saturday, March 18, from 7 am to 1 pm. The location is the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230. Between 7 am until 10 am, sighted and blind parents and their blind and sighted children will cook and serve breakfast. The members of the Greater Baltimore Chapter and any other NFBMD members who would like to visit the chapter on this day will be able to enjoy the breakfast the parents and children prepare.
At 10 am, the monthly meeting of the Greater Baltimore Chapter will begin. Not only will meeting attendees be able to take part in all of the usual meeting events (hearing what the Greater Baltimore Chapter is doing in the community, discussing national, state, and local happenings, listening to the Presidential Release, etc.) but they will be able to bid on delicious baked goods which will be sold for between 1 and 5 dollars at the bake sale table, and auctioned off to the highest bidder throughout the meeting. In the past bake sale items have included cupcakes, muffins, bags of cookies, etc. Items auctioned off have included a Jewish Apple cake, brownies, entire batches of cookies, various loaves of bread, cheesecakes, and more! All funds raised will benefit blind children in Maryland and their families.
You can help with this fundraiser by volunteering to help cook breakfast. We will provide all of the ingredients and the recipes. We need blind children and their families to volunteer to cook and serve. We would also be happy to have blind adult mentors who are willing to help blind children and their parents learn different cooking and serving techniques. Blind children and their parents will run the bake sale table, and also serve as auctioneers during the chapter meeting.
You can also donate baked goods! Though members of MDPOBC and our children will be baking up a storm, your donated baked goods would be much appreciated.
Finally, you can come out, support the families, and bid on deliciousness! Purchase from the bake sale table, and/or larger items from our auction. The MDPOBC is counting on you.
If you plan to help cook breakfast, or bring baked goods, please contact Chris Day at 410-259-3485, or cmdayrdh@aol.com
Please let Chris know how many people will be coming to help with breakfast, and/or what items you plan to bring.
Save the Date: NFBMD Bid for Opportunity Dinner and Auction!
Get ready for a nice evening out. Join us on May 13 for our Bid-for-Opportunity dinner and auction to benefit the John T. McCraw Scholarship Program and NFBMD youth activities. More information about location, time, tickets, and auction donation opportunities is coming soon.
Blind Cruising 2023
We are getting excited about NFBMD Blind Cruising 2023. Please remember that the second deposit of $250 for each passenger is due by March 31, 2023.
Please coordinate payment directly with our travel agent, Cindy Kiper, by emailing ckiper@dreamvacations.com or calling 813-418-0647.
Basket and Bag Bingo is Coming!
Would you like to win over $4,000 in prizes? Would you like to play 23 games of BINGO? Snacks and raffles will also be available. Join us at NFBMD Basket and Bag Bingo on March 10, 2023 in Catonsville. Buy your tickets early because we always sell out.
We are busy arranging and filling baskets and procuring bags (purses). We need financial contributions to help with these purchases. Please let us know whether you would like to sponsor a basket or bag for $100. All contributions of any amount are welcome. You may also purchase your ticket for $25. Please purchase your ticket online at https://nfbmd.org/bingo. For questions or to purchase your ticket via check, contact Sharon Maneki at nfbmdsm@gmail.com.
We will be providing transportation from the NFB in Baltimore. Those interested in using this free transportation should email or call me by March 8, 2023 at President@nfbmd.org or 443-426-4110.
do You Feel Lucky?
The NFBMD spring raffle is upon us. During the month of May, you have the opportunity to win $50 Sunday through Friday, or $100 on Saturday. Purchase a 3-digit number raffle ticket for $5. You will be the only one who has this number. Tickets are available from chapter presidents and affiliate Board Members. Help us sell all 1,000 tickets!
Remember to Pay Your 2023 Dues!
NFBMD maintains an online portal for individuals to pay their chapter and division dues. We are asking members to pay their 2023 dues as soon as possible so we can ensure that our rolls are accurate for the annual national membership data call. We are asking individuals to pay their 2023 dues by January 31, 2023.
Individuals may use NFBMD’s Dues Portal to pay their 2023 annual dues and/or lifetime membership dues for those chapters that have lifetime membership. The portal lists all NFBMD chapters and divisions and their dues amounts. Individuals may pay for as many chapters and divisions as they wish. One dollar will be added to chapter and division annual dues amounts for processing those dues payments online. The portal is located at http://nfbmd.org/dues. Alternatively, individuals may mail a check to their chapter or division treasurer.
NFB and NFBMD Scholarship Programs
National Scholarship Program: Each year, the NFB awards 30 merit-based scholarships totaling $240,000.
- Each scholarship recipient will receive $8,000 and additional prizes.
- Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and community service.
- The 30 scholarship finalists are announced in the spring and attend the NFB National Convention, where they are mentored by blind role models.
- Application materials must be submitted (online or postmarked) by 11:59PM on March 31, 2023.
- To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be legally blind in both eyes;
- Reside in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico;
- Be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program at a U.S. institution in the Fall of 2023 (one scholarship may be awarded to an individual who works full-time and attends school part-time);
- Be age 18 before July 1, 2023; and
- Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind (and all scholarship activities) in Houston, Texas from July 1 through 6, 2023 (scholarship finalists will receive convention grants).
- To apply, submit an application using the online application system at https://scholarships.nfb.org/; or
State Scholarship Program: The NFB of Maryland will award up to four scholarships of $4,000 each as part of the John T. McCraw Scholarship Program. NFBMD may award a scholarship to a former McCraw scholarship recipient.
- Scholarships are merit-based and awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership.
- Application materials must be submitted (online or postmarked) by 11:59PM on April 15, 2023.
- To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be legally blind in both eyes;
- reside in Maryland or be pursuing post-secondary studies at a school in Maryland;
- be age 18 prior to July 1, 2023;
- Be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time or part-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program in the Fall of 2023 and Spring of 2024 (priority will be given to full-time students); and
- Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind in Houston, Texas from July 1 through 6, 2023 and the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland in Hunt Valley, Maryland from November 10 – 12, 2023 (scholarship finalists will receive convention grants).
- To apply:
- Submit an application using the online application system at http://nfbmd.org/scholarship/apply; or
Download, complete, and email or mail in a hard copy application form by visiting: http://nfbmd.org/scholarship.
NFB BELL Academy Baltimore and In-Home Edition!
The NFB BELL Academy provides children with Braille and nonvisual skills instruction through fun, hands-on learning activities. The NFB BELL Academy—which stands for National Federation of the Blind Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning®—is a nationwide summer program that prepares blind and low-vision children to grow into confident and independent blind people who live the lives they want. Activities at NFB Maryland BELL are provided in a day program. In addition to Braille crafts, games, and other engaging projects, children learn vital independent living skills, interact with blind adult mentors, and enjoy field trips to sites related to the NFB BELL Academy curriculum. Through these activities and interactions, the children learn that blindness or low vision does not define them or their future.
The NFB BELL Academy is appropriate for blind and low vision children ages four through twelve who:
- Do not receive enough Braille and nonvisual skills instruction in school
- Could benefit from more Braille exposure over the summer
- Would enjoy connecting with blind role models
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is offering a two-week in person NFB BELL Academy session in Baltimore, Maryland, From August 7, 2023 – August 18, 2023. The National Federation of the Blind is also offering one three-week virtual program of the NFB BELL Academy In-Home Edition July 24 through August 11, 2023, for which options are available for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. Space is limited. We are also working out details for other potential Maryland in-person programs in addition to Baltimore.
To register for NFB BELL Academy In Person in Baltimore or In Home Edition, visit: https://nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-bell-academy. For questions, contact NFB of Maryland NFB BELL Academy Coordinator Brittany Bomboy at 757-969-3724 or by email at Bnbomboy@gmail.com.
Get ready for Houston in 2023!
The NFB 2023 National Convention will take place from July 1 – 6, 2023 in Houston, Texas. The convention will take place at the Hilton Americas – Houston Hotel, and you may make your reservation by calling 1-800-236-2905. The overflow hotel is the Marriott Marquis Houston. To reserve a room at the overflow hotel, call 1-877-622-3056. The rooming rate is $119 per night plus tax at both hotels. Preregistration for the convention will open on March 1 and will close May 31, 2023. To preregister, go to https://nfb.org/convention. Preregistration is $25 and banquet tickets cost $70 each until May 31, 2023. On-site registration will be available but will cost $30 per person with banquet tickets costing $75 each.
First time national convention attendees may apply for the Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship, which is a grant the NFB provides to people who have not attended a national convention in person previously. The deadline is April 15, 2023. Visit this link for more information on how to apply. https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention-scholarship
Those from Maryland who are seeking financial assistance should speak with their chapter president to find out what assistance their local chapter may have available. The affiliate’s Financial Assistance Application Form is available and must be submitted by March 31, 2023. Please note that though the Financial Assistance Committee will give due consideration to every application, the affiliate has limited resources and is unable to grant every request. Priority will be given to those who have not attended a national convention in the past. For questions about the Financial Assistance Application Program, please reach out to your chapter president or me at President@nfbmd.org.
Important Upcoming Dates
- March 1, 2023 – Preregistration opens for NFB National Convention
- March 10, 2023 – Basket Bingo, Catonsville, Maryland
- March 31, 2023 – NFBMD Poppin Fundraiser Closes
- March 31, 2023 – Deadline to pay second Cruise Deposit
- March 31, 2023 – Deadline for National Scholarship Applications.
- March 31, 2023 – Deadline for applications for NFBMD Financial Assistance for National Convention
- April 1, 2023 – NFBMD State Board Meeting, Baltimore County, Maryland (Baltimore County Chapter hosts at BISM)
- April 1, 2023 – NFBMD At Large Chapter Movie Night, anywhere and everywhere
- April 15, 2023 – Deadline for NFBMD Scholarship Applications.
- April 15, 2023 – Deadline for Jernigan Fund applications for National Convention
- May 13, 2023 – NFBMD Bid for Opportunity Dinner and Auction, Montgomery/Prince Georges Counties, Maryland
- May 20, 2023 – NFBMD Stem2U, Baltimore, Maryland
- May 20, 2023 – Maryland Organization of Parents of Blind Children Advocacy Seminar, Baltimore, Maryland
- May 31, 2023 – Deadline to Preregister for NFB Annual Convention, Houston, Texas
- July 1 – 6, 2023 – NFB National Convention, Houston, Texas
- August 7 – 18, 2023 – In Person NFB BELL Academy, Baltimore, Maryland
- August 4, 2023 – NFBMD Crab Feast, Parkville, Maryland
- October 1 – 31, 2023 – Blind Equality Achievement Month
- November 10 – 12, 2023 – NFBMD Annual Convention, Hunt Valley, Maryland
- December 3 – 10, 2023 – NFBMD Blind Cruising 2023, Bahamas
- January 18, 2024 – NFBMD Day in Annapolis, Annapolis, Maryland