““Now the first suggestion is to aim high but be aware that even before you have reached your ultimate professional destination, if you always strive for excellence, you can and should have a substantial impact on the world in which you live.” – Sandra Day O’Connor
Welcome to the May edition of our very favorite NABS notes! Whether you are one step closer to graduation or have recently crossed the finish line, congratulations on behalf of our NABS family! Read on to learn more about our upcoming events and updates from committees. In this edition you will find:
- NABS 2020 Graduation Celebration
- Civil Rights Complaint Against College Board
- May episode of the NABS Now Podcast
- Committee Updates
- How to stay connected with NABS on social media
NABS 2020 Graduation Celebration
NABS wishes to celebrate the class of 2020 through a virtual ceremony and spotlights on our social media channels leading up to our event on June 6. Please complete our form by June 1 if you wish to be recognized during our virtual celebration. We cannot wait to mark this incredible milestone with you, and we hope you will join us.
NABS Graduation Celebration When: Saturday, June 6, 2020 at 5:00-6:00PM EDT. Where: Zoom - - MEETING ID: 467 883 3687 ONE TAP MOBILE +13017158592,,4678833687 Please contact Kenia Flores if you have any questions or concerns. Fill out this form To RSVP
Blind Students and Advocates Resolve Dispute with College Board over AP Exams
College Board, the organization that administers Advance Placement exams, originally denied blind students their accommodations guaranteed to them by law by failing to provide braille and tactile graphics for remote testing this spring. However, the power of advocacy was again proven when five blind students took action alongside the NFB to speak out against this injustice. Learn more by reading the NFB's latest press release on the subject.
May Episode of the NABS Now Podcast - Taking the Stage | Participating in Performing Arts as a Blind Student
Listen on Spotify Apple Podcast Overcast Google Podcast Pocketcast
Have you ever considered taking a dance class, starring in your school’s theater production, tackling a solo in a band/choir, or performing in some other way? Maybe, you are already an experienced performer who loves to hear stories from other students who are just as passionate about the performing arts as you are. In this episode of the NABS Now Podcast, we dive into the world of performing arts. Whether it is music, dance, or theater, special guests Elizabeth Rouse, DJ Robinson, and Francesco Magisano share their experiences performing and ways to maximize accessibility within performing arts for blind students. Later, we hear from Julie McGinnity with information about the Performing Arts Division of the National Federation of the Blind. Create and Produced by: Seyoon Choi and Nina Marranca
Committee Updates
Join in the Fundraising Fun!
Consider yourself formally invited to the June NABS Fundraising Committee call, which will take place on Sunday, June 14 at 9pm EDT. If you haven’t already signed up for the 2020 NABS Walk-A-Thon, visit our Go Rally Up Page. Get ready to walk with us on July 16. Don’t forget to stay tuned for all the upcoming info about our NABS hoodies, too. You won’t want to be caught without one! Join our next call on Zoom. MEETING ID: 467 883 3687 ONE TAP MOBILE +13017158592,,4678833687
NABS Spotlight Saturdays – Submit Your Nominations!
The Outreach Committee is thrilled to launch NABS Spotlight Saturdays. The goal of this campaign is to highlight blind students throughout the country that have made commendable contributions to their academic institution, profession, community or their individual state affiliates. Nominations can be submitted by instructors, academic institution staff, members of state affiliates, fellow students, or other individuals that have a relationship with the nominee that entails a genuine connection and warrants knowledge of the student’s skills or accomplishments. please contact Robert Parsons with any questions, and make sure to submit your nominations here.
Join a Diversity and Inclusion Task Forces
The NABS Diversity and Inclusion Committee is excited to launch its new task forces! The first task force is dedicated to the production of our monthly calls. The second task force is dedicated to collaboration with other NABS committees, the NFB, and leaders in the community. The third task force is committed to creating a comprehensive toolkit for curriculum related to diversity and inclusion. You’re welcome to get involved in more than one task force. If you’re interested in one or more task forces, please join the group chats below:
Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride with the Diversity and Inclusion Committee
To celebrate Pride Month, the Diversity and Inclusion Committee is dedicating its monthly call on June 7 at 7:00pm EDT. to LGBTQ+ awareness. The call will feature a presentation and two panels by our fellow NABS members. Please join us to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. You won’t want to miss it!
Join on our NABS Zoom. MEETING ID: 467 883 3687
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee Needs Story-Tellers and Talent in NABS
The Committee has many plans to share the story of 1-2 diverse students every month on our social media. The posts will allow students to share their experiences and stories related to identity, intersectionality, and diversity. These posts can take the form of brief stories, poems, songs, art, or other creative outlets. Please email the Committee Chair Rilee Sloan if interested.
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