Positive Note
Positive Note
November 8, 2026
Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter and Division Presidents and Others
From: Marty R. McKenzie, President
843-939-8091 [email protected]
Positive Note: 2100
Dear Federation Family,
I returned home on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at approximately 1:30 PM after two back-to-back events at Beach Cove Resort in North Myrtle Beach, SC. On Wednesday, November 4, 2026, I led Fall Procedures for Teachers of the Visually Impaired. In the morning, Drs. Joy Ivester and Sloan Links of the Transition Alliance of South Carolina presented on transition for students with disabilities, and the Successful Transitions team was on hand for their presentation. In the afternoon, Janice Bright and Kacey King presented on the Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) offered through Successful Transitions. Participants gained a great deal of information about transition services in South Carolina and the many resources available to make this process flow smoothly for students.
The annual conference of the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina Chapter (SCAER) followed on November 5–6, 2026. Its theme was “Ready for What’s Next: Building Skills for College, Employment, and Community Success.” The presenters covered transition for almost every possible student and assisted participants with gaining knowledge about what works and what does not. Niki Outen and Allison Kitler from the Commission for the Blind presented “From Eligibility to Employment: Understanding Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision.” This was an informative session that clearly outlined the services available from the Commission and how to access them. Niki Outen and I moderated a panel titled “Transition to Adulthood Panel Discussion.” Panel participants were Kacey King and Kendrick Raley, Successful Transitions Specialists from the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina, and Tracy Spittle along with Nancy Irwin, teachers of the visually impaired. The panelists responded to questions that assisted them with sharing their own transition journeys with the audience.
There were many more presenters and sessions, and it was an outstanding conference. To learn more about SCAER and see the full agenda, visit www.scaer.net.
Uber Town Hall for NFB Members
Uber is holding a town hall for NFB members on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 8:00 PM Eastern on Zoom. Uber representatives will talk about self-identification options, including for guide dog users, new pickup preferences and their accessibility plans for 2027. There will be time for questions, and no registration is required. The Meeting ID is 964 4236 4657, and the passcode is 428723. You can send questions ahead of time to Justin Young at [email protected]. I hope many of you will join and let Uber hear from us.
2026 Voting Survey
If you are a blind or low-vision voter and you voted in the November 3, 2026, general election, the National Federation of the Blind wants to hear about your experience. There is one short survey for in-person voters and another for absentee voters, and both are at www.nfb.org/vote. Please take a few minutes to complete the one that fits how you voted.
Braille Monitor Highlights
It has been some time since I highlighted articles from the Braille Monitor, and that is because I have fallen behind with reading this important publication. Here are articles of significant interest from the August/September 2026 issue of the Braille Monitor. I encourage you to read and learn from our flagship publication.
- The #NFB26 Convention Roundup: Keeping Convention Weird and Resonant – by Chris Danielsen
- The 2026 Presidential Report – by Mark Riccobono
- Resonance, Amplification, and Interplay: The Counterpoint of the Organized Blind Movement – by Mark Riccobono
- Balancing Safety, Autonomy, and Support – by Christine Faltz Grassman, Esq.
- And Then There Were Three: Federation Advocacy Pays Off as States Drop Out of Texas v. Kennedy – by Chris Danielsen
- Federal Court Vacates Department of Education Decision Limiting Randolph-Sheppard Priority for Army Dining Contracts
- National Federation of the Blind Announces Staff Leadership Transition: Anil Lewis to Continue Advancing Opportunities for Blind People in New Executive Leadership Role
NFB of SC and Rocky Bottom Board Retreat
The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina and the Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind will hold their annual board retreat November 20–22, 2026, at Rocky Bottom. Preference is given to board members and their plus-ones, followed by chapter presidents who may wish to attend. Contact Thom Spittle by Monday, November 16, 2026, to make your reservation for this important activity. Thom can be reached at 803-331-3344 or via email at [email protected].
Sports and Recreation Division Organizing Meeting
We are excited to reorganize the Sports and Recreation Division of the NFB of SC. After a successful interest meeting, the division will officially reorganize at its organizing meeting on Tuesday, November 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM on Zoom. The Meeting ID is 803 254 3777, and the passcode, if needed, is 124578. You can also join by phone at 929-205-6099 using the Meeting ID above. If you have questions, contact Janice Bright at [email protected] or Marvin Nelson at [email protected]. If sports and recreation are part of the life you want, I hope you will join us and help get this division off to a strong start.
AI Tip or Trick
I observed that Amazon has released some new Echo devices that are specifically for use by individuals using Alexa+. I prompted Claude to identify these devices and provide the pros, cons and cost for each one. Claude produced a clear set of tables that provided this information. What did I do before AI?
Registration Open for 2027 Virtual Senior Retreat
Registration is now open for the 2027 Virtual Senior Retreat, a weeklong experience running January 10–16, 2027. Participants will learn basic nonvisual techniques from experienced blind instructors who serve as role models. The retreat is designed for seniors 50 and older, but younger participants are welcome too. The $50 fee helps cover the cost of a thumb drive each participant receives after the retreat. Your registration and payment must be received by January 5, 2027. You can find details and the registration form at https://seniors.nfb.org/senior-retreat or on the main page of the seniors website, seniors.nfb.org. Please help spread the word to anyone who might benefit.
NFB of SC Dues and Chapter Elections
Chapters should begin collecting dues for 2027 and holding elections from October through December. Please provide Thom Spittle with a list of all dues-paying members by December 31, 2026. As elections are held, provide the results to each of the following:
- Marty McKenzie – [email protected]
- Thom Spittle – [email protected]
- Steve Cook, website – [email protected]
- David Houck – [email protected]
This will greatly assist us with recordkeeping. I appreciate your assistance with this request.
Clarendon Chapter Fundraiser: Christmas Afghan
The Clarendon Chapter of the NFB of SC is selling raffle tickets for a beautiful handcrafted Christmas afghan made by our very own Glenda Culick. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10. The drawing will take place at the Annual Board Retreat on November 21, 2026. The winner will be notified by phone. Tickets are available from any of the following:
- Marty McKenzie – 843-939-8091 or [email protected]
- Glenda Culick – 843-598-3630 or [email protected]
- Trent Tedder – 843-939-8092 or [email protected]
Let’s support one of our smallest chapters.
Emerson Smart Voice Air Fryer Tickets – Belvedere Chapter
The Belvedere Chapter is selling raffle tickets for an Emerson Smart Voice Air Fryer. It does not require Wi-Fi or an app to operate. Tickets are one for $5, three for $10 or eight for $20. The winning ticket will be drawn at the Statewide Seminar on January 9, 2027. You do not need to be present to win. Tickets are available from any of the following:
- Frank Loza – 803-617-8016
- Gerald McMurray – 803-608-9449
- Pathronda Anderson – 803-269-4354
Thank you for your support.
Things to Remember
- Dues and Elections – October 1 through December 31, 2026
- NFB Uber Town Hall – November 17, 2026
- NFB of SC and Rocky Bottom Board Retreat – November 20–22, 2026
- Clarendon Christmas Afghan Drawing – November 21, 2026
- Sports and Recreation Organizing Meeting – November 24, 2026
- Senior Retreat Registration Deadline – January 5, 2027
- Belvedere Chapter Emerson Air Fryer Drawing – January 9, 2027
- Virtual Senior Retreat – January 10–16, 2027
Marty
Marty R. McKenzie, President
National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina
119 S. Kilbourne Road
Columbia, SC 29205
Phone: 803-254-3777
Mobile: 843-939-8091
Website: www.nfbofsc.org
November 8, 2026
Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter and Division Presidents and Others
From: Marty R. McKenzie, President
843-939-8091 [email protected]
Positive Note: 2100
Dear Federation Family,
I returned home on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at approximately 1:30 PM after two back-to-back events at Beach Cove Resort in North Myrtle Beach, SC. On Wednesday, November 4, 2026, I led Fall Procedures for Teachers of the Visually Impaired. In the morning, Drs. Joy Ivester and Sloan Links of the Transition Alliance of South Carolina presented on transition for students with disabilities, and the Successful Transitions team was on hand for their presentation. In the afternoon, Janice Bright and Kacey King presented on the Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) offered through Successful Transitions. Participants gained a great deal of information about transition services in South Carolina and the many resources available to make this process flow smoothly for students.
The annual conference of the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina Chapter (SCAER) followed on November 5–6, 2026. Its theme was “Ready for What’s Next: Building Skills for College, Employment, and Community Success.” The presenters covered transition for almost every possible student and assisted participants with gaining knowledge about what works and what does not. Niki Outen and Allison Kitler from the Commission for the Blind presented “From Eligibility to Employment: Understanding Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision.” This was an informative session that clearly outlined the services available from the Commission and how to access them. Niki Outen and I moderated a panel titled “Transition to Adulthood Panel Discussion.” Panel participants were Kacey King and Kendrick Raley, Successful Transitions Specialists from the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina, and Tracy Spittle along with Nancy Irwin, teachers of the visually impaired. The panelists responded to questions that assisted them with sharing their own transition journeys with the audience.
There were many more presenters and sessions, and it was an outstanding conference. To learn more about SCAER and see the full agenda, visit www.scaer.net.
Uber Town Hall for NFB Members
Uber is holding a town hall for NFB members on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 8:00 PM Eastern on Zoom. Uber representatives will talk about self-identification options, including for guide dog users, new pickup preferences and their accessibility plans for 2027. There will be time for questions, and no registration is required. The Meeting ID is 964 4236 4657, and the passcode is 428723. You can send questions ahead of time to Justin Young at [email protected]. I hope many of you will join and let Uber hear from us.
2026 Voting Survey
If you are a blind or low-vision voter and you voted in the November 3, 2026, general election, the National Federation of the Blind wants to hear about your experience. There is one short survey for in-person voters and another for absentee voters, and both are at www.nfb.org/vote. Please take a few minutes to complete the one that fits how you voted.
Braille Monitor Highlights
It has been some time since I highlighted articles from the Braille Monitor, and that is because I have fallen behind with reading this important publication. Here are articles of significant interest from the August/September 2026 issue of the Braille Monitor. I encourage you to read and learn from our flagship publication.
- The #NFB26 Convention Roundup: Keeping Convention Weird and Resonant – by Chris Danielsen
- The 2026 Presidential Report – by Mark Riccobono
- Resonance, Amplification, and Interplay: The Counterpoint of the Organized Blind Movement – by Mark Riccobono
- Balancing Safety, Autonomy, and Support – by Christine Faltz Grassman, Esq.
- And Then There Were Three: Federation Advocacy Pays Off as States Drop Out of Texas v. Kennedy – by Chris Danielsen
- Federal Court Vacates Department of Education Decision Limiting Randolph-Sheppard Priority for Army Dining Contracts
- National Federation of the Blind Announces Staff Leadership Transition: Anil Lewis to Continue Advancing Opportunities for Blind People in New Executive Leadership Role
NFB of SC and Rocky Bottom Board Retreat
The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina and the Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind will hold their annual board retreat November 20–22, 2026, at Rocky Bottom. Preference is given to board members and their plus-ones, followed by chapter presidents who may wish to attend. Contact Thom Spittle by Monday, November 16, 2026, to make your reservation for this important activity. Thom can be reached at 803-331-3344 or via email at [email protected].
Sports and Recreation Division Organizing Meeting
We are excited to reorganize the Sports and Recreation Division of the NFB of SC. After a successful interest meeting, the division will officially reorganize at its organizing meeting on Tuesday, November 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM on Zoom. The Meeting ID is 803 254 3777, and the passcode, if needed, is 124578. You can also join by phone at 929-205-6099 using the Meeting ID above. If you have questions, contact Janice Bright at [email protected] or Marvin Nelson at [email protected]. If sports and recreation are part of the life you want, I hope you will join us and help get this division off to a strong start.
AI Tip or Trick
I observed that Amazon has released some new Echo devices that are specifically for use by individuals using Alexa+. I prompted Claude to identify these devices and provide the pros, cons and cost for each one. Claude produced a clear set of tables that provided this information. What did I do before AI?
Registration Open for 2027 Virtual Senior Retreat
Registration is now open for the 2027 Virtual Senior Retreat, a weeklong experience running January 10–16, 2027. Participants will learn basic nonvisual techniques from experienced blind instructors who serve as role models. The retreat is designed for seniors 50 and older, but younger participants are welcome too. The $50 fee helps cover the cost of a thumb drive each participant receives after the retreat. Your registration and payment must be received by January 5, 2027. You can find details and the registration form at https://seniors.nfb.org/senior-retreat or on the main page of the seniors website, seniors.nfb.org. Please help spread the word to anyone who might benefit.
NFB of SC Dues and Chapter Elections
Chapters should begin collecting dues for 2027 and holding elections from October through December. Please provide Thom Spittle with a list of all dues-paying members by December 31, 2026. As elections are held, provide the results to each of the following:
- Marty McKenzie – [email protected]
- Thom Spittle – [email protected]
- Steve Cook, website – [email protected]
- David Houck – [email protected]
This will greatly assist us with recordkeeping. I appreciate your assistance with this request.
Clarendon Chapter Fundraiser: Christmas Afghan
The Clarendon Chapter of the NFB of SC is selling raffle tickets for a beautiful handcrafted Christmas afghan made by our very own Glenda Culick. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10. The drawing will take place at the Annual Board Retreat on November 21, 2026. The winner will be notified by phone. Tickets are available from any of the following:
- Marty McKenzie – 843-939-8091 or [email protected]
- Glenda Culick – 843-598-3630 or [email protected]
- Trent Tedder – 843-939-8092 or [email protected]
Let’s support one of our smallest chapters.
Emerson Smart Voice Air Fryer Tickets – Belvedere Chapter
The Belvedere Chapter is selling raffle tickets for an Emerson Smart Voice Air Fryer. It does not require Wi-Fi or an app to operate. Tickets are one for $5, three for $10 or eight for $20. The winning ticket will be drawn at the Statewide Seminar on January 9, 2027. You do not need to be present to win. Tickets are available from any of the following:
- Frank Loza – 803-617-8016
- Gerald McMurray – 803-608-9449
- Pathronda Anderson – 803-269-4354
Thank you for your support.
Things to Remember
- Dues and Elections – October 1 through December 31, 2026
- NFB Uber Town Hall – November 17, 2026
- NFB of SC and Rocky Bottom Board Retreat – November 20–22, 2026
- Clarendon Christmas Afghan Drawing – November 21, 2026
- Sports and Recreation Organizing Meeting – November 24, 2026
- Senior Retreat Registration Deadline – January 5, 2027
- Belvedere Chapter Emerson Air Fryer Drawing – January 9, 2027
- Virtual Senior Retreat – January 10–16, 2027
Marty
Marty R. McKenzie, President
National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina
119 S. Kilbourne Road
Columbia, SC 29205
Phone: 803-254-3777
Mobile: 843-939-8091
Website: www.nfbofsc.org