[Centralok] Fwd: 2016 NFBOK Convention

[Audrey T. Farnum]

Hello everyone.

Please read below for the full agenda for the upcoming 2016 state 
convention. Have a great week.

Regards,
Audrey T. Farnum



Hello all!

Below and attached, please find the finalized agenda for our upcoming 
convention. Please register, if you have not already done so, ASAP! 
Instructions for registering and paying or registering only are in the 
agenda. Hope to see you there!

Warm regards,

Jeannie

Jeannie M. Massay, President

National Federation of theBlind

Of Oklahoma

505 Baker Street

Norman, OK 73072

Phone: 405-600-0695

Jeannie.massay at nfbok.org <mailto:Jeannie.massay at nfbok.org>

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the 
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day, we raise 
expectations of the blind because low expectations create obstacles 
between blind people and our dreams. Blindness is not what holds you 
back. You can live the life you want.!.

“Whatever you dare to dream, begin.” – Goethe

NFBOK Logo RGB Rect - no tagline

*2016 National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma Convention*

*March 31^–April 3, 2016***

**

****

**

*The National Federation of the Blind 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.*

*The Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind of 
Oklahoma welcome you to our 42^nd Annual convention!*

**

*Jeannie Massay, President*

*Audrey T. Farnum, 1^st Vice President *

*Rex Schuttler, 2^nd Vice President *

*Glenda Farnum, Treasurer*

*Jedi Moerke, Secretary *

*Cammie Loehr, Board Member*

*Mike Harvey, Board Member*

*Mike Floyd, Board Member *

**

*The mission of the National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma is to 
seek equality, education and employment for all blind people in 
Oklahoma.  We offer public education about blindness, serve as a source 
of information and referral, provide literature and publications about 
blindness, share information about and demonstrate assistive technology 
and other adaptive equipment for the blind, participate in advocacy 
efforts in the protection of civil rights, and offer support for blind 
persons and their families.  Our members are blind children and their 
parents, blind students from high school to college, adults and 
seniors.    We wholeheartedly believe that blindness is not the 
characteristic that defines anyone or their future. Every day we raise 
expectations of the blind because low expectations create obstacles 
between blind people and our dreams.  Blindness is not what holds us 
back.  We are living the lives that we want! *

**

**

*Keynote Speaker & National Representative*

*Ever Lee Hairston*

**

Ever Lee Hairston**

**

*This year we are thrilled to have Ever Lee Hairston serve as our 
national representative and keynote speaker. Ms. Hairston is a dynamic 
and charismatic woman, a published author and a person whose story you 
will want to hear. A bit about Ever Lee:*

**

*Mentor, Advocate, Motivational Speaker*

*Born to Arizona and Clarence Hairston on the Coolemee plantation in 
Mocksville, North Carolina, Ever Lee is the third of seven children. She 
grew up and attended schools in the segregated South. **“**I felt like a 
second-class citizen, using hand-me-down books in school; and, due to 
unexplained vision problems, I had to struggle to read from the bulletin 
board,**”**Ever Lee noted. In spite of the challenges of growing up in 
the segregated South and continuing visual problems, Ever Lee had a 
strong desire to become a nurse. Ever Lee**’**s parents simply could not 
afford to send her to college; so after high school, Ever Lee went to 
New York City to earn money for college by working as a live-in maid. 
She returned to North Carolina at the end of the summer anxious to 
pursue a nursing career. However, she failed the required eye 
examination and was told that she would not be suitable for admission to 
Duke University Nursing School. **“**I was heartbroken but refused to be 
defeated,**”**she said. She was accepted at North Carolina Central 
University, where she earned a teaching degree.*

*After graduating from North Carolina Central, Ever Lee taught high 
school business courses in New Jersey. While working as a high school 
teacher in New Jersey, Ever Lee**’**s eyesight continued to deteriorate. 
She finally sought answers and medical care. Ever Lee, along with three 
siblings, were diagnosed with a genetic eye disease, retinitis 
pigmentosa (RP). And, four years after starting a challenging teaching 
career, Ever Lee was forced to resign from her position because of her 
impending blindness.*

*At the age of twenty-nine, facing total blindness, with a failed 
marriage, a child to raise alone, and uncertainty about future 
employment, Ever Lee admitted to being devastated and feeling sorry for 
herself. However, she held on to the hope that a better way of life was 
in store for her. Ever Lee admits to believing in the old adage that 
**“**When God closes a door, He opens a window.**”**She began looking 
for the window.*

*After inventorying her strengths, she stepped through a window of 
opportunity at New Jersey**’**s Rutgers University, where she took 
graduate courses in counseling. In 1983 she landed a Counselor Trainee 
position with the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services. 
But, as Ever Lee explains it, **“**With no blindness skills, I was 
faking my way through.**”**She notes that she relied heavily on sighted 
people to read to her and to act as guides.*

*In 1987 Ever Lee was invited to a NFB convention in Phoenix, Arizona. 
At first she made excuses because she was afraid of requesting the time 
off from her job. The most profound experience, as Ever Lee explains it, 
came when she started through the registration line. She remembers being 
asked, "Would you like a Braille or print agenda?" She could no longer 
read print and did not know Braille. It was then, according to Ever Lee, 
that a light bulb went off. She talked to as many people as she could at 
that convention in Phoenix, Arizona, and learned about the NFB centers. 
 From then until 1990 she continued to function without blindness skills 
but worked on a plan to get to Louisiana where she could be trained.*

*Ever Lee attended the Louisiana Center for the Blind from October 1990 
until April 1991. She learned to read Braille, mastered cane travel and 
independent living skills, and learned to utilize adaptive technology. 
She returned to New Jersey, after the Freedom Bell rang for her at the 
Louisiana Center, with a confidence she never had before, integrating 
blindness skills into her everyday life.*

*Ever Lee credits her training at the Louisiana Center for the Blind 
with enabling her to succeed at her chosen career. After twenty-six 
years holding many successive positions with the Department of Health 
and Human Services, Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program in 
New Jersey, Ever Lee retired from the position of program director in 2006.*

**

*In July of 2006 she moved to California. She continues to devote 
tireless hours mentoring and advocating for the blind, as well as 
delivering inspiring speeches to blind and visually impaired audiences 
and educating the sighted public about blindness. Ever Lee is blessed 
with one son, Victor; a wonderful daughter-in-law, Brenda; and three 
energetic grandchildren: Briana, Kendall, and Jasmine. She enjoys 
traveling, reading a good novel, and spending time with family*****

*Most recently, Ever Lee has authored and published a book titled 
/_Blind Ambition: One Woman_/**/_’_/**/_s Journey to greatness despite 
her blindness_/*

*/__/*

*/__/*

**

*NFB of Oklahoma wishes to recognize NanoPac for supporting our 
convention as a Silver Level Sponsor. Be sure to visit their booth in 
the Exhibit Hall on Friday, April 1st.*

**

*NanoPac, Inc.*

*4823 South Sheridan Road, Suite 302*

*Tulsa, OK 74145-5717*

*Phone: 918-665-0329*

*Fax:     918-665-0361*

*Technical Support:  800-580-6086*

*TTY: 918-665-2310*

*Email: info at nanopac.com *

*Web Site: www.nanopac.com/_
_/*

*Holiday Inn  - City Centre *

*17 West 7^th *

*Tulsa, Ok 74119*

*918-585-5898*

*www.holidayinn.com/tulsda-cc* <http://www.holidayinn.com/tulsda-cc>**

**

*The rate for the hotel this year is a fantastic $89.00 for singles or 
doubles.  All applicable taxes apply.  Each attendee must make their own 
hotel reservations.*

*__*

*_Convention Rates and Packages: _*

*__*

*_Convention Package $95.00 _*

*Includes Registration, Boxed lunch for Friday and Saturday, 1 Banquet 
meal for Saturday evening. *

*__*

*_Ala Carte Pricing_*

*Registration - $25.00 *

*Boxed Lunch (Available Friday and Saturday) - $20 each *

*Banquet Meal - $40.00 *

**If you require specialized meal ACCOMODATIONS, please indicate so on 
your registration. *

**

*You may register and pay online using a Credit card or Pay Pal 
account.  If you prefer to register online and mail a check or pay at 
the door with a check or cash, you may do so at the same link.  Our 
awesome Webmaster (1^st Vice President, Audrey Farnum) has completely 
redesigned our website and has worked very hard to make this happen for 
us!   Go to this link to register online: 
**http://nfbok.org/state-convention/***

*Any questions about registration should be  directed to Glenda Farnum, 
Treasurer, at 405-255-6482 or by e-mail at **treasurer at nfbok.org* 
<mailto:treasurer at nfbok.org>**

*If you are a student and plan on attending the Student Seminar 
Sessions, please contact Cammie Loehr , President of the Oklahoma 
Association of Blind Students at **cammieloehr767 at gmail.com* 
<mailto:cammieloehr767 at gmail.com>*  or by phone at 580-678-8222. *

**

*
*

**

*_Convention Activities _*

**

*_Thursday, March 31, 2016 _*

**

*7:00-8:30   Registration *

**

*6:00 -10:00           Federation Family Gatherings *

**

*Informal gatherings and fellowship  for students, and anyone else 
wanting to have a good time together before we get down to business. 
More information will be forthcoming regarding specific times and 
locations. *

**

*_Friday, April 1, 2016 _*

*__*

*8:00-9:00 Registration *

**

*9:00 **–**10:00         NFB of Ok Board meeting *

**

*Open to all convention attendees. *

**

*10:00- 11:00        Resolutions Committee Meeting, Mike Harvey, Chair *

**

*Any member may submit, at least 2 weeks in advance of the convention, a 
resolution which may be considered by the Committee. All members are 
encouraged to attend as this is where you will learn about the 
resolutions for this year. Resolutions which pass the committee will 
then be voted on by the membership at the annual business meeting on 
Sunday, April 3^rd .  Resolutions are considered to be the policy of our 
organization. *

*Resolutions for consideration may be sent to Mike Harvey at 
**mike.harvey149 at gmail.com* <mailto:mike.harvey149 at gmail.com>**

**

*The Exhibit Hall will be open from 10:00 to 8:00. (Friday ONLY)The 
Exhibit Hall is located in the Cimarron Room B. *

*__*

*_Raising Expectations _*

*A day of seminars for all blind Oklahomans, their friends and family 
members relating to the development of blindness skills and the 
achievement of independence.  How to live the life you want!*

*11:15-12:30 Session 1 rotation *

**

*1. _Student Seminar: Self-Advocacy Terrace Room A_*

**

*2. **_Cane Travel – Cimarron Room A_***

* Professional Orientation & Mobility Instructors will be on hand to 
dynamically teach participants the basics of using a long white cane to 
navigate the world as a blind person. Led by Jedi Moerke, Mike Harvey, 
and others. *

**

*3.**_Tech Talk & Demonstrations- Terrace Room B_*

*Do you have a Love/ Hate relationship with your technology? This 
seminar is for beginners to those who are tech savvy.  Bring questions 
about the technology that you depend on.  Hopefully, we can provide the 
answers. Led by Audrey Farnum. *

*12:30 **–**1:30         Lunch *

**

*1:30- 2:45 Session 2 rotation *

**

*1_. Student Seminar _**_–_**_Technology Matters - Terrace Room A_*

**

*2. _Why I am a Federationist!- Cimarron _ _Room A_ *

*Discussion of what the National Federation of the Blind is and why 
members on this panel got involved and remain so. *

**

*3. _Seniors successfully living with blindness- Terrace Room B_*

*Discussion about blindness for seniors along with their family and 
friends. Living the life you want with blindness. Discussion led by Mike 
Floyd *

**

*3:00-4:15 Session 3 rotation *

**

*1. _Student Seminar_ – Terrace Room A*

*__*

*_2. _**_Obtaining & Retaining the job - Cimarron Room A_*

**

*Are you looking for a job? Want to excel at the one you have? This 
session is for you! Interactive presentation led by Buna Dahal, 
Employment Specialist and Motivational Speaker *

**

*3. **_Cane Travel-Terrace Room B _**- Professional Orientation & 
Mobility Instructors will be on hand to dynamically teach participants 
the basics of using a long white cane to navigate the world as a blind 
person. Led by Jedi Moerke, Mike Harvey, and others.*

**

*4:15 -6:30  Dinner Break **–**Dinner on your own. Restaurant menus are 
available in Braille and Large-print. Local restaurants are happy to 
serve you as well! Enjoy! Fuel up and get ready to finish out the day!*

**

*5:30-6:30 Fencing demonstration – Cimarron Room A*

*Hosted by the Oklahoma Sports & Recreation Division *

**

*6:30-8:00   Session 4 rotation *

**

*1. _Student Seminar_ Terrace Room A*

**

*2. **_Tech Talk & Demonstrations – TerraceRoom B _*

*Do you have a Love/ Hate relationship with your technology? This 
seminar is for beginners to those who are tech savvy.  Bring questions 
about the technology that you depend on.  Hopefully, we can provide the 
answers. Led by Audrey Farnum.*

**

*3.**_The Working Blind_**-A panel discussion with employed individuals 
who happen to be blind.  Panelists from a variety of interests and jobs 
will speak about their jobs and the skills that they use daily to bring 
home their pay! Moderated by Buna Dahal *

**

*8:30-10:00 Activities *

**

*_1. Student Seminar - _**_Confidence Building (Open to all seminar and 
convention attendees!)-Terrace Room A_*

*Activities include but are not limited to: How to find your seat in a 
large room, lighting candles and Using power tools.*

*_2. Meet & mingle/ Game night, Cimarron Room A_*

**

*3. _NFB of Oklahoma  Sports & Rec. Division Meeting, Terrace  Room A_*

*__*

*_Saturday, April 2, 2016 _*

*__*

*8:00 Registration *

**

*9:00              Call to order,        Welcome and Introductions , 
Jeannie Massay, President, National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma*

**

*9:10 Invocation , Marc Freiden, Treasurer, T-Town Chapter, National 
Federation of the  Blind of Oklahoma *

**

*9:15             The Honorable Kevin Matthews, Senator, State of 
Oklahoma, District 11*

**

*9:25 Sgt. William Barnes, USA RET., Veterans & Military Representative, 
Congressman Markwayne Mullin *

**

*9:35 The Honorable Mary Fallin, Governor, State of Oklahoma *

**

*9:45 National Report, Ever Lee Hairston, Member, Board of Directors, 
National Federation of the Blind*

**

*10:35 PAC Plan, OK PAC & Live the Life You Want Fund updates, Glenda 
Farnum, Treasurer, National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma *

**

*10:40 **Update on services and programs, Doug Boone, Division 
Administrator, Visual  Services, Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation *

**

*11:10 **OLBPH, Services from your Library, , Kevin Trease, Director, 
Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped*

**

*11:35 **Adult Independent Living and Senior Programs at our Centers, 
Julie Deedan, Director, Colorado Center for the Blind *

**

*12:00 Adjourn for Lunch – Grab your Boxed lunch, go to your Division 
meeting or hang out!*

**

*12:15-1:45 Oklahoma Association of Blind Merchants Division Meeting, 
Room   TBD*

**

**

*12:15-1:45 Oklahoma Association of Blind Students Division Meeting. 
Room TBD *

**

*2:00 **Vision, possibility and noble living, Buna Dahal Entrepreneur 
and Motivational Speaker *

**

*2:50 KNFB Reader Mobile App.: Access print wherever you’re at, Tiffany 
Dugan, NFBOK KNFB Reader Coordinator*

**

*3:05 BELL Academy: Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning, Audrey 
T. Farnum, 1^st Vice President, NFBOK, BELL Co-Chair *

**

*3:20 The ABLE Tech Programs and the transition to UEB in Oklahoma 
Public Schools, Kimberly Berry, Oklahoma ABLE Tech*

**

*3:40 Adolescent and youth programs for the blind, Eric Guillory, 
Director of Youth Services, Louisiana Center for the Blind *

**

*4:05 Beyond K-12: College Prep. Programs at our Centers, Dan Burke, 
Public Relations Specialist, Colorado Center for the Blind *

**

*4:30 Preparing for life; Graduating from an Adult Training Center, 
Cammie Loehr, President, Oklahoma Association of Blind Students *

**

*4:45              Closing remarks, Jeannie Massay, President, National 
Federation of the Blind  of Oklahoma *

**

*5:00              Adjourn *

**

*5:15              Nominating Committee, Audrey T. Farnum, Chair,  
Meeting location TBD*

**

*7:00              Banquet and keynote address featuring Ever Lee 
Hairston, Member, Board of Directors, National Federation of the Blind*

**

*_Sunday, April 2, 2016_*

*__*

*9:30-12:00            Annual Business Meeting *

**

*9:30 NFBOK Presidents report, Jeannie Massay, President, National 
Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma *

**

*9;50 NFBOK Treasurer’s Report, Glenda Farnum, Treasurer, National 
Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma*

*10:10                       Chapter Reports by Chapter *

**

*10:50 Resolutions Committee Report to the Membership*

**

*11:50                       Nominating Committee Report & Elections *

**

*12:00                       Adjourn *

**

*_Convention Committee _*

*Mike Floyd, Chair; Glenda Farnum; Rex Schuttler; Cammie Loehr; Jedi 
Moerke; Audrey Farnum; Jeannie Massay**__*

*__*

*Thank you for your attendance and participation in this weekend’s 
activities. By doing so you are helping others to come to the 
understanding that blindness is not the characteristic that defines them 
or their future because you are choosing to not let blindness hold you 
back! **Together with love, hope and determination, we transform dreams 
into reality! *

**

*I am filled with hope, energy and love by participating in the National 
Federation of the Blind because my expectations are raised, my 
contributions make a difference to me and to others, and I can celebrate 
the realization of my dreams with my Federation family**. Thank you for 
allowing me and your Affiliate Board to serve you in the past year. We 
will work together to earn your support and trust as we lead the 
National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma boldly into the future. *

**

*Warmly, and with love,*

**

*Jeannie Massay, President, NFB of Oklahoma *

**

*Let’s go build the Federation! *

**

*Registration Packet Pick Up - Your registration packet contains a name 
badge. We will be recycling name badge holders and will have a drop off 
box available to collect the name badge holders.*

**

*Meal Tickets - Friday Lunch: color-yellow, shape-round, location-bottom 
left*

*Saturday Lunch: color-pink, shape-rectangle, location bottom right*

*Banquet: color-orange, shape-rectangle, location bottom middle*

*Meal tickets will be required to receive box lunches and to attend the 
banquet.*

**

*_Hospitality Suite_***

**

*The Hospitality Suite is located in Room 1407. *

*The T-Town Chapter is graciously hosting our convention this year. Many 
of the T-Town members have put in serious effort to making this a great 
convention for each of us. You will find light snacks and beverages from 
7:30 AM-10:00 PM, before, between and after sessions, and in the 
evening.  Beverages graciously and thankfully donated by Rhonda Hudson, 
Member, Oklahoma Asssociation of Blind Merchants. *

*
*

**

*_Sponsors, Exhibits & other Donations_*

*__*

*Thanks to all of our sponsors, exhibitor’s and door prize donors. Your 
support of our convention is much appreciated. *

**

*Silver Level Sponsor- *

NanoPac, Inc.

4823 South Sheridan Road, Suite 302

Tulsa, OK 74145-5717

Phone: 918-665-0329

Fax:     918-665-0361

Technical Support:  800-580-6086

TTY: 918-665-2310

Email: info at nanopac.com

Web Site: www.nanopac.com <http://www.nanopac.com>

**

*_Exhibitors_*

·*Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped*

·*Precision Optical*

·*ABLE Tech*

·*New View Oklahoma*

·*NFB of Oklahoma*

**

*Other Contributors*

**

*Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, Division of Visual 
Services*



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