[Colorado-Talk] National Federation of the Blind of Colorado welcomes nationally regarded speaker Anil Lewis to annual statewide convention

[kevan nfbco.org]

For immediate release

National Federation of the Blind of Colorado announces prominent blindness education and public policy expert Anil Lewis to speak at statewide convention.
October 30 through November 2
Westin Westminster
10600 Westminster Blvd, Westminster, CO 80020

Long-time director of the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Research and Training Center. Anil Lewis is known for his ability to connect with blind, low vision, and non-blind audiences wherever he speaks. For more than 25 years, Mr. Lewis has been regarded as a true thought leader and champion for the rights of blind Americans. He is known for his wit and wisdom. According to Jessica Beecham, President National Federation of the Blind of Colorado, "we always have incredible presenters at our National Federation of the Blind of Colorado annual state convention. This year, we are extremely honored to feature a man of extraordinary capacity. People always come away feeling touched and invigorated by Mr. Lewis's humor and humanity.  I serve on our National Board of Directors, and I feel honored to work with my friend Anil on a regular basis." Anil will be providing convention attendees a report detailing the programs, perspectives, struggles, and successes of the organized blind movement on Saturday morning.

On Saturday evening, Anil will deliver they keynote address at the annual banquet. "Members and guests always come away from Anil's banquet remarks feeling inspired and joyful. I've heard this man speak many times. I'm always filled with the laughter and motivation I get when I listen to Anil's perspectives on blindness and his personal story," Said Julie Deden, executive director, Colorado Center for the Blind.

Anil Lewis was born in 1964 in Atlanta, Georgia. He is the third of four children. Both his older brother and older sister became legally blind at an early age from retinitis pigmentosa. Lewis was originally labeled educably mentally retarded but eventually became the first member of his family to graduate from college.

Currently employed as the executive director for Blindness Initiatives for the National Federation of the Blind, located in Baltimore, Maryland, he coordinates outreach, marketing, and fundraising activities for a national nonprofit organization. He leads a dynamic team of individuals responsible for the creation, development, implementation, and replication of innovative projects and programs throughout a nationwide network of affiliates that work to positively affect the education, employment, and quality of life of all blind people.

As the director of Advocacy and Policy for the NFB, Lewis was responsible for a variety of public policy and strategic programs. Most notably, he was the legislative lead of the NFB's efforts to repeal Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, an obsolete provision that allows employers to pay workers with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage. As the director of Strategic Communications for the NFB, Lewis coordinated the public relations campaign for the NFB's Blind Driver Challenge(tm), an innovative research project to develop nonvisual access technology that made it possible for a blind person to safely and independently operate an automobile.

The convention activities at the Westin Westminster Hotel begin on Thursday afternoon, October 30, and conclude following the Sunday morning organizational business meeting. Throughout the weekend, there will be a number of social activities, breakout discussion sessions, and webinars. This year's convention will feature a number of program items highlighting the blind in the recording industry, production, songwriting, promotion, and marketing in the area of performing arts. For more information about the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado and the state convention, visit www.nfbco.org<http://www.nfbco.org>.


Book your group rate for National Federation of the Blind of Colorado<https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1740775326672&key=GRP&guestreslink2=true&app=resvlink>

Please note the deadline for hotel reservations is September 26th. Room rates are only $125 per night plus 11.5% tax.
Pre-registration fees:  BEFORE October 15
$35 registration
$35 Saturday luncheon
$55 Saturday banquet

Total:  $125.00

Registration fees:  AFTER October 15
$40 registration
$40 Saturday luncheon
$75 Saturday banquet

Total:  $155.00.  You save $30 by pre-registering, and you are guaranteed those meals that you register for. Folks who register at the door are not guaranteed the same meals as those who pre-registered.

Attendees click here to register<https://nfbco.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=4>

At your service,
Kevan Worley
303-929-2369
Manager Project Literacy, National Federation of the Blind of Colorado
The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.
Colorado Center for the Blind believes when you believe in yourself and experience a thriving community of positive blind people, nothing can hold you back from pursuing your dreams.

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