[Mdabs] Convention Agenda and Parking Reminder
nfbmd
nfbmd at earthlink.net
Mon Oct 24 17:46:47 UTC 2016
Hello all,
In a few short days we will be celebrating at our Golden Anniversary
Convention. I hope that anyone driving to the convention has reserved their
parking space. The parking at our hotel is very limited and expensive. You
should register for discount parking either at Arena Parking at 99 S Howard
St, Baltimore or the Redwood Street Garage at 11 S Eutaw St, Baltimore, MD
21201. Please use the links below to pre-purchase discounted parking.
Daily parking at the Arena Garage:
http://baltimoreparking.com/parking-lot/arena-garage-parking-99-s-howard-st/
Promo code arenanfbmd16 to reduce each day down to $10 + fees.
Daily parking at the Redwood Garage:
http://baltimoreparking.com/parking-lot/redwood-street-garage-parking/
Promo code redwoodnfbmd16 to reduce each day down to $10 + fees.
The agenda can be viewed by going to www.nfbmd.org <http://www.nfbmd.org>
for your convenience I am pasting it below and also attaching it.
See you on Friday!
Sharon Maneki, President
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
410-715-9596
Agenda
50th Anniversary
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
Live the life you want.
Fiftieth Annual Convention
Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards
110 South Eutaw Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
Friday, October 28 – Sunday, October 30, 2016
Celebrating 50 years of progress as we design the future!
Sharon Maneki, President
9013 Nelson Way
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 715-9596
nfbmd at earthlink.net
www.nfbmd.org
National Representative:
Gary Wunder
Editor, The Braille Monitor
President, National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
Greetings from the Officers and Board of Directors:
Officers:
Sharon Maneki, President, Columbia
Deborah Brown, First Vice President, Rockville
Jesse Hartle, Second Vice President, Lutherville
Judy Rasmussen, Secretary, Kensington
Shawn Jacobson, Treasurer, Olney
Board of Directors:
Darlene Barrett, Columbia
Michelle Clark, Springdale
Melissa Lomax, Gwynn Oak
Maurice Peret, Baltimore
Melissa Riccobono, Baltimore
Marguerite Woods, Baltimore
Transcriber’s note: In the print addition, on this page, there is a graphic
image consisting of eight Lego pieces snapped together to form a circle.
Each of these pieces are labeled with one of the following words:
Leadership, Motivation, Teamwork, Goal, Management, Vision, Strategy,
Challenges
Our Credo
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 National Federation of the Blind Pledge:
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation
of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind;
to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its
Constitution.
LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT
Lyrics copied from October 2015 Presidential Release.
Chorus: Live the life you want. Nobody can stop you.
Shoot for the sun and break on through.
So you're blind. You'll be fine. We've got good news!
You can live the life you want. Yes, we know the truth.
Grab a cane, get trained, gotta get movin'.
Make a change in the wage, that's what we're doin'.
Come with me, yeah
Chorus
You and me, NFB, let's dream together.
NFB, you and me, lives on forever.
You will see yeah
Chorus
You can live the life you want. You’ll know the truth.
About the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland (NFBMD), an affiliate of
the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), is an organization of blind
people and their friends. We believe in the full capacity of blind people;
we have the power, influence, diversity and determination to help transform
our dreams into reality. Our members work together for a brighter tomorrow
by raising the expectations for blind people everywhere so that blind
persons can live the life they want.
Who We Are
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is a 501c(3) nonprofit made
up of blind people of all ages, their families and friends. Our strong local
chapters and divisions, and well-trained leaders help newly blind people
adjust to vision loss, and promote the full participation and integration of
blind people in our communities. We bring our collective experiences
together to effect change at the state and national level.
What We Do
• Assist blind persons to acquire the skills of independence
• Help blind persons to develop confidence in themselves through
our many service activities
• Teach blind persons the skills of leadership through active
participation in conventions, chapter meetings, and civic activities
• Encourage blind seniors to continue their active and
meaningful lifestyles
• Prepare blind students for productive tax-paying careers
through academic and training scholarships
• Inform people with diabetes about their options for coping
with vision loss
• Support parents and friends of blind children with information
about the capabilities of the blind
• Protect and promote the civil rights of blind persons through
public education and legislative action
• Advocate for policies that eliminate discrimination and
guarantee equal access to educational programs and high quality
rehabilitation
• Educate the public through seminars, community activities and
our publications
NFB HOTLINE FOR BLIND AND LOW VISION VOTERS
The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) requires that every polling place have at
least one accessible voting machine available for every federal election so
voters with disabilities can cast a private and independent ballot. To help
ensure that blind and low vision voters are not denied this right, the
National Federation of the Blind will host an Election Day hotline that
blind and visually impaired voters, poll workers, and voting rights
advocates can call when problems with accessible voting technology or other
barriers are preventing a blind voter from casting a private and independent
ballot.
The hotline will be available on November 8, 2016, by calling 1-877-632-1940
from 7 a.m. EST to 7 p.m. PST. Individuals who have experience in the
operation of accessible voting technology will be manning the hotline to
provide assistance to blind voters, election officials, and voting rights
advocates.
Following the November 8th elections, the NFB will conduct an online survey
to determine the experience of blind voters. A link to the online survey
will be available from the NFB home page following the election.
Questions about the blind voter hotline or the blind voter survey may be
directed to Charles Brown by e-mail at cbrown at nfb.org or by phone at
410-659-9314, extension 2224; or Lou Ann Blake, by e-mail at lblake at nfb.org
or by phone at 410-659-9314, extension 2221.
Be sure to make your voice heard by exercising your right to vote!
Transcriber’s note: On this page, there are two graphic images. The first
image depicts, from left to right, an elephant and a donkey. The second
image contains a box with a check mark, below it is the label “Election
2016.” A partial view of the American flag is visible above and behind the
checked box.
Chapters and Divisions of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
At Large Chapter
Marguerite Woods, President, (443) 271-1668, mwoods719 at gmail.com
Monthly meetings third Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. via phone (641) 715-3272 and
access code is 720125
Baltimore County Chapter
Ruth Sager, President, (410) 602-9030, rsager78 at gmail.com
Monthly meetings fourth Wednesday in Pikesville, MD
Central Maryland Chapter
Darlene Barrett, President, (410) 997-9664, chicagirl3 at verizon.net
Monthly meetings first Tuesday in Columbia, MD
Delmarva Chapter
Patricia Behr, President, (410) 603-3857
Monthly meetings second Saturday in Salisbury, MD
Greater Baltimore Chapter
Ellen Ringlein, President, 443-516-7855, greaterbaltimore at nfbmd.org
Monthly meetings third Saturday in Baltimore, MD
Greater Carroll County Chapter
Brian Keseling, President, (410) 855-5605, bkmaverick at gmail.com
Meetings are the first Saturday in Westminster, MD
Greater Cumberland Chapter
Jean Faulkner, President, (301) 729-8942
Monthly meetings third Thursday of the month in Cumberland, MD
Maryland Association of Blind Students
Chris Nusbaum, President, (443) 547-2409, mdabs at nfbmd.org
Holds periodic meetings throughout the year.
Maryland Parents of Blind Children
Melissa Riccobono, President, (443) 708-3663, mdpobc at nfbmd.org
Holds a holiday party, family picnic and conducts at least one seminar
during the year.
National Harbor Chapter
Michelle Clark, President, (301) 583-8585, mcikeyc at aol.com
Monthly meetings fourth Saturday in Suitland, MD
Senior Issues Division
Ruth Sager, President, (410) 602-9030, rsager78 at gmail.com
Holds conference calls at 10:00 a.m., second Monday of each month.
Sligo Creek Chapter
Debbie Brown, President, (301) 881-1892, Deborahb14 at verizon.net
Monthly meetings second Saturday primarily in Silver Spring, MD
TLC Chapter
Latonya Phipps, (443) 465-8761, phippslatonya at gmail.com
Meetings third Thursday in Towson, MD
Stay Connected and Informed:
Please follow the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland on Twitter!
Visit www.twitter.com/NFBMD to receive affiliate news and updates.
Friend the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblindofmaryland.
Stay connected with your fellow Maryland Federationists by joining our state
email listserv. This list allows you to receive affiliate and national
announcements, and also to start and participate in discussions regarding
blindness and blindness issues. To sign up visit www.nfbnet.org, click on
“join or drop NFB mailing lists,” and activate “NFBMD” link, and follow the
instructions. Many of our local chapters now also have listserv. Talk to
your chapter president to learn how to sign up so you don’t miss important
information about chapter news and events.
Visit our website at www.nfbmd.org. Check out our blog for the President’s
Messages. We welcome blogposts from all of our members. Be sure to check
out the Blindness Resources link and the Know Your Rights link to keep up to
date on important information. Be sure to download and print About NFBMD,
in the About Us tab on www.nfbmd.org, for use at chapter outreach events.
BRAILLE SPECTATOR
The Braille Spectator is published for members of the National Federation of
the Blind of Maryland and others who share an interest in the work of this
organization. The Braille Spectator can be read on the web at
www.nfbmd.org/newsletter or can be listened to on the local channel of
NFB-Newsline.
Transcriber’s note: On this page, there is a graphic image containing icons
for: an iPhone, a laptop, internet, Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, and
E-mail.
Committees of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
Ambassadors Committee
Judy Rasmussen, Chairman
Anna Freysz Cable Award Committee
Debbie Brown, Chairman
Convention Child Care Committee
Melissa Riccobono and Rontavia Turner, Co-Chairmen
Convention Registration Committee
Marie Marucci, Chairman
Convention Sponsorship/Exhibit Hall Committee
Melissa Riccobono, Chairman
Deaf-Blind and Hearing Loss Issues Committee
Janice Toothman, Chairman
Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award Committee
Carlton Walker, Chairman
Door Prize Committee
Darlene Barrett, Chairman
Federal Legislation Committee
Jesse Hartle, Chairman
Gold Cup Crab Race Committee
Danielle Trevino, Chairman
Jennifer Baker Award Committee
Susan Baker, Chairman
Kenneth Jernigan Award Committee
Dr. Marc Maurer, Chairman
Membership Committee
Ronza Othman, Chairman
Nomination Committee
Ellen Ringlein, Chairman
PAC Plan Committee
John G. Paré Jr., Chairman
Resolutions Committee
Parnell Diggs, Chairman
Spanish Translation Committee
Gabe Cazares, Chairman
Scholarship Committee
Jesse Hartle, Chairman
National Funding Support Auction Committee
Michael Bullis, Chairman
Youth Activity Committee
Melissa Lomax, Chairman
Webmaster
Steve Brand
__________________________________________________________________
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Registration
Registration and packet pickup for the Convention will be held outside the
Grand Foyer on Friday 1:30-6:00 p.m.; on Saturday, registration will be in
the Grand Foyer from 8:00 a.m.-8:40 a.m. and 12:00 noon to 12:15 p.m.; and
on Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m.
Registration fee: $25.00
Banquet: $45.00 per person
Senior Issues Division & Parents Division Luncheons: $25 per
person
Banquet Ticket Exchange, Saturday 1:20-2:00 p.m. in the Grand Foyer. Turn
in banquet tickets to reserve seating at a specific table. Banquet Ticket
Exchange is necessitated by the large number of persons attending the
banquet.
All persons taking advantage of the reduced room rates offered by Baltimore
Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards for this convention are required to
register with the convention and to pay the registration fee of $25.00.
Door Prizes
Darlene Barrett is the chairman of the Door Prize Committee. Many of you
have been hard at work gathering fabulous door prizes for this convention.
Please turn in your door prizes to Darlene as soon as possible. You must be
registered for the Convention and present when your name is called in order
to win a door prize. Door prizes will be awarded during the general
sessions on Saturday and Sunday and during the convention banquet.
Fun with Friends Convention Child Care Activities
All child care (for children ages 6 weeks to 9 years) will take place in the
Promenade Room. Hours are: Friday 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Saturday 8:30
a.m.-5:00 p.m. and 6:30-10:00 p.m. (lunch and dinner will be provided).
Parents should contact Melissa Riccobono for details.
Hotel Check Out and Luggage Handling
On Sunday, you must check out of your room before 12:00 noon.
If you are leaving the Marriott by NFB of Maryland bus, please bring your
luggage to the Chesapeake Room between 7:30 and 9 a.m. Sunday, where it will
be tagged and held for storage until 12:00 noon when bus will be loaded.
Please be sure that your luggage is clearly labeled with your name, address
and telephone number.
STRIVE
Lyrics by Barbara Elliott
Sometimes people tell me blind people should be quiet and sit down
But I say "No!" I say "No!" I say "No."
They contend that I should be content to let others lead me around,
But I say "No!" I say "No!" I say "No."
Everybody needs somebody to help sometimes, but I'm in charge of me,
CHORUS: I've gotta strive, strive, strive a little farther,
Reach, reach, reach a little longer,
Work, work, work a little harder,
Hope, hope, hope a little stronger.
Watch me, watch me, watch me.
Nothin's gonna stop me, stop me, stop me.
I'm spreading my wings, soaring on a dream,
I can do anything!
I gotta be brave even when I'm afraid to do hard things.
I'll tell myself "Go!" I'll just go, I will go.
I'm not a fool; I need training and tools to live out my dreams.
So I'll say "Go!" I'll just go, I will go.
I'm not a passenger in my life. I'm gonna take control and drive.
Chorus.
We Extend Profuse Thanks to the Following Convention Sponsors:
Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards, Golden Anniversary Sponsor
Visit Baltimore, Golden Anniversary Sponsor
Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, Title Sponsor
Brown, Goldstein and Levy LLP., Independence Sponsor
Yellow Cab of Baltimore, Equality Sponsor
Envision America, Opportunity Sponsor
Many Thanks to the Following Exhibitors Who Have Their Goods and Services on
Display in University Room on Friday 11 a.m. –5 p.m.
BAUM USA
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Christian Ministry Teachers
Division of Rehabilitation Services
E.A.S.Y. LLC.
Elections Systems and Services
En Vision America
Envision Technologies, Inc.
Integration Technologies Group, Inc.
Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Maryland Relay
National Aquarium
Seniors Issues Division NFBMD
Torres Foundation for the Blind
Visit Baltimore
About the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor
At Camden Yards
When you enter the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards from the
main hotel doors on Eutaw Street, you are facing west. The main lobby is
L-shaped, with the short arm of the L pointing out towards Eutaw Street and
the long arm of the L pointing out towards Pratt Street. For purposes of
this description, directions will be provided with the Eutaw Street entrance
as the originating point in mind.
If you enter the hotel from the main entrance on Eutaw Street, immediately
to your right on the north side of the lobby is the entrance into the hotel
parking garage. If you make a U-turn to the right from the hotel front door,
you will find Brick n Fire, a pizza restaurant unaffiliated with the hotel.
The floor tile changes at the entrance to the restaurant. There also is a
door into Brick n Fire directly from Eutaw Street.
Straight in from the front door (about 10 feet) of the hotel is the Bell
stand. If you continue west (straight) through the lobby, you pass the hotel
registration desks on your right. These are individual half-circle desks
that project out into the lobby.
Immediately south (left) of the main entrance to the hotel as you enter, is
a large staircase going up to the second floor where there are other meeting
rooms. All our meetings are on the ground level of the hotel.
Immediately past the staircase is the Elevator Hallway, which is a
walk-through corridor. The Hallway runs North and South, and if you come
into the Hotel from the Eutaw entrance, you would walk about 30 feet West
(straight) and turn South (left) and walk another 30 or so feet to get to
the Elevator Hallway. The hotel has four elevators. If you continue
walking through the Elevator Hallway, at the far West (right) end past all
the elevators but before the end of the hallway, you will find a free water
dispenser. If you continue to the end of the Elevator Hallway and turn east
(left), you will find a PNC Bank ATM Machine immediately on the North (left)
wall. If you turn West (right) at the end of the Elevator Hallway, you will
be back in the Main Lobby across from the Restaurant.
If you pass the south entrance into the elevator lobby and continue west
(straight) through the lobby, you will find the concierge desk on the south
(left) wall. Past the concierge desk the main lobby opens up to the south
(left). This is the long arm of the L. If you continue west (straight), you
will reach The Yard, the hotel restaurant and bar. The entrance to the
restaurant is not very clearly defined. It helps to know that the bar is
towards the north (right) end of the restaurant and the host stand is to the
south (left) end.
If you turn south (left) past the concierge desk, you will pass a seating
area with a big TV on your left and the hotel restaurant on the right. On
the TV table there are AC and USB plugins for recharging electronic devices.
Past the seating area on the left is the other entrance into the elevator
hallway. Just past this entrance into the elevator hallway is the
Chesapeake Room, where the Seniors and Students will have their meetings.
The Chesapeake Room is on the east (left) side of the long arm of the lobby,
just across from the Promenade wing. Near the beer wall is a long high
table with barstools. Past the end of the beer wall on the west (right) side
of the main lobby is the entrance to the carpeted Promenade wing.
At the south (left) end of the lobby are steps which lead out to the Pratt
Street entrance. To reach the dog relief area, go out this entrance and walk
about fifty feet to the right to the grassy area. You will not be able to
reenter the hotel at the Pratt Street entrance without your hotel key. If
you don’t have your key, to get back into the hotel, walk east around the
corner to the left back to the Eutaw entrance.
Moving west (straight) from the Eutaw entrance through the lobby about 300
feet you enter the carpeted Grand wing. This wing is north of the
restaurant. We will have many meetings in the rooms off the Grand Foyer.
Most of the left side of this hallway is taken up with the Grand ballroom,
which can be subdivided into eight smaller ballrooms, A through F and East
and West. As you enter the Grand wing the Market Place, the hotel's
twenty-four hour food and convenience store, is immediately on your right.
Next on the right you will find the events services stand, which projects
into the hallway. This desk will likely be unstaffed during some of our
convention. Opposite this desk on the left side of the Grand foyer, the
hallway for Rooms B and C branches off to the south (left). If you turn left
into this little hallway, you will first find the entrance to ballroom B,
and further down the hall the door to ballroom C on your right.
Continuing west (straight) in the Grand foyer, you will next find the
restrooms on your right. Opposite the restrooms, on the left side of the
hall is the entrance to Room A. Continuing on the left side of the hall
Following A are Ballrooms East, West, and finally D. If you make a left
here, you will find first the entrance to Room E and then Room F on your
left. Back in the Grand Foyer Opposite ballrooms East and West on the right
side of the hall is the University ballroom, which has four entrances. For
our convention only the doors to University 1 will be open.
Some meetings and the Parents Lunch will also take place in the Promenade
wing. This wing is south of the restaurant and parallels the Grand wing. As
you enter the carpeted Promenade Foyer, the Promenade room will be on your
left and the Harbor room will be on your right. There are two doors into the
Harbor room in this hallway. At the end of the Harbor room the hallway turns
to the right. Past a third entrance to the Harbor room is a unisex bathroom.
At the west end (straight) of the Promenade Foyer is the Ravens room.
The guest room numbers run from 00 to 72 on each floor. If you leave the
elevator lobby and proceed to the right the numbers go from 00 to 38, with
the higher numbers closer to the elevator. If you leave the elevator lobby
and move to the left the room numbers go from 40 to 72 with the lower
numbers closer to the elevator.
The hotel Fitness Center is on the Lower Level, and a hotel room key is
required to access the facilities. The FedEx Store is on the Second Level
of the hotel.
Photo Captions
Transcriber’s note: In the middle of this program booklet there are eight
pages of photographs and commercial announcements containing graphic images.
First page: Maryland Parents of Blind Children Back to School Picnic, August
14, 2016, High Ridge Park Laurel, MD. Thank you to all those who came out
and braved the heat! Photos by Teresa Graham. There are two pictures on this
page. One is a group photo, and the other shows picnic revelers in motion.
Second Page: This page contains two announcements. From Brown, Goldstein and
Levy: Celebrating 50 Year. Brown, Goldstein and Levy congratulates the
Maryland Affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind on its Golden
Anniversary and wishes you many more years of progress. www.browngold.com
>From KNFB Reader: Fast, Accurate, Efficient. Version 2 for iOS and Android
now available! http://www.knfbreader.com
Third Page: 2016: A Milestone in Maryland’s Legislative History. On May 10,
2016, Governor Hogan signed SB765 into law. This new law offers greater
protection to disabled parents and caregivers in custody, guardianship, and
adoption cases. Thirteen exuberant Federationists and supporters, including
Delegate Rosenberg, are in attendance as Governor Hogan signs this bill in
Maryland’s historic statehouse.
Fourth and Fifth Pages: Meet the Presidents: 50 Years of our History.
Sharon Maneki served as President of the NFB of Maryland from 1986 to 2006,
and again from 2014 to the present day.
Melissa Riccobono served as President of the NFB of Maryland from 2008 to
2014.
Michael Gosse served as President of the NFB of Maryland from 2006 to 2008.
Marc Maurer served as President of the NFB of Maryland from 1984 to 1986
before assuming the presidency of the NFB.
Jim Omvig served as President of the NFB of Maryland from 1982 to 1984.
Willie Thompson served as President of the NFB of Maryland from 1978 to
1982, after the sudden and untimely death of John McCraw in 1978.
John McCraw served as President of the newly organized NFB of Maryland from
1969 to 1978.
Although Ned Graham was never elected as President of the NFB of Maryland,
his leadership from 1966 was instrumental in organizing predecessor local
groups of blind persons to form the state affiliate. He served for a time on
the NFB’s Board of Directors.
Sixth Page: NFB BELL Academy: Training Tomorrows Blind Leaders (three
photos)
Glendale students get ready to use their canes to find their favorite
playground activity.
Salisbury students use their hands to explore something new and different –
baby goats!
Baltimore students take a break from their Braille lessons by taking a dip
in the pool.
Seventh Page: Two announcements:
Yellow Cab of Baltimore – Moving Baltimore Forward. 410-685-1212.
Congratulates National Federation of the Blind of Maryland for 50 years of
service to the blind community of Maryland. It is one of the oldest Yellow
Cab service in the US and Baltimore’s oldest and largest taxicab company,
serving approximately 5 million people annually with a fleet of over 600
vehicles. We also offer service to the disabled community and the elderly in
partnership with city paratransit services, Medicaid and other entities in
the healthcare field.
En-Vision America. ScripTalk Station provides those who cannot read the
information on their prescriptions a safe and easy way to manage their
personal healthcare. i.d. mate is a talking bar code scanner that aids the
blind with the identification of items via the product’s bar code or
Universal Product Code.
Seventh Page: Blind Industries and Services of Maryland. Helping Blind
People Achieve Independence.
This full page photo shows two people walking down a long corridor with
their long, white canes. Along this corridor are signs reading:
rehabilitation, job readiness, computers, braille, home life skills.
Senior, adult and youth services.
www.bism.org 410-737-2600
Nearby Food and Convenience Stores
The address of the Marriot Inner Harbor at Camden Yards is 110 South Eutaw
Street. When your back is to the main entrance of the hotel, which is on
Eutaw Street, you are facing east. Pratt Street is on your right, or south,
Lombard is on your left, or north, and Paca is the street directly on the
other side of the hotel, or west. Directly in front of you, if you are at
the main entrance to the hotel on Eutaw Street, is a circle drive for cars
to pick up and drop off passengers. Beyond the pick-up/drop off area is
Eutaw Street itself. One block east of Eutaw Street is Howard Street and
the Light Rail, which is an audible landmark.
If you make your way to Eutaw Street and take a left (north), you will be
heading towards Lombard Street. After crossing Lombard Street, you will
find a Famous Deli and Thai Elephant Wok about half way down the block on
the left (west). If you keep walking down Eutaw two blocks (cross Redwood)
until Baltimore Street, there are several additional options along Baltimore
Street. If you cross both corners (straight and right) at Baltimore and
Eutaw Street, there is a Starbucks at the Northeast corner. Maiwan Grill is
directly next to Starbucks, and Subway is directly next to Maiwan Grill. If
you keep walking along Baltimore Street past Subway toward Howard Street,
you will find a 7-Eleven on the northwest corner of Baltimore and Howard.
If, when walking from the hotel, you get to the corner of Baltimore and
Eutaw, and without crossing the street, instead turn west (left) and walk
along Baltimore Street, you will find a Panera Bread in the middle of the
block between Eutaw and Paca. You will also find a McDonalds at the corner
of Baltimore Street and Paca Street if you keep walking past the Panera
Bread. There is a Mediterranean restaurant between the Panera and
McDonalds.
If, from the hotel's main entrance, you walk north (left) on Eutaw, cross
Lombard, and turn left (west), you will find Jano Ethiopian Cuisine and Bar
about half way down the block. To the left of Jano's is a liquor store. If
you continue straight (west) on Lombard and cross Paca, you will find a
7-Eleven on the northwest corner of Lombard and Paca.
There are also food options if you travel south of the hotel. From the main
entrance of the hotel, if you turn right (south) on Eutaw and go to the end
of the block and then cross Eutaw so you are going east, you will find Luna
Del Sea Steak and Seafood Bistro, Subway, and Chipotle in that order on the
north side of Pratt Street. If you cross both Pratt Street and Eutaw
Street, you will find a Jimmy John's restaurant about halfway up the south
side of Pratt Street. To reach Potbellies, exit the hotel's main entrance
and turn right. Go to the end of the block and turn right at Pratt Street,
but do not cross Pratt or Eutaw. Walk west along Pratt for two blocks (you
will need to cross Paca) to the southeast corner of Green Street and Paca,
where Potbellies is located.
CONVENTION AGENDA
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28
8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Annual Conference for Parents and Teachers of Blind
Children. This conference will offer everything from new technology,
tactile drawing, sources of books, early movement and more.
Conference begins in the Harbor Room.
Conference registration begins promptly at 8:00 am.
See Parent Agenda for more information.
9:30 a.m. Resolutions Committee. Parnell Diggs, Chairman, Baltimore, MD.
Rooms D, E, F.
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Board of Directors Meeting. Everyone is invited to
attend.
Ballrooms East and West.
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Independence Market. Canes, clocks, writing tools,
and other low-tech items will be available for purchase.
Grand Foyer.
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall. Check out the latest offerings from a
variety of companies and organizations that provide technology and services
for the blind. University Room.
12:00 noon – 2:30 p.m. What services are available and how to get them: a
seminar for seniors sponsored by the Senior Issues Division. Includes lunch.
Chesapeake Room.
12:45 p.m. Tour of Orioles Park.
Gather in Room A.
Tickets: $10 each.
1:00 p.m. – 2:00p.m. Wallflower destruction: brush up your dancing skills or
learn some new steps so that you can dance with the stars on Friday evening.
Karen Anderson, instructor, Baltimore, MD.
Ravens Room.
1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Deaf-Blind and Hearing Loss Issues Committee Meeting.
Share strategies and ideas to maintain independence. Anyone interested is
invited to attend.
Janice Toothman, Chairman, Bowie, MD.
Room F.
1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Convention Registration and Packet Pick-up.
Grand Foyer.
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 1Touch Self-Defense Class. This class is designed to
teach those with visual impairments how to successfully assess a potentially
dangerous situation, and take appropriate action to protect themselves.
Discover the lasting positive impact that the 1Touch System has on anyone
(visually impaired or not) who learns how to use it.
Annette Carr, certified 1Touch Self-Defense Coach, Fairfax, VA.
Ravens Room.
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Hands on NFB-NEWSLINE® Demonstration.
Room D.
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Introducing new technology for reading, notetaking
and more. Learn about the Braille Note Touch, the Orbit Braille Display, and
the KNFB Reader.
Ballroom East.
3:00 p.m. Tour of Westminster Hall & Burying Ground.
Gather in Room A.
Tickets: $10 each.
3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Maryland Association of Blind Students Annual Meeting.
3:00 p.m. registration. Meeting begins at 3:30 p.m.
Christopher Nusbaum, President, Taneytown, MD.
Chesapeake Room.
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 1Touch Self-Defense Class. This class is designed to
teach those with visual impairments how to successfully assess a potentially
dangerous situation, and take appropriate action to protect themselves.
Discover the lasting positive impact that the 1Touch System has on anyone
(visually impaired or not) who learns how to use it.
Annette Carr, certified 1Touch Self-Defense Coach, Fairfax, VA.
Ravens Room.
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Integrating technologies with your I-devices. How can
the Braille Note Touch, the Orbit Braille Display and the KNFB Reader
increase the power of your I-devices?
Ballroom East.
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Protecting the rights of guide dog users.
Room F.
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Philosophy: The Bread and Butter of Chapter Meetings.
Bring your ideas to share with our facilitator.
Facilitator: Gary Wunder, Editor, The Braille Monitor; President, NFB of
Missouri; Columbia, Missouri.
Ballroom East.
5:00 p.m. – 6:00p.m. Wallflower destruction; brush up your dancing skills or
learn some new steps so that you can dance with the stars on Friday evening.
Karen Anderson, instructor, Baltimore, MD.
Ravens Room.
5:30 p.m. Family Hospitality. Enjoy pizza, meet new families and teachers,
and connect with old friends.
Melissa Riccobono, President, Maryland Parents of Blind Children Division,
Baltimore, MD.
Harbor Room.
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Pizza and a play. The Braille is Beautiful players
will perform the radio drama Sorry Wrong Number.
Debbi Brown, Director, Rockville, MD.
Ballrooms West D, E, F.
7:00 p.m. NFB BELL Academy Reunion. For parents and students who
participated in the 2016 NFB BELL Academy.
Promenade Room.
8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. Jazz party. Dance with the stars; enjoy good music,
bring your favorite game to play, and relax with your Federation friends.
Live music provided by the John Starr Quartet.
Ballrooms East A, B, C.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29
7:30 a.m. –8:15 a.m. At-Large Chapter Meeting
Marguerite Woods, President, Baltimore, MD.
Ravens Room.
8:00 a.m. –8:35 a.m. Cane walk for parents and children.
Promenade Room Foyer.
8:00 a.m. –8:40 a.m. Convention Registration and Packet Pick-up.
Grand Foyer.
8:15 a.m. –10:00 p.m. Fun with Friends. Activities for Children.
Promenade Room.
All general sessions will be held in the Grand Ballroom.
MORNING SESSION
8:45 a.m. Opening Ceremonies. Call to Order and Invocation.
8:50 a.m. Raising Expectations by Supporting our National Funds: White
Cane, Sun, Jernigan, Jacobus tenBroek.
Dr. Marc Mauer, Immediate Past President, National Federation of the Blind,
Catonsville, MD. Greetings from the National President, Mark Riccobono,
National Federation of the Blind, Baltimore, MD. Gold Cup Crab Race.
Danielle Trevino, Coordinator of Social Media and Member Engagement,
National Federation of the Blind, Baltimore, MD.
9:00 a.m. Baltimore Welcome.
9:30 a.m. Raising Expectations across America: A Report from the National
Office.
Gary Wunder, Editor, The Braille Monitor; President, NFB of Missouri;
Columbia, Missouri.
10:00 a.m. A Champion Braille Reader.
Meredith Day, winner of the National Braille Challenge, apprentice level,
first and second graders. Finksburg, MD.
10:10 a.m. Celebrating Fifty Years of Progress in Maryland
Sharon Maneki, President, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland,
Columbia, MD.
10:40 a.m. Designing the Future. Get on the PAC Plan Today!
John Paré, Maryland PAC Plan Chairman, Baltimore, MD.
10:55 a.m. Making Systemic Changes in the Local School Systems: More
Orientation and Mobility Instruction for Blind Students.
Melissa Riccobono, President, Maryland Parents of Blind Children Division,
Baltimore, MD
Joshua Iryzk, Principal, General Academic Program, Maryland School for the
Blind, Baltimore, MD.
11:15 a.m. Successful Paths to Employment: Using Reasonable Accommodations
and seeking Minority Business Status.
Annette Carr, M. Ed., Accommodations Analyst, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Washington, D.C.
Dr. Michael Gosse, President, Data Speech Computer Solutions, Inc.,
Baltimore, MD.
11:35a.m. Fifty Years of Partnership between the National Federation of the
Blind of Maryland and Blind Industries and Services of Maryland.
Fred Puente, President, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland,
Salisbury, MD.
11:50 a.m. Questions and Discussion.
12:00 Noon. Adjourn.
12:00 Noon -12:15 p.m. Convention Registration and Packet Pick-up.
Grand Foyer.
12:00 Noon -1:45 p.m. Luncheon- the Education of Blind or Visually Impaired
Students – for parents and vision teachers.
Melissa Riccobono, President, Parents of Blind Children Division, National
Federation of the Blind of Maryland, Baltimore, MD.
Harbor Room.
12:00 Noon -1:45 p.m. Luncheon- Reclaiming Independence after Vision Loss-
for Seniors and others facing vision loss.
Ruth Sager, President, Senior Issues Division, National Federation of the
Blind of Maryland, Baltimore, MD.
Chesapeake Room.
1:20 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Banquet Exchange.
Grand Foyer.
AFTERNOON SESSION
2:00 p.m. Call to Order.
2:05 p.m. Salute to Veterans.
2:15 p.m. Raising Expectations for Students at the Maryland School for the
Blind. Dr. Michael J. Bina, President, Maryland School for the Blind,
Baltimore, MD.
2:30 p.m. Questions and Discussion.
2:40 p.m. The Power of Incremental Effort: Moving from Iowa to Baltimore
and Beyond.
Dr. Marc Maurer, Immediate Past President, National Federation of the Blind;
Director of Legal Policy, National Federation of the Blind, Catonsville, MD.
3:00 p.m. The Role of the Attorney General as Protector of Civil Rights.
Brian E. Frosh, Maryland Attorney General, Baltimore, MD.
3:20 p.m. Questions and Discussion.
3:30 p.m. Port Discovery: A Museum for all Children - Including the Blind.
Sara Zimmerman, Education and Community Enrichment Manager, Port Discovery
Museum, Baltimore, MD.
3:45 p.m. Questions and Discussion.
3:50 p.m. Opening the Doors of Opportunity to Science and Math.
Natalie Shaheen, Project Director, National Center for Blind Youth in
Science, Baltimore, MD
Rachel Tippett, Maryland School for the Blind 12th grade student, Crofton,
MD.
4:00 p.m. Providing Quality Services while Maintaining Accountability:
Finding the Balance. A View from the Advocates and a View from the Director.
Anil Lewis, Executive Director, NFB Jernigan Institute; Vice Chairman, State
Rehabilitation Council, Baltimore, MD
Suzanne Page, Assistant Superintendent, Maryland State Department of
Education: Division of Rehabilitation Services, Baltimore, MD.
4:20 p.m. Questions and Discussion.
4:25 p.m. Together with Love, Hope and Determination We Help the Newly
Blind. A panel discussion.
Moderator: Marc Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind,
Baltimore, MD
Panel Members:
Brian Altman, Member, Board of Directors, Sligo Creek Chapter, Gaithersburg,
MD
Alison Baptiste, Member TLC Chapter, Baltimore, MD
Luzanne Moses, Member at Large Chapter, Hagerstown, MD.
4:45 p.m. The Equal Employment Act: Eliminating Sub-Minimum Wages for People
with Disabilities in Maryland.
Delegate Jeffrey Waldstreicher, Maryland General Assembly, Kensington, MD.
4:55 p.m. Questions and Discussion.
5:00 p.m. Adjourn
6:00 p.m. Reception and Cash Bar.
Grand Foyer.
7:00 p.m. 50th Annual Convention Banquet.
Master of Ceremonies: Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of the
Blind, Baltimore, MD.
Keynote Banquet Address: Gary Wunder, Editor, The Braille Monitor;
President, NFB of Missouri; Columbia, Missouri.
Scholarships and Awards.
Grand Ballroom.
Immediately after the banquet, Maryland Gold Cup Crab Race.
Danielle Trevino, Race Caller, Baltimore, MD.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Luggage Collection (for bus passengers only).
Chesapeake Room.
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Nonsectarian Devotions.
Lloyd and Judy Rasmussen, Sligo Creek Chapter, National Federation of the
Blind of Maryland, Kensington, MD.
Grand Ballroom.
8:30 a.m. – 8:50 a.m. NFB BELL Academy Participants Final Rehearsal.
Promenade Room.
8:30 a.m. - 8:50 a.m. Convention Registration and Packet pick up.
Grand Foyer.
MORNING SESSION
9:00 a.m. Call to Order and Invocation.
9:05 a.m. Designing a Brighter Future through the NFB Braille Enrichment
Literacy and Learning (BELL) Academy.
Melissa Riccobono, NFB BELL Academy Coordinator for Maryland, Baltimore, MD.
Student presentations and introduction of volunteers.
9:20 a.m. Summer Programs with a Purpose. A roundtable discussion by
students who received NFBMD Youth Empowerment stipends.
Facilitator: Melissa Lomax, Youth Activities Coordinator, Blind Industries
and Services of Maryland, Baltimore, MD.
Student participants:
Amy Bishop, Severna Park, MD
Naudia Graham, Ellicott City, MD
Bridgette Menson, Lanham, MD
Taylor Runion, Columbia, MD.
9:35 a.m. Affiliate Elections.
9:50 a.m. The Spirit of the Federation in Maryland Before NFBMD.
Anna Kresmer, Archivist, Jacobus tenBroek Library, NFB Jernigan Institute,
Baltimore, MD.
10:05 a.m. My Camping Experience with the KNFB Reader.
Aaron Allen, New Oxford, PA.
10:15 a.m. NFB-NEWSLINE®: Ballot information, Shopping Ads, Job Ads and
More!
Lou Ann Blake, Deputy Executive Director, Jernigan Institute. National
Federation of the Blind, Baltimore, Maryland.
Aloma Bouma, Baltimore, MD.
10:30 a.m. Enhancing the Joy of Reading by Improving Services at the
Maryland Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.
Leslie Bowman, Director, Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped, Baltimore, MD.
10:45 a.m. Questions and Discussion.
10:50 a.m. Living the Lives They Want: Three Federationists Show How it Can
Be Done.
John G. Paré, Community Leader, President, Riverside Homeowners Association;
Executive Director of Advocacy and Policy, National Federation of the Blind,
Baltimore, MD
Nikki Jackson, Actress, Instructor in the Core Rehabilitation Program, Blind
Industries and Services of Maryland, Baltimore, MD
Gabe Cazares, Delegate 2016 Democratic National Convention, Governmental
Affairs Specialist, National Federation of the Blind, Baltimore, MD.
11:20 a.m. Resolutions and Business Meeting.
12:00 Noon Adjourn
A Closing Message
On behalf of the officers and Board of Directors, I take this opportunity to
thank all Federationists and friends for your generous donations of funds,
goods and services. We had a most successful year and a super convention
because of your help.
Sharon Maneki, President
Marriot Baltimore Inner Harbor at Camden Yards
110 South Eutaw Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
+1-410-962-0202
An unforgettable hotel visit awaits you here at the Baltimore Marriott Inner
Harbor at Camden Yards. Our hotel combines style, substance, and service
with an impeccable location near Baltimore's famed Inner Harbor; the
National Aquarium, M&T Bank Stadium, and Camden Yards are also just moments
away. Make yourself comfortable in your spacious room or suite, and enjoy
perks including featherbed mattresses and 32-inch LCD TVs. Enjoy a meal and
a cup of Illy coffee at The Yard, our on-site restaurant, or fit in a
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our hotel will exceed your expectations. And thanks to our great location,
you're just moments away from both Baltimore's Penn Station and BWI Airport,
making travel a breeze. We look forward to making you feel at home at the
Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards
Welcome to Baltimore!
The Golden Anniversary Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of
Maryland
Rich in history and East Coast charm, Baltimore is easy to get to and easy
to get around. Whether you’re strolling around the Inner Harbor or
networking in the Baltimore Convention Center, you’ll find Baltimore a
delightful waterfront city. Discover our renowned attractions, great
restaurants, historic neighborhoods while you’re in town.
Visit baltimore.org for more information or call 1.877.BALTIMORE
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