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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><b>NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION, FEBRUARY 13-16, 2025<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Lead, Love, Live<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>MARYLAND ORGANIZATION OF PARENTS OF BLIND CHILDREN<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND LUNCHEON<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Support, Prepare, Release<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Board of Directors <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>President, Garret Mooney<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>First-Vice President, Teresa Graham<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Second-Vice President, Christine Day<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Secretary, Melissa Sheeder <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Treasurer, Stephanie Cascone<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Board Member, Brittany Bomboy <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Board Member, Monica Rao<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Board Member, Domonique Sanders<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Board Member, Melissa Riccobono<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Board Member, Joey Breiannis<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Welcome<i><o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN>Thank you for joining us for our annual conference for parents and educators! We have a very exciting weekend planned for you. Do not forget to sign up your children for day care. Please contact Garret Mooney for details: (480) 433-8003.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Registration and Membership<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>You can register for our seminar and business meeting by visiting the link Below:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PQS5DuWZWGOgKWmLMdkF2boWZCPIVvkXx9U6atVOPnE/edit">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PQS5DuWZWGOgKWmLMdkF2boWZCPIVvkXx9U6atVOPnE/edit</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, do not forget to pay your membership dues. Dues cost $15 and include the whole family. You can pay your membership dues by visiting the link below: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.nfbmd.org/join">https://www.nfbmd.org/join</a> <o:p></o:p></p><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><br clear=all style='page-break-before:always'></span><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Additional Activities<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>White Cane Walk<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year parents can sign their child up for a one-on-one lesson with a certified orientation and mobility instructor. Parents can even sign up for their own lesson to learn the basics of cane travel so they can reenforce good habits at home. Lessons will last for approximately 30 minutes. Sign up now: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name="_Hlk190039704"></a><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXdrklbIFOlSj_1IyBFBKs5WdvgMV3EfVdxvsG9ECB4E6GgQ/viewform?usp=sf_link"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk190039704'>https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXdrklbIFOlSj_1IyBFBKs5WdvgMV3EfVdxvsG9ECB4E6GgQ/viewform?usp=sf_link</span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk190039704'></span></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk190039704'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk190039704'></span><p class=MsoNormal><b>Child Care/Teens and Tweens<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year we will have childcare and a teens and tweens program. Child care is for ages six weeks to 10 years-old. Teens and tweens is for children from 11 years-old to 17 years-old. We understand there are exceptions to these requirements, and we will evaluate those exceptions on a case-by-case basis. To register your child please fill out the form at the below link: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScdSj1DKnmzEQZjauOLIi84cy3C-qctQPkMqUgk_buSfY7v8w/viewform?usp=sf_link">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScdSj1DKnmzEQZjauOLIi84cy3C-qctQPkMqUgk_buSfY7v8w/viewform?usp=sf_link</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Quick Access QR Code<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Use the following QR Code to easily Access the above links:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://qr.me-qr.com/link-list/JmcI0gNQ/show"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=261 height=261 style='width:2.7166in;height:2.7166in' id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image001.jpg@01DB7C2B.00CF5FB0" alt="A qr code on a white background
AI-generated content may be incorrect."></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2024<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Annual Conference for Parents and Teachers of Blind Children<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Support, Prepare, Release<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Location: Seaside 1 & 2<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>11:00 AM to 5:00 PM Annual Conference for Parents and Teachers of Blind Children<br><br><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>10:30 AM—Pre-Registration <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Participants can come to our seminar before it starts and register for our event. Parents are also encouraged to network with others. Families can come speak with us about IEPs, technology, and other issues of concern.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>11:00 AM—Opening Remarks and Board Introductions <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Garret Mooney, President Maryland Organization of Parents of Blind Children <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>11:15 AM—Advocating, learning, and enforcing the Law<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name="_Hlk188792172">Garret Mooney, president Maryland Organization of Parents of Blind Children </a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>12:00 PM—Lunch<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will have box lunches brought to our meeting for those who purchased a box lunch.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>12:45 PM—Advocating, Learning, and Enforcing the Law <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Garret Mooney, president Maryland Organization of Parents of Blind Children <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>1:30 PM—Teaching, Providing, and using Technology at Home and in the classroom<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Carley Mullin, CM Training Services L.L.C<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>2:15 PM—Embracing, Understanding, and Touring Resources for Our Children <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Melisa Riccobono, Board Member Maryland Organization of Parents for Blind Children<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>3:30 PM—Embolden, Coaching, and Liberating Our Children <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Marisol Carmona, Program Specialist Perkins transitional Center<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>4:15 PM—Model, Care, Exhale <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Nadia Graham, Vice-president Maryland Association of Blind Students<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tim Olukanni, President Georgia Association of Blind Students <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Emily Smith, Braille Instructor Blind Industries and services for Maryland <br><br><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>4:45 PM—Trail blaze, Family, and Exist with the NFB<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Teresa Graham, First-Vice President Maryland Organization of Parents of Blind Children<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Derrick Day, Member National Federation of the Blind of Maryland <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Norma Crosby, Board Member National Federation of the Blind <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>7:00 PM—Annual Networking Social <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Participants of the Parents and Educators Seminar are invited to come play games, network, and enjoy light snacks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>SCHEDULE FOR Saturday FEBRUARY 15<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Luncheon: The Education of Blind and Low-Vision Students<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Support, Prepare, Release<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Location: Atlantic 2A<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We are so excited to have our Luncheon! Please enjoy the presentations and do not forget to post on social media about your favorite convention moments. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>12:15 PM to 1:45 PM—Luncheon: The Education of Blind and Low-Vision Students<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>12:15 PM—Opening Remarks <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Garret Mooney, President Maryland Organizations of Parents of Blind Children <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ronza Othman, President National Federation of the Blind of Maryland <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>12:25 PM—Support, Prepare, Release: a Keynote Address<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Marisol Carmona, Program Specialist Perkins Transitional Center<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>12:50 PM—Presentation of Educator of the Year<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Teresa Graham, First-Vice President Maryland Organization of Parents of Blind Children and Chair of Educator of the Year Committee <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>1:15 PM—Treasurer Report<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Stephanie Cascone, Treasurer Maryland Organization of Parents of Blind Children <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><br>1:25 PM—Presidential Report <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Garret Mooney, Maryland Organization of Parents of Blind Children <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><br>1:35 PM—Elections <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sharon Maneki, Chair of Nominating Committee <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><br>1:45 PM—Adjournment<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thank you to all our speakers and guests who participated in our seminar and business meeting from around the state of Maryland and the country. Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped run the seminar. It could not have been a success without you. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It was such a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends and catch up with old ones. We wish everyone safe travel home.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Board of Directors <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Maryland Organization of Parents of Blind Children <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'>Garret <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'>James G. Mooney, Esq<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'>President, Maryland Organization of Parents of Blind Children <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'>(480) 433-8003 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-ligatures:none'>james.garret.mooney@gmail.com<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>