[MN-at-Large] Draft state convention agenda and reminder to register

[David Andrews]

>
>Good evening!
>
>Â
>
>There are just a few days left to reserve your 
>hotel room and register for our annual state 
>convention! Read on for some exciting updates about our convention.
>
>Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
>
>Despite many of our convention hotels having a 
>pool, it’s rare that many of us ever have the 
>time to get there. This year, please plan to 
>join us for a casual pool party on Halloween, 
>October 31, around 7:30pm. We’ve looked at 
>lots of options for a fun, inclusive, and 
>affordable event, but the calendar has thwarted 
>us with so many venues having special events 
>planned for a spooky Thursday evening.
>
>Â
>
>Be sure to come bright and early on Friday 
>morning as we kick off the convention with a 
>general session at 9:30am. Longtime Minnesotan 
>Cody Beardslee will share practical tips for 
>navigating his favorite place: a ballpark. 
>We’ll also hear from a Certified Executive 
>Coach who’s helped hundreds of executives get 
>promoted with stellar resumes and mock 
>interviews, and I’m confident that whether 
>you’re looking for a job or hungry for your 
>next promotion, you’ll find value in the 
>session we have planned! We’ll finish Friday 
>morning with a look inside Saint Paul’s 
>gangster history preserved in the Wabasha Street 
>Caves! And that’s just the beginning

>
>Â
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>We are working with the hotel to open up more 
>rooms at our discounted convention rate of $99, 
>so please continue to 
><https://group.doubletree.com/8y15v9>check the 
>hotel website or call the front desk at the 
>DoubleTree Saint Paul East at (651) 731-2220 if 
>you have not already made your reservation. The 
>final deadline to make your hotel reservation is October 22.
>
>Â
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>Whether or not you’re staying at the hotel, 
>please be sure to 
><https://forms.gle/9DKqQjaHyRM9GByp6>register 
>for the convention so we know how many to expect 
>and to be sure that we have the proper meal for you. This is due by October 25.
>
>Â
>
>Tara Coyne and Charlotte Czarnecki are still 
>looking for auction items! They are especially 
>looking for the following donations: baked goods 
>in sturdy, sealed containers; baskets of 
>goodies; and services (think of your 
>talents!).  All donations are greatly 
>appreciated! Based on the feedback received 
>throughout the year, we are shifting the format 
>to start with a silent auction on Friday, so 
>it’s critical that we hear from you soon to 
>coordinate logistics. Please reach out to Tara 
>Coyne, (678)-697-2989, 
><mailto:taracoyne21 at gmail.com>taracoyne21 at gmail.com, 
>or Charlotte Czarnecki,: 
><mailto:charlotte.renee1972 at gmail.com>charlotte.renee1972 at gmail.com
>
>Â
>
>Lastly, I’ll let you in on what’s so far 
>been a little secret: our draft agenda. Please 
>note that it’s still subject to change based 
>on the availability of our speakers. Speaking of 
>our facilitators, an unavoidable conflict has 
>caused us to move the diabetes seminar to Saturday afternoon.
>
>Â
>
>Friday, November 1
>
>9:00 AM–5:00 PM—Pre-Registration Packet 
>PicPickup & On-site Registration (McKnight Ballroom Foyer)
>
>Muffins and coffee will be available. Those who 
>pre-registered should pick up meal tickets and agendas.
>
>9:00 AM–6:00 PM—Exhixhibits (McKnight Ballroom Foyer)
>    * NFBMN Silent Auction
>    * American Printing House for the Blind
>    * Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library
>    * EZ2See®
>    * Selvas BLV
>    * State Services for the Blind
>
>9:30 AM-11:15 AM—General Session (McKnight 2)
>9:30 AM, Call to Order9:35 AM, A Grand Slam for 
>Independence: The Skills of Blindness at the 
>Ballpark—Cody Beardslee, Student Servvices 
>Manager, Saavi Services for the Blind 9:50 AM, 
>The Interviewer for Your Next Job Has One 
>Question on their Mind: Do You Know What It 
>Is?—Kevin E. OConnor, CSP, CEC10:10 AM, Secrets 
>of the Saint Paul Wabasha Street Caves: 
>Gangsters, Ghosts, and Hidden History10:55 AM, 
>Convention Logistics—Elizabeth Rouse, 
>Convvention Logistics Coordinator11:00 AM, 
>Building Opportunity Together: Fundraising 
>through our Silent Auction—Charlotte Czarnecki 
>and Tara Coyne, Co-chairpeersons11:05 AM, Announcements11:15 AM, Adjourn
>
>11:30 AM-12:45 PM and 2:00 PM-4:00 
>PM—Foundattions of Freedom Training: Sessions 1 and 2 (Tartan 3)
>
>This training offers a deep dive into the 
>transformative approach of structured discovery: 
>the gold standard in blindness training. Filled 
>with hands-on activities and rich information, 
>participants will experience firsthand what 
>it’s like to attend a structured discovery 
>training center. Whether you’re a trainee or 
>professional, you’ll walk away with key 
>insights on how this method fosters true 
>independence, problem-solving, and adaptability 
>for blind individuals. Hosted by the Minnesota Center for the Blind.
>
>11:45 AM-1:00 PM—”Deafblind Group Meeting (McKnight 2)
>
>Rocky Hart, Chairperson.
>
>1:00 PM-2:00 PM—Lunch ((McKnight 1)
>
>A limited number of lunches may be available for 
>those who did not pre-register. Please check 
>with the team at the registration table.
>
>2:00 PM-3:30 PM—Building Confidence througgh the Arts (McKnight 2)
>
>Get ready to bring out your inner performer! 
>Learn fun and engaging ways to build confidence 
>that can carry you through everything from 
>social gatherings to job interviews. This 
>session will be full of practical tips and a few 
>laughs as you learn how to put your best foot 
>forward. No acting experience required, just a 
>willingness to have fun and embrace the journey 
>to greater self-confidence! Elizabeth Rouse, Facilitator
>
>2:00 PM-3:30 PM—Owning Your Dignity (Tarrtan 2)
>
>This breakout will feature real life stories of 
>how dignity can be taken away from us. We will 
>deep dive into these situations in an 
>interactive way with discussions and acting out 
>scenarios   This is based off of President 
>Riccobono's 2024 banquet speech. Cody Beardslee, Moderator.
>
>3:45 PM-4:45 PM—Resolutions Committee (MMcKnight 2)
>
>Jennifer Dunnam, Chairperson
>
>5:00 PM-5:45 PM—State Services for the Blind: An 
>Ongoing Evolution (McKnigght 2)
>
>Learn about the latest news and updates from 
>across the agency, including information on the 
>recently obtained Disability Innovation Fund 
>grant. Afterward, attendees are invited to a 
>“town hall-style forum” where they are free 
>to ask questions, share concerns, offer ideas 
>for improvement, and suggest changes to the SSB 
>administrative rule that governs vocational 
>rehabilitation and independent living services 
>(<https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/3325/>Minnesota 
>Rules Chapter 3325). Hosted by Director Natasha 
>Jerde and Deputy Director Jon Benson.
>
>6:00 PM–7:00 PM—Casual Dinner (McKnight 1)<1)
>
>Join your federation family for a fast, casual, 
>and affordable dinner with a cash bar.
>
>7:00 PM–8:00 PM—Pr”Pre-registration Packet 
>Pickup & On-site Registration (McKnight Ballroom Foyer)
>
>7:00 PM-8:00 PM—Demanding Equal Access: A 
>Conversation forr Minnesota Guide Dog Users (Tartan 3)
>
>Join Minnesota guide dog users and prospective 
>handlers as we discuss our recent rally in San 
>Fransisco, where we demanded that Lyft and Uber 
>drivers fully accommodate guide dogs and blind 
>people. National representatives Debbie and Gary 
>Wunder will share their experiences and the 
>steps we’re taking to enforce these rights. 
>We’ll also explore challenges faced by guide 
>dog handlers in Minnesota and discuss the 
>formation of a dedicated guide dog user group in 
>the affiliate. Briley O’Connor and Aida Talic, Co-Facilitators.
>
>7:00 PM-8:00 PM— Belonginng Matters: Creating a 
>Culture of Inclusion and Connection (Tartan 2)
>
>In this session, we will explore the importance 
>of belonging through the lens of diversity, 
>equity, and inclusion. Through conversation, we 
>will discuss how belonging leads to meaningful 
>connections and lasting commitments. 
>Participants will leave with actionable insights 
>on how we can each contribute to building an 
>equitable and inclusive community where every 
>voice is heard, and everyone belongs. Kotumu Kamara, Moderator
>
>7:00 PM–8:30 PM—Annual Meeteeting of the 
>Minnesota Association of Blind Students (McKnight 2)
>
>Ben Zheng, President
>
>7:00 PM–8:30 PM—At-La-Large Chapter In-Person Meeting (Tartan 1)
>
>David Andrews, President
>
>8:00 PM–11:00 PM—Hospitality and Silentent Auction (McKnight 1)
>
>Join the Metro Chapter for a fun evening of 
>meeting others from around the state. There will 
>be additional snacks and a cash bar.
>
>Saturday, November 2
>
>6:40 AM–7:00 AM and 8::30 AM-11:30 
>AM—Pre-registration Packet Pickup & On-site 
>Registrration (McKnight Ballroom Foyer)
>
>Â
>
>7:00 AM—Seniors in Charge! Breakfast and Annual 
>Meetting of the National Federation of the Blind 
>of Minnesota Seniors Division (McKnight 1)
>
>Join us as we collaborate on topics for our 
>upcoming winter meetings, ensuring they reflect 
>the needs and interests of our older members 
>experiencing vision loss. We’ll also hear from 
>Ed Lecher, Director of the Senior Services Unit 
>at State Services for the Blind, who will share 
>about the services available for seniors. Judy Sanders, President
>
>9:00 AM–12:00 PM—General Sessiosion (McKnight 2)
>
>Coffee will be available in the back of the 
>room.9:00 AM, Call to Order9:05 AM, Welcome to 
>Saint Paul—Steve Sawczyn, President, NFBMN Metro 
>Chapter9:15 AM, Report from our National 
>Office—Gary Wunder, Braille Monitor Editoor and 
>NFBMO President Emeritus9:45 AM, Launching the 
>Minnesota Braille Challenge—Colleen Feller, 
>Director, SparkPath & HR Director, 
>BrightWorks9:55 AM, Meet our Joyce and Tom 
>Scanlan Scholarship Winners: Majed Alhuwayri and 
>Aida Talic—Steve Jacobson, Scholarship Committee 
>Chairperson10:10 AM, Minnesota Braille and 
>Talking Book Library: Moving Into the Future, 
>the Sequel —Catherrine A. Durivage, Library 
>Program Director, Minnesota Braille and Talking 
>Book Library10:25 AM, Who's Listening? Lessons 
>from Serving on Minnesota Councils—Judy Sanders, 
>Chairperson, Minnesota Sttate Rehabilitation 
>Council for the Blind10:40 AM, Strengthening our 
>Membership for a Brighter Future—Jan Bailey, 
>Chairperson, NFBMN Membership Committee<10:45 
>AM, Minutes from our 2024 State Convention—David 
>Andrews, NFBMN Secretary<10:55 AM, Advancing 
>Access: Mobile Devices, AI, and Meta 
>Glasses—Steve Sawczyn, NFBMN Vice President11:05 
>AM, Leading with Innovation: Strengthening the 
>Randolph-Sheppard Legacy for Blind 
>Entrepreneurs—Mike Colbrunn, NFBMN Board Membeer 
>and Second Vice President, National Association 
>of Blind Merchants11:15 AM, Sip & Savor: The 
>Ultimate Soda Showdown—in partnership with 
>Northern Sodda Company11:35 AM, Auction & 
>Announcements12:00 PM, Adjourn12:15 PM-1:45 
>PM—Minnesota Center for the Blind Luncheon 
>(McKnight 1)We invite all BLIND, Inc. alumni, 
>former staff, and supporters to join us for 
>lunch. Executive Director Briley O'Connor and 
>Board Chair Carla McQuillan will provide a 
>detailed overview of the organizational 
>assessment, share updates on what is next for 
>the Minnesota Center for the Blind, and discuss 
>ways to get involved. Come for the updates, stay 
>for the great company and conversation!2:00 
>PM–3:20 PM—General Session (McKnightght 2)2:00 
>PM, Call to Order2:05 PM, It's Time to Turn the 
>Page: Seeking Higher Expectations for Literacy 
>and Learning—Samantha Flax, NFBMN BELL Academy 
>Coordinator2:15 PM, Update from the Minnesota 
>Department of Education—Diane Dohnalik, M.S.Ed., 
>COMS, Specialist foor the Blind and Visually 
>Impaired, Minnesota Department of Education2:35 
>PM, Legacy in Motion: From BLIND, Inc. to 
>Minnesota Center for the Blind—Whatâ’s 
>Next—Briley O'Connor, Executive Director, 
>Minnesota Cennter for the Blind2:55 PM, 
>Presidential Report—Corbb O'Connor, NFBMN 
>Presideent3:10 PM, Auction & Announcements3:20 
>PM, Adjourn3:30–5:00 PM— Diabetes Advodvocacy in 
>Action: Shaping a More Inclusive Tomorrow 
>(Tartan 2)Discover how the Diabetes Action 
>Network (DAN) is advocating for accessible 
>diabetes management tools and supporting blind 
>individuals living with diabetes. We’ll 
>explore key strategies for managing diabetes, 
>including nutrition, exercise, and accessible 
>technologies, while promoting health and 
>independence. The Medical Device Nonvisual 
>Accessibility Act will also be discussed, 
>outlining our stance on inclusive design. Learn 
>how you can get involved with DAN and join the 
>movement to create a more equitable healthcare 
>landscape for the blind community. Debbie 
>Wunder, Facilitator and President, Diabetes 
>Action Network.3:30–5:00 PM ”Braille for Life: 
>Advocacy, Learning, and Fun at Every Stage 
>(McKnight 1)We’ll have multiple stations 
>covering everything from IEP advocacy to 
>practical uses of braille, like labeling and 
>daily tasks. Whether you're a fluent braille 
>reader or just starting to explore alternatives 
>to print, this session has something for 
>everyone; kids are welcome and encouraged to 
>attend. We'll also show you how braille can be 
>fun
whether in games, learning, or everyday 
>life.. Samantha Flax and Jennifer Wenzel, 
>Co-Facilitators.3:30 PM-5:00 PM—Founndations of 
>Freedom Training Session 3: Employment Panel 
>(Tartan 3)In this session, graduates of 
>structured discovery centers will share how 
>their blindness training prepared them for 
>successful employment and how the skills they 
>gained have empowered them in their careers and 
>beyond. This is a must-attend for anyone 
>interested in the real-world application of 
>blindness skills training. Briley O’Connor, 
>Moderator.6:00 PM—Social Hour and Cash Bar 
>(McKnight Ballroom Foyer)<Join us before the 
>banquet for good conversation and a cash 
>bar.7:00 PM—Banquet (McKnight 2)Kayde Rieken and 
>Judy Sanders, Co-emceesInvocationIntroduction of 
>Harvest TableAuctions, Raffles, and 
>DrawingsPresentation of Joyce and Tom Scanlan 
>ScholarshipsKeynote Address: Gary Wunder, 
>Braille Monitor Editor and NFBMO President 
>Emeritus 10:00 PM–11:30 PM—Post-Banquet Social 
>and nd Cash BarSunday, November 3Please remember 
>to set your clocks one hour back. Daylight 
>Savings Time ends at 2:00 AM on Sunday morning, 
>which gives us one extra hour of sleep.8:30 AM—Breakfast (McKnight 2)>
>
>9:00 AM—General Session (McKnight 2)Cofffee will 
>be available on each table.9:00 AM, Call to 
>Order and In Memorium—9:05 AM, Skills for the 
>Journey: Navigating Your Career with Confidence 
>and Purpose—Jennifer Wenzel, Product 
>Speecialist, American Printing house for the 
>blind and Vice President, NFBWI Milwaukee 
>Chapter9:25 AM, Treasurer's Report—Jennifer 
>Dunnam, NFBMN Treasureer9:45 AM, Empowering 
>Independence through Shared Skills and 
>Experience—Judy Saanders, President, NFBMN 
>Seniors Division9:55 AM, Elections and Proposed 
>Bylaws Amendments —10:15 AM, Election of 
>Delegate and Alternate Delegate to the 2025 
>National Convention10:20 AM, 
>Resolutions—Jennifer Dunnam, Chairperson, 
>Resolutions CCommittee10:45 AM, State & National 
>Student Division Update—Ben Zheng, Pressident, 
>Minnesota Association of Blind Students; Joshua 
>Olukanni, Board Member, National Association of 
>Blind Students11:00 AM, The Federation on 
>External Committees and Boards—11:10 AM, Chapter 
>Reports11:30 AM, Auction & Announcements11:50 
>AM, Concluding Remarks from our National 
>Representative—Gary Wunder, Braille Moniitor 
>Editor and NFBMO President Emeritus12:00 PM, Adjourn
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