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Good evening!<br><br>
 <br><br>
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.<br><br>
             <br><br>
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. <br><br>
 <br><br>
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…<br><br>
 <br><br>
We are working with the hotel to open up more rooms at our discounted
convention rate of $99, so please continue to
<a href="https://group.doubletree.com/8y15v9">check the hotel website</a>
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.<br><br>
 <br><br>
Whether or not you’re staying at the hotel, please be sure to
<a href="https://forms.gle/9DKqQjaHyRM9GByp6">register for the
convention</a> 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.<br><br>
 <br><br>
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,
<a href="mailto:taracoyne21@gmail.com">taracoyne21@gmail.com</a>, or
Charlotte Czarnecki,:
<a href="mailto:charlotte.renee1972@gmail.com">
charlotte.renee1972@gmail.com</a><br><br>
 <br><br>
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.<br><br>
 <br><br>
<b>Friday, November 1<br>
</b><br>
<b><i>9:00 AM–5:00 PM—Pre-Registration Packet PicPickup & On-site
Registration (McKnight Ballroom Foyer)<br>
</i></b><br>
Muffins and coffee will be available. Those who pre-registered should
pick up meal tickets and agendas.<br><br>
<b><i>9:00 AM–6:00 PM—Exhixhibits (McKnight Ballroom Foyer)</i></b>
<ul>
<li>NFBMN Silent Auction
<li>American Printing House for the Blind
<li>Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library
<li>EZ2See®
<li>Selvas BLV
<li>State Services for the Blind
</ul><br>
<b><i>9:30 AM-11:15 AM—General Session (McKnight 2)<br>
</i></b>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<br>
<br>
<b><i>11:30 AM-12:45 PM and 2:00 PM-4:00 PM—Foundattions of Freedom
Training: Sessions 1 and 2 (Tartan 3)<br>
</i></b><br>
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.<br>
<br>
<b><i><a name="_Hlk179320700"></a>11:45 AM-1:00 PM—”Deafblind Group
Meeting (McKnight 2)<br>
</i></b><br>
Rocky Hart, Chairperson.<br>
<br>
<b><i>1:00 PM-2:00 PM—Lunch ((McKnight 1)<br>
</i></b><br>
A limited number of lunches may be available for those who did not
pre-register. Please check with the team at the registration table.<br>
<br>
<b><i>2:00 PM-3:30 PM—Building Confidence througgh the Arts (McKnight
2)<br>
</i></b><br>
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<br>
<br>
<b><i>2:00 PM-3:30 PM—Owning Your Dignity (Tarrtan 2)<br>
</i></b><br>
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.<br>
<br>
<b><i>3:45 PM-4:45 PM—Resolutions Committee (MMcKnight 2)<br>
</i></b><br>
Jennifer Dunnam, Chairperson<br>
<br>
<b><i>5:00 PM-5:45 PM—State Services for the Blind: An Ongoing Evolution
(McKnigght 2)<br>
</i></b><br>
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
(<a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/3325/">Minnesota Rules Chapter
3325</a>). Hosted by Director Natasha Jerde and Deputy Director Jon
Benson.<br>
<br>
<b><i>6:00 PM–7:00 PM—Casual Dinner (McKnight 1)<1)<br>
</i></b><br>
Join your federation family for a fast, casual, and affordable dinner
with a cash bar. <br>
<br>
<b><i>7:00 PM–8:00 PM—Pr”Pre-registration Packet Pickup & On-site
Registration (McKnight Ballroom Foyer)<br>
</i></b><br>
<b><i>7:00 PM-8:00 PM—Demanding Equal Access: A Conversation forr
Minnesota Guide Dog Users (Tartan 3)<br>
</i></b><br>
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.<br>
<br>
<b><i><a name="_Hlk179318146"></a>7:00 PM-8:00 PM— Belonginng Matters:
Creating a Culture of Inclusion and Connection (Tartan 2)<br>
</i></b><br>
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<br>
<br>
<b><i>7:00 PM–8:30 PM—Annual Meeteeting of the Minnesota Association of
Blind Students (McKnight 2)<br>
</i></b><br>
Ben Zheng, President<br>
<br>
<b><i>7:00 PM–8:30 PM—At-La-Large Chapter In-Person Meeting (Tartan
1)<br>
</i></b><br>
David Andrews, President <br>
<br>
<b><i>8:00 PM–11:00 PM—Hospitality and Silentent Auction (McKnight
1)<br>
</i></b><br>
Join the Metro Chapter for a fun evening of meeting others from around
the state. There will be additional snacks and a cash bar.<br>
<br>
<b><a name="_Toc22506065"></a>Saturday, November 2<br>
</b><br>
<b><i>6:40 AM–7:00 AM and 8::30 AM-11:30 AM—Pre-registration Packet
Pickup & On-site Registrration (McKnight Ballroom Foyer)<br>
</i></b><br>
 <br>
<br>
<b><i>7:00 AM—Seniors in Charge! Breakfast and Annual Meetting of the
National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota Seniors Division (McKnight
1)<br>
</i></b><br>
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 <br>
<br>
<b><i>9:00 AM–12:00 PM—General Sessiosion (McKnight 2)<br>
</i></b><br>
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, <i>Braille
Monitor</i> 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, Adjourn<b><i>12:15 PM-1:45 PM—Minnesota Center for
the Blind Luncheon (McKnight 1)</i></b><a name="_Hlk22326933"></a>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!<b><i>2:00 PM–3:20 PM—General
Session (McKnightght 2)</i></b>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,
Adjourn<b><i>3:30–5:00 PM— Diabetes Advodvocacy in Action: Shaping a More
Inclusive Tomorrow (Tartan 2)</i></b>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.<b><i>3:30–5:00 PM ”Braille for
Life: Advocacy, Learning, and Fun at Every Stage (McKnight
1)</i></b>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.<b><i>3:30 PM-5:00 PM—Founndations of
Freedom Training Session 3: Employment Panel (Tartan 3)</i></b>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.<b><i>6:00
PM—Social Hour and Cash Bar (McKnight Ballroom Foyer)</i><</b>Join us
before the banquet for good conversation and a cash bar.<b><i>7:00
PM—Banquet (McKnight 2)</i></b>Kayde Rieken and Judy Sanders,
Co-emceesInvocationIntroduction of Harvest TableAuctions, Raffles, and
DrawingsPresentation of Joyce and Tom Scanlan ScholarshipsKeynote
Address: <i>Gary Wunder, Braille Monitor Editor and NFBMO President
Emeritus </i><b><i>10:00 PM–11:30 PM—Post-Banquet Social and nd Cash
Bar</i></b><b><a name="_Toc22506066"></a>Sunday, November 3</b>Please
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.<b><i>8:30 AM—Breakfast (McKnight 2)</i></b>><br><br>
<b><i>9:00 AM—General Session (McKnight 2)</i></b>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, <i>Braille Moniitor</i>
Editor and NFBMO President Emeritus12:00 PM, Adjourn</blockquote></body>
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