[Nebraska-students] 2009 NFBN Convention: Letter from the President

[Jamie K. Forbis]

Greetings Fellow Federationists and Friends:
>
> Make your plans now to join us for the 2009 convention of the National
> Federation of the Blind of Nebraska! We’re celebrating the 200th birthday
> of Louis Braille and bringing freedom to the blind through literacy. Our
> convention is an opportunity for the blind and visually impaired of our 
> state
> to come together for a common cause. Much outreach, networking, sharing, 
> and
> educating of self and others takes place. Public service and other 
> resources
> for the blind are presented, ideas exchanged, and plans and policies for 
> the
> coming year are formulated
>
> This year’s convention will take place October 23rd, 24th, and 25th at the
> Hampton Inn and Suites in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. With incredible room 
> rates
> of a flat $65.00 per night for singles, doubles, triples, or quads and 10%
> off any meals purchased at Perkins Restaurant for all hotel guests, it’s 
> an
> affordable investment of time and finances that will change your life.
>
> I am honored that Pam Allen, my friend and colleague, will serve as our
> national representative this year. Pam is an energetic, charismatic woman;
> passionate about Braille and the empowerment of the blind. She is 
> currently
> the director of the Louisiana Center for the Blind, and she formally was 
> the
> Director of Youth Services there for many years. In that position, she 
> worked
> with blind infants and toddlers and their parents and also supervised the
> training of classroom aides to teach Braille throughout Louisiana. She
> coordinated summer camps and developed programs for blind children and
> teenagers. She lives in Ruston, Louisiana, with her husband Roland Allen, 
> an
> orientation and mobility instructor at Louisiana Tech University, whom she
> met at the Louisiana Center for the Blind. She is currently the president 
> of
> the NFB of Louisiana and secretary of the National Association of Blind
> Rehabilitation Professionals. In July of 2002, she was elected to the
> National Federation of the Blind board of directors. Four years later, in
> 2006, she was elected to serve as treasurer of the National Federation of 
> the
> Blind. Allen is also involved in a variety of community and professional
> organizations. She says, "Being elected to the national board has allowed 
> me
> to give back and to spread the message of our movement."
>
> Convention Registration Information
>
> We are pleased to once again offer on-line and/or mail pre-registration 
> this
> year. To complete your registration, simply visit www.ne.nfb.org
> http://www.ne.nfb.org and follow the links. On-line registrants will have 
> the
> luxury of paying by credit card through Paypal. If you prefer paper and 
> check
> or money order registration, feel free to print out the form from the 
> website
> above or fill out the attached registration form and mail them to: Cheryl
> Livingston, NFBN treasurer, 1026 S. 35th, Lincoln, NE 68510. This year you
> can save money by pre-registering before Friday, October 2nd! Prices for 
> each
> of the convention items listed will increase by $5.00 per item, if you 
> choose
> to register at the hotel. For those wishing to register on-site, 
> registration
> will begin on Friday at 1:00 PM and will continue through Saturday 
> morning.
>
> Registration fees are $15 (pre-convention), $20 (at the hotel): banquet
> tickets are $20 per person (pre-convention), $25 (at hotel): student 
> division
> luncheon $15 (pre-convention), $20 (at the hotel).
>
> Child-care Information
>
> Child-care will be provided. If you wish to enroll your child in daycare,
> please contact Brigit Pollpeter at: (402) 350-1735. Please call no later 
> than
> October 2nd, so that we can make the necessary arrangements. Child-care 
> will
> be available from 8:30am-5:00pm on Friday, 8:30am-5:15pm and 
> 6:30pm-10:00pm
> on Saturday, and 8:30am-noon on Sunday. The cost is $25.00 per family per
> day.
>
> Hotel Information
>
> Call Hampton Inn and Suites directly at (308) 635-5200 to make your
> reservations. Be sure to mention the National Federation of the Blind of
> Nebraska to get the convention rates. Our block of rooms is guaranteed 
> only
> through October 2nd, so make your reservations early to insure your spot 
> at
> the most influential gathering of blind Nebraskans this year. The hotel is
> located at 301 West Highway 26 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. This modern hotel
> offers the following amenities: complimentary high speed internet, On the
> House™ hot breakfast, swimming pool, fitness center, and whirlpool. The
> hotel is wheelchair accessible.
>
> Friday seminar and Workshop Highlights
>
> Exhibits
>
> Having their wares on display Friday, October 23rd will be exhibitors such
> as: Accessibility.net, En-Vision America, and Talking Book and Braille
> Services.
>
> Home Improvement by the Blind: “Can We Fix It, Yes We Can!”
>
> On Friday, October 23rd, the above titled seminar is being held, and it is 
> a
> do not miss event for this years convention. Be sure to attend this lively
> and informative round table discussion dedicated to the exploration of the
> techniques and abilities of the blind in a wide range of home improvement 
> and
> everyday household activities. This workshop will be a combination of a 
> forum
> for the exchange of ideas for non-visual techniques which are useful in
> completing household chores. All in attendance will receive a heavy dose 
> of
> hands-on opportunities to explore many popular household projects and 
> duties.
> There will be for instance, real life samples of a water faucet, toilet 
> tank,
> and door knob and hinge model, along with a partial wall to practice 
> things
> such as light switch replacement and stud finding for picture hanging and
> much, much, more. Please bring yourself, your curiosity and questions, 
> along
> with your own tried and true tips to share and discover a wide world of
> possible do-it yourself techniques.
>
> Braille: Books and Beyond
>
> Two-hundred years after the birth of Louis Braille, we will reflect on the
> importance of Braille literacy as an integral part of our march towards
> first-class citizenship. “Braille: Books and Beyond” is shaping up to be
> a blast! You can give it a boost yourself by bringing books and/or other
> items representing innovative uses of Braille from your daily life. And 
> brush
> up on the basics of Braille for our Louis Braille Bicentennial Braille 
> Bee!
> Prizes are possible!
>
> Senior Division Annual State Convention Meeting
>
> Unfortunately, many blind and visually impaired seniors believe that if
> blindness comes during their later years, life's major activities must 
> come
> to an end. We know differently, and we want to share our knowledge with 
> those
> who hunger for it. On Friday afternoon, our Senior Division will sponsor a
> conference especially for the senior blind. As many of you know, it was 
> the
> National Federation of the Blind who spear-headed the effort to gain more
> funding for the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired’s
> older blind programs. We will show the attendees of this conference that 
> with
> the right skills, resources, and attitudes, life as a blind senior can be
> full and enriching.
>
> Rookie Round Up and Scholarship Luncheon
>
> Are you a first time attendee of the National Federation of the Blind of
> Nebraska state Convention? Are you one of the five scholarship winners for
> this year? If the answer is yes to either of these questions, then please
> make plans to join us at noon on Friday for this energetic and inspiring
> gathering, which will give everyone the proper kickoff to another action
> packed state convention. NFBN leaders and members will be on hand to 
> answer
> all your questions about the convention and the NFB organization itself.
>
> Friday Night Highlights
>
> Later on Friday, we will hold our quarterly state board of directors 
> meeting
> from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and the resolutions committee will meet 
> immediately
> following its adjournment. Once resolutions have concluded, we will hold
> another fun-filled not-so-silent auction. The proceeds go toward assisting
> members of NFBN to attend our annual Washington Seminar and national NFB
> convention. We have a number of top shelf items already gathered including
> libations brewed by Professor Matt Maurer, autographed music and sports
> memorabilia, home-made goodies, Braille books and other surprises. Those
> wishing to donate items are encouraged to bring their items directly to 
> Jamie
> Forbis at the hotel.
>
> Saturday Session Highlights
>
> Our general session will begin promptly at 8:30 AM Saturday morning with 
> our
> now customary high energy opening ceremonies. You won’t want to be late to
> the morning session, as we have something special in store. We will cover
> many contemporary blindness issues, along with such highlights as the
> national report from Pam Allen, updates from NCBVI, Talking Book and 
> Braille
> Services, elected officials, and other items of interest.
>
> As usual, we will offer a vast assortment of door prizes throughout all
> sessions, for those who register. If you wish to donate door prizes we ask
> you to bring items, labeled in print and Braille to Jamie Forbis at the
> hotel.
>
> General session will adjourn at noon and we invite you to participate in 
> the
> annual luncheon of the Nebraska Association of Blind Students. If any of 
> you
> are college students, know college students, or are supportive of college
> students, please make plans to come join the members of NABS for the 
> annual
> business meeting and elections, as well as a motivational keynote speaker 
> to
> be announced.
>
> The afternoon session will begin at 2:00 PM and will contain more relevant
> issues to the blind of Nebraska. The meeting will adjourn at 5:00 PM.
>
> Banquet Information
>
> The spirit and enthusiasm of each NFBN convention always culminates in our
> annual banquet, which will begin at 6:30 PM. We plan to offer a choice of 
> a
> regular or vegetarian meal, along with a salad and dessert. We'll also 
> have
> door prizes, an empowering speech by Pam Allen, and the dispensation of 
> our
> annual scholarships and awards.
>
> After the conclusion of the banquet, we encourage everyone to come and 
> have
> fun with us as we celebrate the Federation, meet new friends, and network
> with one another for new opportunities.
>
> Annual NABS Idol Competition
>
> Do you like to sing in the car? Your room? The shower? Ever wish you could 
> be
> an instant celebrity like Carrie Underwood, only without the slight 
> drawback
> of paparazzi following you everywhere? Well, stop wishing and start 
> picking
> out songs: NABS is doing it again! Introducing the Third annual NABS Idol
> competition! Anyone who has 5 dollars can get in on the fun. If you're 
> broke,
> you can always sit back and watch your friends do their thing onstage!
>
> If you'd like to secure a place in the competition, just send the title of
> the song you'd like to sing to Kayde Rieken, Vice President of the 
> National
> Association of Blind Students of Nebraska, and you're in. As previously
> mentioned, there's a 5-dollar charge per performer per song. So start
> thinking about the songs that make you shine the most, and don't miss your
> chance to become... the next NABS Idol!
>
> We will once again be creating and selling CD’s of the performances, so 
> you
> can live in the hearts, CD players, and iPods of your fellow 
> Federationists
> forever. If you are interested in participating please call Kayde Rieken 
> at
> (402) 419-9427. We would like to know what you are singing and the members 
> of
> each group so we can compile a song list before the show. The number of
> places in the show is limited to make sure we can fit all the performances 
> on
> a single CD, so get your entries in soon! We look forward to seeing and
> hearing everyone in Scottsbluff.
>
> Sunday Highlights
>
> Conventioneers are known for staying up late to enjoy their time with 
> friends
> in the spirit of camaraderie, but please be advised that our Sunday 
> morning
> session will begin promptly at 9:00 AM with our usual invocation and a big
> door prize. You won’t want to be late to the morning business meeting. The
> convention is the supreme authority and policy-making body of the National
> Federation of the Blind of Nebraska. Resolutions and policy statements 
> will
> be considered in plenary sessions throughout the weekend. Decisions in the
> Federation are made by the blind themselves. The convention will adjourn 
> at
> noon.
>
> How many children in America are not taught to read?
>
> The answer is 90 percent if the children are blind. Most Americans are
> shocked to hear this statistic. And we should be. The blind read and write
> using Braille, so why is our educational system failing to teach Braille 
> to
> so many children? Why are these children being denied opportunities that 
> come
> with a proper education? What if you could not read and write? Where would
> you be today?
>
> There are three primary reasons for this educational crisis: (1) there are
> not enough Braille teachers; (2) some teachers of blind children have not
> received enough training; and (3) many educators do not think Braille
> instruction is even necessary.
>
> To bring critically-needed attention to this educational crisis, the 
> United
> States Congress authorized the minting of the 2009 Louis Braille 
> Bicentennial
> Silver Dollar with a portion of the sale of each coin going toward a
> revolutionary and comprehensive Braille literacy campaign.
>
> Learning to read and write is fundamental to education, which in turn is
> paramount to full and equal participation in American society. This coin, 
> the
> first U.S. coin to have proper tactile Braille, symbolizes independence,
> opportunity, and the potential of blind people to make significant
> contributions to society when they are taught to read and write using
> Braille. Please purchase this unique and beautiful coin and help solve 
> this
> educational crisis for blind children in America.
>
> The law authorizing this 2009 silver dollar requires that any coins not 
> sold
> by midnight on December 31, 2009, be melted down. Time is of the 
> essence--a
> 90 percent illiteracy rate is not acceptable and the opportunity to 
> purchase
> this coin will soon be gone. Purchase you Louis Braille Bicentennial 
> Silver
> Dollar now! Be part of the solution. Give the gift of literacy. Create new
> opportunities.
>
> Proof Dollar
> Regular Issue: $41.95
> Uncirculated Coin
> Regular Issue: $33.95
>
> Coins can be purchased by visiting the US Mint website at www.usmint.gov
> http://www.usmint.gov or by stopping by the information table at 
> convention.
> For more information for teachers, parents, adults, and children, visit
> www.Braille.org http://www.Braille.org
>
> Transportation Information
>
> The National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska will be providing a bus 
> to
> this year’s State Convention in Scottsbluff. The bus will depart Omaha on
> Thursday, October 22, 2009, at 12:00 noon. The first pick up point will be 
> in
> Omaha, at the college of St. Mary, and the second one will be in Lincoln, 
> at
> the Commission for the Blind offices. The bus should arrive in Scottsbluff 
> at
> approximately 10:00 PM that same evening. The trip, including other 
> passenger
> pick up points yet to be determined, a dinner break, and other breaks, 
> should
> be approximately 10 hours. Following the convention, the bus will depart
> immediately following the conclusion of the Sunday morning business 
> meeting
> on October 25, 2009. The bus will arrive in Omaha, its final destination,
> that same evening.
>
> The price for the round trip will be $100.00 per person. In keeping with 
> the
> company policies of Fontenelle Tours, any reservations cancelled before
> October 2, 2009, are fully refundable: however, there will be a $30.00 fee
> for any reservations cancelled after this date. These excellent rates for
> travel are made possible through the assistance of your state affiliate of
> the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska, and the generosity of
> Fontenelle Tours.
>
> All reservations are to be made through Fontenelle Tours, and the deadline
> for making your reservation is October 2, 2009. Reservations will be on a
> first come, first serve basis, and it is critical that we have a minimum 
> of
> 30 passenger reservations by this date, otherwise, the bus will have to be
> cancelled. Your reservation is confirmed upon receipt of your payment, and
> payment may only be through check, money order, or payment order
> authorization from the state of Nebraska. Fontenelle Tours does not accept
> credit cards. When making your reservations, please indicate the type of
> payment, and whether you are having your travel expenses paid through the
> Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Clients of the
> Commission should discuss these details with their counselors prior to the
> making of reservations. Commission staff members should also have their 
> own
> personal reservations made directly through Fontenelle Tours. Payment 
> Order
> Authorizations must be for the full amount of $100.00.
>
> To ensure that potential problems related to the pick up points along the
> route on the day of departure can be managed effectively; all passengers 
> are
> asked to provide their home address, a cell or home telephone number where
> they can be reached, and their personal or work e-mail address if 
> available.
> Should an individual be late arriving to the scheduled pick up point, and 
> we
> do not have a means by which to contact the person directly, it will not 
> be
> possible to delay the bus for more than a few minutes. Please help us to
> assure that you will have every opportunity to successfully meet the bus.
>
> There is only seating for 50 passengers available, and therefore, to 
> ensure
> yourself a seat, please make your reservations early. Some seats may still 
> be
> available after the deadline, due to cancellations, so you are certainly
> encouraged to check if you are running late in making your reservations, 
> but
> remember that the bus filled up very quickly last year. Please remember, 
> the
> last day that you can make a room reservation, and be assured that one 
> will
> be available at the excellent rates being offered to the NFBN, is October 
> 2,
> 2009.
>
> Please contact Fontenelle Tours at the address and phone number below.
>
> Fontenelle Tours
> 4624 Navajo Street - Suite 15
> Council Bluffs, IA 51501-8383
> 1-877-366-9596
>
> The bus will be departing from Omaha, at approximately 12:00 noon, on
> Thursday, October 22, 2009, and the pick up point will be, the College of 
> St.
> Mary. The college campus is located at the corner of 72nd street and Mercy
> Road in Omaha. We depart from the southeast corner down by the soccer 
> field.
> Off of 72nd street, turn east on Mercy Road, in about one block on your 
> left
> (North) will be the entrance marked by a large sign.
>
> The entrance road ends in a large circle, go right (east) off of the 
> circle.
> Go through the first parking lot to the east most lot down by the athletic
> field fence. That is where we can leave cars and load the bus.
>
> The bus will depart Lincoln at approximately 1:15 PM, from the parking lot
> located in front of the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually
> Impaired office, located at 4600 Valley Road, Suite 100. Should you need
> directions to this location, please contact Jeff Altman in the evenings at
> (402) 489-9458, or call the Commission in Lincoln, during regular business
> hours, at (402) 471-2891.
>
> Those individuals meeting the bus west of Lincoln will need to make their 
> own
> arrangements to reach the closest pick up point to your home along the 
> I-80
> interstate. As reservations are confirmed, these pick up points will be
> selected, and every effort will be made to make them as convenient and
> efficient as possible. If you are a client of NCBVI, please speak with 
> your
> counselor to see if assistance with transportation to the pick up points, 
> or
> any additional over night lodging, is possible, should your financial
> situation be of concern.
>
> We are looking forward to a wonderful trip, and another great convention.
> Please join us, and make your reservations as soon as you can.
>
> Closing Remarks
>
> The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest 
> organization
> of the blind in our country, with the widest and strongest voice in the
> affairs of the blind. The NFB's elected leaders, at all levels (local, 
> state,
> and national), are blind, as is the vast majority of the membership. The 
> NFB
> is thus the collective voice of the nations blind. Our Nebraska Affiliate 
> is
> honored to be a very vital and dedicated part of the organized blind
> people’s movement.
>
> Our mission is to provide security, equality and opportunity for all blind
> persons, especially in the areas of social, political, and economic
> integration into community and society. Our method is public education and
> self-advocacy. We offer services including information access, technical 
> and
> moral support, information and referral, and employment projects that we
> operate in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor and the Nebraska
> Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
>
> Make your plans to be with us on October 23rd-25th in Scottsbluff! The 
> 54th
> Annual State Convention promises to make a Difference and Change Lives! 
> Come
> join us and be a part of the excitement! The above is a rough outline of 
> the
> convention events. The full and finalized convention agenda will be posted 
> on
> the NFBN website soon.
>
> If you would like to be an exhibitor or if you would like more details,
> please contact President Amy Buresh at (402) 465-5468 or email the 
> President.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Amy Buresh - President, National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska
>
> Printable Convention Pre-Registration Form
> http://www.ne.nfb.org/conv_reg_form
>
> Online Convention Pre-Registration Form 
> http://www.ne.nfb.org/convention_re