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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>You Are Cordially Invited to Attend<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>The 62<sup>nd</sup> Convention of the National Federation of the Blind<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Of New York State</span></b><b><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>The National Federation of the Blind of New York State will hold its sixty-second annual convention in Buffalo, NY, from October 19-21, 2018. Please join us as we strive to build a network of expertise and encouragement among blind New Yorkers and work together to make a positive difference in the lives of blind people across New York State.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Who Are We?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#333333;background:#F2F2F2'>The NFB of NYS is an organization of blind and visually impaired New Yorkers who </span><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;background:white'>believe that, with the appropriate training, attitude, and opportunities, blind people can live the lives we want. NFB of NYS brings blind people together to support and learn from one another and to celebrate our achievements as we work </span><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#333333;background:#F2F2F2'>together to improve the lives of the blind of New York. <i> <o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Our Convention Agenda<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>It is our pleasure to welcome back, as our National Representative, Mr. Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. We will be privileged to hear him share information about the ongoing work of the Federation nationwide.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>The theme of this year’s convention will be <i>“Back to Basics”. </i>We’ll be looking at the main purposes of the Federation and revisiting our ultimate goals. We hope everyone will come away from convention feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to carry the Federation spirit back to each of our communities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>On Friday, October 19, the day will be filled with break-out sessions and small group meetings. Among these will be the annual seminars of the various divisions of the NFB of NYS. These will include our Seniors Division, our Student Division, Guide Dog Division, Blind Parents Group, and our Parents of Blind Children Division. These meetings are interactive and open to all convention attendees, so please stop by!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Also, on Friday, we will host a town hall style meeting with Brian Daniels, Associate Commissioner of the New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Everyone is welcome to attend our board meeting, where among other things, the winners of our 2018 NFB of NYS scholarships will introduce themselves. <span style='color:black'>Convention attendees are encouraged to explore our exhibit hall, where the latest technology will be on display and information pertinent to our community will be shared.</span> In the evening, join us for our hospitality event! Meet and mingle with other Federation members in a relaxed atmosphere of food and fellowship. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>All day Saturday the general sessions of the convention will provide us with the opportunity to hear presentations on topics that are important to blind people across New York and across the nation. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>The excitement will continue during Our Saturday evening banquet, with an address by our keynote speaker, Mr. Mark Riccobono, the fun of our annual “horse race,” and prize giveaways. The banquet will come to a dramatic close with the presentation of our 2018 NFB of NYS scholarships. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Please see the “special notes” later in this letter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>On Sunday morning we will hold our annual business meeting to chart our course for the coming year. We will also consider the resolutions that the Convention deems vital for our future. We will hear Chapter and Division reports from around the state. We will then return home, revitalized and ready to live the lives we want, and to share our experiences and our learning with other blind members of our communities. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Reservations, Room Rates and Registration<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>This year’s convention will be held in Buffalo, at the Holiday Inn, 4600 Genesee Street, Cheektowaga, NY 14225. Please make all hotel reservations through the NFB of NYS office, by visiting <span class=MsoHyperlink><a href="http://www.nfbny.org/conventions/details"><span style='font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>www.nfbny.org/conventions/details</span></a></span> and completing our online registration form, or by filling out the attached registration form and returning it to the affiliate office. Room rates this year are $99 per night, including doubles and quads. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Using the same registration form, you will also be able to purchase your banquet ticket ($30) and pay your $15 convention registration fee. To make eating on the go easy during this fun and event-packed weekend, we also offer the option to purchase boxed lunches both Friday and Saturday, which can be ordered for $12 each when you register. <b>All payments including the hotel room must be made through the NFB of New York</b>. A five percent discount will be given to anyone who registers by October 5, 2018. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Limited financial assistance may be available through NFB of NYS to attend the convention. If you would like to apply to have part of your room or travel costs covered by the organization, please contact the President of NFB of NYS, Mike Robinson, (716-222-3632) for more information. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Free childcare will be provided during all our events. Pre-registration for this service is required by October 1.</span></b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Please call the office at 718-567-7821 with any questions regarding this year’s convention.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>The convention is shaping up to be a tremendous event. Come to Buffalo and share in the excitement. I look forward to seeing everyone there.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> Mike Robinson, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> NFB of New York<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> (716) 222-3632<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Big Caslon"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Big Caslon"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:.5in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify'><i><span style='font-family:"Big Caslon";color:#333333;background:#F2F2F2'>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. </span></i><i><span style='font-family:"Big Caslon"'><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='font-family:"Big Caslon"'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='font-family:"Big Caslon"'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='font-family:"Big Caslon"'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='font-family:"Big Caslon"'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>SPECIAL NOTES<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.3in'><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.3in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:Wingdings'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>Ø<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>The Commission for the Blind Town Hall Meeting be from 9:00 to 11:00 am on Friday, October 19th.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.3in;mso-add-space:auto'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.3in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:Wingdings'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>Ø<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>The Board of Director’s Meeting will be from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm on Friday October 19th.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.3in;mso-add-space:auto'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.3in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:Wingdings'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>Ø<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Transportation from your chosen means to the hotel is simple this year. The Holiday Inn offers a shuttle from both the Buffalo Airport and the Depew Amtrak station to their facility. If traveling by bus, just ensure the bus stops at the Buffalo Airport. The phone number for the hotel to arrange a shuttle is 716-634-6969. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.3in;mso-add-space:auto'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.3in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:Wingdings'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>Ø<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Join us on the evening of Friday, October 19th for our New York Hospitality event! Activities include:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.3in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:.2in'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>NFB Back to Basics Trivia and games, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.3in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:.2in'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Dance steps, including beginners’ classes, for all and <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.3in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:.2in'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Personalized karaoke for the loudest state in the house. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-indent:.3in'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Refreshments will be served! All are welcome.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.3in;mso-add-space:auto'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.3in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:Wingdings'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>Ø<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Our senior citizens are invited to join each other for lunch on Saturday at the convention. You can buy a box lunch at registration or buy it in advance when you register. We will discuss the possibilities of forming a Seniors Division in New York. This will address the problems of older people losing vision or just the problems of aging. Let's get together and talk. The room will either be in the agenda or announced during the convention session on Saturday morning.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.3in;mso-add-space:auto'><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:.3in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:Wingdings'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>Ø<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:15.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Student Division seminar and business meeting will be on Friday the 19th. Come make your voices heard. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div></body></html>