[NFB-Idaho] commending our Spring newsletter

[Colleen McFadden]

Our excellent newsletter is posted below and on our NFB Idaho BLOG page.
Enjoy!


Allan Schneider, Editor • Dana Ard, President •
aaschneider at hotmail.com
 pres.nfbidaho at gmail.com
      (208) 870-4831
 (208) 345-3906

President’s Address
Dana Ard, President, NFB of Idaho

The two major affiliate events in the past four months are the Washington
Seminar, in late January, and our state convention, April 23-25 in Boise.
You can read about these events elsewhere in this newsletter. I will take a
brief moment to let everyone know about my medical experiences since
February 5.
On February 5, I had knee replacement surgery for my left knee. Cindy
Grover was my coach to help with recovery. After two weeks, she returned
home, and during the following week I graduated from a walker to a support
cane. I was making excellent progress, and I planned to return to choir on
March 5. On March 2, I experienced extreme pain following my physical
therapy visit. Two weeks later, an x-ray of the knee revealed a broken
kneecap, which happened during physical therapy. I had surgery to repair it
on March 26. Two weeks later, x-rays revealed that the surgery did not
hold. I had repeat surgery on April 9. I am now in a skilled nursing
facility at the Terraces of Boise, since I cannot put any weight on my left
leg. Hopefully I can return home after the end of eight weeks, which will
be about June 4. I was not able to attend the state convention. My state
report was read by Jennie Facer. I will have it put on the website for
those who were not in attendance.
I hope to attend the national convention in Austin, Texas. Registration is
now open. I hope you will join me in attending this transformative event,
as we continue to build our National Federation of the Blind of Idaho.

The National Federation of the Blind of Idaho
State Convention 2026
Celebrating Community, Advocacy, and Remembrance in Boise
Shane Ostermeier

Convention Overview
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Idaho held its annual state
convention from April 23 to April 25, 2026, at the Boise Best Western Vista
Inn. Attendees gathered from across the state, reconnecting with old
friends and forging new connections. The event proved to be a vibrant
celebration of advocacy, community, and shared experiences, even as members
reflected on recent losses and celebrated the lives of those who passed
away during the past year.
Photo: Shane Ostermeier

Keynote Speakers and Panels    The convention featured a diverse lineup of
speakers and panels, each contributing valuable insights and perspectives
on issues affecting the blind community in Idaho and nationwide.
Participants engaged in lively discussions about legislative updates, new
technologies, and strategies for increasing accessibility and independence.
The panels offered opportunities for attendees to share their own
experiences, fostering a sense of unity and empowerment among all present.

National Representation       This year's convention was honored to welcome
Tom Paige, the National Federation of the Blind representative from Kansas.
Mr. Paige brought greetings from the national organization and shared
updates on NFB initiatives, advocacy efforts, and resources available to
Idaho members. His presence underscored the importance of collaboration
between state and national chapters, reinforcing NFB's commitment to
supporting blind individuals everywhere.

Auction and Fundraising Activities    One of the highlights of the
convention was the spirited auction, which ran throughout the weekend.
Members and guests enthusiastically participated, bidding on a variety of
items ranging from handmade crafts to donated goods. The auction not only
raised essential funds to support NFB of Idaho's programs but also brought
a sense of fun and friendly competition to the event.

Reconnection and Community Spirit       After a year of challenges and
separation for many, the convention offered a welcome chance for members to
reconnect face-to-face. Conversations flowed easily, stories were shared,
and laughter echoed through the halls of the Best Western Vista Inn. The
sense of belonging and mutual support was palpable, energizing attendees
for the work ahead.

Remembering Those We've Lost       In a moving segment of the convention,
members paused to reflect and celebrate the lives of those who had passed
away in the past year. Through shared memories and moments of silence, the
community honored their contributions and reaffirmed the importance of
supporting one another through times of joy and sorrow.

A Noteworthy Absence     While the convention was filled with camaraderie
and optimism, attendees sincerely missed the presence of their president,
Dana Ard.  Dana was unable to attend due to recovering from surgery, but
her leadership and dedication were acknowledged throughout the event. The
community eagerly looks forward to her return and wishes her a speedy
recovery.

Looking Forward       The 2026 NFB of Idaho State Convention was a
testament to the resilience, strength, and unity of the blind community in
Idaho. As members departed Boise, they carried with them renewed
inspiration, valuable knowledge, and lasting memories. The Federation
continues its mission to advocate, educate, and empower, building a
brighter future for all.

2026 NFBI Scholarship Recipients
Joe Grover

The National Federation of the Blind of Idaho proudly recognizes its annual
scholarship winners during its state convention, celebrating the
achievements, leadership, and aspirations of blind students across Idaho.
Among this year’s honorees are several outstanding students from across the
state. Will Jackson of Malad City will be attending Idaho State University,
where he plans to major in diesel mechanics. Carver Anderson, from Ammon,
is enrolled at Brigham Young University–Idaho, pursuing a degree in
psychology. Lander Norstebon of Bliss will attend Boise State University to
study political science. Alex Freeman, from Twin Falls, is attending
College of Southern Idaho, where he is enrolled in a business
entrepreneurship program. These scholars exemplify the determination and
promise that the Federation seeks to support through its scholarship
program.

2026 Summer Youth Programs
Alison Steven

This summer will see the 14th year that I have been privileged to be part
of the NFB BELL Academy concept, and the 9th year that I have been involved
in youth programs with ICBVI. I have been involved in day camps, virtual
camps and overnight camps, and I have observed students from as young as
five growing up to graduate high school with confidence and strong
self-awareness. I find it such a joy to see individual youths finding their
voice, spreading their wings and contributing in their own unique way. What
is it that brings them to this place where they can launch into life as
well-rounded adults? Is it because they know that dots 4, 5, 6 “S”
represents the word spirit, or because they understand the concept of
parallel and perpendicular traffic movement? Is it because they can
navigate a Smart Phone to communicate with friends and potential employers,
or because they know how to operate an Air Fryer? Yes, all of these things
have been building blocks to get them to this point, and with years of
consistent practice building skill upon skill, they are equipped for the
next step. More than all of this though, are the interactions they have had
over the years with supportive and encouraging role models; folks who stand
alongside and observe as they explore, experiment, fail and figure it out.
These individuals recognize the crucial need for young people, navigating
low vision and blindness,  to have cheerleaders, positive examples and
listening ears to allow for the exploration and struggle that brings the
resilience needed for a fulfilling future. It takes creativity, energy and
imagination from us to keep showing up for these young people. It takes
multiple interactions with all kinds of folks for the shy, nervous, naïve
youth to understand themselves, their potential and their responsibility in
the world.
I am so aware of my own responsibility and the fact that I have the
opportunity to play a part in young lives. I am also very aware that it
takes a village to raise a child. These young people need the sighted
professionals, family and friends who surround and support them, and they
need you, too. All of us can play a part and make a difference. All of us
have something unique to offer that can sow a seed and make a lasting
impact. Thank you to you all, this community, who believe in the
possibilities and seek to empower those who may have little self-belief,
skills or support.
This summer we once again will have strong programs in Idaho for our youth.
The ICBVI work experience program, the VIEW program, will take place from
June 14 through July 18 with 14 students participating. Mark your calendars
for the NFB-VIEW adaptive sports and picnic event on June 27th from 9:00 AM
until 1:00 PM at Cassia Park in Boise! Participants in the VIEW program
will be engaged in work at job sites around Boise for four weeks,
developing skills and confidence by the day. The ICBVI College Days program
will take place on the Idaho State University campus in Pocatello from July
19 through 24, with eight participants. We once again have Tyler Merren,
from Michigan, and Kathy Nimmer from Indiana coming to work with these
young aspiring college students. Wrapping up our Idaho summer programming,
we have the NFB BELL and Beyond Academy at Pilgrim Cove Camp in McCall from
July 27 through August 1. At the time of writing we have 12 students
registered, but registration is open until June 30 so it is not too late if
you want to sign up and you are aged between 7 and 17 years old!
(NFB BELL and Beyond 2026 Registration link:
https://nfb.org/programs-services/education/nfb-bell-academy/idaho)
I am excited to see the impact that the staff, peer mentors and community
have on all those who will be participating, and for the impact these young
people will have on our lives as they dream, grow, explore and bring their
unique stamp to our community.

Snake River Valley Chapter News
Lynn Kneip

The Snake River Valley Chapter is alive and well.  We have recently had
 two new members. One who was able to attend the state convention with us
and all had a good time.
     In January, we elected a new chapter president as a result of the
passing of Sandy.  We all miss her. She did a great job and was a good
person.  Lynn Kneip was elected as president, Nicole Hill as 1st vice.,
Quincie Mattick as 2nd vice, Jasmine McCandless as secretary, Vickie
Bateman as treasurer, and board members  Kristen Ward and Wanda Jolly.
     Nicole and Quincie recently graduated with their Masters in Social
Work from ISU.  Quincie and Lynn were each able to get new guide dogs.
     We are looking to have a great year, with quarterly, in-person
activities as well as invite new persons that are not currently members.

BLIND BOISE MAN LOSES 400 POUNDS IN TWO YEARS AFTER LIFE-THREATENING BLOOD
CLOTS FORCE A MAJOR CHANGE
Roland Beres
Shane Ostermeier weighed over 660 pounds and could barely walk. With
dedication and help from a trainer at the West Boise YMCA, he transformed
his life.  in two years after a harrowing doctor's visit pushed him to
change his life.
Ostermeier's weight gain began in his 20s when he lost his vision.
Twenty-nine years later, his condition became a matter of life and death.
 "I was really struggling to breathe and went to the hospital and was
diagnosed with blood clots in my lungs," recalled Ostermeier. In
desperation, he arrived at the West Boise YMCA determined to turn his life
around.
"He comes off the elevator, and he’s completely blind with a cane and over
600 pounds," said his trainer, Kasey Tekippe, of her first time meeting
Ostermeier.
Kasey remembers that day like it was yesterday. She explained that
Ostermeier could barely walk 10 steps.  "He couldn’t lift his foot onto a
pedal that was 6 inches off the ground," Kasey said.  Slowly, Kasey helped
Ostermeier start moving again. Every milestone was huge, and even those
working out nearby would cheer him on.
"We would just have a big celebration, I would cry, and he would cry, and
it was the greatest thing," said Kasey.
"Here I am, I’m hearing all their cheering, and I’m like this is why I’m at
the Y. This is why the Y is such an important part of our community,"
Ostermeier said.Today, Ostermeier is at the proper weight for his height.
Not only can he walk, but he can run.  "I don’t give up, and I never have
given up. And that’s why I’m here today. 400 pounds less," Ostermeier said.
"I feel amazing. My life has started over. I’m starting to look at doing
whatever I want to do."  For anyone struggling to make a change in their
life, Ostermeier says to seize the day. "If you’ve been debating about it,
just start. Set little goals," recommended Ostermeier.  Ostermeier says
he's planning to run a marathon as a way to celebrate his newfound fitness.

Washington Seminar
Nicole Hill
Before Dawn in Boise
Outside, the air was chilly and quiet. The airport was calm; there were
some early morning travelers, but not very many. A tall man strode into the
airport with a long, white cane in his hands at 4:45am. He met a couple
standing just inside the doors, also using white canes to get around, and
the group found a lady sitting in the chairs waiting for them with her
white cane folded up on her lap. These four people had never met in person
before, but they were united in a common cause. They were all members of
the National Federation of the Blind. Shane, who was the tall man, was from
Meridian, Idaho and the Treasure Valley Chapter. The couple, Joe and Cindy,
also belong to the Treasure Valley Chapter but they live in Caldwell,
Idaho. Nicole lived in Idaho Falls and participated in the Snake River
Valley Chapter. The four individuals were going to Washington DC to lobby
their legislators.
The Travel
The tapping and sliding noises of white canes preceded the way through the
airport as the blind Idahoans made their way. The first flight led to a
quick layover in Seattle, Washington, followed by a rush to the plane
headed to Washington DC. Meet and assist volunteers guided the advocates
through the airport. The flight was long, but the group touched down safely
in Washington DC around 3pm (local time).  Again, meet and assist
volunteers helped the weary travelers get their luggage. There was some
concern when the bags did not appear in the luggage claim area. It turned
out that a compartment hadn’t been emptied, so the missing bags were
returned to their owners.
The meet and assist volunteers in DC brought wheelchairs for everyone, and
no one wanted to use them. After hours in cramped airplane seats, no one
was eager to sit again.  “Maybe the volunteers find it easier to bring
wheelchairs,” or “maybe it is habit for them to bring wheelchairs,” they
wondered aloud. One of the volunteers was emphatic, and Shane acquiesced to
use the chair.
Snowbound in Washington DC
During the night and early morning, a storm descended upon DC. When
checking into the hotel, a hotel employee explained that people from NASA
had checked in earlier that day and they predicted almost two feet of snow.
The highly anticipated tour of Mount Vernon that was planned for Sunday
morning was cancelled because of the weather. A frozen mix fell all day and
covered the city in snow. The delegation spent quality time getting to know
one another. Nicole had brought Braille Uno, which the group played after
exploring the hotel. Shane said: “Even though we got stuck inside because
of the storm, it allowed us to get to know each other really well. It also
allowed me to use my lack of braille skills and play braille Uno, which was
great.” Cindy explained: “I also enjoyed getting to know everyone in our
group in a different way than you would have just talking on the phone.”
Extra-Curricular Activities
Monday morning was spent in preparation for a meeting with congressmen. Joe
and Shane went to a meeting about talking with politically elected
officials. Shane learned it was recommended to use “Secretary of War” when
talking to Republicans and “Secretary of Defense” when talking to
Democrats. Cindy and Nicole found the table with tactile diagrams of the
legislative buildings and a map of the Capital and the surrounding
legislative buildings. They were hoping the area would be clear so the
group could go to the offices in person.
Cindy and Nicole also went to a job seeker’s professional development
seminar and learned about elevator pitches, networking, and artificial
intelligence (AI). Cindy said: “One of the things I thought was the
greatest was learning about how beneficial ChatGPT can be in editing and
giving you information.”
The afternoon was calm and the delegation met Idaho’s two Teachers of
Tomorrow: Danielle and Summer. The Teachers of Tomorrow program provides
professional development or continuing education credits for teachers of
the visually impaired (TVIs). Danielle is covering Region 7 (Eastern Idaho)
and Summer is working with Region 3 (North Idaho). These ladies were
wonderful to meet and connect with. The Idaho affiliate looks forward to
collaborating and working with these two teachers.
The Great Gathering-In
“NFB!” could be heard sporadically through the closed doors to a conference
room full of blind people. There were an estimated 150-200 blind people
from around the US waiting to listen to the inspirational speeches by the
Blind Movement’s leaders. The room was full of energy and excitement. The
event was motivational, engaging, informational, and overall encouraging.
The entire thing was recorded and can be accessed at the following link:
NFB Great Gathering-In. Shane expressed: “The Great Gathering-In was a fun
time. It allowed us to see what wonderful  and talented leaders the NFB
has.” Joe shared that he “likes seeing all the [blind] people from all
different walks of life coming together and uniting for a common cause.”
Joe went on to say that he liked “how well prepared the NFB is to provide
good facts and good information. For example, the NFB already spoke to the
Social Security Commissioner and he was on board before they went forward
with it to lawmakers. There is really no argument with our causes and I
love that part.  “There were three topics discussed at the event in
preparation for the advocacy the following day.
 The first issue was “Protect Education, Employment, and Independent Living
Programs.” This emphasized five programs that are already helping blind
people live fulfilling lives: IDEA, the Rehabilitation Act, the
Randolph-Sheppard Act, OIB, and APH. The second issue promoted the Access
Technology Affordability ACT (ATAA), and the third issue addressed the
earnings cliff in Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) with the Blind
Americans Return to Work Act. Joe’s comment referred to the Blind
 Americans Return to Work Act.
Advocating from a Hotel Room
Originally, the group was going to meet with both senators in person, but
some votes were moved and arrangements were made to meet with office staff
instead. Tuesday and Wednesday were more days spent in the hotel. The
foursome was not adventurous enough to wander to the capital amidst
“vertical snowbanks” and other snowy and icy obstacles. To meet with the
offices of Idaho Representatives and Senators, the meetings were held
virtually. “The ‘F’ [in NFB] stands for ‘flexible’” was something mentioned
by NFB leaders. We met with Nick from Congressman Simpson’s office and
Matthew from Senator Crapo’s office on Tuesday. Both of those meetings were
good; the staff were pleasant, respectful, and interested in the topics.
Wednesday was similar, only we met with Matt from Senator Rich’s office and
Karrah from Congressman Fulcher’s office. The NFB of Idaho has often met
with Senator Crapo in person, and it was bad timing and luck that it didn’t
happen this year. Despite the change, Matt was engaged and really listened
to the topics being discussed.
Snowbanks and Monuments
Wednesday afternoon was the first time the delegation stepped foot outside
the hotel to go exploring. They were connected to a private tour guide and
drove around to some of the national monuments: the White House, the
Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Pentagon. When they got
out of the van to get close, they were unable to reach the important site
because of the snow, which had not yet been removed. One of the favorite
comments from the driver was: “We are driving single file on a two lane
road.” The snow had been pushed to the middle of the street, so even though
there were technically four lanes, only two of them were in use, one lane
going either direction.
Carrying the Work Home
As a wrap to the week in the hotel, Thursday morning held an early
departure. The sound of a few people in the hotel lobby was punctuated by
the sound of four white canes making their way to the front desk to check
out. The trip back to Boise was completed without a hitch. The group was
somewhat rumpled and tired when stepping off the final plane. The trip west
from Washington DC to Idaho took longer than the trip east from Idaho to
Washington DC. After learning from the presentation and speaking with
congressmen, the Idahoans came home with renewed confidence in their blind
skills, a deeper connection with one another, and some new contacts within
the organization. These four advocates have the challenge of continuing the
momentum felt in DC to their local chapters and continuing to advocate for
blind people in Idaho.

Seeds of Independence
Cooper Morgan
 A woodworking shop at the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually
Impaired is doing more than building garden boxes, its helping participants
rebuild confidence and independence after vision loss.
The program, called Seeds of Independence, teaches clients how to safely
use tools, measure materials and complete woodworking projects using
tactile techniques and sound rather than sight.  For instructor Chris
Johnston, the work is deeply personal.  “I have retinitis pigmentosa, which
is a genetic retinal disorder, so I’m slowly losing my vision,” Johnston
said.
Johnston spent two decades working in the trades before receiving his
diagnosis. Facing the possibility of losing the career he loved, he
enrolled in training through the commission. Encouraged by a counselor, he
later returned, this time as an instructor, teaching in a basement workshop
that once sat unused.
Now, Johnston guides clients through the same training he completed
himself, helping them learn to rely on touch, spatial awareness and hearing
while working with tools.  “When sight is lost, confidence can follow,”
Johnston said. “The goal is to show people they can still do these things.”
That lesson resonated with Ed Paoli, a former client who lost his vision at
age 66 after contaminated medication was injected into his eye.  “At first
I thought I couldn’t do woodworking anymore,” Paoli said. “I couldn’t
measure or see to cut a board.”  Through Johnston’s instruction, conducted
under sleep shades designed to simulate complete vision loss, Paoli learned
to trust his hands and other senses. What began as skepticism turned into
enthusiasm.
“To me, it was the best class,” Paoli said. “It helped me realize there are
other things I can still do.”  Paoli now works at the commission, assisting
Johnston during his free time and helping with the Seeds of Independence
project.

Participants are currently building flower boxes intended to brighten the
commission’s courtyard and demonstrate clients’ skills. The effort recently
received support from the Boise Bench Lions Club, which donated $1,750 to
help fund the project.  Organizers hope to complete the boxes by May 10.
For Johnston, the workshop represents more than woodworking instruction.
"I was hooked. There was those, those thoughts of going back to my old
life, and even though I would be able to make more money, the feeling that
I got, I was so, so happy for the person and the clients that I work with,"
he said.  Johnston says he plans to continue teaching as long as possible,
helping others adapt to vision loss while maintaining the independence many
feared they had lost.

Heard Birds – Spring 2026
Stephen Bouffard,  Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History, The College of
Idaho
Spring is the best time to hear a variety of bird songs and calls.  Many
birds are more vocal this time of year, because it is mating season and
love and fight are in the air. With some 11,000 bird species it’s no wonder
that there is so much variety in how male birds attract mates. Song is the
most popular method, but some birds dance, and/or have showy feather
displays. Woodpeckers use their beaks to drum out a rhythm. Most species
have their own specific songs. Some males sing two different song types,
one directed at other males, sending the message that “this is my territory
so stay away”. This song is often heard only around dawn. Their other song
typically is sung later in the day and is aimed at attracting females.
Saying “here I am ladies, I’m macho and handsome”. In some species, the
females get into the singing act. For example, American Cardinal females
sing to tell other females to “keep away from my man”, but you’ll have to
leave Idaho to hear cardinals. These advertising methods work well enough
for each species and allow us to eavesdrop on their activities. We can
identify nearly every bird species by their sounds, although some species
can trip us up by mimicking other species. Around here, European Starlings
are the most common mimic.
A list of the more common birds you might hear around town: Song Sparrow;
House Finch: House Sparrow: Black-capped Chickadee, American Crow; European
Starling; Lesser Goldfinch: American Goldfinch: American Robin:
Red-breasted Nuthatch: Northern Flicker: Downy Woodpecker: Canada Goose:
Mallard: Western Kingbird; Black-chinned Hummingbird; Brewer’s Blackbird;
Brown-headed Cowbird; Tree Swallow: Barn Swallow. Many other species can be
heard in other habitats away from towns.  The Merlin APP, a free APP, can
help identify the songs you hear.

On Fri, Jun 12, 2026 at 9:55 AM Steve Cook via NFB-Idaho <
nfb-idaho at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Just wanted to ask, where can I find the Spring Newsletter? I enjoy
> reading what is going on in other affiliates!
>
> Steve Cook
> You are invited to join us on the 1st and 2nd Friday of each month at 8:00
> PM Eastern for audio described movies using the below Zoom platform!
> https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8032543777?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09
> Meeting ID: 803 254 3777
> Passcode: 124578
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NFB-Idaho <nfb-idaho-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of President of
> NFB Idaho via NFB-Idaho
> Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2026 1:02 PM
> To: NFB of Idaho Discussion List <nfb-idaho at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: President of NFB Idaho <pres.nfbidaho at gmail.com>
> Subject: [NFB-Idaho] commending our Spring newsletter
>
> I want everyone to read our excellent Spring newsletter. I enjoyed the
> articles by all the contributors. We have excellent writers in our
> affiliate. Appreciation to Al Schneider for making this newsletter possible.
>
>
>
> --
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>