National Federation of the Blind logo
2013 ANNUAL CONVENTION
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
JULY 1 to JULY 6
 NFB Pledge
Whozit icon
 I pledge to participate actively in the effort of the National Federation
of the
Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to
support the
policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.
 NFB Contact and Social Media Information
Whozit icon
 Telephone: (410) 659-9314
 Fax: (410) 685-5653
 E-mail:
nfb@nfb.org
 Web:
http://www.nfb.org
 Like us on Facebook:
Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind
 Follow us on Twitter: @NFB_Voice
 Tweet about the National Convention: #NFB13
Whozit icon
THE MEMBERS OF THE
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF FLORIDA
WELCOME YOU TO THE
73rd ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
Marc Maurer, President
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Mary Ellen Jernigan, Chairperson
Convention Organization and Activities
Dan Hicks, President
National Federation of the Blind of Florida
504 S. Armenia Ave., No. 1319-B
Tampa, Florida 33609
Rosen Centre Hotel
9840 International Drive
Orlando, Florida
(407) 996-9840
WELCOME!
Welcome to the 73rd annual convention of the National Federation of the
Blind
being held in Orlando at the Rosen Centre Hotel and the Orange County
Convention Center. A detailed description of the layout of the hotel can be
found
immediately after the “Convention Notes,” which are at the end of the
program
listings. Check the “Notes” for further information about a variety of
convention
topics. When you check in to the hotel, you will be asked to confirm your
departure date. If you decide to leave earlier than the departure date you
confirm
when you check in, there may be a change fee.
ROOKIE ROUNDUP
 All first-time convention attendees are cordially invited to attend
a reception from 8:00 to 10:00 pm on Monday in Junior Ballroom
G, level 1. President Maurer and other Federation leaders will be
on hand to welcome you to the convention and preview the
week’s activities. Veteran conventioneers should urge all first-
timers to attend this special event.
Rookie Roundup Logo
 PREREGISTRATION PACKET PICKUP
All who preregistered for convention may pick up their preregistration
packets in
the Grand Ballroom Prefunction Foyer, level 1. Preregistration begins at
9:00 am
on Tuesday, at 8:30 am on Wednesday, and at other times as listed throughout
the week.
ON-SITE REGISTRATION
If you did not preregister for convention, registration activities take
place in
the
Grand Ballroom Prefunction foyer, level 1 beginning at 9:00 am on Tuesday,
at
8:30 am on Wednesday, and at other times as listed throughout the week. The
fee for registration at convention is $30 per person. All those attending
the
convention (both local and out-of-town people) are asked to register.
Convention
registration is a requirement for door prize eligibility and a number of
other
convention activities. We condition rates for hotel rooms on proof of
registration,
including the showing of an NFB registration badge if requested.
EXHIBITS AND INDEPENDENCE MARKET
Exhibits and the NFB Independence Market are located in the Convention
Center, West Hall Section WA1, level 2. There is a special Sponsor-level
exhibitors preview for convention attendees on Tuesday morning from 9:00 to
11:00.
Exhibit hall hours of operation are:
 Tuesday 9:00 to 11:00 am (Sponsors only)
 Tuesday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
 Wednesday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
 Thursday Noon to 1:45 pm and from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
 Friday Noon to 1:45 pm and 6:00 to 8:30 pm
Independence Market hours of operation are:
 Tuesday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
 Wednesday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
 Thursday Noon to 1:45 pm
 Friday Noon to 1:45 pm (final opportunity to visit the Market)
SERIOUSLY INTO BOOKS? HOW ABOUT MUSIC TOO?
At K-NFB, we’ve got you covered for music, books, and more. Get the latest
low-
down about our accessible media super market coming soon on your computer
or mobile device. Learn how Blio e-books and eMusic can make a difference in
your life. Shop our online media stores and choose from a growing selection
of
more than 700 thousand e-book titles and more than 17 million separate
tracks
of audio books and music available and ready to download as MP3 files. Visit
our
“Books, Music, and More” training sessions on Monday, Tuesday, and
Friday as
listed in the agenda, and learn how our new media tools can work for you!
SPECIAL ATTENTION ITEMS
• The Presidential Suite (2455), the Convention Organization and
Activities
Suite (2456), and the Florida Affiliate Suite (1656) are all open during
much
of the convention. All are welcome to come to these suites to visit.
Appointments to meet with Dr. Maurer may be made at the Presidential
Suite.
• Banquet tickets ($60) may be purchased at the on-site registration area
in
the Grand Ballroom Prefunction foyer, level 1. No tickets will be available
after 2:00 pm on Thursday. At the Banquet Exchange Table you may make
arrangements to reserve a specific seat for yourself or for a group of up to
ten people. On the evening of the banquet, tickets will be collected at the
tables.
• General Sessions will be held in the Grand Ballroom, level 1.
• Individuals needing to conduct business with the NFB Treasurer may do so
by going to Hospitality Suite 240, level 2 on Thursday between 5:30 and
7:30 pm, or on Friday between noon and 2:00 pm.
• Our media partner for the 2013 convention of the National Federation of
the Blind is Insight Radio, the radio station of the Royal National
Institute of
Blind People (RNIB) of the United Kingdom. Insight Radio will stream the
Board meeting, general sessions, and banquet of the convention and
produce other convention-related features, interviews and Podcasts
throughout the week.
CONVENTION AGENDA
 MONDAY, JULY 1, 2013
Whozit icon
7:30 - 8:45 am—AMATEUR RADIO DIVISION EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Salon 19, level 2
Discuss convention frequencies, hotel architectural features, and
distributing
special FM receivers for the hearing-impaired and Spanish-speaking
attendees.
D. Curtis Willoughby (ka0vba), President
7:30 am - 4:45 pm—NO LIMITS…THIRTIETH ANNUAL CONFERENCE FOR
FAMILIES AND TEACHERS OF BLIND/VISUALLY IMPAIRED CHILDREN
Junior Ballroom G, level 1
 7:30 to 8:45 am—Registration: adults $35; children (5 to 18) no charge
 9:00 to 10:45 am—Conference
 11:00 am to 4:45 pm—Concurrent Workshops (see agenda listings)
Sponsored by the NFB’s National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
Division (NOPBC); Carlton Walker, President
7:30 am - 5:00 pm—CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN REHABILITATION AND
EDUCATION FOR THE BLIND—TWELFTH ANNUAL REHABILITATION
AND ORIENTATION & MOBILITY CONFERENCE
W202C, Convention Center, level 2
 7:30 to 8:30 am—Registration; 8:30 am—Conference begins
 Registration Fees: Students $75; Professionals $85 before June 15; $100
 after that date applies.
Sponsors: National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB); and
the
Professional Development & Research Institute on Blindness (PDRIB) at the
Louisiana Tech University. Chairperson: Dr. Edward Bell
8:30 am—CHILD-CARE SERVICES (Preregistration by June 15 was required)
Salons 21, 22, 23, and 24, level 2
Please see “Convention Note 6” for further information.
8:30 - 11:30 am—JAWS 15, WINDOWS 8, AND TOUCH SCREEN WITH
FREEDOM SCIENTIFIC
Salon 10, level 2
Join Eric Damery, JAWS Product Manager, and Jonathan Mosen for a session
covering new details surrounding JAWS 14 AND 15 development. We will look
closely at understanding Windows 8 with the new Modern Style apps, and touch
screen support using JAWS 15, scheduled for public beta in September 2013.
 MONDAY, JULY 1, Continued
Whozit icon
8:30 am - Noon—JOB SEEKERS SEMINAR
W203B, Convention Center, level 2
Do you want a job? Learn the skills, low tech and high tech, that you need
to get
one. Monster.com shows you how to apply for jobs online. Experts from NFB
training centers, state and private agencies, and others give you the skills
and
inspiration you need. Dress up and bring your résumé; the Job Fair begins
at
2:00 pm today. Dick Davis, Chairperson, Employment Committee
8:30 am - 4:30 pm—NFB JERNIGAN INSTITUTE ACCESS TECHNOLOGY
SEMINARS
W202B, Convention Center, level 2
8:30 - 9:30 am—iOS Etc.: Using iOS with Braille, Face-to-Face;
communication apps for deaf-blind users will also be discussed.
10:00 - 11:30 am—Windows 8: What’s New, What’s Working, and What’s
Not; demonstrations on PC, Microsoft Surface, and a Samsung Tablet.
2:00 - 3:00 pm—Using Monster.com accessibility features to effectively
grow your career.
3:30 - 4:30 pm—Travelocity: training on how to make reservations for
flights, cruises, cars, and hotels on Travelocity.com.
9:00 am - 9:00 pm—SELF-DEFENSE WORKSHOPS
W206A, Convention Center, level 2
9 - 11 am; Noon - 2 pm; 3 - 5 pm: Self-Defense Workshops 1, 2, & 3
7 - 8 pm: Self-Defense Workshop for youth ages 11-14
8 - 9 pm: Self-Defense Workshop for youth ages 14-18
Sponsored by the Sports & Recreation Division; Lisamaria Martinez, President
10:00 am - Noon—VIDEO DESCRIPTION FOCUS GROUP: SESSION ONE
(Participants must have registered in advance.)
Hospitality Suite 256, level 2
An opportunity for sighted amateur describers to evaluate
YouDescribe—Smith-
Kettlewell's new web-based video-description tool for YouTube. Participants
test
the system by recording their own descriptions for selected videos and
report on
their experience. Offered by the Smith-Kettlewell Video Description Research
&
Development Center and the NFB Jernigan Institute.
 MONDAY, JULY 1, Continued
Whozit icon
10:00 am - 5:00 pm—NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF PROFESSIONALS IN
BLINDNESS EDUCATION SEMINAR SESSIONS; Eric Guillory, President
Salon 19, level 2
11:00 am - 12:15 pm—NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOR PARENTS
AND TEACHERS
 Access Tech: Apple Products (iPhone, iPad, iPod)
 Salon 3, level 2
 Instructor: Dan Wenzel
 Early Childhood Language and Play
 Salon 15, level 2
 Instructor: Heather Field
 The Inclusive Classroom
 Salon 16, level 2
Instructors: Denise Mackenstadt and Kristen Sims
Social Skills for the Teen Years
Salon 17, level 2
 Instructors: Deja Powell and Garrick Scott
Making and Understanding Raised Line Drawings
W204C, Convention Center, level 2
Instructors: E.A.S.Y. LLC Staff
11:00 am - 12:15 pm—NFB FTW!—YOUTH TRACK (Ages 11-18)
W204A, Convention Center, level 2—students ages 11-14
W204B, Convention Center, level 2—students ages 14-18
NFB for the Win! Start your convention off with a "behind the scenes" look
at all
things NFB. Explore the building blocks of the Federation, debunk common
myths about blindness, and pick the brains of some NFB veterans! Youth age
14
may determine which session to attend. Sponsored by the NFB Jernigan
Institute; contact Natalie Shaheen at
nshaheen@nfb.org
 with questions.
 MONDAY, JULY 1, Continued
Whozit icon
Noon - 6:00 pm—NFB DIVISION CRAFT SHOW & DEMONSTRATIONS
W202A, Convention Center, level 2
If you are interested in crafts and appreciate hand-made items, this is the
place
to be! Come and meet some very talented Federation crafters and purchase
their beautiful items for sale. Joyce Kane, President, NFB Krafters Division
1:00 - 3:00 pm—EXPERIENCE MAGic® WITH FREEDOM SCIENTIFIC
Salon 10, level 2
Join Eric Damery, MAGic Product Manager, to learn about the features of the
completely re-written MAGic Screen Magnification with Speech software.
MAGic’s HD Text and Mouse, Speech on Demand™, and a brand new user
interface, lead off the list of powerful enhancements that make MAGic 12 the
most powerful, customizable, and easy to learn screen magnification product.
1:00 - 3:00 pm—VIDEO DESCRIPTION FOCUS GROUP: SESSION TWO
(Participants must have registered in advance.)
Hospitality Suite 256, level 2
An opportunity for blind video description consumers to evaluate
YouDescribe—
Smith-Kettlewell's new web-based video-description tool for YouTube.
Participants test the system by navigating the web site to listen to
selected
described YouTube videos and report on their experience. Participants are
required to bring their own laptops and accessible technologies.
1:00 - 4:00 pm—INCLUSIVE PUBLISHING IN ACTION—PEARSON HIGHER
EDUCATION NORTH AMERICA
Salon 20, level 2
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about and try out the latest
accessibility
features in a variety of Pearson’s MyLab products! This hands-on event
will
focus on math, English, IT, and business.
1:00 - 4:00 pm—SENIORS SEMINAR: WE’RE STILL LEARNING & TEACHING
Salon 13, level 2
 1:00 pm–Registration; 1:30 pm–Seminar begins
Our seniors are the fastest growing part of our blind population. Come learn
about the real potential of seniors and the services that are available.
Please be
prepared to teach what you already know. Ruth Sager, President
 MONDAY, JULY 1, Continued
Whozit icon
1:00 - 5:00 pm—HUMANWARE PRODUCT SHOWCASE AND USER GROUPS
Salon 4, level 2
 1:00 pm—Braille On-the-Go: Optimize an iOS or Android device with Braille
 2:00 pm—BrailleNote: Learn what’s new in KeySoft 9.3 and the next
release
 3:00 pm—All things GPS: iOS apps, Trekker Breeze or BrailleNote GPS
 4:00 pm—The NEW Victor Stream, smaller, smarter, simple, and wireless
1:00 - 5:00 pm—DOMINION VOTING
Hospitality Suite 252, level 2
Drop by and try out Dominion Voting’s new accessible voting machine, the
ImageCast® Evolution tabulator—a precinct-level, optical scan, ballot
counter—
which provides ALL voters an opportunity to vote privately and
independently,
and give your feedback to Dominion’s design and sales staff.
1:30 - 4:30 pm—MY LIFE IS AVERAGE #TRUESTORY—YOUTH TRACK
W204A, Convention Center, level 2—students ages 11-14
W204B, Convention Center, level 2—students ages 14-18
Have you ever felt like you're the only blind student around? Join other
blind
teens/tweens; your experiences are more common than you think. Work with
your peers to create innovative solutions to life's challenges. Learn, play
games,
and get to know blind youth across America. Sponsored by the NFB Jernigan
Institute; contact Natalie Shaheen at
nshaheen@nfb.org
 with questions.
1:30 - 4:30 pm—BOOKS, MUSIC, AND MORE!
Salon 14, level 2
Get a first-hand glimpse of our accessible media super market with more than
700 thousand e-Book titles and 17 million separate tracks of audio books and
music of all genres, coming soon to your computer or mobile device. James
Gashel, Presenter
2:00 - 3:00 pm—NATIONAL READING MEDIA ASSESSMENT: A NEW
CHAPTER IN THE STORY OF LITERACY
Hospitality Suite 244, level 2
If you are a teacher of blind or visually impaired students, this training
is for
you.
Learn how to use the National Reading Media Assessment—a research-based
online tool that clearly identifies whether a child needs Braille, print, or
both.
Dr.
Jessica Ewell, NFB Jernigan Institute, Coordinator
 MONDAY, JULY 1, Continued
Whozit icon
2:00 - 3:15 pm—NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOR PARENTS AND
TEACHERS
 Access Tech: Apple Products (iPhone, iPad, iPod)
 Salon 3, level 2
 Instructor: Dan Wenzel
 What’s Available and Where Can My Child’s School Get It?
 Salon 15, level 2
 Instructor: Eric Guillory
 Movement and Exploration for the Young Blind Child
 Salon 16, level 2
Instructor: Mary Jo Hartle
Aiming for Independence
Salon 17, level 2
 Instructor: Melissa Riccobono
 The ABCs of Braille
 Salon 18, level 2
 Instructors: Carol Castellano and Barbara Shalit
2:00 - 4:30 pm—JOB FAIR
W203A, Convention Center, level 2
Dress up, bring your résumé, and interview with employers who are
genuinely
interested in hiring blind people; interview coaching available. This is a
new
thing, and if it catches on, we will do it every year. Sponsored by the NFB
Employment Committee; Dick Davis, Chairperson
3:30 - 4:45 pm—NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOR PARENTS AND
TEACHERS
 Technology: Where Do I Start?
 Salon 3, level 2
 Instructor: Jack Mendez
 MONDAY, JULY 1, Continued
Whozit icon
NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS, Cont’d.
 Social Skills for the Younger Years: Interaction and Play
 Salon 15, level 2
 Instructor: Conchita Hernandez
 Out & About: Independent Mobility for Your School-Aged Child
 Salon 16, level 2
Instructor: Denise Mackenstadt
Self-Advocacy: A Critical Life Skill
Salon 17, level 2
Instructor: Arielle Silverman
Persuade, Negotiate, Collaborate
Salon 18, level 2
Instructors: Sharon Maneki and Carlton Walker
5:00 - 6:30 pm—NFB LIONS GROUP
Salon 13, level 2
Federationists who are members of Lions or thinking of joining the Lions
should
come. Discuss activities of your club that help blind people locally or
nationally.
Learn about interesting activities in other Lions Multiple Districts.
Co-Chairpersons: Ramona Walhof and Milton Ota
5:00 - 7:00 pm—SPANISH SEMINAR
Salon 20, level 2
Blindness is blindness, no matter what the language. Meet new and old
friends;
learn about Federation philosophy and the truth about blindness—in
Spanish.
Moderator: Alpidio Rolón
5:00 - 7:30 pm—MIX-AND-MINGLE RECEPTION FOR REHABILITATION
PROFESSIONALS
Salon 11, level 2
 MONDAY, JULY 1, Continued
Whozit icon
6:00 - 10:00 pm—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GUIDE DOG USERS
(NAGDU) ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
Salon 4, level 2
 6:00 pm–Registration; 7:00 pm–Meeting begins
Learn about our Information & Advocacy Hotline, Guide Dog Consumers’
Satisfaction Survey, current advocacy initiatives, and more. Also a panel
discusses guide dogs in zoos, featuring Animal Kingdom, SeaWorld/Busch
Gardens, and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Marion Gwizdala, President
6:30 - 10:00 pm—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND OFFICE
PROFESSIONALS
Salon 6, level 2
 6:30 pm–Registration; 7:00 pm–Meeting begins
Learn about assistive technology in the workplace, training opportunities,
and
any job announcements available. Lisa Hall, President
7:00 - 8:30 pm—LIVING HISTORY GROUP
Salon 15, level 2
Dedicated to recording, preserving, and appreciating Federation history.
Michael
Freholm, Chairperson
7:00 - 9:00 pm—NOPBC FAMILY NIGHT
Grand Ballroom B, level 1
Relax, chat, meet new families and teachers, and connect with old friends.
“Veteran” attendees will be on hand to welcome you and provide
information.
Co-sponsored by PIBE.
7:45 - 10:00 pm—COMMUNITY SERVICE GROUP
Salon 16, level 2
You want to serve, but you need the motivation. You also need the
opportunity.
We bring the motivational speakers and the service organizations. You…just
bring yourself, and together, let’s get involved! Darian Smith,
Chairperson
8:00 - 9:00 pm—WHITE CANE AND AFFILIATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Salon 20, level 2
Are there new and ingenious ways to collect money and spread the word about
the NFB? I’m sure there are. Come and share your ideas on how to fund our
movement. Alpidio Rolón, Chairperson
 MONDAY, JULY 1, Continued
Whozit icon
8:00 - 10:00 pm—ROOKIE ROUNDUP
Junior Ballroom G, level 1
First-time convention attendees—don’t miss this event! President Maurer
and
former rookies will be on hand to welcome you and answer questions about the
week’s activities. Coordinator: Pam Allen, Director of the Louisiana
Center for
the Blind and President of the NFB of Louisiana
8:00 pm - midnight—KARAOKE NIGHT♫♫ (Admission: $5.00)
Grand Ballroom A, level 1
Enjoy music, door prizes, and a cash bar; meet BLIND, Incorporated’s
students
and alumni and share their experiences from training. Here’s your chance
to sing
like a rock star; Braille song lists are available. Hosted by BLIND,
Incorporated
8:30 - 10:30 pm—DEQUE TWEET UP!
Signature 2 Room, level two
At last year's NFB convention, Deque announced its newest product, Amaze—a
revolutionary approach to accessibility. Now we are ready to share our free
Amaze plug-in for Twitter and Facebook. Meet your Twitter friends
face-to-face,
make new friends, and learn how to download Deque’s new Amaze plug-in.
9:00 - 10:00 pm—NFB AMBASSADORS COMMITTEE MEETING
Salon 17, level 2
Angela Wolf, Chairperson
9:00 - 11:00 pm—NABS SOCIAL
W204C, Convention Center, level 2
Drop in to the NABS Social (National Association of Blind Students) to make
some new friends or reconnect with old ones. Come chat with NABS members
and leaders about our division or anything else that’s on your mind. We
hope to
see you there. Sean Whalen, President
 TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2013
Whozit icon
9:00 am - 5:00 pm—PREREGISTRATION PACKET PICKUP—Grand Ballroom
Prefunction foyer, level 1
9:00 am - 5:00 pm—REGISTRATION ($30) AND BANQUET TICKET SALES
($60)—Grand Ballroom Prefunction foyer, level 1
9:00 am - 5:00 pm—INDEPENDENCE MARKET—WA1, Convention Center,
level 2
9:00 - 11:00 am—SPONSOR-LEVEL EXHIBITORS PREVIEW
WA1, Convention Center, level 2
The exhibit hall opens its doors and is dedicated solely to sponsor-level
exhibitors. Come to say “thank you” to our sponsors and enjoy their
interesting
offers and demonstrations. Our convention sponsors are:
Accessibility Champions: Vanda Pharmaceuticals and Deque Systems, Inc.
Title: Monster Worldwide
Platinum: UPS; HumanWare; Oracle; Travelocity
Gold: Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP; Google; Market Development Group, Inc.
Silver: AT&T; Freedom Scientific; Pearson Higher Education
Bronze: Blackberry; C AND P—Chris Park Design; IBM; VitalSource
 Technologies
White Cane: Courseload; En-Vision America; HIMS, Inc.; eBay Inc.; Sprint;
 MegaVoice; SSB Bart Group; Learning Ally
11:00 am - 5:00 pm—EXHIBITS—WA1, Convention Center, level 2
1:00 - 4:00 pm—BLIND MUSICIANS GROUP
Salon 13, level 2
Share ideas and tips and network with other blind musicians. Linda Mentink,
Chairperson
1:00 - 4:00 pm—TRAVEL AND TOURISM DIVISION
Salon 7, level 2
 1:00 pm–Registration; 1:30 pm–Meeting begins
Discuss travel with blind consumers and blind travel professionals; panel
discussions with guests Mark Jones, Manager, Domestic Services for Guests
with Disabilities, Disney Parks and Resorts; Rob Nevin (Principal U-R-Able)
Program ALT; and other panelists; elections; dues $10; Cheryl Echevarria,
Pres.
 TUESDAY, JULY 2, Continued
Whozit icon
1:00 - 5:00 pm—HIMS, INC. SEMINAR
Salon 6, level 2
HIMS, a worldwide leader in the development and manufacturing of assistive
blindness and low vision technology, will feature: the powerful Braille
Sense U2
with New v8.0, Braille EDGE 40, with basic notetaking and SD card slot and
the
popular CANDY GRIP, the first 5.0” LCD HD handheld video magnifier.
1:00 - 5:00 pm—MATH EDUCATION SOFTWARE TOOL FOR THE BLIND
TESTING SESSIONS
Hospitality Suite 244, level 2
Participants will be beta-testing a new math education software tool to
write math
on the computer and provide feedback to the developers. Participants should
have pre-registered, but some walk-in space may be available. Sponsored by
the
Univ. of Alabama in Huntsville; gh, LLC; and the National Science
Foundation.
1:00 - 6:00 pm—INSPIRING ARTISTS ~ BEGINNERS TO PROS
W202A, Convention Center, level 2
Experience tactile art as a creative way to gather and share information and
ideas. This open art room offers free tools and materials for sculpting and
tactile
drawing. From 4-5 pm, Debbie Kent Stein and Ann Cunningham speak about the
value of tactile art and effective ways to generate tactile images
on-the-spot.
1:00 - 6:00 pm—NFB-NEWSLINE® DEMONSTRATION OPEN HOUSE
Hospitality Suite 235, level 2
Get your questions answered about NFB-NEWSLINE; learn about NFB’s free
audio information service; get hands-on experience with our new access
methods, including the NFB-NEWSLINE Mobile app for iPhone; learn about
emergency weather alerts and Breaking News category added to the service.
1:00 - 7:00 pm—SPORTS & RECREATION DIVISION ACTIVITIES
W206A, Convention Center, level 2
 1:00 - 4:00 pm: Goalball Workshop
 5:00 - 7:00 pm: Self-Defense Workshop 4
1:30 pm—RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE; Sharon Maneki, Chairperson
Junior Ballroom F, level 1
 TUESDAY, JULY 2, Continued
Whozit icon
1:30 - 4:00 pm—NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF PROFESSIONALS IN
BLINDNESS EDUCATION (PIBE) DIVISION MEETING
Salon 5, level 2
 1:30 pm–Registration; 2:00 pm–Meeting begins
All professionals working with students from birth through age 21 are
welcome
and encouraged to join our informative and interactive meeting. Come network
and collaborate—sharing and learning with colleagues and future educators.
Eric Guillory, President
1:30 - 4:30 pm—BOOKS, MUSIC, AND MORE!
Salon 14, level 2
Get a first-hand glimpse of our accessible media super market with more than
700 thousand e-Book titles and 17 million separate tracks of audio books and
music of all genres, coming soon to your computer or mobile device. James
Gashel, Presenter
2:00 - 4:00 pm—VANDA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
Salon 19, level 2
Circadian rhythm and sleep-wake expert, Dr. Steven Lockley, Associate
Professor of Medicine, Division of Sleep Medicine at Brigham and Women's
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, will speak about diagnosis and management
of Non-24-Hour Disorder.
2:45 - 4:00 pm—NOPBC YOUTH STYLE SHOW (Admission: $5)
W203C, Convention Center, level 2
This is an opportunity for your aspiring model to take a walk down the
runway in
a favorite outfit from his or her closet. Contact Kim Cunningham at (713)
501-
9659 or
kim@gulfimagesphoto.com
 to sign up or for further information.
All proceeds support the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children.
4:00 - 4:30 pm—KENNETH JERNIGAN FUND COMMITTEE MEETING
Salon 15, level 2
Allen Harris, Chairperson
4:00 - 5:00 pm—WRITING YOUR SCRIPT: NFB YOUTH TRACK (ages 11-18)
W204A, Convention Center, level 2
Whether you are an aspiring writer or just want to brush up on the basics,
join
members of the Writers Division for a fun and informative workshop.
 TUESDAY, JULY 2, Continued
Whozit icon
4:15 - 5:45 pm—SIXTEENTH ANNUAL MOCK TRIAL—NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF BLIND LAWYERS (Admission: $5.00)
Junior Ballroom G, level 1
Federation lawyers are pitted against each other while enacting a case
addressing the civil rights of the blind with the audience serving as the
jury.
Although the subject matter is serious, the courtroom portrayers are very
entertaining. Scott LaBarre, President
6:00 - 7:30 pm—NFB AFFILIATE PRESIDENTS AND TREASURERS SEMINAR
Signature 2 Room, level 2
All affiliate presidents and treasurers are asked to attend this session.
Topics
include CATs coding, internal controls, state and federal filings,
end-of-year
preparations, and discussing state issues with facilitators Charlie Brown
and
Bridgid Burke
6:00 - 9:00 pm—KURZWEIL 1000 USER GROUP MEETING
Salons 1 and 2, level 2
We are sharing near term releases and plans for Kurzweil 1000, and answering
questions you may have about the product. A light dinner will be served.
Participants must register and space is limited. To register go to:
Kurzweil 1000
User Group Meeting
. Hosted by Stephen Baum, VP of Engineering at Kurzweil
Educational Systems.
6:00 - 10:00 pm—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION TO PROMOTE THE USE OF
BRAILLE (NAPUB) SEMINAR
Salon 6, level 2
 6:00 pm–Registration; 7:00 pm–Meeting
Learn about Braille-related research, discuss current projects with vendors
who
produce Braille through hard copy and technology, experience the enthusiasm
of
some of our Braille Readers Are Leaders winners, and develop strategies for
strengthening our division. Sandy Halverson, President
6:00 - 10:00 pm—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND STUDENTS (NABS)
Junior Ballroom F, level 1
 6:00 pm–Registration ($5.00); 7:00 pm–Meeting
Students, young professionals, parents, teachers, and anyone interested in
learning about issues affecting blind students are welcome to attend.
Sean Whalen, President
 TUESDAY, JULY 2, Continued
Whozit icon
7:00 - 8:30 pm—PUBLIC EMPLOYEES DIVISION; Ivan Weich, President
Salon 15, level 2
7:00 - 9:00 pm—NFB KRAFTERS DIVISION BUSINESS MEETING
Salon 16, level 2
Join us to hear about our telephone conference classes taught by
blind/visually
impaired crafters and learn about our new email classes; become a paid
member
and take as many classes as you would like from July to July (in 2012 we had
fifty-three classes). Joyce Kane, President
7:00 - 9:00 pm—NFB-NEWSLINE® TAKING MOBILE TO A NEW LEVEL!
Hospitality Suite 235, level 2
Learn about the NFB’s free audible newspaper service for the blind, with
specific
information on our newest access method, the NFB-NEWSLINE® Mobile
application for iPhone, and the variety of content available to subscribers.
7:00 - 9:00 pm—STATE AND U.S. CAPITOL HILLS AND BILLS
Salon 19, level 2
A joint state and federal legislative seminar to review the 2013 national
legislative initiatives and talk about strategy for moving bills at the
state level.
Hear from seasoned Federationists about building a legislative agenda for
your
state, drafting policy, and mobilizing grassroots. Hosted by the NFB
Government
Affairs Team: Anil Lewis, Jesse Hartle, and Lauren McLarney
7:00 - 10:00 pm—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND VETERANS
Salon 17, level 2
How can we better serve our veterans, show our appreciation, and bring them
into the Federation? Find out how to become involved with veterans’
issues,
such as legislative initiatives that impact 100 percent of service connected
disabled veterans. Elections. Blind veterans and interested friends are
welcome.
Dwight Sayer, President
7:30 - 9:00 pm—LIBRARY SERVICES COMMITTEE
Salon 18, level 2
Please come and discuss the changes to BARD and other topics of interest.
David Hyde, Chairperson
 TUESDAY, JULY 2, Continued
Whozit icon
7:30 - 9:30 pm—BLIND PARENTS GROUP
Salon 13, level 2
Blind parents share their experiences around child-raising issues, such as
learning infant care, coping with printed homework assignments, finding
print/Braille books, dealing with the public’s misconceptions, and more.
Deborah Kent Stein, Chairperson
7:30 - 10:00 pm—COMMITTEE FOR THE PROMOTION, EVALUATION, AND
ADVANCEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY
Salon 10, level 2
Hear exhibitors explain briefly what they are exhibiting and where they are
located in the exhibit hall. We will also evaluate the effectiveness of what
our
Committee is doing now and consider programs for the coming year. Gary
Wunder, Chairperson
7:45 - 8:45 pm—JUDAISM MEETING
Salon 5, level 2
David Stayer, Chairperson, NFB in Judaism Group
7:45 - 9:00 pm—MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE SEMINAR: NEW GENERATION
SOLUTIONS FOR GROWING OUR AFFILIATES AND CHAPTERS—
REMOVING OLD BARRIERS
Signature 2 Room, level 2
Sharing energetic presentations on membership growth and combining the
excitement of our Federation movement with New Generation methods. You will
want to take these solutions home with you. Ron Gardner, Chairperson
8:15 - 10:15 pm—SPECIAL PARALYMPIC PANEL PRESENTATION
Salon 7, level 2
Meet former and current Paralympic and international blind athletes from
various
sports and learn how they persevered to get to the top.
9:00 - 10:00 pm—SPANISH TRANSLATION COMMITTEE
Salon 8, level 2
We provide simultaneous translation into Spanish during the general sessions
of
the convention and other Spanish efforts for the Federation. Please join us
if
you would like to help with this effort. Conchita Hernandez, Chairperson
 WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2013
Whozit icon
8:30 am - 5:00 pm—PREREGISTRATION PACKET PICKUP—Grand Ballroom
Prefunction foyer, level 1
8:30 am - 5:00 pm—REGISTRATION ($30) AND BANQUET TICKET SALES
($60)—Grand Ballroom Prefunction foyer, level 1
8:30 am - 5:00 pm—EXHIBITS and INDEPENDENCE MARKET—WA1,
Convention Center, level 2
9:00 - 11:30 am—NFB BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING (Open to all)
Grand Ballroom, level 1
12:30 - 3:00 pm—SPORTS & RECREATION DIVISION MEETING
Salon 8, level 2
 12:30 pm–Registration; 1:00 pm–Meeting begins
As always, the Sports & Recreation Division promises to be full of great
tips on
how to get up and move. At our meetings, we don’t just sit—we move!
Lisamaria
Martinez, President
12:30 - 5:00 pm—DIABETES ACTION NETWORK SEMINAR
Salon 6, level 2
 12:30 pm–Registration; 1:00 pm–Meeting begins
Learn about new, accessible diabetes equipment coming to market and
strategies for living well with diabetes. Elect division officers and board
members.
Mike Freeman, President
12:30 - 5:00 pm—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND LAWYERS
Salon 19, level 2
 12:30 pm–Registration; 1:00 pm–Meeting begins
Examine laws affecting blind people and others with disabilities; address
ongoing
struggles to gain equal access to websites, employment, legal texts, and
exams;
share practice tips for blind lawyers. Scott LaBarre, President
12:30 - 5:00 pm—NFB IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Salon 3, level 2
 12:30 pm–Registration; 1:00 pm–Meeting begins
Enhancing nonvisual access to information technology and improving the
ability
of blind I.T. professionals to compete in today’s world. Curtis Chong,
President
 WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, Continued
Whozit icon
12:30 - 5:00 pm—“MEETING CHALLENGES: GAINING OPPORTUNITIES”
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND IN COMMUNITIES OF FAITH
Salon 18, level 2
 12:30 pm–Registration; 1:00 pm–Meeting begins
Speakers tell how their faith has helped them face and overcome challenges;
also hear representatives from various faith-based libraries and publishing
houses describe what their organizations do. Tom Anderson, President
12:30 - 5:00 pm—SENIORS IN CHARGE—NFB SENIORS DIVISION
BUSINESS MEETING AND (SOMEWHAT) SILENT AUCTION
Salon 9, level 2
Join us to hear enthusiastic seniors share ideas about what they are doing;
find
out ways (gathered at our seminar) to spread our message of hope to seniors
who have recently become blind. And then we have our hugely popular not-so-
silent auction (Coordinator: Margot Downey). Ruth Sager, President
1:00 - 3:00 pm—PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING & SEMINAR
Salon 13, level 2
What does a successful media interview look and sound like? Learn from
experts and share ideas and strategies on how to harness the power of the
media! Chris Danielsen, Chairperson; Jessica Freeh, NFB Public Relations
Specialist; Jack L. Trammell, President, VNR1 Communications, Dallas, Texas
1:00 - 4:00 pm—NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF PARENTS OF BLIND
CHILDREN ANNUAL MEETING: OPTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Salon 10, level 2
Featuring a keynote address by the 2013 Distinguished Educator of Blind
Children award winner, special guest speakers, news from NASA, cutting-edge
information on products and services, summer programs for our kids, Parent
Power, business meeting, elections, and much more. Carlton Walker, President
1:00 - 4:00 pm—PERFORMING ARTS DIVISION
Salon 14, level 2
Are you new to the Division and have questions about who we are? Do you have
suggestions for future plans or activities for us? Would you like to learn
more
about our Division’s 12-year history? Join us, voice your ideas, and
let’s plan for
the future! Jordy Stringer, President
 WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, Continued
Whozit icon
1:00 - 4:30 pm—NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF BLIND EDUCATORS
Salon 15, level 2
 1:00 pm–Registration; 1:30 pm–Meeting begins
Blind teachers discuss techniques they use in their classrooms; participants
also
meet in groups specific to grade level and content areas of interest to
create a
network of mentors. If you teach or are considering a career in teaching at
any
level, please join us. Sheila Koenig, President
1:00 - 5:00 pm—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND MERCHANTS: THE
FOCUS IS ON THE FUTURE
Salon 4, level 2
 1:00 pm–Registration; 1:30 pm–Meeting begins
Creating new opportunities for blind entrepreneurs in and around Randolph-
Sheppard. Nicky Gacos, President
1:00 - 5:00 pm—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND REHABILITATION
PROFESSIONALS
Salon 7, level 2
 1:00 pm–Registration; 2:00 pm–Meeting begins
Network, share mutual interests, find placement strategies, and examine and
discuss concerns and current issues. Melody Roane, President
1:00 - 6:00 pm—NFB-NEWSLINE® DEMONSTRATION OPEN HOUSE
Hospitality Suite 235, level 2
Get your questions answered about NFB-NEWSLINE; learn about NFB’s free
audio information service; get hands-on experience with our new access
methods, including the NFB-NEWSLINE Mobile app for iPhone; learn about
emergency weather alerts and Breaking News category added to the service.
1:00 - 6:00 pm—INSPIRING ARTISTS ~ BEGINNERS TO PROS
W202A, Convention Center, level 2
Experience tactile art as a creative way to gather and share information and
ideas. This open art room offers free tools and materials for sculpting and
tactile
drawing. A tactile art exhibit is on hand so you can experience finished
artwork.
Instruction is available from Debbie Kent Stein and Ann Cunningham.
 WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, Continued
Whozit icon
1:00 - 6:00 pm—HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION
Salon 16, level 2
 1:00–Registration; 2:00–Meeting begins; 5:00–Mingle and network
Psychologists; social workers; counselors; and music, art, or dance
therapists
meet to discuss topics and network. David Stayer, Vice President
1:30 - 4:30 pm—WRITERS DIVISION BUSINESS MEETING
Salon 17, level 2
Updating members on division business, announcing the 2013 winners of the
youth and adult writing contests, learning about self-publishing, elections,
and
planning for the future. Robert Leslie Newman, President
1:45 - 3:15 pm—CEREBRAL PALSY AND BLINDNESS GATHERING
Salon 20, level 2
Attention all blind/visually impaired convention attendees who have cerebral
palsy—come and discuss your ideas and concerns. Alex Kaiser, Coordinator
3:00 - 5:00 pm—PIANO TECHNOLOGY GROUP
Salon 5, level 2
Piano tuning and repairing is a challenging and rewarding career. Join us to
learn about this exciting field. Don Mitchell, Chairperson
4:00 - 10:00 pm—SPORTS & RECREATION DIVISION ACTIVITIES
W206A, Convention Center, level 2
 4:00 - 6:00 pm: Self-Defense Workshop 5
 6:30 - 7:30 pm: Power Hour—Fee is $1.00 per challenge; take on the Sports
&
 Rec Div. Board members in arm wrestling, push-ups, or other fun activities.
 8:00 - 10:00 pm: Self-Defense Workshop 6 for Women
5:00 - 6:30 pm—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND LAWYERS
RECEPTION
Salons 1 and 2, level 2
For NABL members and seminar participants only to promote networking and
fellowship within our membership. Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar available.
Scott LaBarre, President
 WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, Continued
Whozit icon
5:00 - 7:00 pm—BRAILLE BOOK FAIR (Cosponsored by NOPBC and NAPUB)
W205A-B-C, Convention Center, level 2
A book lover’s dream! Browse tables of new and used Braille and
print/Braille
books. Volunteers will box your books, and the post office will deliver them
to
your home as Free Matter. Books are free; donations are encouraged to help
support our Braille programs. Coordinator: Krystal Guillory
5:15 - 7:15 pm—BLIND ACADEMICS GROUP
Salon 14, level 2
All professors, matriculating graduate students, and future college-level
teachers. Whether your specialty is comparative literature, musicology,
economics, chemistry, or something esoteric that we haven’t heard of yet,
join us
to discuss the many facets of thriving in academia. Dr. Adrienne Asch,
Chairperson
6:00 - 8:00 pm—NFB COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Salon 17, level 2
Addressing trends in publishing our newsletters—going paperless, dropping
or
changing where and how to make available audio formatting, making use of
NFB-Newsline and websites, and more! Robert Leslie Newman, Chairperson
6:00 - 10:00 pm—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GUIDE DOG USERS
(NAGDU) SEMINAR
Salon 10, level 2
 6:00 pm–Registration; 7:00 pm–Seminar begins
Participate in the business of NAGDU as we discuss old & new business plus
hold elections. Guide dog training programs offer their views of the Guide
Dog
Consumers’ Bill of Rights. Also, test drive a guide dog! Marion Gwizdala,
President
6:30 - 9:45 pm—SCIENCE & ENGINEERING DIVISION
Salon 18, level 2
 6:30 pm–Registration; 7:00 pm–Meeting begins; John Miller, President
 WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, Continued
Whozit icon
6:30 - 10:00 pm—ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TRAINERS DIVISION
Salon 19, level 2
 6:30 pm–Registration; 7:00 pm–Meeting begins
Topics: Cathy Anne Murtha of Access Technology Institute discusses
techniques
for training students; John Panarese of Mac for the Blind offers ideas for
training
on OS X; Pratik Patel of EZFire presents an overview of tablets from Android
to
Windows RT; and Serotek announces its new service for assistive technology
trainers. Michael Barber, President
7:00 - 8:00 pm—DAISY BOOK OF THE HOLY BIBLE (Second session is from
8:15 to 9:15 pm)
Salon 7, level 2
The King James Version of the complete Holy Bible (narrated by Alexander
Scourby) is now accessible and navigable down to the verse level using only
your Victor Reader Stream or similar DAISY book player! Join us to
experience
the new DAISY navigation system and practice it using your own VR Stream.
Contact: Norm Gardner at 801-380-3138.
7:00 - 8:30 pm—“GOLDEN MOMENTS” (A play written by Jerry Whittle;
$5.00
admission fee; one performance only)
Junior Ballroom G, level 1
The play is about a graduate student at the University of Tennessee finding
a
beautiful reader who teaches him the true meaning of life. All proceeds
support
the Buddy Program at the Louisiana Center for the Blind, a summer program
for
blind children which fosters independence.
7:00 - 8:30 pm—BOOKSHARE MEMBER PARTY AT NFB
Signature 2 Room, level 2
Calling all Bookshare members at NFB! Join us for fun, food, and festivities
at
our annual Bookshare Member Party. Connect with Bookshare staff and other
members, learn about the latest news and updates, and share your feedback
and ideas of how Bookshare can be even better.
7:00 - 9:00 pm—MUSIC TECH AND YOU WORKSHOP ($5.00 fee)
Salon 16, level 2
Kevin Reeves, a recording artist and expert in music technology, introduces
us to
the world of composing, recording, and mixing through technology. Get your
questions answered and learn from a demo. Presented by the Performing Arts
Division; Jordy Stringer, President
 WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, Continued
Whozit icon
7:00 - 9:00 pm—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND AUTOMOBILE
ENTHUSIASTS SEMINAR AND BUSINESS MEETING
Salon 13, level 2
Come and hear speakers from automobile clubs talk about their activities and
participate in the division business meeting. David Hutchins, President
7:00 - 9:00 pm—COMMITTEE TO EMPOWER UNDERSERVED
POPULATIONS; Ron Brown, Chairperson
Salon 15, level 2
If you are feeling underserved, come and let your voice be heard!
7:30 - 8:30 pm—NATIONAL READING MEDIA ASSESSMENT: A NEW
CHAPTER IN THE STORY OF LITERACY
Hospitality Suite 244, level 2
If you are a teacher of blind or visually impaired students, this training
is for
you.
Learn how to use the National Reading Media Assessment–a research-based
online tool that clearly identifies whether a child needs Braille, print, or
both.
Dr.
Jessica Ewell, NFB Jernigan Institute, Coordinator
7:30 - 9:00 pm—SELF-ADVOCACY IN HIGHER EDUCATION: KNOWING
YOUR RIGHTS AND GETTING IT DONE
Salon 20, level 2
A workshop for current or soon-to-be college and post-graduate students to
know your legal rights and learn effective strategies for self-advocacy in
obtaining accommodations, accessing instructional materials and digital
content,
and requesting accommodations in high-stakes testing. Mehgan Sidhu, NFB
Legal Counsel, Coordinator
7:30 - 9:00 pm—DAD’S NIGHT OUT
All dads, sighted and blind, are welcome. Contact Jim Beyer at (406)
239-2057
for location. Sponsored by NOPBC.
8:00 - 9:00 pm—FRIENDS OF RECOVERY MEETING
Hospitality Suite 256, level 2
All convention delegates involved in or interested in twelve-step recovery
programs are invited to attend. A second Friends of Recovery meeting will be
on
Friday at 8:00 pm. Coordinator: Gary Ray
 WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, Continued
Whozit icon
8:00 - 9:30 pm—WEBMASTERS MEETING
Salon 5, level 2
A meeting for all NFB affiliate and division Webmasters to discuss the
importance of an informative, accessible, and visually attractive Web site.
Gary Wunder, Chairperson, Webmasters Group
8:15 - 9:15 pm—DAISY BOOK OF THE HOLY BIBLE (Second session)
Salon 7, level 2
The King James Version of the complete Holy Bible (narrated by Alexander
Scourby) is now accessible and navigable down to the verse level using only
your Victor Reader Stream or similar DAISY book player! Join us to
experience
the new DAISY navigation system and practice it using your own VR Stream.
Contact: Norm Gardner at (801) 380-3138.
 THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013
Whozit icon
8:00 - 8:45 am—DEVOTIONS—Salon 17, level 2
8:15 - 9:15 am—PREREGISTRATION PACKET PICKUP—Grand Ballroom
Prefunction foyer, level 1
8:15 - 9:15 am—REGISTRATION ($30), AND BANQUET TICKET SALES
($60)—Grand Ballroom Prefunction foyer, level 1
OPENING GENERAL SESSION
9:30 am INVOCATION
9:35 am WELCOMING CEREMONIES
9:55 am CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM: VETERANS RECOGNIZED
Dwight Sayer, President, National Association of Blind Veterans,
National Federation of the Blind; Winter Garden, Florida
10:05 am ROLL CALL OF STATES AND APPOINTMENT OF NOMINATING
COMMITTEE
11:45 am REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS
12:00 pm ADJOURN
Noon - 12:30 pm and 1:30 - 2:00 pm—PREREGISTRATION PACKET
PICKUP—Grand Ballroom Prefunction foyer, level 1
Noon - 12:30 pm and 1:30 - 2:00 pm—REGISTRATION ($30) AND FINAL
BANQUET TICKET SALES ($60)—Grand Ballroom Prefunction foyer, level 1
Noon - 1:45 pm—EXHIBITS AND INDEPENDENCE MARKET—WA1,
Convention Center, level 2
 THURSDAY, JULY 4, Continued
Whozit icon
12:15 - 1:45 pm—LOUISIANA CENTER FOR THE BLIND ALUMNI
RECEPTION
Signature 2 Room, level 2
All LCB alumni and those interested in learning more about how training at
the
Louisiana Center for the Blind will change your life are welcome. Pam Allen,
Director
GENERAL SESSION
2:00 pm CALL TO ORDER
2:05 pm PRESIDENTIAL REPORT, Marc Maurer
3:00 pm REINTERPRETING AND EXPANDING “THE RIGHT TO LIVE IN
THE WORLD”
Adrienne Asch, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Ethics at Yeshiva
University and Edward and Robert Milstein Professor of Bioethics;
New York, New York
3:20 pm EQUAL ACCESS FOR THE BLIND TO JOB SEARCHES ON THE
INTERNET
Mark Conway, Chief Information Officer, Monster Worldwide;
Maynard, Massachusetts
3:40 pm THE POETRY OF MOTION, THE GRACE OF MOVEMENT, THE
DELIGHT OF PHYSICAL EXPRESSION: BLINDNESS NO BARRIER
 Moderator: Natalie Shaheen, Director of Education, National
Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute; Baltimore, Maryland
 Football: Jerry Whittle, First Vice President, National Federation of
the Blind of Louisiana; Ruston, Louisiana
 Hiking: Maurice Peret, Lead Cane Travel Instructor, Blind Industries
and Services of Maryland; Baltimore, Maryland
 Yoga: Lou Ann Blake, Director of Outreach, National Federation of
the Blind Jernigan Institute; Baltimore, Maryland
 THURSDAY, JULY 4, Continued
Whozit icon
 Goalball: Matt Simpson, Membership and Outreach Coordinator,
United States Association of Blind Athletes; Colorado Springs,
Colorado
Judo: Lisamaria Martinez, President, Sports and Recreation Division,
National Federation of the Blind; Union City, California
Ballroom Dancing: Greg DeWall, Rehabilitation, Orientation, and
Mobility Instructor, Society for the Blind; Sacramento, California
4:25 pm THE NEWEST DIGITAL BOOK PLAYER WITH ADDED
CONNECTIVITY AND OTHER REVOLUTIONARY TECHNOLOGY
Gilles Pepin, Chief Executive Officer, HumanWare; Drummondville,
Québec, Canada
4:40 pm REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS
5:00 pm ADJOURN
5:30 - 6:30 pm—NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Salon 17, level 2
5:30 - 6:30 pm—JOURNAL OF BLINDNESS INNOVATION AND RESEARCH
(JBIR) ADVISORY COMMITTEE INFORMATIONAL MEETING
Salon 20, level 2
The Editorial staff of JBIR asks members interested in participating on an
advisory committee to attend this meeting to learn more about JBIR.
Discussion
topics include the purpose, goals, and values of JBIR; the types of articles
published; and how you can help promote the Journal and recruit authors.
6:00 - 8:00 pm—AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR THE BLIND LAUNCHES
NEW VERSION OF ACCESSNOTE!
Signature 2 Room, level 2
You are invited to a reception featuring the new version of our AccessNote
notetaker app, with even more productivity for the classroom and workplace.
We
look forward to greeting AFB’s old friends and making new ones.
 THURSDAY, JULY 4, Continued
Whozit icon
6:00 - 10:00 pm—“RECORD WITH US” PROJECT ($5.00 Fee)
Hospitality Suite 256, level 2
This is your opportunity to record the perfect demo, professionally mixed
and
edited. Bring your favorite song with an accompaniment track or an original
composition, and be prepared to record a short demo. You’ll receive your
recording shortly after convention. Presented by the Performing Arts
Division
6:30 - 9:00 pm—COLORADO CENTER FOR THE BLIND OPEN HOUSE
Salons 3 and 4, level 2
Discover how good training can change your life! Meet the staff and students
at
the Colorado Center for the Blind; pick up a Braille recipe and a Braille
puzzle;
draw a tactile picture and learn about challenge recreation and the latest
technology. Join us for this exciting open house! Julie Deden, Director
7:00 - 9:00 pm—EXHIBITS—WA1, Convention Center, level 2
7:00 - 9:00 pm—EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
Salon 20, level 2
Learn about resources that can help you with career planning, job search,
and
employment. Job Exchange: if you are looking for a job, bring your résumé;
if
you are looking for someone to hire, bring your job(s). What can the
Committee
do to increase the employment of blind people? Bring ideas. Dick Davis,
Chairperson
7:00 - 9:45 pm—NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOR PARENTS AND
TEACHERS
 7:00 - 8:15: Homeschooling a Blind/Visually Impaired Child
 Salon 14, level 2
 Instructor: Heather Field
 7:00 - 8:15: IEP Basics for Parents of Blind/Visually Impaired Students
 Salon 13, level 2
 Instructor: Carlton Walker
 8:30 - 9:45: IEP Development and Legal Process Overview
 Salon 13, level 2
 Instructor: Carlton Walker
 THURSDAY, JULY 4, Continued
Whozit icon
7:30 - 8:30 pm—AFFILIATE VOTING LIAISON SEMINAR
Salon 17, level 2
Learn how to work with your state and local boards of elections to eliminate
barriers that prevent blind and visually impaired voters from casting a
private and
independent ballot. Coordinator: Lou Ann Blake, NFB Jernigan Institute.
8:00 - 9:30 pm—RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Salon 5, level 2
Technology is omnipresent in our lives. While it provides unprecedented
advantages in education and employment, the blind are still excluded from
many
products. Hear about new advances; discuss ways we can influence developers
to include accessibility in their hardware and software. Tony Olivero,
Chairperson
8:00 - 11:30 pm—MONTE CARLO NIGHT
Salons 1 and 2, level 2
Try your luck at playing popular card games; bring friends along or make new
ones—either way it’s sure to be great fun; cash bar. Sponsored by the
National
Association of Blind Students Division
 FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013
Whozit icon
8:00 - 8:45 am—DEVOTIONS—Salon 17, level 2
8:15 - 8:45 am—PREREGISTRATION PACKET PICKUP—Grand Ballroom
Prefunction foyer, level 1
8:15 - 8:45 am—REGISTRATION ($30)—Grand Ballroom Prefunction foyer,
level 1
 GENERAL SESSION
9:00 am INVOCATION
9:05 am FINANCIAL REPORT
10:00 am ELECTIONS
10:35 am A LIFE OF COURAGE: SURVIVING POTENTIAL DISASTER,
ANTICIPATING THE FUTURE, HELPING OTHERS
Hans Cohn, Member of the Order of the British Empire; London,
England, United Kingdom
10:50 am THE ELECTRONIC BRAILLER OF TOMORROW HERE TODAY:
DISTANCE LEARNING AND BRAILLE PRODUCTION IN ONE
DEVICE
 David Pillischer, President, Electronic Brailler LLC; Rivervale, New
Jersey
 Peter Sullivan, Vice President of Software Development, Duxbury
Systems, Inc.; Westford, Massachusetts
11:10 am SUPPORTING THE BLIND OF AMERICA IN CONGRESS
The Honorable Daniel Webster, United States House of
Representatives, 10th Congressional District; Florida
11:30 am EQUAL ACCESS TO DIGITAL INFORMATION: TOOLS THAT HELP
IN GETTING IT DONE
Preety Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, Deque Systems, Inc.;
Herndon, Virginia
 FRIDAY, JULY 5, Continued
Whozit icon
11:45 am REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS
12:00 pm ADJOURN
Noon - 12:30 pm and 1:30 - 2:00 pm—PREREGISTRATION PACKET
PICKUP—Grand Ballroom Prefunction foyer, level 1
Noon - 12:30 pm and 1:30 - 2:00 pm—REGISTRATION ($30)—Grand
Ballroom Prefunction foyer, level 1
Noon - 1:45 pm—EXHIBITS AND INDEPENDENCE MARKET (final opportunity
to visit the Market)—WA1, Convention Center, level 2
12:30 - 1:30 pm—CASH AND CARING COMMITTEE
Salon 16, level 2
This new committee chaired by Ramona Walhof is organizing a network to help
states and chapters learn of and build on experiences of other groups in
raising
funds for themselves and for the national treasury. Almost every project can
have a fund-raising aspect, and planning increases the amount raised. We ask
that each affiliate send at least one representative.
 GENERAL SESSION
2:00 pm CALL TO ORDER
2:05 pm EXPLORING PHARMACEUTICALS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE
BLIND
 Robert Repella, Chief Commercial Officer and Senior Vice President,
Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Washington, D.C.
2:20 pm ENDING LEGALIZED DISCRIMINATION IN WAGE PAYMENTS
FOR DISABLED AMERICANS
 The Honorable Gregg Harper, United States House of
Representatives, 3rd Congressional District; Mississippi
 FRIDAY, JULY 5, Continued
Whozit icon
2:40 pm ADVOCACY AND POLICY REPORT
John G. Paré, Jr., Executive Director for Advocacy and Policy,
National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
 Anil Lewis, Director of Advocacy and Policy, National Federation of
the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
Lauren McLarney, Governmental Affairs Specialist, National
Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
Jesse Hartle, Governmental Affairs Specialist, National Federation of
the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
3:30 pm REPORTS, RESOLUTIONS, AND OTHER BUSINESS
5:00 pm ADJOURN
6:00 - 8:30 pm—EXHIBITS (final opportunity to visit the Exhibits)—WA1,
Convention Center, level 2
7:00 - 9:00 pm—SOCIAL SECURITY AND SSI: WHAT APPLICANTS,
ADVOCATES, AND RECIPIENTS SHOULD KNOW
Salon 19, level 2
Seminar topics: Social Security and SSI benefits, including eligibility
criteria,
the
application process, reporting obligations, and appeals process. Also get
information on the Medicare prescription drug benefit income subsidy
program.
Presenter: Daniel B. Frye, J.D., Social Security Advocate/Consultant
7:00 - 9:00 pm—BRAILLE PROOFREADING SEMINAR—NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF BLIND OFFICE PROFESSIONALS
Salon 6, level 2
Have you wanted to get a feel for what it’s like to do Braille
proofreading? If you
are a parent of a blind child, teacher of blind/visually impaired children,
a
rehabilitation teacher, or interested in learning what’s happening in the
Braille
field, join us to get hands-on experience. Instructors: Mary Donahue & Lisa
Hall
 FRIDAY, JULY 5, Continued
Whozit icon
7:00 - 9:45 pm—BOOKS, MUSIC, AND MORE!
Salon 13, level 2
Get a first-hand glimpse of our accessible media super market with more than
700 thousand e-Book titles and 17 million separate tracks of audio books and
music of all genres, coming soon to your computer or mobile device. James
Gashel, Presenter
7:00 - 10:00 pm—THIRTEENTH ANNUAL SHOWCASE OF TALENT ($5.00)
Junior Ballroom G, level 1
Join us for a night of great performances! Whether you perform in the show
or
support your friends from the audience, it is an enjoyable evening of great
entertainment. Call (317) 643-1890 with any questions. Presented by the
Performing Arts Division; Jordy Stringer, President
7:30 - 8:30 pm—DEMONSTRATION OF THE ORACLE SIEBEL CALL CENTER
APPLICATION
Salon 18, level 2
Don Mauck, Accessibility Evangelist at Oracle, demonstrates the
accessibility
features built into the Oracle Siebel Open UI product. This new release of
the #1
Call Center application (used by thousands of enterprises representing
millions
of business users worldwide) was developed to meet state-of-the-art
accessibility
standards including WCAG 2.0 and WAI-ARIA.
7:30 - 9:00 pm—DEMONSTRATION OF THE AUDIBLE TELEPROMPTER
Salon 15, level 2
Watch a demonstration and learn how you can give public speeches and read
fluently aloud using the Victor Reader Stream as an audible teleprompter.
Bruce
Gardner will demonstrate the process. Bring your Victor Reader Stream and an
NFB library card or another SD card that has at least one text document on
it.
8:00 - 9:00 pm—FRIENDS OF RECOVERY MEETING
Hospitality Suite 256, level 2
All convention delegates involved in or interested in twelve-step recovery
programs are invited to attend. Gary Ray, Coordinator
 FRIDAY, JULY 5, Continued
Whozit icon
8:30 pm - midnight—SALSA NIGHT ORLANDO 2013! (Admission: $5.00)
Signature 2 Room, level 2
Join us for Salsa and Merengue group lessons being offered at 9:00 and
10:00;
bring a partner or find one here. If you think you’ve got the best moves,
show off
at our dance competition at 11:00; cash bar. Fee benefits the NFB Spanish
Translation Committee (Conchita Hernandez, Chairperson).
 SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2013
Whozit icon
8:00 - 8:45 am—DEVOTIONS—Salon 17, level 2
8:15 - 8:45 am—PREREGISTRATION PACKET PICKUP—Grand Ballroom
Prefunction foyer, level 1
8:15 - 8:45 am—REGISTRATION ($30)—Final opportunity to register—Grand
Ballroom Prefunction foyer, level 1
GENERAL SESSION
9:00 am INVOCATION
9:05 am BRAILLE ENRICHMENT FOR LITERACY AND LEARNING (BELL):
CHANGING EDUCATIONAL EXPECTATIONS FOR THE BLIND OF
AMERICA
Moderator: Mark A. Riccobono, Executive Director, National
Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute; Baltimore, Maryland
Sandy Halverson, President, National Association to Promote the
Use of Braille; Lead Coordinator, Virginia BELL Programs, National
Federation of the Blind of Virginia; Arlington, Virginia
Kayleigh Joiner, Junior, Stephen F. Austin State University;
Nacogdoches, Texas
Raveena Alli, Second Grader, Springdale Park Elementary School;
Atlanta, Georgia
9:30 am A TEACHER IN THE MOVEMENT WHO BELIEVED IN BLIND
CHILDREN AND TAUGHT THE LEGISLATURE TO SHARE HER
FAITH
Casey Robertson, Teacher of Blind Students; Hamilton, Mississippi
9:45 am ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION THAT WORKS: A COMMITMENT
FROM DESIRE2LEARN
Dennis Kavelman, Chief Operating Officer, Desire2Learn; Kitchener,
Ontario, Canada
 SATURDAY, JULY 6, Continued
Whozit icon
10:00 am VALUING THE TALENT OF DISABLED AMERICAN WORKERS:
ENDING SUBMINIMUM WAGE PAYMENTS
 Moderator: Anil Lewis, Director of Advocacy and Policy, National
Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
Sheila Leigland, a worker at Goodwill being paid less than the
minimum wage who escaped the exploitation; Great Falls, Montana
Serena Lowe, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of Disability Employment
Policy, U.S. Department of Labor;
Washington D.C
.
Allison Wohl, Executive Director, The Collaboration to Promote Self
Determination; Washington, D.C.
The Honorable Gregg Harper, United States House of
Representatives, 3rd Congressional District; Mississippi
11:00 am LITERACY FOR THE BLIND WITHOUT BORDERS
Fredric K. Schroeder, Ph.D., Research Professor, Interwork Institute, San
Diego
State University Research Foundation; First Vice President, National
Federation
of the Blind; Vienna, Virginia
Scott LaBarre, Esq., LaBarre Law Offices; President, National Federation of
the
Blind of Colorado; Denver, Colorado
11:25 amCREATING OPPORTUNITY FOR THE BLIND OF THE UNITED
KINGDOM, BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS WITH LIKE-MINDED BLINDNESS
ORGANIZATIONS AROUND THE WORLD
Lesley-Anne Alexander, CEO, Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB);
London, England, United Kingdom
11:45 am REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS
12:00 pm ADJOURN
 SATURDAY, JULY 6, Continued
Whozit icon
Noon - 1:45 pm—AMATEUR RADIO DIVISION BUSINESS MEETING
Salon 19, level 2; D. Curtis Willoughby (ka0vba), President
Noon - 1:45 pm—RAFFLES AND DRAWINGS
Salon 10, level 2
12:15 - 1:45 pm—NLS QUESTION-AND-ANSWER SESSION
Salon 9, level 2
A question-and-answer session with Karen Keninger, Director of the
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library
of
Congress
 GENERAL SESSION
2:00 pm CALL TO ORDER
2:05 pm A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ORGANIZED BLIND MOVEMENT:
CREATING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Jan R. Frye, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Acquisition and
Logistics, Department of Veterans Affairs; Washington, D.C.
2:20 pm THE BLIND AT WORK IN AN UNUSUAL AND DEMANDING
PROFESSION
 Cassandra McNabb-McKinney, Funeral Director and Embalmer;
President, National Federation of the Blind of New Hampshire;
Keene, New Hampshire
2:35 pm ACCESS FOR ALL: THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS IN THE 21ST
CENTURY
 Roberta I. Shaffer, Associate Librarian for Library Services, The
Library of Congress; Washington, D.C.
 SATURDAY, JULY 6, Continued
Whozit icon
2:55 pm ON THE CUTTING EDGE: ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY THAT
PROVIDES GREATER OPPORTUNITY THAN EVER BEFORE IN
HISTORY
Peter Chapman, President and CEO, Media Arc (a company
incorporating K-NFB Reading Technology); Wellesley Hills,
Massachusetts
3:10 pm AN ALTERNATE METHOD OF THOUGHT: ADDING POWER TO
THE HUMAN MIND
Ray Kurzweil, Director of Engineering, Google Inc.; Mountain View,
California
3:30 pm A COLLABORATION THAT ENHANCES OPPORTUNITY: THE
ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN PUBLISHERS AND THE NATIONAL
FEDERATION OF THE BLIND CHANGE POSSIBILITIES FOR
LITERACY
 Thomas H. Allen, President and CEO, Association of American
Publishers; Washington, D.C.
3:50 pm A COMMITMENT TO EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY: A REPORT
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Eve L. Hill, Senior Counselor to the Assistant Attorney General, Civil
Rights Division, United States Department of Justice; Washington,
D.C.
4:10 pm DR. JACOB BOLOTIN AWARD
James Gashel, Chairperson, Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award Committee;
Secretary, National Federation of the Blind; Denver, Colorado
4:45 pm REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS
5:00 pm ADJOURN
 SATURDAY, JULY 6, Continued
Whozit icon
7:00 pm—BANQUET
Grand Ballroom, level 1
INVOCATION
MASTER OF CEREMONIES: Fredric K. Schroeder
INTRODUCTIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
BANQUET ADDRESS: Marc Maurer
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
11:00 pm—SCIENCE FICTION MEETING
All persons interested in science fiction and fantasy are welcome to join in
an
open discussion. Please contact Ed Meskys for room location.
CONVENTION NOTES:
Note 1. A Federation Information Desk is in the registration area from
Tuesday
morning through Saturday if you have questions or need assistance. Members
of
the Florida affiliate are also available to provide assistance and
hospitality
throughout the convention.
Note 2. The Rosen Centre Hotel room rates are: singles and doubles, $79;
triples and quads, $85. In addition to the room rates, there is a 13.5
percent tax.
There is no charge for children under sixteen in the room with parents as
long as
no extra bed is required. Proof of convention registration is necessary,
including
the showing of an NFB registration badge if requested. Otherwise, regular
hotel
rates must be paid. This is a non-smoking hotel; smoking is permitted only
at
specified areas outside.
Note 3. Guide Dog Relief Areas: 1) use the exterior door just before the
escalators on the west wall of the Grand Ballroom Prefunction Foyer; and 2)
use
the exterior door on the north wall just before the entrance to the Spa and
Fitness Center (located west of the main Hotel entrance at the end of the
east-
west wing).
Note 4. All requests for announcements by President Maurer during General
Sessions must be submitted in Braille.
Note 5. Raffle tickets will not be sold in the registration area, and no
raffles
or
other such drawings will take place during convention sessions or at the
banquet. The single exception will be that national divisions may (if they
request
it in advance) conduct drawings during the sessions or at the banquet.
Groups or
affiliates wishing to conduct their drawings (or any person wishing to know
the
winners) may go at noon on Saturday to Salon 10, level 2.
Note 6. Child-care for children between the ages of six weeks and twelve
years
is available during convention sessions, most meetings, and the banquet.
Preregistration and payment by June 15 were required for child-care.
Child-care
is organized and supervised by Carla McQuillan, the executive director of
Main
Street Montessori Association. Alison McQuillan serves as the activities and
staff coordinator. Please note that child-care services provides morning and
afternoon snacks, but parents are required to provide lunch for their
child(ren)
every day. Times listed are the opening and closing times. A late fee of $10
per
quarter-hour per child will be assessed for late pickups. Child-care
Services
hours are:
 Monday, 7/1 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 5:30 pm
 Tuesday, 7/2 Closed
 Wednesday, 7/3 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 5:30 pm
 Thursday, 7/4 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 5:30 pm
 Friday, 7/5 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 5:30 pm
 Saturday, 7/6 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 5:30 pm and
 Banquet, 7/6 6:30 pm to 30 minutes after banquet ends
Note 7. Divisions, Committees, and Groups: The Federation carries on its
business through affiliated divisions, committees, and groups listed below:
Divisions:
Agriculture and Equestrian: Fred Chambers, President
Amateur Radio, NFB: D. Curtis Willoughby, President
Assistive Technology Trainers: Michael Barber, President
Automobile Enthusiasts, National Assoc. of Blind: David Hutchins, President
Communities of Faith, National Assoc. of the Blind in: Tom Anderson,
President
Computer Science, NFB in: Curtis Chong, President
Deaf-Blind: Burnell Brown, President
Diabetes Action Network for the Blind: Michael Freeman, President
Human Services: David Stayer, Vice President
Educators, National Org. of Blind: Sheila Koenig, President
Entrepreneurs, National Assoc. of Blind: James R. Bonerbo, President
Guide Dog Users, National Assoc. of (NAGDU): Marion Gwizdala, President
Krafters, NFB: Joyce Kane, President
Lawyers, National Assoc. of Blind: Scott LaBarre, President
Merchants, National Assoc. of Blind: Nicky Gacos, President
National Assoc. to Promote the Use of Braille (NAPUB): Sandy Halverson,
Pres.
Office Professionals, National Assoc. of Blind: Lisa Hall, President
Parents of Blind Children, National Org. of (NOPBC): Carlton Walker,
President
Performing Arts: Jordy Stringer, President
Professionals in Blindness Education, National Org. of: Eric Guillory,
President
Public Employees: Ivan Weich, President
Rehabilitation Professionals, National Assoc. of Blind: Melody Roane,
President
Science and Engineering: John Miller, President
Seniors, NFB: Ruth Sager, President
Sports and Recreation: Lisamaria Martinez, President
Students, National Assoc. of Blind: Sean Whalen, President
Travel and Tourism: Cheryl Echevarria, President
Writers: Robert Leslie Newman, President
Veterans, National Assoc. of Blind: Dwight Sayer, President.
Committees:
Ambassadors: Angela Wolf, Chairperson
Automobile and Pedestrian Safety, Committee on: Deborah Kent Stein,
 Chairperson
Blind Educator of the Year Award: David Ticchi, Chairperson
Cash and Caring (new): Ramona Walhof, Chairperson
Communications: Robert Leslie Newman, Chairperson
Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award: Cathy Jackson,
 Chairperson
Employment: Dick Davis, Chairperson
Empower Underserved Populations, Committee to; Ron Brown, Chairperson
Genetic Education: Barbara Pierce, Chairperson
Imagination Fund: Anil Lewis, Chairperson
Jacobus tenBroek Award: Ramona Walhof, Chairperson
Jacobus tenBroek Memorial Fund: Gary Mackenstadt, Chairperson; Joy Harris,
 Co-Chairperson
Kenneth Jernigan Fund: Allen Harris, Chairperson
Library Services: David Hyde, Chairperson
Membership: Ron Gardner, Chairperson
Newel Perry Award: Allen Harris, Chairperson
PAC Plan: Scott LaBarre, Chairperson; Carlos Serván, Garrick Scott, and
 Doug Trimble, Co-Chairpersons
Promotion, Evaluation, and Advancement of Technology: Gary Wunder,
 Chairperson
Public Relations: Christopher Danielsen, Chairperson
Research and Development: Tony Olivero, Chairperson
Resolutions: Sharon Maneki, Chairperson
Scholarship: Patti Gregory Chang, Chairperson
Shares Unlimited in NFB (SUN): Sandy Halverson, Chairperson
Spanish Translation: Conchita Hernandez, Chairperson
White Cane and Affiliate Finance: Alpidio Rolón, Chairperson.
Groups:
Blind Academics: Adrienne Asch, Chairperson
Blind Musicians: Linda Mentink, Chairperson
Blind Parents: Deborah Kent Stein, Chairperson
Blind Professional Journalists: Elizabeth Campbell and Bryan Bashin,
 Co-Chairpersons
Community Service: Darian Smith, Chairperson
Educators of Blind Children: Gail Wagner, Chairperson
Legislative Initiatives Discussion: Don Burns, Chairperson
Living History: Michael Freholm, Chairperson
NFB in Judaism: David Stayer, Chairperson
NFB Lions: Ramona Walhof and Milton Ota, Co-Chairpersons
Orientation and Mobility: Edward C. Bell, Chairperson
Piano Technology: Don Mitchell, Chairperson
Webmasters: Gary Wunder, Chairperson.
NAVIGATING THE HOTEL:
Looking down from an airplane flying high above the Rosen Centre Hotel you
would see a long tall structure oriented in a mostly east-west direction. It
would
appear to be very slightly V-shaped. Extending from the point of the ‘V’
you
would see a long low structure oriented in a mostly north-south direction.
Toward
the south end of the low structure you would see a covered bridge about the
length of a football field extending toward the west and connecting into the
West
Building of the Orange County Convention Center, a second very large low
structure with a mostly east-west orientation. Your pilot might quibble a
bit with
you about your notions of north-south and east-west. If so, just tell the
pilot that
they will do quite nicely for navigation from the Hotel lobby to the Exhibit
Hall,
even though they might end you up on the wrong continent if you were flying
across the Atlantic. So, put away your compass and enjoy the convention.
Back on the ground as you enter the Hotel through the revolving doors at the
main entrance you will be facing south. You will be at about the center of
the 24-
story east-west wing of the Hotel. The main Hotel elevators will be directly
ahead
of you in a U-shaped elevator lobby. Slightly to your right (west) of the
opening
into the elevator lobby is the entrance to the long two-story north-south
wing of
the Hotel. Turning slightly to your left (east) takes you to the Hotel
check-in desk,
which is located on the south wall of the east-west wing. Opposite the Hotel
check-in desk on the north wall of the east-west wing is the Bell Stand and
the
Concierge Desk.
All of the sleeping rooms are located in the 24-story east-west wing. The
first
three elevators on each side of the U-shaped elevator lobby serve floors 2
through 15. The last two elevators on each side serve floors 2 and 16
through
24. A short passageway on the west side of the elevator lobby between the
third
and fourth elevators serves as a shortcut between the elevator lobby and the
north-south wing. It also serves as a convenient landmark to separate the
low-
floor elevators and the high-floor elevators. When you exit the elevator
lobby on
the sleeping room floors, the rooms ending in numbers 1 through 32 are east
of
the elevator lobby, and the sleeping rooms ending in numbers 33 through 64
are
west of the elevator lobby.
West of the main entrance along the north wall of the east-west wing is
Smooth
Java, a full service coffee bar featuring Starbucks coffee. Beyond the
coffee bar
across the end of the wing is the entrance to the Spa and Fitness Center.
Just
before the entrance to the Spa and Fitness Center is a door on the north
wall to
the outside. This door will be the most convenient way to reach one of the
two
dog relief areas at the Hotel. The Hotel gift shop is located on the south
wall just
before the Spa and Fitness Center.
All of the Hotel meeting rooms, restaurants, and other food and beverage
areas
are located in the two-story north-south wing. (There are a few meetings
which
will take place in Hotel hospitality suites, which are located on the second
floor
of
the east-west wing.)
As you enter the north-south wing from the north end and head south, the
large
Lobby Bar which serves a variety of hot and cold foods as well as beverages
is
located on the west side. Beyond the Lobby Bar are many doors leading to the
outside deck and pool area. On the east side is the 98Forty Tapas and
Tequila
Bar featuring forty premium tequilas and Spanish and Mexican specialties.
Just
beyond 98Forty is the Banshoo sushi bar followed by Red’s Deli. This deli
is
open 24 hours a day and is a combination of convenience store and quick-
service restaurant. The restaurant part of the operation opens at 6:30 am
and
continues until midnight, offering hot and cold deli-style sandwiches,
salads,
pizza, hot entrees, and desserts, either for dine-in or takeout to your room
or the
outside eating area near the pools. Continuing south beyond Red’s Deli you
will
find the Hotel’s two full service restaurants—Café Gaugin (which is
open for
breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and Everglades (which is open for dinner
only).
Opposite the Everglades Restaurant you will find the Grand Staircase. Two
separate curved flights merge into one on a landing and continue in a single
flight to the second floor meeting rooms. When you enter the curved stairs
from
the lobby level you are heading west. The single flight from the landing
reverses
direction so that when you come off the stairway onto the second floor, you
are
facing east.
Continuing south beyond the Grand Staircase the floor surface changes from
Terrazzo to carpet, and you enter the Ballroom Prefunction Foyer. (NFB
preregistration, registration, banquet ticket sales, and Information Desk
will be
located here.)
Along the east side are seven sets of doors leading into the Grand Ballroom.
Opposite the fifth set of doors are escalators and a staircase leading to
the
second floor meeting rooms and to the covered bridge walkway to the West
Building of the Convention Center. The staircase is between the two
escalators.
The “up” escalator is on the west side of the staircase. The “down”
escalator is
on the east side of the staircase. Beyond the escalators and staircase is an
elevator to the second floor. Just before the escalators on the west wall of
the
Grand Ballroom Prefunction Foyer is an exterior door leading to another dog
relief area.
The Junior Ballroom is located on the east side of the Prefunction Foyer
just
beyond the Grand Ballroom. There are two sets of doors into Section F of the
Junior Ballroom followed by two sets of doors into Section G. The Executive
Ballroom is opposite the Junior Ballroom on the west side of the Prefunction
Foyer. We do not have any activities in the Executive Ballroom. The
Prefunction
Foyer ends with a door to the outside just beyond the Junior Ballroom.
The second floor meeting rooms consist of 24 salons numbered 1 through 24
and the Signature Two meeting room. Salons 1 through 12 are located along
both sides of a U-shaped east-west corridor found immediately opposite the
opening to the Grand Staircase. The numbering system begins with Salon 1
starting on the left (north) side of the corridor as you enter it continuing
consecutively through Salon 6 on the north side, crossing over to Salon 7 on
the
south side and running back up the ‘U’ through Salon 12 on the south
side of the
“U,” which is opposite Salon 1 at the entry point into the “U” on
the north side.
Leaving the “U” you are facing west. Turning left (south) the first
Salon on the
east side of the north-south corridor is Salon 13. Salons 14 through 24
follow
consecutively south along the east side of this corridor. If when leaving
the “U”
you turn right (north), you are headed toward the intersection of the
north-south
second floor meeting room corridor with the east-west corridor of the
24-floor
sleeping room wing. Turning left (west) at this intersection takes you to a
number
of hospitality suite parlors, where some meetings are scheduled. The
numbering
system of the hospitality suites follows the same pattern as the numbering
for
sleeping rooms. Turning right (east) at the intersection takes you to the
elevator
lobby serving the sleeping rooms. All ten elevators in the main bank of
elevators
serving the sleeping rooms have a stop on the second floor.
Salons 13 through 24 are located directly above the Grand and Junior
Ballrooms
along the east side of a north-south corridor that is above the north-south
Ballroom Prefunction Foyer. The escalators and staircase originating in the
Ballroom Prefunction Foyer opposite the fifth set of Grand Ballroom doors
terminate on this second floor corridor opposite Salon 19. Signature Two
meeting room is located opposite Salon 17 west of the escalators and
staircase.
The entryway to the covered bridge to the Convention Center West Building is
located west of these escalators. A Smooth Java Express coffee bar is
located
just before the beginning of the bridge.
The covered bridge walkway to the West Building of the Convention Center is
343 feet—slightly longer than the length of a football field. It connects
to the
second level of the West Building. You enter the West Building at the
extreme
east end of the West Concourse running from east to west. There will be food
and beverages available for purchase from mobile concession stands located
along the Concourse.
The doors to our Exhibit Hall and Independence Market are on the south side
of
the West Concourse at the point where you enter the Convention Center. We
are
using meeting rooms W202, W203, and W204 (each of which divides into three
sections) on the north side of the Concourse. Further west beyond these
meeting rooms there is a short balcony extending north from the main
Concourse. We are using two meeting rooms W205 and W206 (each of which
divides into three sections) which are located on the east and west sides of
this
balcony.
The full length of the West Concourse from east to west is a few feet more
than
a half mile. The Rosen Plaza Hotel is located just beyond the west end of
the
Concourse. The Exhibit Hall and meeting rooms we are using extend only about
a fourth of the way along the Concourse toward the termination at the west
end.
It is possible to leave the Rosen Plaza Hotel, walk a short distance to an
entry
door to the second level of the West Concourse, walk the entire distance
through
the air-conditioned Concourse to the covered bridge walkway to the Rosen
Centre Hotel, and travel across the walkway to the meeting room level of the
Rosen Centre Hotel. The exterior doors of the Convention Center at the Rosen
Plaza end will be open for entry from 6 am to 8 pm. The exterior doors of
the
Convention Center at the Rosen Centre end will be open for entry from 6 am
to
11 pm. Doors at both ends will be open for exit 24 hours daily.
 Thank You...
Whozit icon
 The National Federation of the Blind acknowledges with gratitude our
convention sponsors listed below. Their messages follow.
Accessibility Champions:
Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Deque Systems, Inc.
Title:
Monster Worldwide
Platinum:
UPS
HumanWare
Oracle
Travelocity
Gold:
Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP
Google
Market Development Group, Inc.
Silver:
AT&T
Freedom Scientific
Pearson Higher Education
Bronze:
BlackBerry
C AND P—Chris Park Design
IBM
VitalSource Technologies
White Cane:
Courseload
En-Vision America
HIMS, Inc.
eBay Inc.
Sprint
MegaVoice
SSB Bart Group
Learning Ally