Tim Elder, President
National Federation of the Blind of California
president@nfbcal.org
4226 Castanos Street
Fremont, CA 94536
(916) 382-0372

Welcome to the 2022 National Federation of the Blind of California Convention
November 3-6, 2022
Courtyard San Diego Old Town By Marriott
2435 Jefferson Street, San Diego, CA 92110

Together Again: Reuniting and Reclaiming Our Right to Equality

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. Together with love, hope, and determination, we transform dreams into reality.

Convention Hosts:
President, Tim Elder
First Vice President, Rachel Grider
Second Vice President, Robert Stigile
Secretary, Shannon Dillon
Treasurer, Tiffany Manosh

Board Members: Brian Buhrow, Christina Daniels, Allison Depner, Juanita Herrera, Veronica Martinez, Michael Richardson, and Cheryl Thurston

Additional Convention Planning Committee Members: Cricket Bidleman, Ed Davis, Shelbi Felter, Jeanette Jones, maurice mines, Bobbi Pompey, and Jamie Principato Crane

Chapter & Division Presidents:
Jacquisse Braxton – Antelope Valley Chapter, Cathy Gaten – At Large Chapter, Veronica Martinez - Bakersfield Chapter, Rachel Grider – Central Valley Chapter, Yvette Lee – Escondido Chapter, Michael Richardson – Inglewood Chapter, Cheryl Thurston – Inland Empire Chapter, Rochelle Houston – Pathfinder Chapter of Los Angeles, Dr. Carmen Varela – Poder y Movimiento Latina/o Sección, Tiffany Manosh – River City Chapter, Carmen Weatherly – Riverside Chapter, Allison Depner – San Diego Chapter, Robert Stigile – San Fernando Valley Chapter, Bobbi Pompey – San Francisco Chapter, Miguel Mendez – San Joaquin County Chapter, Jamie Principato Crane – San Jose Chapter, Debbie Worstman – Shasta Cascade Chapter, Shelbi Felter – California Association of Blind Students, Shannon Dillon – California Association of Guide Dog Users, Jeanette Jones – California Parents of Blind Children, Arietta Woods – Seniors Division, Joy Stigile – Diabetes Action Network, and David Chan – Orientation Center for the Blind Alumni Association, Inc.

Convention Overview
Thursday evening includes live recording of the Presidential Release with Mark Riccobono, the meeting of the Board of Directors and nominations meeting;
Friday includes the Exhibitor Showcase, Exhibit Hall hours, DAN meeting, afternoon General Session I, the Resolutions Committee meeting, and OCB and CABS meetings; 
Saturday includes groups and divisions, morning seminar breakouts, afternoon General Session II and the Banquet;
Sunday morning includes the Presidential Report, business meeting, Resolutions, and elections.

Registration
A registration and information table will be stationed on the hotel patio. You can pick up pre-registration packets, wrist bands and welcome goodies there as well as register. The table will be staffed on November 3 from 2:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. and 7:30 P.M.-8:30 P.M., on November 4 from 8:30 A.M.-10:30 A.M., 11:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M., and 7:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M., and on November 5 from 11:30 A.M.- 1:30 P.M. Our table volunteers can also answer questions about the agenda and convention activities. We will be selling a limited number of boxed lunches at the registration table on Friday and Saturday from 12:00 P.M.-1:00 P.M. for $20 each.

Covid Testing
Proof of a negative Covid test taken no more than twenty-four hours in advance is required in order to pick up your registration packet. You can show proof of a negative Covid test at the registration table, email it in advance to covid@nfbcal.org, or take a test on-site. Accessible Covid tests will also be available on the hotel patio. Though children under the age of six do not need to register, parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to test them as well. Masks covering the nose and mouth are required while attending all convention activities. For more information about Covid protocols during the convention, visit nfbcal.org/convention (also listed on the registration form when selecting the “in person” option).

Breakfast
All in-person registrants wearing wrist bands are entitled to breakfast on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Breakfast will be provided buffet-style on the hotel patio from 7:00 A.M.-8:30 A.M. on all three days. Please wear your registration wrist bands to be served.

Hospitality Suite
The San Diego Chapter will be hosting a hospitality suite which will be open on Friday and Saturday from 8:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M., and Friday night from 7:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M. This is a great place to mingle with other convention attendees and enjoy refreshments when you have a spare moment or two. Check nfbcal.org/convention, at the registration table, or hotel check in desk for the room number as convention gets closer.

First Time Attendees 
If this is your first state convention, you should join us at the Rookie Roundup on Tuesday, November 1, at 6:30 p.m. over Zoom. You will be welcomed by the board members and matched with a mentor for the convention. They will make sure you have a wonderful experience and don’t miss anything. Be sure to indicate on your registration form that this is your first convention so we can make it special.

Legal Office Hours
Do you have questions about your legal rights or need to talk with a lawyer? An attorney with expertise in legal issues affecting blind people will be on site for free 20-minute consultations. Please email Michael Nunez (mnunez@rbgg.com) or call (415) 917-6343 to schedule your appointment at the following times: 
•	Friday, November 4, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
•	Friday, November 4, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
•	Saturday, November 5, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
•	or as otherwise agreed based on availability
 
Spanish Translation
We are broadcasting live translations of all general session meetings and the banquet through a Zoom conference function and dedicated telephone audio line that can be accessed from any mobile phone. Please contact Carmen Varela at carmenv@usc.edu for more details or check the main convention information page at http://www.nfbcal.org/convention/ for sign-in instructions.

Captioning and Sound Amplification
We are broadcasting live translations of all general session meetings, division meetings, breakouts, and the banquet through a Zoom conference function that can be accessed from any mobile phone. Some FM transmitters will also be available on sight for sound amplification. Please contact Rachel Grider at Rachel.grider@gmail.com for more details or check the main convention information page at http://www.nfbcal.org/convention/ for sign-in instructions.

Exhibitor Showcase and Exhibit Hall
In the Grand Ballroom at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, November 4, you will hear vendors describe the current products and services which they will have on display. The Exhibit Hall in the Presidio and Cabrillo Breakout Theaters will then be open 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Exhibitors may begin setting up their exhibit tables at 8:00 a.m. For virtual participants, the Vendor Showcase Zoom room will remain open until 10:30 A.M. for a virtual tour of the Exhibit Hall and a chance to ask questions of the exhibitors.

Pre-Session Show
For those joining us virtually on Zoom, log on early for entertaining fun and games hosted by Bobbi Pompey and friends 30 minutes ahead of each afternoon general session and the banquet. It will be more fun than Ellen and Oprah in a water balloon fight. 

Guide Dog Relief Area
Exit the hotel’s main doors and turn left. Follow the driveway to Jefferson Street. Turn right, and follow the sidewalk past the parking area to the grass patches on the right of the sidewalk.
 
Welcome Guide
For more information about the hotel and surrounding area, including orientation to the hotel, directions to points of interest, and a menu for the hotel bistro, you can visit nfbcal.org/convention to download a copy of the local travel guide.

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

BELL Champion Sponsor ($7000)

San Francisco’s LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired promotes the independence, equality and self-reliance of people who are blind or have low vision.

Clusiv is an online learning platform for the blind and visually impaired that teaches occupational training, technology skills, and educational courses to empower employment.
Platinum Catalyst Sponsor - $5000 
Designing the Waymo Driver, an autonomous technology, to give people a new kind of freedom – to go where they want, when they want, while making the frustrations and concerns with driving a thing of the past.

Gold Partner Sponsor ($1000)

Lundy’s goal is to produce the most comprehensive property search engine available by voice for the MLSs who would like to be more inclusive with their data.

Silver Ally Sponsor ($600)
Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc.
 
To learn more about Non-24, contact Shauna Jatho, RN - Email: Shauna.Jatho@vandapharma.com

 Democracy Live seeks to modernize voting in America by allowing voters to access their ballot and balloting information anytime and anywhere using any smart device, computer, or platform.

Thursday, November 3, 2022

5:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. 	Live Recording of Presidential Release with Mark Riccobono 
Mark Riccobono
National Federation of the Blind President Mark Riccobono will record the live national broadcast for the monthly presidential release message. Convention attendees will be able to participate live in the room during the event and share their California spirit.
Grand Ballroom 

6:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.	Board of Directors Meeting 
President, Tim Elder
Meetings of the Board of Directors are open to the public. Please join us as we discuss hybrid voting and nominations policies, greet our scholarship finalists and hear from National Federation of the Blind President Mark Riccobono. All first timers should attend. We will recognize rookies at the end of the board meeting. 
Grand Ballroom

8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.	Nominating Committee, By Invitation Only 
Chairperson, Ever Lee Hairston
This is a closed meeting for the members of the Nominating Committee, invited prospective candidates and the National Representative. The members of the Nominating Committee are the current members of the Board of Directors listed elsewhere in this agenda and on the NFB of California website. The committee will recommend candidates for the Board of Directors. The candidates will be introduced on Friday afternoon during General Session I. The convention will vote on the nominated candidates along with any other nominations from the floor during our Sunday morning session. Candidates wishing to be nominated are encouraged to speak with President Tim Elder and Chairperson Ever Hairston in advance of the meeting. We generally invite interested candidates to interview with the committee and let potential nominees discover who else is interested in being nominated for positions. 

Friday, November 4, 2022

8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 	Hospitality Suite
Coordinator, Allison Depner
Volunteers from the San Diego chapter and other California affiliate chapters will be on hand at the Hospitality Suite to meet and greet everyone who drops by, offering a selection of snacks and beverages for their enjoyment. Check the convention program, registration desk or the hotel check in desk for the assigned suite number.

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.	Exclusive Vendor Showcase
Coordinator, Cheryl Thurston 
Listen to a brief description of products and services from each exhibitor. This is a wonderful way to survey everything in the hall at one time and then follow up with each exhibitor at their virtual tables immediately after the presentations. The Zoom link will stay open until 10:30 a.m. for virtual attendees to ask questions and experience a virtual walk-through of the Exhibit Hall.
Grand Ballroom

9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.	Exhibit Hall Hours 
Check out the latest technology, services and information from organizations offering useful resources to blind people.  
Breakout Presidio and Cabrillo Theaters

12:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.	Diabetes Action Network
President, Joy Stigile
This is the annual business meeting with a presentation from Caroline Meehan, RDN, CSOWM, LDN, CDCES, Pennsylvania Medicine. We will discuss how to stop Pre-Diabetes from developing into Type 1 or Type 2, getting some fresh ideas on controlling Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, and questions from the audience. Please bring your lunch to the meeting. We will open the Zoom Room at 12:25 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 12:30 p.m.
Grand Ballroom

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.	General Session I 

2:00 p.m. We’re Back! Call to Order
Opening ceremony with national anthem—Rachel Grider; Pledge of Allegiance and NFB Pledge — ALI Ben Lanes; Invocation—Arietta Woods.
2:20 p.m. Clusiv—Sharing Accessible e-Learning for Ever-Changing Technology
Lukas Simianer, Clusiv Founder & CEO, and Bruce Sexton, Clusiv Director of Community Engagement, discuss the accessibility of e-learning and the need for technical training that enables blind employees to keep pace with future workplace technology. 

2:40 p.m. Joining Forces—Links to Vocational Rehabilitation and Training 
Joe Xavier, Director of the California Department of Rehabilitation, updates us on the Specialized Services Division and the future of vocational rehabilitation services in California. 

3:00 p.m. Statistics Don’t Lie—the Story of Who’s Leading Agencies for the Blind
Bryan Bashin, Presidential Appointee to the U.S. AbilityOne Commission, shares a recent statistical report on the demographics of managers at agencies for the blind from across the nation. How many of these agencies are run by blind managers and executives? What other stories can be told from these demographics?
 
3:15 p.m. Leadership Vision—Meet the New CEO of the San Francisco LightHouse
Dr. Sharon Sacks, Board Chair of the San Francisco LightHouse, introduces Sharon Giovinazzo, the next CEO stepping into a legacy of dynamic blind executive leadership.

3:30 p.m. Community College Access—Fight for Your Right to Study
Roy Payan shares his experiences as a successful plaintiff in a jury trial against the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) and the importance of equal access to community college services.

3:50 p.m. Free Braille Displays & Tech.—NLS Assistive Technology Lending Program 
Nikki Warren, Access Technology Specialist, Melissa Rodriguez, SD Library Services Coordinator, and Leslie Miller, Student/Volunteer, all of Braille Institute, demonstrate the new assistive technology that blind patrons can borrow at no cost from local library services for the blind.

4:00 p.m. Electronic Returns Modernizing our Fundamental Right to Vote
Jocelyn Bucaro, Director of Mobile Voting at Tusk Philanthropies, Lee Durham, CEO of Global Mobile, and Bryan Finney, CEO of Democracy Live, discuss the future of electronic ballot returns and how California can catch up with accessible electronic voting solutions and legislative progress used in other states. Note the follow up meeting on Friday evening for further action to make this change in California.

4:35 p.m. Report of the Nominating Committee
Ever Lee Hairston, Nominations Committee Chair, announces the slate of proposed candidate’s and comments on the election process that will follow on Sunday morning. 

4:45 p.m. Adjourn 
The convention will adjourn until General Session II on Saturday afternoon.

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.	Resolutions Committee
Chairperson, Bryan Bashin
All are encouraged to observe the Resolutions Committee, which comes together once a year to decide on the policies and direction of the affiliate for the upcoming year. The 2022 committee includes Chair Bryan Bashin, Cricket Bidleman, Shannon Dillon, Tim Elder, Rachel Grider, Ever Hairston and Jamie Principato Crane. Any member may sponsor a resolution. Typically, resolutions must be in the hands of the President or the chairperson of the Resolutions Committee no later than one week prior to the convention - though our chairperson might set alternative deadlines. Resolutions which have not been provided to the President or the chairperson may come before the Resolutions Committee only if they have been signed by two members of the Resolutions Committee and have been placed in the hands of the chairperson or President before noon of the day before the Resolutions Committee is to meet. Resolutions which receive favorable consideration by the committee will come to the convention for consideration and action. Resolutions which don’t receive favorable consideration by the committee will not come to the convention floor unless five of the chartered chapter and division president delegates indicate that they will sponsor the resolution. No resolution should be considered by the committee unless there is a proponent of the resolution present at the committee meeting to explain the need for the resolution.
Grand Ballroom

6:30 P.M. — 7:30 P.M.	Breakout—Legislating e-Returns in California Elections
Chairperson Shannon Dillon, NFB of California Legislative Liaison
A discussion with our general session panelists and other friends about the growing consensus for a law that enables blind Californians to electronically return accessible ballots without resorting to printing paper. We will discuss legislative strategy and how to engage over the coming year.
Breakout Presidio Theater

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.	Orientation Center for the Blind Alumni Group 
President David Chan
OCB alumni reconnect with old friends, learn what is going on at the center, and discuss division business.
Breakout Cabrillo Theater

7:00 P.M. — 10:00 P.M.	Hospitality Suite Fiesta And Game Night
Come join us for nachos, a margarita or soft drink, and an accessible game or two.  

7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.	California Association of Blind Students (“CABS”)
President, Shelbi Felter
Welcome back in person CABS! We will have our annual business meeting, followed by a networking and special dessert.
Grand Ballroom

Saturday, November 5, 2022

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. California Association of Guide Dog Users Division
President, Shannon Dillon
Learn from guide dog schools about their programs and discuss current issues with other guide dog users.
Breakout Presidio Theater

8:30 A.M. — 1:30 P.M.	Hospitality Suite
Volunteers from the San Diego chapter and other California affiliate chapters will be on hand at the Hospitality Suite to meet and greet everyone who drops by, offering a selection of snacks and beverages for their enjoyment. Check the convention website, registration desk or hotel check in desk for the assigned suite number.

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.	Seniors Division 
President, Arietta Woods
You’re never too old to learn some new tricks and live the life you want to live. Join like-minded seniors who aren’t letting blindness hold them back.
Breakout Cabrillo Theater

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.	Parents and Educators of Blind Children Seminar
President, Jeanette Jones
Hear from leading advocates, experienced parents and recent blind college-admitted students on IEPs, access to education and working with educators for best practices in the education of blind children.
Grand Ballroom

10:00 A. M. — 12:00 P.M.	Sports and Recreation Division
President, Joga Singh
If you are a fan of blind and visually impaired sports, or lover of recreation activities, and want to increase or share your knowledge in these areas, please join in-person or via Zoom, to the general meeting of our newly created Sports and Recreation Division of NFB California during our NFBCA Convention. Along with the Division's routine business, we will hear presentations on blind and visually impaired sports, such as archery, beep baseball, etc. 
Breakout Presidio Theater

12:00 P.M. — 1:45 P.M.	Poder Y Movimiento Latina
President, Dr. Carmen Varela
Poder y Movimiento Latina/o will be having its first meeting as an official NFB CA Chapter to discuss the needs of blind Latinas/os in California and review its goals and priorities, for the coming year. If you are a monolingual Spanish speaker or are bilingual and are interested in contributing to the conversation or joining the Chapter, we strongly encourage you to attend! For more information you can contact the President of Poder y Movimiento, Dr. Carmen Varela at carmenv@usc.edu. 
Poder y Movimiento Latino/o tendrá su primera reunión como un capítulo oficial de NFB CA para discutir las necesidades de los latinos ciegos en California y revisar sus metas y prioridades para el próximo año. Si eres una Latina/o hablante monolingüe o bilingüe y estás interesado en contribuir a la conversación o unirte al Capítulo, ¡te recomendamos que asistas! Para mas información puede comunicarse con la Presidenta de Poder y Movimiento Latina/o, Dra. Carmen Varela a carmenv@usc.edu.
Breakout Presidio Theater

12:00 P.M. — 1:45 P.M.	Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Chairperson, Ed Davis
This committee ensures that the National Federation of the Blind of California is diverse and inclusive to all members. We work to ensure that all members regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or ethnicity are included and have equal equity within the affiliate and its policies. 
Breakout Cabrillo Theater

2:00 p.m. – 5:20 p.m.	General Session II, Grand Ballroom
President, Tim Elder

2:00 p.m. Reconnecting for Call to Order
Welcome back into the convention with announcements.

2:10 p.m. National Report—Bringing the Movement
Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind, reports on what the organization is accomplishing around the nation and the globe to advance the rights of blind people.

3:00 p.m. Speaking with One Voice—Advanced Voice User Interfaces for Complex Transactions
Jessie Lorenz, Sr. Accessibility Specialist, Alexa Shopping at Amazon.com, and Justin Lundy, Founder, Lundy.io, demonstrate how advances in voice user interface technology will change how we think about the future of complex online transactions.

3:40 p.m. Common Bonds of Blindness—Coordinating Efforts
Gabe Griffith, President, California Council of the Blind, and Tim Elder, President, National Federation of the Blind of California, banter over their growing friendship and the need for all blind people to work together on important issues around voting, subminimum wages and web access.

4:00 p.m. Remote the Vote—Building Our Own Virtual Polling system for Federation Elections
Brian Buhrow, Board Member for the National Federation of the Blind of California, demonstrates a prototype system that he has designed to enable virtual and in-person convention attendees to simultaneously vote during a convention.

4:40 p.m. Training Together—NFB Residential Centers
Julie Deden, Executive Director of the Colorado Center for the Blind, Marco Carranza, Cane Travel Instructor, Louisiana Center for the Blind, and Michell Gip, Youth Services Coordinator for Blind Inc., discuss the benefits and considerations involved with NFB residential training programs.

5:00 p.m. Adjourn 
Members should quickly exit the ballroom to make way for the banquet setup. Please take your conversations to the hotel lobby to enable the support staff to quickly change over the ballroom.

7:00 p.m. Formal Banquet (doors open at 6:45 p.m.)
Mistress of Ceremonies – Rachel Grider, Vice president
Hear an inspiring address from our national representative, meet our scholarship winners, conduct fun auctions with games, and generally be delighted as we celebrate our success as an organization.
Grand Ballroom

Sunday November 6, 2022

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.	General Session III, Grand Ballroom
President, Tim Elder

9:00 a.m. Our Money—Financial Report
Affiliate Treasurer Tiffany Manosh reports on our financial state.  

9:15 a.m. What We Can Do Together—A Report from Your President 
The President of the National Federation of the Blind of California provides an update on the activities of the affiliate over the past two years, the financial state of the organization and reflections for the future.

9:40 a.m. Resolutions 
The convention votes on the proposed resolutions. 

10:30 a.m. Leading with Consensus—Election of the Organized Blind in California
An election will be run for the open positions including any nominations from the floor and short statements from the candidates.  

12:00 p.m.	Adjourn and Bus boarding 

1:00 p.m. Los Angeles Bus Departs Hotel 
The chartered bus to Los Angeles will be leaving promptly at 1:00 P.M. Cheryl Thurston confirms that folks who miss the bus will not be refunded and will have a long walk back to L.A. The bus, for those who make it on board, will drop passengers off at the McDonalds, 9147 Central Ave., Montclair, Ca. 91763

Thank You to Our Convention Committees and Coordinators
Every year, too many individuals to name donate their time and talents to make our convention amazing. We operate this convention with a primarily volunteer team. We would love to have more people join our stellar group for convention planning and logistics efforts. Please share your desire to join us next year with president@nfbcal.org and Rachel Grider (rachel.grider@gmail.com), or call (916) 382-0372.
Thank you to the below leaders who graciously donated their time and abilities.
Scholarships: Chairperson Bobbi Pompey, Lisamaria Martinez Skyler Covich Shelbi Felter and Jeanette Jones
Resolutions: Chairperson Bryan Bashin, Cricket Bidleman, Shannon Dillon, Tim Elder, Rachel Grider, Ever Hairston and Jamie Principato Crane 
Nominations: Chairperson Ever Hairston, and members of the Board of Directors 
Transportation: Cheryl Thurston
Registration: Rachel Grider and Lisamaria Martinez
Exhibits: Cheryl Thurston 
Banquet: Rachel Grider
Parents: Jeanette Jones
Spanish Translation: Dr. Carmen Varela
Braille Printing: Cheryl Thurston 
Audio Video: Brian Buhrow
Ambassador: Michael Richardson
Rookies: Cheryl Thurston, Veronica Martinez, and Jamie Principato Crane
Door Prizes: Tiffany Manosh & Angela Fowler
Auction Baskets: Brian Buhrow and Michael Richardson
Guide Dog Relief: Allison Depner
White Cane Donations: Cheryl Thurston & Michael Richardson
PAC: Robert Stigile