[NFBNJ] State Agenda 2017Pasted and Attached

Wed Oct 25 22:41:07 UTC 2017

Greetings to all!

We are proud to forward our agenda for the 2017 state convention, Live The Life You Want; Let’s Make It Happen!
The agenda is attached as a word file and a pdf.
Also the agenda is pasted below .
Thanks to all for the contributions, ideas, thoughts, proofreading and for those attending our state convention.
For those not attending this year, review and make plans to attend the 2018 state conventtion.
Special note: When we are able to finalize the streaming link, we will forward to all and post on the state website.

We care. We share. We grow. We make a difference
Joe Ruffalo, President 
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey 
973 743 0075
nfbnj1 at verizon.net
www.nfbnj.org
Your old car keys can be keys to literacy for the blind.
Donate your unwanted vehicle to us by clicking 
www.carshelpingtheblind.org 
or call 855 659 9314

****

The 41st Annual State Convention

National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey

LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT—

LET’S MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Holiday Inn

151 Route 72 East, Manahawkin, NJ 08050

November 9, 10,11,12, 2017

Joseph Ruffalo, President

973-743-0075

nfbnj1 at verizon.net

www.nfbnj.org

www.blindchildren.org

 Who We Are & What We Do

 The National Federation of the Blind, the oldest and largest organization of and for the blind in the US, is made up of blind/ visually impaired people of all ages, and their families and friends. We help newly blind people adjust to vision loss, assist parents and teachers of blind children, and promote the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities.  Our activities include:

•    Assisting blind persons in acquiring the skills of independence
•    Helping blind persons develop confidence in themselves
•    Teaching blind persons the skills of leadership through active participation in conventions, chapter meetings, and civic activities
•    Encouraging blind seniors to continue their active and meaningful lifestyles
•    Preparing blind students for productive, tax-paying careers through training and academic scholarships
•    Supporting parents, teachers, and friends of blind children with mentoring, role modeling, information, and training
•    Informing those losing their sight due to diabetes about techniques for dealing with vision loss
•    Advocating for policies that eliminate discrimination and guarantee equal access to high quality educational and rehabilitation programs
•    Educating the public through community activities and publications 

•    Protecting and promoting the civil rights of blind persons through public education and legislative action at the state and national levels

 Spotlight on NFB of NJ

Since 1976, the National Federation of the Blind of NJ, an affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, has been providing invaluable information and resources to blind/visually impaired people throughout the state. Our members work together for a brighter tomorrow by raising expectations for blind people everywhere so that blind persons can live the life they want.  Our seven chapters meet monthly; our eight divisions hold events at various times through the year. For more affiliate, chapter, and division news and information, visit www.nfbnj.org.  Please join us— we would welcome your participation.   

Subscribe to the Sounding Board

 Get our state newsletter the Sounding Board delivered to your email inbox. Send a message to Alice Eaddy at nfbnj.secretary at aol.com with subscribe Sounding Board in the subject line. Also available at www.nfbnj.org and Newsline.

Live the Life You Want

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.

The National Federation of the Blind Pledge

I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the programs and policies of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.

The KNFB Reader App
 We proudly sponsor the KNFB Reader app! This revolutionary tool enables you with the touch of a single button, to read virtually any type of printed text, such as mail, receipts, class handouts, and memos. To learn more about, visit www.nfb.org/knfbreader and www.knfbreader.com.

Funding Our Movement

The National Federation of the Blind of NJ is a 501c(3).  Please consider making a tax-deductible donation or marking a special date in honor of a loved one with a gift to the NFB of NJ.

 Get on the PAC Plan

The PAC Plan (Pre-Authorized Contribution Plan) is a critical part of funding our movement.  According to national PAC chair Scott LaBarre, PAC Plan contributors have raised more than $10 million for the Federation over the years. On the PAC Plan, members and other individuals, affiliates, chapters, and divisions donate monthly via direct debit or on a credit card. You can get started with as little as $5 per month. Get on the PAC Plan; sign up today, right at this convention, or increase your PAC pledge. Your donation helps the blind live the lives we want.

Dream Makers Circle

You can help build a future of opportunity for the blind by becoming a member of our Dream Makers Circle. Your legacy gift to the National Federation of the Blind or the National Federation of the Blind of  New Jersey can be made in the form of a will or living trust, an income generating gift, or by naming us as the beneficiary of a retirement plan, IRA, pension, or a life insurance policy. You can designate a specific amount, a percentage, or list NFB as one of several beneficiaries. For additional information, contact Patti Chang at (410) 659-9314 X 2422 or pchang at nfb.org.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

We will be posting Convention videos and updates to our Facebook page, NFBNJ, or use link https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238/. Click the like button, then scroll down the page to see the latest postings. We will be recording and streaming the Convention on our YouTube channel. Go to nfbnj.org for more info.  We plan to broadcast at the following times:

Friday , November 10, Afternoon Session—1:30 - 5:00 pm 
Saturday, November 11, General Session—8:45 am – noon 

Saturday, November 11, Banquet—7:00 pm - Conclusion 
Sunday, November 12—Business Meeting—8:30 am – Conclusion

Food Pantry Donations: Please drop off your food pantry donation items at the Registration area.

Hotel Navigation: We are pleased to feature LowViz Guide, an indoor navigation app for the blind and visually impaired. Developed in 2015 as a free community service by Macular Degeneration Support, the app has been provided at more than a dozen state and national conventions for blind/visually impaired attendees who have access to iPhones or iPads. LowViz Guide gives information on hotel points of interest and meeting room and schedule details. They will provide step-by-step user instructions in large print, audio, and Braille formats and personal support for users during the entire event. For more information about LowVis Guide, visit http://www.mdsupport.org/audioguide. 

Breakfast Coupons: NFB attendees will receive free breakfast coupons upon check in.  Those staying at the hotel Wednesday night will receive a coupon for Thursday breakfast in the hotel restaurant.  Breakfasts will be served Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings in the one of the hotel ballrooms.  Register for the Convention in order to receive free breakfast and our special hotel rate. 

 Banquet Ticket Exchange: To ensure a smooth seating process, we have initiated  Banquet Ticket Exchange.  After you purchase your banquet ticket, bring it to the ticket exchange, where you will trade it in for a ticket with a table number.  If you would like to sit with friends, gather tickets and exchange them together.  Ten people can be seated at each table. Exchange will be open Friday, 8 – 8:30 pm, and Saturday, 12 – 12:30 pm and 5 – 5:15 pm.  If you do not exchange your ticket, you will be seated where there is space available.

Vendors will be available in the Exhibit Hall—Dunes Ballroom at the following times: Thursday, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm and Friday, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Guide Dog Relief Area: The guide dog relief area will be in one location only. There will be both a grassy area and a cement area. Directions from the hotel lobby: Step off the elevator and turn right. Proceed 8 or 9 steps and turn left. Proceed about 50 steps through the convention hall corridor to reach the rear exit doors. Once outside, walk about 4 steps and turn left to find the sidewalk. Walk on the sidewalk about 100 feet to the relief area. The grassy area and cement areas are on the right at the end of this sidewalk.  There is a line trash can on the grassy area. Please note: there is a parking lot to the right of the long sidewalk and a service delivery area just beyond the relief area. It is not necessary or advisable to step off the curb at any time to access the relief area. If there are any questions, please contact Dan Facchini at 201-906-8655.

Thanks to Our Sponsors

 Let’s Make It Happen Level
Capco

Raising Expectations Level

Radwell International 
 Live the Life You Want Level
Vanda Pharmaceuticals

Transforming Dreams Level

3D PhotoWorks

AIRA

C TECH

Eye Assist, LLC
Independence Science
Sprint Vision

Can Do Believers Level
Amway
Association of Blind Athletes of New Jersey (ABANJ)
Family Resource Network, EDGE Program

iCanConnect/NJ

JW.org
Mariposa Essence 

NJ Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired

NJ State Library Talking Book & Braille Center

Support Service Providers of NJ (SSPNJ)

SW Unlimited LLC

THURSDAY, NOV. 9, 2017

2:00-6:00 pm—Technology Seminar: Live the Life You Want—Atlantic Ballroom

Jane Degenshein, President, Technology Division 

2:00 pm—Welcome & Overview
Joe Ruffalo, President, NFB of NJ; Jane Degenshein

2:15 pm—LowViz Demo
Jerrod Witt, Associate, MD Support

2:30 pm—BrailleNote Touch and CBVI Update
Mac Biggers, Member, Technology Division

2:50 pm—The Newest Victor Reader Stream
Annemarie Cooke, Brian Mackey, Board Members, Technology Division

3:10 pm—Alexa and SIRI
Tony Santiago, Board Member, Technology Division 

3:30 pm—All About iOS 11
Tony Santiago, Board Member, Technology Division

3:50 pm—AIRA: The Visual Interpretor for the Blind
Kevan Worley, AIRA Advocate

4:15 pm—Q and A

4:30 pm—Break Out Sessions—Presented by members of the division

Table 1: Health and Equipment

Lester Cameron, Christine Franz, Fannie Davis, Angela Perrone

Script Talk, talking blood pressure cuff, talking glucose meter

Table 2: Android and Braille Sense U2

Lydia Keller, James Hulme, Mary Jo Partyka

Table 3: Apps and More Apps
Linda Melendez, Alice Eaddy

Health app, communication apps

Table 4: Technology Questions Answered
Tony Santiago, Jane Degenshein

Table 5: Games and Indoor Navigation
Ken Lawrence, Liz Morgan, Jerrod Witt 

Accessible games, NVDA, iPod Touch, putting described movies and free music on Apple devices, LowViz

Table 6: Victor  Reader Stream

Annemarie Cooke, Brian Mackey

4:00 to 9:00 pm—Exhibit Hall open—Dunes Ballroom

Special Drawing—Visit every Exhibit Hall table, listen to what is available there, and collect a table number card at each one.  Hand in your cards at the designated area (TBA) and your name will be entered into a drawing for a prize worth approximately $100. Drawing will be held at the Banquet. You do not need to be present to win.

5:30 – 6:30 pm—Pick Up Pre-Registration Packets—Dunes Ballroom 

FRIDAY, NOV. 10, 2017

Friday breakfast is provided free of charge in the main ballroom for those    registered with the hotel for Thursday evening.  Bring your coupon.  

8:30 am–12:00 pm—Registration Open—Pre-Function Area outside Atlantic Ballroom

          Pick up Pre-Registration Packets or Register

Convention registration: $25

          Box lunch can be purchased in the Registration Area: $15

Diabetic lunches available

Friday Dinner: $35

Saturday Lunch: $15

Banquet tickets: $40 

(Note: Prices are increased for walk up registration.  Next year, preregister!)

Drop off food pantry donation items

8:00 am–1:00 pm—Exhibit Hall Open—Dunes Ballroom

9:00 am–12:00 pm—Division & Chapter Meetings—Beach Ballroom

9:00 – 9:30 am—Senior Division Meeting

Jane Degenshein, President  

9:35 – 10:15 am—Technology Division Meeting

Jane Degenshein, President 

10:20 – 10:40 am—At Large Chapter

Joe Ruffalo, President

10:45 – 11:25 am—Diabetic Division Meeting

Rebecca Bryant, President

11:30 – 12:00 pm—Braille Division Meeting

Mary Jo Partyka, President

11:30–1:00 pm—Lunch—Atlantic Ballroom     

1:30–5:00 pm—PROGRAM—Atlantic Coastal Ballroom

1:30 pm—Welcome & Opening Remarks

Joseph Ruffalo, President, NFB of NJ; National Board Member, NFB

Scott LaBarre, National Representative; President, NFB of CO

1:40 pm—What’s New at the Library

Adam Szczepaniak, Director, NJ Talking Book & Braille Center

1:50 pm—AIRA—Visual Interpretor for the Blind 

Kevan Worley, AIRA Advocate

2:10 pm—Auction Prize

2:15 pm—First-Timers Panel

Amy Albin, Connor Mullin, Andrew Rees, Rosa Santiago

Recipients of Jernigan Convention Scholarship 

2:35 pm—EDGE—Employment, Development, Guidance, Engagement

                    Connor Mullin & Patricia Ebel, EDGE Employment Coordinators

2:45 pm—CO Center for the Blind: Let Your Freedom Bell Ring!

Monique Melton, Staff; Serena Cucco, Graduate; Lia Stone, Student

3:10 pm— The Joys of Small Business

                   Ivis Trejo, Amway; Rosa Santiago, Mariposa Essence

3:40 pm—Auction Prize

3:50 pm— Have Cane, Will Travel

Annemarie Cooke & Mary Fernandez, Travelers

4:10 pm—My Federation Journey: Life after Blindness

Linda Melendez, Board Member, NFB of NJ

4:25 pm—Working: Much More than 9-5

Veronica Gaspa, Intern, National Center for the Blind

4:35 pm—Blind or Sighted—Perfect Together

Rick Fox & Debbie Bloomer; Sherlock & Kim Washington; 

Misty & Marty Hagan

5:00 pm—Adjourn  

5:15 pm—Dinner on your own—Hotel restaurant is open.  

NFB of NJ Dinner—Those who preregistered and prepaid for the  NFB of NJ dinner, please proceed to Beach Ballroom.

7:00 pm—Resolutions Committee Meeting—Beach Ballroom

Ryan Stevens, Chair

                   All are welcome.

8:00 pm—Blind Merchants Committee Meeting—Location TBA

                   Contact Dan Facchini, President, at 201-906-8655 

8:00—8:30 pm—Banquet Exchange Open—Main Atlantic Coastal Ballroom/C

                   See Linda Melendez

8:00–11:00 pm—LET’S MAKE IT HAPPEN—RAISING THE ROOF—

Atlantic Coastal Ballroom

Hosted by the Central Jersey Chapter, Mac Biggers, President &

Promote the Use of Braille Division, Mary Jo Partyka, President

                             Music and Dancing

Salsa Lesson—Krystle Allen, Eyes Like Mine, Dancing with the Blind

Auction prizes

Snacks for sale by host chapter & division—please support! 

                             Cash Bar

NOTE:  Breakfast will be served from 7:00 – 8:30 am on Saturday morning in   Beach Ballroom for those registered in the hotel. 

SATURDAY, NOV. 11, 2017

7:00–8:30 am—Breakfast for those registered in the hotel—Beach Ballroom                                                  

7:00–8:30 am—NJ Assoc. of Guide Dog Users Division Breakfast Meeting—                                  Atlantic Ballroom; Dan Facchini, President

7:00–8:30 am—Student Social Breakfast—Back of Dune Ballroom 

                            Vee Gaspa, President

8:00–8:45 am—Registration Open—Outside Atlantic Coastal Ballroom

9:00 am—Welcome, Call to Order—Atlantic Coastal Ballroom

                   Joseph Ruffalo, President, NFB of NJ

Jerilyn Higgins, Honoree; Mac Biggers, President, Central Jersey Chapter; Mary Jo Partyka, President, Braillle Division 

9:05 am—Invocation & Opening Ceremonies

Jane Degenshein, President, Tech & Senior Divisions

9:25 am—Introduction of Scholarship Class of 2017

                   Mary Fernandez, Chair  

9:35 am—Presidential Report

                   Joseph Ruffalo, President, NFB of NJ

10:00 am—The NFB—Making It Happen for the Blind

Scott LaBarre, National Representative; President, NFB of CO

10:30 am—NJCBVI—Working Together to Make It Happen

                   Daniel Frye, Executive Director, NJ Commission for the Blind & VI

10:55 am—The Spark, the Flame, I’m on Fire!     

Linda Melendez, Board Member, NFB of NJ

11:05 am—She Made It Happen

                   Joe Ruffalo, Carol Castellano, Dan Facchini, Lynn Heitz

11:30 am—The BELL Ringers—Braille Enrichment Learning & Literacy

Mary Jo Partyka. BELL Program Coordinator; Braille Instructor; 

Amy Albin, Assistant Instructor; Parents and Students

11:50 pm—Announcements

12:00 pm—Adjourn

12:00 – 12:25 pm—Banquet Ticket Exchange—Coastal Ballroom

                             See Linda Melendez                                                                         

12:00 – 1:15 pm—Lunch—Pick up box lunch in Beach Ballroom

                             Reminder: You must have a lunch ticket.  

Diabetic lunches available.

12:10–1:30 pm—Deaf-Blind Division—Room TBA

Contact Alice Eaddy, President, for room number—856-285-4747

Pick up lunch in Beach Ballroom & proceed to meeting room

12:10–1:30 pm—NJ Association of Blind Students—Dune Ballroom

Vee Gaspa, President

Pick up lunch in Beach Ballroom & proceed to meeting room

12:30–1:30 pm—Establish Sports & Recreation Division—Coastal Ballroom

                             Linda Melendez, Chair

AFTERNOON SESSION

1:40 – 2:40         pm—Tech Talk & Tips—Beach Ballroom

Jane Degenshein, President, Technology Division

Optical Recognition and Visual Assistants
Seeing AI and Be My Eyes
Rick Fox
Technology division Board Member
AIRA : the Visual Interpretor for the Blind
Kevan Worley
AIRA Advocate

1:40 – 2:40         pm—College and Accommodations—Dune Ballroom

Vee Gaspa, President, Student Division

A round table discussion on the state of accommodations on today’s college campus

2:50 – 3:50 pm—Sports & Recreation: Past, Present, Future!—Dune Ballroom

Linda Melendez, Chair

Building membership, fundraising, outreach events, elections. Results of our Pilot Step Challenge and implementation of an annual Sports & Recreation Division Meet the Blind Step Challenge during the month of October. 

2:50 – 3:50 pm—IEPs for Success—Atlantic Ballroom

Carol Castellano, Chair, Parents of Blind Children-NJ

What’s different about the education of a blind/visually impaired student? What should be in a BVI student’s IEP? How can I make the IEP meeting more successful? 

4:00—5:00 pm—Town Hall Meeting—Working Together to Make a Difference—

Beach Ballroom

Scott LaBarre, NFB National Representative; Dan Frye, Exec.Director, CBVI

A strong Federation and a strong state agency equals raising expectations to live the life we want!

5:00—5:15 pm—Final Banquet Ticket Exchange Open—Back of Beach Ballroom

                   See Linda Melendez             

6:45 pm—Banquet—Atlantic Coastal Ballroom 

            Master of Ceremonies—Nicky Gacos 

         Invocation—Rick Fox

         Banquet Address–Scott LaBarre, NFB National Representative

Raising Expectations Award

NFB of NJ Scholarship Awards—Mary Fernandez, Scholarship Chair

                   Klaus & Michelle Zechner Scholarship

                   Louise and Peter Facchini Memorial Scholarship 

                   Tara Carty Memorial Scholarship

                   Gail & Tom Ferry Memorial Scholarship 

                   Edwin Lewinson Memorial Scholarship

Auction

We thank our members, chapters, and divisions for their generous donations of auction items. Please bid high and bid often, as all proceeds will assist in growing the affiliate and making a difference!

SUNDAY, NOV. 12, 2017

Morning Devotions will be held from 7–7:30 am on Sunday in Beach Ballroom. 

Rebecca Bryant, Misty Hagen

Please Note:  Checkout time is 11:00 am.  Bring your luggage to the meeting with you or bring it to the hotel desk for storage before the meeting.

7:45 am—Breakfast—Atlantic Coastal Ballroom

8:45 –11:30 am—Program and Business Meeting—Atlantic Coastal Ballroom

                   Invocation—Rebecca Bryant

                   Roll Call of Chapters and Divisions

                   Live the Life You Want—We’re Making It Happen—Scott LaBarre

Legislative Report—Ryan Stevens, Chair, Legislative Committee

                        Resolutions—Ryan Stevens, Chair, Resolutions Committee 

                   Chapter, Division, Committee Reports

                   Elections

Thank you to the NJ Talking Book and Braille Center for Brailling this agenda.

For information on NFB of NJ and our divisions, chapters, committees, 

programs, and projects, please visit nfbnj.org.

Exhibitors

National Federation of the Blind of NJ 
Joe Ruffalo, President
254 Spruce Street
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
973-743-0075
Nfbnj1 at verizon.net
www.nfbnj.org

AIRA
Marty Watts, Director of Marketing
Kevan Worley, AIRA Advocate
858-876-2472
wesley at aira.io
www.aira.io

Amway 

Alberto and Ivis Trejo
Ivis Trejo, Owner
201-965-4424
ivisla at optonline.net
www.amway.com/ivistrejo

Association of Blind Athletes of NJ (ABANJ)
Michelle Gizzi, Secretary
Sharon Gunderman, President
814-771-7815
abanj.sec at msn.com
www.abanj.org

C TECH

Chuck Cohen, President 

845-735-7907

chuck at magnifyit.com

www.ctechlowvision.com

Eye Assist, LLC

Paul Hansen, President
201-746-9330
eyeassist3 at gmail.com

www.eyeassistllc.com

 Family Resource Network, EDGE

Trisha Ebel, EDGE Employment Coord.

Connor Mullin, EDGE Employment Coord.

Gloria Florez, EDGE Employment Developer 

732-937-6397

pebel at familyresourcenetwork.org
www.familyresourcenetwork.org

iCanConnect/NJ

Carly Fredericks, Outreach Coordinator

609-771-2711

carly.fredericks at tcnj.edu

www.njcscd.org

 Independence Science

Jasodhara Bhattacharya
Jason White
202-808-6424
jasodhara.globalcitizen at gmail.com
www.independencescience.com

JW.org

Keith & Janet Parmerter

Roger Freeman
678-407-9787

janet at parmertertours.com

www.jw.org

 Mariposa Essence

Rosa Santiago, Owner
201-892-6946
rosa.santiago901 at gmail.com
www.mariposaessence.com

NJ  Commission for the Blind & VI

Pamela Gaston, Public Info. Specialist

877-685-8878

askcbvi at dhs.state.nj.us

www.cbvi.nj.gov

NJ State Library Talking Book & Braille Center

Adam Szczepaniak, Director

Andy O'Rahilly, Machine Lending Specialist
800-792-8322

aszczepaniak at njstatelib.org

www.njstatelib.org/tbbc

  Sprint Vision

Warren Knight Outreach Specialist
Kelly Egan
215-760-4460
ava.bustamante at sprint.com
www.sprint.com/accessibility 

Support Service Providers of NJ (SSPNJ)

Kathleen Spata, Statewide Program Coordinator

609-771-2795

spatak at tcnj.edu

www.njcscd.org

SW Unlimited, LLC  

Sherlock Washington, President

Kimberly Washington, Assistant

732-290-1677 
sherlock at swunlimited.com

www.swunlimited.com

Special thanks for the generous donations from:

Capco

www.capco.com

Radwell International
www.plccenter.com

Vanda Pharmaceuticals
www.vandapharmceuticals.com

3D PhotoWorks
www.3dphotoworks.com

Carol Castellano
Parents of Blind Children-NJ
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
973-377-0976
carol_castellano at verizon.net
www.blindchildren.org 
www.nopbc.org 
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