[NFBNJ] Early electronic release of the 46th Annual State Convention National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey Agenda

[Linda Melendez]

As we prepare our state convention agenda for final editing and formatting
I wanted to share an early electronic release; enjoy! I look forward to
seeing everyone at the convention!

Warm regards,

Linda Melendez


*The 46th Annual State Convention National Federation of the Blind of New
Jersey*




*AIN’T NO STOPPING US NOW; *

*WE’RE ON THE MOVE*



Delta by Marriott Hotel Woodbridge

Thursday through Sunday

November 10, 11, 12, and 13, 2022






*Linda Melendez, President *732-421-7063
president at nfbnj.org

www.nfbnj.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 eyesight 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 and
   developing confidence in themselves
   - Supporting parents and teachers of blind children with information,
   mentoring, role modeling, and training
   - Preparing blind students for careers and self-sufficiency through
   mentoring, training, and academic scholarship
   - Encouraging blind seniors to continue to live active and meaningful
   lives
   - Advocating for policies that eliminate discrimination, promote civil
   rights, and guarantee equal access to high quality educational and
   rehabilitation programs
   - Sponsoring information campaigns and legislative action at the state
   and national levels
   - Educating the public through community activities and publications

Spotlight on the NFB of New Jersey

Since 1976, the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey, 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 four
divisions and our three committees meet at various times throughout the
year.”  Please join us — we would welcome your participation and
membership. For more information on the affiliate, chapters, divisions,
committees, programs, and projects, visit www.nfbnj.org.
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 policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its
constitution.
Integrity and Respect

To allow all attendees the chance to benefit from all aspects of the
convention, we are committed to providing a harassment-free environment for
everyone. We appreciate your assistance in cultivating an atmosphere in
which participants from diverse backgrounds can learn, network, and share
with each other in an environment of mutual respect. Thank you for doing
your part to contribute to our community and the high expectations we
strive to maintain.

Please visit the following link for the NFB Code of Conduct:
www.nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct
You can still be a Convention *Sponsor*

Companies and individuals can support the programs and projects of the NFB
of NJ by becoming a convention sponsor. There are four levels of
sponsorship. Find out more by clicking the link below. You can also write a
check to NFBNJ and send it to Affiliate Treasurer Annemarie Cooke (7
Mayfair Road, Southampton, NJ 08088); please write “Convention Sponsor” in
the memo section.
https://nfbnj.org/state-convention/sponsor-registration

*Covid Protocol*

Masking will be required in all convention spaces when not actively eating
or drinking. Acceptable masks are N95, KN95 or KF94. Cloth masks or
surgical masks are not sufficient. Project N95
<https://www.projectn95.org/> has
several different brands and varieties; free N95s are also available in a
limited capacity in most retail pharmacies. The affiliate will be providing
approved masks at the convention free of charge.

All attendees will be required to provide proof of a negative covid test
taken within 72 hours of arriving. The test can be either a rapid antigen
test or a PCR test. Free home tests are available from the state of New
Jersey and the federal government. Free accessible home rapid tests
<https://special.usps.com/testkits/accessible> can be ordered online, or by
calling 1-800-232-0233. These tests are accessible and require use of a
smartphone.

Results may be emailed to testresults at nfbnj.org or presented in person at
the hotel. Confirmation of a negative COVID-19 test result is required to
pick up registration materials and to participate in all convention
activities.

Vaccinations are not required; however, it is strongly encouraged that
attendees become up to date on their Covid vaccinations as these are the
most effective way to prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death,
and are another tool to help slow the spread of the disease. The New Jersey
Covid-19 Information Hub <https://covid19.nj.gov/> has additional resources
on masks, testing, and vaccines.

Any conventioneer who becomes positive while at convention must quarantine;
all efforts will be made to deliver purchased food to your room coordinated
by a chapter president. Refunds will not be issued under any circumstances
since the Affiliate is required to pick up the cost for all meals ordered.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Pre-registration Pick-Up and On-Site Registration

Pre-registration Pick-Up and On-Site Registration:

Please note due to the need to have strict enforcement of the State
Convention Covid Protocol to protect all our attendees, NO ONE will be
allowed to enter the convention area until they have picked up their
registration package.

This package will include your name tag (confirming you have tested
negative within 72 hours of arriving at the hotel), an agenda and your meal
tickets.

For your convenience we have expanded the registration desk opening to the
following dates and times:

Thursday, November 10: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
 Friday, November 11: 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:45 PM to 5:25 PM
 Saturday, November 12: 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM

Continental Breakfast Pick-up

Bring breakfast ticket received during hotel check-in to hotel restaurant
to exchange for a bagged continental breakfast.

Banquet Ticket Exchange

Crystal Ballroom A
For a smooth seating process, we use a Banquet Ticket Exchange. Bring your
pre-purchased ticket to the ticket exchange table, where you will trade it
in for a ticket with a table number. If you would like to sit with friends,
gather ALL tickets and exchange them together (you must have everyone’s
ticket when you go to the exchange). This year 8 people can sit at a table.

Ticket exchange hours: Friday 4:30 - 5:00 PM, and Saturday 8:00 - 8:25 AM,
12:30 - 1:00 PM, and 5:10 - 5:25 PM. If you do not exchange your ticket,
you will be seated where there is space available.
Exhibit Hall

Hybrid Exhibit Room—Ruby Room
Everyone is welcome to come to the Exhibit Room to visit our array of
vendors. Many fine products and services for those living with vision loss
will be offered. Speak to representatives directly and get all your
questions answered on Thursday, Nov. 10 from 10 AM to 9 PM, and on Friday,
Nov. 10 from 8:00 AM to Noon. Also, view their audio/video products online
from Nov. 1 through Nov. 30.

Virtual Vendors- Hear from vendors who were unable to attend in-person
about their products also from Nov. 1 through Nov. 30.

To access our on-line Exhibit Hall, click on the link below
https://www.nfbnj.org/state-convention/exhibitors-and-sponsors
Guide Dog Relief Area

>From the elevators turn left and walk toward the lobby. Continue walking
until you get past the lobby, bar, and hotel Walk approximately 42 feet.
When you feel the mat turn right and with the restaurant to your back,
there are two push doors in front of you. After going through the doors
walk approximately 75 feet and turn left. Walk approximately 25 feet. When
you feel the crack in the sidewalk you are approaching the grassy area on
your left. This grassy area is a very long rectangular shape.

You can also access this same grassy area from the Exhibit Hall exit. Walk
straight toward the outside doors. There is a revolving door with push
doors on both sides. Go through the door. Walk approximately 45 feet and
turn right. Walk approximately 15 feet and the grassy area will be on your
right side after several bushes. Garbage pails will be located at both ends
of the dog relief area. As is our custom and State Law we must clean up
after our dog and leave the dog waste in the garbage pails described above.
Door Prizes

Door prizes will be drawn and announced throughout the convention; you must
be present to win.

Recording and Streaming

We will be recording and streaming the Saturday, Nov. 12 morning and
afternoon sessions and the banquet.
Thursday, November 10, 2022

10:00 AM–9:00 PM Exhibit Hall

Ruby Room
Visit our array of vendors. Many fine products and services for those
living with vision loss will be offered. Speak to representatives directly
to have all your questions answered. View their audio/video products online
by clicking on the link below from Nov. 1 through Nov. 30. To access our
on-line Exhibit Hall click on the link below
https://www.nfbnj.org/state-convention/exhibitors-and-sponsors
11:30 AM–Lunch

Pre-paid boxed lunches will be available beginning at 11:30 AM at the hotel
restaurant. YOU MUST BRING YOUR LUNCH TICKET WITH YOU TO EXCHANGE FOR A
PRE-PAID MEAL!

Noon–2:00 PM–Hands-On Technology Clinic

Crystal Ballrooms A & B
Jane Degenshein, President, NJ Association of Blind Technology Users. Come
with questions; our tech team will provide answers on topics like Jaws,
Fusion, NVDA; Android; iOS devices, renaming your smart devices, Windows,
and more.

2:30–5:30 PM–Technology Seminar

Crystal Ballrooms A & B
Jane Degenshein, President, NJ Association of Blind Technology Users
2:30 PM Welcoming Remarks - Jane Degenshein
2:35 PM Creating and Navigating Well Formatted Word Documents -
Rick Fox, member, Technology Division
2:55 PM New Accessibility Features of iOS 16 - Tony Santiago, Vice
President, Technology Division
3:15 PM Let's Talk About TalkBack - Rick Fox, member, Technology Division
3:35 PM That's Entertainment, Blind Style
Topics include: Sero, Freevee, Pluto TV, TBS Video, and BBC Sounds; audio
description in movie theaters and live theaters; where to find YouTube
videos on music, diabetic information, and more; TV streaming services,
including Apple TV, HBO TV, Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney+; also, the
Overcast app.
Panelists: Tracy Carcione, Annemarie Cooke, Ed Godfrey, and Tony Santiago
4:10 PM All About Apple - Matt Vollbrecht, Certified Apple Instructor,
Founder, The Tech Juggernaut (TTJ)
4:50 PM Q&A - Ask the panel your question and get your answer. As always,
for more in-depth answers, sign up for our Technology Division listserv:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/njtechdiv_nfbnet.org

5:30–7:00 PM–Membership & Friendship Appreciation Pizza Party, Sponsored by
the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey

Crystal Ballroom C
Let the NFBNJ show how much you are valued as a member and friend.
Join us for a FREE Pizza Party with beverages sponsored by our affiliate.

7:30–9:30 PM–Exploring the World of Dating and Relationships as Blind
People—Hybrid Event—Join us in-person or virtually

In-Person—Crystal Ballrooms A & B and via Zoom (see link following
description)
When it comes to dating, relationships, and marriage, what are some
obstacles you must overcome because of blindness? Join us for this virtual
and in-person event, featuring a panel discussion and group activities. You
can answer this question and learn from the experience of others as we move
from observations to solutions.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/6477660103?pwd=MUl1dnZQU1JxMkhUemdCSHZUM21HUT09

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,6477660103#,,,,*460994# US (Chicago)
+16468769923,,6477660103#,,,,*460994# US (New York)

Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)
+1 564 217 2000 US
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+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
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+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Meeting ID: 647 766 0103
Passcode: 460994
Friday, November 12, 2022

8:00 AM–Noon–Exhibit Hall

Ruby Room
Visit our array of vendors. Many fine products and services for those
living with vision loss will be offered. Speak to representatives directly
to have all your questions answered. View their audio/video products online
by visiting our website from Nov. 1 through Nov. 30. To access our on-line
Exhibit Hall click on the link below
https://www.nfbnj.org/state-convention/exhibitors-and-sponsors

8:00–8:25 AM–Pay Membership Dues—At-Large, Senior and Technology Divisions

Crystal Ballrooms B & C
Participants may pay dues for At-Large Chapter, Senior, and Technology
Divisions during this time.

8:30 AM–Diabetic Committee Annual Business Meeting

Crystal Ballrooms B & C
Ed Godfrey, Chair
We will conduct a year-in-review and talk about speakers we have had, as
well as the proposed new schedule of meetings and future guest speakers. In
addition, we will discuss the vision we have for the Diabetic Committee
going forward.
9:05 AM–New Jersey Association of Senior Blind (NJASB) Annual Business
Meeting

Crystal Ballrooms B & C
Jane Degenshein, President
We will review 2022, hold elections, share information about the upcoming
National Senior Division virtual retreat in January, and plan for next
year.         To subscribe to our NFBNJ Senior Division listserv, click on
the link below
https://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbnj-seniors_nfbnet.org
9:50 AM–New Jersey Association of Blind Technology Users Annual Business
Meeting

Crystal Ballrooms B & C
Jane Degenshein, President
We will review 2022, hold elections, and discuss what's ahead in 2023.

To subscribe to our NFBNJ Technology Division listserv, click on the link
below
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/njtechdiv_nfbnet.org
10:35 AM–Sports and Recreation Division Annual Business Meeting

Crystal Ballrooms B & C
Annemarie Cooke, Vice President
Join us as we review 2022 and discuss the future of the division.
11:20 AM–Braille Committee Annual Business Meeting

Crystal Ballrooms B & C
Mary Jo Partyka, Chair
We’ll review our committee actions during 2022. Learn what’s ahead in 2023
including a Literacy Is for Everyone (LIFE) program where Braille readers
and even those who don’t read Braille can meet by conference call and read
a book together. https://www.nfbnj.org/projects/

The NFBNJ Braille Committee website can be found at:
https://www.nfbnj.org/projects/braille-committee/

The NFB National Braille listserv can be found at this link:
https://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-braille-discussion_nfbnet.org
11:50 AM–At Large Chapter Annual Business Meeting

Crystal Ballrooms B & C
Linda Melendez, President
In this segment, we will talk about the benefits of becoming a member of
the NFBNJ At Large Chapter which has always held its meetings virtually. We
will discuss when we meet and how you can join, as well as giving an
overview of our 2022 activities and new initiatives planned for 2023.
12:15–1:15 PM–Lunch

Pre-paid boxed lunches will be available beginning at 11:30 AM at the hotel
restaurant. YOU MUST BRING YOUR LUNCH TICKET WITH YOU TO EXCHANGE FOR A
PRE-PAID MEAL!
Friday, November 11, 2022—Breakout Sessions

1:30–2:45 PM–How Do We Get There from Here? Independent Movement & Travel
for Blind/VI Kids

Ruby Room
Carol Castellano, Chair, Parents of Blind Children-NJ (POBC-NJ); Carley
Mullin, National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC)
Can blind/visually impaired people really move with the same autonomy and
independence as sighted people? What are reasonable expectations for our
children in school, at home, in the community? Would my child benefit from
a cane? How can the Discovery Method help my child be more independent in
moving around?

1:30–2:45 PM–Diabetics and Blindness

Crystal Ballrooms B & C
Cassidy Starr, Manager, Patient Support Services, Diabetes Foundation,
Denville, NJ and Jocelyn Santiago RN, BSN, NFBNJ member and diabetic will
discuss diabetes and blindness. Hear a demonstration of accessible glucose
monitors ending with a Q&A session.

3:00–4:15 PM–NFB’s National Website: A Treasure Trove of Programs,
Services, and Resources to Help Us Live the Lives We Want

Crystal Ballrooms B & C – Rick Fox
Come take a tour of the NFB.org website where you can find a blind mentor,
read informative and inspirational literature, get a free white cane, learn
about services, access the many resources that can help you advocate more
effectively, and much more.
4:30–5:00 PM–Banquet Exchange

Crystal Ballroom A
5:30 PM–Federation Family Reunion Meal

Crystal Ballroom A
Conventioneers who purchased their meal ticket will reconnect and meet new
members and friends to dine and socialize with. YOU MUST BRING DINNER
TICKET WITH YOU TO RECEIVE YOUR PRE-PURCHASED MEAL!

7:00 PM–Resolutions Committee Meeting

Ruby Room
Ryan Stevens, Chair
Come and take part in the development of resolutions, which become the
policy statements of NFBNJ. This meeting is open to all.

8:15–11:00 PM–Entertainment—Sing-Down & Socializing

Crystal Ballrooms A, B, & C
Cash Bar
Can you name a song that has the word, “Love” in the lyrics? How about
“Baby” or “Man?” Can you sing? If you can, then this event is for you! In
each round, teams will be given a word by the judges and will have time to
come up with as many songs as possible that contain this word. Then, the
sing-down begins as teams sing a portion of their songs, until only one
team remains. The team with the most victories wins! Audience members are
strongly encouraged to attend and enjoy the music and help judge the
accuracy of the songs. Afterwards, reunite with Federation pals, socialize,
and make new friends.
Saturday, November 12, 2022 – Morning General Session

Crystal Ballrooms A, B, & C
8:00–8:25 AM–Banquet Exchange 8:30 AM–Traditional Pre-Convention Music 9:00
AM–Welcome, Call to Order

Linda Melendez, President, National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
9:05 AM–Opening Ceremonies

Jane Degenshein, President, Senior and Technology Divisions
Pledge of Allegiance
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 policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its
constitution.
Invocation—Jane Degenshein, Member, Temple Ner Tamid
Moment of Silence for members, family and friends who have passed away
Honoring Veterans
God Bless America
9:20 AM–Introduction of the Scholarship Class of 2022

Evangelia (Lia) Stone, Chair Scholarship Committee and Second Vice
President NFBNJ
9:30 AM–Nominating Committee Report Ryan Stevens, Nominating Committee
Chair & Affiliate Parliamentarian NFBNJ 9:40 AM–Presidential Report: Ain’t
No Stopping Us Now

Linda Melendez, President, National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
10:00 AM–National Representative’s Report: We’re on the Move Shelia Wright,
NFB Board of Directors, President, National Federation of the Blind of
Missouri 10:30 AM–Training and Skills to Get You Going

Julie Deden, Executive Director, Colorado Center for the Blind
Hear how our NFB training centers for the blind offer a variety of programs
for all ages that help build blindness skills and encourage independence so
there is no stopping you as you live the life you want!

10:55 AM–Fit Break
It’s likely you’ve been sitting for a while today, so stand up and get the
blood flowing again in those quads and glutes!
11:05 AM–NJ Moving Forward Together

Dr. Elisa Neira, Deputy Commissioner, NJ Department of Human Services; Dr.
Bernice Davis, Executive Director, NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually
Impaired, discuss moving forward with services, programs, and interactions
in the coming year.
11:30 AM–The NFB Braille Enrichment Learning & Literacy (BELL) Academy:
Glad to Be Back Together in Person

Mary Jo Partyka, Coordinator, NFBNJ BELL Academy, Sarah Scapardine, Teacher
of the Visually Impaired (TVI), along with BELL Academy team members, BELL
students and parents discuss this year’s new experiences and
accomplishments.

11:50 AM–Announcements

Linda Melendez, President, NFBNJ
12:00 PM–Adjourn 12:00–1:15 PM–Lunch

Pre-paid boxed lunches will be available beginning at noon at the hotel
restaurant. YOU MUST BRING YOUR LUNCH TICKET WITH YOU TO EXCHANGE FOR A
PRE-PAID MEAL!
12:15–1:00 PM–Student Division Annual Business Meeting

Platinum Room 2nd Floor
Join us as we review 2022, discuss what’s ahead for us in 2023, and hold
elections.
12:15–1:00 PM–Guide Dog Committee Annual Business Meeting Garnet (to the
right of parking lot entrance)
We will discuss plans for the upcoming year, as well as advocacy efforts
and concerns of guide dog handlers in New Jersey. We’ll present updates on
progress made by the National Association of Guide Dog Users, and members
will have the opportunity to share and ask about issues and topics
applicable to handlers. Attendees will also have the chance to network and
learn from each other.

12:15 PM–Open Chat Lunch Session

Ruby Room
Jane Degenshein, Facilitator
Grab your lunch and join us!
12:30–1:00 PM–Banquet Exchange

Crystal Ballroom A
12:45–1:10 PM–Parents of Blind Children-NJ Meeting

Front Crystal Ballrooms A
Carol Castellano, Chair
How are things going in your child’s education and development? Join this
informal meeting for inspiration and information.
Saturday, November 12, 2022 – Afternoon General Session

Crystal Ballrooms A, B, & C
1:15 PM–Afternoon Announcements Linda Melendez, President, NFBNJ 1:30 PM–What’s
New at the Library?

Adam Szczepaniak, Deputy State Librarian, NJ State Library Talking Book and
Braille Center
How the NJ State Library Talking Book and Braille Center is endorsing
Braille Technology for its readers and other important updates.
1:40 PM–Are You on the Move? Clarke King, Member, Board of Directors,
NFBNJ; President, Northeast Chapter
Hear about the committees, programs, and projects of the NFBNJ and the many
ways to become involved.

2:00 PM–Where Are They Now?

Evangelia (Lia) Stone, Chair Scholarship Committee and Second Vice
President, NFBNJ

We meet many wonderful students through our scholarship program, but have
you ever wondered what happens after the scholarship banquet? Three
previous winners of NFBNJ scholarships tell how the scholarship made a
difference in their education and what they’re doing now.

2:45 PM–Get on the PAC Plan, Sign Up Today!

Linda Melendez
Hear how your monthly contribution to the Preauthorized Contribution (PAC)
Plan, no matter the size, helps grow the programs and projects of the NFB.

2:55 PM–Fit Break

It’s likely you’ve been sitting for a while today so stand up and get the
blood flowing again in those quads and glutes!

3:05 PM–What Learning Braille Means to Me

Panelists Ida Behreini and Brianna Murray; blind adults discuss how
literacy enriches their lives and helps them reach their goals.
3:45 PM–Joy through Movement: Staying Active and Having Fun!

Panelists Ida Behreini and Danielle Hale will talk about how they
discovered their interests in running and scuba diving and how these
activities enrich their lives. And don't worry, if pounding out the miles
or paddling beneath the waves isn't your thing, they will also talk about
other ways you can stay active or get involved with sports here in NJ.
4:10 PM–On the Hot Seat! Carol Castellano, Moderator
Join us to see who is on the hot seat and questions they will be asked!

4:50 PM–Announcements

Linda Melendez, President, NFBNJ
5:00 PM–Adjourn 5:00–5:25 PM–Banquet Exchange

Crystal Ballrooms A,
7:00 PM–Banquet

Crystal Ballrooms A, B, & C
YOU MUST BRING BANQUET EXCHANGE TICKET WITH YOU TO RECEIVE A MEAL !
Crystal Ball Rooms A, B, & C
Master of Ceremonies — Nicky Gacos, President, National Association of
Blind Merchants
Invocation — Father Maximilian Buonocore, Monk of Newark Abbey
Keynote Address — Shelia Wright, NFB National Representative
Presentation of Awards — Rick Fox, President, NFBNJ Northern Chapter
Recognition of Contributors to State Scholarships — Evangelia (Lia) Stone,
Chair Scholarship Committee and Second Vice President, NFBNJ
Presentation of State Scholarship Awards — Evangelia (Lia) Stone, Chair
Scholarship Committee and Second Vice President, NFBNJ
Door prizes
Sunday, November 13, 2022 8:45 AM–Affiliate Business Meeting

Crystal Ballrooms A, B, & C
This meeting is perhaps the most important one of the NFBNJ affiliate.
NFBNJ President Linda Melendez will provide an overview of the past year’s
activities and our future plans; chapter reports; elections. All are
invited to attend.

**Agenda subject to change**

The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey expresses appreciation
to all members and non-members who attended the 46th in-person state
convention.



Linda Melendez, President
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
732-421-7063
president at nfbnj.org



For the list of affiliate board members, chapters, divisions, committees,
 projects, and programs, please visit the state website at:
www.nfbnj.org


Meet our National Representative:

Shelia Wright grew up in a small town in South Carolina. Though her vision
was never good, she did not know that she was blind until she was sixteen,
when she finally saw an eye doctor that talked openly about her blindness
and the importance of her learning Braille while she was still young. He
urged Shelia and her parents to check to see if South Carolina had a school
for the blind. This led her family to contact the Commission for the Blind,
but the agency did little to provide the services she needed. They claimed
she had too much vision to need training in Braille and Cane travel.

Shelia attended the University of South Carolina and received a B.A. in
Psychology and a M.Ed. in Vocational Rehabilitation. She worked in the
field of Rehabilitation for the Blind for over thirty years.

Shelia came to the Federation as a struggling blind person, having been
told that she would never make it through a semester in college. When the
National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina, through its
then-President Donald Capps, weighed in on her behalf, rehabilitation
services in South Carolina looked at Shelia in a whole new light. The
Federation believed in her to such an extent that they frequently asked her
to do things she thought she could not do. Each accomplishment propelled
her toward becoming the woman she is today.

Shelia currently serves as the President of the National Federation of the
Blind of Missouri. She was elected to the National Board of Directors in
July 2022.
National Scholarship Program – Call for Applications Begins Nov. 1

Every year, the National Federation of the Blind awards more than $120,000
to blind scholars across the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and
Puerto Rico, in recognition of their achievements and professional
aspirations. The scholarship program is our commitment to academic
excellence and leadership among blind students, and each winner is awarded
based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The
application process opens November 1. To learn about eligibility and
requirements of the 2022 scholarship program visit this link:
https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program

Review the online scholarship application checklist and program FAQs. Let
others know about this program that invests in the future of blind people.
Pre-Authorized Contribution Plan (PAC Plan)

PAC stands for Pre-Authorized Contribution. Each month, the amount you
have designated is automatically deducted from your checking or savings
account. That sum, which may be as little as five dollars, helps fund
projects like the NFB Free White Cane program, and is also used to take
care of “rainy day” expenditures that may arise unexpectedly.

To arrange for PAC Plan contributions, go to www.nfb.org/pac and fill out
the form. The National Center will call you to take payment information.
You can also call 877-635-2711 or email pac at nfb.org to enroll. The National
Center will contact individuals for financial and banking information
following the convention. Donations can be direct withdrawals from a
checking account or charges to a credit card for additional assistance,
contact Annemarie Cooke, Treasurer, National Federation of the Blind of New
Jersey, by phone at: 609-859-4084, or by email at: aec732 at gmail.com.

**********
Exhibitors and Sponsors

The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey thanks
                             all our exhibitors and sponsors for their
continued support.                               You help us raise
expectations so that we can live the life we want.

Please visit our website and view the list of this year’s exhibitors and
sponsors.                 To
https://www.nfbnj.org/state-convention/exhibitors-and-sponsors

We are grateful to all those who contributed time, effort, and suggestions
to show There Ain’t No Stopping’ Us Now; We’re on the Move!
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