[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2083

Mon Jul 13 00:40:59 UTC 2026

July 12, 2026

Memo To:  Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter and Division Presidents
and Others

From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President

843-939-8091  president at nfbofsc.org <mailto:president at nfbofsc.org> 

Positive Note: 2083

Dear Federation Family,

The South Carolina delegation returned from the National Federation of the
Blind National Convention in Austin, Texas, rejuvenated and enthusiastic
about the future of our work together. Total convention attendance in-person
was just over 2,600 people, and South Carolina was well represented with 62
people registered in-person. While we did not appear in the top ten states
with individuals registered, our representation was excellent! There were
seven Successful Transitions students and interns present along with staff.
The students participated in the Career Quest program through the NFB
National Office.

President Riccobono delivered a moving, powerful Presidential Report for
2026 which outlined the many challenges the NFB and all individuals with
disabilities faced over the past year. Certainly, we had successes, yet
there is much work to be done. The Presidential Address resonated with me as
President Riccobono often said, "Our shared bonds strengthen us." It is the
shared challenges and our ability as blind and low vision people that bring
us together, allow us to fight the battles we must and learn from each
other.

The JW Marriott in downtown Austin is one of the best convention hotels we
have ever experienced since my time in the Federation! Rooms were large and
comfortable, and the meeting spaces were easy to access. Unlike other
hotels, there were no really long walks to get where one needed to be.
Additionally, the staff were courteous and provided assistance as needed. It
was a terrific experience! The agenda is available in many formats, so I
will not include topics here. I do encourage you to listen to the content of
the general sessions once it is posted if you did not take part in the
virtual experience. Below are locations for the conventions through 2034.

*	2027 - Austin, Texas
*	2028-2029 - Chicago, Illinois
*	2030 - Phoenix, Arizona
*	2031-2032 - Atlanta, Georgia
*	2033-2034 - New Orleans, Louisiana

One of the exciting things about Austin is the availability of Waymo and
Tesla autonomous vehicles. I took the opportunity to travel to Torchy's
Tacos with Neil Sheth and Trent Tedder in a Waymo. The vehicles are clearly
identifiable by the cameras and sensors affixed to the exterior. The car is
made by Jaguar and is a luxurious sedan outfitted with lots of equipment.
The car carefully navigated through intersections, allowing pedestrians the
right-of-way and even allowed another vehicle to exit a parking area in
front of it. I have ridden with human drivers in my life that scared me
more. While every community is not ready for this technology and there is
more work to be done, the day will come when blind and low vision people can
purchase an autonomous vehicle and gain back a huge amount of independence.

>From time to time, I include an AI tip in here either from me or from others
in the Federation who love to use this tool. The first shower in the JW
Marriott was a marvelous experience, and I absolutely had to know more about
where to purchase the shower head. A conversation with an AI bot revealed
that the shower heads could be purchased in the Spa on Level 5. Needless to
say, I now own two of them for my home. I, along with others, shared this
information among the South Carolina delegation, and several shower heads
were purchased. I ran into another affiliate president while shipping them
home, and that person headed to the Spa. The Spa employees were astonished
at the number of people who purchased shower heads. This is an AI use case
and a fun fact. It has nothing to do with how wonderful the convention was!

NFB of SC Student Scholarship Deadline Extended

The deadline for completing and submitting scholarship applications has been
extended to Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM. High school seniors and
college students who are blind or have low vision are strongly encouraged to
apply for these scholarships. Three scholarships are awarded each year. The
total amount of almost $7,000 was awarded at the 2025 NFB of SC banquet. If
you need assistance, reach out to the Committee Chair, Shannon Cook, at
scholarships at nfbofsc.org <mailto:scholarships at nfbofsc.org> , and you will
receive assistance. It is not too late to get your application in!

Door Prizes for NFB of SC State Convention

First Vice President Lenora Robertson will again serve as the door prize
chairperson. Please bring your door prizes to the state convention and give
them directly to her. If shipping, address them to Lenora Robertson, 1258
Roundtree Circle, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Shipments should arrive no later than
Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Door prizes should have a minimum value of $10.
Cash is always welcome!

Technology Backpack Fundraiser - Computer Science and Technology Division

The Computer Science and Technology Division (CSTD) of the National
Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is holding a Technology Backpack
Fundraiser with a drawing on August 16, 2026, during the state convention.
Tickets are priced at $5 for one, $10 for three, $20 for seven and $30 for
ten. The prize package includes a technology backpack, a talking meat
thermometer, an infrared thermometer, Bluetooth earbuds, a 256 GB flash
drive, a Bluetooth speaker, a surge protector and a home license copy of
JAWS, ZoomText or Fusion. Ten percent of funds raised will support a student
scholarship. You do not need to be present to win as prizes can be shipped.
To enter, complete the online web form and submit payment via PayPal or
check, or by calling 803-260-1292. If using PayPal, be sure to note
"Technology Backpack Fundraiser" in the notes section. Mail checks to Steve
Cook, 2446 Harrison Road, Columbia, SC 29204.

Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser - Senior Division

The NFB of SC Senior Division is holding a Cash Extravaganza fundraiser with
a chance to win $400 in cash. The drawing will take place Sunday morning,
August 16, at the conclusion of the state convention, and you do not need to
be present to win. Tickets are $10 for one or $20 for three. Half of the
funds raised will go to Rocky Bottom Senior Camp and half to the Senior
Division. To buy or sell tickets, contact Shelley Coppel at 803-796-8662,
303-819-9795 or  <mailto:Frankandshelley51 at gmail.com>
Frankandshelley51 at gmail.com. Checks and money orders should be made payable
to the NFB of SC Senior Division with "Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser" in the
memo line and mailed to Shelley Coppel, 847 Jefferson Street, West Columbia,
SC 29169.

NFB of SC State Convention Registration

You are warmly invited to attend the National Federation of the Blind of
South Carolina State Convention. This annual event brings together blind and
low vision individuals, families, advocates and community members from
across the state. It is a weekend of learning, networking and inspiration.
Whether you are a long-time member or new to the Federation, the convention
offers something for everyone: engaging guest speakers, opportunities to
connect, exhibits featuring helpful products and services, plus time for fun
and fellowship. The event will take place August 13-16, 2026, at the
DoubleTree by Hilton located at 2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC. Join us
as we work together to build a brighter future and change what it means to
be blind. For more information or to register, visit
<http://www.nfbofsc.org> the NFB of SC website and select "State Convention
& Exhibit Hall Registration."

NFB of SC State Convention Hotel Registration

The DoubleTree by Hilton is now accepting reservations for the National
Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention being held August
13-16, 2026. The cost of the rooms is as follows: singles and doubles: $134;
triples: $144; and quads: $154 plus applicable taxes and fees. Breakfast is
included with the cost of your room. You may book your room at
<https://hil.tn/lkz9ef> the DoubleTree's online reservation page. You may
also call 800-445-8667 and give the code 917 to link to our room block. The
cutoff for these special rates is Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Remember the
following when booking your room:

*	The first night's stay will be charged at time of booking.
*	When checking in, a hold will be placed on the card to cover the
entire stay.
*	There is a $50 per night hold for incidentals.

It is strongly recommended that a credit card be used for this stay. Using a
debit card means these holds will be placed on the funds in your checking
account.

Things to Remember

*	Hotel reservations and Early Bird Registration for the NFB of SC
State Convention ends on July 22, 2026.
*	NFB of SC State Convention takes place August 13-16, 2026.
*	Technology Backpack Fundraiser drawing is August 16, 2026, during
the state convention.
*	Cash Extravaganza drawing is Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the
conclusion of the state convention.

Marty

Marty R. McKenzie, President

National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina

119 S. Kilbourne Road

Columbia, SC 29205

Phone: 803-254-3777

Mobile: 843-939-8091

Website: www.nfbofsc.org <http://www.nfbofsc.org/>  

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