[NFBOK-Talk] 2016 NFBOK Convention

Thu Mar 17 20:04:20 UTC 2016

Hello all! 

Below and attached, please find the finalized agenda for our upcoming
convention. Please register, if you have not already done so, ASAP!
Instructions for registering and paying or registering only are in the
agenda. Hope to see you there!

Warm regards,  

Jeannie 

Jeannie M. Massay, President

National Federation of theBlind 

Of Oklahoma

505 Baker Street

Norman, OK 73072

Phone: 405-600-0695

Jeannie.massay at nfbok.org <mailto:Jeannie.massay at nfbok.org>  

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day, we raise
expectations of the blind because low expectations create obstacles between
blind people and our dreams. Blindness is not what holds you back. You can
live the life you want.!. 

"Whatever you dare to dream, begin." - Goethe 

         2016 National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma Convention

March 31 -April 3, 2016 

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.

The Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma
welcome you to our 42nd Annual convention!

Jeannie Massay, President

Audrey T. Farnum, 1st Vice President 

Rex Schuttler, 2nd Vice President  

Glenda Farnum, Treasurer

Jedi Moerke, Secretary 

Cammie Loehr, Board Member

Mike Harvey, Board Member

Mike Floyd, Board Member 

The mission of the National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma is to seek
equality, education and employment for all blind people in Oklahoma.  We
offer public education about blindness, serve as a source of information and
referral, provide literature and publications about blindness, share
information about and demonstrate assistive technology and other adaptive
equipment for the blind, participate in advocacy efforts in the protection
of civil rights, and offer support for blind persons and their families.
Our members are blind children and their parents, blind students from high
school to college, adults and seniors.    We wholeheartedly believe that
blindness is not the characteristic that defines anyone or their future.
Every day we raise expectations of the blind because low expectations create
obstacles between blind people and our dreams.  Blindness is not what holds
us back.  We are living the lives that we want! 

Keynote Speaker & National Representative

Ever Lee Hairston

This year we are thrilled to have Ever Lee Hairston serve as our national
representative and keynote speaker. Ms. Hairston is a dynamic and
charismatic woman, a published author and a person whose story you will want
to hear. A bit about Ever Lee:

Mentor, Advocate, Motivational Speaker

Born to Arizona and Clarence Hairston on the Coolemee plantation in
Mocksville, North Carolina, Ever Lee is the third of seven children. She
grew up and attended schools in the segregated South. "I felt like a
second-class citizen, using hand-me-down books in school; and, due to
unexplained vision problems, I had to struggle to read from the bulletin
board," Ever Lee noted. In spite of the challenges of growing up in the
segregated South and continuing visual problems, Ever Lee had a strong
desire to become a nurse. Ever Lee's parents simply could not afford to send
her to college; so after high school, Ever Lee went to New York City to earn
money for college by working as a live-in maid. She returned to North
Carolina at the end of the summer anxious to pursue a nursing career.
However, she failed the required eye examination and was told that she would
not be suitable for admission to Duke University Nursing School. "I was
heartbroken but refused to be defeated," she said. She was accepted at North
Carolina Central University, where she earned a teaching degree.

After graduating from North Carolina Central, Ever Lee taught high school
business courses in New Jersey. While working as a high school teacher in
New Jersey, Ever Lee's eyesight continued to deteriorate. She finally sought
answers and medical care. Ever Lee, along with three siblings, were
diagnosed with a genetic eye disease, retinitis pigmentosa (RP). And, four
years after starting a challenging teaching career, Ever Lee was forced to
resign from her position because of her impending blindness.

At the age of twenty-nine, facing total blindness, with a failed marriage, a
child to raise alone, and uncertainty about future employment, Ever Lee
admitted to being devastated and feeling sorry for herself. However, she
held on to the hope that a better way of life was in store for her. Ever Lee
admits to believing in the old adage that "When God closes a door, He opens
a window." She began looking for the window.

After inventorying her strengths, she stepped through a window of
opportunity at New Jersey's Rutgers University, where she took graduate
courses in counseling. In 1983 she landed a Counselor Trainee position with
the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services. But, as Ever Lee
explains it, "With no blindness skills, I was faking my way through." She
notes that she relied heavily on sighted people to read to her and to act as
guides.

In 1987 Ever Lee was invited to a NFB convention in Phoenix, Arizona. At
first she made excuses because she was afraid of requesting the time off
from her job. The most profound experience, as Ever Lee explains it, came
when she started through the registration line. She remembers being asked,
"Would you like a Braille or print agenda?" She could no longer read print
and did not know Braille. It was then, according to Ever Lee, that a light
bulb went off. She talked to as many people as she could at that convention
in Phoenix, Arizona, and learned about the NFB centers. From then until 1990
she continued to function without blindness skills but worked on a plan to
get to Louisiana where she could be trained.

Ever Lee attended the Louisiana Center for the Blind from October 1990 until
April 1991. She learned to read Braille, mastered cane travel and
independent living skills, and learned to utilize adaptive technology. She
returned to New Jersey, after the Freedom Bell rang for her at the Louisiana
Center, with a confidence she never had before, integrating blindness skills
into her everyday life.

Ever Lee credits her training at the Louisiana Center for the Blind with
enabling her to succeed at her chosen career. After twenty-six years holding
many successive positions with the Department of Health and Human Services,
Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program in New Jersey, Ever Lee
retired from the position of program director in 2006.

In July of 2006 she moved to California. She continues to devote tireless
hours mentoring and advocating for the blind, as well as delivering
inspiring speeches to blind and visually impaired audiences and educating
the sighted public about blindness. Ever Lee is blessed with one son,
Victor; a wonderful daughter-in-law, Brenda; and three energetic
grandchildren: Briana, Kendall, and Jasmine. She enjoys traveling, reading a
good novel, and spending time with family 

Most recently, Ever Lee has authored and published a book titled Blind
Ambition: One Woman's Journey to greatness despite her blindness

NFB of Oklahoma wishes to recognize NanoPac for supporting our convention as
a Silver Level Sponsor. Be sure to visit their booth in the Exhibit Hall on
Friday, April 1st.

NanoPac, Inc.

4823 South Sheridan Road, Suite 302

Tulsa, OK 74145-5717

Phone: 918-665-0329

Fax:     918-665-0361

Technical Support:  800-580-6086

TTY:   918-665-2310

Email: info at nanopac.com 

Web Site: www.nanopac.com

Holiday Inn  - City Centre 

17 West 7th

Tulsa, Ok 74119

918-585-5898

 <http://www.holidayinn.com/tulsda-cc> www.holidayinn.com/tulsda-cc

The rate for the hotel this year is a fantastic $89.00 for singles or
doubles.  All applicable taxes apply.  Each attendee must make their own
hotel reservations.

Convention Rates and Packages: 

Convention Package $95.00 

Includes Registration, Boxed lunch for Friday and Saturday, 1 Banquet meal
for Saturday evening. 

Ala Carte Pricing

Registration - $25.00 

Boxed Lunch (Available Friday and Saturday) - $20 each 

Banquet Meal - $40.00 

*If you require specialized meal ACCOMODATIONS, please indicate so on your
registration. 

You may register and pay online using a Credit card or Pay Pal account.  If
you prefer to register online and mail a check or pay at the door with a
check or cash, you may do so at the same link.  Our awesome Webmaster (1st
Vice President, Audrey Farnum) has completely redesigned our website and has
worked very hard to make this happen for us!   Go to this link to register
online:   <http://nfbok.org/state-convention/>
http://nfbok.org/state-convention/

Any questions about registration should be  directed to Glenda Farnum,
Treasurer, at 405-255-6482 or by e-mail at  <mailto:treasurer at nfbok.org>
treasurer at nfbok.org

If you are a student and plan on attending the Student Seminar Sessions,
please contact Cammie Loehr , President of the Oklahoma Association of Blind
Students at  <mailto:cammieloehr767 at gmail.com> cammieloehr767 at gmail.com  or
by phone at 580-678-8222. 

Convention Activities 

Thursday, March 31, 2016 

7:00-8:30   Registration 

6:00 -10:00           Federation Family Gatherings   

Informal gatherings and fellowship  for students, and anyone else wanting to
have a good time together before we get down to business. More information
will be forthcoming regarding specific times and locations. 

Friday, April 1, 2016 

8:00-9:00               Registration 

9:00 - 10:00         NFB of Ok Board meeting  

Open to all convention attendees. 

10:00- 11:00        Resolutions Committee Meeting, Mike Harvey, Chair 

Any member may submit, at least 2 weeks in advance of the convention, a
resolution which may be considered by the Committee. All members are
encouraged to attend as this is where you will learn about the resolutions
for this year. Resolutions which pass the committee will then be voted on by
the membership at the annual business meeting on Sunday, April 3rd.
Resolutions are considered to be the policy of our organization. 

Resolutions for consideration may be sent to Mike Harvey at
<mailto:mike.harvey149 at gmail.com> mike.harvey149 at gmail.com 

The Exhibit Hall will be open from 10:00 to 8:00. (Friday ONLY)The Exhibit
Hall is located in the Cimarron Room B. 

Raising Expectations 

A day of seminars for all blind Oklahomans, their friends and family members
relating to the development of blindness skills and the achievement of
independence.  How to live the life you want!

11:15-12:30         Session 1 rotation         

1. Student Seminar: Self-Advocacy Terrace Room A

2. Cane Travel - Cimarron Room A 

 Professional Orientation & Mobility Instructors will be on hand to
dynamically teach participants the basics of using a long white cane to
navigate the world as a blind person. Led by Jedi Moerke, Mike Harvey, and
others. 

3. Tech Talk & Demonstrations- Terrace Room B

Do you have a Love/ Hate relationship with your technology?  This seminar is
for beginners to those who are tech savvy.  Bring questions about the
technology that you depend on.  Hopefully, we can provide the answers. Led
by Audrey Farnum. 

12:30 - 1:30         Lunch   

1:30- 2:45 Session 2 rotation 

1. Student Seminar - Technology Matters - Terrace Room A

2. Why I am a Federationist!- Cimarron  Room A 

Discussion of what the National Federation of the Blind is and why members
on this panel got involved and remain so. 

3. Seniors successfully living with blindness- Terrace Room B

Discussion about blindness for seniors along with their family and friends.
Living the life you want with blindness. Discussion led by Mike Floyd 

3:00-4:15   Session 3 rotation 

1. Student Seminar - Terrace Room A

2. Obtaining & Retaining the job - Cimarron Room A

Are you looking for a job? Want to excel at the one you have? This session
is for you! Interactive presentation led by Buna Dahal, Employment
Specialist and Motivational Speaker 

3. Cane Travel-Terrace Room B - Professional Orientation & Mobility
Instructors will be on hand to dynamically teach participants the basics of
using a long white cane to navigate the world as a blind person. Led by Jedi
Moerke, Mike Harvey, and others.

4:15 -6:30  Dinner Break - Dinner on your own. Restaurant menus are
available in Braille and Large-print. Local restaurants are happy to serve
you as well! Enjoy! Fuel up and get ready to finish out the day!

5:30-6:30               Fencing demonstration - Cimarron Room A

Hosted by the Oklahoma Sports & Recreation Division 

6:30-8:00   Session 4 rotation         

1. Student Seminar Terrace Room A

2. Tech Talk & Demonstrations - TerraceRoom B 

Do you have a Love/ Hate relationship with your technology?  This seminar is
for beginners to those who are tech savvy.  Bring questions about the
technology that you depend on.  Hopefully, we can provide the answers. Led
by Audrey Farnum.

3. The Working Blind -A panel discussion with employed individuals who
happen to be blind.  Panelists from a variety of interests and jobs will
speak about their jobs and the skills that they use daily to bring home
their pay! Moderated by Buna Dahal 

8:30-10:00                        Activities    

1. Student Seminar - Confidence Building (Open to all seminar and convention
attendees!)-Terrace Room A

Activities include but are not limited to: How to find your seat in a large
room, lighting candles and Using power tools.

2. Meet & mingle/ Game night, Cimarron Room A

3. NFB of Oklahoma  Sports & Rec. Division Meeting, Terrace  Room A

Saturday, April 2, 2016 

8:00              Registration 

9:00              Call to order,        Welcome and Introductions , Jeannie
Massay, President, National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma

9:10              Invocation , Marc Freiden, Treasurer, T-Town Chapter,
National Federation of the  Blind of Oklahoma 

9:15             The Honorable Kevin Matthews, Senator, State of Oklahoma,
District 11

9:25              Sgt. William Barnes, USA RET., Veterans & Military
Representative, Congressman Markwayne Mullin       

9:35              The Honorable Mary Fallin, Governor, State of Oklahoma 

9:45              National Report, Ever Lee Hairston, Member, Board of
Directors, National Federation of the Blind

10:35           PAC Plan, OK PAC & Live the Life You Want Fund  updates,
Glenda Farnum, Treasurer, National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma  

10:40           Update on services and programs, Doug Boone, Division
Administrator, Visual  Services, Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation 

11:10           OLBPH, Services from your Library, , Kevin Trease, Director,
Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

11:35           Adult Independent Living and Senior Programs at our Centers,
Julie Deedan, Director, Colorado Center for the Blind  

12:00           Adjourn for Lunch - Grab your Boxed lunch, go to your
Division meeting or hang out!

12:15-1:45            Oklahoma Association of Blind Merchants Division
Meeting, Room   TBD

12:15-1:45            Oklahoma Association of Blind Students Division
Meeting. Room TBD 

2:00              Vision, possibility and noble living, Buna Dahal
Entrepreneur and Motivational Speaker  

2:50              KNFB Reader Mobile App.: Access print wherever you're at,
Tiffany Dugan, NFBOK KNFB Reader Coordinator

3:05              BELL Academy: Braille Enrichment for Literacy and
Learning, Audrey T. Farnum, 1st Vice President, NFBOK, BELL Co-Chair  

3:20              The ABLE Tech Programs and the transition to UEB in
Oklahoma Public Schools, Kimberly Berry, Oklahoma ABLE Tech

3:40              Adolescent and youth programs for the blind, Eric
Guillory, Director of Youth Services, Louisiana Center for the Blind 

4:05              Beyond K-12: College Prep. Programs at our Centers, Dan
Burke, Public Relations Specialist, Colorado Center for the Blind 

4:30              Preparing for life; Graduating from an Adult Training
Center, Cammie Loehr, President, Oklahoma Association of Blind Students 

4:45              Closing remarks, Jeannie Massay, President, National
Federation of the Blind  of Oklahoma 

5:00              Adjourn 

5:15              Nominating Committee, Audrey T. Farnum, Chair,  Meeting
location TBD

7:00              Banquet and keynote address featuring Ever Lee Hairston,
Member, Board of Directors, National Federation of the Blind

Sunday, April 2, 2016

9:30-12:00            Annual Business Meeting 

9:30                          NFBOK Presidents report, Jeannie Massay,
President, National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma  

9;50                          NFBOK Treasurer's Report, Glenda Farnum,
Treasurer, National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma

10:10                       Chapter Reports by Chapter 

10:50                       Resolutions Committee Report to the Membership

11:50                       Nominating Committee Report & Elections 

12:00                       Adjourn 

Convention Committee 

Mike Floyd, Chair; Glenda Farnum; Rex Schuttler; Cammie Loehr; Jedi Moerke;
Audrey Farnum; Jeannie Massay

Thank you for your attendance and participation in this weekend's
activities. By doing so you are helping others to come to the understanding
that blindness is not the characteristic that defines them or their future
because you are choosing to not let blindness hold you back! Together with
love, hope and determination, we transform dreams into reality! 

I am filled with hope, energy and love by participating in the National
Federation of the Blind because my expectations are raised, my contributions
make a difference to me and to others, and I can celebrate the realization
of my dreams with my Federation family. Thank you for allowing me and your
Affiliate Board to serve you in the past year. We will work together to earn
your support and trust as we lead the National Federation of the Blind of
Oklahoma boldly into the future. 

Warmly, and with love,

Jeannie Massay, President, NFB of Oklahoma 

Let's go build the Federation! 

Registration Packet Pick Up - Your registration packet contains a name
badge. We will be recycling name badge holders and will have a drop off box
available to collect the name badge holders.

Meal Tickets - Friday Lunch: color-yellow, shape-round, location-bottom left

Saturday Lunch: color-pink, shape-rectangle, location bottom right

Banquet: color-orange, shape-rectangle, location bottom middle

Meal tickets will be required to receive box lunches and to attend the
banquet.

Hospitality Suite 

The Hospitality Suite is located in Room 1407. 

The T-Town Chapter is graciously hosting our convention this year. Many of
the T-Town members have put in serious effort to making this a great
convention for each of us. You will find light snacks and beverages from
7:30 AM-10:00 PM, before, between and after sessions, and in the evening.
Beverages graciously and thankfully donated by Rhonda Hudson, Member,
Oklahoma Asssociation of Blind Merchants.  

Sponsors,  Exhibits & other Donations

Thanks to all of our sponsors, exhibitor's and door prize donors. Your
support of our convention is much appreciated. 

Silver Level Sponsor- 

NanoPac, Inc.

4823 South Sheridan Road, Suite 302

Tulsa, OK 74145-5717

Phone: 918-665-0329

Fax:     918-665-0361

Technical Support:  800-580-6086

TTY:   918-665-2310

Email: info at nanopac.com 

Web Site:  <http://www.nanopac.com> www.nanopac.com

Exhibitors

*      Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

*      Precision Optical

*      ABLE Tech

*      New View Oklahoma

*      NFB of Oklahoma

Other Contributors

Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, Division of Visual Services

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