[Ohio-Communities-of-Faith] 2025 Wednesday National Convention Agenda

[smturner.234 at gmail.com]

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 – Resolutions Day

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Any agenda changes made after Braille and print production can be accessed
on the NFB25 app or at nfb.org/convention <https://nfb.org/convention> .
Changes will be marked with an asterisk (*).

8:00–9:00 a.m. Digital-Accessibility Professionals Meetup

Studio 7

We designed this informal networking session for those working full time in
digital accessibility for corporations and nonprofits. We'll share best
practices, trends that uniquely affect us as blind people, and suggestions
for growing the Federation's brand in the field.

Jonathan Mosen, Executive Director for Accessibility Excellence, National
Federation of the Blind

8:00–11:00 a.m. Committee for Advancement and Promotion of Braille 

Galerie 4

The committee will discuss developments in the teaching and delivery of
Braille, research priorities, Braille-related policy, strategies for
bringing improvements where needed, and resources and activities across our
organization. All are welcome!

Jennifer Dunnam, Chair

9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Online Registration Packet Pickup

Salon D

9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. On-Site Registration (30 dollars) and Banquet Ticket
Sales (85 dollars)

Salons A and B

9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall and Independence Market

Napoleon Ballroom, Sheraton

9:00–10:00 a.m. Selvas BLV Product Showcase

Galerie 5

Join us for a demonstration where we'll share the power and versatility of
the HIMS family of products. See firsthand how our connectivity-enabled
features like YouTube search, Wiki search, NFB-NEWSLINE®, and more empower,
inform, and entertain our users. 

9:00–11:00 a.m. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Galerie 6

Hear of the progress that we, as an organization, are making in the areas of
diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). How can we drive DEI efforts across
the Federation in fulfillment of our movement’s strategic priorities? Bring
your questions, feedback, and concerns to the committee.

Shawn Callaway and Kenia Flores, Co-Chairs

9:00–11:00 a.m. NOPBC Cane Walk

Balcony L

Wondering if your child would benefit from using a cane? Curious about how a
cane works? Learn and experience the Structured Discovery Method of travel
at this special session. Parents, teachers, blind children, and sighted
siblings welcome. 

National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC)

9:00–11:00 a.m. Membership Committee

Studio 4

Members represent our most powerful asset. All those who are interested in
joining the membership committee to discuss innovative ideas to grow,
nurture, and sustain membership in the organized blind movement are welcome.

Denise Avant, Chair

9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Explore NFB-NEWSLINE® at our Open House

Studio 10

Unlock a world of information with this free audio and Braille service.
Access more than five hundred publications via phone, web, app, or Alexa.
Sign up, retrieve codes, or get answers to your questions with hands-on
help. Stop by and learn what’s new! 

Scott White, Director of Sponsored Technology Programs, National Federation
of the Blind

9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. US Access Board Town Hall

Acadia and Bissonet Ballrooms

The Access Board invites the public to share their insights on accessibility
barriers and progress. Those who wish to speak during the event must
register in advance by emailing their full name and organization (if any) to
events at access-board.gov. <mailto:events at access-board.gov>  This is a unique
opportunity to engage directly with board members and representatives from
federal agencies about accessibility efforts in Louisiana and beyond.

9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. NFB Sports and Recreation Business Meeting

Galerie 1

Learn about adaptive sports, inclusive fitness, and recreation
opportunities, and build community at our annual business meeting. Let’s
move to keep the movement alive! 

Richie Flores, President

10:00–11:00 a.m. The Power of AI for the Blind Community

Studio 2

Join Microsoft's AI experts as they demonstrate how AI is transforming
products for the blind community, simplifying user experiences, and creating
new possibilities for productivity and play.

Microsoft Accessibility Team

10:00–11:00 a.m. Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder

Studio 3

Learn why there is a high prevalence of Non-24 in the blind community, how
it could impact sleep, and why it is often misdiagnosed. We will discuss the
symptoms and how to start a conversation with a healthcare provider.

Jennifer Lyman, RN, Clinical Nurse Educator, Vanda Pharmaceuticals

10:00–11:00 a.m. AI + JAWS at 30: Built to Empower You

Studio 9

Join Ryan Jones as we celebrate thirty years of JAWS and look ahead!
Discover how JAWS and AI are driving breakthroughs like FSCompanion, image
labeling, and multiline Braille. See how we’re breaking barriers and shaping
the future of accessibility.

Ryan Jones, VP Software and Product Management, Vispero

10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. LGBT+: A Mid-Year Review

Studio 8

Join the NFB's LGBT+ group to discuss current events, relevant civil rights
laws, advocacy efforts, and enforcement opportunities for people of all
backgrounds. Allies welcome. Community centered. 

Sanho Steele-Louchart, Chair

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. What's New in Google Accessibility

Galerie 5

Join us for an update on the newest accessibility tools and features from
Google, designed to enhance the user experience for the blind and low-vision
community. 

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Launch Your Career with Screen Reader Skills

Studio 7

Ninja screen-reader user? Struggling to find work? Stop struggling and start
launching your career in digital accessibility! It’s simple. You get
trained, you get certified, you get a job. Learn all about the CAT Program
and your direct path to employment with AccessAbility Officer.

Heather Burns, Chief Delivery Officer and Co-Owner, AccessAbility Officer

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Microsoft Copilot for Work

Studio 2

Learn how AI enhances skills and productivity for the blind community.
Discover Copilot tools that streamline workflows, foster collaboration, and
equip the community with digital skills for the modern workplace.

Microsoft Accessibility Team

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Non-24: A Quiet Crisis in Sleep Health

Salon C

Millions live with Non-24 without a name for what they’re experiencing.
Discover how early screening, increased awareness, and better tools can
change that.

CaryHealth

12:00–1:00 p.m. Slack Demonstration and Feedback Session

Galerie 6

The team at Slack will talk through how we collaborate with blind people to
design, build, and refine how Slack works. We will demonstrate some of the
successful results (and likely some imperfections) using common workflows in
Slack. We welcome your questions and feedback. 

Todd Kloots and Chris Xu, Slack

1:00 p.m. Resolutions Committee

Acadia and Bissonet Ballrooms

Zoom meeting ID: nfb-org.zoom.us/j/92019487891
<https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/92019487891> 

1CapApp Event: ECS.1capapp.com/event/nfb <https://ecs.1capapp.com/event/nfb>


Donald Porterfield, Chair

1:00–2:00 p.m. What's New with Amazon Devices?

Studio 9

Amazon obsesses about customer delight, and that includes customers with
disabilities. In this session, Amazon accessibility experts will discuss the
latest accessibility features for Fire TV, Smart Home, the new Alexa, and
more. 

Peter Korn, Director of Accessibility, Amazon Devices and Services

1:00–2:00 p.m. Wells Fargo Bank of Doing

Studio 4

Wells Fargo provides a range of products and services that can help you make
your financial journey from security to wealth protection. Join Wells Fargo
representatives to discuss these topics and answer any questions you may
have about what we can do for you.

Lawrence Bowdish, Insights Lead, Financial Health, Wells Fargo

1:00–4:00 p.m. Career Fair

Galerie 2 and 3

Come to meet national and regional employers including many of our
convention sponsors and Louisiana employers. This is your first step to a
great career! Preregister by June 8 to get the full benefits of attending.
Sponsored by the NFB Employment Committee.

Lia Stone, Chair

1:00–6:00 p.m. Drop-In Tactile Art Room

Studio 6

Free art activities for everyone! Make tactile drawings, color pictures,
sculpt clay, fold origami, code SVG, build with LEGOs, and complete puzzle
activities! Teachers are in the room. Enjoy the art exhibit and tactile
picture books. Drop in anytime. Stay as long as you like.

Ann Cunningham, Coordinator

2:00–5:00 p.m. Explore NFB-NEWSLINE® at Our Open House

Studio 10

Unlock a world of information with this free audio and Braille service.
Access more than five hundred publications via phone, web, app, or Alexa.
Sign up, retrieve codes, or get answers to your questions with hands-on
help. Stop by and learn what’s new! 

Scott White, Director of Sponsored Technology Programs, National Federation
of the Blind

2:15–3:15 p.m. Making Amazon Shopping Easier

Studio 9

Explore the latest accessibility features that make navigating and shopping
on Amazon faster and more intuitive for everyone. We'll show how new
AI-powered tools and improved navigation features help customers find
products and information more efficiently and accessibly. 

Kiran Kaja, Principal Product Manager, Amazon Worldwide Stores Accessibility

3:30–4:30 p.m. Accessibility at Prime Video

Studio 9

Join the Amazon/Prime Video Accessibility team to hear more about our
journey to introduce new features and improve existing accessibility
options. Learn about our initiatives to improve the discovery and experience
for customers.

Amazon

3:30–5:00 p.m. Start a Digital Accessibility Business

Studio 7

Whether you are a social enterprise or a hungry entrepreneur wanting to hire
blind people, this session teaches you how we grew our million-dollar
digital accessibility business with blind testers and DARTSuite. From
closing deals to managing projects, you won’t want to miss it! Includes a
live Q&A.

Heather Burns, Chief Delivery Officer and Co-Owner, AccessAbility Officer

4:00–5:00 p.m. Navigating the US Immigration System

Galerie 4

Join us to hear from panelists sharing their personal experiences navigating
the complexities of the United States immigration system as a blind person,
as well as how they advocated for equitable access.

Seyoon Choi, Moderator

4:00–5:00 p.m. AI, Wearables, and Community-Driven Innovation

Studio 4

Discover how AI and wearables are revolutionizing independence for the
blind/low-vision community! Join us to explore AI progress, demo EchoVision
smart glasses (try live!), and hear user stories proving tech’s power when
co-created WITH users. 

Xiaoran Wang, CEO, and Kevin Chao, Chief Visionary and Evangelist, AGIGA,
Inc.

4:00–5:30 p.m. Introduction to Investing

Galerie 1

Get a clear overview of investing basics, learn how investing can help you
build long-term financial security, and explore how blind and low-vision
people can confidently navigate the investing world. 

Chris Peterson, AFC®, Founder and CEO, Penny Forward

4:15–5:45 p.m. Twenty-Fifth NABL Mock Trial (Admission 10 dollars)

Salon E

Federation lawyers oppose each other to enact a case addressing the civil
rights of blind people, and the audience serves as the jury. The subject
matter is serious, but the courtroom portrayers are very entertaining.

Ronza Othman, President, National Association of Blind Lawyers

4:30–6:00 p.m. Aira: The AI Visual Interpreter

Galerie 6

An opportunity to experience an AI visual interpreter in real time! Exciting
updates from Aira and how blind people are directly influencing the future
of visual interpreting! 

Everette Bacon, Chief, Blindness Initiatives, Aira

4:30–6:30 p.m. Interest Drives the Action

Studio 8

Youth are our future leaders. Learn how your affiliate's strengths and
skills can develop your youth programs. Hear about innovative activities
happening across the country, talk about how they started, and imagine new
ways to help blind youth live the lives they want. 

Karen Anderson, NFB Education Programs Coordinator, and Ashleigh Moon,
STEM2U Program Coordinator 

4:45–5:45 p.m. Get More Out of Reading with Kindle’s Accessibility Features

Studio 9

Reading can be a magical experience, and digital reading can make it
possible to read in ways that were previously not possible with just paper.
Come see how Kindle is making reading more accessible. 

Jon Hu, Sr. Product Manager, Tech, Amazon

5:00–6:30 p.m. Seminario Hispano

Studio 3

Ven a conocer a la Federación, nuestras historias, y recursos valiosos en
español. Te esperamos en el evento más importante para conocer, conecta, y
compartir con nuestra comunidad hispanohablante.

Nota: El seminario será completamente en español.

Aleyda Santos, Coordinadora

5:00–6:30 p.m. SSI and SSDI 101: What You Need to Know

Studio 2

Ever wonder what the difference is between Blind Work Expenses and
Impairment-Related Work Expenses? Afraid you might go over the SSDI earnings
cliff? Hear from an expert on these programs and have all your questions
answered.

Michael Dalto, Social Security Expert

5:00–6:45 p.m. NOPBC Exhibitor Fair

Galerie 5

This special exhibit will feature items of special interest to blind
children and their families. 

National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC)

6:00–7:30 p.m. Access On Live

Studio 7

Join Jonathan Mosen and an expert panel for a live edition of the NFB's
Access On technology podcast. Bring your tech questions, comments, and
opinions.

Jonathan Mosen, Executive Director for Accessibility Excellence, National
Federation of the Blind

6:00–8:00 p.m. Blind Greek and Masonic Group

Salon C

Are you a member of a national Greek organization, the Masons, or the
Eastern Star? Help build our relationships with Greek letter organizations
to ensure inclusion and participation, to engage in fundraising, and to
serve as a resource for the blind considering membership. 

Shawn Callaway, Chair

6:00–9:00 p.m. Blind Christians Group

Galerie 4

Publishers of Christian literature will provide an update regarding the work
of their respective organizations. Learn about ministries in which blind
people are involved in their local communities. 

Linda Mentink, Chair

6:00–9:00 p.m. Building Our Village

Studio 1

Learn how to build your village at this year’s Blind Parents group. The
first hour will contain topics for children under five. The second hour will
have topics dedicated to all ages. The third hour will contain topics for
older children.  

Lisamaria Martinez, Chair

6:00–9:00 p.m. Legal Office Hours

Audubon

Meet with a disability rights attorney to discuss blindness discrimination
concerns. Reservations are required. To reserve your appointment, email
Legal at nfb.org <mailto:Legal at nfb.org>  or call 410-659-9314, extension 2440,
no later than Friday, June 27.

6:00–10:00 p.m. Student Division Business Meeting

Galerie 2 and 3

All are welcome to join our lively division as we dive into all things blind
students! Registration begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by programming at 7:00
p.m. Only members who have completed our membership process before June 30
will be eligible to participate in elections.

Lauren Chaya Altman, President

6:00–10:00 p.m. Working for Yourself, but Not by Yourself

Galerie 1

Experience how professional training, systems-based practices, personal
development, and superior Nikken Japanese-wellness technologies are
revolutionizing professional network marketing. Imagine the joy of working
with successful mentors to earn through serving others. 

Mary Ellen Gabias and Paul Gabias, Independent Nikken Wellness Business
Consultants

7:00–9:00 p.m. Advancing Our Advocacy: Legislative Meetup

Studio 9

An opportunity for members interested in advocating for the rights of the
nation’s blind to interact with our government affairs group and exchange
strategies to advance our legislative priorities at the local, state, and
federal levels.

Jesse Shirek, Justin Young, and Kyle Walls, Government Affairs, National
Federation of the Blind

7:00–9:00 p.m. NOPBC Youth Track Session (ages 11-18)

Balcony L

What is a resolution? Refer to the Youth Track agenda for activity details.

7:00–9:00 p.m. NFB in Judaism Annual Meeting

Studio 3

Join us as we hear from the staff of JBI Library as they describe the
rebranding, new staff, and new programs. This is your chance to find out all
that JBI Library offers.  

Stewart Prost, Chair

7:00–9:00 p.m. NOPBC Spanish Welcome Session

Galerie 6

We welcome our Spanish-speaking families with blind children. Network, ask
questions, and learn about resources for our children.

National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC)

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