[Ohio-talk] the 2019 convention agenda
Richard Payne
rchpay7 at gmail.com
Sat Jun 15 14:05:13 UTC 2019
Dear Colleagues,
In case you missed it via social media and text message, the 2019
convention agenda is available at
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention.
2019 ANNUAL CONVENTION
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
JULY 7 to JULY 12
THE MEMBERS OF THE
HOST AFFILIATE COMMITTEE
WELCOME YOU TO THE
79th ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
Mark A. Riccobono, President
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, Maryland 21230
John Berggren, Chairman
Convention Organization and Activities
Terri Rupp, President Dana Ard, President
National Federation of the Blind National Federation of the
Blind
of Nevada of Idaho
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
3950 South Las Vegas Boulevard
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
877-632-9001
WELCOME!
Welcome to the 79th annual convention of the National Federation of the
Blind being held in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. A
detailed description of the layout of the hotel can be found immediately
after the Convention Notes, which are at the end of the program listings.
Check the Convention Notes for further information about a variety of
convention topics. When you check in to the hotel, you will be asked to
confirm your departure date. If you decide to leave earlier than the
departure date you confirm when you check in, there may be a change fee.
ROOKIE ROUNDUP
All first-time convention attendees are cordially invited to attend a
reception from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 7, in the South Pacific F
Ballroom. President Riccobono and other Federation leaders will be on hand
to welcome you to the convention and preview the week’s activities. Veteran
conventioneers should urge all first-timers to attend this special event.
INCLUSIVITY, DIVERSITY, AND SOCIAL CONDUCT
As an attendee at our convention, you not only represent yourself but also
represent our greater organization. We want you to enjoy our time together
and to make new friends and renew old acquaintances. Although we encourage
members to socialize and have fun, the convention also provides a valuable
opportunity to come together to continue the work of our organization, to
learn about the important initiatives that we are involved with on local and
national levels, and to plan our work for the future.
The National Federation of the Blind seeks to provide a convention
environment in which diverse participants, including members, speakers,
exhibitors, staff, and volunteers, may learn, network, and enjoy the company
of friends and colleagues in an environment of mutual respect and
professionalism. We recognize a shared responsibility to create and uphold
that atmosphere for the benefit of all. Some behaviors are therefore
specifically prohibited:
* harassment or intimidation based on race, religion, ethnicity,
language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression,
disability, physical appearance, or other group identity
* sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual
attention, stalking (physical or virtual), or unsolicited physical contact
* public drunkenness and associated behaviors (e.g., belligerence,
yelling, hostility, destruction of property)
Participants are expected to abide by these rules and behaviors in all
convention venues, including online arenas, social media, and social events.
Participants who are asked to stop a behavior that the recipient considers
hostile or harassing are expected to comply immediately.
For assistance or to report an incident, please call 443-216-9777. All
formal reports will be fully investigated according to the steps outlined in
our Code of Conduct. Based on the information found in the investigation,
appropriate action will be taken and may involve staff, organization
leaders, and legal counsel. Based on the circumstances, hotel security
and/or law enforcement may become involved, when appropriate.
We are committed to diversity, equity, and the free expression of ideas.
These principles have been delineated in our Code of Conduct found at
https://nfb.org/code-conduct.
PREREGISTRATION AND ON-SITE REGISTRATION
Registration activities take place in the foyers outside the Islander and
South Pacific Ballrooms beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday. At 8:30 a.m. on
Tuesday and at other times as listed throughout the week, registration
activities will be located at the Islander Registration Desk. All convention
attendees (both local and from out of town) are asked to register. Those who
preregistered for convention may pick up their registration packets in the
area designated “Preregistration.” Those who did not preregister may go to
the area designated “Registration.” Please have your check or cash ready to
pay the registration fee of $30 per person; we cannot accept credit cards at
registration. Convention registration is a requirement for door prize
eligibility and a number of other convention activities. We condition rates
for hotel rooms on proof of registration, including the showing of an NFB
registration badge, if requested.
EXHIBIT HALL AND INDEPENDENCE MARKET
The Exhibit Hall and the NFB Independence Market are located in the
Islander Ballroom. There is a special sponsor-only exhibitor preview for
convention attendees on Monday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Exhibit Hall hours of operation are:
Monday 9:00 to 11:00 AM (sponsors only)
Monday 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday Noon to 1:45 PM, and 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Thursday Noon to 1:45 PM (final opportunity
to visit the Exhibit Hall)
Independence Market hours of operation are:
Monday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday Noon to 1:45 PM
Thursday Noon to 1:45 PM (final opportunity
to visit the Market)
SPECIAL ATTENTION ITEMS
* The Presidential and Hospitality Suites are both open during much of
the convention. All are welcome to come to the suites to visit. Appointments
to meet with President Riccobono may be made at the Presidential Suite.
The Presidential and Hospitality Suites will be open during the
following times:
Saturday 4:00 to 7:00 PM
Sunday 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Monday 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Tuesday 7:00 to 9:00 AM, and 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday 7:00 to 9:00 AM, Noon to 2:00 PM, and 5:00
to 7:00 PM
Thursday 7:00 to 9:00 AM, Noon to 2:00 PM,
and 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Friday 7:00 to 9:00 AM, and Noon to 2:00 PM
* Banquet tickets may be purchased for $75 by cash or check at the
on-site registration area. No tickets will be available after 2:00 p.m. on
Wednesday. At the banquet ticket exchange table, you may make arrangements
to reserve a specific seat for yourself or for a group of up to ten people.
On the evening of the banquet, tickets will be required to enter the
ballroom and will be collected at the tables. Tickets may be exchanged for
vegetarian or kosher meals at the banquet ticket exchange table if done so
by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
* Banquet ticket exchange will be located outside the South Pacific
Ballroom at the following times:
Tuesday Noon to 2:00 PM
Wednesday 8:45 to 9:15 AM, and Noon to 2:00 PM
Thursday 8:15 to 8:45 AM, and Noon to 2:00 PM
Friday 8:15 to 8:45 AM, and Noon to 2:00 PM
* General Sessions will be held in South Pacific Ballroom E through J.
* Individuals needing to conduct business with the NFB
treasurer may do so by going to the South Pacific Registration Desk on
Wednesday between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., or on Thursday between noon and 2:00
p.m.
CONVENTION AGENDA
SUNDAY, JULY 7, 2019
7:30 - 8:45 AM—AMATEUR RADIO DIVISION—EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Coral B
Discuss convention frequencies, hotel architectural features, and
distribution of special FM receivers for the hearing-impaired and
Spanish-speaking attendees. David Chan (NC6D), President
7:30 AM - 4:45 PM—BLINDNESS SKILLS: THE ONLY SURE BET IN VEGAS
Tradewinds D
Registration: adults, $35; two or more adults, $50; children (ages 0-18),
free. Sponsored by the NFB’s National Organization of Parents of Blind
Children Division (NOPBC). Carlton Anne Cook Walker, President
7:30-8:45 AM—Registration
9:00-10:45 AM—General Session
11:00 AM-12:15 PM—NOPBC Concurrent Workshops, Session I
Convention 411—Tradewinds D
Science Is Everywhere! (focuses on children
0-8)—Tradewinds E
Saving for the Future with ABLE
Accounts—Tradewinds F
Cane or Guide Dog: I Use Both—Tropics A
2:00-3:15 PM—NOPBC Concurrent Workshops, Session II
Sensory Integration Therapy—Tradewinds D
Late Elementary/Early Middle School
Science—Tradewinds E
Science in Middle, High School, and
Beyond—Tradewinds F
Blindness Skills or Visual Skills?
Efficiency’s the Key—Tropics A
3:30-4:45 PM—NOPBC Concurrent Workshops Session III
Creating Tactile Maps—Tradewinds D
Creating Tactile Models for Scientific
Concepts—Tradewinds E
Saving for the Future with ABLE
Accounts—Tradewinds F
The Transition to College or Work—Tropics A
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM—CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN REHABILITATION AND EDUCATION FOR
THE BLIND—EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL REHABILITATION AND ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY
CONFERENCE
Tradewinds C
Registration: students, $75; professionals, $85 before June 15, ($100 after
that date). Sponsors: National Blindness Professional Certification Board
(NBPCB) and the Professional Development & Research Institute on Blindness
(PDRIB) at the Louisiana Tech University. Dr. Edward Bell, Chair
7:30-8:30 AM—Registration
8:30 AM—Conference Begins
SUNDAY, JULY 7, Continued
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM—KRAFTERS MARKETPLACE
Coral A
Looking for that one-of-a-kind souvenir from convention? Want to support
Federation entrepreneurs? Shop the Krafters marketplace for beautiful and
unique handmade creations. Tammy Freitag, President
8:30 AM—CHILD-CARE SERVICES
(Preregistration by June 15 was required.)
Please see Convention Note 6 for further information.
8:30 - 11:30 AM—WHAT’S NEW WITH JAWS, FUSION, AND ZOOMTEXT
Tradewinds F
Discounted home annual licenses for all attendees! Join Eric Damery for his
annual user group NFB meeting with everyone using JAWS, Fusion, or ZoomText.
Demonstration and discussion of all the new developments during the past
year. Eric Damery
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM—JERNIGAN INSTITUTE TECHNOLOGY SEMINARS
Tropics A
8:30-8:35 AM—Welcome; Karl Belanger, Presenter
8:35-10:05 AM—Stem Resources to Help Blind Students Excel;
Matt Hackert, Presenter
10:30 AM-12:00 PM—Fun and Learning with Arduino; Chancey
Fleet, Presenter
9:00 AM - 12:15 PM—NOPBC YOUTH TRACK SESSIONS (ages 11-18)
Shell Seekers A and B
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM—SPORTS AND RECREATION WORKSHOPS
South Pacific Ballroom J
Sponsored by the Sports & Recreation Division, Jessica Beecham, President
9:00-10:00 AM—Guide Running/Walking 101: Come learn all
about guide running/walking! Check out tethers, learn about resources for
finding guides and running groups, and get the chance to try it out!
10:30 AM-12:00 PM—Eating Healthy on a Budget: During this
interactive session, we will discuss topics including meal prep, budgeting,
understanding nutritional facts, and alternative techniques for accessing
nutrition information. Bring your ideas and questions.
SUNDAY, JULY 7, Continued
12:30-1:30 PM—Yoga for Beginners: Come practice yoga in an
open and judgement-free environment with a blind yoga instructor. We welcome
yogis of all ability levels, but this session is targeted toward beginners.
We will not have mats, so bring a mat or towel from your room.
2:00-3:30 PM—One Touch Self-Defense: Come learn One Touch
Self-Defense, a form of self-defense designed with the blind in mind.
12:30 - 1:45 PM—LUNCH WITH NOPBC BOARD
South Pacific Ballroom A
Get to know your NOPBC board in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Grab
some food from the food court or a restaurant and join members of the NOPBC
board for a brown bag lunch as we get to know one another and share our
experiences and ideas. Carlton Anne Cook Walker, President
1:00 - 3:30 PM—SENIORS DIVISION SEMINAR—GET MOVIN’, BE HEALTHY, STAY
HEALTHY ($5)
Tradewinds C
The NFB Senior Division with Jessica Beecham hosts a health and wellness
seminar; stretching exercises and a healthy living discussion for anyone of
any age. Get inspired! Reach new goals and meet a bunch of seniors actively
promoting healthy living. Ruth Sager, President
1:00 - 5:00 PM—JOB SEEKER SEMINAR
South Pacific Ballroom B
This year's seminar and breakout sessions are designed to give you the
exact skills you need to get a job using our career fair and other NFB
resources. Get overall information at the large group seminar and hone your
job-seeking skills at the small group breakouts. Sponsored by the NFB
Employment Committee. Dick Davis, Chair
1:00-3:00 PM—Large Group Seminar for Jobseekers and
Employers
3:00-5:00 PM—Small Group Training and Discussions
2:00 - 4:00 PM—HIMS USER GROUP
South Pacific Ballroom C
HIMS believes choice is vital! Polaris math and Google drive integration,
QBraille’s hybrid keyboard (QWERTY keys and Perkins comfort), or the
Actilino's active tactile control are unique and innovative solutions that
don't exist anywhere else. Come to our user group and check it out.
SUNDAY, JULY 7, Continued
2:00 - 5:30 PM—NOPBC YOUTH TRACK SESSIONS (ages 11-18)
Shell Seekers A and B
5:00 - 7:30 PM—MIX-AND-MINGLE RECEPTION FOR REHABILITATION PROFESSIONALS
Tropics B
5:30 - 7:00 PM—NOPBC FAMILY HOSPITALITY
South Pacific Ballroom A
Relax, chat, meet new families and teachers, and connect with old friends.
Veteran attendees will be on hand to welcome you and provide information.
5:30 - 7:00 PM—MUJERES OF THE FEDERATION
Tradewinds E
Join us for a keynote address from a dynamic Latina leader. This session
will provide inspiration and mentorship opportunities for the next
generation of blind Latina trailblazers. ¡No te lo pierdas! Shawn Callaway
and Rosy Carranza, Co-Chairs, Committee on Diversity and Inclusion
6:00 - 8:30 PM—EXHIBITORS SHOWCASE PRESENTED BY THE TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION
COMMITTEE
Tradewinds C
Come explore ways to evaluate new products. Hear the technology-related
exhibitors briefly explain what they are exhibiting and where they are
located in the exhibit hall. All are welcome. Mark Jones, Chair
6:00 - 9:00 PM—2019 NAGDU SEMINAR
Tradewinds D
Come join other guide dog users. Learn about common household products that
can be harmful to our dogs, get your burning questions answered from a
seasoned veterinarian, and hear from a panel of owner-trained guide dog
users. Marion Gwizdala, President
6:00 PM—Registration
7:00 PM—Welcome
SUNDAY, JULY 7, Continued
6:00 - 9:30 PM—JERNIGAN INSTITUTE TECHNOLOGY SEMINARS
Tropics A
6:30-7:30 PM—Low-Vision Accessibility Faceoff: iOS vs.
Android; Kennedy Zimnik, Presenter
8:00-9:30 PM—Basic Braille Production for the Home User;
Steve Booth, Presenter
6:30 - 10:00 PM—NOPBC YOUTH TRACK SESSIONS (ages 11-18)
Shell Seekers A and B
6:30 - 10:00 PM—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND OFFICE PROFESSIONALS
Coral C
Learn about assistive technology in the workplace, training opportunities,
and any job announcements available. Lisa Hall, President
6:30 PM—Registration
7:00 - 8:30 PM—LIVING HISTORY GROUP
Coral A
Dedicated to recording, preserving, and appreciating Federation history.
Michael Freholm, Chair
7:00 - 9:00 PM—BLACK LEADERS ADVANCING THE FEDERATION
Tradewinds F
Celebrate the numerous contributions of black Federation leaders. Let’s
inspire youth through personal empowerment, leadership development, and
mentorship. All are welcome to attend. Shawn Callaway and Rosy Carranza,
Co-Chairs, Committee on Diversity and Inclusion
7:30 - 9:30 PM—NABS STUDENT NETWORKING
South Pacific Ballroom D
Kick off your convention right by joining our students, of all ages and
from across the country, to mix and mingle, make friends, and reconnect with
old ones before the week gets started! NABS leadership is so excited to meet
you at our annual networking event! Kathryn Webster, President
SUNDAY, JULY 7, Continued
7:30 - 9:30 PM—HISPANIC SEMINAR
Tradewinds E
Blindness is blindness, no matter the language. Learn about Federation
philosophy and the truth about blindness—in Spanish. Alpidio Rolón,
Moderator
8:00 - 9:30 PM—ROOKIE ROUNDUP
South Pacific Ballroom F
First-time convention attendees—don’t miss this event! President Riccobono
and former rookies will be on hand to welcome you and answer questions about
the week’s activities. Pam Allen, Chair and Vice President, National
Federation of the Blind; President, National Federation of the Blind of
Louisiana; Director, Louisiana Center for the Blind
8:00 PM - Midnight—KARAOKE NIGHT♫♫ (Admission: $6)
South Pacific Ballroom AB
Here’s your chance to sing like a rock star and help support BLIND, Inc.
youth programs. Enjoy music, door prizes, and a cash bar as you learn about
innovative programs at BLIND, Inc. Show us your talent! Hosted by BLIND,
Incorporated.
9:00 - 10:00 PM—NFB AMBASSADORS COMMITTEE MEETING
Coral A
Dan Burke, Chair
MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM—PREREGISTRATION PACKET PICKUP
Pacific Registration Desk
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM—REGISTRATION ($30) AND BANQUET TICKET
SALES ($75)
Bayview Court South
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM—INDEPENDENCE MARKET
Islander Ballroom
9:00 - 11:00 AM—SPONSOR-LEVEL EXHIBITORS PREVIEW
Islander Ballroom
The exhibit hall opens its doors and is dedicated solely to sponsor-level
exhibitors. Come say “thank you” to our sponsors and enjoy their interesting
offers and demonstrations. Our exhibiting convention sponsors follow:
Elite:
Aira Tech Corp
Platinum:
Google, Inc.; HumanWare; Microsoft Corporation; OrCam Technologies; UPS;
Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Vispero
Gold:
BlindShell, Uber
Silver:
Amazon, Delta Air Lines, Lyft, Pearson
Bronze:
Educational Testing Service (ETS), National Industries for the Blind,
Sprint, VitalSource Technologies
White Cane:
C&P - Chris Park; Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind; Duxbury Systems, Inc;
Election Systems & Software; En-Vision America; Envision, Inc.; HIMS, Inc.;
Law School Admission Council, Inc.; Nevada Blind Children's Foundation; RTB
Safe Traffic, Inc.; TRE Legal Practice
MONDAY, JULY 8, Continued
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM—NOPBC YOUTH TRACK SESSIONS (ages 11-18)
Shell Seekers A and B
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM—2019 EMPOWERMENT SEMINAR
Tradewinds F
All convention attendees are invited to gain confidence, embrace
individuality, and explore ways to feel empowered through challenging
ourselves. Blind people continue to advocate, but it takes a village, not a
single person, to break down society's misconceptions. Pam Allen, Chair and
Vice President, National Federation of the Blind; President, National
Federation of the Blind of Louisiana; and Kathryn Webster, President,
National Association of Blind Students, Facilitators
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM—GETTING YOUR NFB BELL ACADEMY UP AND RUNNING
Mariners B
Would your affiliate like to host an NFB BELL Academy next summer? If
this’ll be your first time, or it’s been a while since the BELL rang in your
state, you’ll want to be here! Come for an overview of the training,
planning, and prep required to run a successful NFB BELL Academy. Carla
McQuillan, NFB BELL Coordinator
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM—EXHIBIT HALL
Islander Ballroom
1:00 PM—RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE
South Pacific Ballroom
Sharon Maneki, Chair
1:00 - 2:15 PM—ABLE ACCOUNTS: EMPOWERING YOUR OPPORTUNITIES
Tradewinds F
The ABLE Act continues to purposefully impact the lives of people with
disabilities. Learn more about its empowering choices, financial inclusions,
and positive impacts in your life. Eric Ochmanek, Deputy Chief of Staff,
Office of the State Treasurer of Ohio
MONDAY, JULY 8, Continued
1:00 - 2:30 PM—MASTER THE BASICS OF MANAGING YOUR MONEY
Tradewinds E
In this session, you’ll discover the benefits of using a financial
institution, opening checking and savings accounts, and keeping track of
your money. Learn how to choose checking and savings accounts that are right
for you; make purchases and pay bills with ATM cards, debit cards, and
checks; track and manage your transactions; and avoid or minimize fees. In
addition, learn the basics of budgeting and gain access to tools to help you
create a personal spending plan.
1:00 - 4:00 PM—DEAFBLIND HOPE: HAVE ONLY POSITIVE EXPECTATIONS
Coral A
Join our workshop designed to give unique solutions and create positive
changes for those who live with a combined loss of hearing and sight.
Featuring presentations from Sprint IP Relay, CapTel, BookShare, Aira, and
more. Sponsored by the NFB Deaf-Blind Division. Alice Eaddy, President
1:00-1:30 PM—Registration ($5)
1:00 - 4:00 PM—NOPBC YOUTH STYLE SHOW
Tradewinds D
Our young blind models and NFB stars strut their stuff on the runway. We
extend a special invitation to our kids with additional disabilities. Come
enjoy the fashions and music and support NOPBC. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Penny Duffy, First Vice President, NOPBC, and Carlton Anne Cook Walker,
President, NOPBC
1:00 PM—Rehearsal
2:30 PM—Style Show Begins
1:00 - 4:00 PM—BLIND MUSICIANS GROUP
Coral C
Master class on improvisation and performances by attendees. Parents and
students are welcome. Linda Mentink and Chris Nusbaum, Co-Chairs
1:00 - 4:45 PM—HUMANWARE PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Tropics B
1:00-1:30 PM—What's New and Trendy in Low-Vision Tech?
1:30-3:00 PM—The Newest Features of the BrailleNote Touch
Plus and Brailliant BI14
3:00-4:00 PM—Victor Readers Unite! Learn Some New VR Tricks
4:00-4:45 PM—Participate in an Open Forum with HumanWare!
MONDAY, JULY 8, Continued
1:00 - 5:00 PM—NFB NATIONAL CAREER FAIR
South Pacific Ballroom AB
Forty-five employers, face-to-face. They really want to hire you if you
have the right stuff. Do you? Dress for interviews (we mean it), bring a
polished résumé and cover letter, and get ready to sell yourself. Attend the
Job Seeker Seminar for information on their needs and how to impress them.
Sponsored by the NFB Employment Committee. Dick Davis, Chair
1:00-3:00 PM—Career Fair
3:30-5:00 PM—Employer Interviews (by Appointment Only)
1:00 - 5:00 PM—AIRA AFTERNOON DELIGHT
Coral B
The afternoon sessions begin with post-secondary education discussions with
BTS students and Aira representatives. Just as in life, our education talk
will be followed by an employment discussion, first, as a resource in
identifying and securing a job, then using Aira on the job.
1:00 - 5:30 PM—NOPBC YOUTH TRACK SESSIONS (ages 11-18)
Shell Seekers A and B
1:00 - 6:00 PM—NFB-NEWSLINE® DEMONSTRATION OPEN HOUSE
Tropics A
Stop by and learn how the information sources of NFB-NEWSLINE can help you
become a part of your community’s conversation and live the life you want.
Now available on Amazon Alexa! Our NFB-NEWSLINE experts are here to answer
your questions. Not a subscriber? We can sign you up on the spot!
1:00 - 6:00 PM—KNFB READER OPEN HOUSE: LEARN HOW TO POINT, SHOOT, AND READ!
Tropics A
Read inaccessible print and PDFs with KNFB Reader! KNFB Reader uses the
power of digital photography and a specially designed mobile device app to
read print on the go using your iOS, Android, or Windows 10 computer. Come
get your questions answered and request a demonstration from KNFB Reader
experts.
1:00 - 8:00 PM—INSPIRING ARTISTS, BEGINNERS TO PROS
Tradewinds C
1:00-5:00 PM—Drop-in Activities: Free activities for all!
Make tactile drawings and sculpt with friends. Contact: ann at acunningham.com
<mailto:ann at acunningham.com> for information about exhibiting your artwork.
MONDAY, JULY 8, Continued
6:00-8:00 PM—Let's Explore Perspective: Learn how
perspective works in pictures and create your own. Deborah Kent Stein and
Ann Cunningham, Coordinators
3:00 - 4:30 PM—USING CREDIT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
Tradewinds E
Learn the basics of credit, including information on credit scores, how to
obtain and read a credit report, and how to establish a good credit history.
In addition, you’ll learn how to use your credit to your advantage to help
you achieve your goals and dreams. Attend this session to learn about the
types of loans available; how to shop for, compare, and choose a loan
product; how to choose a lender; and how to protect yourself from risk.
4:15 - 5:45 PM—TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL MOCK TRIAL (Admission: $5)
South Pacific Ballroom CD
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. Scott
LaBarre, President, National Association of Blind Lawyers
4:30 - 6:00 PM—ASIAN MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Coral A
Contribute and gather ideas on how to provide culturally relevant outreach
and support to the Asian community. Your thoughts are critical in shaping
the course of this initiative. Shawn Callaway and Rosy Carranza, Co-Chairs,
Committee on Diversity and Inclusion
4:30 - 6:30 PM—BLIND CANCER SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP
Coral C
Join us for a meet and greet, a panel discussion, and personal stories of
strength and courage. Our group's purpose is to help all cancer survivors
get well and stay well, to offer preventive measures, and to create a
platform for cohesive dialogue and information dissemination. Isaiah Nelson,
Coordinator
5:00 - 7:00 PM—ACCESSIBILITY @ MICROSOFT + WINDOWS MAGNIFIER
Tradewinds E
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and organization on the
planet to achieve more. Blind and low-vision employees share our latest
efforts to embed accessibility into our products, websites, services, and
culture. Deep dive into Windows Magnifier improvements. And peek into what’s
next!
MONDAY, JULY 8, Continued
5:00 - 10:00 PM—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND VETERANS RECEPTION AND
MEETING
Tradewinds F
All veterans are invited to our reception and meeting. We will hold our
semi-annual elections and conduct our annual business meeting after the
reception. Dwight Sayer, President
5:00 PM—Reception
7:00 PM—National Meeting
6:00 - 9:30 PM—AIRA EVENING NIGHTCAP
Coral B
Join us for “a look under the hood” as we discuss our inclusive design and
product development process. We’ll also spark a post-dinner conversation
about the Aira mindset. And will hear from Aira Explorers from different
walks of life, who will discuss their own Aira experiences.
6:15 - 10:00 PM—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND STUDENTS (NABS)
South Pacific Ballroom CD
Students of all ages are warmly invited to the National Association of
Blind Students annual meeting! This year think: interactive and engaging
presenters, fun door prizes, and special performers that make this event not
worth missing! Kathryn Webster, President
6:15 PM—Registration ($5)
7:00 PM—Meeting
7:00 - 9:00 PM—NOPBC YOUTH TRACK SESSIONS (ages 11-18)
Shell Seekers B
7:00 - 9:00 PM—NFB-NEWSLINE®: ALEXA IS IN THE HOUSE!
Tropics A
Learn about the NFB’s free, audible information service for the blind, with
specific information on how to talk to Amazon Alexa to read over five
hundred publications by using your voice. Other 2019 service enhancements
will be covered. Plus, share your ideas for new content with NFB-NEWSLINE
staff.
7:00 - 9:00 PM—DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING
Tropics B
We are providing an avenue to share experiences, explore strategies, and
generate ideas to support NFB diversity efforts. Get involved in this aspect
of our movement. Shawn Callaway and Rosy Carranza, Co-Chairs
MONDAY, JULY 8, Continued
7:00 - 10:30 PM—SPORTS AND RECREATION WORKSHOPS
South Pacific Ballroom B
Sponsored by the Sports and Recreation Division. Jessica Beecham, President
7:00-8:30 PM and 9:00-10:30 PM—One Touch Self-Defense: Come
learn One Touch Self-Defense, a form of self-defense designed with the blind
in mind.
7:00 - 10:00 PM—ACTING WORKSHOP
South Pacific Ballroom A
The Performing Arts Division will sponsor our first-ever acting experience
class. Marilee Talkington, a professional actor, will deliver a training
session covering performing from script to stage. Spots are first-come,
first-served. Please contact Julie McGinnity at jmcginnity at nfb.org
<mailto:jmcginnity at nfb.org?subject=Acting%20Workshop> if interested.
7:30 - 8:30 PM—JUDAISM MEETING
Coral C
David Stayer, Chair, NFB in Judaism Group
7:30 - 9:00 PM—LIBRARY SERVICES COMMITTEE
Coral A
Learn about new developments at the National Library Service and Bookshare,
discuss the accessibility of public libraries and how can libraries best
serve our needs. David Hyde and Marci Carpenter, Co-Chairs
7:30 - 9:30 PM—BLIND PARENTS GROUP
Tradewinds D
Share techniques for traveling with young children, connecting with other
parents in your community, and resources available to blind parents.
Lisamaria Martinez and Briley O’Connor, Co-Presenters
9:00 - 10:00 PM—SPANISH TRANSLATION COMMITTEE
Coral C
Call for interpreters! We provide simultaneous interpreting services at our
national convention, from English to Spanish, during the open board meeting,
general sessions, and banquet. Please join us in our committee meeting if
you would like to help with these efforts. Daniel Martinez, Chair
TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2018
7:30 - 8:30 AM—PRESIDENTIAL DIVERSITY MORNING MIXER
Tradewinds C
This gathering provides an open opportunity to engage with national leaders
to chat about diversity and inclusion topics. Please drop in and share your
ideas, suggestions, and thoughts about our continued efforts to broaden the
participation and advancement of blind people from diverse backgrounds in
our movement. Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind,
Facilitator
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM—PREREGISTRATION PACKET PICKUP
Islander Registration Desk
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM—REGISTRATION ($30) AND BANQUET TICKET
SALES ($75)
Islander Registration Desk
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM—EXHIBIT HALL and INDEPENDENCE MARKET
Islander Ballroom
9:00 - 11:30 AM—NFB BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING (Open to All)
South Pacific Ballroom
12:30 - 2:30 PM—SPORTS AND RECREATION DIVISION MEETING
Coral B
Join us for a high-energy meeting where we will discuss the business of the
division and provide information, tools, and motivation to help you live the
life you want through health and wellness. Stay after and participate in
some of our fun workshops! Jessica Beecham, President
12:30 - 4:00 PM—SENIORS LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT RETREAT AND MORE
Tradewinds E
Please join us for our annual business meeting to learn about Aira and to
hear from retreat participants about their experience at our first senior
retreat at Rocky Bottom, South Carolina. Meet "The Blind History Lady" in
person. Share details of upcoming senior events in your state. Ruth Sager,
President
12:30 PM—Registration ($5)
1:30 PM—Meeting
TUESDAY, JULY 9, Continued
12:30 - 5:00 PM—DIABETES ACTION NETWORK SEMINAR
Coral C
Roll call and introductions. Two guest speakers from IRA and Local CDE,
(respectively). Discussion followed by a business meeting which will include
old and new business and will conclude with elections and final comments.
Bernadette Jacobs, President
12:30-1:15 PM—Registration
12:30 - 6:00 PM—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND LAWYERS DIVISION MEETING AND
RECEPTION
Tropics B
Examine laws affecting blind people and others with disabilities; address
ongoing struggles to gain equal access to websites, employment, legal texts,
and exams; share practice tips for blind lawyers. Scott LaBarre, President
12:30 PM—Registration
1:00 PM—Meeting Begins
4:00 PM—Reception
12:30 - 5:00 PM—NFB IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Tradewinds C
Enhancing nonvisual access to information technology and improving the
ability of blind information and computer technology professionals to
compete in today's world. Brian Buhrow, President
12:30 PM—Registration
12:45 - 4:30 PM—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND MERCHANTS
Tradewinds D
We are growing beyond Randolph Sheppard and expanding entrepreneurial
opportunities through our emerging leaders and women's initiatives. We will
also address current issues, challenges, and growing our division to grow
the Federation. Nicky Gacos, President
1:00 - 3:45 PM—NOPBC MEETING
South Pacific Ballroom A
Keynote address by the 2019 Distinguished Educator of Blind Children;
mix-and-mingle with vendors, blind mentors, and other parents; learn about
cutting-edge products and programs for our youth; Parent Power; business
meeting; elections; and much more! Carlton Anne Cook Walker, President
TUESDAY, JULY 9, Continued
1:00 - 4:30 PM—NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF BLIND EDUCATORS
Tradewinds F
Blind teachers discuss techniques they use in their classrooms.
Participants meet in groups specific to grade level and content area to
create a network of mentors. If you teach or are considering a career in
teaching, please join us. Cayte Mendez, President
1:00 - 5:00 PM—NOPBC YOUTH TRACK SESSIONS (ages 11-18)
Shell Seekers A
1:00 - 5:00 PM—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND REHABILITATION
PROFESSIONALS
South Pacific Ballroom B
Share resources and strategies for successful blindness training and
services. Collaborate together on how we can spread our hope, energy, and
love in all blindness rehabilitation programs. Amy Porterfield, President
1:00 PM—Registration and Networking ($5)
2:00 PM—Call to Order
1:00 - 5:00 PM—HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
Coral A
We are a diverse group of blind professionals and students who have a
passion for working with people. Please join us for our annual meeting that
includes a networking session during our last hour. Candice Chapman,
President
1:00 PM—Registration ($5)
2:00-5:00 PM—Division Meeting
2:30 - 5:00 PM—PROFESSIONALS IN BLINDNESS EDUCATION
Tropics A
All professionals working with students from birth through age twenty-one
are welcome and encouraged to join our informative and interactive meeting.
Come network and collaborate, sharing and learning with colleagues and
future educators. Eric Guillory, President
2:30 PM—Registration
3:00 PM—Meeting
TUESDAY, JULY 9, Continued
2:45 - 5:30 PM—SPORTS & RECREATION DIVISION WORKSHOPS
Coral B
Sponsored by the Sports and Recreation Division. Jessica Beecham, President
2:45-3:30 PM—Anytime Anywhere Fitness: Learn how to arrange
basic body weight fitness moves into a powerful exercise routine that can be
done anywhere, any time, and with no equipment.
3:30-4:30 PM—Advanced Yoga: Come practice yoga in an open
and judgement-free environment with a blind instructor. While we welcome
yogis of all abilities, this session is designed for someone who has
practiced yoga in the past, has a basic proficiency, and is ready to move
through a challenging class.
5:00-5:30 PM—Meditation: Wind down after a stimulating day
at convention with a guided meditation session.
5:00 - 6:30 PM—BRAILLE BOOK FAIR: PRESENTING SPONSOR WELLS FARGO
South Pacific Ballroom CD
Browse tables of new and used Braille and print/Braille books. There will
be fiction, nonfiction, early readers through multi-volume novels,
cookbooks, and more. Through a collaboration with our literacy partner, the
Wells Fargo Foundation, the books are offered at no cost to the reader.
Volunteers will box and prepare them to be shipped to the reader’s home via
Free Matter for the Blind. Donations are encouraged. Krystal Guillory,
Coordinator
6:00 - 9:00 PM—NFB IN COMMUNITIES OF FAITH
Tropics A
Speakers will discuss how their faith has helped them face and overcome
challenges. Also hear representatives from various faith-based libraries and
publishing houses describe what their various organizations do. Tom
Anderson, President
12:30 PM—Registration
TUESDAY, JULY 9, Continued
6:00 - 9:00 PM—EMPOWERING THROUGH COMMUNITY SERVICE
Coral C
Service starts here. We invite you to take the vow to serve others at our
annual meeting. Don’t hesitate, take a gamble on community service! You are
guaranteed to win… so just say I DO! Jeanetta Price, President
6:00 - 9:00 PM—PERFORMING ARTS DIVISION
Tradewinds F
Join the conversation! Let your voice be heard in our discussion of
representation in Hollywood. We will plan for the future of blindness in the
entertainment industry and then tackle the stage together with a practical
performance experience. Julie McGinnity, President
6:00 - 9:00 PM—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GUIDE DOG USERS
Tradewinds C
Inside the life of a puppy raiser. Get current updates from Uber, Lyft, and
the airline industry. Elect our leaders! Marion Gwizdala, President
6:00-6:45 PM—Registration ($5 Membership dues. Affiliate
members are members of NAGDU.)
7:00 PM—Call to Order
6:30 - 9:00 PM—ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TRAINERS DIVISION
Tropics B
Join us for expert panels on person-centered tech assessments and teaching
tech through structured discovery, lightning talks on data privacy and G
Suite, and networking with your community of practice. Everyone welcome!
Chancey Fleet, President
6:30 PM—Registration ($5)
6:00 - 9:30 PM—NFB DEAF-BLIND DIVISION BUSINESS MEETING
Tradewinds E
Get updates on national issues affecting the deaf-blind community,
technology, and the division’s business matters. Alice Eaddy, President
6:00 PM—Registration ($5)
TUESDAY, JULY 9, Continued
6:30 - 10:00 PM—SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING DIVISION
Tradewinds D
6:30 PM—Registration
7:00 PM—Meeting
Learn how to use Excel for handling statistics. Learn how the blind can
gain access to graphics and mathematical material. Learn about the project
to survey the blindness accessibility of college and graduate school
programs. John Miller, President
7:00 - 9:00 PM—CENTURY CELEBRATION BRAILLE CARNIVAL
South Pacific Ballroom AB
Come one come all to the Braille carnival to celebrate one-hundred years of
literacy projects offered by the American Action Fund for Blind Children and
Adults (AAF). Enjoy exploring the history of the Action Fund, interacting
with Braille-related activities, sharing your story about the AAF's free
Braille books and calendars, and even winning some prizes worthy of this
memorable milestone. Sponsored by the American Action Fund for Blind
Children and Adults.
7:00 - 9:00 PM—NFB KRAFTERS DIVISION BUSINESS MEETING
Coral A
If you have an interest in crafts or just a curiosity, come join us as we
review our eleventh year, plan the twelfth year, and make new friends. Yes,
blindness does NOT stop us from creating beautiful crafts. We just work
together to learn different ways to be creative. Tammy Freitag, President
7:30 - 9:00 PM—DADS’ NIGHT OUT
All dads, sighted and blind, are welcome. Contact Corbb O’Connor at
703-309-4884 for location. Sponsored by NOPBC.
8:00 - 9:00 PM—FRIENDS OF RECOVERY MEETING
Coral B
All convention attendees interested in getting or remaining clean and sober
are welcome to our confidential meeting. A second Friends of Recovery
meeting will be Thursday at 8:00 p.m. For more information, call
304-994-5103. Sheri K., Coordinator
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2019
8:00 - 8:45 AM—DEVOTIONS
Tradewinds D
8:45 - 9:15 AM—PREREGISTRATION PACKET PICKUP
Islander Registration Desk
8:45 - 9:15 AM—REGISTRATION ($30) AND BANQUET TICKET SALES ($75)
Islander Registration Desk
OPENING GENERAL SESSION
9:30 AM CALL TO ORDER AND INVOCATION
9:35 AM WELCOMING CEREMONIES
2019 National Convention Host Committee:
National Federation of the Blind of Idaho, National Federation of the Blind
of Nevada
10:05 AM CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM: VETERANS RECOGNIZED
Dwight Sayer, President, National
Association of Blind Veterans, a Division of the National Federation of the
Blind; Winter Garden, Florida
10:25 AM ROLL CALL OF STATES AND APPOINTMENT OF NOMINATING COMMITTEE
11:55 AM REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS
12:00 PM ADJOURN
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, Continued
Noon - 1:45 PM—EXHIBIT HALL AND INDEPENDENCE MARKET
Islander Ballroom
12:15 - 1:45 PM—LOUISIANA CENTER FOR THE BLIND ALUMNI RECEPTION
South Pacific Ballroom C
All Louisiana Center for the Blind (LCB) alumni and those interested in
learning more about our life-changing programs are welcome. Join us as we
celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni. Learn how LCB training will
help you “live the life you want!” Pam Allen, Executive Director
12:15 - 1:45 PM—EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
Tropics B
Employment is the first pillar of the NFB strategic plan. What does the
future of employment for blind people look like? What should it look like?
Learn about new employment resources. Networking between employers and
jobseekers. Bring your résumés and jobs. Dick Davis, Chair
12:30 - 1:30 PM—THE ORBIT READER 20 BRAILLE DISPLAY
Tropics A
Developed in partnership with the NFB and other members of the Transforming
Braille Group, the Orbit Reader 20 Braille display provides the highest
quality Braille at the most affordable price. Join the Orbit team to learn
about its features, functions, and latest developments.
1:30 - 2:00 PM—PREREGISTRATION PACKET PICKUP
Islander Registration Desk
1:30 - 2:00 PM—REGISTRATION ($30) AND FINAL BANQUET TICKET
SALES ($75)
Islander Registration Desk
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, Continued
GENERAL SESSION
2:00 PM CALL TO ORDER
2:05 PM PRESIDENTIAL REPORT
Mark Riccobono, President, National
Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
3:05 PM DIGITAL EQUALITY AND THE MYTH OF INJUSTICE: EQUAL ACCESS FOR
THE BLIND MAY NOT BE DELAYED
Eve Hill, Co-Leader, Inclusivity Strategic
Consulting, and Partner, Brown, Goldstein, and Levy; Baltimore, Maryland
3:25 PM LEADERSHIP, PARTNERSHIP, AND THE PURSUIT OF FINANCIAL
ACCESSIBILITY
Doug Marshall, Executive Vice President,
Chief Digital and Product Officer, BECU; Tukwila, Washington
3:45 PM ADDING VALUE THROUGH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE
ORGANIZED BLIND
Anil Lewis, Executive Director for Blindness
Initiatives, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
Kathy Martinez, SVP:
Disability/Accessibility Strategy, Wells Fargo Bank; San Francisco,
California
Eve Andersson, Director, Accessibility and
ML Fairness, Google; Mountain View, California
4:10 PM A CENTURY OF ADVANCING LITERACY FOR THE BLIND: A LEGACY OF
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ORGANIZED BLIND MOVEMENT
Barbara Loos, President, American Action
Fund for Blind Children and Adults; Lincoln, Nebraska
Marc Maurer, General Counsel, American
Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults; Baltimore, Maryland
4:40 PM REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS
5:00 PM ADJOURN
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, Continued
5:30 - 6:30 PM—NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Tradewinds D
5:30 - 6:30 PM—WHAT’S NEW IN WINDOWS NARRATOR
Coral A
Come hear about Narrator’s new home, quick-start guide, improved reading,
improved responsiveness, along with a sneak peek at what is coming for
summer insiders, and more.
5:30 - 7:30 PM—RESEARCH AND ACADEMIC PROFESSIONALS MEETING
Tropics A
The National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute's Research Advisory
Council invites interested individuals to discuss current research, discuss
publication in the Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research (JBIR), and
share ideas for increasing the research and academic presence of the NFB.
Edward Bell, Arielle Silverman, and Lou Ann Blake, Coordinators
6:00 - 9:00 PM—UPWARD MOBILITY SEMINAR
Tropics B
Looking to switch careers? Wondering how to achieve balance between your
life and work? Come learn about these topics and more at the Upward Mobility
Seminar, where we do not shy away from answering the tricky dilemmas we face
in today's workplace. Sponsored by the NFB Employment Committee.
6:30 - 7:30 PM—WHAT’S IT REALLY LIKE TO BE A PLANTIFF
Tradewinds F
In this session, you’ll hear from NFB members who have stood up for the
civil rights of the blind in negotiations and litigation, and from the
lawyers who represent the NFB. Hear what it’s really like to challenge
injustice, negotiate, and go to court for our rights. Scott LaBarre and Eve
Hill, Facilitators
6:30 - 8:00 PM—BLIND FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
Coral C
Come learn about issues facing federal employees and applicants. Share your
experiences with and your solutions to federal workplace challenges. Ronza
Othman, Chair
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, Continued
6:30 - 9:00 PM—COLORADO CENTER FOR THE BLIND OPEN HOUSE
South Pacific Ballroom A
Meet the staff and students at the CCB to discover what great training will
do for you! Learn about new apps for your phone, get some favorite recipes,
use a click rule, and learn about stone carving, rock climbing, and more.
Training in Colorado will change your life! Julie Deden, Director
7:00 - 9:00 PM—WHITE CANE AND AFFILIATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Tradewinds C
Fundraising takes imagination, dedication, and a little bit of ingenuity!
This is your opportunity to share ideas, ask questions, and become a leader
in funding our movement! Every state should send a representative. Everette
Bacon, Chair
7:00 - 9:00 PM—COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE: OPEN TO ALL LEADERS
Tradewinds D
Join together with chapter, affiliate, and division leaders to learn best
practices in communications. We’ll explore the tools available to us through
our national office and exchange ideas. Learn to effectively use
communication as our greatest tool to build the Federation. Jessica Beecham,
Chair
7:00 - 9:00 PM—NFB LGBT MEETING
Tradewinds E
Building the NFB and giving back with pride! Proposed topics include
special concerns related to being blind and coming out, inclusion at Pride
events, accessibility and availability of LGBT books, and community
resources. Contact Tai Tomasi at 515-329-4908 for location of group social.
Tai Tomasi, Chair
7:00 - 9:00 PM—EXHIBIT HALL
Islander Ballroom
7:00 - 9:45 PM—NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS
7:00-9:45 PM—Mini BELL for Parents: Hands on
Activities—Coral A
7:00-8:15 PM—The Basics of a High Quality IEP—Coral B
8:30-9:45 PM—Strategies for IEP Record-Keeping and
Beyond—Coral B
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, Continued
7:00 - 10:00 PM—NOPBC YOUTH TRACK ACTIVITY (ages 11-18)
Shell Seekers A and B
7:30 - 10:00 PM—HOST COMMITTEE WELCOME CONCERT ($10)
South Pacific Ballroom CD
Put on your dancing shoes and join your Federation friends and family for
an evening of live entertainment, featuring local Las Vegas performers, the
Broken Spectacles. This all-blind band has rocked places like the Smith
Center of Performing Arts and the House of Blues. Escape the casinos for an
intimate performance where the under-21 crew is welcome, too. Tickets can be
purchased at the lobby information table, the hospitality suite, or from any
member of the Nevada or Idaho delegations. Show your NFB membership coin or
convention badge to pay only $5!
8:00 - 10:00 PM—SPORTS AND REC SWIM UP
Wave Pool
Meet by the pool. You will hear one of us marshaling until 8:00 p.m. and
after that you can find us in the water!
8:00 - 10:00 PM—RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tropics A
Technology is omnipresent in our lives. While it is invaluable in education
and
employment, the blind are still excluded from many products. Hear about new
advances and discuss how to influence developers to include accessibility in
their offerings. Brian Buhrow, Chair
8:00 - 10:00 PM—MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING
Tradewinds F
You're invited! If you are interested in finding ways to discover potential
members while keeping current members engaged and interested, this is the
meeting for you. Sharing our best practices across the Federation will take
our chapters, affiliates, and our national organization to the next level.
Jeannie Massay and Kathryn Webster, Co-Chairs
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, Continued
8:30 - 10:00 PM—WEBMASTERS MEETING
Coral C
A meeting for all NFB affiliate and division webmasters to discuss the
importance of an informative, accessible, and visually attractive website.
Gary Wunder, Chair
9:00 PM - Midnight—TRIVIA NIGHT (Admission: $5)
South Pacific Ballroom B
New year, new categories, possibly new champions? Trivia Night is back with
a new twist. Bring your chapter, your friends, or make new ones. Leave with
bragging rights. Proceeds benefit future programs and activities of the
Community Service Division.
. THURSDAY, JULY 11
8:00 - 8:45 AM—DEVOTIONS
Tradewinds D
8:15 - 8:45 AM—PREREGISTRATION PACKET PICKUP
Islander Registration Desk
8:15 - 8:45 AM—REGISTRATION ($30)
Islander Registration Desk
GENERAL SESSION
9:00 AM CALL TO ORDER AND INVOCATION
9:05 AM GLOBAL LEADERSHIP, RESPONSIBILITY, AND TECHNOLOGY:
ACCESSIBILITY AS A CORE VALUE AT MICROSOFT
Brad Smith, President and Chief Legal
Officer, Microsoft Corporation; Redmond, Washington
9:25 AM A PLATFORM OF INFORMATION AND INNOVATION: INSIGHTS INTO THE
AIRA ECOSYSTEM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BLIND
Suman Kanuganti, Founder and President, Aira
Tech Corp.; San Diego, California
9:40 AM FINANCIAL REPORT AND HONOR ROLL CALL
10:55 AM ELECTIONS
11:25 AM REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS
12:00 PM ADJOURN
Noon - 1:45 PM—EXHIBIT HALL AND INDEPENDENCE MARKET (final opportunity to
visit the Independence Market and Exhibit Hall)
Islander Ballroom
THURSDAY, JULY 11, Continued
12:15 - 1:45 PM—APPS OF COMPUTER VISION AND G SUITE UPDATES
Tradewinds C
Members of the Google Accessibility team will present two computer vision
applications: Lookout and Auto-Captioning. We will also present Google G
Suite accessibility features and functionalities added over the last year
across Calendar, Gmail, Drive, Docs, and more.
12:15 - 1:45 PM—NOPBC BRAINSTORMING SESSION
Tradewinds F
Please share your ideas with us. What did you like at this convention? What
resources would help you stay connected throughout the year? What workshops
might you like to see us offer next year? Be a part of this valuable
conversation. Carlton Cook-Walker, President
12:30 - 1:30 PM—NLS FOCUS GROUP ON TACTILE GRAPHICS
Coral B
In its continuing quest to provide the material that patrons want, NLS is
seeking patron feedback via a focus group on providing graphics. Please join
us so that your voice can be included as we develop collection development
and production strategies for the next few years.
12:30 - 1:30 PM—ACCESSIBILITY: POWER OF INNOVATION AND CIVILIZATION
Tradewinds D
For more than thirty years, Apple has developed new and innovative
solutions for persons with disabilities to learn, to be creative,
productive, independent, and active, and to live out their dreams. Come
learn how Apple continues to break barriers in new arenas, including the
entertainment industry, striving to empower the blind community in bold
ways. Sarah Herrlinger, Director of Global Accessibility Policy and
Initiatives, Apple, and Everette Bacon, Board Member, National Federation of
the Blind; President, National Federation of the Blind of Utah, Facilitators
1:30 - 2:00 PM—PREREGISTRATION PACKET PICKUP
Islander Registration Desk
1:30 - 2:00 PM—REGISTRATION ($30)
Islander Registration Desk
THURSDAY, JULY 11, Continued
GENERAL SESSION
2:00 PM CALL TO ORDER
2:05 PM THE CONTINUED SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NATIONAL LIBRARY SERVICE
FOR THE BLIND: EXPANDING BRAILLE AND IMPLEMENTING THE MARRAKESH TREATY
Karen Keninger, Director, National Library
Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; Washington, DC
2:20 PM ACCELERATING ACCESSIBLE CONTENT: PROGRESS THROUGH THE DAISY
CONSORTIUM
Richard Orme, Chief Executive Officer, DAISY
Consortium; Warwick, United Kingdom
2:35 PM NEGOTIATION, COLLABORATION, AND HIGH EXPECTATIONS: THE
JOURNEY OF THE MARRAKESH TREATY TO FACILITATE ACCESS TO PUBLISHED WORKS FOR
PERSONS WHO ARE BLIND, VISUALLY IMPAIRED OR OTHERWISE PRINT DISABLED
Justin Hughes, Hon. William M. Byrne, Jr.
Chair, Professor of Law, Loyola Law School, Loyola Marymount University; Los
Angeles, California
2:55 PM EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES, PROTECTING RIGHTS, AND ENSURING
ACCOUNTABILITY: A REPORT FROM THE ADVOCACY AND POLICY DEPARTMENT
John Paré, Jr., Executive Director for
Advocacy and Policy, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
3:25 PM REPORTS, RESOLUTIONS, AND OTHER BUSINESS
5:00 PM ADJOURN
THURSDAY, JULY 11, Continued
5:15 - 6:45 PM—ACCESSIBLE COLLABORATION AND GOOGLE ASSISTANT
Tradewinds C
Learn about new ways Google Docs is improving the accessibility of
real-time collaboration so you can meaningfully keep track of live changes
in your documents. We will also present the new features in Google Assistant
and all the new devices that support it.
5:15 - 7:15 PM—AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR THE BLIND RECEPTION
Tradewinds F
AFB President, Kirk Adams, and AFB Board of Trustees Chair, Russell
Shaffer, cordially invite you to join AFB for an evening reception to
celebrate the work and achievements made by both AFB and the NFB to create a
more accessible and inclusive world for people with vision loss.
5:30 - 6:30 PM—ADVENTURES WITH MICROSOFT SOUNDSCAPE
Tropics B
Soundscape uses 3D spatial audio to promote a person’s mobility and
independence. Come along to learn what Soundscape is and how it works. We’ll
share what we’ve learned from our first year since release and how people
are using Soundscape every day in a variety of ways.
5:30 - 8:30 PM—Q&A OPEN HOUSE: SPECTRUM ACCESSIBILITY
Coral A
Come join Petr Kucheryavyy from Spectrum's Accessibility Center of
Excellence to ask questions, share your experiences, and learn more about
Spectrum's accessibility efforts in their products, services, and employment
practices.
6:00 - 7:00 PM—INTERSECTIONAL MEET-UPS
Participate in a series of special topic community conversations. Shawn
Callaway and Rosy Carranza, Co-Chairs, Diversity & Inclusion Committee
6:00 - 7:00 PM—Masculinity, Blindness, and Latino Culture:
Explore these topics and learn how others negotiate these various
identities.—Tropics A
6:00 - 7:00 PM—Blindness and Interracial Relationships:
Share experiences around dating, marriage, family dynamics, and social
perceptions.—Coral B
6:00 - 7:00 PM—Marriage and Dating as a Blind Person in the
Asian/South Asian Community: Discuss cultural practices, social
expectations, and their relationship to blindness.—Shell Seekers A
THURSDAY, JULY 11, Continued
7:00 - 8:30 PM—SSI AND SSDI 101: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Tropics B
Bring your questions regarding SSDI and SSI benefits, eligibility criteria,
the application process, reporting obligations, and information about
working while receiving benefits. James Gashel, Secretary, National
Federation of the Blind
7:00 - 9:00 PM—NOPBC YOUTH TRACK (ages 11-18)
Shell Seekers B
7:00 - 9:00 PM—BRAILLE PROOFREADING SEMINAR
Tradewinds E
If you are a parent of a blind child, a teacher of blind and
visually-impaired children, a rehabilitation teacher, or if you are
interested in learning what’s happening in the Braille field, join us to get
hands-on experience. Presented by the National Association of Blind Office
Professionals Division. Lisa Hall, President
7:00 - 9:00 PM—COMMITTEE FOR ADVANCEMENT AND PROMOTION OF BRAILLE
Coral C
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
7:00 - 10:00 PM—WHAT’S NEW AND AMAZON AT THE MOVIES
Tradewinds D
Join us to learn about improvements to Amazon Fire TV, Echo, Kindle, and
more. Stay for our second annual audio-described movie night. This year's
movie, Love and Friendship, stars Kate Beckinsale and is an adaptation of
Jane Austen's novella, Lady Susan. Snacks will be provided.
7:30 - 8:30 PM—HOW TO BE A BRAND AMBASSADOR
Tropics A
Exchange ideas on how to best represent our brand to the public, potential
members, new members, and our community. Karen Anderson, Stephanie Cascone,
Chris Danielsen, Suzanne Shaffer, and Alyssa Vetro, Facilitators
THURSDAY, JULY 11, Continued
7:30 - 11:00 PM—NINETEENTH ANNUAL SHOWCASE OF TALENT ($5)
South Pacific Ballroom CD
Join us for a night of great performances. Whether you take the stage or
support your friends from the audience, it is an enjoyable evening of
entertainment! Performer cost: $10. Admission: $5. We will award cash prizes
to three acts. Presented by the Performing Arts Division. Julie McGinnity,
President
8:00 - 9:00 PM—FRIENDS OF RECOVERY MEETING
Coral B
All convention attendees interested in getting or remaining clean and sober
are welcome to our confidential meeting. For more information, call
304-994-5103. Sheri K., Coordinator
FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2019
8:00 - 8:45 AM—DEVOTIONS
Tradewinds D
8:15 - 8:45 AM—PREREGISTRATION PACKET PICKUP
Islander Registration Desk
8:15 - 8:45 AM—REGISTRATION ($30)—Final Opportunity to Register
Islander Registration Desk
GENERAL SESSION
9:00 AM CALL TO ORDER AND INVOCATION
9:05 AM BRINGING THE SYNERGY OF THE BLINDNESS MOVEMENT INTO
CONCENTRATED PROGRAMS: BLINDNESS INITIATIVES AT THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF
THE BLIND JERNIGAN INSTITUTE
Anil Lewis, Executive Director for Blindness
Initiatives, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
9:25 AM EDUCATION, RESEARCH, AND RAISING EXPECTATIONS: EXPLORING
SPATIAL ABILITIES AND TRAINING BLIND ENGINEERS
Natalie Shaheen, Project Director, Spatial
Ability and Blind Engineering Research, National Federation of the Blind;
Baltimore, Maryland
Wade Goodridge, Associate Professor of
Engineering Education, Utah State University; Logan, Utah
9:45 AM EXPLORING THE LAYERS: A BLIND RESEARCHER, MOM, AND
FEDERATIONIST ENHANCING THE UNDERSTANDING OF DISABILITY
Angela Frederick, PhD, Assistant Professor
of Sociology, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, The University of
Texas at El Paso; El Paso, Texas
FRIDAY, JULY 12, Continued
10:05 AM CAMBIANDO VIDAS EN LA FRONTERA DE TEJAS
Norma Crosby, President, National Federation
of the Blind of Texas; National Federation of the Blind Board Member; Alvin,
Texas
Daniel Martinez, Board Member, First Vice
President, National Federation of the Blind of Texas; Brownsville, Texas
Raul Gallegos, Bilingual Access Technology
Trainer; Vice President, National Federation of the Blind Houston Chapter;
Houston, Texas
Hilda Hernandez, Legal and Healthcare
Interpreter; Secretary, National Federation of the Blind Rio Grande Valley
Chapter; Brownsville, Texas
10:30 AM LED BY THE BLIND: BRINGING AUTHENTICITY TO SERVICES FOR THE
BLIND AND MAKING THEM RELEVANT TO THE LIVES WE WANT TO LIVE
Bryan Bashin, CEO, San Francisco Lighthouse
for the Blind; San Francisco, California
10:45 AM PERSPECTIVES ON RAISING THE BAR IN THE BLINDNESS FIELD: WHY
A NEW ACCREDITATION SYSTEM?
Emily Coleman, President, Association for
Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired; Austin,
Texas
11:05 AM WE KNOW WHO WE ARE, AND WE WILL NEVER GO BACK: ESTABLISHING
THE STANDARD FOR CONSUMER-DRIVEN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Edward Bell, Secretary/Treasurer, National
Blindness Professional Certification Board; Ruston, Louisiana
11:25 AM QUESTIONS
12:00 PM ADJOURN
FRIDAY, JULY 12, Continued
Noon - 1:45 PM—RAFFLES AND DRAWINGS
Tradewinds E
Noon - 1:45 PM—AMATEUR RADIO DIVISION BUSINESS MEETING
Coral C
David Chan (NC6D), President
12:30 - 1:30 PM—MUSLIM FRIDAY PRAYER SERVICES
Shell Seekers B
12:30 - 1:30 PM—COMMITTEE ON AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES AND INNOVATIONS IN
TRANSPORTATION
Coral A
This committee collects information about trends in transportation and
emerging models of transportation that might not exist today, and which may
present opportunities for the blind to move around independently, ensuring
the NFB plays a prominent role in the future of transportation. Sachin Dev
Pavithran, Chair
GENERAL SESSION
2:00 PM CALL TO ORDER
2:05 PM THE TWELFTH ANNUAL DR. JACOB BOLOTIN AWARDS
James Gashel, Chair, Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award
Committee; Secretary, National Federation of the Blind; Honolulu, Hawaii
2:35 PM ELECTRONIC BRAILLE REIMAGINED: THE REVOLUTION OF THE CANUTE
360
Ed Rogers, Founder and Managing Director,
Bristol Braille Technology; Bristol, United Kingdom
2:50 PM THE NEXT GENERATION OF INNOVATIONS IN ACCESS TECHNOLOGY FOR
THE BLIND: CUSTOMER-DRIVEN PROGRESS AT HUMANWARE
Bruce Miles, President, HumanWare;
Drummondville, Québec, Canada
FRIDAY, JULY 12, Continued
3:05 PM THE DRIVERLESS REVOLUTION: SETTING A NEW STANDARD FOR
TRANSPORTATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Kyle Vogt, President and Chief Technology
Officer, Cruise Automation; San Francisco, California
3:20 PM AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES: ESTABLISHING STRONG POLICY FOR
AMERICA'S TRANSPORTATION FUTURE
David Schwietert, Interim President and CEO,
Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers; Washington, DC
3:35 PM BLINDNESS ACROSS BORDERS: PERSPECTIVES ON INDEPENDENCE AND
EMERGING ISSUES OF COMMON INTEREST TO THE BLIND AROUND THE WORLD
Martine Abel-Williamson, QSM, Treasurer and
Lead of Access to the Environment and Transport Work Group, World Blind
Union; Auckland, New Zealand
3:50 PM NOT WITHOUT QUESTION: THE DIFFERENCE OF THE FEDERATION
PHILOSOPHY IN OUR LIVES
Jean Brown, Blind Parent, Wife,
Federationist, and Author; Indianapolis, Indiana
4:10 PM COMPETING ON TERMS OF EQUALITY AND BLENDING IN: GOVERNMENT
SERVICE WITH FEDERATION STYLE
Kristen Cox, Executive Director, Utah
Governor’s Office of Management and Budget; Sandy, Utah
4:30 PM REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS
5:00 PM ADJOURN
FRIDAY, JULY 12, Continued
7:00 PM—BANQUET
South Pacific Ballroom
INVOCATION
MASTER OF CEREMONIES: Pam Allen
INTRODUCTIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
BANQUET ADDRESS: Mark Riccobono
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
CONVENTION NOTES:
Note 1: A Federation information desk is in the registration area from
Monday morning through Friday in case you have questions or need assistance.
Note 2: Mandalay Bay room rates are: singles, doubles, triples and quads,
$99. In addition to the room rates, there is a 21.63 percent tax. The resort
fee, normally $37 a night, is waived for NFB convention attendees. However,
fees for internet access, local and toll-free calls, and fitness center
access may apply.
Proof of convention registration is necessary, including the showing of an
NFB registration badge, if requested. Otherwise, regular hotel rates must be
paid. Hotel sleeping rooms are non-smoking; smoking is permitted only in
specified areas.
Note 3: Guide Dog Relief Areas:
There are two guide dog relief areas at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
The one closest to the sleeping room section is located outside the
transportation lobby on the Beach Level. Take the hallway between the low
floor elevators and high floor elevators to get to the transportation lobby
exit. The relief area is to the right. The area closest to the meeting rooms
is located at the Bay View Patio. The doors adjacent to the Islander
Registration Desk in the North Convention Center lead outside to the patio.
Note 4: All requests for announcements by President Riccobono during
General Sessions must be submitted in Braille.
Note 5: Raffle tickets will not be sold in the registration area, and no
raffles or other such drawings will take place during convention sessions or
at the banquet. The single exception will be that national divisions may (if
they request it in advance) conduct drawings during the sessions or at the
banquet. Groups or affiliates wishing to conduct their drawings (or any
person wishing to know the winners) may go at noon on Friday to Tradewinds
D.
Note 6: Child care for children between the ages of six weeks and twelve
years is available during convention sessions, most meetings, and the
banquet. Preregistration and payment by June 15 are required for child care.
Child care is organized and supervised by Carla McQuillan, the executive
director of Main Street Montessori Association. Please note that child-care
services provides morning and afternoon snacks, but parents are required to
provide lunch for their child(ren) every day. Times listed are the opening
and closing times. A late fee of $10 per quarter-hour per child will be
assessed for late pickups. Child-care services hours are:
Sunday, July 7 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 to 5:30 PM
Monday July 8 Closed
Tuesday, July 9 8:30 AM to noon and 12:45 to 5:30 PM
Wednesday, July 10 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 to 5:30
PM
Thursday, July 11 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 to 5:30
PM
Friday, July 12 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 to 5:30 PM
Banquet, July 12 6:30 PM to 30 minutes after the
banquet ends
Note 7: Divisions, Committees, and Groups: The Federation carries on its
business through the affiliated divisions, committees, and groups listed
below:
DIVISIONS:
Divisions of the National Federation of the Blind are organized around a
specialized interest area usually related to employment or a major stage in
life (e.g. parents or students). Divisions serve as a formal vehicle for
building the organization at the national level.
Amateur Radio: David Chan, President
Assistive Technology Trainers: Chancey Fleet, President
Communities of Faith: Tom Anderson, President
Computer Science: Brian Buhrow, President
Community Service: Jeanetta Price, President
Deaf-Blind: Alice Eaddy, President
Diabetes Action Network: Bernadette Jacobs, President
Human Services: Candice Chapman, President
Educators: Cayte Mendez, President
Guide Dog Users: Marion Gwizdala, President
Krafters: Tammy Freitag, President
Lawyers: Scott LaBarre, President
Merchants: Nicky Gacos, President
Office Professionals: Lisa Hall, President
Parents of Blind Children: Carlton Anne Cook Walker, President
Performing Arts: Julie McGinnity, President
Professionals in Blindness Education: Eric Guillory, President
Public Employees: Ivan Weich, President
Rehabilitation Professionals: Amy Porterfield, President
Science and Engineering: John Miller, President
Seniors: Ruth Sager, President
Sports and Recreation: Jessica Beecham, President
Students: Kathryn Webster, President
Veterans: Dwight Sayer, President
Writers: Eve Sanchez, President
COMMITTEES:
Committees of the National Federation of the Blind are appointed by the
President, with the exception of the nominating committee, and serve to
advise the organization’s leadership on important matters and to carry out
projects to build the organization at all levels.
Advancement and Promotion of Braille: Jennifer Dunnam, Chair
Ambassadors: Dan Burke, Chair
Automobile and Pedestrian Safety: Maurice Peret, Chair
Autonomous Vehicles and Innovations in Transportation: Sachin Pavithran,
Chair
Blind Educator of the Year Award: Edward Bell, Chair
Blind Federal Employment: Ronza Othman, Chair
Communications: Jessica Beecham, Chair
Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award: Carla McQuillan, Chair
Diversity and Inclusion: Shawn Callaway and Rosy Carranza, Co-Chairs
Employment: Dick Davis, Chair
Genetic Education: Ronit Ovadia Mazzoni, Chair
Jacobus tenBroek Award: Marc Maurer, Chair
Jacobus tenBroek Memorial Fund: Tracy Soforenko, Chair
Kenneth Jernigan Fund: Allen Harris, Chair
Library Services: David Hyde and Marci Carpenter, Co-Chairs
Membership: Jeannie Massay and Kathryn Webster, Co-Chairs
PAC Plan: Scott LaBarre, Chair
Research and Development: Brian Buhrow, Chair
Resolutions: Sharon Maneki, Chair
Scholarship: Cayte Mendez, Chair
Shares Unlimited in NFB (SUN): Sandy Halverson, Chair
Spanish Translation: Daniel Martinez, Chair
Technology Evaluation: Mark Jones, Chair
White Cane and Affiliate Finance: Everette Bacon, Chair
GROUPS:
Groups of the National Federation of the Blind serve as a resource to
members around specific topic areas. Groups are coordinated by a chairperson
appointed by the President and are intended to connect members across the
country to strengthen the resource network of the organization.
Blind Cancer Survivors Support: Isaiah Nelson, Chair
Blind Musicians: Linda Mentink and Chris Nusbaum, Co-Chairs
Blind Parents: Lisamaria Martinez, Chair
Blind Professional Journalists: Elizabeth Campbell and Bryan Bashin,
Co-Chairs
Careers in Automotive Related Specialties: Marcus Simmons, Chair
Legislative Initiatives: Don Burns, Chair
Living History: Michael Freholm, Chair
NFB in Judaism: David Stayer, Chair
NFB LGBT Group: Tai Tomasi, Chair
NFB Lions: Ramona Walhof and Milton Ota, Co-Chairs
Orientation and Mobility: Edward Bell, Chair
Piano Technology: Don Mitchell, Chair
Travel and Tourism: Amy Baron, Chair
Webmasters: Gary Wunder, Chair
NAVIGATING THE HOTEL:
Welcome to the Las Vegas Strip and, specifically, the southernmost hotel on
the Strip, the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. As with many of the newer Las
Vegas hotels, the Mandalay Bay is enormous, boasting more than 3,200
sleeping rooms, several pools, and its own convention center. While the
property is aligned neatly to the cardinal direction grid of South Las Vegas
Boulevard, the entrance faces more of a NNE direction. Because this is a bit
inconvenient for navigation, I’m going to rely on the age-old metaphor of an
analog clock face. In fact, we’re really just interested in the afternoon
hours for our needs.
Before we get started, it’s helpful to know that the middle of the clock
face is covered with Mandalay Bay’s pools—the wave pool, the lazy river, the
lagoon pools, and more. You’ll visit the center of the clock when you need
to cool off after a long day of convention activities. The hotel and its
various parts wrap around the pools nearly encircling them. Traveling
through the hotel, our path will slowly arc around the pools
counter-clockwise. Our navigation begins at the bottom of your clock face at
six o’clock.
When you arrive at the front entrance, you will enter the Mandalay Bay’s
palatial lobby on the Casino Level. As I said, we are at six o’clock. Take
several steps into the lobby. The bell desk is immediately to your left.
Continue straight into the lobby and a long registration desk is on your
left. At the far end of the lobby in front of you are floor-to-ceiling
windows looking out onto the pools. On the right side of the lobby, across
from the registration desk, is MB Lifestyle where you can purchase locally
logoed clothing, snacks, and other souvenirs. In between the registration
desk and MB Lifestyle is a large statue of Michael Jackson. The square base,
with benches backed up to all four sides, make for a good lobby rendezvous
point.
If you had entered the lobby at the front doors and turned to your right,
you would find the mobile check-in counter on the right. As you continue to
the right through the lobby, your path splits. To the left are the elevators
to the sleeping rooms. To the right, you will begin to hear the sounds of a
water feature and find railings that lead you to both an escalator and
stairs that take you down to the Beach Level. Head down to the Beach Level
and to your left are the doors leading to the transportation lobby and one
of the dog relief areas.
Instead of taking the right branch of our lobby split, we travel down the
left branch through a short hallway to the guest room elevators. Imagine
that the circular elevator lobby is a wheel with six spokes. Three of the
spokes contain banks of elevators and three of the spokes are hallways. The
two types of spokes alternate. Let’s focus on the elevator banks first. Each
bank of elevators contains eight cabs, four on each side, and serves
specific floor numbers. The floor ranges are 2-16, 17-30, and 56-69.
Entering from the main lobby, the elevators for floors 2-16 are immediately
to your left. You will find the floor ranges increase as you move clockwise
around the hub of the wheel. One level below, on the Beach Level, the spokes
are organized in just the same fashion.
You need your room key not just to get into your room, but to take the
elevator to your sleeping room floor. The key is an RFID proximity card,
meaning you need only hold it against the lock on your room door for your
room lock to open. There is neither a need to slide the card into a reader
nor is there a front or back side to the card. Like the sleeping rooms, the
elevators also have card readers. When you step inside an available
elevator, you must hold your room key up to the reader before pressing the
button for your floor. Just above the center column of buttons for selecting
your floor is a rectangular-shaped box a little smaller than a three by five
index card—this is the card reader. Please note that your room key will take
you to YOUR FLOOR ONLY.
When you reach your floor and step out from the elevator bank, you will
again be at the hub of a wheel. However, there are now only four spokes to
the wheel. One spoke contains the bank of elevators from which you have just
disembarked. The other three spokes contain sleeping rooms. Each spoke has
signage indicating its range of room numbers. Again, the room number ranges
increase as you move clockwise around the hub of the wheel.
Let’s head back down to the Casino Level elevator lobby. As mentioned
earlier, three spokes of the wheel are hallways. The first comes from the
main lobby. The second hallway, between the low-floor and the middle-floor
elevators leads out to the casino. The third hallway, between the middle-
and high-floor elevators leads to Hazel Coffee &Cocktails. For those of you
needing an early morning coffee fix, Hazel opens at 5:00 a.m. to serve
premium coffee and a variety of breakfast items. Hazel also stays open late,
beyond midnight, to serve those interested in a jolt of a different variety.
Taking the hallway leading into the casino, we are approaching five o’clock
on our clock face. There are wide carpeted paths heading off to both our
right and left. Take the path to the right and the casino will be on your
left while a number of shops are on your right. Among the retail stops are
Hazel Coffee & Cocktail (a different entrance) and a number of high-end
clothing options. Following this path to the end of the casino, you can head
straight to catch the Mandalay Bay Tram to the Luxor and Excalibur
properties. Turning left instead of heading to the tram, you can find the
House of Blues, the Shoppes at Mandalay Place, and the entrance to the
Cirque de Soleil show, Michael Jackson ONE.
As we emerge from the guest-room elevator lobby into the casino, though,
the carpeted path to the left is of greater interest to meeting attendees.
This time, the casino is on the right and, save for a handful of slot
machines, food outlets including The Noodle Shop and Seabreeze Café begin to
appear on the left. We’ll essentially be traveling in a straight line from
the five to the four on our clock face. As the carpeting gives way to a faux
riverbed stone floor, the casino ends and the restaurant options multiply.
The arc between four and three o’clock on the face of our clock are filled
with a broad variety of options, too many to mention them all. The menus for
many of these restaurants can be found both on our website and
NFB-NEWSLINE®. To the right is Mizuya, while Bayside Buffet and Fleur are on
the left. Nearly straight ahead is Citizens Kitchen + Bar, serving American
comfort food twenty-four hours a day. To the right of Citizens are a few
more restaurants including Lupo, Wolfgang Puck’s first Italian restaurant.
Continue past Citizens to the left for another half dozen options including
Libertine Social and Steakhouse. It’s this left path that takes you towards
the meeting space. You’ll notice a slight incline as you emerge from the
gauntlet of dining options. I should point out that on the right side is a
Starbucks which will no doubt be an important stop for many.
MEETING SPACE:
We have now reached nearly two-o’clock on our metaphorical clock face. The
Mandalay Bay’s convention center begins with a flooring change from riverbed
stone to terrazzo. Immediately to the right is a hallway leading to the
hotel’s Event Center; none of our meetings or activities take place in the
Event Center. Straight ahead is a wide hallway. The left side leads to the
Border Grill, the food court, and the South Convention Center. The right
side of the hallway gives way to a staircase flanked on either side by a
down escalator and an up escalator. Continue down the left hallway just
beyond the escalators and stairs to find elevators on the right wall. All
three (down escalator, stairs, elevator) will take you down to the North
Convention Center’s lower (ground) level where you will find the entirety of
our meeting space for the convention.
After descending the escalator or stairs, the Bay View Patio is to the
left, the Islander Registration Desk is straight ahead, and the meeting
space is to the right. The elevators are just off to the right between the
stairs and the registration desk. The Bay View Patio is straight ahead when
you step off the elevator. The doors out to the Bay View Patio will take you
to a second guide dog relief area.
If you take a right at the bottom of the stairs or the escalator (or make a
U-turn to the left when stepping off one of the elevators), you will enter
our convention meeting space. The corridors connecting our meeting space are
L-shaped and you are standing at the intersection of the two arms of the
‘L.’ The short arm of the ‘L,’ called the Conference Promenade, extends out
in front of you to the breakout spaces. Bay View Court, the longer arm of
the, ‘L’ is to your left and leads the way to the Islander and South Pacific
Ballrooms. It could be noted that this is one hotel space that conforms
cleanly to cardinal directions. The Conference Promenade runs east-west
while Bay View Court runs north-south.
Heading straight ahead along the Conference Promenade, you will find on
your right a large breakout space called Tradewinds. It is broken into six
sections, lettered A through F. Sections E and F are immediately to your
right while the remaining sections are further down the promenade on the
right. Beyond Tradewinds B is a small hallway to the right providing access
to Tradewinds A and breakout rooms Mariners A and B. On the left side of the
Conference Promenade are a series of smaller breakout spaces, each of which
break into two or three sections. Closest to the intersection of the arms of
the ‘L,’ you will find Shell Seeker B and A followed by Coral C, B, and A.
At the end of the promenade on the left are Tropics B and A.
If, from the intersection of the ‘L’, you instead head left down Bay View
Court from north to south, you will first pass Islander Registration Desk on
the left which will be home to consolidated registration activities
beginning on Tuesday, July 9. Next on the left you will find men’s and
women’s restrooms. Across Bay View Court from the registration desk and the
restrooms is Islander Ballroom, home to the Exhibit Hall and the
Independence Market. When you reach the end of the Islander Ballroom, there
is an intersection of sorts. The South Pacific Ballroom is ahead on your
right. Immediately to the right is a hallway that runs between the Islander
and South Pacific Ballrooms. Along the left side of this hallway are four
large sections of the South Pacific Ballroom lettered D through A, all of
which host meetings throughout the week.
Back at the intersection, opposite the hallway on the left side of Bay View
Court are stairs that lead up to the Border Grill, a contemporary Mexican
restaurant serving both lunch and dinner. Continuing further south along Bay
View Court are additional sections of the South Pacific Ballroom. Sections F
and J, both on the right, will be used for meetings on Seminar Day such as
Rookie Roundup. For the remainder of the week, the doors to South Pacific
Ballroom F and J are the entry doors for Resolutions, the NFB Board Meeting,
General Sessions, and eventually the Banquet. Opposite the South Pacific
Ballroom F is another set of restrooms. On the wall between the men’s and
women’s restrooms are ten mobile device charging stations.
At the end of Bay View Court, a modest hall turns to the right. Down this
hall are a set of elevators and an escalator that will take you up a level
to the food court in the South Convention Center. Head straight out of the
elevators or turn left off the escalator to cross the foyer to the food
court. If you’ll remember the transition to terrazzo several paragraphs ago,
there was a wide hallway, the left side of which led to the South Convention
Center. Had you continued down that hallway, you would have passed the
Border Grill and the stairs leading down to the lower level of the North
Convention Center. Beyond the stairs, still on the right side of the hallway
is BBQ Mexicana, a quick service counter open for lunch. At the end of this
long corridor is the same food court I mentioned above. At this stage of the
journey, you have reached the twelve on the face of our clock.
The food court is host to a number of reasonably priced food options
including Bonanno’s New York Pizzeria, Johnny Rockets, Nathan’s Hot Dogs,
Pan Asian Express, and Subway. The food court is accessed via a gradual
incline on its right side or three steps on the left. There is a variety of
seating within the food court. Many of the booths and high-top tables offer
outlets and USB charging stations.
Beyond the food court are the ticket counter and entrance to Mandalay Bay’s
Shark Reef Aquarium, host to sharks, giant rays, sea turtles, and more.
The National Federation of the Blind acknowledges with gratitude our
convention sponsors listed below. Their messages follow.
Elite:
Aira Tech Corp
Platinum:
Google, Inc
HumanWare
Microsoft Corporation
Oracle
OrCam Technologies
UPS
Vanda Pharmaceuticals
Vispero
Gold:
BlindShell
Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Target
Uber
Silver:
Adobe
Amazon
AT&T
Delta Air Lines
Facebook
Lyft
Market Development Group, Inc.
Pearson
Waymo
Bronze:
Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Monster Worldwide, Inc.
National Industries for the Blind
Spectrum
Sprint
VitalSource Technologies
Wells Fargo
White Cane:
BECU
C&P - Chris Park Design
Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind
Credit Union National Association
Dominion Voting
Duxbury Systems, Inc
Election Systems & Software
En-Vision America
Envision, Inc.
HIMS, Inc.
Law School Admission Council, Inc.
LCI
McGraw-Hill Education
Nevada Blind Children's Foundation
Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld LLP
RTB Safe Traffic, Inc.
TRE Legal Practice
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Elite
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HumanWare: Orientation & entertainment in one mobile package. Victor
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Visit our booth and join us at our Trek user group to learn more about what
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Microsoft: Empowerment. Microsoft is a proud sponsor of the 2019 NFB
National Convention. Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and
every organization on the planet to achieve more. This includes creating and
delivering technology that is accessible and functional for everyone.
www.microsoft.com/accessibility
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of our employees, our customers, and our customers’ customers.” - Safra
Catz, CEO, Oracle. For more information about Oracle’s accessible products,
go to: oracle.com/accessibility.
OrCam Technologies: What can the OrCam MyEye do for you? The OrCam MyEye
increases independence for people who are blind, visually impaired or have
reading difficulties. It is the most advanced wearable assistive technology
device for the blind and visually impaired, that reads text, recognizes
faces, identifies products and more. Orcam.com.
UPS: Linking people, cultures and commerce. UPS is the proud to support
National Federation of the Blind. sustainability.ups.com
Vanda Pharmaceuticals: Vanda Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to raising
awareness of Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (Non-24) and supporting the
blindness community. Non-24 is a rare circadian rhythm disorder affecting up
to 70% of people who are totally blind. People living with Non-24 experience
excessive daytime sleepiness and nighttime sleeplessness, which leads to
impaired social and occupational functioning. This is due to the
misalignment between the internal master body clock and the 24-hour day.
Come visit us at our booth to learn about Non-24 and sign up for additional
information. Call a health educator toll-free at 1-855-856-2424. 24 hours a
day, every day. Visit us online at www.non-24.com <http://www.non-24.com> .
Vispero: Enhanced Vision; Freedom Scientific; Optelec; The Paciello Group.
Learn more about our innovative technology for blindness and low vision, and
the passionate team behind it! www.vispero.com <http://www.vispero.com> .
Gold
Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP: Breaking Barriers. Brown Goldstein Levy. 120
E. Baltimore Street; Baltimore, MD. 1717 K Street NW; Washington, DC. Tel
410.962.1030, fax 410.385.0869. www.browngold.com <http://www.browngold.com>
JPMorgan Chase & Co.: Commitment to Access and Inclusion. We proudly support
the National Federation of the Blind in developing innovative education,
technology and training programs that create pathways to independence and
success for their constituents.
Uber: Uber is proud to sponsor the 2019 National Federation of the Blind
Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Learn more about Uber’s work to make
transportation accessible for everyone at accessibility.uber.com.
Silver
Adobe: Adobe congratulates the National Federation of the Blind on a
successful year and on their 2019 convention. Learn more about Adobe
accessibility at Adobe.com/Accessibility.
Amazon: Visit the NFB Convention Exhibit Hall to experience Fire TV, Fire
tablets, Kindle, Echo, and more. Amazon supports accessible experiences for
shopping, reading, and entertainment.
Learn more @ www.amazon.com/accessibility
<http://www.amazon.com/accessibility> .
AT&T: Power of you. We believe in promoting accessible and assistive
technologies for all and are proud to support the National Federation of the
Blind 2019 National Convention.
Delta Air Lines: The world is changed by those out in it. At Delta, we
believe it’s only when we venture out into the world that we realize all the
things we share. We’re proud to support the National Federation of the
Blind, because only together can we make change. Keep climbing.
Facebook: Facebook is a proud sponsor of the National Federation of the
Blind 2019 National Convention. Facebook accessibility.
Lyft: Going the extra mile. Lyft is a proud partner of the NFB.
Market Development Group, Inc.: Congratulations to the National Federation
of the Blind on another Successful Convention! Market Development Group,
Inc. A full-service marketing company. John Alahouzos Executive Vice
President. 1832 Connecticut Avenue, NW • Washington, DC 20009 • USA.
202-298-8030 • www.mdginc.org <http://www.mdginc.org> .
Pearson: Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, is proud to be a
sponsor of the National Federation of the Blind’s 2019 National Convention.
Pearson is committed to making education accessibility for all. To
participate in a tactile graphics study, please send an email to
accessible.assessments at pearson.com
<mailto:accessible.assessments at pearson.com> .
Waymo: Together we’re paving the way to a better future.
Bronze
Educational Testing Service (ETS): Measuring the power of learning. Our
mission is to advance quality and equity in education by providing fair and
valid assessments, research and related services. Our products and services
measure knowledge and skills, promote learning and performance and support
education and professional development for all people worldwide. Questions
about GRE, TOEFL, Praxis, GACE, or HiSET tests? Stop by our table to learn
more about our products and services!
Monster Worldwide: Monster is proud to support the National Federation of
the Blind. At Monster, we are committed to making our website accessible to
everyone, and to promoting the benefits of employing blind job seekers.
National Industries for the Blind: National Industries for the Blind is
proud to partner with the National Federation of the Blind to advance the
interests of people who are blind. Learn more at NIB.org.
Spectrum: Through collaboration with the blind and visually impaired
community, Spectrum can better meet the needs of all of our customers.
Spectrum is proud to support the National Federation of the Blind’s 2019
National Convention.
VitalSource Technologies: Bookshelf by VitalSource. VitalSource brings
accessible and engaging content to learners of all abilities. For nearly two
decades, we’ve worked hard to ensure our products are designed from the
beginning with accessibility in mind. Plus, you can sideload content you
already have into Bookshelf® to utilize our platform’s accessibility
features. Visit our booth in the exhibit hall to learn more!
get.vitalsource.com/accessibility.
Wells Fargo: We look through the eyes of many. Recognizing and promoting
diversity means having an appreciation for difference. At Wells Fargo, we
welcome and value the insights and perspectives drawn from unique life
experiences. It is those distinctive viewpoints that provide us with the
fresh thinking we need to help all our customers reach their financial
goals. We are proud to be part of the National Federation of the Blind
National Convention. wellsfargo.com. Together we’ll go for.
White Cane
BECU: BECU CARES. It’s our pleasure to support the National Federation for
the Blind. Keep up your important work to make a difference.
C&P - Chris Park Design: Visit C&P Chris Park booth to check out new
technologies. New product! i-lovwiew13, i-lovwiew17 video magnifiers,
premium canes and much more! C&P, known as Chris Park Technology, develops
video magnifiers and canes for people with vision loss and learning
disabilities. CP was the real manufacturer of cameras, video magnifiers,
canes for other organizations such as Baum, Ai Squared, National Federation
of the Blind.
Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind: Proud to be a White Cane Sponsor. Leading
experts in employment services and assistive technology for people who are
blind, visually impaired, disabled, or Veterans. Employment services: Sara
Bennett (312) 997-3657, sarah.bennett at chicagolighthouse.org
<mailto:sarah.bennett at chicagolighthouse.org> . Assistive Technology: Luke
Scriven (312) 997-3649 luke.scriven at chicagolighthouse.org
<mailto:luke.scriven at chicagolighthouse.org> . Now Hiring:
chicagolighthouse.org/careers.
Credit Union National Association: Proud to support The National Federation
of the Blind and its mission to defend the rights of blind Americans,
provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a
community that creates a future full of opportunities. cuna.org.
Election Systems & Software: Better elections every day. Election Systems &
Software (ES&S) has developed innovative election technology for nearly 40
years. Our visionary approach, extensive elections knowledge and expertise
have made us the trusted market leader. The ES&S brand means secure,
accurate and reliable elections for all citizens. We are committed to
enhancing the voting experience and marketplace by providing integrated
voting solutions that are federally certified. Rather than create products
we think need to exist, ES&S researches and creates solutions that are
flexible enough to meet multiple jurisdictions’ needs. As election
requirements evolve and voter preferences change, ES&S provides proven
solutions that offer flexibility and accountability. www.essvote.com
<http://www.essvote.com> .
En-Vision America: Got talking Rx labels? Become an advocate! Stop by the
En-Vision America booth and find out how! Check out demos of accessible
prescription labels and the id mate talking bar code scanner while you’re
there!
Envision, Inc.: Since 1933 Envision has been providing advocacy and support
to improve independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Envision is proud to sponsor the National Federation of the Blind. To
improve the quality of life and provide inspiration and opportunity for
people who are blind or visually impaired through employment, outreach,
rehabilitation, education and research. www.envisionus.com
Law School Admission Council: Access to justice begins with access to
education. Here at LSAC, we’re devoted to ensuring accessibility for
everyone who strives to impact the world through the study of law. We
believe the future of our justice system should reflect all those it serves.
To learn more about the digital transformation of the LSAT to enhance access
for all, visit us in the Exhibit Hall. Building a Just and Prosperous World.
LCI: Reach your highest potential. We create meaningful work for the blind
and visually impaired! Interested? Call us! 919-596-8277 Or visit:
https://www.lcindustries.com/careers/. Where do you envision YOUR future? Is
it in manufacturing? Retail? Technology? Customer Service?
McGraw-Hill Education: Because learning changes everything. We are proud to
support the National Federation of the Blind. Our commitment: We at
McGraw-Hill are committed to developing products that can be accessed and
used by any and all learners, including those with disabilities, and have
created a culture that considers those with differing learning and access
needs from the outset. This effort includes a comprehensive strategy that
combines planning, research, training, and product development activities
with both McGraw-Hill employees and third-party content partners. Learn
about McGraw-Hill’s initiatives at http://mheducation.link/nfb.
Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld LLP: Trial and Appellate Advocates. RBGG is
proud to represent and support the National Federation of the Blind so that
blind people may live the lives they want. Advancing justice and solving
problems on behalf of individuals and businesses for 29 years. Rbgg.com
RTB Safe Traffic, Inc.: Volume Control of Walk Signals. Visually Impaired
Persons can now automatically increase the volumes of Pedestrian Signals at
traffic lights with a brand new app or keychain fob. Thus, they are always
provided with full safety and experience when navigating intersections. Free
smartphone app for users. Increase in volume as needed.
www.rtbsafetraffic.com <http://www.rtbsafetraffic.com> ;
sales at rtbsafetraffic.com <mailto:sales at rtbsafetraffic.com> .
TRE Legal Practice: TRE Legal Practice is a civil rights law firm focusing
on the rights of the blind and other disabled people to access employment,
education, government programs, public accommodations, accessible technology
and all other aspects of society. Contact us: Phone (415) 873-9199;
www.trelegal.com <http://www.trelegal.com> .
Richard Payne, President
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
937-396-5573or 937/829/3368
Rchpay7 at gmail.com
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
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