[Ohio-Talk] Important National Convention details and links

Wed Jun 29 19:06:23 UTC 2022

Important National Convention details and links

Greetings NFBOH 2022 National Conventioneers,

Listed below are important items and links; please save for future
reference. If you have questions or concerns especially during the
convention, please contact your affiliate leaders.

Richard Payne: (937) 829-3368

Suzanne Turner: (216) 990-6199

If you need assistance in New Orleans on July 3rd, please contact Suzanne
Turner at (216) 990-6199

Host Hotel Marriott New Orleans

555 Canal Street

New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

855-821-4288

Welcome!

Welcome to the world's largest gathering of the organized blind, the
National Federation of the Blind's annual convention, where expectations are
raised and lives literally transformed.

Important:

Read the info below or Click on this link for a COVID Safety Video   

 <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOC0868KuQI&feature=youtu.be>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOC0868KuQI&feature=youtu.be

Convention Safety Protocols and COVID-19 Testing

We ask that everyone do their part to keep our Federation family healthy and
safe in this era of COVID-19. We are implementing new systems to minimize
risk and ensure our community can comfortably enjoy an empowering convention
experience. Please thoroughly review our 2022 National Convention Safety
Protocols (
<https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2022-national-convention-s
afety-protocols>
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2022-national-convention-sa
fety-protocols) and our National Convention COVID-19 Testing Protocols (
<https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2022-national-convention-s
afety-protocols/covid-testing-protocols>
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2022-national-convention-sa
fety-protocols/covid-testing-protocols). These documents, along with the
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) answers on the testing protocols page, will
provide a wealth of information.

Most importantly, please help us by fully masking in all meetings, the
exhibit hall, and other public hotel spaces when not actively eating or
drinking. Attendees should also practice social distancing throughout
convention whenever possible. It is also important that all attendees
self-monitor and seek a COVID-19 test if experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

To participate in any convention activity, an attendee must produce a
negative COVID-19 test result from a test performed not more than
seventy-two (72) hours prior to checking in at the hotel. Any FDA-approved
test is suitable, whether a molecular test such as a PCR test or an antigen
test such as an at-home rapid test. A time-stamped photo of your negative
test result, a smartphone screen shot, an electronic document, or paper
documentation are acceptable. Documentation may be emailed to
<mailto:testresults at nfb.org> testresults at nfb.org or presented in person. 

Those attendees unable or choosing not to test in advance can be tested at
the Marriott. The NFB has engaged a third-party testing organization to
administer COVID-19 rapid tests on site beginning at noon on July 4. In
order to avoid waiting lines, attendees are STRONGLY encouraged to test and
send results prior to arrival.

Upon confirmation of a negative COVID-19 test result, whether submitted in
advance or produced on site, each attendee will receive a "Together in NOLA
2022" wristband. Attendees MUST have a wristband before proceeding to
convention registration. When participating in any convention activity,
attendees are expected to wear either their wristband or convention name
badge and are invited to wear both.

So, Visit 2022 National Convention Safety Protocols including submitting
your COVID-19 test results 

<https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2022-national-convention-s
afety-protocols> 2022 National Convention Safety Protocols | National
Federation of the Blind (nfb.org) 

For latest National Convention information visit 
 <https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention> National Convention |
National Federation of the Blind (nfb.org)

Please review the first timers guide by clicking on the link below
 <https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide>
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide 

Review convention notes by clicking on the link below

<https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2022-national-convention-a
genda/nfb22-convention-notes> NFB22 Convention Notes | National Federation
of the Blind

Ohio First-timers pick-up Kenneth Jernigan Scholarships 

date: July 6th and July 7th 

Time: 4 to 5

Location: Galerie Registration Counter

located on the second floor of the hotel, 

across the foyer from the Galerie 6 meeting room.

You should have your scholarship award letter when you come.

Click on the link below for audio version of the Proposed Amendment to the
Constitution of the National Federation of the Blind members will vote on
during the convention
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=26076&qid=7254874>
https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=26076&qid=7254874 

Click on the link below for audio hotel description

<https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2022-national-convention-a
genda/nfb22-navigating-hotels>
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2022-national-convention-ag
enda/nfb22-navigating-hotels 

Rookie Round-Up

All Ohio first-time convention attendees are cordially invited to attend a
reception from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, in the Acadia Ballroom.
President Riccobono and other Federation leaders will be on hand to welcome
you to the convention and preview the week's activities. 

Ohio caucus, 

Date: Wednesday, July 6, 

Time: 4:30 PM 

Location: Galerie 1 for an hour

All Ohio members are expected to be present at this important meeting. Bring
your Banquet Tickets with you for exchange if you wish to sit with Ohio
Affiliate Members 

Also, all Ohio members will be expected to assist with the Affiliate
convention sale of, hand sanitizers and M&M'S. The hand sanitizers are
$3.00, and the candy is $2.00.

Registration: 

Registration will be available earlier than usual, opening for Ohio members
on, 

Date: Tuesday, July 5th and Wednesday, July 6th 

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  

Location: Salon E 

Note: Beginning on Thursday, registration will move to Salon A for the
remainder of the week as listed throughout the agenda.

Schedule Recap:

*	Tuesday, July 5: Seminar Day and Rookie Round-Up
*	Wednesday, July 6: Registration and Resolutions  
*	Wednesday, July 6:  Affiliate Caucus Meeting 
*	Thursday, July 7: Board Meeting and Division Day
*	Friday, July 8: Opening Session
*	Saturday, July 9: Business Session
*	Sunday, July 10: Banquet Day and Adjournment

CrowdCompass Platform

The convention agenda can be accessed via the CrowdCompass platform. Mobile
apps are available for both the iOS and Android platforms (
<https://crowd.cc/s/4kq4c> https://crowd.cc/s/4kq4c). A web portal is also
available ( <https://crowd.cc/nfb22> https://crowd.cc/nfb22). CrowdCompass
allows users to customize a personal agenda and chat with other CrowdCompass
convention goers.

Exhibit Hall and Independence Market 

The Exhibit Hall and the NFB Independence Market are in the Sheraton
Napoleon Ballroom, across the street from the Marriott at 500 Canal Street.

Exhibit Hall hours of operation are:

*	Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
*	Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
*	Friday: Noon to 1:45 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
*	Saturday: Noon to 1:45 p.m. (final opportunity to visit the Exhibit
Hall)

Independence Market hours of operation are: 

*	Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
*	Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
*	Friday: Noon to 1:45 p.m.
*	Saturday: Noon to 1:45 p.m. (final opportunity to visit the Market)

Presidential and Host Affiliate Suites

The Presidential Suite (room 4022) and 

The Host Affiliate's Suite (room 633) are open during much of the
convention. All are welcome to come to these suites to visit. 

*	Monday: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
*	Tuesday: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
*	Wednesday: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
*	Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
*	Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
*	Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to Noon

Here are some Tips and Tricks that was shared on the Affiliate Listserve. 

*	Bring good quality masks. Double cloth and surgical or N95/KN95/KF94
*	Business casual is the general attire for the convention up to
banquet. Banquet is more dress up.
*	Bring snacks! Hotel food is expensive, and you may not have time
every day to wait for lunch at the restaurant. 
*	Bring a sweater. The convention spaces often get cold.
*	Comfortable shoes that are still appropriate are better than fancy
shoes that you are going to hate walking around in all day.
*	Eye masks or ear plugs are helpful if you're a light sleeper.
*	Bring headphones for your phone (nobody else wants to hear your
voiceover going) and headphones with a 3.5mm plug so you can use the ATM if
you need to.
*	Bringing some cash in small bills is good, there are lots of
affiliates and divisions that do fundraising and raffles.
*	Bring a refillable water bottle, you are going to get dehydrated if
you do not.
*	Consider going to a local grocery store if you arrive early to grab
small things, especially if your room has a fridge. People will often get
snacks and materials for sandwiches, instant coffee, etc.
*	Bring a folding cane if you normally use a straight cane just in
case.

Airport Transportation

There are several ways to travel from the Louis Armstrong International
Airport (MSY) to the Marriott or Sheraton.  The approximately fourteen-mile
trip takes twenty-five to forty minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are
readily available and have a thirty-six-dollar minimum fee for two people.
For three or more passengers, the cost is fifteen dollars per person. 

The airport shuttle costs forty-four dollars per person round-trip or
twenty-four dollars each way. You can reserve a spot on a shuttle online in
advance or in person at the baggage claim area. Children under six, ride
free with their parents.

The shuttle stops at multiple hotels, so if you choose that option, make
sure to plan accordingly. For reservations, call (504) 522-3500 or (866)
596-2699 at least twenty-four hours before your flight. Wheelchair 

Mr. Wheelchair:

You can rent a wheelchair while in New Orleans.

Call: 504-834-2810

accessible vehicles are available but require you to book a week ahead.

Paratransit:

To Schedule service, 

Call: 504-827-7433

Time and date:

M/F: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

S/S 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM

To confirm trips:

M/F 6/5

S/S 7/4

Call: 504-827-7433

Cost:

Within New Orleans is $2 each way.

>From the New Orleans Airport is $15 each way

Note! When scheduling let the customer service know that you are blind. They
are curve to curve. Make sure if someone is riding with you to provide that
info as well. Only three people can ride at one time, that includes you.
Masks are mandatory!

Provide this fax number to your Paratransit customer service to fax your ADA
eligibility over to New Orleans Para Transit.

Fax: 504-827-8428

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio (NFBO)

Suzanne Turner, Ohio Affiliate Vice President

Cleveland Chapter, President

(216) 990-6199

Please click on the links below to learn more about the organization

The Ohio Affiliate

 <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGe_1qGbkX8>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGe_1qGbkX8

"Live the life you want" featuring, National President, Mark Riccobono

 <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DesLNDBpYVE&feature=share>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DesLNDBpYVE&feature=share

Visit and take a moment to like our Facebook Page!

<https://m.facebook.com/NationalFederationOfTheBlindOfOhioClevelandChapter/>
https://m.facebook.com/NationalFederationOfTheBlindOfOhioClevelandChapter/ 

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.