[NFB-NM] Fw: Thank you from Elliott, Shelly and Ron

[Tonia Trapp]

Dear NFB New Mexico,



Please accept our sincere thanks for making it possible to attend the NFB Conference in New Orleans this last summer. We are deeply moved by the generosity and vision of this community.



In New Orleans we were impressed by the power of collective advocacy, the brilliance of accessible technology, and the sheer joy of belonging to a community that sees possibility everywhere.



Walking into that hotel ballroom filled with 2.4 thousand blind people from across the country was awe-inspiring. The energy was electric. The conversations were rich. And the technology? Mind-blowing. From tactile graphics to AI-powered navigation tools, we saw the future unfolding in real time. (I am sighted and I’ll share that being confronted with hundreds of white canes was a little terrifying and I had to learn new ways to navigate.)



Elliot was especially interested in the demos and the wearable tech that’s reshaping independence. But what struck me most wasn’t just the tech—it was the people. The mentors who took time to talk with us. The students who shared their stories. The professionals who showed us what’s possible. I did blind-folded cane travel for the first time and I can honestly say that it was profound.



When I was twelve, I attended my first conference for Lions Clubs International, and later the organization sent me to a conference in Europe. For years I’ve carried the gratitude for their investment in me – and I continue to be a member. Similarly, I hope that Elliott will have many years of friendship and service through NFB.



The first time Elliott and I attended the NM conference, Elliott saw all the people with canes standing in front of the hotel, and walking through the parking lot he said, “Mom, I think I found my people.”  Thank you for being “our people” and thank you for investing in Elliott.



With gratitude,



Shelly Smith
Mother of Elliott Hitchcock



Elliott Hitchcock

Student with low vision



Ron Hitchcock

Father of Elliott Hitchcock
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