[NFB-NM] 2026 State Convention Agenda

[Tonia Trapp]

Hello All,

The agenda is attached, pasted into this email, and posted on our website as a download.


Our Belief Message
The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know 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. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.
State Convention Agenda
October 22-25, 2026
Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown
2600 Louisiana Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
Tara Chavez, President
National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico (NFBNM)
505-328-3349
NFBNM.President at gmail.com
DOOR PRIZES
Door prizes will be drawn during general convention sessions and during the banquet. To win, you must be registered for the convention, and you must be in the room when your name is called, unless you are working at the registration table, providing childcare, or are the child in their care.
Code of Conduct
We welcome all attendees to our convention and embrace diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect. To that end, please keep the following expectations in mind when you join us in Albuquerque.
The National Federation of the Blind supports its members and advocates for our right to live the lives we want through advocacy, public awareness, and mentoring. As a member or guest at our Convention, you represent not only yourself but also our organization. We want you to enjoy your time with us, make new friends, and reconnect with long-time acquaintances. Although we encourage socializing and having fun, the convention also provides an important opportunity to continue the work of our organization, learn about initiatives at both the local and national levels, and plan for the future.
Please remember these guidelines:
1. Welcome new attendees: While you will understandably spend time with your friends, please make an effort to reach out to first-time attendees and help them feel comfortable. We welcome individuals from all walks of life with diverse needs and experiences.
2. Attend and participate in sessions: By committing to attend the convention, you are also agreeing to take part in sessions. Your engagement is essential to the success of our collective work.
3. Avoid inappropriate behavior: Sexual harassment will not be tolerated under any circumstances. If your behavior could potentially make someone uncomfortable—even if it would not upset you—please refrain from saying or doing anything that might be considered inappropriate.
4. Use alcohol responsibly: For some, enjoying an alcoholic drink is part of the Convention experience. However, public intoxication and the behaviors that often accompany it are poorly reflected not only on you but also on our organization.
5. Be mindful of scents: Please avoid heavy colognes or perfumes, as some of our guests have chemical sensitivities.
Assistive Listening Devices Available to Check Out During the Convention
The NFB of New Mexico has Assistive Listening Devices in the form of receivers with headsets available for persons who are Deaf, Deafblind, or Hard-of-Hearing. We use a stationary transmitter that connects to the Public Address system in a meeting room and transmits the sound directly to a receiver that you can clip to your belt or other clothing. To use the receiver, you will need to plug in a 3.5mm headset. We have small headsets available to check out along with the receivers, or you can use your own headset. We have 2 neck loops available on a first-come, first-served basis for people who have hearing aids with a Telecoil switch they can activate; the neck loop will send the sound directly to the hearing aids.
Please go to the registration desk to check out and return receivers and headsets.
When you check out a receiver, you will either need to provide a credit or debit card, or you can give us a deposit of $80 cash only. If you provide a debit or credit card, we will take a password-protected picture of the card using a cell phone and will permanently delete the picture when you bring back the equipment in good condition. If you provide a deposit of $80 cash only, we will return the money to you when you return the equipment in good condition. You will also need to sign our NFB of New Mexico Assistive Listening Device Checkout Form, where you acknowledge your understanding that if you do not return the equipment or if you damage the equipment, we will either charge your credit or debit card for the cost of replacing the equipment, or we will keep the $80 deposit and ask you to pay the remaining cost to replace the equipment.
We realize that you may be attending multiple days of the convention. Even so, we ask that you return the receiver and headset each day after the last event you plan to attend that day. This way, we can charge the receivers overnight to ensure they will have a full charge when they are checked out the next day. If you keep the receiver for multiple days and turn it in when you are done attending the convention, we cannot guarantee that the receiver will maintain its battery life over multiple days.
These receivers can operate on three different channels. The board meeting, general sessions, Resolutions Committee meeting, and the banquet will all be broadcast on Channel E, which is the default channel. If you are attending a meeting during the convention other than those just listed, you may need to change the channel on your receiver to either channel A or Channel H to tune in the broadcast for that meeting.
To change the channel on the receiver, press and hold the volume up and down buttons together for five seconds. Then you can use the volume up and volume down buttons to change the channel to A or H. Once you have changed the channel, either press the power button to save and exit, or the change will be saved automatically in 5 seconds if you take no action. If you need help changing the channel on your receiver, please go to the registration desk.
Feedback Survey After the Convention
Those who have registered will receive an email after the convention with a link to an anonymous feedback survey, where you can share your thoughts about the convention. Please take a moment to complete the survey—we are eager to learn what you enjoyed and what we could improve or do differently next time. Thank you in advance for your valuable feedback.

Thursday, October 22, 2026
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Board of Directors Meeting (Baldwin)
Tara Chavez, President, NFBNM
Friday, October 23, 2026
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Registration (Registration Counter)
Sarah Villavicencio, Registration Chairperson
Adults $30.00 and Children $15.00
Please stop by to register, pick up your print or Braille agendas and
your meal tickets (if purchased).
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Childcare (Ebony)
Faith Switzer, Childcare Chairperson
9:00 AM - Noon
General Session Part 1 (Ambassador)
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM
Call to Order
Tara Chavez, President, NFBNM
Invocation
Duran DuBoise, Member, At Large Chapter, NFBNM
Pledge of Allegiance
Quincey Mary Kelley, Fifth Grade Student, Zia Elementary School
National Anthem
Jessica Rose Johnson, Sophomore, Cloudcroft Public Schools
NFB Pledge
Pablo Zavala-Jimenez, Second Vice President, Albuquerque Chapter, NFBNM
The National Federation of the Blind Pledge
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.
Belief Message
Orlando Meraz, Member, At Large Chapter, NFBNM
The Belief Message
The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know 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. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.
Announcements and Convention Arrangements
Adelmo Vigil, Convention Coordinator
9:20 AM - 9:25 AM
Greetings from the City of Albuquerque,
Tim Keller, Mayor
9:25 AM - 9:30 AM
Action Auction
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Life Beyond My Dreams
Mary Willows, Member, Albuquerque Chapter, NFBNM
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
National Report
Pam Allen, National Representative, First Vice President, National Federation of the Blind
10:45 AM - 11:05 AM
Developments in Library Services for the Blind
Jennifer Finely-McGill, MLIS, Outreach Librarian, Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, New Mexico State Library
11:05 AM - 11:30 AM
My Blindness, Myself
Janet Montoya, President, At Large Chapter, NFBNM
This member of our Federation family will tell their story of blindness and how the Federation has helped them live the life they want.
11:30 AM - 11:35 AM
Action Auction
11:35 AM - 11:55 AM
Status Report on the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NMSBVI)
Heather Miller, Ed.D., Superintendent, NMSBVI
11:55 AM - Noon
Announcements and Convention Arrangements
Adelmo Vigil, Convention Coordinator
Noon - 1:15 PM
NFBNM Welcome Luncheon (Regal/Wurlitzer)
Mistress of Ceremonies, Tara Chavez, President, NFBNM
Update on the National Association of Blind Students, (NABS)
Zachary Ledford, National Representative, First Vice President, National Association of Blind Students
Luncheon Keynote Speaker, Pam Allen, National Representative, First Vice President, National Federation of the Blind
Action Auction
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
At Large Chapter Meeting (Registry)
Janet Montoya, President, At Large Chapter, NFBNM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Exhibits (Expo Room)
Juan Haro and Denise Otero, Chairpersons
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Orientation Center and STEP Program Alumni Reunion (Ambassador)
Jamie Sibson, Director, NM Commission for the Blind Orientation Center
This is an opportunity for alumni to catch up with old friends and staff from their days at the Orientation Center and/or in the STEP Program and network with other past and present students. If you want to know more about the Orientation Center or are thinking of attending STEP, please come meet some of our staff and students to learn how our program can help you achieve your goals of independence.
3:15 PM - 4:55 PM
Senior Action Group Energy (SAGE) Group (Registry)
Veronica Smith, Chair, SAGE Group, NFBNM
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Public Meeting of the New Mexico Commission for the Blind
(Ambassador)
Greg Trapp, Executive Director, New Mexico Commission for the Blind
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Nominating Committee (Ebony)
Urja Lansing, Chairperson, Nominating Committee
This is a closed meeting open only to chapter presidents.
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Are you ready for a fun Game Night?
Join us in the (Registry) for Friends–Fun–Prizes, a lively fundraising event where everyone can take part in the excitement!
It’s a pay to play evening—just pay to “get in the game” and enjoy a night full of family friendly fun. Play at a table and support the NFBNM at the same time. Bring a friend, make new ones, and share a memorable experience with us!
What’s the game, you ask?
Australians call it Housie, Italians say Tobola, the Mexican version is La Lotería… and we simply call it FUN!
Cash bar available.
Pricing:
• $10.00 per card for the entire evening
• $5.00 to join the fun without playing
Saturday, October 24, 2026
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM
Registration (Registration Counter)
Sarah Villavicencio, Registration Chairperson
Adults $30.00 and Children $15.00
Please stop by to register, pick up your print or Braille agendas and
your meal tickets (if purchased).
8:00 AM - Noon
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
6:45 PM - 10:00 PM
Childcare (Ebony)
Faith Switzer, Childcare Chairperson
8:00 AM - Noon
Exhibits (Expo Room)
Juan Haro and Denise Otero, Chairpersons
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Resolutions Committee (Registry)
Kelly Burma, Chairperson, Resolutions Committee
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Focusing on Students: Celebrating 70 Years of Striving for the Future! (Ambassador)
Gitana Curtis, Chair, Students Group
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Seminar for Parents of Blind Children (Registry)
Caroline Graves, Board Member, West Mesa Chapter, NFBNM
Lunch on Your Own
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
General Session Part 2 (Ambassador)
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
President's Report
Tara Chavez, President, NFBNM
2:00 PM - 2:10 PM
Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) Plan
Adelmo Vigil, President Emeritus, NFBNM
2:10 PM - 2:45 PM
Status Report on the New Mexico Commission for the Blind
Greg Trapp, Executive Director, New Mexico Commission for the Blind
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) and STEM2U Program Updates
Janet Montoya, BELL and STEM2U Coordinator, NFBNM
3:00 PM - 3:25 PM
What Is the Orientation Center, and How Can it Help Me Live the Life I Want?
Jamie Sibson, Director, Orientation Center, New Mexico Commission for the Blind
3:25 PM - 3:30 PM
Action Auction
3:30 PM - 3:45 PM
Teachers of Tomorrow
Jasmine Brown, Vision Education Specialist, Bloomfield School District
Jenilee Charley, Ed.S and TSVI, Outreach Itinerant and Mentor, New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
3:45 PM - 4:25 PM
Happy 70th Birthday to the NFB of New Mexico!
Adelmo Vigil, President Emeritus, NFBNM and Tonia Trapp, Secretary, NFBNM
4:25 PM - 4:30 PM
Convention Announcements
Adelmo Vigil, Convention Coordinator
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
No Host Social Hour/Silent Auction Display (Ambassador/Registry)
Proceeds of the Silent Auction will benefit our scholarship program for parents of blind children to support the family to attend the National Federation of the Blind convention.
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
State Convention Banquet (Ambassador/Registry)
Mistress of Ceremonies, Janet Montoya, President, At Large Chapter, NFBNM
Invocation
Roland Allen, Orientation and Mobility Instructor, Louisiana Center for the Blind
Keynote Speaker
Pam Allen, National Representative, First Vice President, National Federation of the Blind
Presentations, Awards and Drawings
Sunday, October 25, 2026
9:00 AM - Noon
Childcare (Ebony)
Faith Switzer, Childcare Chairperson
9:00 AM - Noon
General Session Part 3 (Ambassador)
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM
Report on the Washington Seminar
Tara Chavez, President, NFBNM
Orlando Meraz, Member, At Large Chapter, NFBNM
Darlene Ortiz, Member, At Large Chapter, NFBNM
Pablo Zavala-Jimenez, Second Vice President, Albuquerque Chapter, NFBNM
9:20 AM - 9:45 AM
Adventures in Austin: Our Experience at the National Convention
Duran and Lee DuBoise, Members, At Large Chapter, NFBNM
9:45 AM - 10:05 AM
Resolutions
Kelly Burma, Chairperson, Resolutions Committee, NFBNM
10:05 AM - 11:45 AM
Business Meeting
Minutes of 2025 State Convention
Tonia Trapp, Secretary, NFBNM
Treasurer's Report
German Benitez, Treasurer, NFBNM
Vote on Approval of Amendments to the NFBNM Constitution
Tara Chavez, President, NFBNM
Elections
Urja Lansing, Chairperson, Nominating Committee, NFBNM
11:45 AM - Noon
Final Announcements, Closing Remarks, and Adjourn

Until Next Time, Let’s Go Build the Federation
The National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico knows the truth about blindness. Together, we are dismantling societal misconceptions and reclaiming our narratives to raise the expectations of blind people.
NFBNM CHAPTERS AND GROUPS
CHAPTERS
At Large Chapter (Statewide)
President, Janet Montoya 505-672-9626
NFBNM.ALC.President at gmail.com
Albuquerque Chapter (Albuquerque)
President, German Benitez 505-702-5044
NFBNM.AbqChapter at gmail.com
San Juan (Farmington)
President, Melanie Redhouse 505-419-7168
NFBSanJuanPresident at gmail.com
West Mesa (Albuquerque)
President, Juan Haro 505-382-3345
NFBNM.WestMesaChapter at gmail.com
GROUPS
Senior Action Group Energy (SAGE)
Group Chair, Veronica Smith 505-269-1034
NFBNM.SAGE at gmail.com
Student Group
Group Chair, Gitana Curtis 505-862-3213
gitanacurtis at gmail.com

NFBNM BOARD MEMBERS
President
Tara Chavez, Albuquerque term expires 2026
First Vice President
Vacant term expires 2026
Second Vice President
Urja Lansing, Albuquerque term expires 2026
Secretary
Tonia Trapp, Albuquerque term expires 2026
Treasurer
German Benitez, Albuquerque term expires 2026
Board Member
Martin Gallegos, Santa Fe term expires 2026
Board Member
Mario Hooee, Zuni term expires 2026
Board Member
Jamie Sibson, Alamogordo term expires 2026
Board Member
Daphne Mitchell, Albuquerque term expires 2027
Board Member
Juan Haro, Albuquerque term expires 2027
Board Member
Gitana Curtis, Farmington term expires 2027
OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
Dream Makers Circle
You can help build a future of opportunity for the blind by becoming a member of our Dream Makers Circle. It is easier than you think. You can visit your bank and convert an account to a POD (payable on death) bank account, which is payable after your passing to the National Federation of the Blind or one of our affiliates. Your legacy gift to the National Federation of the Blind or the National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico can be made in the form of a will or living trust, an income-generating gift, or by naming us as the beneficiary of a retirement plan, IRA, pension, or a life insurance policy. You can designate a specific amount, a percentage, or list the NFB as one of several beneficiaries. For additional information, please contact Patti Chang at 410-659-9314, extension 2422, or at pchang at nfb.org.
Vehicle Donations
The National Federation of the Blind uses car donations to improve the education of blind children, distribute free white canes, help veterans, and so much more. We have partnered with Vehicles for Charity to process donated vehicles. Please call toll-free 855-659-9314, and a representative can assist, or you can donate online by visiting www.nfb.org/vehicledonations .
Pre-Authorized Contributions (PAC)
Can you help the National Federation of the Blind on a regular basis? Please consider joining our pre-Authorized contribution plan. Starting at $5 monthly, you can help us turn dreams into reality and raise expectations for blind people. Visit nfb.org/pac to fill out the online form or email pac at nfb.org for additional information.
Visit www.nfbnm.org for more information.
Our Hope
We hope that by attending our convention, your expectations for yourself are elevated—so that blindness is no longer the characteristic that defines you or your future, and low expectations no longer stand between you and your dreams. Our goal is for you to leave empowered to live the life you want.
Our Thanks
Thank you to everyone who appeared on the agenda and to all who chaired or served on committees.
We are grateful to the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired for brailling our agendas this year.
We extend our appreciation to Pam Allen for serving as our national representative. The national perspective you shared is vital to our continued pursuit of equality, security, and opportunity.
Our thanks also go to the hotel management and staff for their support in planning this weekend and for helping make our stay enjoyable.
We wish you safe travels home and look forward to seeing you again next year.
Our Supporters
Thank you to all who helped make this a successful convention and for your ongoing support: Nanopac, JW.org, Humanware, the New Mexico Commission for the Blind, Vancro, the New Mexico State Library, and the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

JW.org




Best wishes,



Tonia Trapp, secretary

National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico

nfbnewmexicosecretary at gmail.com

www.nfbnm.org



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