Friday, July 5, 2024

Return to Start of Agenda | Visit the Convention Home Page | Contribute to Give $25 Drive

Any agenda changes made after Braille and print production can be accessed on the NFB24 app or at https://nfb.org/convention. Changes will be marked an asterisk (*).

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Registration (30 dollars), Packet Pickup, and Banquet Ticket Sales (80 dollars)

Registration Desk 1

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

WA1, Convention Center

9:00 - 11:30 a.m. NFB Board Meeting

Grand Ballroom
Zoom meeting ID: 977 2977 7580
1CapApp Event: https://ECS.1capapp.com/event/nfb

11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Banquet Exchange

Grand Ballroom C Prefunction Foyer

12:15 - 4:00 p.m. National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC) Annual Meeting

Salon 1
Hear from the Distinguished Educator of Blind Children and our technology exhibitors; learn about cutting-edge products and opportunities for our kids. Experience Parent Power; participate in our business meeting, elections, and much more!

Cassandra McKinney, President

12:15 - 4:00 p.m. NOPBC Youth Track

Salon 17
For youth 11-18. Refer to the Youth Track agenda for activity details.

12:30 - 5:00 p.m. NFB in Computer Science

Salon 3
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

*1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Islamic Friday Prayer Services 

Salon 21
NFB Muslims Group is offering the Islamic Friday Prayer services for all Muslims. Non-Muslims are also welcome to attend.

1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Writers Division Business Meeting and Author Round Up

Salon 6
Join us and meet fellow self-published and mainstream published authors who can help you to improve your own skills. Come prepared to be creative. The cost for attendance is 10 dollars. We will see you there and may have some surprises in store.

Shelley Alongi, President

1:00 - 4:00 p.m. National Association of Blind Merchants

Grand Ballroom D
Innovation 24: Innovation—the driving force behind progress, creativity, inspiration, problem solving and the exploration of new ideas. Innovation requires courage and a commitment to excellence. Join the merchants/entrepreneurs to discuss building relationships and partnerships and developing opportunities in the Randolph-Sheppard Program program and small business.

Nicky Gacos, President

1:00 - 4:00 p.m. National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals

Salon 12
Join your peers in blind rehabilitation as we share ideas, resources, and gather tools for this year’s rehab toolbox. Together we will energize each other as we raise expectations for skills, positive blindness philosophy, and of course confidence, independence, and jobs.

Amy Porterfield, President

1:00 - 4:00 p.m. National Organization of Blind Educators

Salon 13
Educators who are blind teach sighted and blind students from infants to adults working toward post-graduate degrees. If you are blind and an educator, or are considering a career in teaching, come join us to share strategies, tips, and tools of the trade. 

Cayte Mendez, President

1:00 - 5:00 p.m. DeafBlind Division and Business Meeting

Salon 15
Come join us for exciting updates and news about I Can Connect, Braille displays, Cochlear implants, and more. Make sure your dues are paid before the meeting to be able to vote in the elections for board members. If necessary, you may pay dues before the meeting.

Maurice Mines, President

1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Diabetes Action Network Meeting

Salon 10
Come learn about blind diabetics who are self-sufficient, manage their disease, and work for the development of technology equivalent to that available to other diabetics. Join with those who have overcome being scared and who have embraced the challenge of this disease.

Debbie Wunder, President

1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Performing Arts Division and Audition Workshop

Salon 2
Join us for our annual business meeting followed by an interactive workshop (5 dollar entry) all about auditioning with confidence. Time for networking included. Renew your membership by July 1 to ensure you can participate in all business at the meeting by visiting www.nfb-pad.org.

Katelyn MacIntyre, President

1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Seniors Division Meeting

Salon 4
1:00 p.m. Registration 
1:30 p.m. Annual meeting of the National Federation of the Blind Seniors Division

Glenn Crosby, President

*1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Drop by the JAWS AI Suite 

Salon 5
Get hands-on training with some of our newest AI-powered features including Picture Smart AI and Face in View and bring your JAWS questions. You will also have an exclusive opportunity to try out and give us feedback on a preview of our newest upcoming feature!

1:00 - 6:30 p.m. National Association of Blind Lawyers Division

Salon 9
Examine challenges and opportunities for blind attorneys and law students; learn about legal updates impacting the blind; share practice tips and technology tools for blind lawyers. Register at www.blindlawyers.net.
1:00 p.m. Division meeting
4:30 p.m. Ticketed reception

Ronza Othman, President

1:30 - 5:00 p.m. Assistive Technology Trainers Division

Salon 14
Current and aspiring tech trainers: join us for professional development, networking, and fellowship. We’ll explore what it takes to become a great trainer, how to help our students build sustainable digital literacy skills, and what’s new in the world of AT.

Chancey Fleet, President

2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Professionals in Blindness Education Division

Salon 7
All professionals serving 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.

Emily Gibbs, President

2:30 - 5:00 p.m. Human Services Division Annual Meeting

Salon 8
Do you have a passion for working with people? If so, we invite you to join our meeting! We will have dynamic speakers, important discussions, and a fun activity or two. Join us for a time of professional development and networking! 

Sarah Patnaude, President

3:00 - 7:00 p.m. National Association of Blind Veterans Meeting

Signature 2
3:00 p.m. Reception
4:00 p.m. Sit-down meal
5:00 p.m. Business meeting with guest speakers

Vernon Humphrey, President

4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Sexual Health Education Open House: Learn on Your Terms 

Grand Ballroom A
In collaboration with Indiana University School of Public Health, the NFB Board of Directors invites you to the first blind-led, blind-centered sexual health education event. This open house features information on reproductive anatomy, identity, healthy relationships, pregnancy, parenting, contraception and family planning, STIs, and sexual pleasure. Blind facilitators with expertise will be available to support your learning as you navigate this self-paced, exhibit-hall-style event. Drop in any time. This event is for adults only. 

Open House Digital Resources

Contact Mika Baugh at [email protected] for more information.

4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Braille Book Fair

Executive H
New/used Braille and print/Braille books—fiction, nonfiction, early readers, cookbooks, and more—all free!

4:30 p.m. Blind children only
5:00 p.m. Open to all

Volunteers box and ship books Free Matter. Donations welcome. Sponsored by National Organization of Parents of Blind Children and American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults.

5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Sleep & Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder

Salon 1
Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder, or Non-24 for short, is a condition common in blind patients. Come learn more about circadian rhythms, sleep, and Non-24.

Vanda Pharmaceuticals Nurse Educators

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Affiliate Presidents and Treasurers

Salon 12
All state affiliate presidents and treasurers are asked to attend this session to discuss affiliate finances and other aspects of organization administration with facilitators Valerie Warrington and Bridgid Burke.

5:45 - 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Shabbat (the Sabbath)

Suite 2456
Join with other Federationists who happen to be Jewish in welcoming Shabbat (the Sabbath) with perhaps some wine, bread (challah), lighting the Shabbat candles, and perhaps a short Friday evening service before people go off to other events.

6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Blind Parents Group: 0 to 5 Years Old

Salon 14
This year, the Blind Parents Group will host two separate sessions for blind parents. This session will focus on parents with children under 5. Come prepared with questions. Kids welcome. 

Lisamaria Martinez, Chair 

6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Ready for Adventure at the Colorado Center

Salon 4
Come to Colorado, change your life! Through structured discovery, you will gain belief in yourself. Hear from staff, students, and alumni—their stories will inspire you. Arrive at 6:00 p.m. The program will begin promptly at 6:15 p.m. Challenge yourself and create opportunities.

Julie Deden, Executive Director

6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Legal Office Hours

Salon 16
Meet with a disability rights attorney to discuss blindness discrimination concerns. Reservations are required. To reserve your spot, email [email protected]  or call 410-659-9314, extension 2440, by June 21.

6:00 - 10:00 p.m. National Organization of Blind Black Leaders Division

Grand Ballroom D
Happy anniversary NOBBL! Registration with complimentary snacks will take place 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Come join our division annual meeting and hear an inspirational presentation by Black leaders from the Florida affiliate. Theme: Rooted in Passion, United in Purpose. 

Shawn Callaway, President

6:00 - 10:00 p.m. National Association of Guide Dog Users

Salon 3
Come learn how to make an informed choice when deciding to get a guide dog. Get current updates from our legal counsel about matters pertaining to guide dog users’ airline and rideshare travel. Find out what NAGDU has been up to over the past year and elect our leaders!

Raul Gallegos, President

6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Sports and Recreation Division: Adaptive Fitness Activity

Junior Ballroom G
Accessible yoga, body weight training, inclusive movement exercise to keep the body loose and healthy throughout convention. 

Richie Flores, President

6:30 - 10:00 p.m. Science and Engineering Division

Salon 11
6:30 p.m. Registration
7:00 p.m. Meeting

Learn about one person’s experiences with the Orbit Research Graphiti interactive tablet display, new developments at Orbit Research, effective methods for completing college STEM courses, and other topics concerning the blind access to STEM.

John Miller, President

7:00 p.m. Dad’s Night Out 

All dads, sighted and blind, are welcome to come. Call Chris Butler at 571-606-6868 for location. Sponsored by National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC).

7:00 - 9:00 p.m. National Association of Blind Government Employees

Salon 8
Join employees, retirees, and applicants for employment of federal, state, and local government entities, including pseudo-government entities, as we explore barriers and opportunities related to access, employment, and benefits.

Ronza Othman, President

7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Ignite NFB-NEWSLINE® across Your State!

Salon 10
NFB-NEWSLINE coordinators, unleash NFB-NEWSLINE’s potential in your state. Join us for marketing strategies and success stories. Let’s amplify information accessibility together. This event is geared toward NFB-NEWSLINE coordinators, but all are welcome!  

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

7:30 - 8:30 p.m. White Cane Committee and Fundraising Seminar

Salon 13
Let’s put the FUN back in Fundraising! Come and participate in an interactive session and share ideas on how to plan and implement an affiliate fundraiser. State presidents, please send a representative from your state.

Everette Bacon, Chair, and Patti Chang, Director of Outreach, National Federation of the Blind

8:00 - 9:00 p.m. Friends of Recovery Meeting

Salon 15
All convention attendees interested in getting or remaining clean and sober are welcome to our confidential meeting. For more information, call 828-505-0338.

8:00 - 10:00 p.m. Blind Parents Group: Kids over 5 years old

Salon 14
This year, the Blind Parents Group will host two separate sessions for blind parents. This session will focus on parents with children in elementary school and beyond. Come prepared with questions. Kids welcome. 

Lisamaria Martinez, Chair