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Any agenda changes made after Braille and print production can be accessed on the NFB25 app or at nfb.org/convention. Changes will be marked with an asterisk (*).
8:00–8:45 a.m. Devotions
Studio 10
8:15–8:45 a.m. Registration (30 dollars) and Packet Pickup
Salon A
8:15–8:45 a.m. Banquet Exchange
Acadia Ballroom Foyer
General Session III (9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)
Grand Ballroom
Zoom meeting ID: nfb-org.zoom.us/j/92019487891
1CapApp Event: ECS.1capapp.com/event/nfb
Call to Order and Invocation
President Riccobono gavels the session to order; religious member offers an invocation.
Financial Report
President Riccobono presents the annual financial report, including a discussion of the current financial circumstances.
Elections
Presentation of nominating committee report and elections for open board positions for the National Federation of the Blind.
Collective Action through Financial Technology: Utilizing Disability Wisdom to Build Meaningful Innovations
John Ciocca, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Purple; New York, New York
America's Library for the Blind: An Update on Continued Collaboration with the Organized Blind Movement
Jason Broughton, Director, National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled; Washington, District of Columbia
Jason Yasner, Deputy Director, National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled; Washington, District of Columbia
Reports and Resolutions
President Riccobono delivers important information and convention business as time allows.
12:00–1:45 p.m. Banquet Exchange
Acadia Ballroom Foyer
12:00–1:45 p.m. Independence Market
Napoleon Ballroom, Sheraton
Final opportunity to visit the Independence Market.
12:15–1:45 p.m. Lyft’s New Service Animal Feature
Studio 2
Learn about Lyft’s new opt-in service animal feature that just launched across all US markets. Join us as we walk through the feature, describe how it works, and explain how to opt-in. We will also save time for a Q&A to answer any remaining questions!
Brenna Rivett, Community Safety Policy Manager, Lyft
12:15–1:45 p.m. Committee on Federation Website Coordination
Studio 8
Our agenda includes introductions, updates on changes to Drupal, exploring interest in upcoming trainings, discussion of CiviCRM forms, and questions and answers.
Steve Cook, Chair
*12:15–1:45 p.m. Journey to the Crown: Meet Ms. Blind Diva '24
Studio 1
Join the Powerhouse Queens of the Miss Blind Diva Empowerment Pageant for a free brunch. Enjoy door prizes and learn how to win 1,000 dollars on your journey to the crown. Five titles, one sisterhood—for women with vision loss. Better Together starts here.
Krystle Allen, President, and Rosalyn Kennedy, Ms. Blind Diva 2024, Eyes Like Mine Inc
*12:45–1:45 p.m. Innosearch: Your Accessible Digital Platform
Studio 6
Join us for a demo session of Innosearch, the all-in-one digital platform for online shopping, flight booking, and food and grocery delivery. Designed for everyone, Innosearch is fully accessible and works seamlessly with popular screen readers like NVDA, JAWS, and Apple VoiceOver.
Bryan Vuong, Co-founder and CTO, Innosearch
1:15–1:45 p.m. Registration (30 dollars) and Packet Pickup
Salon A
General Session IV (2:00–5:00 p.m.)
Grand Ballroom
Zoom meeting ID: nfb-org.zoom.us/j/92019487891
1CapApp Event: ECS.1capapp.com/event/nfb
Call to Order
President Riccobono gavels the session to order.
Building a Constellation of Opportunities: A Blind Astronomer Researching the Cosmos with Multisensorial Perception
Wanda Díaz-Merced, Astronomer and Director of Science in Braille Global Office of Excellence; Gurabo, Puerto Rico
Equal Protection Under the Law Demands Collective Action: The Blind and Our Right to Live in the World
Eve Hill, General Counsel, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
Power by the People: A Progress Report on Our Collective Advocacy Achievements
John G. Paré Jr., Executive Director for Advocacy and Policy, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
Jesse Shirek, NFB Government Affairs Specialist, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
Sanho Steele-Louchart, Legal Program Coordinator, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
Justin Young, NFB Government Affairs Specialist, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
Reports and Resolutions
The Resolutions Committee shares its report and policy matters are considered.
5:00–7:00 p.m. Preserving and Telling Blind-Centered Stories
Acadia Ballroom Foyer
Touch and hear real history! Explore an exhibit showcasing some of the rich stories held in the NFB's library and archives and learn about how we will showcase those stories in the Museum of the Blind People's Movement. Visit anytime between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
*5:15–9:00 p.m. Inclusive Fitness with Sports and Recreation Division
Salon E
Join us to learn a new adaptive sport. We will teach and play both blind cricket and blind soccer.
Richie Flores, President
5:30–6:30 p.m. Best Practices for Accessible CLIs
Galerie 4
Test drive a prototype of the AWS CLI and help Amazon validate their proposed best practices for CLI accessibility. The prototype focuses on CLI output. Your feedback will help raise the bar on CLI accessibility. Bring your assistive tech and tell us what you think!
6:00–7:00 p.m. DEI Book Club
Studio 3
This year’s book is Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, available on Bookshare and BARD. Come prepared to discuss the book and engage in conversation with members of the DEI Committee about how their intersecting identities impact their lived experience as blind people.
Stacie Leap and Dan Frye, Moderators
6:00–7:00 p.m. Creating Community for Blind Human Services Professionals
Studio 10
Join us as we discuss strategies for rebuilding and revitalizing the Federation's Human Services Division. We'll assess challenges, brainstorm new initiatives, and set a direction for the future. Those working or aspire to be working in helping professions are urged to attend.
Sarah Patnaude, Coordinator
6:30–8:00 p.m. Title II and Web Access: Advocate Early and Often
Studio 6
Join NFB’s legal team to discuss changes to the ADA regarding public web accessibility, how those changes affect you, and the importance of advocating now to ensure a smooth transition later.
Sanho Steele-Louchart, Esq., Legal Program Coordinator, National Federation of the Blind
8:00–9:00 p.m. Friends of Recovery Meeting
Studio 5
All convention attendees interested in getting or remaining clean and sober are welcome to our confidential meeting. For more information, call 318-548-7895.
8:00–11:00 p.m. Twenty-Third Annual Showcase of Talent
Galerie 1, 2, and 3
Join us for a night of great performances! Whether you take the stage or support your friends from the audience, it's always an enjoyable evening of entertainment. Performers 10 dollars; admission 5 dollar. Cash prizes awarded. Email [email protected] with questions or to sign up.
Katelyn MacIntyre, President, National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division
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