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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 (*).
7:15–8:00 a.m. Amateur Radio Group: Emergency Preparedness
Studio 8
Discuss convention frequencies, hotel architectural features, and distribution of special FM receivers for our hard-of-hearing and Spanish-speaking attendees.
David Chan, Chair
7:30–8:45 a.m. NOPBC Youth Track: Registration
Studio 2
Be sure you take a moment to register your youth ages 11-18 for the NOPBC Youth Track. There is no cost to attend.
7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. NOPBC Educate Seminar
Registration until June 30: adults 35 dollars, families 50 dollars. On-site registration is available. For more details visit nopbc.org. Sponsored by the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children Division (NOPBC). Cassandra McKinney, President
NOPBC Seminar Agenda
7:30–8:45 a.m. – Registration (Studio 2)
9:00–10:30 a.m. – Opening Session (Studio 2)
10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. – Workshop Group A
- IEP 101 – Learn the Basics (Studio 1)
- Let’s Play (Studio 2)
- Picking Up on Social Cues – It’s Not Just Visual (Studio 3)
- Family Dynamics – Getting Everyone on Board for Competence and Independence (Studio 4)
12:00–1:00 p.m. – Lunch
1:45–3:00 p.m. – Workshop Group B
- Don’t Bubble Wrap Your Child (Studio 1)
- Meet the Advocates (Studio 2)
- My Body Belongs to Me! (Studio 3)
- Blind Kids Can Do STEM! (Studio 4)
3:15–4:30 p.m. – Workshop Group C
- Getting a Fair Evaluation When Your Child Has Additional Disabilities (Studio 1)
- Get Your Baby’s Wiggle On (Studio 2)
- Age/Stage Appropriate Skills and Chores (Studio 3)
- Guide Dog? Cane? I Use Both! (Studio 4)
7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Contemporary Issues in Rehabilitation and Education for the Blind: Twenty-fourth Annual Rehabilitation and Orientation and Mobility Conference
Studio 9
The National Blindness Professional Certification Board presents the only annual national conference focused on structured discovery teaching and education for the blind. Update best practices and learn about teaching to make a difference. Register at nbpcb.org. Registration is 100 dollars before June 15 and 115 dollars afterwards. There will also be in-person registration.
Joni Martinez and Colin Wong, Conference Co-Chairs, National Blindness Professional Certification Board
8:00–9:00 a.m. Ambassadors Committee
Studio 8
Volunteer to be a talking sign! If giving directions, answering questions, and welcoming people to convention are activities that appeal to you, come join us. We will use this time to assign times and locations as well as share experiences from our last time in New Orleans.
Corbb O'Connor and Dan Burke, Co-Chairs
8:00–9:00 a.m. Soar into the Future with the Monarch
Studio 4
Curious about new developments for the Monarch? If yes, then join APH to learn more about the Periodic Table app, new Monarch Chess features, and screen-reader support for multi-line Braille displays. We will also share exciting possibilities for WingIt, an app launching soon!
Jennifer Wenzel, Greg Stilson, and Jason Martin, American Printing House for the Blind
8:00–9:30 a.m. Comparing Apples and Androids
Galerie 3
Do you own a smartphone? Have you wondered whether the grass might be greener on the other side? Join the CENA team as they compare the experience of using an iPhone running VoiceOver, and an Android device running Talkback.
Karl Belanger and Kennedy Zimnik, Nonvisual Access Technology Specialists, and Jonathan Mosen, Director for Accessibility Excellence, National Federation of the Blind
8:30 a.m. NFB Camp
Balcony K
Preregistration by June 15 is required. After that, it will be on a “Space Available” basis. For further information, see Resources and Reminders.
9:00–10:00 a.m. Target: Accessible Self-checkout for All!
Bonaparte
Try Target's new accessible self-checkout kiosk, designed with and for blind users. Explore the tech, meet the team, ask questions, and sign up for user testing throughout the convention. Check our sponsor ad in the agenda or convention app profile for additional session times.
Steve Decker, Sr. Manager Accessibility, Target
9:00–10:45 a.m. NOPBC Youth Track Session (ages 11-18)
Balcony L
Introduction to your NFB Convention and Youth Track Activities. Refer to the Youth Track agenda for activity details.
9:00–11:00 a.m. Employment Committee Meeting
Galerie 1
Annual meeting of the NFB Employment Committee. Learn about what we've been working on for the last year and what's in store for the year ahead.
Lia Stone, Chair
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Online Registration Packet Pickup
Salon D
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. On-Site Registration (30 dollars) and Banquet Ticket Sales (85 dollars)
Salons A, B, and C
9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. National Volunteer SSP Training and Meet Up
Galerie 4
The National Federation of the Blind DeafBlind Division welcomes everyone to the 2025 volunteer SSP training and meet up. Please come join this year's other volunteer SSPs. Please arrive by 9:30 a.m., and the meeting will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m.
Maurice Mines, President
10:00–11:30 a.m. What's New with AI
Galerie 3
AI services are constantly improving, bringing new features and exciting improvements for the blind community. We will discuss the latest features in Chat GPT, Google Gemini, and Claude, including how to generate tactile graphics and create text descriptions of YouTube videos.
Karl Belanger and Kennedy Zimnik, Nonvisual Access Technology Specialists, and Jonathan Mosen, Director for Accessibility Excellence, National Federation of the Blind
11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. NOPBC Youth Track Session (ages 11-18)
Balcony L
Planning Your Convention. Refer to the Youth Track agenda for activity details.
1:00–4:00 p.m. Seeking Success Seminar
Galerie 2
Job seeker seminar with new time and new format! Come to a large group session and then break into smaller groups focusing on exploration and advanced employment topics. Sponsored by the NFB Employment Committee.
Lia Stone, Chair
1:00–4:00 p.m. What's New with HumanWare: Products for All
Galerie 6
Join HumanWare for demonstrations of a variety of devices across our product portfolio. Learn about Prodigi for Windows software and experience an exclusive opportunity to test drive multi-line Braille support with screen readers on the Monarch Dynamic Tactile Display.
Peter Tucic, Director of Strategic Partnerships, HumanWare
1:00–5:00 p.m. Empowerment and Advocacy for Guide Dog Users
Galerie 5
Come learn about the current developments with rideshare companies since the NFB rally, hear the latest updates from training programs, and learn tips and tricks needed to care for aging guide dogs.
- 1:00-2:00 p.m. Registration and networking
- 2:00-5:00 p.m. Seminar
Stacie Gallegos and Paul Sandoval, NAGDU Seminar Co-Chairs
1:00–6:00 p.m. Drop-In Tactile Art Room
Studio 6
Free art activities for everyone! Make tactile drawings, color pictures, sculpt clay, fold origami, code SVG, build with LEGOs, and complete puzzle activities! Teachers are in the room. Enjoy the art exhibit and tactile picture books. Drop in anytime. Stay as long as you like.
Ann Cunningham, Coordinator
1:30–4:00 p.m. NOPBC Youth Track Session (ages 11-18)
Balcony L
Tactile Art and More. Refer to the Youth Track agenda for activity details.
1:30–5:00 p.m. Stepping into Independence for Blind Seniors
Galerie 1
Tips and tricks for traveling more independently. Bring your cane, there will be an opportunity for short cane travel lessons.
Glenn Crosby, President
2:00–4:00 p.m. Accessible Device Showcase
Galerie 3
Join the NFB's Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility as we showcase new and exciting access technology. This will be a great opportunity to get your hands on new Braille display, tactile graphic, smartphone, and other access technology.
Karl Belanger and Kennedy Zimnik, Nonvisual Access Technology Specialists, and Jonathan Mosen, Director for Accessibility Excellence, National Federation of the Blind
2:00–4:00 p.m. Live Your Life DeafBlind Seminar
Galerie 4
This year we will have staff from our National Federation of the Blind affiliated training centers and someone from the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program presenting. INCC (NDBEDP) is on hand to help seminar participants work on building and living the lives they want.
Maurice Mines, President
4:00–5:00 p.m. NOPBC Youth Track Session (ages 11-18)
Balcony L
Career Mentoring Fair. Refer to the Youth Track agenda for activity details.
5:00–6:00 p.m. Ringbearer: Quest for the Adaptive Bag
Galerie 4
Journey with FEELDOM designer to forge the ultimate bag for the blind. Engaging activities immerse you in the creative process. Hands-on demos of the CITY BLOCK Backpack, NAVi-Badge, and more. All attendees have a chance to win FEELDOM gear or a discount at the exhibit booth.
Adrianne Mascho, Chief Designer
5:15–7:30 p.m. NBPCB Reception: Networking/Mix & Mingle
Riverview 1
Come network and speak with rehab professionals following the NBPCB Rehab Conference. Hear about the newest SD-certified professionals and job opportunities across the nation. Cash bar and light snacks will be available.
6:30–8:00 p.m. Swing Dance Workshop (Admission 5 dollars)
St. Charles and Lafayette
Have you always wanted to try partner dancing but never mustered up enough courage? Join us for this highly verbal beginner lesson in a judgment free zone and take the first step onto the dance floor. All are welcome—no partner or experience needed!
Katelyn MacIntyre, President, National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division
*6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Technology Exhibitors Showcase
Studio 2
Join us to learn about low- to high-tech products, from hardware to software and more. Hear the latest from our vendors at this session.
Mark Jones, Coordinator
7:00–9:00 p.m. Sports and Recreation at the Movies
Salon E
Thunder Rolls: The World of Blind Baseball follows the Indy Thunder Beep baseball team and their coach in their quest for a World Championship. Narrated by Jesse Eisenberg, the documentary is a powerful, uplifting story blending sports and social impact. 5 dollar suggested donation.
Richie Flores, President
7:00–8:00 p.m. Blind and MENA: A Different Type of Brown
Studio 5
Members who are American Arab, North African, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and Sikh face unique challenges in post-9/11 America, especially around blindness and access to services. Learn about identity, stereotypes, challenges experienced by, and resources for these individuals.
Ronza Othman, Moderator
7:00–8:00 p.m. Blindness in AAPI Communities
Studio 10
Join us to explore the intersection of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) identity and blindness. Discuss unique challenges faced by our community, gain insights, celebrate diverse experiences, foster inclusive communities, and explore pathways to empowerment.
Stacie Leap and Seyoon Choi, Moderators
8:00–9:30 p.m. Rookie Roundup
Acadia and Bissonet Ballrooms
First-time convention attendees: don’t miss this event! President Riccobono and other Federation leaders, along with members of the Jernigan Fund Committee, will be on hand to welcome you to the convention and preview the week’s activities.
Pam Allen, Chair and First Vice President, National Federation of the Blind; President, National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana; Director, Louisiana Center for the Blind
8:30–10:30 p.m. Student Networking
Galerie 2 and 3
Blind students: kick off your convention right by joining our national student division to mix and mingle. Whether you are new or returning, we can't wait to welcome you!
Lauren Chaya Altman, President
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