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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 (*).
8:00–9:00 a.m. Digital-Accessibility Professionals Meetup
Studio 7
We designed this informal networking session for those working full time in digital accessibility for corporations and nonprofits. We'll share best practices, trends that uniquely affect us as blind people, and suggestions for growing the Federation's brand in the field.
Jonathan Mosen, Executive Director for Accessibility Excellence, National Federation of the Blind
8:00–11:00 a.m. Committee for Advancement and Promotion of Braille
Galerie 4
The committee will discuss developments in the teaching and delivery of Braille, research priorities, Braille-related policy, strategies for bringing improvements where needed, and resources and activities across our organization. All are welcome!
Jennifer Dunnam, 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 and B
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall and Independence Market
Napoleon Ballroom, Sheraton
9:00–10:00 a.m. Selvas BLV Product Showcase
Galerie 5
Join us for a demonstration where we'll share the power and versatility of the HIMS family of products. See firsthand how our connectivity-enabled features like YouTube search, Wiki search, NFB-NEWSLINE®, and more empower, inform, and entertain our users.
9:00–11:00 a.m. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Galerie 6
Hear of the progress that we, as an organization, are making in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). How can we drive DEI efforts across the Federation in fulfillment of our movement’s strategic priorities? Bring your questions, feedback, and concerns to the committee.
Shawn Callaway and Kenia Flores, Co-Chairs
9:00–11:00 a.m. NOPBC Cane Walk
Balcony L
Wondering if your child would benefit from using a cane? Curious about how a cane works? Learn and experience the Structured Discovery Method of travel at this special session. Parents, teachers, blind children, and sighted siblings welcome.
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC)
9:00–11:00 a.m. Membership Committee
Studio 4
Members represent our most powerful asset. All those who are interested in joining the membership committee to discuss innovative ideas to grow, nurture, and sustain membership in the organized blind movement are welcome.
Denise Avant, Chair
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Explore NFB-NEWSLINE® at our Open House
Studio 10
Unlock a world of information with this free audio and Braille service. Access more than five hundred publications via phone, web, app, or Alexa. Sign up, retrieve codes, or get answers to your questions with hands-on help. Stop by and learn what’s new!
Scott White, Director of Sponsored Technology Programs, National Federation of the Blind
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. US Access Board Town Hall
Acadia and Bissonet Ballrooms
The Access Board invites the public to share their insights on accessibility barriers and progress. Those who wish to speak during the event must register in advance by emailing their full name and organization (if any) to [email protected]. This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with board members and representatives from federal agencies about accessibility efforts in Louisiana and beyond.
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. NFB Sports and Recreation Business Meeting
Galerie 1
Learn about adaptive sports, inclusive fitness, and recreation opportunities, and build community at our annual business meeting. Let’s move to keep the movement alive!
Richie Flores, President
10:00–11:00 a.m. The Power of AI for the Blind Community
Studio 2
Join Microsoft's AI experts as they demonstrate how AI is transforming products for the blind community, simplifying user experiences, and creating new possibilities for productivity and play.
Microsoft Accessibility Team
10:00–11:00 a.m. Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder
Studio 3
Learn why there is a high prevalence of Non-24 in the blind community, how it could impact sleep, and why it is often misdiagnosed. We will discuss the symptoms and how to start a conversation with a healthcare provider.
Jennifer Lyman, RN, Clinical Nurse Educator, Vanda Pharmaceuticals
10:00–11:00 a.m. AI + JAWS at 30: Built to Empower You
Studio 9
Join Ryan Jones as we celebrate thirty years of JAWS and look ahead! Discover how JAWS and AI are driving breakthroughs like FSCompanion, image labeling, and multiline Braille. See how we’re breaking barriers and shaping the future of accessibility.
Ryan Jones, VP Software and Product Management, Vispero
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. LGBT+: A Mid-Year Review
Studio 8
Join the NFB's LGBT+ group to discuss current events, relevant civil rights laws, advocacy efforts, and enforcement opportunities for people of all backgrounds. Allies welcome. Community centered.
Sanho Steele-Louchart, Chair
*11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. What's New in Google Accessibility
Galerie 5
Join us for an update on the newest accessibility tools and features from Google, designed to enhance the user experience for the blind and low-vision community.
Alexander Hauerslev Jensen, Nimer Jaber, Peter Schumacher, and Siri Gubba, Google
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Launch Your Career with Screen Reader Skills
Studio 7
Ninja screen-reader user? Struggling to find work? Stop struggling and start launching your career in digital accessibility! It’s simple. You get trained, you get certified, you get a job. Learn all about the CAT Program and your direct path to employment with AccessAbility Officer.
Heather Burns, Chief Delivery Officer and Co-Owner, AccessAbility Officer
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Microsoft Copilot for Work
Studio 2
Learn how AI enhances skills and productivity for the blind community. Discover Copilot tools that streamline workflows, foster collaboration, and equip the community with digital skills for the modern workplace.
Microsoft Accessibility Team
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Non-24: A Quiet Crisis in Sleep Health
Salon C
Millions live with Non-24 without a name for what they’re experiencing. Discover how early screening, increased awareness, and better tools can change that.
CaryHealth
12:00–1:00 p.m. Slack Demonstration and Feedback Session
Galerie 6
The team at Slack will talk through how we collaborate with blind people to design, build, and refine how Slack works. We will demonstrate some of the successful results (and likely some imperfections) using common workflows in Slack. We welcome your questions and feedback.
Todd Kloots and Chris Xu, Slack
1:00 p.m. Resolutions Committee
Acadia and Bissonet Ballrooms
Zoom meeting ID: nfb-org.zoom.us/j/92019487891
1CapApp Event: ECS.1capapp.com/event/nfb
Donald Porterfield, Chair
1:00–2:00 p.m. What's New with Amazon Devices?
Studio 9
Amazon obsesses about customer delight, and that includes customers with disabilities. In this session, Amazon accessibility experts will discuss the latest accessibility features for Fire TV, Smart Home, the new Alexa, and more.
Peter Korn, Director of Accessibility, Amazon Devices and Services
1:00–2:00 p.m. Wells Fargo Bank of Doing
Studio 4
Wells Fargo provides a range of products and services that can help you make your financial journey from security to wealth protection. Join Wells Fargo representatives to discuss these topics and answer any questions you may have about what we can do for you.
Lawrence Bowdish, Insights Lead, Financial Health, Wells Fargo
1:00–4:00 p.m. Career Fair
Galerie 2 and 3
Come to meet national and regional employers including many of our convention sponsors and Louisiana employers. This is your first step to a great career! Preregister by June 8 to get the full benefits of attending. Sponsored by the NFB Employment Committee.
Lia Stone, Chair
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
*2:00–3:00 p.m. Blind Survivors Group Meetup
Galvez
Discuss your options as a witness to harassment, bullying, or similar behavior. What might you do during the incident, or after the fact? How can you be a better advocate and resource for survivors? To join virtually, email [email protected] during convention for Zoom details.
Christine Faltz Grassman, Chair
2:00–5:00 p.m. Explore NFB-NEWSLINE® at Our Open House
Studio 10
Unlock a world of information with this free audio and Braille service. Access more than five hundred publications via phone, web, app, or Alexa. Sign up, retrieve codes, or get answers to your questions with hands-on help. Stop by and learn what’s new!
Scott White, Director of Sponsored Technology Programs, National Federation of the Blind
2:15–3:15 p.m. Making Amazon Shopping Easier
Studio 9
Explore the latest accessibility features that make navigating and shopping on Amazon faster and more intuitive for everyone. We'll show how new AI-powered tools and improved navigation features help customers find products and information more efficiently and accessibly.
Kiran Kaja, Principal Product Manager, Amazon Worldwide Stores Accessibility
3:30–4:30 p.m. Accessibility at Prime Video
Studio 9
Join the Amazon/Prime Video Accessibility team to hear more about our journey to introduce new features and improve existing accessibility options. Learn about our initiatives to improve the discovery and experience for customers.
Amazon
3:30–5:00 p.m. Start a Digital Accessibility Business
Studio 7
Whether you are a social enterprise or a hungry entrepreneur wanting to hire blind people, this session teaches you how we grew our million-dollar digital accessibility business with blind testers and DARTSuite. From closing deals to managing projects, you won’t want to miss it! Includes a live Q&A.
Heather Burns, Chief Delivery Officer and Co-Owner, AccessAbility Officer
4:00–5:00 p.m. Navigating the US Immigration System
Galerie 4
Join us to hear from panelists sharing their personal experiences navigating the complexities of the United States immigration system as a blind person, as well as how they advocated for equitable access.
Seyoon Choi, Moderator
4:00–5:00 p.m. AI, Wearables, and Community-Driven Innovation
Studio 4
Discover how AI and wearables are revolutionizing independence for the blind/low-vision community! Join us to explore AI progress, demo EchoVision smart glasses (try live!), and hear user stories proving tech’s power when co-created WITH users.
Xiaoran Wang, CEO, and Kevin Chao, Chief Visionary and Evangelist, AGIGA, Inc.
4:00–5:30 p.m. Introduction to Investing
Galerie 1
Get a clear overview of investing basics, learn how investing can help you build long-term financial security, and explore how blind and low-vision people can confidently navigate the investing world.
Chris Peterson, AFC®, Founder and CEO, Penny Forward
4:15–5:45 p.m. Twenty-Fifth NABL Mock Trial (Admission 10 dollars)
Salon E
Federation lawyers oppose each other to enact a case addressing the civil rights of blind people, and the audience serves as the jury. The subject matter is serious, but the courtroom portrayers are very entertaining.
Ronza Othman, President, National Association of Blind Lawyers
4:30–6:00 p.m. Aira: The AI Visual Interpreter
Galerie 6
An opportunity to experience an AI visual interpreter in real time! Exciting updates from Aira and how blind people are directly influencing the future of visual interpreting!
Everette Bacon, Chief, Blindness Initiatives, Aira
4:30–6:30 p.m. Interest Drives the Action
Studio 8
Youth are our future leaders. Learn how your affiliate's strengths and skills can develop your youth programs. Hear about innovative activities happening across the country, talk about how they started, and imagine new ways to help blind youth live the lives they want.
Karen Anderson, NFB Education Programs Coordinator, and Ashleigh Moon, STEM2U Program Coordinator
4:45–5:45 p.m. Get More Out of Reading with Kindle’s Accessibility Features
Studio 9
Reading can be a magical experience, and digital reading can make it possible to read in ways that were previously not possible with just paper. Come see how Kindle is making reading more accessible.
Jon Hu, Sr. Product Manager, Tech, Amazon
5:00–6:30 p.m. Seminario Hispano
Studio 3
Ven a conocer a la Federación, nuestras historias, y recursos valiosos en español. Te esperamos en el evento más importante para conocer, conecta, y compartir con nuestra comunidad hispanohablante.
Nota: El seminario será completamente en español.
Aleyda Santos, Coordinadora
5:00–6:30 p.m. SSI and SSDI 101: What You Need to Know
Studio 2
Ever wonder what the difference is between Blind Work Expenses and Impairment-Related Work Expenses? Afraid you might go over the SSDI earnings cliff? Hear from an expert on these programs and have all your questions answered.
Michael Dalto, Social Security Expert
5:00–6:45 p.m. NOPBC Exhibitor Fair
Galerie 5
This special exhibit will feature items of special interest to blind children and their families.
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC)
6:00–7:30 p.m. Access On Live
Studio 7
Join Jonathan Mosen and an expert panel for a live edition of the NFB's Access On technology podcast. Bring your tech questions, comments, and opinions.
Jonathan Mosen, Executive Director for Accessibility Excellence, National Federation of the Blind
6:00–8:00 p.m. Blind Greek and Masonic Group
Salon C
Are you a member of a national Greek organization, the Masons, or the Eastern Star? Help build our relationships with Greek letter organizations to ensure inclusion and participation, to engage in fundraising, and to serve as a resource for the blind considering membership.
Shawn Callaway, Chair
6:00–9:00 p.m. Blind Christians Group
Galerie 4
Publishers of Christian literature will provide an update regarding the work of their respective organizations. Learn about ministries in which blind people are involved in their local communities.
Linda Mentink, Chair
6:00–9:00 p.m. Building Our Village
Studio 1
Learn how to build your village at this year’s Blind Parents group. The first hour will contain topics for children under five. The second hour will have topics dedicated to all ages. The third hour will contain topics for older children.
Lisamaria Martinez, Chair
6:00–9:00 p.m. Legal Office Hours
Audubon
Meet with a disability rights attorney to discuss blindness discrimination concerns. Reservations are required. To reserve your appointment, email [email protected] or call 410-659-9314, extension 2440, no later than Friday, June 27.
6:00–10:00 p.m. Student Division Business Meeting
Galerie 2 and 3
All are welcome to join our lively division as we dive into all things blind students! Registration begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by programming at 7:00 p.m. Only members who have completed our membership process before June 30 will be eligible to participate in elections.
Lauren Chaya Altman, President
6:00–10:00 p.m. Working for Yourself, but Not by Yourself
Galerie 1
Experience how professional training, systems-based practices, personal development, and superior Nikken Japanese-wellness technologies are revolutionizing professional network marketing. Imagine the joy of working with successful mentors to earn through serving others.
Mary Ellen Gabias and Paul Gabias, Independent Nikken Wellness Business Consultants
7:00–9:00 p.m. Advancing Our Advocacy: Legislative Meetup
Studio 9
An opportunity for members interested in advocating for the rights of the nation’s blind to interact with our government affairs group and exchange strategies to advance our legislative priorities at the local, state, and federal levels.
Jesse Shirek, Justin Young, and Kyle Walls, Government Affairs, National Federation of the Blind
7:00–9:00 p.m. NOPBC Youth Track Session (ages 11-18)
Balcony L
What is a resolution? Refer to the Youth Track agenda for activity details.
7:00–9:00 p.m. NFB in Judaism Annual Meeting
Studio 3
Join us as we hear from the staff of JBI Library as they describe the rebranding, new staff, and new programs. This is your chance to find out all that JBI Library offers.
Stewart Prost, Chair
7:00–9:00 p.m. NOPBC Spanish Welcome Session
Galerie 6
We welcome our Spanish-speaking families with blind children. Network, ask questions, and learn about resources for our children.
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC)
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