2024 National Convention Virtual Experience

Our NFB '24 convention sponsors are hosting virtual seminars to explain their accessibility features and more.

Welcome to the National Federation of the Blind National Convention Virtual Experience, a dedicated online space for exclusive convention activities. We are excited to offer opportunities for engagement and connection to participants who are unable to attend the convention in-person. 

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.

Our Core Values 

  • Believe in blind people
  • Lead courageously
  • Champion collective action
  • Foster inclusion
  • Dream big

Registration

The Virtual Experience registration fee is 10 dollars. Registration includes access to the convention mobile app and opportunity to win door prizes. Registration closed on July 8, 2024.

How to Access

There are several ways to access the virtual experience. Closed captions and Spanish will be provided on the Zoom platform, and you may also access the closed captions/transcript through 1CapApp. You have to be on the app or web to access. The Zoom links are provided in the agenda below and NFB24 app.

Zoom meeting ID: 977 2977 7580
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/97729777580

During the Resolutions, Board of Directors, General Sessions, and the Banquet. You can also use the following ways to access:

  • YouTube Stream, select the "Live" tab and the live video will start at the beginning of the release.
  • Access our live stream by asking your Amazon device to play "Nation's Blind"

Schedule and Agenda

The National Convention Virtual Experience is from July 3 through 8 along with pre-convention activities to prepare and access to the mobile app. Registered participants will receive email information for the app during the pre-convention week. 

Pre-Convention Activities

Join the following events to prepare for convention.

June 24 at 11:00 a.m. Prepare for the #NFB24 Virtual Experience

Access the recording of the virtual session, "Prepare for the #NFB24 Virtual Experience." 

"Prepare for the #NFB24 Virtual Experience" Transcript

For those participating in the virtual experience, we will be sharing tips for making sure your voice is heard at convention. Join us to learn about resolutions, engaging with your delegate, interacting on social media, and navigating the convention app.

June 26 at 8:00 p.m. Exhibitor Showcase

Access the NFB24 Virtual Exhibitor Preview. Passcode: DJ9zt!rr

NFB24 Virtual Exhibitor Preview Transcript

Get a preview of what to expect in the exhibit hall and how to connect with exhibitors.

June 27 at 8:00 p.m. Sponsor Preview

Access the NFB24 Virtual Sponsor Preview. Passcode: fimvS#24
Transcript coming soon.
Meet our sponsors and preview their innovations.

Wednesday, July 3 

The virtual access: Zoom meeting ID: 977 2977 7580
1CapApp Event: https://ECS.1capapp.com/event/nfb
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Virtual Experience Exclusive Event: Welcome to Convention from the Presidential Suite

Access the recording of the Virtual Experience Exclusive Event: Welcome to Convention from the Presidential Suite. Transcript coming soon.

Thursday, July 4

The virtual access: Zoom meeting ID: 977 2977 7580
1CapApp Event: https://ECS.1capapp.com/event/nfb
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Virtual Experience Exclusive Event: Sounds from around Convention
1:00 p.m. Resolutions Committee

Friday, July 5

The virtual access: Zoom meeting ID: 977 2977 7580
1CapApp Event: https://ECS.1capapp.com/event/nfb
9:00 - 11:30 a.m. NFB Board Meeting
12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Virtual Experience Exclusive Event: All About Employment

Saturday, July 6

The virtual access: Zoom meeting ID: 977 2977 7580
1CapApp Event: https://ECS.1capapp.com/event/nfb

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Opening General Session

  • Call to Order and Invocation
  • Presentation of Colors and Pledge of Allegiance
    National Association of Blind Veterans, a Division of the National Federation of the Blind
  • In the Federation We Trust: Welcoming the Family Back to Florida
    National Federation of the Blind of Florida Board of Directors
  • Celebration of Freedom: Veterans Recognized
    Vernon Humphrey, President, National Association of Blind Veterans, a Division of the National Federation of the Blind; Mauk, Georgia
  • Roll Call of States and Appointment of Nominating Committee
  • Reports and Resolutions
  • Adjourn

2:00 - 5:00 p.m. General Session II

  • Call to Order
  • Presidential Report 
    Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
  • Leading Courageously with Higher Expectations: Braille, Teacher Preparation, and the Continued Influence of the Organized Blind Movement 
    Casey Robertson, Faculty, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness, and Educational Advocate; Ruston, Louisiana
  • Dreaming Big Together: The Monarch and the Butterfly Effect of Partnership
    Craig Meador, President, American Printing House; Louisville, Kentucky
    Bruce Miles, General Manager, Professional Solutions, and Head of HumanWare, EssilorLuxottica Canada; Montréal, Québec, Canada
    Katie Carlock, Parent of Blind Child; Porterdale, Georgia
    Kennedy Carlock, Blind Student; Porterdale, Georgia 
    Gina Fugate, Teacher of Blind Students, Maryland School for the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
  • Living a Life Dedicated to Justice: Raising Expectations at the Calgary Police Service
    Robert Fenton KC, Director of Legal Services, Calgary Police Service, and Chair, Board of Directors, Canadian National Institute for the Blind; Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  • Inclusion by Example: Adventures of a Blind Woman Navigating the Oceans of STEM Professionals 
    Amy Bower, Physical Oceanography Senior Scientist, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; Woods Hole, Massachusetts
  • Reports and Resolutions
  • Adjourn

Sunday, July 7

The virtual access: Zoom meeting ID: 977 2977 7580
1CapApp Event: https://ECS.1capapp.com/event/nfb

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. General Session III

  • Call to Order and Invocation
  • Financial Report, Including the Honor Roll Call 
  • Elections
  • Expanding Access to the World’s Knowledge: An Update on Library Services Centering the Blind
    Jason Broughton, Director, National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled; Washington, District of Columbia
  • Indoor Navigation: Access to Information and Blind-Led Innovations
    Moderator: Mike May, Member, National Federation of the Blind of Nevada
    Panel:  Charlie Meredith, Chief Technology Officer, GoodMaps; Louisville, Kentucky
    Tom Pey, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Waymap; Bromley, England
  • Reports and Resolutions
  • Adjourn

2:00 - 5:00 p.m. General Session IV

  • Call to Order
  • Reflections on Collective Action: Fifty Years after 504 and the Value of Nothing Without Us
    Shawn Callaway, Board Member, National Federation of the Blind, and President, National Federation of the Blind of the District of Columbia; Washington, District of Columbia
    Dennis Billups, Lifelong Blind Advocate; San Francisco, California
  • Putting Our Values into Action: A Report on Twenty Years of Innovative Research and Training Driven by the Blind
    Anil Lewis, Executive Director for Blindness Initiatives, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
  • We Belong: A Report on Our Collective Progress toward Equality in America and Beyond
    Moderator: John G. Paré Jr., Executive Director for Advocacy and Policy, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
    Jeff Kaloc, NFB Government Affairs Specialist; Baltimore, Maryland; Jesse Shirek, NFB Government Affairs Specialist; Baltimore, Maryland; Justin Young, NFB Government Affairs Specialist; Baltimore, Maryland
  • Reports, Resolutions, and Other Business
  • Adjourn

Monday, July 8

The virtual access: Zoom meeting ID: 977 2977 7580
1CapApp Event: https://ECS.1capapp.com/event/nfb

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. General Session V

  • Call to Order and Invocation
  • Raising Expectations at Social Security: The Influence of the Organized Blind in Improving and Modernizing Essential Programs 
    Roderick Hairston, Deputy Associate Commissioner for the Office of Electronic Services and Technology, Social Security Administration; Washington, District of Columbia
  • Shaping Twenty-First Century Rehabilitation Systems: Leadership, Partnership, and High Expectations
    Moderator: Anil Lewis, Executive Director for Blindness Initiatives, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
    Panel: Cassondra Williams-Stokes, President, National Council of State Agencies for the Blind; Little Rock, Arkansas; Stephen Wooderson, Chief Executive Officer, Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation; Washington, District of Columbia
  • Leading Courageously in Art: Poetry, Sensibility, and Aesthetics of Sharing Our Unseen Stories
    Set Hernandez, Filmmaker and Community Organizer, Director/Producer of the Film unseen; San Fernando Valley, California
  • All the Barriers We Cannot See: A Behind-the-Scenes View on Authentic Representation of the Blind in Film
    Joe Strechay, Accessibility Consultant for Film and Television, Producer and Consultant for the Apple TV+ Series See; Fayetteville, West Virginia
  • Centering on Disability Talent and Employment: Making Space by Controlling Our Own Pathways to Success
    Keely Cat-Wells, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Making Space; Los Angeles, California
  • Dreaming Big: The Influence of Blind-Centered Experience and Direction on Artificial Intelligence 
    Bryan Bashin, Vice-Chair, Be My Eyes; Berkeley, California
  • Fostering Inclusive AI: Bridging the Gap between Lived Experiences and Artificial Intelligence 
    Suman Kanuganti, Chief Executive Officer, Personal.ai; San Diego, California
  • Reports and Resolutions
  • Adjourn

2:00 - 5:00 p.m. General Session VI

  • Call to Order
  • The Seventeenth Annual Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards
    Everette Bacon, Chairperson, Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award Committee, and Secretary, National Federation of the Blind; Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Leveraging Collective Wisdom: Updates on Building a Blind-Centered Platform Integrating Human and Artificial Intelligences
    Troy Otillio, Chief Executive Officer, Aira Tech Corp; Carlsbad, California
  • From Blind-Centered to Inclusion Leader: Improving Health Management through Equal Access
    Andy Burstein, Chief Executive Officer, Accessible Pharmacy Services; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Telling Our Stories: A Conversation about Blindness, Justice, and Shattering Misconceptions from the Federal Bench
    David Tatel, Retired Federal Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, and Senior Counsel, Hogan Lovells; Washington, District of Columbia
    Deepa Goraya, First Vice President, National Association of Blind Lawyers; Washington, District of Columbia
  • Closing the Door on Discrimination: Championing the Blind in Society through Civil Rights Protections at the Department of Justice
    Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, United States Department of Justice; Washington, District of Columbia
  • Reports and Resolutions
  • Adjourn

7:00 p.m. Banquet

  • Invocation
  • Master of Ceremonies: Pam Allen, Chairperson of the Board, National Federation of the Blind, and President, National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana; Ruston, Louisiana
  • Introductions and Presentations
  • Banquet Address: Mark A. Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
  • Scholarship Awards

Continue the #NFB24 Experience: Virtual Seminars Presented by Our Sponsors

Open House for Accessible Science, sponsored by Independence Science
Target Accessibility: Meet the Team and Ask Questions
Leader Dogs for the Blind: We're More Than Guide Dogs
Accessible Absentee Voting, Presented by Democracy Live
OrCam's Innovative Assistive Technology: For You and Your Business
Estate Planning and Special Needs Trust: Prepare for Your Family’s Future

Open House for Accessible Science, sponsored by Independence Science

Join the staff of Independence Science as we demo equipment and techniques for accessible science. Content will include low-tech and high-tech solutions for use in science lab courses. Bring your curiosity and your questions.

Speakers: Michael Hingson, Greg Williams, Charis Glatthar, and Annalise Diadado.

Date and Time:  7/15/2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT. 
How to Join:  Please send the word science to either 219-730-9699 or [email protected] to receive the Zoom information.

Target Accessibility: Meet the Team and Ask Questions

Join us to meet members of our team, learn about what we do to make our digital experiences accessible for guests and team members, and how we do it. We'll leave plenty of time for questions and feedback from the audience.

Speakers: Hai Nguyen Ly and members of Target's digital accessibility team

Date and Time:  7/16/2024 from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EDT.
Zoom details: https://target.zoom.us/j/95446069957

Leader Dogs for the Blind: We're More Than Guide Dogs

Leader Dogs for the Blind is a nonprofit organization providing people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel using a guide dog or a white cane. Learn about Leader Dog's free orientation and mobility, guide dog, Teen O&M and a Teen Summer Camp.

Speakers: Leslie Hoskins, COMS and Alyssa Otis, GDMI.

Date and Time:  7/17/2024 from 1:00pm-2:00pm EST. 
Zoom details:  https://leaderdog-org.zoom.us/j/84621688795
Meeting ID: 846 2168 8795
Passcode: 342185

Accessible Absentee Voting, Presented by Democracy Live

Demonstration of our Accessible Absentee Ballot as well as general discussion on advocating for this very important accessible voting tool.

Speakers: Charlie Kinnune, Curtis Chow, Melissa Carney

Date and Time:  7/18/2024 at 4:00 p.m. PST. 
Zoom details: https://democracylive.zoom.us/j/81532041534
Meeting ID: 815 3204 1534
Passcode: 817595

OrCam's Innovative Assistive Technology: For You and Your Business

Join us to learn about how the latest OrCam technology and devices can help you run your business more independently. Ask questions about our technology, see features demonstrated and learn about how you can receive these devices through your VR counselor.

Speakers: Bali March, VP North America and Corinne Nero, Senior Area Sales Manager

Date and Time:  7/22/2024 at 7:00 PM EST. 
Zoom details: https://zoom.us/j/94341568742
Meeting ID: 943 4156 8742
Passcode: 6ENgjK

Estate Planning and Special Needs Trust: Prepare for Your Family’s Future

Learn about investment & estate planning and how to leverage trust options, including special needs trusts.

Speaker: Chris Hunter, Vice President, Investment Officer, Financial Advisor and Myrian Garrett, CTFA, Senior Lead Fiduciary Advisory Specialist.

Date and Time: 7/25/2024 from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
How to Join: Please email Chris Hunter at [email protected] and an online registration link will be sent following receipt.