Employment Events at the 2026 National Convention

by Lia Stone

I was raised in a union household, and because of that, I’ve always understood myself first and foremost as a worker. I’ve been blind since age eleven and started working at fourteen. Aside from a brief stretch after back-to-back layoffs in 2022, I’ve spent my entire adult life employed as a blind person. Those experiences shaped my belief that work is dignity and that we as blind people have something to contribute in every corner of the workforce. That belief guides my work as chair of the National Federation of the Blind Employment Committee and fuels our efforts to lower the abysmal unemployment rate in our community.

Throughout the year, the Employment Committee hosts programs to support blind jobseekers and professionals, but nothing compares to what we offer at National Convention. Every summer, we bring together workshops, panels, and our signature career fair to help members prepare for and secure the jobs they want. I’m excited to share a preview of what we’re planning for Austin.

Our biggest event is the career fair, where we will connect employers from Texas and across the country with talented blind jobseekers. Members often ask for more mid-career opportunities and a wider mix of industries, and we continue building those relationships year-round. Blindness agencies will of course be featured at the fair, not because we love repetition, but because improving rehabilitation services requires blind professionals with a positive philosophy shaping those systems from within. Be sure to check the agenda when it’s released for the new date and time.

We’ll also host our annual Seeking Success Seminar (the event formerly known as the Job Seeker’s Seminar) where speakers and panelists will dig into topics members consistently ask for, including entrepreneurship, the impact of AI on employment, and navigating career transitions. Stay tuned for the full seminar agenda.

And this year, we’re bringing back a classic: a program designed specifically for early-career professionals. Some of you may remember the Upward Mobility seminars from years past. Well, they’re back—revived by a new group of emerging leaders who are ready to help the next generation of blind professionals launch their careers with confidence. The Blind Professional Playbook will cover everything from self-advocacy in a first job to building strong professional networks, with time built in for connecting with other early-career attendees.

Our committee is working hard to make this year’s employment programming the strongest yet. We always welcome ideas and feedback. All are welcome to share feedback at our committee meeting at convention, or you can email me at [email protected].

I can’t wait to see everyone in Austin! Until then, I’ll be getting back to work!