2014 Convention Report from the NOPBC

2014 Convention Report from the NOPBC

Future Reflections Convention Issue 2014 NOPBC CONFERENCE
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2014 Convention Report from the NOPBC
by Carlton Anne Walker
From the Editor: The 2014 convention of the National Federation of the Blind was jam-packed with presentations, workshops, and hands-on activities for parents and kids. In this report, Carlton Anne Walker, president of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, provides a detailed and colorful rundown on the week's events.
As we arrived in Orlando, Florida, for the seventy-fourth annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind, weather reports warned of a growing tropical storm named Arthur. The weather professionals assured us that the storm would likely pass us by, but they were wrong. A storm did indeed hit Orlando. A storm of information, enthusiasm, and anticipation hovered over the Rosen Centre Hotel throughout the first week of July as the 2014 National Federation of the Blind Convention and the Parents' Division Conference brought gales of energy and swells of new and deepening relationships. The winds of change blew the excitement and promise of convention into the hearts and minds of all in attendance.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
On July 1, parents, families, educators, and others involved with and interested in blind children were "Taking the Next Step" at the 2014 conference of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC), a proud division of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). Our morning program featured NFB President Marc Maurer's Kid Talk, an activity to which we all look forward. Dr. Maurer shared with us that his grandmother initiated him into coffee drinking to keep him going when he delivered newspapers at five a.m. Mark Riccobono, executive director of the NFB Jernigan Institute, heartily welcomed parents into the warm NFB family. Paraphrasing The Alchemist, he observed, "When you dream of something, all of the Federation conspires to help you achieve it." Mr. Riccobono reminded the attendees of the vital importance of believing in the capacity of blind children and recognizing that blind people are not broken sighted people. He further exhorted parents to make certain that their children are drivers, not passengers in life.
As invigorating as our first speakers were, the rest of the morning did not disappoint. Dr. Arielle Silverman and Evelyn Valdez gave practical advice to students and inspired all in the room with their intelligence and tenacity. In my opening speech as NOPBC president, "Stepping In, Stepping Up, Stepping Back," I assured everyone in attendance that we all walk together and are available for one another, no matter where we are on the journey of rearing our blind children. Two high achievers, Winona Brackett and Jon Gabry, took us through the "Steps in the Life of a Student." Mr. Gabry, who is deaf-blind, read his speech in Braille while signing the content to an American Sign Language interpreter who voiced his words. These speeches were shining examples of the outcomes of high expectations and superior, relevant training for our students.
At the conclusion of this meeting, children were escorted to childcare, and youth attended Youth Track activities. A more detailed description of these activities is set forth below, at the conclusion of the daily synopses.
After the general session, the parents, educators, and other adults had three sessions of concurrent workshops. Each session offered five workshop choices. Presenters, titles, and brief descriptions of each workshop are set forth below.
Concurrent Workshops, Session One
Jackie Anderson, the blind parent of a blind child who also serves as a teacher of blind students (TBS), presented "Independence in the Classroom." She shared tools, tips, and techniques for setting up the classroom and training the student for independent functioning. Denise Mackenstadt, who holds National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC), taught workshop participants how to work toward maximum independence and self-determination for the blind child with additional disabilities in her workshop "Independent Movement and Travel for Children with Additional Disabilities." Marci Carpenter, secretary of the National Federation of the Blind of Washington, showed participants useful items for low vision students. She also set forth ways to determine the most efficient method for a given task in her workshop "Low Vision Toolbox." In "First Steps," Mary Jo Hartle, a TBS who also has NOMC certification, addressed exploration and independent movement and travel in early childhood. Finally, Eric Guillory, director of youth services at the Louisiana Center for the Blind, demonstrated the use of accessible technology for meaningful participation in school, at home, and in the community in his workshop "Accessible Technology."
Concurrent Workshops, Session Two
Mary Jo Hartle presented "Independence Skills at Home and in the Community," where she discussed teaching and supporting the development of independence skills for full participation in home and community life. With "Hands Off!" NOPBC President and TBS Carlton Walker discussed various methods of teaching while honoring the child's right to personal space and control over his/her body. Dezman Jackson, an NOMC from Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM), highlighted high expectations and how to achieve real-life goals in the area of independent movement and travel in "Independent Movement and Travel for the School-Age Child." "Tactile Graphics--The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" set forth the basics of creating a good tactile graphic that will really work for the blind child, presented by Carol Castellano, NOPBC director of programs, and Pat Renfranz, treasurer of the NOPBC. Participants learned how to get around independently without driving from Pam Allen, director of the Louisiana Center for the Blind; and from Roland Allen, NOMC, in the workshop "I Get Around."
Concurrent Workshops, Session Three
"Low Vision Technology," led by Janet Bernhardt, Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) and Outreach Consultant for the Louisiana Center for the Blind, allowed participants to survey items from low tech to high tech and to learn about the many options for the low-vision student. Natalie Shaheen, director of education for the NFB Jernigan Institute, presented "Saying It My Way," a workshop dedicated to encouraging communication, learning, and play in children with communication needs. In "Social Skills for the School-Age Child," Sheena Manuel, outreach specialist for the Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness, taught parents to encourage appropriate social interaction and play. Jackie Anderson, TBS, presented on "How to Set Up a Saturday School," seeking to empower families to learn and teach the skills of independence. Four presenters: Kim Cunningham, NOPBC second vice president; student Kayleigh Joiner; Dr. Arielle Silverman, a fellow at the University of Washington; and Debbie Kent Stein, editor of Future Reflections, presented a panel discussion, "College Checklist: Is Your Blind Child Ready? Are YOU Ready?" They discussed preparing for heading off to college--what parents and students need to know, with a special visit from one of the "Roommates from Hell."
Evening Activities
After all of these good learning opportunities, it was time to relax and get to know each other better. With hot-out-of-the-oven pizza and cool lemonade, NOPBC and PIBE (Professionals in Blindness Education) hosted more than one hundred people at the annual Family Hospitality Night. Parents, students, children, educators, and friends had the opportunity to relax, chat, reconnect with friends, and meet new families and teachers. Veteran conventioneers provided tips and tidbits to rookies, and the first day ended on as high a note as it had started.
For our students, the night was not yet over. Following Family Hospitality Night, NABS (National Association of Blind Students) hosted its Student Social. This was just the first of several NABS activities that would build a bridge between the preteens and teens in NOPBC and NABS.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Wednesday morning started bright and early at seven a.m. with the first of two NOPBC board meetings, the second of which was held on Friday morning at the same time. Despite the early hour, the board and other attendees got straight to work and accomplished a great deal of Parents' Division business.
Board member Jean Bening had to leave the meeting early to oversee the first session of the Cane Walk, which began at eight forty-five a.m. The Cane Walk, an annual event held in two sessions, is a highlight of convention for many parents. Too often, high quality orientation and mobility services are difficult to procure through local school districts. As he has done at the Cane Walk sessions in previous years, Jeff Altman, NOMC, presented information about the Structured Discovery Method of travel instruction and the use of sleepshades in training. Mr. Altman had secured the services of orientation and mobility professionals from around the country to work with blind children and their parents. During these sessions, students and parents received training in Structured Discovery. If needed, students were sent home with new long, white canes. Parents were offered parent-sized canes so that they might continue learning and modeling cane use for their children at home. Young Cane Walk graduates had the opportunity to flex their new orientation and mobility skills by picking up their convention registration packets and perusing information and displays in both the Exhibit Hall and the Independence Market.
Midafternoon brought the third annual NOPBC Style Show, coordinated by Kim Cunningham. Children and youth showed off their mobility skills and exhibited their confidence in themselves and in their blindness skills. Pamela Gebert and her daughter, Julia, provided the music for the show as twenty-five young people traveled down the runway and struck poses for photographer Bobby Cunningham. Kim Cunningham then asked each participant to share with the audience his or her career plans, and even the youngest participants did so with aplomb. Style Show goody bags for participants included necklaces (donated by POBC-Maryland), bracelets (donated by POBC-NH), Gold Mine Gum Nuggets (donated by Alaska Blind Children's Resource), and a ten-dollar iTunes gift card (made possible through donations from POBC-TX, POBC-LA, POBC-GA, and POBC-OH).
On Wednesday afternoon, the NOPBC launched a new FUNdraiser, the Breaking Barriers Triathlon, coordinated by NOPBC First Vice-President Andrea Beasley. Children and youth raised funds in their communities and at convention before racing through an alligator-infested swamp (plastic alligators strewn along the cobblestones of the Rosen Centre pool area), swimming through shark-infested waters (navigating through the shallow end of the pool while being attacked by inflatable sharks), and shooting barriers to independence (on felt targets). This triathlon was about fun, and fun it was! Other children in the pool asked to participate, and we had to limit each kid to two times through--I think they would have continued all night had we allowed it! One young participant used her cane in a particularly effective manner; when this little lady from Louisiana found an alligator with her cane, she stomped on it hard before proceeding. It was wonderful! In addition to the great fun we had, participants raised over three thousand dollars to support NOPBC activities. The majority of these funds were raised in the participants' own communities. All participants received prizes. The top fundraisers and prizes are as follows:

First place: Lucien (Luke) Gandarias (WA) won a Mac Mini computer with keyboard, mouse, and monitor (donated by POBC-WI)
Second place: Anna Walker (PA) won a talking compass (donated by E.M. Vitu, Inc.)
Third and fourth place winners Lindsay Adair (LA) and Kyle Beasley (WI) were each presented with Louis Braille coins (donated by HumanWare).

We certainly plan to continue with this successful endeavor next year, when it will be re-christened a "FUNathon!"
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Annual Meeting
The NOPBC annual meeting, "Options and Opportunities," packed more excitement than any of us could have anticipated. The meeting opened with a brief welcome from the NOPBC president, followed by the first of many door prize drawings. Judy Byrd, volunteer director of the Beep Kickball Association and inventor of the Beep Kickball, introduced the group to this new sport and its related equipment. Attendees also had the opportunity to pass a beep kickball around and gather information about bringing this fun sport to their own towns.
Next, Theresa Postello, a teacher of blind students in California and the 2014 Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award Winner, gave a gripping speech, "Empowered: Choosing to ‘Come to the Edge.'" She challenged all teachers and parents of blind children to keep encouraging the young people in our lives to "come to the edge," even though they fear that they will fall. She urged us to help them learn that, at the edge, they can fly!
We then got to "Open the Doors of Opportunity in Science" with Dr. Cary Supalo of Independence Science. Also, Carol Christian from the Space Telescope Science Institute and Noreen Grice, an accessible astronomy educator, showed us texture maps of star clusters. They told us that they are working to improve software to create files that can be printed on a 3-D printer (STL format).
We next learned about tactile graphics from Robert Jaquiss of the American Thermoform Company (ATC). He showed us examples of the simultaneous print-Braille input of one of ATC's embossers, passed out samples of thermoform Braille paper, and donated six cases of Braille paper to be given to six lucky door prize recipients.
Mike Rosen from E.A.S.Y., LLC, followed Mr. Jaquiss at the podium. Just a few minutes into his presentation, a fire alarm went off. The noise thoroughly disrupted the meeting. After a few moments of confusion (was this a real alarm?), we evacuated the room. Some time later, security personnel arrived to inform us that the alarm had been set off accidentally. Once we all got resettled, Mr. Rosen, followed by Dr. Al Maneki, resumed their presentations. They gave information about the importance of tactile graphics to the academic development of blind children.
Scott LaBarre, chairman of the NFB PAC Plan, spoke about the importance of this fundraising opportunity. Attendees at the meeting learned that "Opportunity Knocks" in various ways with presentations about summer programs from Julie Deden, director of the Colorado Center for the Blind; and NFB Jernigan Institute Director of Education, Natalie Shaheen, who discussed the plethora of available programs, including the upcoming STEM2U museum initiative for elementary and high school students.
We then got a good dose of "Parent Power" from Jennifer Duffell-Hoffman, president of the new POBC of South Carolina. She shared many observations about starting a new chapter, including the importance of having a good relationship with her affiliate president, Parnell Diggs. Holly Miller, president of the POBC of New Jersey, echoed this sentiment in highlighting her close relationship with NFB-NJ President Joe Ruffalo.
A favorite part of each NOPBC annual meeting, the time when our students share their experiences, exceeded our high expectations. As we listened to "Kids Taking the Next Step," Megan Bening, a Minnesota college student; Hank Miller, an eighth grader from New Jersey; Alyssa Mendez, a seventh grader from Georgia; and Lucien "Luke" Gandarias, a Washington sixth grader, assured us that our young people are becoming well-equipped to fly!
We then learned about several up-and-coming developments for blind children, including those with additional disabilities. Maeve Jopson, the cofounder of Increment, showed us the company's new sensory toys called O-rings. She shared that Increment is seeking funding for these products through an Indiegogo campaign, and she passed the rings around to seek feedback. (All feedback was quite positive.) Next, the attendees learned about the Support Service Provider (SSP) program, which provides assistance to individuals with deaf-blindness to access information about their environment. The interesting content was enhanced by the turn-taking presentation by the mother-son team of Kathy Gabry, a program director at SSP-New Jersey, and Jon Gabry, a deaf-blind project specialist with New Jersey's iCanConnect. We also heard from two researchers from the Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness (PDRIB), NOPBC board member Laura Bostick, and Casey Robertson, a teacher of blind students.
Time was running short, but we still heard from Bookshare about some new products, and we were invited to their booth in the Exhibit Hall to learn more.
No annual meeting is complete without conducting a little business, and this one was no exception. [NOPBC Treasurer Pat Renfranz provided a concise and informative annual report.] Kim Cunningham, NOPBC second vice-president and chair of the 2014 Nominating Committee, provided the Nominating Committee Report. It included recommendations for all five positions on the Executive Board (each representing a two-year term) and ten board member positions (each for a one-year term). Elections were held, and the 2014-2015 slate of NOPBC officers is as follows (state in parentheses):
Executive Board Officers (two-year terms):
Carlton Anne Cook Walker (PA), President
Andrea Beasley (WI), First Vice-President
Kim Cunningham (TX), Second Vice-President
Pamela Gebert (AK), Secretary
Pat Renfranz (UT), Treasurer
Board Members (one-year terms):
Jackie Anderson (GA)
Jeremiah Beasley (WI)
Jean Bening (MN)
Bill Cucco (NJ)
Jennifer Duffel-Hoffman (SC)
Penny Duffy (NH)
Teresa Graham (MD)
Rosina Foster (MO)
Holly Miller (NJ)
Sandra Oliver (TX)
Braille Book Fair
As soon as the NOPBC annual meeting adjourned, attendees gathered their priority passes to the Braille Book Fair (passes available to those attending the annual meeting) and headed to the book fair. As usual, there was a great deal of anticipation in the Braille Book Fair (BBF) lines while folks waited for the doors to open. Such a treat awaited them! BBF Coordinator Krystal Guillory and her team of tireless volunteers had unpacked and sorted hundreds of boxes of Braille books, and they greeted BBF customers with energy and professionalism.
For two hours, individuals of all ages gathered as many free Braille books as they wished. No one needed to worry about their ability to carry these prizes home, because United Parcel Service volunteers eagerly packed, addressed, and shipped box after box--to be sent via Free Matter for the Blind and Handicapped. Soon these boxes will arrive and rekindle the excitement of convention time for their recipients!
Dad's Night Out
The annual Dad's Night Out, hosted by board member Bill Cucco, brought camaraderie in a relaxed atmosphere. Some moms got in on the fun, too, and they were welcomed into the night out event.
Friday, July 4, 2014
NOPBC's formal programming ended with a power-packed Fourth of July evening. Though there were no fireworks, attendees had the opportunity to learn about the new Unified English Braille Code (UEBC) from Casey Robertson, teacher of blind students, and engage in a Spanish language session covering a range of topics of interest to parents of blind children, led by teacher of blind students Conchita Hernandez. Drawing upon my roles as NOPBC president, attorney, and teacher of blind students, I conducted two sessions: "IEP Basics for Parents of Blind/VI Students" and "IEP Development and Legal Process Overview."
While parents were busy learning, children and youth had their own activities. Children enjoyed crafts and games in an informal atmosphere, while youth had a dance party with Conchita Hernandez and Alex Castillo. It was followed by a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) session led by Christopher Nusbaum, a student from Maryland.
Other Multi-day Activities
NFB General Sessions
Friday kicked off the seventy-fourth annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind. As proud members of the NFB, parents excitedly welcomed the commencement of the first convention general session. This year, the traditional tribute to our troops (always a moving ceremony) preceded a live band playing great pop tunes from the 1990s. This was particularly enjoyable to many parents of teens, as it provided us the opportunity to dance, sing, and embarrass our children immensely!
This was the Convention of Music, as speakers from the podium and from the floor serenaded us intermittently throughout general sessions. Speakers gave interesting presentations on a variety of topics. We parents of blind children truly value this glimpse into the world our children will enter as they grow up.
Child Care Enrichment Activities
NFB Camp provides a childcare option for individuals attending the NFB convention with young children, and the NOPBC offers enrichment opportunities within NFB Camp. On Tuesday, July 1, Conchita Hernandez kept the rhythm going with her session "Music and Movement." Later that day, 1Touch Self Defense presented a self-defense workshop. Thursday, July 3, brought Beep Kickball with Judy Byrd of the Beep Kickball Association. On Friday, July 4, the youngsters were treated to the hands-on session "Tinkering with Tools," with Dave Hutchins and Joe Naulty from the NFB CARS Division.
Youth Track
Our youth kept taking more and more steps toward independence in Youth Track. Activities on the first day of Youth Track brought our youth information and mentorship from active adult NFB members. Darian Smith and members of the NFB Community Service Group hosted "Putting It Together for Good," where youth learned to use their nonvisual skills to help them seek out and succeed in public service activities in their own communities. In their session, "Trading Places," Joe Naulty and Dave Hutchins of the NFB CARS Division spoke about vocational trade careers and provided each youth with very cool nine-piece screwdriver sets to take home for hands-on practice in home improvement. Preteens and teenagers like to be in charge, and longtime Federation leader and successful entrepreneur Kevan Worley spoke to them about how to "Be Your Own Boss."
On Wednesday, July 2, eighteen members of the NFB Writers Division, led by Writers Division President Robert Leslie Newman, hosted "The Play's the Thing." They offered Youth Track members the opportunity to write, direct, and act in a short play.
While parents attended the NOPBC annual meeting on Thursday, July 3, Youth Track participants attended a Student-to-Student activity hosted by the National Association of Blind Students (NABS). My daughter, Anna Catherine, described the session's scavenger hunt as "really fun!" (high praise from my thirteen-year-old). She recounted with enthusiasm the hotel-wide search. The major highlight was her first trip to the NFB Presidential Suite.
Tween Room
In the Tween Room, students ages eleven to fourteen had a lunch hour, a parent-free environment replete with snacks and games. On Wednesday, July 2, and during lunchtime on each day of general session (July 4-6), tweens enjoyed Tween Room amenities.
Parent Leadership Program and Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award
Through the vision of Joanne Wilson and with the support of the National Federation of the Blind, the NOPBC's Parent Leadership Program (PLP), which began in 2006, has identified future parent leaders and provided training to them in issues pertaining to parents of blind children, leadership skills, and, most importantly, NFB philosophy. The PLP has allowed us to build stronger state POBC chapters and to develop leaders to work on important issues related to raising competent, productive blind children.
Two PLP sessions were held at this year's convention, and the participants represented states with both active and "sleeping" POBCs. We are very excited by the enthusiasm of each participant, and we look forward to watching these seeds germinate across the nation!
At general session on Sunday, July 6, the NOPBC was honored to receive a Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award in recognition of the PLP's "exemplary advancements in assisting and continuing to assist the blind." We are humbled by this recognition, and we look forward to continuing to sow the seeds of change with parents and blind mentors to allow all blind children to lead the lives they want. The award's cash prize of $10,000 will help us bring the messages of the importance of nonvisual skills, truly informed choice, and autonomy to blind children and their families. Thank you!

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