February 3 – February 6, 2025
Monday, February 3
Room #275 is open 12:00 – 4:30 PM.
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Congressional Building Models Exhibit
The Congressional building models will be available at a table in the Congressional Ballroom Foyer/pre-function area.
9:00 – 11:00 AM State Presidents and Legislative Directors Briefing
Capitol II Ballroom
All state presidents and legislative directors attending the 2025 National Federation of the Blind Washington Seminar are asked to attend this legislative briefing. The briefing will cover our 2025 legislative priorities, include tips for effective Hill meetings and follow up strategies, and discuss Washington Seminar logistics that affiliate leaders should be aware of for the week.
9:30 – 10:00 AM Registration: National Association of Blind Students Winter Student Seminar
Capitol I Ballroom Foyer
No registration fee, optional $5 membership dues
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM National Association of Blind Students Winter Seminar
Capitol I Ballroom
Students, educators, young professionals, and curious minds: kick off this year’s Washington Seminar by joining the National Association of Blind Students (NABS) for our annual winter seminar! Whether you are participating in-person or tuning in on our Facebook livestream, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to connect with blind students from across the country, learn from successful blind professionals, hear about scholarships and internships, and prepare for your upcoming Congressional meetings. If attending in-person, also be sure to register for a chance to win a door prize!
Direct questions to Lauren Altman, President, at [email protected] or 973-930-7473.
12:00 – 2:00 PM The National Federation of the Blind Employment Committee Annual Career Fair at Washington Seminar
Congressional II Ballroom
Join us for the chance to meet employers, including federal agencies, who will be here to speak with you about job opportunities.
This fair is coordinated with the support of the National Federation of the Blind of the District of Columbia and the National Federation of the Blind Employment Committee. For more information, please contact Shawn Callaway at [email protected].
2:00 – 4:00 PM Legislative Seminar
Capitol Ballroom
Whether you are a Washington Seminar veteran or an enthusiastic rookie, we urge you to attend this interactive seminar. The government affairs group will provide essential information about our legislative priorities for 2025, and you will have an opportunity to ask questions and put your knowledge into practice.
We encourage you to review the fact sheets thoroughly beforehand and come prepared with insightful questions so that we are all well-equipped with the information we need to make sure members of Congress and their staff understand our priorities.
5:00 – 7:00 PM Great Gathering-In
Capitol Ballroom
Please join us for the official kickoff meeting of the Washington Seminar, hosted by the President of the National Federation of the Blind, Mark Riccobono. All are welcome.
Join the webinar using the Zoom meeting ID 992 4094 2968
Phone one-tap mobile:
+13017158592,,99240942968# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,99240942968# US
8:30 – 10:30 PM Support the Students: Annual NABS Auction
Congressional Ballroom
The NABS auction is raising the stakes! Embrace your competitive side and help decide which beloved Federationist is the best auctioneer. Come bid on a variety of wonderful baskets and support the efforts of the National Association of Blind Students as we put some leaders to the test. We will have appetizers, a cash bar, and lots of laughter. We will also be conducting our 50/50 raffle drawing, so don’t miss it! This year’s auction will be hybrid, so even if you aren’t physically with us, we invite you to join us via the NABS auction zoom link and be a part of the action!
Direct questions to Lauren Altman, President, at [email protected] or 973-930-7473
Tuesday, February 4
Room #275 is open 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
5:30 – 7:00 PM National Federation of the Blind Congressional Reception
Kennedy Caucus Room (Room 325) of the Russell Senate Office Building
The members of the National Federation of the Blind invite members of Congress and Congressional staff to come learn more about our organization. Legislators can interact with Federationists while enjoying light refreshments and discussing our 2025 legislative priorities for the First Session of the 119th Congress.
Wednesday, February 5
Room #275 is open 8:00 AM – 5:45 PM
6:00 – 7:00 PM Reviewing our Day on the Hill
Capitol Ballroom I
A meeting with John Paré, Justin Young, and Jesse Shirek to go over feedback and questions you may be getting from members of Congress or their staff.
Thursday, February 6
Room #275 is open 8:00 – 11:00 AM
For any questions regarding the Washington Seminar agenda, please contact Kyle Walls at [email protected].