Dare to Be Remarkable Conference Proposal Submission Form

November 18–20, 2026
National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute
Baltimore, Maryland

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) invites proposals for presentations at the Dare to Be Remarkable Conference, a specialized, multi-day professional development event for education and rehabilitation professionals working with blind or low-vision adults and transition-aged youth.

This conference centers on Structured Discovery, the philosophy of teaching blindness skills through high expectations, problem-solving, and real-world experiences that foster independence and self-determination.

We seek proposals that are practical, innovative, thought-provoking, and grounded in the belief that blindness professionals should dare to be remarkable – teach with purpose and lead with high expectations.

The submission deadline is August 31.

Proposal Submission Requirements

Each proposal must be aligned with one or more of our topical areas and include the following:

Goals and Objectives

A concise list of specific, measurable learning objectives describing what participants will know or be able to do as a result of attending the session.

Detailed Presentation Description

A narrative description that includes:

An overview of the topic and its relevance to the Dare to Be Remarkable audience
How Structured Discovery principles are reflected in the presentation
Planned learning activities (e.g., discussion, hands-on practice, case studies, problem-solving exercises)
Expected outcomes and practical takeaways for participants

Presenter Biography

A 300-word maximum biography for each presenter
Include current role, relevant experience, and connection to blindness education or rehabilitation
Please write biographies in third person

Presentation Format

Sessions should last one hour and may include lectures, interactive workshops, demonstrations, or facilitated discussions. Proposals that emphasize participant engagement and practical application are strongly encouraged.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy

The National Federation of the Blind celebrates and embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values in its mission to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind. We are committed to building and maintaining a nationwide organization with state affiliates and local chapters that is unified in its priorities and programs and is directed by the membership. We respect differences of opinion, beliefs, identities, and other characteristics that demonstrate that blind people are a diverse cross section of society.

Furthermore, the organization is dedicated to continuing to establish new methods of membership and leadership development that reflect the diversity and full inclusion of the entire blind community. In promoting a diverse and growing organization, we expect integrity and honesty in our relationships with each other and openness to learning about and experiencing cultural diversity.

We believe that these qualities are crucial to fostering social and intellectual maturity. We recognize that our views and convictions will be challenged, and we expect this challenge to take place in a climate of tolerance and mutual respect in order to maintain a united organization. While we encourage the exchange of differing ideas and experiences, we do not condone the use of demeaning, derogatory, or discriminatory language, action, or any other form of expression intended to marginalize an individual or group.

The National Federation of the Blind does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, or any other characteristic or intersectionality of characteristics

Note: All fields with an asterisk (*) are required.

Presenter Information

Primary presenter's first name *

Primary presenter's last name *

Organization / agency *

Job title *

Email *

Phone *

Street address *

City *

Zip code *

State *

Additional Presenters

Please provide contact information for up to two additional presenters.

First name - Optional

Last name - Optional

Email - Optional

Organization - Optional

First name - Optional

Last name - Optional

Email - Optional

Organization - Optional

Presentation Information

Proposed presentation title *

Select one primary topical area *

Please list 3–5 specific learning objectives (e.g., Participants will be able to…) *

Provide a presentation description that includes an overview, relevance, Structured Discovery principles, learning activities, and expected outcomes. (300–600 words recommended). *

Check all of the instructional methods that will be used during this presentation. *

Lecture / Presentation

Facilitated discussion

Hands-on activities

Case studies

Demonstration

Small-group work

Describe how your session and materials will be accessible to blind and low-vision participants *

Provide a biography for each presenter in 300 words or fewer using third person *

Have you presented this session before? *

When and where did you present this session? - Optional

Special audiovisual or room setup needs - Optional

Agreements and Certifications

I certify that the information provided is accurate. *

NFB Code of Conduct

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Our organization requires a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we are committed to a safe and welcoming environment. As part of that effort, this registration requires that you agree to the code of conduct. The NFB Code of Conduct outlines policies and standards for anyone who participates in Federation activities. Please read our code of conduct at nfb.org/codeofconduct.

For reporting code of conduct violations, you may report in several ways such as by completing the online code of conduct reporting form, filing a report with a state or national leader, emailing [email protected], or by calling 410-659-9314 extension 2475. Reports are reviewed by an external party, and the review process may result in an investigation and consequences to the violator.

For support or guidance, email [email protected] or extension 2238 to connect with our Blind Survivors Group. We welcome your questions and concerns. We support whatever path an individual may choose to take in healing from harm. Thank you for your commitment to the safety and support of the blind community.

By checking this box, I fully acknowledge and verify that I have read and understand the National Federation of the Blind Code of Conduct and will comply with its guidelines. *

Media Release

The National Federation of the Blind often takes photographs and videos of participants for educational and promotional purposes. Do you give permission for the National Federation of the Blind to use your image or likeness in materials produced for promotional and educational purposes to advance the lives of our members and all blind people in the United States including, but not limited to, the following channels: print materials, websites, social media, and news media?

Images will be used in a respectful manner consistent with the mission of the National Federation of the Blind. No compensation will be provided for the use of these images. Consent may be revoked at any time by submitting a written request to the National Federation of the Blind. Revocation applies only to future use and does not require the removal, recall, or alteration of any materials already produced, distributed, or in use at the time of the request.

Presentation Certification

By adding my name below, I certify that if accepted, I will present in person at the NFB Jernigan Institute, and I agree to provide accessible materials by the requested deadline.

Full name *

Today's date *

Format: MM/DD/YYYY

All required fields must be completed before submission. If any required fields are missing, the form will refresh and an alert will appear. Please review each require field, complete any missing information, and then resubmit.