National Federation of the Blind
Of Arizona
63rd Annual Convention
Bob Kresmer, President
9014 East Bellevue Street
Tucson, Arizona 85715-5652
520-733-5894
Email:
(888) 899-6322
www.az.nfb.org
September 13, 14, & 15, 2009
Radisson Suites Hotel
6555 E. Speedway
Tucson AZ 85710
The National Federation of the Blind of Arizona is a 501 (c) 3 consumer organization comprised of blind and sighted people committed to changing what it means to be blind. Though blindness is still all too often a tragedy to those who face it, we know from our personal experience that with training and opportunity it can be reduced to the level of a physical nuisance. We work to see that blind people receive the services and training to which they are entitled and that parents of blind children receive the advice and support they need to help their youngsters grow up to be happy, productive adults. We believe that first-class citizenship means that people have both rights and responsibilities, and we are determined to see that blind people become first-class citizens of these United States, enjoying their rights and fulfilling their responsibilities. The most serious problems we face have less to do with our lack of vision than with discrimination based on the public’s ignorance and misinformation about blindness. Join us in educating Arizonans about the abilities and aspirations of Arizona’s blind citizens. We are changing what it means to be blind.
The NFB of Arizona has local chapters, at-large members, and special divisions for diabetics, merchants, students, seniors, the Deaf-Blind, and parents of blind children. Information about blindness, self advocacy, and current issues is circulated by email and posted on NFB-NEWSLINE®, our digitized newspaper-reading service by phone, and on our website, www.az.nfb.org. For information about the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona or to make address changes or be added to the mailing list, call toll free (888) 899-6322 or email . For information about NFB-NEWSLINE, our free digitized newspaper-reading service, call (866) 504-7300.
Contact information for speakers can be found on the last page of the agenda.
1st Vice President, Allison Hilliker
2nd Vice President,
Treasurer, Donna Silba
Secretary, Marcus Schmidt
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Debi Black, , Sharonda Greenlaw, , ,
NFB of Arizona chapter contact information
Phoenix Chapter President, Sharonda Greenlaw
602-281-5955
East Valley Chapter President, Mark Feliz
West Valley Chapter President, Marcus Schmidt
(602) 942-0181
Tucson Chapter President, Larry Martin
Yuma Chapter President Ofelia Mendoza
Northern Arizona Chapter President Eric Billy
Theme for 2009 – “Braille Readers Are Leaders”
Host Chapter: NFBA of Tucson,
Sami Hamed, President
Door Prize Committee: Gerry Piatt, Chair
Please turn in all door prizes to the Tucson Chapter members, staffing the designated table next to the Registration Table
Registration: Tom and Barbara O’Brien,
Foyer, Room
Registration opens Friday, September 11th, at 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Registration on Saturday, September 12, will open at 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Thereafter, Registration will be closed, unless a prior arrangement has been made with the State President.
Please register so you will be eligible for door prizes and other convention activities. Even if you have pre-registered, please come to this area to pick up your registration packet.
Friday, September 11, 2009
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Stop and talk with this year’s selection of Convention Exhibitors and find out what is new in technology, products, and services-
Vendors will be available in the Exhibit Hall— Catalina Ballroom 1 at the following times:
Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am – 9:30 am
12:00 noon – 2:00 pm
Louis Braille 2009 Commemorative Silver Dollar – sales Table
(Think about Christmas presents you will be giving!)
Arizona Association of Athletes Who Are Blind or Visually
Impaired (AAABVI)
Arizona Braille and Talking Book Library – Demonstration of new
digital talking book player
Assistech – daily living aids for deaf and blind / VI
Bookshare access to the printed word
Desert Low Vision – Assistive Technology
Foundation for Blind Children: Assistive Technology
The Michael Hingson Group – KNFB Mobile Reader, hardware and
software accessories
NFB NewsLine Demonstration & Application, Arizona Braille and Talking Book Library
NFBA Technology Committee: Information Access and peer tutoring
NFB Literature & Publications
Funding the Movement (PAC, SUN Shares & The Imagination Fund Programs
The Seeing Eye – Dog Guide School
Sun Sounds of Arizona, Radio Reading Service
U.S. Corporation for National and Community Service
Friday Morning Seminars 9:00 through 11:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m. Association of Blind Students Seminar, Juniper Room Rm. 301
Ryan Thomas, president
We will discuss “what constitutes legal discrimination” and the rights and responsibilities of schools and students. We will discuss dealing with “overly helpful” helpers. We will discuss physical appearance, interviewing skills and other important aspects of being prepared for and finding employment. We will discuss the opportunities and responsibilities of participating in national and community service.
9:00 a.m., Association of Blind Seniors Seminar, Mesquite Room Rm. 201
Fred Rockwell, president
We will discuss reasons and rationalizations why seniors who are newly blind shy away from Braille, as well as methods and motivations for seniors to learn to read and write independently. We will spend time discussing health and wellness, and the methods and benefits of physical activity. We will also discuss outreach efforts of NFB and RSA into city and rural locations.
9:00 a.m. Blindness Professionals Seminar, Ocotillo Room Rm. 264
Discussion leaders – Bob Kresmer, Julie Deden, Amy Murillo-Hicks
We will discuss topics that are fundimental issues common to all blindness professionals, whether teachers of blind / VI children, VR counselors, RT teachers, travel skills teachers, agency administrators, or those involved in university preparation programs. We will discuss certification of literary Braille instructors in accordance with the Arizona Braille law. We will discuss methods and motivations for raising expectations of the professionals, the customers and their families. We will discuss the US Corporation for National and Community Service as an alternative track for career preparation.
12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Plated Lunch for those who pre-purchased, Catalina Ballroom 2 & 3
Luncheon Guest Speakers –
Braille Literacy Campaign Goals and Methods-
Arielle Silverman, president
National Association of Blind Students
The effect of Arizona budget on the goals and aspirations of blind Arizonans –
Senator Jorge Garcia, Arizona Minority Leader
U.S. Day of National Service – Panel
Afternoon Seminars 1:30 through 4: p.m.
1:30 p.m. Parents of Blind Children Seminar, Juniper Room Rm. 301
Mark Feliz, president
We will discuss peer mentoring and resources for parents of infants through youth transition and entry into employment. We will discuss methods and motivations for learning Braille, and the myths and stereotypes about Braille. We will discuss the benefits of physical activity, the availability of sports and athletic activities. We will discuss the benefits of national and community service as an alternative career track.
1:30 p.m. Diabetes Action Network Seminar, Mesquite Room, Rm. 201
Pamela Davis, vice-president
We will discuss advances in methods and techniques in standard medical practices dealing with diabetes, as well as alternative, holistic theories and methods. We will discuss the methods by which self-sufficiency is taught in Arizona.
1:30 p.m. Fundamentals of the KNFB Mobile reader, and its optional hardware and software Seminar, Ocotillo Room Rm. 264
Discussion leader – Mike Hingson
1:30 p.m. The Seeing Eye Dog Guide School Seminar La Cholla Room Rm. 101
Discussion leader – Jay Stitely
Learn about the use of a dog guide, discuss benefits and responsibilities, and try out a Juno walk
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. NFBA Affiliate Board Meeting (Open to the Public), Catalina Ballroom 2 & 3
Introduce our National Representative, Ron Brown, and our 2009 Arizona scholarship winner, Alvaro Mora.
7:00 p.m. Resolutions Committee, Catalina Ballroom 2 & 3
Sami Hamed, chairman
We will discuss and recommend for membership approval the resolutions which will guide the legislative work the NFB of Arizona will pursue in 2010.
8:00 p.m. Hospitality Event, La Cholla Room Rm 101
Hosted by NFBA Tucson Chapter
All Welcome! – Entertainment by Tucson keyboardist Danny Miranda, finger foods, and cash bar
Friday Evening Arizona Association of Blind Students Pizza Party
And Information Exchange, Pool Court Terrace
9:00 p.m. Nominating Committee (Closed Meeting)
Sharonda Greenlaw, chair
(This is the only meeting of the weekend not open to the general membership, but rather only to those appointed to the committee.)
Saturday, September 12, 2009
8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Registration, Foyer, Catalina Ballroom
8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Exhibitors, Catalina Ballroom 1
9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. General Session, Catalina Ballroom 2 & 3
9:30 a.m. Call to Order & Welcome,
Bob Kresmer, President, NFB of Arizona
9:35 a.m. Invocation, Robert Eschbach, Board Member,
9:40 a.m. Pledge to the American Flag & NFB Pledge
Sami Hamed, president, Tucson Chapter
The National Federation of the Blind Pledge
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts
of the National Federation of the Blind
to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind;
to support the programs and policies of the Federation;
and to abide by its constitution.
9:45 a.m. Official Welcome & Reading of the Proclamation Tucson Mayor, Bob Walkup
10:00 a.m. National Report
Ron Brown, Second vice-president, National Federation of the Blind; president of NFB of Indiana
10:30 a.m. Questions and answers
10:40 a.m. Eighty Years of Service
Jay Stitely, The Seeing Eye
11:00 a.m. RSA report
Kathy Levandowsky, Administrator
Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration
11:20 Questions and answers
11:30 State Report
Bob Kresmer, president
NFB of Arizona
11:50 Questions and answers
Noon to 2:00 p.m. Exhibits open, Catalina Ballroom 1
Noon to 2:00 p.m. Breakout Lunch Sessions
Pick up box lunches in Foyer Area, and attend the meeting of your choice (Box Lunches are reserved for pre-registrants).
NFBA Association of the Senior Blind, Mesquite Room Rm. 201
Fred Rockwell, president
NFBA Diabetes Action Network, La Cholla Room Rm. 101
Pamela Davis, vice-president
NFBA Association of Blind Students, Juniper Room Rm. 301
Ryan Thomas, president
NFBA Parents of Blind Children, Ocotillo Room Rm. 264
Mark Feliz, president
Afternoon General Session
2:00 p.m. NFBA Technology Committee: Tutoring, Website, and Information Access
Sharonda Greenlaw, Allison Hilliker, Mark Feliz, Debi Black
2:20 p.m. Talking Book Library and Newsline
Linda Montgomery, Director, Arizona Braille and Talking Book Library
2:35 p.m. Questions and answers
2:40 p.m. A Better Place
Fred Rockwell, president
Association of Senior Blind
3:00 p.m. Braille Readers Are Leaders – Elementary and High School reading contest
Panel discussion: students, parents, and teachers
3:20 p.m. National and Community Service as a Blind Person,
Darian Smith and panel of Arizona National Service volunteers
3:40 p.m. Questions and answers
3:50 p.m. Bookshare update, Allison Hilliker
4:00 p.m. My First Time at NFB National Convention
Panel discussion: Sharonda Greenlaw, Larry Martin, Amy Murillo
4:20 p.m. Colorado Center for the Blind
Panel will discuss the comprehensive adult training program and the summer youth transition program
(Includes talks from Arizona Youth Transition Summer Students)
4:40p.m. Reading of recommended 2010 Arizona resolutions
Sami Hamed, chairman
4:55 p.m. Announcements
5:00 p.m. Adjourn
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Reception, cash bar, Catalina Ballroom 1
7:00 p.m. NFBA Banquet, Catalina Ballroom 2 & 3
Master of Ceremonies - Marcus Schmidt, first vice president, NFBA
Keynote Speaker: Ron Brown, National Federation Of The Blind
Scholarship Committee - Marc Schmidt, Chair, NFBA
Raffle Drawings & Auctions
After – Banquet Party, Catalina Ballroom 1
Dance to the music by Johnny Becerra, Tucson BEP Vendor
Cash bar
Sunday, September 14, 2009
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Chapter/Division Breakfast, Catalina Ballroom
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Affiliate Business Session
9:00 a.m. to 9:10 a.m. Memorial for our members who passed away this year, Robert Eschbach, Board Member, NFBA
9:10 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Resolutions Committee Report
Sami Hamed
9:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Treasurer’s Report
Donna Silba, treasurer, NFBA
9:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Nominating Committee Report
Sharonda Greenlaw, chair, NFBA
10:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Break
10:15 Affiliate Elections
11:00 a.m. Funding the Movement
Pat Eschbach PAC Plan chair
* PAC Plan
* SUN Shares
* Imagination Fund
*Louis Braille Coin
11:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Deaf / Blind Constitutional vote
11:30 a.m. Questions and answers
11:50 a.m. to Noon Wrap Up, Bob Kresmer, President, National Federation of the Blind of Arizona
12:00 Noon Adjourn
Please Note: Hotel “Check Out” time is 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2008.
A sincere “Thank You” to all who contributed time and effort to make this convention a success, especially -
* Radisson Suites Hotel Staff
* Phoenix Public Library Accessibility Center for printing and embossing the agendas
* NFBA Convention Arrangements Committee
* Door Prize committee
* And all the members who work together to make our mission possible.
Contact information –
AABVI (Arizona Association of Athletes Who Are Blind / Visually Impaired) (520) 664-6148
Arizona Braille and Talking Book Library (800) 255-5578
ASSISTECH 866-674-3549 www.assistech.com
Bookshare 623-221-1026 www.benetech.org
Colorado Center for the Blind 800-401-4632 www.cocenter.org
Desert Low Vision Services 520-881-3439 www.desertlowvisionservices.com
Foundation for Blind Children 602-331-1470 www.seeitourway.org
The Michael Hingson Group 415-827-4084 www.michaelhingson.com
RSA (Rehabilitation Services Administration) 800-563-1221
SAAVI (Southern Arizona Association for the Visually Impaired) 520-795-1331 www.saavi.us
The Seeing Eye Dog Guide School 973-539-4425 www.seeingeye.org
Sunsounds of Arizona Tucson – 520-296-2400 Maricopa County 480-774-8300 www.sunsounds.org
U.S. Corporation for National and Community Service 602-514-7171 or 928-523-7040 www.cns.gov
NFBA –
Association of Blind Students 520-834-2562
Association of Blind Seniors 602-348-9705
Association of Blind Merchants 480-231-9260
Arizona Parents of Blind Children 888-899-6322
Diabetes Action Network 888-899-6322
National Association of Blind Students 602-502-2255 www.nabslink.org