AGENDA
National Federation of the Blind of Colorado
69th Annual State Convention
October 26 – October 29, 2023
Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows
Lone Tree, CO 80124
Park Ridge Ballroom Salons C & D
THE SCIENCE OF INDEPENDENCE: Sponsored by Independence Science
Jessica Beecham, President
2233 W. Shepperd Avenue
Littleton, CO 80120
303-778-1130
NFB PLEDGE
I pledge to participate actively in the effort of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation and to abide by its constitution.
NFB MESSAGE
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and their dreams.
You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.
NFB Code of Conduct
All NFB members, employees, contractors, event attendees, volunteers, and program participants are subject to the NFB Code of Conduct. Everyone is strongly encouraged to review the Code which can be found at:
COVID-19
We understand that the COVID-19 virus is still very much a part of our lives and is very serious to those who are high risk. We encourage all our attendees to continue social distancing. Masking is not required but encouraged. If you are feeling ill, it would be best if you stayed home or in your hotel room and join us on Zoom. In the event you become ill during convention, we will have COVID-19 tests available at the registration table.
TRIBUTE TO OUR SPONSORS
Thank you to our TITLE SPONSOR, Independence Science
Independence Science was founded in 2009 by blind chemist, Dr. Cary Supalo. Dr. Supalo witnessed, first-hand, the difficulties of the STEM field as a blind student and created Independence Science to promote STEM equity and inclusion for the blind and low vision community.
Independence Science is a STEM consulting and access technology company specializing in the development of text-to-speech enabled scientific data collection interfaces to empower print-disabled students to have more hands-on quantifiable learning experiences individually or as part of laboratory teams in science laboratory learning environments.
Independence Science maintains a team of disabled scientists who provide multiple viewpoints in key aspects of all product development efforts.
We extend our sincerest gratitude to our Titanium Sponsor, Colorado Center for the Blind.
Since 1988, the CCB has been helping the blind live the lives they want and reaching new heights of independence. The Center has provided world class blindness training to students from all over the world. Contact Julie Deden, Executive Director, jdeden@cocenter.org, 303-778-1130. Also visit www.cocenter.org for more information.
We thank our Title, Titanium, Gold and Silver Sponsors:
- Independence Science, Title Sponsor
- Colorado Center for the Blind, Titanium Sponsor
- Non-24/Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Gold Sponsor
- Spectrum, Gold Sponsor
- Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Silver Sponsor
- Regional Transit District, Silver Sponsor
- NanoPac / Magnisight of the Rockies, Silver Sponsor
GENERAL CONFERENCE INFORMATION
National Representative: This year we are delighted to have Barbara Manuel from Alabama serving as our National Representative.
Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at age eight (8), Barbara Manuel navigated her youth journey without any accessible assistance beyond her eyeglasses. During grade school, her best friend, Phyllis, helped Barbara retrieve assignments from the instructor.
After graduating and attending Bishop State Community College, she became a blind vendor of The Business Enterprise Program for the Blind and currently holds the housekeeping and dining contract at The United States Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama.
Barbara has a son, Raymond, his lovely wife, Gwendolyn, a granddaughter, Jessica, and two great granddaughters, J'Alice and Anori who fill her life with joy.
Barbara joined The National Federation of the Blind in 1986 during the Alabama Affiliate Convention held in Mobile. She became Mobile Chapter President in 1987 and served for 11 years. She also served for several years on the Alabama Affiliate Board of Directors. In 2018 Barbara became Alabama's Affiliate President and currently serves with an extraordinary team of blind individuals, promoting the empowerment of all blind Alabama citizens.
In July 2022 Barbara was elected to serve on the National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors where she is extremely honored to serve with a team that's devoted to exploring ways to positively impact the lives of blind people. She serves on the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Board of Trustees and is a member of the Alabama League of Women Voters.
Her tenacity and passion propel her forward as she diligently strives toward minimizing and eventually diminishing the archetypal mentality surrounding blindness. Building relationships, breaking down barriers and fighting for equality on every level are Barbara's goals.
REGISTRATION:
Park Ridge Ballroom Foyer
- Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
If the hotel is able to accommodate additional meals, the following is the pricing structure for meal tickets at the door.
- Registration Fee: $25.00
- Friday Luncheon: $30.00
- Saturday Lunch: $30.00
- Saturday Banquet: $70.00
CONVENTION ZOOM PLATFORM
We will be providing Zoom access for state convention for Friday Resolutions and General Session, Saturday General Session and Banquet and the Sunday morning business session. Following you will find the Zoom link and one tap mobile number.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/97335339326?pwd=TG1MOTB5RmloSDNlN2M2SWV2dW5zdz09
Meeting ID: 9733 533 9326
Passcode: NFBCO2023
One tap mobile: +17207072699,,97335339326#
ZOOM HELP DESK
If you are having trouble connecting to the Zoom platform, please contact Curtis Chong at our Help Desk atChong.Curtis@gmail.comor by phone at 515-306-1654.
CLOSED CAPTIONING
We will be providing live closed captioning for Resolutions, and all Science of Independence general sessions and the banquet. You can access the captions by using the Zoom caption feature or by opening the link below in a separate browser window.
www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB_COLORADO
CHILDCARE INFORMATION :
Please contact childcare coordinator, Ena Batron,
720-384-3263 to make arrangements. Parents should be sure to register their children.
Childcare will be held in Hospitality Suite #428.
Friday: Childcare will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Parents must provide meals for their children.
Saturday: Childcare will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Parents must provide lunch for their children.
Childcare will re-open at 6:30 p.m. and close at 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: Childcare will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
DOG RELIEF AREA INFORMATION:
There are two dog relief areas. The first is located off the restaurant patio, up a few steps and left a short distance to the grassy area. There will be a trash can next to the railing. The second location is out and to the right of the exit door that is between the Littleton and Englewood/Parker breakout rooms.
Please deposit all waste in the trash cans provided.
Contact Dog Guide Coordinator, ReNae Anderson, and pay attention to general announcements.
DOOR PRIZES:
ReNae Anderson, Brittany Savage, and Showe Trela will serve as our Door Prize Chairwomen. Door Prizes will be drawn in general Convention sessions, and you must be present to win. Please bring your prizes to ReNae prior to the beginning of general sessions.
RECYCLING LANYARDS AND NAME BADGE HOLDERS
If you do not care to keep your Convention lanyard and name badge holder, please drop them off on the registration table at the ballroom entry as Convention winds down. We will be able to use them for future Conventions.
EXHIBITS:
Exhibits will be open in the Park Ridge Salon A & B throughout the Convention at the discretion of the individual exhibitor and primarily when there aren't competing Convention activities. The times listed below are definitely scheduled, and it is likely that exhibits will also be open during breakout sessions, especially on Friday.
- Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Please stop to visit the following exhibitors and sponsors:
- AIRA, Exhibitor
- A.T. Guys, Exhibitor
- Audio Information Network of Colorado, Exhibitor
- Blind Girl Designs, Exhibitor
- Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Silver Sponsor
- The Dot Shop, Exhibitor
- Guide Dogs for the Blind, Exhibitor
- Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Exhibitor
- HumanWare, Exhibitor
- NanoPac / Magnisight of the Rockies, Silver Sponsor
- Non-24/Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Gold Sponsor
- AYES / OKO, Michael Janssen, Exhibitor
- OntheMUV miniTREAD, Exhibitor
- Regional Transportation District, Silver Sponsor
- See Me Cane, Exhibitor
- Spectrum, Gold Sponsor
- The Seeing Eye, Exhibitor
The following chapters and divisions will also have tables in the exhibit hall and would love for you to stop by and visit with them.
- Colorado Springs
- Denver – Beauty by Brittany & Ileen's Tuppylove
- Sports & Rec
Note: Several of our Divisions are conducting their business meetings prior to the in-person portion of our Convention. Please see below.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. SCIENCE WITHOUT BARRIERS
Lone Tree
Join the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado, the Colorado Center for the Blind and Independence Science for a day of accessible science experiments taught by remarkable blind female professionals in the field!
At this exceptional event, you will have the opportunity to explore the wonders of science through hands-on experiments including reverse tie-dye and a GIGANTIC ping pong ball explosion. Hear about what it is like to be a blind scientist and interact with like-minded students to form lasting friendships.
1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. CHALLENGING YOUR MIND BODY AND SPIRIT
Littleton A is the starting point for this session.
Join us for a fun and active afternoon. Connect your mind and body through movement, a sound experience, mindfulness and meditation, and self-defense.
We are excited about the afternoon's activities, which include a 45-minute session of yoga and a sound experience with Julie Hill. Enjoy a fully accessible yoga experience with a certified Yogi. She will also guide you through a special savasana that includes a sound experience. She will be playing singing bowls that represent each of the chakras.
Learn basic self-defense from a black belt in taekwondo. This interactive 45-minute session will teach you some techniques around basic self-defense. Learn how to get out of holds, gain strategies to feel safer and more confident in your daily environment.
Take part in a mindfulness and meditation. During this 45-minute experience we will discuss some of the basic benefits of essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus. Learn mindfulness techniques to help gain strategies for feeling balanced and calm through your day. Then experience a guided meditation to maximize relaxation. Please bring a yoga mat or beach towel with you for these activities.
Teachers of each class include Julie Hill for yoga and the sound experience, Chaz Davis and Ryan Carsey for self-defense, and mindfulness and meditation will feature Holli Benkelman.
The entire group will gather in Littleton A to have activities explained and then we will split up into three groups.
Group 1
Littleton A
1:30 to 2:15 – Yoga
2:30 to 3:15 – Self-defense
3:30 to 4:15 – Mindfulness and meditation
Group 2
Littleton B
1:30 to 2:15 – Self-defense
2:30 to 3:15 – Mindfulness and meditation
3:30 to 4:15 – Yoga
Group 3
Englewood
1:30 to 2:15 – Mindfulness and meditation
2:30 to 3:15 – Yoga
3:30 to 4:15 – Self-defense
1:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. COLORADO TALKING BOOK LIBRARY 101
Lone Tree
Nicolle Steffen, Director, Colorado State Publications Library; Theresa Kalber, Network Systems Administrator; Lorrie Spoering, Reader Advisor, Librarian
1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Learn about the services the Colorado Talking Book Library provides to blind people in the state. Get a brief overview of the materials available, as well as the audio player and braille eReader. Come learn about this free service that provides books and magazines to readers across Colorado.
3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Already a patron at CTBL? Have questions? Need help? Come meet CTBL staff and they can answer questions, provide more information about services, and help you troubleshoot problems. Or just come by to say "Hi." Also, meet other users who can share user hacks for the new braille eReader.
THURSDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 26, 2023
Dining around Park Meadows
Let's hit the town and check out the Park Meadows restaurants. On Thursday evening, October 26th, choose from one of the listed locations below and enjoy trying a new restaurant while having dinner with your fellow Federationists. Here's how it works!!
Choose the dining spot you would like to try and contact the Federation leader with that group. Please RSVP with your name and phone number. Make note of the dinner time for the restaurant group you choose because they may differ slightly from one another. Group leaders need all RSVPs by Monday October 23rd, no later than 1 pm. Reservations will be made for the group, and everyone will meet at the chosen location to enjoy a meal and socialization. Everyone is responsible for their own check and their own tip. We hope you will have a great night with old friends, make new friends, have great conversations, and enjoy a night out. Please note that other than the hotel's restaurant all other locations will need to be accessed by an Uber or Lyft. None of them is within walking distance. The group leader can coordinate a plan for people to meet up and share Ubers if they wish.
Earls Kitchen + Bar Restaurant leaders are Gary Van Dorn and Ryan Carsey
Reservation time 6:30 p.m.
Text Gary Van Dorn at (303) 863-1150 to RSVP.
Earls Park Meadows
https://www.earls.ca/locations/park-meadows/menu/
8335 Park Meadows Center Drive, Lone Tree, CO 80124
Cranelli's Italian Restaurant leaders are Julie Deden and Dan Burke
Reservation time is 6:30 p.m.
Text Dan Burke at (406) 546-8546 to RSVP
Cranelli's Italian Restaurant https://cranellis.com/menu/cranelli
10047 Park Meadows Dr., Unit F, Lone Tree, CO 80124
Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant leaders are the Colorado Association of Blind Students
Reservation time is 7 p.m.
Text Ellie White at (720) 624-9979 to RSVP
Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant Park Meadows
https://riograndemexican.com/menus/dine-in-menu-lone-tree/
9535 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree, CO 80124
Clock Tower Grill Restaurant leaders are Paul Sandoval and Nate Hecker
Reservation time is 6:45 p.m.
Text Nate Hecker at (605) 610-7959
Clock Tower Grill https://clocktowergrill.net
9360 Station Street, Suite 100, Lone Tree, CO 80124
Sonoma'z Wine Bar is the restaurant inside the hotel.
Group leaders are the Blind Parents Division of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado
Reservation time is 5:30 p.m.
Text Maureen Nietfeld at 215-353-7218 to RSVP
Immediately after this dinner the Blind Parents Division Will host a pool party at the hotel pool. All are welcome.
Sonoma'z Wine Bar and Grill
No menu available aside from this information:
"Enhance your dining experience with the perfect complement to our Colorado-inspired dinner dishes—a glass of exquisite California wine. Whether you're savoring a comforting bowl of hearty soup, indulging in gourmet tacos bursting with flavors, or treating yourself to a succulent steak, the addition of a fine wine will elevate your meal to new heights. Our carefully curated wine selection offers a range of varietals and vintages that have been thoughtfully chosen to harmonize with our delectable culinary offerings. The marriage of California's renowned wines with our flavorful Colorado-inspired cuisine creates a memorable and delightful combination that will leave you grateful for choosing us as your dining destination.
FRIDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 27, 2023
7:30 a.m. CONVENTION CAFÉ
Salons C & D Foyer
Please join us for our first ever Convention Café. We will provide complimentary pastries, fruit cups and coffee and tea. You may take your comestibles with you, or you may have a seat at the provided café tables.
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. REGISTRATION
Park Ridge Ballroom Foyer
Pick up your pre-registration packets and register for door prize drawings. If you didn't register in advance, Convention Registration is $25.00, Friday Luncheon $30.00, Saturday Luncheon $30.00, and Banquet $70.00 provided the hotel is able to accommodate additional meals.
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS SHOWCASE
Park Ridge Salon A & B
Peruse this year's selection of Convention Sponsors and Exhibitors and find out what is new in technology, products, and services. In particular, we once again want to salute our Title Sponsor, Independence Science and our Titanium Sponsor, Colorado Center for the Blind. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Spectrum, Non-24/Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, NanoPac / Magnisight of the Rockies, and RTD.
8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE
Littleton A
Join Zoom Meeting
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/97335339326?pwd=TG1MOTB5RmloSDNlN2M2SWV2dW5zdz09
Meeting ID: 973 3533 9326
Passcode: NFBCO2023
One tap mobile: +17207072699,,97335339326#
Dan Burke and Curtis Chong, Co-chairmen
Come and help set the policy of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado!
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. NFB OF COLORADO KID CORRAL
Hospitality Suite #428
Ena Batron, Corral Leader
This is our NFB of Colorado Childcare and it's not just babysitting. Ena has planned a number of activities to keep the kiddos busy. Although there is no charge for Corral, we ask that you register your children for the Convention. Donations to NFBCO are welcome to help defray the expenses. Kids in childcare will be eligible to receive door prizes through their parents if their names are called. Also, parents are responsible for providing the children with meals, except for the banquet when pizza will be provided to the kiddos. Snacks will be available throughout.
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. DEAFBLIND SERVICES AND RESOURCE FAIR
Englewood
Doula Jarboe, President, Colorado Association of the Blind, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf Blind
This resource fair will allow DeafBlind people a space to explore services available for them here in Colorado. We will have exhibitors set up at different tables. Ellie Carlson will be there to talk about services through the Commission for the Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind.
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. DROP IN ART ROOM
Meridian Dining room
Ann Cunningham
Come explore tactile art with Ann Cunningham. Whether you are interested in creating tactile art or gaining a deeper understanding of artistic concepts, this is the space for you!
10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. MEDICAID BUY IN SESSION
Littleton A
ReNae Anderson, Community Solutions Specialist, Rocky Mountain Health Plans
Did you know you can work full time and be eligible for Medicaid? Join us as we explore the Medicaid Benefits available to people with disabilities who also work.
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. ARE YOU PREPARED FOR AN EMERGENCY OR DISASTER?
Littleton B
Fire. Flood. Gas Leak. Pandemic. These are just a few examples of situations in which you may have to quickly evacuate your home or shelter in place. Staff from the American Red Cross will discuss why you cannot rely solely on first responders, and how as a prepared person you can be your own hero. Ellie Carlson, COMS, GDMI, Deafblind Outreach Specialist will contribute emergency and disaster preparedness information specific to the blind, low vision and deafblind communities.
A starter emergency preparedness kit is available for purchase from Ellie for $5, cash only.
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ASK THE TEXTPERTS
Englewood
Brett Boyer, Access Technology Instructor, CCB
Access technology professionals and enthusiasts will be on hand to answer questions, demo features, offer advice, and generally tech out with you! This is the time to get the answers to the questions you have been dying to ask. Get some tips and tricks for your work or personal life. Learn about fun things to do with tech.
We are ready to share a vast ocean of knowledge about Phones, Macs, PC's, BlindShell phones, Braille products, and low vision aids.
Come and have quick chats with some of your favorite Colorado techies! And don't forget to stop by and grab our CCB Technology Resource List!
11:15 a.m. 12:30 p.m. DEI DISCUSSION OF THE VISION HIERARCHY HELD BY SOCIETY VS. NFB PHILOSOPHY OF BLINDNESS: What do you Think and Believe?
Littleton B
Doula Jarboe, Chair, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
How do you see blindness? Lend your unique voice to the conversation. Join the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee to explore how intersectionality informs our beliefs about blindness, expectations, and our experience in the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado.
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MOUNTAINS & PLAINS NFBCO ANNUAL CHAPTER MEETING
Littleton A
Come join our in-person meeting for the NFBCO Chapter that reaches across the entire State. We will be conducting our annual business meeting, including election of officers. Annual Chapter dues of $5 are due and are required to vote. Door prizes will be given out during the meeting for those in attendance. Zoom access will be available for members who are unable to attend convention. This is our only in-person meeting during the year, so stop by and join in the fun.
THE SCIENCE OF INDEPENDENCE SESSION I AND OPENING LUNCHEON
Park Ridge Ballroom Salons C & D
12:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/97335339326?pwd=TG1MOTB5RmloSDNlN2M2SWV2dW5zdz09
Meeting ID: 973 3533 9326
Passcode: NFBCO2023
One tap mobile: +17207072699,,97335339326#
12:45 p.m.
LUNCHEON
For this luncheon you will be served a romaine and heirloom tomato Caesar salad with shaved pecorino and brioche croutons, followed by a cranberry and gorgonzola stuffed chicken breast, fig and scallion polenta and a seasonal vegetable medley. Dessert will be New York Cheesecake.
12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
INDEPENDENCE FORMULA: Sponsor and Exhibitor Showcase
Park Ridge Ballroom Salons C & D
Learn about the tools and services available through our sponsors and exhibitors. Tools + Skills + Opportunity = Independence
1:45 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
AUCTION ITEM
2:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER, WELCOMING REMARKS, AND LOGISTICS
Jessica Beecham, President, NFB Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Welcoming remarks from Lieutenant Governor, Dianne Primavera
Note: throughout the lunch, we will conduct part of our Annual Auction under the stellar leadership of our Auction Chair, Kevan Worley, Colorado Springs, Colorado. We will take up other relevant announcements and tidbits.
2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
THE SCIENCE OF SUCCESS: How CDLE is Improving Employment Outcomes for the Blind of Colorado
Krista Hedlund, Blind and Low Vision Services Manager, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at State of Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
HOWARD FUND REPORT
3:30 p.m. to 3:40 p.m.
SCIENCE IN THE MAKING: Confidence Camp / BELL update
3:40 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
MEET OUR EINSTEIN'S: Presenting the 2023 NFBCO Scholarship Class
Julie Deden, First Vice President NFB of Colorado, Centennial, Colorado;
Maureen Nietfeld, Second Vice President NFB of Colorado, Centennial, Colorado
Christopher Collins
Louisville
Harvard University Extension School
Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Government
Dan Hlavinka
Old Town Arvada
Social Work
Prerequisites for Master's Degree Metro State University
4:00 p.m. to 4:10 p.m.
AUCTION ITEM
4:10 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
EXCELERATING BEYOND THE EDGE OF POSSIBLE: A Report on the Innovative Efforts of the National Federation of the Blind
Barbara Manuel, NFB Board Member, President, NFB Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
WOMEN IN STEM: Pioneering Science Access for All
Dr. April Hill, Professor, Program Director of Criminalistics, Chemistry and Biochemistry, MSU, Denver, Denver, Colorado; Ashley Neybert, blind chemist and PhD student at Oregon State University, lead Curriculum Developer with Independence Science and also an Accessibility Analyst at ViewPlus; Charis Glatthar, Recent MSU Denver graduate with a degree in Environmental Chemistry, employed by Independence Science, Lakewood, Colorado
5:45 p.m.
ADJOURN THE SCIENCE OF INDEPENDENCE SESSION
FRIDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 27, 2023
7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. FRIDAY NIGHT – CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
Friday night continues with our usual blend of interesting and engaging fun! But this year you get to choose how you have your fun.
Three interesting rooms await you:
MAD SCIENTISTS:
Join our Mad Scientists for some Spooktacular science and Halloween fun.
Englewood
OLD-TIME RADIO THEATRE:
Imagine the eerie crackle of the old-time radio as members read or participate in this interactive theatre experience.
Littleton A
MUSICAL SHENANIGANS:
Bring your lyrical knowledge and your voice for our game, The Sing out Loud! Canta en voz alta!
Littleton B
THE LOUNGE:
Hang with your friends, enjoy a beverage, or break out a deck of cards in the low-key lounge.
Salon C & D
And if playing games isn't enough for you, we have a jam session at 10:00 p.m. in Salons C & D. Come and dance, sing, or just kick back and enjoy our house band for 2023!
SATURDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 28, 2023
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. REGISTRATION
Park Ridge Ballroom Foyer
8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS Spotlight Showcase
Park Ridge Salon A & B
8:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Littleton A
Cody Bair, Chairperson
(Note: This is the only closed meeting of the convention. Only appointed representatives from chapters and divisions are permitted to be in attendance.)
THE SCIENCE OF INDEPENDENCE SESSION II AND LUNCHEON, No. II
Park Ridge Ballroom Salons C & D
9:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/97335339326?pwd=TG1MOTB5RmloSDNlN2M2SWV2dW5zdz09
Meeting ID: 973 3533 9326
Passcode: NFBCO2023
One tap mobile: +17207072699,,97335339326#
9:45 a.m.
LET'S GET STARTED
Jessica Beecham, President, NFBCO, Colorado Springs, Colorado
9:50 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
AUCTION ITEM
10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
ENGINEERING OUR FUTURE: From Dreams to Reality
Jessica Beecham, President, NFBCO, Colorado Springs, Colorado
10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.
ELEMENTS TO SUCCESS: A Report from our Colorado Center for the Blind
Julie Deden, Executive Director, Colorado Center for the Blind, Littleton, Colorado
11:20 p.m. to 11:50 p.m.
TRANSFORMATIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE BLIND PANEL
Everett Bacon, Vice President of Blindness Initiatives AIRA, Salt Lake City, Utah; Bryan Bashin, Vice Chair, Be My Eyes Berkeley, California
11:50 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
FORMULATING THE HYPOTHESIS: What do the New Laws for Accessibility Mean to Me?
Theresa Montano, Solutions Architect of Accessibility, Governor's Office of Information, Denver, Colorado
12:05 p.m.
LUNCHEON
For this luncheon you will be served a mixed green salad, house made pancetta, candied pecans, goat cheese with apple cider vinaigrette followed by roasted strip loin, Yukon gold and truffle mashed potatoes, cob-smoked bacon, brussels sprouts, balsamic and fig. Dessert will be salted caramel vanilla cake.
12:05 p.m. to 12:10 p.m.
AUCTION ITEM
12:10 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
UNEARTHING AND PRESERVING: A Colorado History Project Update
Peggy Chong, the Blind History Lady, Aurora, Colorado
12:30 p.m. to 12:40 p.m.
MUSEUM OF THE BLIND PEOPLES MOVEMENT
12:40 p.m. to 1:20 p.m.
MY BLINDNESS, MYSELF
1:20 p.m. to 1:40 p.m.
FULL STEAM AHEAD: An Update on the State of Education for Blind Children in Colorado
Dr. Tanni L. Anthony, Director of Access, Learning and Literacy Team, Exceptional Student Services Unit, Colorado Department of Education, Denver, Colorado
1:40 p.m. to 2:10 p.m.
ROCKET SCIENCE 101: Educating our Blind Youth with the Federation Philosophy
Casey Robinson, Board Member, National Blindness Certification Board, Hamilton, Mississippi
2:10 p.m. to 2:40 p.m.
A.I. - THE FUTURE IS NOW: What does it mean for Blind people?
Jason Meddaugh, AT Guys, Kalamazoo, Michigan; Danielle Montour, New York, New York
2:40 p.m.
ADJOURN LIVING THE LIVES WE WANT SESSION II
SATURDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 28, 2023
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. SPORTS BETTING
Littleton A
Cody Bair, Board Member, NFB Colorado
This session will provide participants with the basic terminology surrounding sports betting, share ideas on the accessibility of sports betting applications and provide tips and tricks for using said applications with assistive technology.
We will discuss terms and will cover items such as.
- Point spread
- Over/Under
- Money line
- Odds
- Parlays
In addition we will discuss fantasy leagues v. daily fantasy sports. We will have a panel of blind people who participate in sports betting and the panel will cover the applications/websites that are being used for betting on sports. The panel will also discuss the accessibility of the different applications offered as well as provide tips and tricks for how to navigate these applications using voice over as they are typically complex and can be daunting for beginners. We will also incorporate time for Q&A and knowledge sharing on accessibility of various applications from participants.
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. WHO WANTS TO DEBATE?
Littleton B
Nate Hecker, Board Member NFB Colorado, Littleton, Colorado
From Coca-Cola VS. Pepsi to Cane VS. Guide Dog, join your Federation friends for a little lively debate and a whole lot of fun.
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. NUTS AND BOLTS OF POPULAR BLINDNESS TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS
Lone Tree
Join us as we take a deep dive into popular blindness tech apps including AIRA, Be My Eyes, Seeing AI, OKO, Blind Square, Voice Dream Reader, and more.
3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. AN INTRODUCTION TO CHROME OS ACCESSIBILITY
Centennial and Meridian Dining Rooms
Showe Trela, Lead Assistive Technology Specialist, Blind and Low Vision Services, State of Colorado and Bryan Baldwin, Assistive Technology Specialist, BLVS
Chromebooks are inexpensive computers that allow you to do many common computing tasks and they are becoming hard to avoid. Many school districts in Colorado are handing them out to students to use from elementary school through high school. As a consumer, they're also an affordable option that can cost less than $200 new. Come learn the basics of using Chromevox, the built-in screenreader, for file management, email, calendar, and web navigation.
This session gives a starting point for blind parents who want to help their children with homework on their school-issued laptops, parents and teachers of blind children looking to show kids how to use the same device as their sighted peers, and consumers who are looking for another option for their next computer.
3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. FORGET THE FEAR: the Science of Social Security Disability
Englewood
Jenny Holcomb, J.D., W.I.P.-C., Work Incentives Practitioner & Jodi Witthaus, M.S.W. Rehabilitation Counselor, State of Colorado
The objective of the first seminar is to introduce Title 2 SSDI and Title 16 SSI disability benefits.
We will go on to further explain how to know why the distinction matters because of the following concerns:
- Avoiding overpayments.
- Not wasting time sending irrelevant information
- Sending in required information in the appropriate format.
- Determining which work incentives apply to SSDI and/or SSI.
- Knowing when your disability payments will change and by how much.
- Determining the magic numbers: $914, $1050, and $2460. -Being needlessly afraid of making money.
Furthermore, as time allows there will be an activity to understand how income, taxes, and insurance work.
4:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. BREAK
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. GO TO WORK: A Scientific Method Approach to Understanding SSA Work Incentives
Englewood
Jenny Holcomb, J.D., W.I.P.-C., Work Incentives Practitioner & Jodi Witthaus, M.S.W. Rehabilitation Counselor, State of Colorado
For this second session, we will present the multitude of work incentives SSA provides to encourage disability recipients to work both full-time and part-time.
4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. A GUIDE DOG IN TODAY'S WORLD
Littleton A
Melissa Smith, Guiding Eyes for the Blind
General discussion with Q&A focusing on the following topics.
- Myths and Misconceptions of getting a guide dog.
- Living with a guide dog, how life changing is it?
- Traveling with a guide dog on airlines and Uber/Lyft
- Challenges of retirement and applying for a new guide dog
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. KIDS OF BLIND PARENTS
Centennial and Meridian Dining Rooms
Hailie Hecker and Mia Sandoval
The purpose of this session is to get kids who have blind parents together…kids of all ages! We'd like to meet yearly at state convention, and if enough interest is generated, to start a division.
We will talk about issues that may face kids of blind parents, whether it's parents being annoying, and bullying, and other issues that may occur at school.
SATURDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 28, 2023
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. PRE-BANQUET RECEPTION
Park Ridge Ballroom Salons C & D
Let's get tuned up for our Annual Banquet with a cash bar and by socializing with one another.
7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ANNUAL BANQUET
For the banquet you will be served a spinach and arugula salad with braised yellow beets, chevre, fennel and pomegranate molasses followed by pan-seared coriander chicken with acorn squash risotto and chicken demi. Dessert will be flourless chocolate cake.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/97335339326?pwd=TG1MOTB5RmloSDNlN2M2SWV2dW5zdz09
Meeting ID: 9 7 3 3 5 3 3 9 3 2 6
Passcode: NFBCO2023
One tap mobile: +17207072699,,97335339326#
Master of Ceremonies, Maryann Migliorelli, President, NFB Boulder Chapter, Boulder, Colorado
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Barbara Manuel, NFB Board Member, President, NFB Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
NFB OF COLORADO 2023 SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATIONS
Cody Bair, Co-Chair, Committee on Scholarships, Littleton, Colorado; Michelle Chacon, Co-Chair, NFBCO Scholarship Committee, Denver Colorado
ANNUAL FUNDRAISING AUCTION
Kevan Worley, NFB of Colorado Auction Chairperson
SUNDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 29, 2023
LIVING THE LIFE WE WANT SESSION III
Park Ridge Ballroom Salons C & D
8:30 a.m. to 11:58 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
NFB COLORADO ANNUAL CHAPTER AND DIVISION BREAKFAST
For breakfast you will be served country French toast with powdered sugar and berry compote, crisp bacon strips and scrambled eggs.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/97335339326?pwd=TG1MOTB5RmloSDNlN2M2SWV2dW5zdz09
Meeting ID: 973 3533 9326
Passcode: NFBCO2023
One tap mobile: +17207072699,,97335339326#
Julie Deden, Mistress of Ceremonies, Second Vice President, NFB Colorado and Executive Director, CCB, Centennial, Colorado
We will dine on a scrumptious breakfast and hear reports from all chapters and divisions of the NFB of Colorado.
8:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
WHY I AM A FEDERATIONIST
Moderated by Maureen Nietfeld, Second Vice President, Centennial, Colorado
Panelists: Tiffany Moon, Showe Trela and Dishon Spears
9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
CHAPTER AND DIVISION MEMBERSHIP DRIVE PROPOSALS AND HONOR ROLL CALL
10:30 a.m. to 11:58 a.m.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BUSINESS
This is our Annual Business Session of our Convention. We will hear a report from Kevan Worley and Project Literacy.
Next, we will turn to our elections and elect our leaders.
The Honorable Cody Bair will then update us on our financial picture.
Dan Burke and Curtis Chong will guide us as we adopt our policies for the coming years and beyond as we vote on our resolutions.
Kevan Worley will auction off whatever fine items still must be sold.
11:58 a.m.
END LIVING THE LIVES WE WANT SESSION III AND ADJOURN THE CONVENTION