The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future.
NFB of Maryland FAQ for 2020 state convention contact and access Information
2020 NFBMD convention landing page
http://nfbmd.org/convention/2020
ACCESSING THE CONVENTION
The 54th Annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland will be accessible via Zoom, web streaming, Smart Speaker, Newsline, and Direct Dial Conference Line.
Zoom:
Click on the imbedded links in the agenda to launch the Zoom desktop client or mobile application. Alternatively, dial 301-715-8592 and enter the ten- or eleven-digit Conference ID listed in the agenda followed by the pound key.
Web Streaming:
Visit http://nfbmd.org/convention/stream.
Smart Speaker:
Ask your Amazon device to Open Federation of Maryland.
Newsline:
Find the stream on the Maryland information channel.
Direct Dial Conference Line:
Call 339-209-4083.
*Please note, the web stream, Smart Speaker, Newsline, and Direct Dial methods of access are enabled for listening only and do not permit interactive engagement. Consequently, those wishing to engage with the convention, including for the auction, door prizes, and other activities will need to do so using either the Convention Virtual Information Table or via email.
What will be on the web stream, Smart Speaker, Newsline, and Direct Dial methods?
- - Board of Director’s Meeting – Friday, November 6 from 9-10:30AM
- - Resolutions Committee – Friday, November 6 from 10:30 – 11:30AM
- - Exhibit Hall Showcase – Friday, November 6 from 1-3PM
- - Picnic and a Play – Friday, November 6 from 7-8:30PM
- - General Session – Saturday, November 7 from 8:30AM – Noon
- - General Session – Saturday, November 7 from 2-5PM
- - Convention Banquet – Saturday, November 7 from 7-10PM
- - General Session – Sunday, November 8 from 9AM – Noon
VIRTUAL INFORMATION TABLE
NFBMD will offer a Virtual Information Table throughout the convention to provide assistance, confirm eligibility for door prizes, sign up for committees, bid on auction items, and conduct other business. The Virtual Information Table is available via email at Convention@nfbmd.org or by phone at 410-261-4550. It will operate on Friday, November 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, November 7, from 8 a.m. to the end of the banquet; and Sunday, November 8 from 8:30 a.m. to adjournment.
NFB of Maryland State Convention Agendas
NFB of Maryland State Convention Agenda
- View webpage version agenda
- Download MS WORD version of convention agenda
- Download PDF version of convention agenda
- Download BRF version of convention agenda
Maryland Parents of Blind Children 2020 Annual Conference Agenda
- MDPOBC 2020 Annual Seminar agenda (web)
- MDPOBC 2020 Annual Seminar agenda (MS word)
- MDPOBC 2020 Annual Seminar agenda (PDF)
Maryland Association of Blind Students 2020 Annual Seminar - Empowerment Through Experience Agenda
Convention Registration
- Registration after October 16, 2020 = $25 per adult and free for kids 16 and under
- Note: Individuals who register after October 16, 2020 may not be eligible to participate in certain Convention activities such as voting and door prizes that use separate platforms.
Late registration is available online only and is available at NFBMD.org/Convention. Late registration costs $25 per person.
If you did not preregister, you are strongly encouraged to register using the online portal. NFBMD would like to have contact information for those participating in the convention to communicate important information and opportunities. Those who do not register may attend all convention events as listed in the agenda.
Notice of Official Business Meeting of NFBMD - Friday, November 6, 2020
We will be holding an Official Business Meeting of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland during the Board of Directors Meeting at the NFB of Maryland state convention at 9:00AM Friday, November 6, 2020. At that time, we will hold official readings of two documents.
- Proposed rules of engagement
- proposed language to revise our NFBMD State Affiliate Constitution
Friday 9 to 10:30 a.m.—NFBMD Board of Directors Meeting (Open to All)
Voting at the 2020 NFBMD state convention
Those wishing to vote at the NFB of Maryland State Convention must enroll in our voting system prior to October 16, 2020. In order to be eligible to vote, you need to:
- be a member in good standing of an NFB of Maryland chapter or division for the 2020 calendar year (this means you paid your 2020 dues prior to September 30, 2020 – visit https://nfbmd.org/dues to pay online);
- Be registered for the NFB of Maryland 54th Annual Convention prior to October 16, 2020 – visit http://nfbmd.org/convention to register online and
- Enroll in our online voting system on or before October 16, 2020.
We will practice voting on a question with no policy implications during the convention weekend.
To vote, eligible individuals may text or call 916-915-0920. You may want to save this number in your address book for easy access.
The NFB of Maryland has established a Voting Committee to handle voting logistics and policy questions for our convention. Please contact Committee Chair Shawn Jacobson at 301-570-4988 or Technical Expert Nick Lambright at Nlambright@nfb.org Individuals should register one phone per person in the household, meaning each person should have a different enrolled phone number. The rule is one vote per phone number. Individuals should also use
Spanish Translation
Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/98982479916
Access code: 98982479916
We will be interpreting
- the parents seminar from 9 – noon on Friday
- the Exhibit Hall from 1-3
- the Parent mixer from 6-7
- Saturday general session 8:30 – noon
- the parent luncheon Noon – 2
- general session 2-5
- the banquet 7-10
- Sunday general session 9-noon
Convention captioning
If you need captioning, please log into the Zoom link listed for the specific meeting on the agenda. We will be providing captioning for the following meetings:
- Virtual Exhibit Hall – Friday, November 6 1 – 3PM
- Deaf Blind Committee Meeting – Friday, November 6 5-6PM
- General Session – Saturday, November 7 – 8:30AM – Noon
- Parent Luncheon – Saturday, November 7 Noon – 2PM
- General Session – Saturday, November 7 2-5PM
- Banquet – Saturday, November 7 7-10PM
- General Session – Sunday, November 8 9AM – Noon
NFBMD Convention Breakfast Club
We will hold a meeting every morning throughout the convention to help orient participants to that day’s activities and provide access information for specific events.
The Breakfast Club will take place on:
- Friday from 8 – 8:45AM;
- Saturday from 7:30 – 8:15AM; and
- Sunday from 8 – 8:45AM.
To participate, call 339-209-4083.
PAC Table
If you have any questions, comments, or need clarification, please contact us by emailing pac@nfbmd.org or by calling 410-618-4151.
Many of our programs and services would not be possible without regular contributors to the PAC (pre-authorized contribution) plan. The PAC plan allows you to contribute to the NFB through recurring monthly donations. These can be direct withdrawals from a checking account or charges to a credit card.
How to start giving/increase my donation
It’s easy! If you’re a new contributor to the program, you may fill out this form - please note that someone from our national office will contact you for bank and credit card information if you’re a new contributor. If you would like to increase your monthly contribution, fill out the same form and make sure to select (Increase contribution) from the drop-down menu.
How to increase my chances of winning prizes
Each year we do a drawing for lodging for our state convention of the following year, and this year will be no different. In addition, we will be giving away other prizes to new PAC peeps and cool contributors who increase their monthly giving. In order to be in the running for all things prizes, you must do the following:
(1) Fill out the PAC form.
(2) Keep your confirmation email. Starting Thursday morning, you may forward your confirmation to pac@nfbmd.org.
(3) Grab your good luck charm, sit on the edge of your couch, and wait in anticipation to find out if you will be one of our victorious winners.
IMPORTANT: If you would like assistance in filling out the online PAC form, a member of our PAC squad will be glad to help you. Please call 410-618-4151. We will begin taking calls on Friday at 8:00 A.M. Oh, and don’t worry, callers who require assistance to fill out the PAC form or increase their contribution will certainly be eligible for PAC prizes.
Seeking Resolutions for the State Convention
The Convention is the supreme authority of the National Federation of the Blind, and this too is true of the affiliates. One of the most important charges of the Convention is to consider and vote on resolutions that come before it; those resolutions become the policy of the organization.
When available, draft copies of the 2019 Resolutions can be found here
Friday 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.—Resolutions Committee Meeting
Meeting ID: 942 0234 6609
No one but committee members will be able to speak during the committee meeting.
When resolutions come to the floor of general session, The only people allowed to speak for or against a resolution are delegates of the convention. If you want to present something about a resolution, you need to reach out to a convention delegate.
The NFBMD exhibit hall will be virtual and consist of three components this year. The live components will operate on Friday, November 6, from
1 to 5 p.m.
- Exhibitor Virtual Showcase: Exhibitors and sponsors will address the convention during the Exhibitor Virtual Showcase on November 6, from 1 to 3 p.m.
- Exhibitor Office Hours: Visitors to the NFBMD Exhibit Hall will be able to directly interact and conduct business with exhibitors and sponsors from 3 to 5 p.m., on November 6. Each participating exhibitor and/or sponsor will be available remotely to answer questions, share information, and transact business.
- Exhibitor Information Page: Exhibitor and sponsor information, including customer service information, will be available at NFBMD.org/ExhibitHall.
Friday 1 to 5 p.m.—Exhibits
Meeting ID: 624 813 8327
virtual tours
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland will be featuring two virtual tours in conjunction with our 54th Annual Convention. Both tours are free. Advanced registration is not needed, so feel free to join your preferred tour when it begins.
Tour 1: The Peale Museum for Baltimore History and Architecture
Join the NFB of Maryland for an exclusive virtual tour of the Peale Museum for Baltimore History and Architecture. Learn about the history and culture of one of the oldest American cities in history.
Join David London, Chief Experience Officer at the Peale, for a visually described tour of the oldest museum building in America. Opened in 1814 by artist Rembrandt Peale, the building has since served many purposes. Of historical mote, including Baltimore 's first City Hall, Male and Female Colored School Number 1, as well as reopening as a museum in the 1930's as the first Municipal Museum of Baltimore. Join us to hear some of the many exciting stories contained within our walls!
Date: November 6, 2020
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM Eastern
Zoom Link:
Access ID:
985 7958 9731
Tour 2: Aira Afternoon at the Negro League Baseball Museum
Host Stephanie Watts will be joined by Paul Mimms, fellow Aira Explorer, and Raymond Doswell of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. He’ll tell us about the museum, its reopening and what you can experience there as well as showing us some things from their web site including their awesome gift shop.
Date: November 6, 2020
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM Eastern
Below is the Zoom invitation. You can also join live on the Aira Youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/c/airaio.
Zoom Link:
https://aira.zoom.us/j/91824898381 contents selected
Access ID:
918 2489 8381
Opportunities to Network
Blind Parents Meeting
Friday 3 to 4 p.m.
Zoom Meeting ID: 810 4428 4520
Share tips and tricks on how to parent using non-visual techniques. Network with other blind parents and caregivers.
Maryland Career Mentoring Mixer
3 to 4 p.m.
Meeting ID: 977 0927 2542
Are you a participant in the NFB Career Mentoring Program? Are you interested in becoming a mentor? Are you between the ages of 14 and 21? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, this session is for you. Come network and mingle with current and prospective participants in the NFB Career Mentoring Program.
At-Large Chapter Mixer
4 to 5 p.m.
Zoom Meeting ID: 942 1497 1127
The At-Large Chapter will meet to network.
Student Workshop
4 to 7 p.m.
Zoom Meeting ID: 973 7060 8918
Come learn about matters of interest to students including how to self-advocate in school, with potential employers, and in the world. Learn what resources are available for students.
MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF BLIND MERCHANTS VIRTUAL NETWORKING MIXER
FEATURING
BRADFORD MANNING, CO-FOUNDER OF TWO BLIND BROTHERS CLOTHING LINE
Bradford and his brother, Bryan were both diagnosed with an eye disease that causes blindness over time. This condition has inspired a special vigilance for details, a passion that carries over into the construction of their clothing line. They are both graduates of the University of Virginia and currently live in NYC.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2020
5:30 to 7:00 pm
ZOOM MEETING ID: 950 7772 4586
TO JOIN BY PHONE DIAL 301-715-8592 – Conference ID: 950 7772 4586
Bring your favorite adult beverage and join us for an inspiring and fun event.
If you have any questions, contact Melba Taylor at 240-381-1637
Deaf-Blind and Hearing Loss Issues Committee Meeting
5 to 6 p.m.
Zoom Meeting ID: 834 5402 4569
Share strategies and ideas to maintain independence. Anyone interested is invited to attend.
Parent and Families Networking Hour
6 to 7 p.m.
Zoom Meeting ID: 831 9061 1917
Participants of the Parent and Teacher Seminar, as well as those with school-aged children are invited to a networking event. This is an opportunity for families to chat and get to know one another.
Virtual Picnic and a Play
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Zoom Meeting ID: 624 813 8327
The Braille is Beautiful players will perform “Sorry Wrong Number,” an NFBMD favorite.
2020 NFBMD convention Luncheons
Luncheon: The Education of Blind and Low-Vision Students
Saturday 12 - 1:55 p.m.
Zoom Meeting ID: 966 4768 7165
For parents, teachers of the blind, and those interested in matters concerning blind students.
Luncheon: Reclaiming Independence After Vision Loss
Saturday 12 - 1:55 p.m.
Zoom Meeting ID: 910 4513 7973
For seniors and others facing vision loss. Host: Ruth Sager, president, Maryland Senior Issues Division, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland; Baltimore, Maryland Additional details can be found here.
NFBMD Fall Donation Drive - Win a Free Cruise!
We are seeking donations to support NFB of Maryland. NFBMD will hold a drawing at the NFBMD State Convention Banquet on November 7, 2020 to show our appreciation to financial donors. The winner will receive a week-long cruise on the Carnival Pride during NFBMD’s Blind Cruising 2021 event – September 19 – 26, 2021. In order to be eligible, individuals must donate at least $10 between August 15, 2020 and November 1, 2020 and indicate that they wish to be entered into the drawing. Each donor’s name will be entered into the drawing for each $10 contribution. This means if an individual donates $100, that individual will have 10 chances to win.
Individuals may donate using the NFBMD PayPal button at http://nfbmd.org or by mailing a physical check payable to NFB of Maryland to the address listed below. Individuals should notate the comments section of PayPal and the check memo line to indicate “Cruise Drawing” in order to be entered into the drawing. Door prize contributions, exhibit hall fees, and convention sponsorship do not count towards donations for the Cruise drawing.
NFBMD
1800 Johnson Street, Suite N1
Baltimore, MD 21230
Convention social media options
We will be using the hashtag #NFBMD. Please use this hashtag when posting about the NFB of Maryland 2020 Convention on Twitter or Facebook. Please send any pictures you take of Convention activities to Social Media Chairman Karen Anderson at Kanderson@nfb.org or via text to 402-319-7645. Please be sure to describe any pictures you post and send to Karen.