NFB of Maryland Fifty-Second Annual Convention Agenda

Focus on the Future

 

Convention Greetings

Celebrating service to the blind community and to our nation!

 

Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums

11700 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, MD 21842

Friday, November 9 — Sunday, November 11, 2018

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

9013 Nelson Way, Columbia, MD 21045

410-715-9596; nfbmd@earthlink.net; www.nfbmd.org

 

 

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Conference Information
Hotel Information
Conference Agenda
Songs
Sponsors and Friends
About NFB-Maryland
Photo Gallery
Download word version of convention agenda

Convention Greetings

 

Officers

 

Sharon Maneki, President, Columbia

Deborah Brown, First Vice President, Rockville

Anil Lewis, Second Vice President, Baltimore

Judy Rasmussen, Secretary, Kensington

Shawn Jacobson, Treasurer, Olney

 

Board of Directors

Darlene Barrett, Columbia

Michelle Clark, Springdale

Ronza Othman, Baltimore

Maurice Peret, Baltimore

Melissa Riccobono, Baltimore

Marguerite Woods, Baltimore

 

Our Credo

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 our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back!

 

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 policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its Constitution.

Conference Information

Registration

Registration and packet pickup for the Convention will be held outside the Maryland/Virginia, and Delaware rooms in the Atrium on Friday 2:00p.m.-6:00 p.m.; on Saturday 8:00 a.m.-8:35 a.m. and 12:00 noon to 12:15 p.m.; and on Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m.

Registration fee: $25.00 per person

Banquet: $40.00 per person

Senior Issues Division & Parents Division Luncheons: $20 per person

Banquet Ticket Exchange, Saturday 1:20-2:00 p.m. outside Maryland/Virginia rooms. Turn in banquet tickets to reserve seating at a specific table. Banquet Ticket Exchange is necessitated by the large number of persons attending the banquet.

All persons taking advantage of the reduced room rates offered by the Carousel Resort Hotels and Condominiums for this convention are required to register with the convention and to pay the registration fee of $25.00.

Door Prizes

Darlene Barrett is the chairman of the Door Prize Committee. Many of you have been hard at work gathering fabulous door prizes for this convention. Please turn in your door prizes to Darlene as soon as possible. You must be registered for the Convention and present when your name is called in order to win a door prize. Door prizes will be awarded during the general sessions on Saturday and Sunday and during the convention banquet.

Hospitality

Stop by the Hospitality Suite, Room 612, for refreshments and fellowship Saturday morning from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and Sunday morning from 7:00 a.m. to 8:50 a.m.

Fun with Friends Convention Child Care Activities

All child care (for children ages 6 weeks to 9 years) will take place in the Washington Room. Hours are: Friday 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and 6:30-10:00 p.m. (lunch and dinner will be provided). Parents should contact Melissa Riccobono for details.

Hotel Check Out and Luggage Handling

On Sunday, you must check out of your room before 12:30 p.m. Since normal checkout is 11 a.m., you must inform the front desk that you are checking out late and have them re-key your room, because all keys are automatically disabled at 11 a.m.

If you are leaving the Carousel by an NFB of Maryland bus, please bring your luggage to the Delaware Room between 7:30 and 9 a.m. Sunday, where it will be tagged and held for storage until 12:00 noon when buses will be loaded. Since buses will be making more than one stop, we need your luggage early so that it can be identified for the correct drop-off location. Please be sure that your luggage is clearly labeled with your name, address, and telephone number.

Free AIRA Site Access to NFB members during our 2018 state convention

The National Federation of the Blind has partnered with AIRA to provide free AIRA Site Access to NFB members during our 2018 state convention. AIRA subscribers who are National Federation of the Blind members can use the service at our convention for free without having minutes deducted from their plans. In addition, those interested in AIRA have the unique opportunity to try out the service for free while at our convention. AIRA may be used at the Carousel Hotel and at the Ocean Square Shopping Center at 11805 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842 which contains a Dunkin Donuts, Food Lion, as well as other shops and eateries.

AIRA allows blind individuals to connect via live video to a trained agent through a mobile app or wearable glasses to get real-time visual information or assistance. Learn more about AIRA and special pricing available for NFB members at go.aira.io/NFBM.

How it Works

Before you head to convention or as soon as you get there, download the free AIRA app from the App Store, and create a guest account if you are not already an AIRA subscriber. Also, make sure your phone’s GPS feature is enabled. When you enter the convention Site Access location, your phone will receive a notification letting you know that the space you are in is part of the AIRA Network. When you connect with an agent, he or she will also confirm that you are now covered by the network, and no minutes will be deducted from your account.

When you leave or enter convention areas that are covered by the Site Access network, you will be informed by the AIRA agent. To learn more about AIRA and the special plan available exclusively to NFB members, visit go.aira.io/NFBM.

Hotel Information

About the Carousel

The Carousel Beachfront Hotel is located at 11700 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. Coastal Highway, the main route through Ocean City, runs from north to south. Cross streets are numbered; numbers increase as you travel north.

Entering the lobby of the Carousel from the main entrance, Coastal Highway is behind you and the famed Ocean City beach is directly ahead of you. Off the lobby, the front desk is on your right and elevators are on your left.

Walking through the lobby towards the beach, you will enter the Carousel’s Atrium after passing through a set of double doors. Turning left, as soon as you enter the Atrium, the Ice Rink is on your right. The Delaware, Washington, Maryland, and Virginia rooms (in that order) are on your left, and the Game Room is straight ahead of you. Turning right at the end of the Ice Rink, is the skate rentals and entrance to the ice rink.

Again, entering the Atrium, straight ahead of you is the Bistro, featuring hand-dipped as well as soft serve ice cream, ice cream bars, popcorn, cotton candy and candy. Breakfast options include Starbucks coffee, bagels, cereal, etc. New this year are homemade donuts. Lunch/dinner options include pizza, wings, hotdogs and salads. Bistro hours are 7am — 9pm. Walking to the back of the Bistro, then turning left with the Ice Rink on your left (use ramp or stairs), is the Seasons Restaurant and the Bamboo Lounge.

Starting again at the main entrance to the Atrium, and walking straight ahead, the Ice Rink will be on your left and the Indoor Swimming Pool, Whirlpool, Exercise Room and Sauna, Restrooms, the Pennsylvania Room, and the Gift Shop will all be to your right.

Combine pleasure with business at the Carousel Hotel and Resort. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in the Seasons Restaurant, a casual oceanfront dining room, open from 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

The Carousel’s extensive recreational facilities include an Indoor Swimming Pool, Exercise Room, and Ice Rink. Sink into the Whirlpool and relax in the Sauna after a workout or spend the afternoon strolling along the beach.

Nearby Attractions

Facing towards Coastal Highway outside the main entrance, on the same side, and to the right of the hotel on Coastal Highway is T Crabcake Factory which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Facing towards Coastal Highway outside the main entrance, across the street and to the right is the Food Lion, Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins, Rippons Seafood, CVS drug store, a Wawa, Dolle’s Fine Candies, Jule’s Fine Dining, Whiskers Pub, No. 1 Chinese Restaurant, Billy's Subs, and 7-11.

Across the street and to the left is The Greene Turtle, Pizza Tugos and Fractured Prune. Past the Greene Turtle, to the left in the Gold Coast Mall are Rite Aid, Candy Kitchen, Three Brothers, and a movie theatre.

All of these things are within 2 blocks to the right, or to the left.

Ocean City is loaded with many fine restaurants and interesting attractions. If you wish to use paratransit transportation call 410.723.1606. Because you will be having such a grand time at our convention, you will not have time for any of them!

Convention Agenda

agenda navigation: Friday morning |

Friday afternoon | Friday evening | Saturday morning | Saturday afternoon | Saturday evening | Sunday morning

 

Friday, November 9

8:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. Annual Conference for Parents and Teachers of Blind Children. How can all blind students participate in science? Do you need tips on how to help your child with math? Learn about the benefits of summer programs and how to help your child with other blindness skills. These are only some of the topics to be discussed at this seminar. Featured speakers at this seminar will be Dr. Cary Supalo, a pioneer blind chemist, Eric Guillory, Director of Youth Services at the Louisiana Center for the Blind, and Krystal Guillory, a long-time teacher of blind students.

Conference begins in the Delaware Room.

Conference registration begins promptly at 8:00 a.m.

See Parent Agenda for more information.

9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. Teen/Tween Activities, Coordinator: Melissa Lomax, Director of Youth Services, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland. Room 610.

11:30 a.m. Pick up box lunches in front of the Pennsylvania Room. Parents' box lunches will be in the Delaware Room. You paid for and reserved a box lunch when you pre-registered.

12:00 Noon — 1:30 p.m. NFBMD Board of Directors Meeting. Everyone is encouraged to attend! (Pennsylvania Room)

12:00 Noon — 6:00 p.m. Exhibits. Check out the latest offerings from a variety of companies and organizations that provide technology and services for the blind. Be sure to visit the AIRA booth so you can try it out. If you sign up at the booth you can use it for FREE for the whole weekend. (Maryland Room)

1:40 p.m. — 2:40 p.m. Welcome to First-Time Convention Attendees. Coordinator: Judy Rasmussen, Secretary, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, Kensington, MD. (Pennsylvania Room)

1:40 p.m. — 2:40 p.m. Resolutions Committee Meeting. Jesse Hartle, Chairman, Resolutions Committee, Lutherville, MD. (Virginia Room)

1:40 p.m. — 2:40 p.m. Deaf-Blind and Hearing Loss Issues Committee Meeting. Share strategies and ideas to maintain independence. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Janice Toothman, Chairman, Deaf-Blind and Hearing Loss Issues Committee, Bowie, MD. (Room 612)

2:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m. Convention Registration and Packet pick up. Outside the Maryland/Virginia and Delaware rooms

2:40 p.m. — 3:40 p.m. Protecting the Rights of Guide Dog Users. (Room 612)

2:40 p.m. — 4:00 p.m. Kernel Book Story Time. Learn about the NFB outlook on blindness through human-interest stories. Facilitators: Maurice Peret, Coordinator of Career Mentoring Programs, National Federation of the Blind, Baltimore, MD and Lou Ann Blake, Assistant Director, Jernigan Institute, National Federation of the Blind, Baltimore, MD. (Pennsylvania Room)

2:40 p.m. — 4:00 p.m. Have Cane Will Travel: How can GPS Apps and Hardware Help? Karl Belanger, Access Technology Specialist, National Federation of the Blind, Baltimore, MD. Joel Zimba, Product Specialist, HumanWare USA, Baltimore, MD. (Virginia Room)

4:00 p.m.— 5:00 p.m. How to Keep More of your Money for the Good Things in Life. Learn about changes to the Maryland income tax law and the benefits of an ABLE account. Facilitators: Barry Hond, Accountant, Baltimore, MD; Albert Elia, ABLE Advisor, ABLE National Research Center, Washington, D.C.; Bette Ann Mobley, Director, Maryland ABLE, Baltimore, MD. (Pennsylvania Room)

4:00 p.m.— 6:00 p.m. Let's Play BINGO and Win Prizes! Sponsored by Blind Industries and Services of Maryland. Everyone is invited to attend! (Virginia Room)

4:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m. Maryland Association of Blind Students Annual Meeting. Ellana Crew, President, Maryland Association of Blind Students, Baltimore, MD. (Room 612)

6:00 p.m.— 8:00 p.m. Picnic and a Play. The Braille is Beautiful players will perform Santa Rides Again, an original play written by Jerry Whittle. Debbie Brown, Play Director, Rockville, MD. (Pennsylvania Room)

6:30 p.m. NFB BELL Academy Reunion. (Delaware Room)

8:00 p.m. — 11:30p.m. NFB Spirit Night and Hockey “Try-Outs.” The Washington Wheelers blind hockey club will give hands-on demonstrations of hockey equipment to attendees 18 and over. You will have a chance to skate with the pros and slap some pucks! You may rent skates for $4, meet at the ice rink. Cheerleaders and spectators will gather in the area overlooking the ice rink. Enjoy snacks and fellowship. Wear your NFB swag and help cheer your fellow Federationists! Master of Ceremonies: Anil Lewis, Executive Director, NFB Jernigan Institute.

 

Saturday, November 10

7:00 a.m. — 8:30 a.m. Hospitality. Join us for continental breakfast. (Room 612)

7:30 a.m. — 8:30 a.m. At Large Chapter Meeting. (Room 611)

8:00 a.m. — 8:40 a.m. Registration and Packet-Pickup. Outside Maryland/Virginia and Delaware rooms

8:30 a.m. — 10:00 p.m. Fun with Friends. Activities for children. (Washington Room)

9:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m. Hockey Tryouts for students under 18. (Ice-skating rink)

Saturday Morning Session

All general sessions will be held in the Maryland/Virginia Rooms.

8:40 a.m. Opening Ceremonies. Call to order and Invocation. An Eastern Shore Welcome.

8:55 a.m. Champion Braille Readers: Competing in the National Braille Challenge and in the National Braille Readers-are-Leaders Contest.

9:05 a.m. Ensuring our Future by Supporting our National Funds: White Cane, SUN, Kenneth Jernigan, and Jacobus tenBroek.

Dr. Marc Maurer, immediate Past President, National Federation of the Blind, Catonsville, MD.

Greetings from the National President, Mark Riccobono, National Federation of the Blind, Baltimore, MD.

Gold Cup Crab Race, Rose Warner, Ticket Agent, Baltimore, MD.

9:25 a.m. Raising Expectations Across America: A Report from the National Office. Adelmo Vigil, Member, Board of Directors National Federation of the Blind; President NFB of New Mexico, Alamogordo, New Mexico.

9:55 a.m. Taking the Road Less Traveled in the National Federation of the Blind. Sharon Maneki, President, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, Columbia, MD.

10:30 a.m. Get on the PAC Plan Today!

John Paré, Executive Director of Advocacy and Policy, National Federation of the Blind, Maryland PAC Plan Chairman, Baltimore, MD.

10:45 a.m. Rehabilitation and Employment: Keys to a Brighter Future. Nikki Jackson, CORE (Comprehensive Orientation, Rehabilitation, and Empowerment) Manager, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, Baltimore, MD.

11:00 a.m. When Will the Maryland State Board of Elections Restore the Secret Ballot to Disabled Voters? David McManus, Chairman, Maryland State Board of Elections, Annapolis, MD.

11:15 a.m. Questions and Discussion.

11:35 a.m.The Blind Can Play Hockey, Too. John Guzik, Player, Washington Wheelers.

11:50 a.m. Questions and Discussion.

12:00 Noon. Adjourn.

12:00 Noon — 12:15 p.m. Convention Registration and Packet Pick-up. Outside Maryland/Virginia and Delaware rooms

12:00 Noon — 1:45 p.m. Luncheon - The Education of Blind or Visually Impaired Students. For parents and vision teachers. Melissa Riccobono, President, Parents of Blind Children Division, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, Baltimore, MD. (Pennsylvania Room)

12:00 Noon — 1:45 p.m. Luncheon - Reclaiming Independence after Vision Loss. For seniors and others facing vision loss. Ruth Sager, President, Senior Issues Division, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, Baltimore, MD. (Delaware Room)

12:00 Noon — 1:45 p.m. Luncheon — The Benefits of Self Employment and Entrepreneurship. For blind and visually impaired self-starters. Melba Taylor, President, Maryland Association of Blind Merchants, Bowie, MD. (Seasons Restaurant)

1:20 p.m. — 2:00 p.m. Banquet Exchange. (Outside Virginia Room)

Saturday Afternoon Session

2:00 p.m. Call to Order.

2:05 p.m. Predicting the Next 50 Years at MSLBPH: More Books, More Technology, More Programs. Leslie Bowman, Director, Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Baltimore, MD.

2:20 p.m. Questions and Discussion.

2:25 p.m. New Leadership Means New Opportunities. W. Robert Hair, Superintendent and CEO, Maryland School for the Blind, Baltimore, MD.

2:40 p.m. Questions and Discussion.

2:50 p.m. Expanding a Core NFB Value: Mentoring. Maurice Peret, Coordinator of Career Mentoring Programs, National Federation of the Blind, Baltimore, MD.

3:00 p.m. Developing Expertise in Blindness to Meet the Present and Future Needs of Blind Consumers. Toni March, Director, Office of Blindness and Vision Services, Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), Baltimore, MD.

3:15 p.m. More Opportunities Through Leadership and Philosophy. Anil Lewis, Executive Director, NFB Jernigan Institute; Chairman, Maryland State Rehabilitation Council, Baltimore, MD.

3:25 p.m. Questions and Discussion.

3:30 p.m. Living the Lives They Want: How Do Blind and Sighted Spouses Make It Work? Adelmo and Soledad Vigil, Alamogordo, New Mexico; Eric and Krystal Guillory, Ruston, LA; Ken and Ellen Ringlein, Baltimore, MD; Aaron Carpenter and Melissa Sheeder, Baltimore, MD.

4:05 p.m. Questions and Discussion.

4:10 p.m. Eliminating Accessibility Barriers in Maryland State Government and Beyond. Carol Beatty, Secretary, Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD), Baltimore, MD.

4:20 p.m. Questions and Discussion.

4:25 p.m. The Future is Ours.

Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind, Baltimore, MD.

Ronza Othman, Member, Board of Directors, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, Baltimore, MD.

Tarik Williams, Member, Board of Directors, National Association of Blind Students, Tucson, AZ.

Marguerite Woods, Member, Board of Directors, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland; President, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland At Large Chapter, Baltimore, MD.

5:00 p.m. Adjourn.

6:00 p.m. Reception and Cash Bar. (Carousel Atrium)

7:00 p.m. 52nd Annual Convention Banquet.

Master of Ceremonies: Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind, Baltimore, MD.

Keynote Banquet Address: Adelmo Vigil, Member, Board of Directors, National Federation of the Blind; President, NFB of New Mexico, Alamogordo, NM.

Scholarships and Awards.

Pennsylvania Room

Immediately after the banquet. Maryland Gold Cup Crab Race.

Race Callers, Sharon Maneki and Rose Warner.

Sunday, November 11

7:00 a.m. — 8:50 a.m. Convention Hospitality. (Room 612)

7:30 a.m. — 8:30 a.m. Maryland Parents of Blind Children Board Meeting. Melissa Riccobono, President, Baltimore, MD. (Washington Room)

7:30 a.m. — 9:00 a.m. Luggage Collection (for bus passengers only). (Delaware Room)

8:00 a.m. — 8:30 a.m. Nonsectarian Devotions. Lloyd and Judy Rasmussen, Sligo Creek Chapter, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, Kensington, MD. (Maryland/Virginia Rooms)

8:30 a.m. — 8:50 a.m. NFB BELL Academy Participants Final Rehearsal. (Washington Room)

8:30 a.m. — 8:50 a.m. Convention Registration and Packet Pick up. (Outside Maryland/Virginia Rooms)

Sunday Morning Session

9:00 a.m. Call to order and Invocation.

9:05 a.m. Designing a Brighter Future through the NFB Braille Enrichment Literacy and Learning (BELL) Academy. Melissa Riccobono, NFB BELL Academy Coordinator for Maryland, Baltimore, MD. Student presentations and introduction of volunteers.

9:20 a.m. Recognizing Our Veterans: The Human Side of Military Service. Panel moderator Ed Jackson Member of the Board of Directors, Greater Baltimore Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, Baltimore, MD. Other participants to be announced.

9:35 a.m. Investing in Future Leaders: Youth Summer Programs and Convention Activities. Melissa Lomax, Director of Youth Services, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, Baltimore, MD. Youth speakers to be announced.

9:50 a.m. Competing on Terms of Equality: The Benefits of AIRA. Ronza Othman, Acting Director, EEO Compliance Group, Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Baltimore, MD. Paul Schroeder, Vice President of Public Policy and Strategy, AIRA Tech Corp., Washington D.C.

10:10 a.m. Questions and discussion.

10:15 a.m. Turning Dreams into Reality: My Journey as a Pioneer Chemist. Dr. Cary Supalo, Research Developer, Educational Testing Service (ETS), Princeton, NJ.

10:30 a.m. Questions and discussion.

10:35 a.m. Can I Have an ABLE Account if I am Forty-Fifty-Sixty Years Old? Albert Elia, ABLE Advisor, ABLE National Research Center, Washington, D.C.

10:50 a.m. Questions and discussion.

10:55 a.m. Affiliate Elections.

11:20 a.m. Resolutions and Business Meeting.

12:00 Noon Adjourn.

A Closing Message

On behalf of the officers and Board of Directors, I take this opportunity to thank all Federationists and friends for your generous donations of funds, goods and services. We had a most successful year and a super convention because of your help! — Sharon Maneki, President

Song Lyrics

Live the Life You Want

Lyrics copied from October 2015 Presidential Release

Chorus: Live the life you want. Nobody can stop you.

Shoot for the sun and break on through.

So you're blind. You'll be fine. We've got good news!

You can live the life you want. Yes, we know the truth.

 

Grab a cane, get trained, gotta get movin'.

Make a change in the wage, that's what we're doin'.

Come with me, yeah

Chorus

You and me, NFB, let's dream together.

NFB, you and me, lives on forever.

You will see yeah

Chorus

You can live the life you want. You’ll know the truth.

 

Tap That

By Risky Business and the Cane Tips

I was on NFB dot org yesterday.

They said they would send me a brand new free white cane.

It came in the mail and I opened up the package.

Put it in my hand and I started to tap it

Tap that. Free white cane.

Tap that when you're walkin' out the door.

Tap that when you're lookin' for some more …

You gotta tap that! … You gotta tap that …

free white cane.

Tap that in the pourin' rain.

Tap that. No, there ain't no shame.

You gotta tap that! … You gotta tap that!

Free white cane. Free white cane. Free white cane.

Yeah, you gotta tap that!

Sponsors and Friends

We extend profuse thanks to the following convention sponsors:

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, Title Sponsor

Sprint, Independence Sponsor

Brown, Goldstein and Levy LLP, Equality Sponsor

ES&S, Equality Sponsor

Friends of the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Opportunity Sponsor

Maryland Technology Assistance Program, Opportunity Sponsor

About the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland (NFBMD), an affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), is an organization of blind people and their friends. We believe in the full capacity of blind people; we have the power, influence, diversity and determination to help transform our dreams into reality. Our members work together for a brighter tomorrow by raising the expectations for blind people everywhere so that blind persons can live the life they want.

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is a 501c(3) nonprofit made up of blind people of all ages, their families and friends. Our strong local chapters and divisions, and well-trained leaders help newly blind people adjust to vision loss and promote the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities. We bring our collective experiences together to effect change at the state and national level.

What We Do

• Assist blind persons to acquire the skills of independence
• Help blind persons to develop confidence in themselves through our many service activities
• Teach blind persons the skills of leadership through active participation in conventions, chapter meetings, and civic activities
• Encourage blind seniors to continue their active and meaningful lifestyles
• Prepare blind students for productive tax-paying careers through academic and training scholarships
• Inform people with diabetes about their options for coping with vision loss
• Support parents and friends of blind children with information about the capabilities of the blind
• Protect and promote the civil rights of blind persons through public education and legislative action
• Advocate for policies that eliminate discrimination and guarantee equal access to educational programs and high quality rehabilitation
• Educate the public through seminars, community activities and our publications

Chapters and Divisions of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

 

At Large Chapter

Marguerite Woods, President, (443) 271-1668, mwoods719@gmail.com

Monthly meetings third Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. via phone (641) 715-3272 and access code is 720125

 

Baltimore County Chapter

Ruth Sager, President, (410) 602-9030, rsager78@gmail.com

Monthly meetings fourth Wednesday in Pikesville, MD

 

Central Maryland Chapter

Darlene Barrett, President, (410) 997-9664, chicagirl3@verizon.net

Monthly meetings first Tuesday in Columbia, MD

 

Eastern Shore Chapter

Patricia Behr, President, (410) 603-3857

Monthly meetings second Saturday in Salisbury, MD

 

Greater Baltimore Chapter

Ellen Ringlein, President, 443-516-7855, greaterbaltimore@nfbmd.org

Monthly meetings third Saturday in Baltimore, MD

 

Greater Carroll County Chapter

Brian Keseling, President, (410) 855-5605, bkmaverick@gmail.com

Meetings are the second Saturday in Westminster, MD

 

Greater Cumberland Chapter

Jean Faulkner, President, (301) 729-8942

Monthly meetings third Wednesday of the month in Cumberland, MD

 

Maryland Association of Blind Students

Ellana Crew, President, (443) 758-7211, mdabs@nfbmd.org

Holds periodic meetings throughout the year.

 

Maryland Association of Blind Merchants

Melba Taylor, President, (240) 381-1637, m.taylor@encoreassoc.com

Holds periodic meetings throughout the year.

 

Maryland Parents of Blind Children

Melissa Riccobono, President, (443) 708-3663, mdpobc@nfbmd.org

Holds a holiday party, family picnic and conducts at least one seminar during the year.

 

National Harbor Chapter

Michelle Clark, President, (301) 583-8585, mcikeyc@aol.com

Monthly meetings fourth Saturday in Suitland, MD

 

Senior Issues Division

Ruth Sager, President, (410) 602-9030, rsager78@gmail.com.

Holds periodic meetings throughout the year.

 

Sligo Creek Chapter

Debbie Brown, President, (301) 881-1892, Deborahb14@verizon.net

Monthly meetings second Saturday primarily in Silver Spring, MD

 

TLC Chapter

Scott White, (410) 452-7571, swhite@nfb.org

Meetings third Thursday in Towson, MD

 

Committees of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

Ambassadors Committee

Judy Rasmussen, Chairman

 

Anna Freysz Cable Award Committee

Debbie Brown, Chairman

 

Convention Child Care Committee

Melissa Riccobono, Chairman

 

Convention Registration Committee

Marie Marucci, Chairman

 

Deaf-Blind and Hearing Loss Issues Committee

Janice Toothman, Chairman

 

Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award Committee

Sandy Bishop, Chairman

 

Door Prize Committee

Darlene Barrett, Chairman

 

Gold Cup Crab Race Committee

Rose Warner, Chairman

 

Hospitality Committee

Patty Ann Behr, Chairman

 

Jennifer Baker Award Committee

Susan Baker, Chairman

 

Kenneth Jernigan Award Committee

Dr. Marc Maurer, Chairman

 

Membership Committee

Ronza Othman, Chairman

 

Nomination Committee

Ellen Ringlein, Chairman

 

PAC Plan Committee

John G. Paré Jr., Chairman

 

Resolutions Committee

Jesse Hartle, Chairman

 

Scholarship Committee

Gabe Cazares, Chairman

 

National Funding Support Auction Committee

Michael Bullis, Chairman

 

Youth Activity Committee

Melissa Lomax, Chairman

 

Web Committee

Steve Brand, Chairman

 

Photo Gallery

Expanding Our Prominence in Maryland

2018 NFB BELL GLENN DALE Promotes Independence

2018 NFB BELL BALTIMORE Builds Self Esteem and Confidence

2018 NFB BELL SALISBURY Explores the Community