CONVENTION AGENDA
Forty-Eighth Annual Convention of the
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
Live the Life You Want!
Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel
Towson, Maryland
Friday, November 14–Sunday, November 16, 2014
National Representative: Ronald Brown
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.
Melissa Riccobono, President
1026 East 36th Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21218
(410) 645-0632
NFB of Maryland website: www.nfbmd.org
“Greetingsâ€
from the Officers and Board of Directors
Officers:
Melissa Riccobono, President, Baltimore
Debbie Brown, First Vice President, Rockville
Barry Hond, Second Vice President, Baltimore
Judy Rasmussen, Secretary, Kensington
Shawn Jacobson, Treasurer, Olney
Members of the Board of Directors:
Darlene Barrett, Columbia
Michelle Clark, Springdale
Melissa Lomax, Gwyn Oak
Sharon Maneki, Columbia
Maurice Peret, Baltimore
Michon Smith, Columbia
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, an affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, is a nonprofit organization of blind persons, their families, and their friends. We promote equal opportunities for the blind. We provide advocacy services for the blind, special training programs for parents of blind children, job referrals and placements for the blind, public education programs, and scholarships to blind students, and we help the newly blind to acquire special techniques for maintaining productive lives.
Committees of the
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
Anna Freysz Cable Award Committee
Debbie Brown, Chairman
Convention Child Care
Teresa Graham, Chairman
Convention Registration Committee
Sonia Little, Chairman
Convention Sponsorship/Exhibit Hall Committee
Anil Lewis, Chairman
Deaf-Blind Concerns Committee
Janice Toothman, Chairman
Distinguished Educator of Blind Children
Award Committee
Sharon Maneki, Chairman
Door Prize Committee
Darlene Barrett, Chairman
Guide Dog Committee
Janice Toothman, Chairman
Jennifer Baker Award Committee
Susan Baker, Chairman
Kenneth Jernigan Award Committee
Dr. Marc Maurer, Chairman
Nominations Committee
Chris Danielsen, Chairman
PAC Plan Committee
John G. Paré Jr., Chairman
Resolutions Committee
Jesse Hartle, Chairman
Scholarship Committee
Judy Rasmussen, Chairman
SUN, Jernigan Fund, and
Jacobus tenBroek Memorial Fund Auction
Terri Uttermohlen, Chairman
Youth Activity Committee
Melissa Lomax and Trudy Pickrel, Co-Chairmen
Chapters and Divisions of the
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
At Large Chapter
Sharon Maneki, Coordinator (410) 715-9596
Monthly meetings third Tuesday via conference call
Baltimore County Chapter
Ruth Sager, President (410) 602-9030
Monthly meetings fourth Wednesday
Central Maryland Chapter
Darlene Barrett, President (410) 997-9664
Monthly meetings first Tuesday
Delmarva Chapter
Danielle Earl, President (443) 359-5882
Monthly meetings second Saturday
Greater Baltimore Chapter
Chris Danielsen, President (410) 659-9314, ext. 2330
Monthly meetings third Saturday
Greater Cumberland Chapter
Jason Adkins, President (301) 759-3232
Monthly meetings fourth Thursday
Maryland Association of Blind Students
Melissa Lomax, President (410) 608-6118
Maryland Parents of Blind Children
Trudy Pickrel, President (301) 387-4182
National Harbor Chapter
Michelle Clark, President (301) 583-8585
Monthly meetings fourth Saturday
Senior Issues Division
Ruth Sager, President (410) 602-9030
Sligo Creek Chapter
Debbie Brown, President (301) 881-1892
Monthly meetings second Saturday
TriCounty Chapter
Nikki Tippett, President (443) 262-5020
Monthly meetings third Saturday
Towson, Lutherville, Cockeysville (TLC) Chapter
Mary Jo Hartle, President (318) 243-4135
Monthly meetings third Thursday
JOHN T. McCRAW SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The John T. McCraw Scholarship Program, named in honor of the late long-time president of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland and the undisputed leader of Maryland’s blind community, has been established to promote post-secondary educational opportunities and superior rehabilitation training for Maryland’s blind students.
High School Graduates—The recipients may use these scholarships to defray the cost of educational expenses incurred at any post-secondary institution.
Youth and Seniors—Middle school and high school students, as well as seniors experiencing vision loss, may use these scholarships to defray the cost of rehabilitation training provided by any qualified rehabilitation agency for the blind.
STAY CONNECTED AND INFORMED!
Please follow the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland on Twitter! Visit http://www.twitter.com/NFBMD to receive affiliate news and updates.
Friend the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland on Facebook! Search for NFB Maryland.
Stay connected with your fellow Maryland Federationists by joining our state email listserv. This list allows you to receive affiliate and national announcements, and also to start and participate in discussions regarding blindness and blindness issues. To sign up, visit http://www.nfbnet.org , click on “Join or drop NFB mailing lists,†then on “NFBMD,†and follow the instructions. Many of our local chapters now also have listservs. Talk to your chapter president to learn how to sign up so you don’t miss important information about chapter news and events.
Visit our newly redesigned website at http://www.nfbmd.org.
BRAILLE SPECTATOR
The Braille Spectator is published for members of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland and others who share an interest in the work of this organization. Free subscriptions (in print) can be obtained upon request. The Braille Spectator can also be read on the Web at http://www.nfbmd.org or can be listened to on the local channel of NFB-NEWSLINE®.
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.
Navigating the Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel
Address: 903 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson, Maryland 21204. Main telephone: (410) 321-7400.
Meeting Rooms Being Used
The F. Scott Fitzgerald Ballroom is located on the Plaza Level (first floor). The Cole Boardroom, Grason Room, Amphitheater, Duncan Room, and skywalk to the Towson Town Center mall are all located on the second level.
Plaza Level (First Floor)
As you enter the main entrance to the hotel, you are facing south and in the lobby area, which is tiled. Directly in front of you is a large carpeted square seating area with two chairs on each corner of the square and a large ottoman in the center of the square. Immediately to your right is the bell stand podium. Also to the right about twenty feet away is the front desk.
On the far side of the carpeted seating area, directly opposite of the main entrance door, is another door to: a smoking area; a flight of stairs with trash cans on either side; and at the bottom of the stairs, a grassy area appropriate for dog relief.
From the main entrance door, walking about twenty feet diagonally to the left brings you to: 1) the beginning of a long carpeted hallway which takes you to the Rain 903 restaurant (seating for 96 and open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.), lobby bar, and Fitzgerald Ballroom; 2) stairs to the second floor; 3) to the right of the stairs, a very small gift shop that offers candy, snacks, ice cream, and other sundry items; and 4) to the right of the gift shop, a bank of three elevators—one on the right and two on the left. All three elevators may be used to go to the sleeping rooms, meeting rooms on the second floor, and pool on the third floor.
At the end of the long carpeted hallway is an area with wood flooring. There is a rainfall water fountain directly ahead, and the Rain 903 restaurant hostess stand is to the right of this fountain. Turning left at the end of the hallway and going a short distance, the lobby bar is on the right. Walking past the lobby bar are both men’s and women’s restrooms on the right in a slight alcove, with men’s on the right side and women’s on the left. Continuing past the restrooms takes you to the West Foyer area. Once in the foyer area, turn right to go to the multiple entrances of the Fitzgerald Ballroom.
Also, once you are in the West Foyer area, to the left is a secondary entrance door to the hotel marked “Meeting and Banquet Entrance.†Just past this entrance door is a stairwell to the second floor.
Second Floor
There are four meeting rooms on the second floor plus the skywalk to the Towson Town Center mall. If you take the stairs by the gift shop, you will go up several sets of steps before reaching the second floor. When you arrive on the second floor, the elevators are to your left, and a long carpeted balcony/hallway is to your right.
Skywalk to Mall
The first opening you come to on the right is a very short entryway to the skywalk. The skywalk is an uncovered overpass that takes you to the mall parking garage. When you enter the garage, turn right, go up a slight hill, and go into the mall. The food court is on the third floor, which you can get to via an escalator that is a short distance down on the left.
Meeting Rooms
Past the skywalk entryway are all of the meeting rooms. On the right going down the balcony/hallway are the Cole Boardroom and Grason Room. The Cole Boardroom is just past the business office, which has a glass door. The Grason Room is located two meeting rooms down from the Cole Boardroom (the McIntosh and Burke Rooms are in between). There is a hallway on the right immediately past the Grason Room which has men’s and women’s restrooms located on the left as you go down that hallway.
The Amphitheater (which had no sign on the outside of it indicating that it was the Amphitheater when we toured the hotel) and Duncan Room are located in a separate hallway which can be accessed by bearing left as you pass the Grason Room. Both of these rooms are on the right side in that hallway. At the end of the hallway on the left is a stairwell to the West Foyer outside of the Fitzgerald Ballroom.
Parking
You must park in the Sheraton garage if you are staying overnight at the hotel. You cannot park in the mall garage overnight or your car will be towed away (according to the hotel employee at the front desk). The Sheraton’s garage is large and well-lit. When you drive into the garage, you have to stop and get a ticket stub from a machine. You must have your ticket stub validated at the front desk every time you leave the garage. If you don’t get the ticket stub validated, the garage security gate arm will not rise to allow you to exit. If you use the elevator in the garage, press the ‘PL’ button. After exiting the elevator, the hotel’s main entrance is a short walk and to the left. (There is another secondary entrance on the left before you get to the main entrance which takes you directly into the Fitzgerald Ballroom area.) Parking charges of nine dollars per day will be automatically added to your room bill if you park in the hotel garage.
Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. No special password is needed.
Room Charges
You may charge meals, phone calls, and incidentals to your room by presenting a credit card to the front desk when checking in. The hotel levies additional charges on all phone calls made from your room. These charges are your responsibility. Please take care of these charges when you check out of your room on Sunday.
REGISTRATION
Registration and packet pickup for the convention will be held in the West Foyer on Friday from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.; on Saturday from 8:00 to 8:40 a.m. and 12:00 noon to 12:15 p.m.; and on Sunday from 8:30 to 8:50 a.m.
Registration fee: $20.00
Banquet: $45.00
Senior Issues Division and Parents Division Luncheons: $25.00
Banquet Ticket Exchange will be held Saturday, 1:20 to 2:00 p.m., in the West Foyer. 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 Sheraton Baltimore North 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.
KIDS CLUB (CONVENTION CHILD CARE)
All child care (for children ages 6 weeks to 10 years) will take place in the Grason Room. Hours are: Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; and 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 Teresa Graham for details.
HOTEL CHECK OUT AND LUGGAGE HANDLING
On Sunday, you must check out of your room before 12:30 p.m.
If you are leaving the Sheraton by NFB of Maryland bus, please bring your luggage to Fitzgerald A between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. Sunday, where it will be tagged and held for storage until 12:00 noon, when the bus will be loaded. Please be sure that your luggage is clearly labeled with your name, address, and telephone number.
TRANSPORTATION
If you came to the Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel on transportation provided by the NFB of Maryland, you should expect to return on the same vehicle that brought you here. However, some changes may be necessary to accommodate one-way passengers. Please pay careful attention to transportation updates made during the Sunday morning general session.
FRIDAY NIGHT HOSPITALITY AND
TERRIFIC TRIVIA CHALLENGE!
Join us at 8:00 p.m. in Fitzgerald B and C for hospitality and our Terrific Trivia Challenge! Get a team of five people together and try your skill at trivia. Take on other teams head to head in this evening of trivia madness. Prizes will be awarded! Team sign up before convention is encouraged. Contact Melissa Riccobono for more details. If space is available, teams may be able to sign up the evening of the contest.
Not sure trivia is your thing? No problem! Please come to eat some delicious complimentary snacks and cheer on your favorite team in our trivia contest. Master of Ceremonies, Anil Lewis, will keep everyone up to date on the scores of the trivia contest. Our National Representative, Ron Brown, and his wife, Jean, will serve as our contest judges.
A cash bar will also be available.
FUNDING THE MOVEMENT
Donations and pledges to the NFB of Maryland will be taken during the banquet. The affiliate is in desperate need of funds at this time.
PAC Plan
A PAC Plan pledge form is included in this booklet for your convenience. The Braille agenda includes a print copy of the PAC Plan pledge form. Please use it to join the PAC Plan or increase your monthly PAC pledge. Please see John Paré at the PAC table during general sessions Saturday and Sunday in order to join the PAC Plan or increase your pledge.
SUN, Jernigan Fund, and
Jacobus tenBroek Memorial Fund Auction
Our auction for SUN, the Jernigan Fund, and the Jacobus tenBroek Memorial Fund will take place spontaneously throughout the convention. Bring your auction items to Terri Uttermohlen as soon as possible. Be ready to bid at any time on that must-have item!
Jacobus tenBroek Legacy Society
Help build a future full of opportunity for the blind by becoming a member of the Jacobus tenBroek Legacy Society. Your legacy gift to the National Federation of the Blind can be made in the form of a will or living trust, an income-generating gift, or by naming the NFB as a beneficiary of a retirement plan or life insurance policy. You can also become a member of the Jacobus tenBroek Legacy Society by making a legacy gift to the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland (or other state affiliate). By committing to support an NFB affiliate, your gift will benefit both local and national programs, as all bequests made to affiliates are split evenly with the NFB national treasury. In addition to having the satisfaction of contributing to the future success of the NFB’s mission, tenBroek Legacy Society members will also receive a specially-designed thank you gift and other benefits. For additional information about the Jacobus tenBroek Legacy Society, please contact Lou Ann Blake at the NFB Jernigan Institute by email at lblake@nfb.org or by telephone at (410) 659-9314, extension 2221.
Help Drive Change!
The National Federation of the Blind is now accepting vehicle donations! To donate a vehicle of any kind, please call 1-855-659-9314, or visit http://www.carshelpingtheblind.org.
Arrangements will be made to tow your vehicle at no cost to you. You will receive a receipt for your tax-deductable donation. Each vehicle donated is worth approximately $500.
Don’t have a vehicle to donate yourself? No problem. Please pass the word to family and friends about this new initiative and help drive change with the National Federation of the Blind!
GreenDrop
The National Federation of the Blind has teamed up with GreenDrop to collect donations of clothing and household items. If you live in or near Laurel or College Park, Maryland, you can bring donations directly to Second Avenue stores for drop off. If you, or family or friends, live in Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, or Virginia, you can donate your unwanted items through drop-off locations or call for a pickup from your home or business. Your donation will help the blind live the life we want.
For more information about the National Federation of the Blind GreenDrop program or to schedule a pickup of your unwanted items, visit www.nfbpickup.org , call 1-888-610-4NFB (4632), or email GreenDrop@nfb.org . You can also contact us if you would like to organize a household discards drive in your neighborhood, at your school, or where you work.
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND
Forty-Eighth Annual Convention
AGENDA
FRIDAY, November 14
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. “Independence 101â€: A Conference for Parents and Teachers
9:00-10:00 a.m. Registration
Outside Grason Room
10:00 a.m. Conference Begins
Sponsored by the Maryland Parents of Blind Children (MDPOBC). This conference addresses the role of the MDPOBC, opportunities for summer learning and fun for blind youth, advocating for your child when creating an IEP, cane skills, organization in both school and home, improving independence skills, and information on the new PARCC assessment and Unified English Braille.
Trudy Pickrel, President, Maryland Parents of Blind Children; McHenry, Maryland
Amphitheater, Duncan Room, and Fitzgerald A North
9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Kids Club (Convention Child Care)
Teresa Graham, Coordinator; Ellicott City, Maryland
Grason Room
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting
Everyone is encouraged to attend!
Fitzgerald C
11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. NFB-NEWSLINE® Demonstration, Survey, and Contest
Find out what’s new with NFB-NEWSLINE®! It’s not just for your telephone anymore! Peruse job listings, store ads, and international publications!
Enroll in the drawing for $50 cash by participating in the NFB-NEWSLINE® survey. Contest ends before Saturday morning session.
North Foyer
11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Technology Exhibits
Receive a free iBill Currency Identifier; get a chair massage; browse and purchase products from the National Federation of the Blind Independence Market; explore three-dimensional photographs; give your feedback on your voting experiences; and check out the latest offerings from a variety of companies and organizations that provide technology and services for the blind.
North Foyer
12:15-1:15 p.m. Be Smart: How to avoid falling victim to scams and identity theft
Representatives from Legal Shield will speak about keeping yourself safe financially. Lunch may be purchased for a fee of $10 on a first come, first served basis. This event is being coordinated by the Maryland Senior Issues Division, but is open to all who are interested in this topic.
Ruth Sager, President, Maryland Senior Issues Division; Pikesville, Maryland
Fitzgerald C
1:00-6:00 p.m. Convention Registration and Packet Pick-up
West Foyer
1:30-2:30 p.m. Salsa Dancing: Time to get your groove on!
Learn how to salsa dance; no prior experience necessary!
Valencia Moody, 2011 and 2013 Salsa Champion, National Federation of the Blind National Convention; Waldorf, Maryland
Fitzgerald A South
1:30-3:00 p.m. UEB (Unified English Braille) Workshop 1: How changes in Braille will benefit and impact you
Debbie Brown, First Vice President, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, Quality Assurance Specialist, National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress; Rockville, Maryland
Fitzgerald A North
1:30-5:00 p.m. Seniors on the Move!
Participate in Zumba, yoga, and salsa dancing! These workshops are being coordinated by the Maryland Senior Issues Division, but are open to all interested parties if space is available.
Ruth Sager, President, Senior Issues Division; Pikesville, Maryland
Fitzgerald C
1:30-5:00 p.m. Reading for Pleasure and Education, and “Is there an app for that?â€: Hands-on Demonstrations of the new K-NFB Reader Mobile app, BARD Mobile, the NFB-NEWSLINE® App, Read2Go, and more!
Bring your own iDevice, Android phone, Victor Stream II, or other reading device for hands-on practice with various apps used for reading different types of materials. Ask questions regarding available apps for online shopping, games, audio streaming, and more.
Room 1217
2:30-4:00 p.m. Maryland Association of Blind Students Annual Meeting
The best place to learn about tools, techniques, resources, and networks available to blind students is here! Receive updates on technology devices and programs, have hands-on experience with independent living skills, and hear from successful blind adults. Come meet students from across the state of Maryland, and get involved! Elections will be held at this meeting.
Melissa Lomax, President, Maryland Association of Blind Students; Gwyn Oak, Maryland
Fitzgerald B
2:45-3:45 p.m. Zumba Gold Session 1: Get up and dance!
No prior experience necessary.
Stephanie Webb, Zumba Gold Instructor; White Marsh, Maryland
Fitzgerald A South
3:00-4:30 p.m. Deaf-Blind Concerns
Join Janice Toothman to discuss concerns, resources, and new opportunities for the deaf-blind of Maryland.
Janice Toothman, Chairman, Deaf-Blind Concerns Committee, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland; Bowie, Maryland
Cole Boardroom
3:15-4:45 p.m. UEB (Unified English Braille) Workshop 2: How changes in Braille will benefit and impact you
Debbie Brown, First Vice President, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, Quality Assurance Specialist, National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress; Rockville, Maryland
Fitzgerald A North
4:00-5:00 p.m. Zumba Gold Session 2: Get up and dance!
No prior experience necessary.
Stephanie Webb, Zumba Gold Instructor; White Marsh, Maryland
Fitzgerald A South
5:00-6:00 p.m. What Are the Federation and State Convention All About?
A gathering for first-time convention attendees.
Chris Danielsen, President, Greater Baltimore Chapter, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland; Baltimore, Maryland
Cole Boardroom
6:30-8:00 p.m. Parents and Children Unite
Sponsored by the Maryland Parents of Blind Children, this gathering is for families with blind children, and also for blind parents and their children. A great time for networking, exchanging information, and general fellowship.
Trudy Pickrel, President, Maryland Parents of Blind Children; McHenry, Maryland
Fitzgerald A North
7:30 p.m. National Federation of the Blind of Maryland Resolutions Committee Meeting
Jesse Hartle, Chairman; Lutherville, Maryland
Fitzgerald A South
8:00 p.m.-Midnight Hospitality and Terrific Trivia Challenge!
Get a team of five together to play trivia against other NFB of Maryland members and friends. Test your knowledge on everything from NFB history to music, sports, TV shows, and more. Prior team registration is encouraged, but team sign up at convention may be possible if space allows. If trivia’s not your thing, sit back, relax, and cheer for your favorite trivia team!
Master of Ceremonies: Anil Lewis, Executive Director, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute; Baltimore, Maryland
Complimentary snacks and beverages will be provided.
Fitzgerald B and C
SATURDAY, November 15
7:00-8:15 a.m. Maryland Guide Dog Committee Meeting
This meeting is open to current and past guide dog users, and anyone interested in guide dogs.
Janice Toothman, Chairman, Maryland Guide Dog Committee; Bowie, Maryland
Cole Boardroom
7:15-8:00 a.m. 2014 National Federation of the Blind Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) Reunion for Students and Parents
Grason Room
7:45-8:40 a.m. Convention Registration and Packet Pick-up
West Foyer
8:00-8:45 a.m. Cane Walk for Parents and Children
Outside Grason Room
8:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Kids Club (Convention Child Care)
Teresa Graham, Coordinator; Ellicott City, Maryland
Grason Room
General Sessions will be held in Fitzgerald B and C.
MORNING SESSION
8:45 a.m. Call to Order, Invocation, and Convention Announcements
9:00 a.m. Working Together to Live the Life We Want: A Report from the National Office
Ronald Brown, Second Vice President, National Federation of the Blind, and President, National Federation of the Blind of Indiana; Indianapolis, Indiana
9:30 a.m. Helping the Blind of Maryland Live the Life They Want for Over 100 Years: A Report from Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, Our Convention Title Sponsor
Christina Davis, Senior Director, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland; Phoenix, Maryland
9:45 a.m. Questions and Discussion
9:50 a.m. Braille: The Key for Our Children to Unlock the Door of the Life They Want
Mary Jo Hartle, Lead Teacher, Baltimore NFB BELL Program; Lutherville, Maryland
Carlton Ann Cook Walker, Lead Teacher, Glendale NFB BELL Program; Bowling Springs, Pennsylvania
Student Participants, Baltimore and Glendale NFB BELL Programs
10:05 a.m. Speaking of Literacy: Living the Life Full of Books We Want with the Help of the Maryland Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Irene Padilla, Assistant Superintendent, Division of Library Development and Services, Maryland State Department of Education; Baltimore, Maryland
10:20 a.m. Questions and Discussion
10:25 a.m. Funding Our Movement: We Need Money to Live the Life We Want
John G. Paré Jr., PAC Chairman, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland; Baltimore, Maryland
10:35 a.m. Sometimes, to Live the Life You Want You Need a LIFT
Mark Pettis, Executive Director, Learning Is For Tomorrow (LIFT); Baltimore, Maryland
Anica Zlotescu, Blind/Low Vision Instructor, Learning Is For Tomorrow (LIFT); Baltimore, Maryland
10:50 a.m. Questions and Discussion
10:55 a.m. Reading What You Want, Where You Want Helps Us Live the Life We Want: Introducing the K-NFB Reader
Anne Taylor, Director of Access Technology, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute; Catonsville, Maryland
11:10 a.m. Employment Is Part of the Life We Want: Federationists at Work
Jean Brown, Owner, Visions Salon and Day Spa; Indianapolis, Indiana
Brian Altman, Education Coordinator, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc.; Gaithersburg, Maryland
J.J. Meddaugh, President, A T Guys; Kalamazoo, Michigan
Cheryl Fogle-Hatch, Archaeologist; Baltimore, Maryland
11:50 a.m. Reports and Resolutions
12:00 p.m. Adjourn
12:00-12:15 p.m. Convention Registration and Packet Pick-up
West Foyer
12:00-1:45 p.m. Luncheon—The Education of Blind or Visually Impaired Students
For parents, students, and teachers of blind students.
Trudy Pickrel, President, Maryland Parents of Blind Children, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland; McHenry, Maryland
Duncan Room
12:00-1:45 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; Pikesville, Maryland
Fitzgerald A
1:20-2:00 p.m. Banquet Exchange
West Foyer
AFTERNOON SESSION
2:00 p.m. Call to Order
2:05 p.m. More Training and Networking Opportunities to Help You Live the Life You Want: Two Maryland Independent Living Centers
Imani Graham, Peer Support/Independent Living Specialist, The Image Center for People with Disabilities; Baltimore, Maryland
Sarah Sorensen, Director, Independence Now; Maryland
2:20 p.m. Questions and Discussion
2:25 p.m. DORS Helps Us Live the Life We Want
Sue Schaffer, Director, Office of Blindness and Vision Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services, Maryland State Department of Education; Columbia, Maryland
2:40 p.m. Questions and Discussion
2:45 p.m. Together With Love, Hope, and Determination, We Transform Dreams into Reality
Melissa Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland; Baltimore, Maryland
3:15 p.m. The Maryland School for the Blind; Educated Students Go Forth to Live the Life They Want
Michael J. Bina, President, Maryland School for the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
3:30 p.m. Questions and Discussion
3:35 p.m. Soundtrack to the Past: The Songs that Describe Our History and Remind Us of the Distance We Have Come Toward Living the Life We Want
Christopher Nusbaum, NFB History Enthusiast; Union Bridge, Maryland
3:50 p.m. The Three Giants: The Men Who Led and Lead Us on the Path of the Life We Want
Dr. Marc Maurer, Immediate Past President, National Federation of the Blind; Catonsville, Maryland
Mary Ellen Jernigan, Policy Advisor to the President, National Federation of the Blind; Hanover, Maryland
Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
4:50 p.m. Reports and Resolutions
5:00 p.m. Adjourn
6:00 p.m. Reception and Cash Bar
North Foyer
6:00 p.m. Maryland Parents of Blind Children Portrait Studio
Have individual and group photos taken in your fancy banquet attire! All proceeds will benefit the Maryland Parents of Blind Children.
West Foyer
7:00 p.m. Forty-Eighth Annual Convention Banquet
Master of Ceremonies: Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
Keynote Banquet Address: Ronald Brown, Second Vice President, National Federation of the Blind, and President, National Federation of the Blind of Indiana; Indianapolis, Indiana
Scholarships and Awards
Fitzgerald Ballroom
SUNDAY, November 16
7:00-8:45 a.m. Board Meeting, Maryland Parents of Blind Children
Trudy Pickrel, President, Maryland Parents of Blind Children; McHenry, Maryland
Grason Room
7:30 a.m. Luggage Collection (for bus passengers only)
8:00-8:30 a.m. Nonsectarian Devotions
Lloyd and Judy Rasmussen, Sligo Creek Chapter, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland; Kensington, Maryland
Fitzgerald B and C
8:30-8:50 a.m. Registration
West Foyer
MORNING SESSION
9:00 a.m. Call to Order and Invocation
9:05 a.m. The National Federation of the Blind App: Staying In Touch with the Life of the Federation
John Berggren, Executive Director of Operations, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
9:20 a.m. Questions and Discussion
9:25 a.m. Summer Programs Now Jump Start the Lives They Want in Their Futures
Participants in the 2014 Blind Industries and Services of Maryland Independence 101 program, and participants in the 2014 Louisiana Center for the Blind Buddy and STEP Program
9:45 a.m. Affiliate Elections
10:00 a.m. Hiking 75 Miles for 75 Years of the National Federation of the Blind: They are Truly Living the Life They Want!
Maurice Peret, “Blind Wandererâ€; Baltimore, Maryland
Lou Ann Blake, “Bum Kneesâ€; Baltimore, Maryland
10:15 a.m. Questions and Discussion
10:20 a.m. Driving Toward the Life We Want: Chapter Involvement in the GreenDrop and Vehicle Donation Initiatives
Darlene Barrett, GreenDrop Guru and Honk Honk Heroine, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland; Columbia, Maryland
10:30 a.m. Questions and Discussion
10:35 a.m. Let’s Go Build the Federation!: Let’s Help Others Learn They Can Live the Life They Want!
Jeanie Massay, Co-Chair, 75 Days of Action Committee, National Federation of the Blind; Norman, Oklahoma
Kevan Worley, Co-Chair, 75 Days of Action Committee, National Federation of the Blind; Colorado Springs, Colorado
Ronza Othman, Chair, 75 Days of Action Committee, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland; Baltimore, Maryland
Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland
11:00 a.m. Improving Opportunities for Disabled People in America
The Honorable Ben Cardin, United States Senator for Maryland
11:15 a.m. Questions and Discussion
11:20 a.m. Resolutions
11:40 a.m. Business Meeting
12:00 p.m. Adjourn
Message of Thanks
Thank you to all of those who answered the call and made this convention such a big success. This includes those who spoke on panels and individually; worked in the child care room; helped with the sound system, convention recording, and convention streaming; planned and ran Friday seminars; worked hospitality; helped with the new member gathering; worked with blind tweens and teens; and helped in any other ways I am forgetting. This convention would not have run so smoothly without all of your assistance.
I would very much like to thank our National Representative, Ron Brown, for providing a national perspective at this convention, and sharing his story with us at our banquet. Thank you also to Ron’s wife, Jean, for her help in judging our Terrific Trivia Challenge, and for sharing her experiences as a spa owner with the convention.
In addition, I would like to thank the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland Board of Directors for all of their support, guidance, and willingness to help over the past year. Our affiliate is growing in so many ways, and without our teamwork this growth would not be possible. As always, a special thank you to Sharon Maneki for all of her tireless efforts on behalf of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland. This year, in particular, I am grateful to Sharon for her work to revitalize and sustain our At Large Chapter. Sharon works tirelessly for the NFB of Maryland every day, and I am truly grateful for all of the wisdom, organization, insight, experience, and humor she brings.
A special thank you to Ronza Othman for handling convention logistics with the Sheraton Baltimore North this year. This is an enormous job, and Ronza has done a fantastic job making sure this convention has run smoothly. In addition, Ronza has coordinated the NFB of Maryland’s efforts in the 75 Days of Action Campaign. Thank you Ronza for sharing your energy, time, and talents to help our affiliate grow.
I would also like to thank all of the members of the affiliate who volunteered for projects, gave input and suggestions, and helped in so many other ways, large and small, to make our affiliate strong and vibrant. I look forward to many opportunities to work with all of you in new and exciting ways in the upcoming years. Remember, there are always jobs to be done; please do not hesitate to volunteer your time and talents!
The NFB of Maryland is truly blessed to have Mary Ellen Thompson working with us. Thank you, Mary Ellen, for all of the wonderful services you have given so willingly over the past year. You have done everything from driving to destinations near and far, reading documents simple and complex, stuffing envelopes, changing diapers, game playing, assisting with homework, helping with BELL and toy inventory . . . and the list goes on. I could not do all that I do without your expert help. My family and I thank God for you every day, and we, and the NFB of Maryland, are so blessed to have you working with and for us.
As always, the biggest thank you needs to go to my husband, Mark, and our children, Austin, Oriana, and Elizabeth. Mark, each year only gets busier! Thank you for supporting my work in every way, giving such sound advice, being so eager to help, and making me always look beyond this moment to the possibilities of the future. Austin, Oriana, and Elizabeth, thank you for always being ready to make me laugh and smile, and for being willing to play games and give me hugs and cuddles when I need a break.
It has truly been an honor to have served as president of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland for the past six years. Thank you all for your confidence in me, for allowing me to do such challenging and energizing work, and for giving me so many opportunities to work with you to help the blind of Maryland live the life they want. I know the time is right for me to step away from the presidency, and I have no doubt that our new president will lead the affiliate with love, hope, and determination so our dreams will be transformed into reality. I, too, pledge to be involved in this affiliate’s work for as long as I am able. This is most certainly not a goodbye; it is just a hello to something new. I look forward to the bright future of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland.
Melissa Riccobono, President
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
Thank You to Our Convention Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM)
Independence Sponsors
Vanda Pharmaceuticals
Venable LLP
Opportunity Sponsor
Maryland Technology Assistance Program