Fellow Federationists:
As we come to the end of another year in the movement, we can reflect with pride on our accomplishments in 2024. We worked to enact legislation that will plug loopholes to ensure students receive their course materials at the same time as their sighted counterparts. We enacted legislation to set the framework for better public transportation using fixed bus route service in Maryland. We ensured the Maryland Board of Pharmacy promulgated regulations that make it possible for blind, low vision, and print disabled Marylanders to receive prescription drug information in accessible formats. We hosted three successful NFB BELL Academies and a wildly successful STEM2U Program. We hosted two Basket and Bag Bingo events, a Crab Feast, a Comedy Night Fundraiser, a Scholarship Dinner and Auction, and so much more. We held a fabulous State Convention and attended a wonderful national convention. We helped dozens of students with their IEPs, lots of individuals with their benefits, advocated for many individuals with regard to attending adjustment to blindness training and in employment settings, and so much more. In essence, we did what we do best – we worked to ensure that Maryland’s blind can live the lives they want.
As we move into 2025, our work continues. In the first six weeks of 2025, we will host our annual Day in Annapolis, participate in Washington Seminar, and hold our 2025 State Convention.
I wish you and your families a safe, happy, healthy, and productive 2025. Read on for more important news and information.
NFBMD Theater Donation Drive
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Annie - January 11, 2025 at 2:00PM
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Shucked – April 5, 2025 at 2PM
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Some Like It Hot – May 10, 2025 at 2PM
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Chicago – June 7, 2025 at 2PM
The shows will be audio described.
For every $10, the contributor will get one chance to win. For example, if an individual donates $20, they will be entered into the drawing two times.
The drawing will take place on a monthly basis one week before each show date.
Here are the rules:
- Contributions will be taken on a rolling basis one week before the final show as part of this initiative.
- For each $10 donated, the individual's name will be entered into the drawing. That means the more the individual donates, the greater their chance of winning.
- We will draw on a monthly basis, one week before the scheduled show date, one name from those who have contributed at least $10 during the campaign. That individual will receive 2 tickets to the next show.
- If a person’s name is selected, that one chance will be removed from future drawings. For example, if an individual donates $10 total and their name is drawn, their name will be removed from future drawings. However, if they donate $100 for ten chances and their name is drawn once, only one of their chances will be removed from future drawings but they still will have nine more chances.
- Tickets are nonrefundable and nonexchangeable.
To make a donation as part of this drive, please use Zell (President@nfbmd.org), use the PayPal button at: Https://nfbmd.org/theaterdonation, or mail a check to NFBMD Theater Donation Drive, 1800 Johnson Street, Suite N1, Baltimore, MD 21230.
Select a Crab
We hold a Crab Race in connection with our annual NFB of Maryland State Convention. This is a fundraiser where you can support your favorite crab contestant by putting a bit of money on them in $5 increments, and the people who supported the winning crab split the pot with NFBMD. Following the banquet, the six crab contestants – we call them “crabs” participate in a race to see who gets to the “finish line” first.
This year, you will get to decide who one of the six crabs will be.
Here are the rules:
Nomination Round - Closed
Voting Round:
Those who get two or more nominations will be advanced to the voting round. You can vote using the Crab Voting Form online. Voting will close on January 31, 2025. We will announce the winner at the Convention, and they will be the sixth crab.
Candidates include:
- Kevin Cross, Baltimore County
- Patty Ann Behr, Eastern Shore
- Chris Danielsen, Greater Baltimore Chapter
For questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Ronza Othman at President@nfbmd.org.
Lead, Love, Live: The State Convention is Coming!
You will not want to miss the state convention at the Ashore Resort and Beach Club in Ocean City which takes place on February 13 - 16, 2025. Come and meet our National Representative. Hotel reservations are closed, but if you did not make your reservations and need a room you may contact Justin Young at JYoung@nfb.org.
Late registration is open now. Visit https://nfbmd.org/convention to register online.
Below are the prices for the various convention activities (prices are per person unless otherwise stated):
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Registration: $35
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Transportation from Baltimore and New Carrollton: $75
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Banquet: $70
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Friday Dinner & a Play Pizza Buffet: $35
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Saturday Luncheons (Seniors, Parents, and Students): $40
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Sunday Training Center Alumni and Networking Breakfast: $35
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. To that end, individuals interested in submitting resolutions should send them to NFBMD Resolutions Chairperson Chris Danielsen by email at cdanielsen@nfb.org by January 31, 2025.
Seeking Door Prize Donations
We are seeking donations of door prizes to give away at the NFB of Maryland Annual Convention. Door prizes should have a cash value of a minimum of $25 each. For questions, please contact Door Prize Co-chairs Qualik Ford at Qford@bism.org and Juhi Narula at Jnarula@bism.org. Please bring door prizes to the convention.
Seeking Donations for the NFBMD Bake and Experience Auction!
We are seeking donations of baked goods and experiences for the NFBMD auction. Some examples of experiences include taking the winner to dinner, giving cooking lessons, musical or show tickets, etc. We are asking for donation commitments prior to January 31, 2025. Please notify Convention Logistics chairperson Justin Young of your donation via email at Jyoung@nfb.org.
Seeking Baked Deliciousness for NFBMD Fire Sale!
Attention all!
This message is going out to all you bakers, non-bakers, and anyone else with baked goods. As state convention rolls around again, so does our annual fire sale. If you want to help feed our movement and fund the important work we do, please take the time to donate your freshly baked goods, whatever they may be. Cookies, cakes, candies and croissants, we'll take them all. Please contact Justin Young with your donation commitment via email at Jyoung@nfb.org.
State Convention Orientation: February 10, 2025
All first-time convention attendees are cordially invited to attend a First-Timers Orientation from 8 to 9:30 p.m., on Monday, February 10. The Ambassadors Committee will walk you through the events that will take place throughout the weekend, explain processes such as door prizes and voting, as well as make sure every first-time convention attendee is matched with a mentor.
Connection information is as follows:
Zoom Meeting ID: 624 813 8327
One-Number Conference Call: 339-209-4083
NFBMD Convention Donation Drive and Drawing!!
Want to win either $500 or have your 2026 State Convention hotel and meals covered? Here's your chance!
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is hosting the 2025 NFBMD Convention donation drive. For each $20 donation, you will get one chance in the Convention drawing. For example, if you donate $100, you will get five chances.
The winner will have their choice of either $500 or their 2026 state convention hotel (two nights) and meals covered by the affiliate. The drawing will take place at the NFBMD banquet on Saturday, February 15, 2025. The winner does not need to be present.
The fundraiser is open through 3PM on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
The rules for the drawing are as follows:
1. For each $20 donated, the donor will receive one chance. For example, if the donor contributes $100, that equates to 5 chances.
2. The donor must expressly state that they wish to have their name placed in the convention drawing.
3. Donations must be made separately from any door prize contributions, convention registration donations, theater donation drive, or end-of-year sharing contributions.
4. Donations must be received on or before 3PM on February 15, 2025.
Individuals may make donations using the PayPal button located at https://nfbmd.org/conventiondrawing
via Zelle (President@nfbmd.org),
or by mailing checks to:
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
Convention Donation Drive
1800 Johnson Street, Suite N1
Baltimore, MD 21230
Getting Ready for 2025 Day in Annapolis!
The 2025 session of the Maryland General Assembly will begin on January 8, and we are working hard to prepare for our NFBMD Day in Annapolis, which will take place on January 16, 2025 in person. We meet with all 188 Delegates and Senators early in the session in order to maximize the time we have to push our issues through both chambers.
We are finalizing plans and have a few slots for volunteers who haven’t yet committed to educate our legislators on our legislative priorities. We will provide transportation from the National Center in Baltimore and the New Carrollton Metro Station for those interested in attending. We will conduct our usual debriefing over dinner, and participants are asked to plan to bring $30 with them for dinner.
The State Capital and surrounding buildings are in the final stages of major renovations, resulting in the tunnel system’s potentially being closed in whole or in part. As a result, individuals should be prepared to walk outside and occasionally cross streets to get to meetings and group gathering locations (like the cafeteria). Those who attend should plan accordingly.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Annapolis@nfbmd.org by January 6, 2025. If you are seeking to go on affiliate transportation, please contact Ellen Ringlein (germlish77@gmail.com) for Baltimore and Debbie Brown (deborahb14@verizon.net) for New Carrollton.
We will post the legislative priorities soon. The fact sheets will be available at https://nfbmd.org in early January.
Our primary legislative priorities are:
- Increasing the property Tax exemption for Blind Home Owners
- Improving Transportation: Use of Autonomous Vehicles for Persons with Disabilities
- Center for Excellence in Nonvisual Access (funding)
Additional priorities we will work on this year include accessible paperless ballot return for vote by mail, tactile and Braille flags in veteran cemeteries, and establishment of a service animal training grant program.
Washington Seminar Is Coming!
On February 3 and 4, Maryland will join Federationists in person from throughout the country to let Congress know about our legislative priorities for blind Americans. You can find information about our legislative priorities and other Washington Seminar information on the NFB Washington Seminar Information Page. The Great Gathering In will take place at 5:00PM on Monday, February 3, 2025 at the Holiday Inn Capitol Hotel. Maryland will be visiting our Congressional Delegation on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 in person on the Hill. If you would like to attend Congressional appointments, please let Joel Zimba and me know by January 20, 2025 by emailing joelszimba@gmail.com and
Get ready for New Orleans in 2025!
The NFB 2025 National Convention will take place from July 8 – 13, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The New Orleans Marriott Hotel will be the primary location. The NFB Board of Directors also announced that the 2026 and 2027 national conventions will take place in Austin, Texas, and the 2028 and 2029 national conventions will take place in Chicago, Illinois. It’s never too early to start preparing for the largest and most powerful gathering of blind people in America.
do You Feel Lucky?
The NFBMD spring raffle is beginning. During the month of May, you have the opportunity to win $50 Sunday through Friday, or $100 on Saturday. To reserve a specific number, contact Melissa Riccobono at MelissaARiccobono@gmail.com on or before January 10, 2025. After that, purchase a 3-digit number raffle ticket for $5. You will be the only one who has this number. Tickets are available from chapter presidents and affiliate Board Members. Help us sell all 1,000 tickets!
Basket and Bag Bingo is Coming!
Would you like to win over $4,000 in prizes? Would you like to play 23 games of BINGO? Snacks and raffles will also be available. Join us at NFBMD Spring Basket and Bag Bingo, hosted by the Central Maryland Chapter, on March 14, 2025 in Catonsville. Buy your tickets early.
Prizes will feature baskets and bags from designer brands. We need financial contributions to help with these purchases. Please let us know whether you would like to sponsor a basket or bag for $200. All contributions of any amount are welcome.
You may also purchase your ticket for $30 before March 14 and for $40 on March 14 if tickets are available. Please purchase your ticket via Zelle (President@nfbmd.org), by check (Make checks payable to “NFBMD” and mail to 1800 Johnson Street, Suite N1, Baltimore, MD 21230, or pay via credit card or PayPal online.
For questions or to reserve a Braille or large print Bingo card, call/text Matthew Yannuzzi at 410-851-1944 or email CMC.NFBMD.Bingo@gmail.com.
Pay Your 2025 Dues!
NFBMD maintains an online portal for individuals to pay their chapter and division dues. We are asking members to pay their 2025 dues by January 15, 2025 so we can ensure that our rolls are accurate for State Convention voting.
Individuals may use NFBMD’s Dues Portal to pay their 2025 annual dues and/or lifetime membership dues for those chapters that have lifetime membership. The portal lists all NFBMD chapters and divisions and their dues amounts. Individuals may pay for as many chapters and divisions as they wish. The portal is located at http://nfbmd.org/dues. Alternatively, individuals may mail a check to their chapter or division treasurer.
Individuals may also pay their chapter dues at the Registration Table at the State Convention.
Please note that those paying via the online portal will incur a small processing fee.
NFB and NFBMD Scholarship Programs
National Scholarship Program: Each year, the NFB awards 30 merit-based scholarships totaling $240,000.
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Each scholarship recipient will receive $8,000 and additional prizes.
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Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and community service.
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The 30 scholarship finalists are announced in the spring and attend the NFB National Convention, where they are mentored by blind role models.
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Application materials must be submitted (online or postmarked) by 11:59PM on March 31, 2025.
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To be eligible, applicants must:
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Be legally blind in both eyes;
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Reside in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico;
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Be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program at a U.S. institution in the Fall of 2025 (one scholarship may be awarded to an individual who works full-time and attends school part-time);
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Be age 18 before July 7, 2025; and
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Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind (and all scholarship activities) in New Orleans, Louisiana from July 8 through 13, 2025 (scholarship finalists will receive convention grants).
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To apply, submit an application using the online application system at https://scholarships.nfb.org/.
State Scholarship Program: The NFB of Maryland will award up to four scholarships of $4,000 each as part of the John T. McCraw Scholarship Program. NFBMD may award a scholarship to a former McCraw scholarship recipient.
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Scholarships are merit-based and awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership.
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Application materials must be submitted (online only) by 11:59PM on March 31, 2025.
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To be eligible, applicants must:
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Be legally blind in both eyes;
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reside in Maryland or be pursuing post-secondary studies at a school in Maryland;
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be age 18 prior to July 7, 2025;
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Be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time or part-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program in the Fall of 2025 and Spring of 2026 (priority will be given to full-time students); and
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Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind in New Orleans, Louisiana from July 8 through 13, 2025 and the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland in Maryland in February 2026 (scholarship finalists will receive convention grants).
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To apply submit an application using the online application system at http://nfbmd.org/scholarship/apply; or
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NFBMD Committees: Are You Interested?
I am beginning to make 2025 committee appointments for the NFB of Maryland, and Groups are also continuing their work. If you are interested in being appointed to a particular committee, please send me an email with the name of the committee or committees for which you are interested. I can’t promise everyone will be appointed to the committees they request, but it is very helpful to know where people are interested in contributing most. Please send your interest email to me at President@nfbmd.org by January 15, 2025. In addition, if you are interested in joining a particular group, please reach out directly to the chair of that group.
If there are committees that you think should be added, please also let me know.
Below is a list of the 2025 committees and groups as they currently stand. The individuals listed below have been asked to chair these committees or groups, but this may change slightly when final appointments are sent out.
Advocacy Committee
Sharon Maneki and Melissa Riccobono, Co-chairpersons
Advocates with employers, schools, Vocational Rehabilitation entities, and other public or private agencies for blind residents of Maryland
Ambassadors Committee
Judy Rasmussen and Debbie Brown, co-chairpersons
responsible for orienting first-time attendees to state and national Convention and mentoring first-timers at those events
Audit Committee
Barry Hond and Justin Young, Co-chairpersons
responsible for auditing financial accounts and spending for the affiliate, local chapters, and divisions
BELL Committee
Brittany Bomboy, Amy Crouse, and Erin Zobell, co-chairpersons
plans and administers the Maryland Bell program and incorporating Bell into NFBMD conventions and seminars
Braille Spectator Committee
Ronza Othman and Sharon Maneki, editors
Responsible for sourcing and creating content, assembling, editing, formatting, and disseminating the semi-annual magazine of the NFB of Maryland
Deaf-Blind and Hearing Loss Issues Committee
Janice Toothman and Heather Guy, Co-chairpersons
works on issues of concern and interest to the deaf-blind of Maryland
Development and Fundraising Committee
Jenivieve White and TBD, Co-chairpersons
coordinates long-term and short-term fundraising initiatives including: preparing and submitting grant proposals; sending out annual appeal letters; working with estate attorneys; administering Spring and Fall raffles; marketing Amazon smile; planning Basket Bingo, Crab Feast, and other fundraisers
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Qualik Ford and Juhi Narula, co-chairpersons
Provides leadership and guidance to the affiliate and chapters and divisions on matters related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Employment Committee
Pam Goodman and Jannis Forbes, co-chairpersons
Provides guidance and support related to strategies for increasing the employment of Maryland’s blind.
Guide Dog Issues Committee
Sherri Shirek, chairperson
works on issues of concern and interest to guide dog users in Maryland
Legislation Committee - Federal
Sharon Maneki and Joel Zimba, Co-chairpersons
responsible for Federal legislative action and educating elected officials on issues of importance to the blind of Maryland
Legislation Committee - State
Sharon Maneki and Ronza Othman, Co-chairpersons
responsible for state legislative action and educating elected officials on issues of importance to the blind of Maryland
Membership Committee
Dezman Jackson and Ellen Ringlein, co-chairpersons
responsible for helping chapters and divisions with recruitment, retention, and development of members
PAC Plan Committee
John Paré and Ann-Marie Laney, co-chairpersons
Coordinate the Maryland Pre-Authorized Check (PAC) efforts.
Public Relations Committee
Chris Danielsen, chairperson
responsible for marketing NFBMD programs and initiatives
Resolutions Committee
Chris Danielsen, chairperson
responsible for recommending (or not) that resolutions submitted by members be brought to the NFBMD Convention floor
Scholarship Committee
Juhi Narula, chairperson
responsible for administering the John T. McCraw Scholarship Program, including mentoring candidates at national and state conventions and beyond
Sharon Maneki Youth Empowerment Grant Committee
Sharon Maneki, chairperson
responsible for reviewing and approving (or not) grant applications for youth to attend blindness programs and training or to receive technology
Social Media Committee
Karen Anderson and Stephanie Cascone, Co-chairpersons
responsible for NFBMD’s social media presence, communication, and outreach using forums like mastodon and Facebook
Spanish Services Committee
Teresa Graham, chairperson
responsible for coordinating programming, outreach, and language interpretation for Spanish speakers
Sports and Recreation Committee
Qualik Ford and TBD, co-chairpersons
responsible for coordinating sports and rec activities for the affiliate.
Transportation Committee
Cheryl Fogle-Hatch and Aloma Bouma, co-chairpersons
responsible for coordinating transportation-related advocacy and working to improve the state of public transportation in Maryland
Website and Technology Committee
John Berggren, chairperson
responsible for NFBMD.org content and formatting, NFBMD databases, AV/IT at conventions, seminars, and other events, and other technology necessary for the operations of the NFB of Maryland
Youth Activity Committee
Erin Zobell, Chairperson
responsible for engaging youth and planning youth-focused programs
Convention-Related Committees
Anna Freysz Cable Award Committee
Debbie Brown, chairperson
administers award program for an adult who has demonstrated exceptional effort in learning blindness skills, which is given at the NFBMD Convention
Convention Child Care Committee
Brittany Bomboy, chairperson
coordinates childcare at the NFBMD Convention
Convention Organization and Activities
Justin Young, chairperson
coordinates the NFBMD Convention, including planning and logistics
Convention Registration Committee
Marie Marucci, chairperson
Coordinates and oversees convention registration.
Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award Committee
Teresa Graham, chairperson
administers award to an exceptional teacher of the blind in Maryland; awarded at the NFBMD Convention
Door Prize Committee
Juhi Narula and Qualik Ford, co-chairpersons
coordinates and runs NFBMD Convention door prize activities
Gold Cup Crab Race Committee
Juhi Narula and Jen White, co-chairpersons
Administers Gold Crab Race Fundraiser at state convention
Jennifer Baker Award Committee
Melissa Riccobono, chairperson
administers award program for a child who has overcome significant challenges to learn blindness skills; administered at the NFBMD Convention
Kenneth Jernigan Award Committee
Mary Ellen Jernigan, chairperson
administers award program for a Federationist who has demonstrated exceptional and sustained service and commitment to the NFB of Maryland; awarded at the NFBMD Convention
National Funding Support Auction Committee
Joel Zimba and Erin Zobell, Co-chairpersons
Administers the NFB of Maryland Bake and Experience Auction at the state convention.
Nominating Committee
Debbie Brown, chairperson
responsible for recommending to the NFBMD Convention individuals for open Board seats
NFBMD Groups
Blind Parents Group
Denna Lambert, chairperson
Crafters Group
Danielle McCann and Karen Anderson, co-chairpersons
Diabetes Action Network Group
Eileen Ley, chairperson
Performing Arts Group
Chris Danielsen, chairperson
Sighted Significant Others and Loved Ones Group
Jen White and David Waybright, co-chairpersons
Veterans Group
Ed Jackson, chairperson
Important Upcoming Dates
- January 10, 2025 – Deadline to reserve Spring Raffle specific numbers
- January 16, 2025 – NFBMD Day in Annapolis, Annapolis, Maryland
- February 3, 2025 – Washington Seminar Great Gathering In, Washington, DC
- February 4, 2025 – NFB of Maryland Day on the Hill, Washington, DC
- February 13 – 16, 2025 – NFBMD 2025 Convention, Ocean City, Maryland
- March 1, 2025 – Preregistration opens for NFB National Convention
- March 14, 2025 – Basket and Bag Bingo, Catonsville, Maryland
- March 31, 2025 – Deadline for National Scholarship Applications.
- March 31, 2025 – Deadline for NFBMD Scholarship Applications.
- April 15, 2025 – Deadline for Jernigan Fund applications for National Convention
- May 3, 2025 – NFBMD STEM2U, Baltimore, Maryland
- May 31, 2025 – Deadline to Preregister for NFB Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana
- TBD Summer 2025 – Southern Maryland NFB BELL Academy, Southern Maryland, Maryland
- TBD Summer 2025 – Salisbury NFB BELL Academy, Salisbury, Maryland
- TBD Summer 2025 – Baltimore NFB BELL Academy, Baltimore, Maryland
- July 8 – 13, 2025 – NFB National Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana
- September 19, 2025 – NFBMD Crab Feast, Rosedale, Maryland
- October 1 – 31, 2025 – Blind Equality Achievement Month