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2020 State Convention Agenda

Tim Elder, President
National Federation of the Blind of California
president@nfbcal.org
4226 Castanos Street
Fremont, CA 94536
(916) 382-0372

Welcome to the 2020 National Federation of the Blind of California Convention
October 22 – 25, 2020

First-Ever Virtual Meeting On Zoom, Telephone and Other Streaming Services

Use the links below to navigate to a specific portion of the agenda or scroll down to read the agenda in its entirety.

Download a Word version of the agenda.

Convention Info
Thursday, October 22
Friday, October 23
Saturday, October 24
Sunday, October 25

Thank Yous

Info for bidding on Auction baskets.

THRIVING NOT JUST SURVIVING: Evolving Our Movement For an Ever-Changing World

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. Together with love, hope, and determination, we transform dreams into reality.

Convention Hosts

President, Tim Elder
First Vice-President, Rochelle Houston
Second Vice-President, Robert Stigile
Secretary, Shannon Dillon
Treasurer, Christina Daniels

Board Members: Jim Barbour, Rachel Grider, Juanita Herrera, Paul Howard, Tiffany Manosh, Michael Richardson, and Cheryl Thurston

Additional Convention Planning Committee

Members: Cricket Bidleman, Brittney Brim, Brian Buhrow, Liz Campos, Ever Lee Hairston, Jeanette Jones, Bobbi Pompey, Yue-Ting Siu, and Tina Thomas.

Delegates (Chapter & Division Presidents)

For a complete list of contact information for your voting delegate and the location or timing of any chapter/division caucus, please visit the following website

At Large Chapter, Cathy Gaten
Bakersfield Chapter, Veronica Martinez
Central Valley Chapter, Rachel Grider
Escondido Chapter, Yvette Lee
Inglewood Chapter, Michael Richardson
Inland Empire Chapter, Cheryl Thurston
Pathfinder Chapter of Los Angeles, Rochelle Houston
River City Chapter (Sacramento), Tiffany Manosh
Riverside Chapter (San Bernardino ), Carmen Weatherly
San Diego Chapter, Allison Depner
San Fernando Valley Chapter, Robert Stigile
San Francisco Chapter, Christina Daniels
San Joaquin County Chapter (Stockton), Joga Singh
San Jose Chapter, Brian Buhrow
Shasta Cascade Chapter, Debbie Worstman
California Association of Blind Students, Cricket Bidleman
California Association of Guide Dog Users, Tina Thomas
California Parents of Blind Children, Jeanette Jones
Senior Division, Jannette Stewart
Diabetes Action Network, Joy Stigile
Orientation Center for the Blind (OCB) Alumni Association, Inc., David Chan

Convention Overview

Thursday evening includes reception activities and a meeting of the Board of Directors.

Friday includes the Exhibitor Showcase, Exhibit Hall hours, DAN lunch, afternoon General Session I, Resolutions Committee meeting, evening seminar breakouts, Talent Show and Musical entertainment from artist Graham Norwood.

Saturday includes groups and divisions, morning seminar breakouts, afternoon General Session II and the Banquet; and

Sunday morning includes the chapter/divisions caucuses, Presidential Report, business meeting, Resolutions, and elections.

Information/Executive Hospitality

A virtual information table and executive hospitality suite will be available. Our virtual information table volunteers will staff the table and can answer questions about the agenda and convention activities. Also, in this room you will find our board members and parent leaders in breakout rooms during limited hours. Individuals wishing to discuss matters with President Tim Elder, our board leaders, or to meet other parents of blind children, may do so in small group settings.

(See full schedule by day below for joining instructions)
If you have questions, please call 1-650-213-1339

Information/Executive Hospitality Suite Hours

  • Thursday 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am – 2:00 pm
  • Saturday 7:30 am – 2:00 pm
  • Sunday 7:30 am – 9:00 am

Hours to Meet with the Board, Chapter & Division Presidents:

  • Thursday 5:00 p.m.— 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, 7:30 a.m.— 8:30 a.m. 
  • Saturday, 10:00 a.m.— 11:00 a.m. (*parents in seminar not in suite).

(See full schedule by day below for joining instructions) If you have questions, please call 1-650-213-1339

First Time Attendees

If this is your first state convention, then you should join us for a Rookie Orientation on Monday evening, October 19 at 5:00 p.m. Zoom information will be circulated to those who check the appropriate field on the registration form. Please contact Bobbi Pompey at bobbipompey@gmail.com or check the convention registration page at https://www.nfbcal.org/convention/ on October 19 for further details. Be sure to indicate on your registration form that this is your first convention so we can make it special.

Spanish Translation

We are broadcasting live translations of all general session meetings and the banquet through a dedicated Zoom conference line that can be accessed from any mobile phone.  Please contact Juanita Herrera at juanita.herrera91@gmail.com for more details or check the main convention information page at https://www.nfbcal.org/convention/ for sign-in instructions.

Zoom Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85712565521?pwd=eWxmRHErSjZhOUE1emJlLy9jd2VIQT09

One Touch Mobile: 16699009128,,85712565521#,,,,,,0#,,410125#,#

Meeting ID:  857 1256 5521

Dial In:  1-669-900-9128 

Exhibitor Showcase and Exhibit Hall

Join our virtual exhibit hall, available at nfbcal.org/convention/exhibitors/. Starting at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, October 23., You will hear exhibitors describe the current products and services which they will have on display. The virtual Exhibit Hall website will then immediately be opened, at 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Exhibitors will post links to their prospective Zoom meetings that will be live during the entirety of the exhibit hall hours. They may also post discrete times when they are starting certain demonstrations or group presentations. All exhibitors are staffing their Zoom meetings with human representatives during the entire exhibit hall session. All exhibitors can be found in the list of exhibitor Zoom links on the main convention page.

(See full schedule by day below for joining instructions)

Zoom

The California affiliate offers several opportunities for instruction and assistance to get people familiar with the Zoom platform and how to join by telephone. Please contact Rachel Grider at rachel.grider@gmail.com or call (916) 382-0372 for details.

Thank you to our generous Sponsors!

Bell Champion Sponsor – $5000
Shaw HR Consulting, Inc. (Disability Compliance Consultants) 

Shaw HR Consulting Logo

Bell Champion Sponsor – $5000
Cruise (Self-Driving Cars)

Cruise logo

Gold Ally Sponsor – $1000
Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld, LLP 

Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld, LLP Logo

Gold Ally Sponsor – $1000
KODA, Inc. (AI Robot Dog) 

Koda Inc. Logo

Silver Ally Sponsor – $600
Vanda Pharmaceuticals

Vanda Pharmaceuticals Logo

Thursday, October 22, 2020

5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Information Table

Coordinator, Allison Depner

Our virtual information table volunteers can answer questions about the agenda and convention activities.

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/95321369503?pwd=K2h2REp5ZTRNaEpoU0Vaeko5dng2QT09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,95321369503#,#

Meeting ID:  953 2136 9503

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833

Have Questions Call: 1-650-213-1339

5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Executive Hospitality Suite

Hosts: NFB of California Board Members & Parent Leaders

During special hours at our Information Desk, you will find our board members and parent leaders in breakout rooms. Individuals wishing to discuss matters with President Tim Elder, our board leaders or meet other parents of blind children, may do so in small group settings.

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/95321369503?pwd=K2h2REp5ZTRNaEpoU0Vaeko5dng2QT09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,95321369503#,#

Meeting ID:  953 2136 9503

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833

Have Questions Call: 1-650-213-1339

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Growing the Network Social

Host, Liz Campos

Enjoy fun games, meet the board of directors, and get to know fellow Federation friends joining from around the state in a casual and lively activity.

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/97406774833?pwd=QTBhQmFnWHk2bkp0MFFVcjFrSXhRZz09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,97406774833#,#

Meeting ID:  974 0677 4833

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833 

8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting

President, Tim Elder

Meetings of the Board of Directors are open to the public. Please join us as we adopt our virtual voting policy, greet our scholarship finalists and our National Representative. All first timers should attend. We will orient rookies at the end of the board meeting.

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/97406774833?pwd=QTBhQmFnWHk2bkp0MFFVcjFrSXhRZz09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,97406774833#,#

Meeting ID:  974 0677 4833

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833 

Captioning:  https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-BoardMeeting

9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Nominating Committee, By Invitation Only

Chairperson, Ever Lee Hairston

This is a closed meeting for the members of the Nominating Committee, invited prospective candidates and the national representative. The members of the Nominating Committee are Tim Elder, Jim Barbour, Christina Daniels, Shannon Dillon, Rachel Grider, Juanita Herrera, Rochelle Houston, Tiffany Manosh, Michael Richardson, Robert Stigile and Cheryl Thurston . The committee will recommend candidates for the Board of Directors. The candidates will be introduced on Friday afternoon during General Session I. The convention will vote on the nominated candidates along with any other nominations from the floor during our Sunday morning session. Candidates wishing to be nominated are encouraged to speak with President Tim Elder and Chairperson Ever Hairston in advance of the meeting.

Friday, October 23, 2020

7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Information Table

Coordinator, Allison Depner

Our virtual information table volunteers can answer questions about the agenda and convention activities.

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/95321369503?pwd=K2h2REp5ZTRNaEpoU0Vaeko5dng2QT09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,95321369503#,#

Meeting ID:  953 2136 9503

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833

Have Questions Call: 1-650-213-1339

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Executive Hospitality Suite

Hosts: NFB of California Board Members & Parent Leaders

During special hours at our Information Desk, you will find our board members and parent leaders in breakout rooms. Individuals wishing to discuss matters with President Tim Elder, our board leaders or meet other parents of blind children, may do so in small group settings.

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/95321369503?pwd=K2h2REp5ZTRNaEpoU0Vaeko5dng2QT09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,95321369503#,#

Meeting ID:  953 2136 9503

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833

Have Questions Call: 1-650-213-1339

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Exclusive Vendor Showcase

Coordinator, Cheryl Thurston

Listen to a brief description of products and services from each exhibitor. It is a wonderful way to survey everything in the hall at one time and then follow up with each exhibitor at their virtual tables immediately after the presentations.

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/97406774833?pwd=QTBhQmFnWHk2bkp0MFFVcjFrSXhRZz09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,97406774833#,#

Meeting ID:  974 0677 4833

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833 

Captioning: https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-VendorShowcase

9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Virtual Exhibit Hall Hours

(Zoom exhibits must be staffed by representatives)

Check out the latest technology, services and information from organizations offering useful resources to blind people.
Exhibit Hall Link:  https://www.nfbcal.org/convention/exhibitors/

12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Diabetes Action Network

President, Joy Stigile

This annual business meeting will include elections and a presentation by Eileen Ley from the Diabetes Action Network National Board. She will be speaking on the topic of “Debunking Myths about Type 2 Diabetes”.

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/92305535443?pwd=VlVQMHlQTFJXb1cxdHhCNnNVYW5qdz09

One Touch Mobile: 16699006833,,92305535443#,#

Meeting ID:  923 0553 5443

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833 

Captioning:  https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-DiabetesActionNetwork

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. General Session I

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/97406774833?pwd=QTBhQmFnWHk2bkp0MFFVcjFrSXhRZz09

One Touch Mobile: 16699006833,,97406774833#,#,#

Meeting ID:  974 0677 4833

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833

Captioning:  https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-GeneralSession1

President, Tim Elder

2:00 p.m. Big Bang Call to Order

Opening Ceremony
National Anthem — Cristina Jones
Pledge of Allegiance — Corrine Sweet
NFB Pledge — Sylvia Mitchell
Invocation — Ever Hairston

2:20 p.m.  Symbiotic Relationships—Voting on Proposition 22                                         

Traci Lee, Senior Public Policy Manager at Lyft, Vikrum Aiyer, Vice President of Global Public Policy & Strategic Communications at Postmates, Claire Lau, No On Prop 22, and Tyler Breisacher, independent gig worker, will engage in a moderated informational forum on whether gig workers should be classified as independent contractors or employees under Proposition 22.  What does the result mean for blind Californians who have grown accustomed to rideshare and food delivery? 

3:10 p.m. Natural Selection—Election of Our Affiliate Leaders

President Tim Elder provides insight into the process by which we will elect our affiliate leaders, and Nominating Committee Chairperson Ever Lee Hairston announces the names of the nominated candidates for the Board of Directors. 

3:30 p.m.  Healthy Ecosystems — Real Partnerships with Agencies for the Blind 

Jay Allen, Executive Vice President of Wayfinder Family Services, Bryan Bashin, CEO of San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind, and Kim Gibbons, Executive Director of San Diego Center for the Blind, talk about how agencies are organizing under CAABVI and working with blind people to improve services and promote meaningful collaboration. 

4:00 p.m. Survival of the Fittest—Residential Training Programs

Jennifer Kennedy, Executive Director of Blind Inc., Julie Deden, Executive Director, Colorado Center for the Blind, Eric Guillory, Director of Youth Services, Louisiana Center for the Blind, Sue Pelbath, Administrator, Orientation Center for the Blind, and Allison Burdett, Associate Vice-President of Visual Impairment and Developmental Disabilities Services, WayFinder, make their case for the best residential training option for you.

4:30 p.m. The Golden Age—Tools and Techniques Used by Blind Scientists

Dr. Greg Williams, blind chemist, highlights the tools and techniques that enable careers and paths of study for future blind scientists. 

4:50 p.m. The Tree of Knowledge of Braille and Talking Books

Mike Marlin, Director of California Braille & Talking Book Library, updates us on recent changes in service. 

5:00 p.m. Adjourn

The convention will adjourn until General Session II on Saturday afternoon.

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Resolutions Committee

Chairperson, Bryan Bashin

All are encouraged to observe the Resolutions Committee, which comes together once a year to decide on the policies and direction of the affiliate for the upcoming year. The 2020 committee includes Bryan Bashin, Tim Elder, Shannon Dillon, Michael Hingson, Vejas Vasiliauskas, Sherry Pablo and Ever Hairston. Any member may sponsor a resolution. Typically, resolutions must be in the hands of the President or the chairperson of the Resolutions Committee no later than one week prior to the convention – though our chairperson might set alternative deadlines. Resolutions which have not been provided to the President or the chairperson may come before the Resolutions Committee only if they have been signed by two members of the Resolutions Committee and have been placed in the hands of the chairperson or President before noon of the day before the Resolutions Committee is to meet. Resolutions which receive favorable consideration by the committee will come to the convention for consideration and action. Resolutions which don’t receive favorable consideration by the committee will not come to the convention floor unless five of the chartered chapter and division president delegates indicate that they will sponsor the resolution. No resolution should be considered by the committee unless there is a proponent of the resolution present at the committee meeting to explain the need for the resolution.

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/97406774833?pwd=QTBhQmFnWHk2bkp0MFFVcjFrSXhRZz09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,97406774833#,#

Meeting ID:  974 0677 4833

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833 

Captioning:  https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-ResolutionsCommittee

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Orientation Center for the Blind Alumni Group

OCB alumni reconnect with old friends.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81726457020?pwd=MlNobGVMaXFoWEk3eWtLWUNTK0RxUT09

One Touch Mobile:  16699009128,,81726457020#,,,,,,0#,,331512#,#

Meeting ID:  817 2645 7020

Dial In:  1-669-900-9128 

Captioning:  https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-BlindAlumni

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Breakout Seminar Series I

Planting Seeds with the Teachers of Tomorrow

Yue-Ting Siu, TVI, Ph.D., facilitates a question and answer discussion between a graduate class of aspiring teachers of blind children and blind graduates, parents, and educators. 

Zoom Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7935295611

One Touch Mobile:  16699009128,,7935295611#,#

Meeting ID:  793 529 5611

Dial In:  1-669-900-9128  Captioning:  https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-BreakoutSession1a

Hunting for Jobs During a Pandemic

Marc Grossman, Employment Specialist, San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, discusses best practices for modern job recruitment, application, and interviews.  Are you on LinkedIn?  What do you wear on a virtual Zoom interview?  Keep pace with the times to compete.

Zoom Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82170353315?pwd=YkJSTTE2b1ZucVJLYzhVZllSU1ZTQT09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,82170353315#,#

Meeting ID:  821 7035 3315

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833 

Captioning:  https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-BreakoutSession1b

Branching Out with Browsers

Author and technology trainer Amy Mason demonstrates advanced techniques for using multiple browsers and screen reader combinations.  Are you still using Internet Explorer and JAWS?  Maybe it’s time to try something new. 

Zoom Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85145608675?pwd=L1ZyUUx2WG85U3BWRVlLb0l4QlB6QT09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,85145608675#,#

Meeting ID:  851 4560 8675

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833 

Captioning:  https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-BreakoutSession1c

7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Talent Show and Concert by Artist Graham Norwood

Join the talent show to see your friends in action and then experience one of California’s finest independent performer recording artists, Graham Norwood (set starts at approximately 9:00 p.m.).

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/97406774833?pwd=QTBhQmFnWHk2bkp0MFFVcjFrSXhRZz09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,97406774833#,#

Meeting ID:  974 0677 4833

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833

Saturday, October 24, 2020

7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Information Table

Coordinator, Allison Depner

Our virtual information table volunteers can answer questions about the agenda and convention activities.

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/95321369503?pwd=K2h2REp5ZTRNaEpoU0Vaeko5dng2QT09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,95321369503#,#

Meeting ID:  953 2136 9503

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833

Have Questions Call: 1-650-213-1339

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. California Association of Guide Dog Users Division

President, Tina Thomas
Guide dog users discuss relevant issues.

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/97406774833?pwd=QTBhQmFnWHk2bkp0MFFVcjFrSXhRZz09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,97406774833#,#

Meeting ID:  974 0677 4833

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833 Captioning:  https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-GuideDogUsers

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Parents and Educators of Blind Children Seminar

Host, Jeanette Jones
Hear from leading advocates, experienced parents and recent blind college-admitted students on IEPs, access to education and working with educators for best practices in the education of blind children. A separate insert for the full agenda of this group is available linked from the main convention page.

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/92305535443?pwd=VlVQMHlQTFJXb1cxdHhCNnNVYW5qdz09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,92305535443#,#

Meeting ID:  Meeting ID:  923 0553 5443

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833

Captioning:  https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-ParentsofBlindChildren

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. California Association of Blind Students Division

President, Cricket Bidleman.

Join this dynamic group of blind students to network and discuss important issues impacting equal access to higher educational opportunity.

Zoom Link:  https://stanford.zoom.us/j/94144236363?pwd=RkFxZGV0Y3hISXMxS0NlMVVHVlpWZz09

One Touch Mobile:  18333021536,,94144236363#,#

Meeting ID:  941 4423 6363
Password: 123456

Dial in:  1-833-302-1536

Captioning:  https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-BlindStudentsAssoc

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Seniors Division

President, Jannette Stewart
You’re never too old to learn some new tricks and live the life you want to live. Join like-minded seniors who aren’t letting blindness hold them back.

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/97406774833?pwd=QTBhQmFnWHk2bkp0MFFVcjFrSXhRZz09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,97406774833#,#

Meeting ID:  974 0677 4833

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833

Captioning:  https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-SeniorsDivision

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Executive Hospitality Suite

Hosts: NFB of California Board Members
(Parent Leaders will not be present, as they will be in the Parents & Educators Seminar)

*This is the final Executive Suite for the convention. During special hours at our Information Desk, you will find our board members and parent leaders in breakout rooms. Individuals wishing to discuss matters with President Tim Elder, our board leaders or meet other parents of blind children, may do so in small group settings.

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/95321369503?pwd=K2h2REp5ZTRNaEpoU0Vaeko5dng2QT09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,95321369503#,#

Meeting ID:  953 2136 9503

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833

Have Questions Call: 1-650-213-1339

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Breakout Seminar II

Survival Skills

Do you need to brush up on some nonvisual techniques? Are you wondering how, as a blind person, you can learn to put on make-up, sort laundry, or bake your favorite autumn dessert?  Living skills instructors from the three NFB training centers will be on hand to answer all of your questions.

Zoom Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7935295611

One Touch Mobile:  16699009128,,7935295611#,#

Meeting ID:  793 529 5611

Dial In:  1-669-900-9128 

Captioning:  https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-BreakoutSession2a

Hunting for Jobs During a Pandemic

Marc Grossman, Employment Specialist, San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, discusses best practices for modern job recruitment, application, and interviews.  Are you on LinkedIn?  What do you wear on a virtual Zoom interview?  Keep pace with the times to compete.

Zoom Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82170353315?pwd=YkJSTTE2b1ZucVJLYzhVZllSU1ZTQT09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,82170353315#,#

Meeting ID:  821 7035 3315

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833

Captioning:  https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-BreakoutSession2b

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Breakout Seminar III

Survival Skills (repeat)

Do you need to brush up on some nonvisual techniques? Are you wondering how, as a blind person, you can learn to put on make-up, sort laundry, or bake your favorite autumn dessert? Living skills instructors from the three NFB training centers will be on hand to answer all of your questions.  

Zoom Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7935295611

One Touch Mobile:  16699009128,,7935295611#,#

Meeting ID:  793 529 5611

Dial In:  1-669-900-9128

Captioning:  https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-BreakoutSession3a

Branching Out with Browsers (repeat)

Author and technology trainer Amy Mason demonstrates advanced techniques for using multiple browsers and screen reader combinations.  Are you still using Internet Explorer and JAWS?  Maybe it’s time to try something new.

Zoom Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85145608675?pwd=L1ZyUUx2WG85U3BWRVlLb0l4QlB6QT09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,85145608675#,#

Meeting ID:  851 4560 8675

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833

Captioning:  https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-BreakoutSession3c

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. General Session II

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/97406774833?pwd=QTBhQmFnWHk2bkp0MFFVcjFrSXhRZz09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,97406774833#,#

Meeting ID:  974 0677 4833

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833

Captioning:  https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-GeneralSession2

President, Tim Elder
(TBD)
A final agenda with scheduled presentations and Zoom links will be posted prior to the convention.

2:00 p.m. Call to Order

President Tim Elder welcomes us back to the convention.

2:00 p.m. The Strong Roots of BELL 2020—Setting Standards for Literate Generations

Debbie Worstman provides an update on the Braille Enrichment Literacy and Learning 2020 program.

2:20 p.m.  A Global Village, Blindness Crosses Borders & Barriers

Julius Braimah (Ghana), Holly Scott Gardner (United Kingdom), Anna Wróblewska (Poland), and Kit Lau (China), compare their experiences living as a blind person in the United States with their experiences living in other countries.  We challenge our assumptions about what is the same and what is different.

3:00 p.m. Leading the Tribe—National Report

National Representative and board member, Norma Crosby, was born in rural East Texas.  Her family learned that she was blind when she was about two.  Norma had a pretty normal life and was a really good student until she graduated from high school.  That is when she began to realize that she had not been given the tools she needed to become a successful blind person.  When she was 26, she found the National Federation of the Blind, and with guidance from mentors and some training, she began to realize that it was not her blindness that was holding her back.

3:20 p.m. Developing the Next Generation

Elizabeth Rouse, National Association of Blind Students, greets the convention and inspires us to put our state to work.

3:30 p.m. Sculpting Skills with the Department of Rehabilitation

Joe Xavier, Director of the California Department of Rehabilitation, Michael Thomas, Assistant Deputy Director, Specialized Services Division, and Peter Dawson, Regional Director, Blind Field Services, update us on changes to rehabilitation services in California and answer moderated questions.

3:50 p.m. Basic Instincts—Sexuality, Positive Body Image and Disability Identity

Laura Millar, MPH, M.A., MCHES Sex Educator, and Mary Fernandez, MBA, People and Communities Consultant, unpack the social misunderstandings about blindness, our sexuality, the concept of physical attraction and the beauty of the so-called “disabled” body.

4:30 p.m. Increasing Our Reach—Diversity and Inclusion in Federation Philosophy

Bobbi Pompey, Chairperson of the affiliate Diversity and Inclusion Committee, challenges our assumptions and helps us consider new ways to enhance our diversity and involvement for all blind Californians.

5:00 p.m. Adjourn

5:30 p.m.—6:30 p.m. Performing Artists In Sync

Rachel Grider,
Calling all California performing artists! Come and network and share ideas with California performers, , followed by a mini dance lesson from Katelyn MacIntyre, President of the National Performing Arts Division.

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/92305535443?pwd=VlVQMHlQTFJXb1cxdHhCNnNVYW5qdz09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,92305535443#,#

Meeting ID:  923 0553 5443

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833

5:30 p.m.—6:30 p.m.  Spanish At Large Organizing Meeting

Juanita Herrera

Join an organizing meeting of Spanish-speakers who wish to form a chapter at large.

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/97406774833?pwd=QTBhQmFnWHk2bkp0MFFVcjFrSXhRZz09

One Touch Mobile: 16699006833,,97406774833#,#

Meeting ID:  974 0677 4833

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833

(contact Juanita Herrera, juanita.herrera91@gmail.com, for accommodations requests

5:30 p.m.—6:30 p.m.  Diversity and Inclusion

Bobbi Pompey

Join a group to discuss and promote efforts to make our organization more diverse and inclusive.

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/95321369503?pwd=K2h2REp5ZTRNaEpoU0Vaeko5dng2QT09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,95321369503#,#

Meeting ID:  953 2136 9503

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833

Captioning: https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-DiversityandInclusion

Contact Bobbi Pompey, bobbipompey@gmail.com, for accommodations requests

7:00 p.m. Formal Banquet (Zoom room opens at 6:45 p.m.)

Mistress of Ceremonies – Ever Hairston, Immediate past president
Hear an inspiring address from our national representative, meet our scholarship winners and generally be delighted as we celebrate our success as an organization.

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/97406774833?pwd=QTBhQmFnWHk2bkp0MFFVcjFrSXhRZz09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,97406774833#,#

Meeting ID:  974 0677 4833

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833

Captioning:  https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-Banquet

Sunday October 25, 2020

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Information Table

Coordinator, Allison Depner

Our virtual information table volunteers can answer questions about the agenda and convention activities.

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/95321369503?pwd=K2h2REp5ZTRNaEpoU0Vaeko5dng2QT09

One Touch Mobile: 16699006833,,95321369503#,#

Meeting ID:  953 2136 9503

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833

Have Questions Call:  1-650-213-1339

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Chapter/Division Caucuses

A final opportunity for members to meet with their chapter or division voting delegates prior to voting.  Delegates may be asked to vote in a representative capacity by roll call for questions where the convention’s approved process for counting raised hands in Zoom cannot reliably indicate the result.  Contact your delegate using the information posted on the affiliate chapters and divisions page: https://www.nfbcal.org/chapters-and-divisions/.

Information about caucuses will be posted on the main convention page (https://www.nfbcal.org/convention/) if provided by a delegate to the affiliate website team.  Delegates should send their caucus information for posting to Christina Daniels, at ms.christina.daniels@gmail.com or call (916) 382-0372.

9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. General Session III

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/97406774833?pwd=QTBhQmFnWHk2bkp0MFFVcjFrSXhRZz09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,97406774833#,#

Meeting ID:  974 0677 4833

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833

Captioning:  https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=NFB-CA-GeneralSession3

President, Tim Elder

9:30 a.m. Invocation

9:40 a.m. Growing Our Treasury

Financial Report
Affiliate Treasurer Christina Daniels reports on our financial state.

10:00 a.m. Expanding Our Reach and Influence—A Report from Your President

The President of the National Federation of the Blind of California provides an update on the activities of the affiliate, the financial state of the organization and reflections for growth adaptation and the future.

10:30 a.m. The DNA of Our Movement—Resolutions

The convention votes on the proposed resolutions.

11:00 a.m. The Changing Face of Our Leadership —Election of the Organized Blind in California

An election will be run for the open positions including any nominations from the floor and short statements from the candidates.

12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. CABS Organizing Meeting
National Association of Blind Students

National Association of Blind Students Representative, Elizabeth Rouse

The newly elected student board will meet with our national student representative to plan for the upcoming year. 

Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/92305535443?pwd=VlVQMHlQTFJXb1cxdHhCNnNVYW5qdz09

One Touch Mobile:  16699006833,,92305535443#,#

Meeting ID:  923 0553 5443

Dial In:  1-669-900-6833

Thank You to Our Convention Committees and Coordinators

Scholarships: Chairperson Bobbi Pompey, Skylar Covich, Lisamaria Martinez and Roger Oberholzer

Resolutions: Chairperson Bryan Bashin, Shannon Dillon, Tim Elder, Ever Hairston, Michael Hingson, Sherry Pablo and Vejas Vasiliauskas

Nominations: Chairperson Ever Hairston, Tim Elder, Shannon Dillon, Rachel Grider, Juanita Herrera, Rochelle Houston, and Robert Stigile

Exhibits: Cheryl Thurston

Executive Suite/Information Desk: Allison Depner

Banquet: Ever Hairston

Parents: Jeanette Jones

Diversity and Inclusion: Chairperson Bobbi Pompey, Liz Campos, Edward Davis, Juanita Herrera and Michael Nunez

Spanish Translation: Juanita Herrera

Website: Christina Daniels and Tiffany Manosh

Social Media: Christina Daniels and Tina Thomas

Logistics and Technology: Chairperson Jim Barbour, Brian Buhrow, Christina Daniels, Rachel Grider, Rochelle Houston, Tiffany Manosh, Bobbi Pompey, Michael Richardson, Robert Stigile

Audio/Video: Jim Barbour, Brian Buhrow, Christina Daniels, Rachel Grider

Ambassador: Michael Richardson

Rookies: Rochelle Houston and Bobbi Pompey

Door Prizes: Tiffany Manosh

Auction Baskets: Brian Buhrow and Michael Richardson

Zoom Training: Rachel Grider and Tiffany Manosh

PAC: Michael Hingson

Miscellaneous: Many others, too numerous to name, helped make this event a wonderful experience for all. Without doubt, someone was omitted from the list above as we focused more on our work than on our titles. To all the unnoticed and unnamed leaders who work so hard to make our movement great, the Blind of California owes our future to your selfless dedication.

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