2026 State Convention Agenda

National Federation of the Blind of California State Convention 2026

Welcome to the 2026 NFB of California State Convention.
The 2026 NFBC State Convention will take place Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the:
Clarion Hotel Anaheim
616 West Convention Way
Anaheim, CA 92802

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.

Board of Directors

President, Tim Elder
First Vice President, Rachel Grider
Second Vice President, Robert Stigile
Secretary, Shannon Dillon
Treasurer, Tiffany Manosh
Board Member, Alison Depner
Board Member, Brian Buhrow
Board Member, Jamie Principato Crane
Board Member, Julia Cardenas
Board Member, Cheryl Thurston
Board Member, Laura Millar
Board Member, Michael Richardson

Convention Planning Committee Members

Chairperson Arietta Woods, Rachel Grider, Brian Buhrow, Julia Cardenas, Shannon Dillon, Florentino Becerra, Bobbi Pompey, Ever Lee Hairston, Tiffany Manosh, Michael Richardson, Cheryl Thurston, Robert Stigile, Allison Depner, Laura Millar, Joga Singh, and Tim Elder

Chapter and Division Presidents

Jacquisse Braxton — Antelope Valley Chapter
Cathy Gaten — At Large Chapter
Veronica Martinez — Bakersfield Chapter
Jeanette Jones — Central Valley Chapter
Denise Bravell — Escondido Chapter
Michael Richardson — Inglewood Chapter
Cheryl Thurston — Inland Empire Chapter
Shelbi Felter — Orange County Chapter
Arietta Woods — Pathfinder Chapter of Los Angeles
Marisa Vallejo — Poder y Movimiento Latina/o
Tiffany Manosh — River City Chapter
Carmen Weatherly — Riverside Chapter
Julia Cardenas — San Diego Chapter
Robert Stigile — San Fernando Valley Chapter
Bobbi Pompey — San Francisco Chapter
Lisa Rodriguez — San Joaquin County Chapter
Jamie Principato Crane — San Jose Chapter
Debbie Worstman — Shasta Cascade Chapter
Florentino Becerra — California Association of Blind Students
Shannon Dillon — California Association of Guide Dog Users
Jamie Principato Crane — California Parents of Blind Children
Angela Fowler — DeafBlind
Joy Stigile — Diabetes Action Network
David Chan — Orientation Center for the Blind (OCB) Alumni Association, Inc.
Arietta Woods — Seniors Division
Joga Singh — Sports & Recreation

Registration

A registration and information table will be stationed in the foyer outside of the Orangewood meeting rooms. You can pick up pre-registration packets, wrist bands, and register. It is also a central place to ask questions and get helpful information. See the schedule below for full hours of operation.

Hospitality Suite

A hospitality suite will be open and available to all during the convention. This is a great place to mingle with other convention attendees and enjoy refreshments. Check the convention registration desk for the suite room number at the hotel and the schedule below for hours of operation.

First Time Attendees

If this is your first state convention, you should join us at the Rookie Roundup on Tuesday, March 10, at 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm over Zoom. You will be welcomed by our leaders and given a brief orientation on what you can expect during the convention. They will make sure you have a wonderful experience and don’t miss anything. Be sure to indicate on your registration form that this is your first convention so we can make it special.
Join Zoom Meeting
Join the Rookie Roundup Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 99836128312
Passcode: 644965
One tap mobile

Spanish Interpretation

We are broadcasting live interpretations of the Rookie Roundup, board meeting, resolutions, vendor showcase, general sessions, and the banquet through a Zoom conference function and dedicated telephone audio line that can be accessed from any mobile phone. Zoom links are provided to convention registrants by email. Please contact Marisa Vallejo (m77vallejo@gmail.com) or Rachel Grider (rachel.grider@gmail.com) with any questions or concerns.

Captioning and Sound Amplification

We are broadcasting live captions of the Rookie Roundup, board meeting, resolutions, vendor showcase, general sessions, and the banquet through a Zoom conference function that can be accessed from any mobile phone. Some FM transmitters will also be available on site for sound amplification. Zoom links are provided to convention registrants by email. Please contact Rachel Grider at rachel.grider@gmail.com for more details.

Vendor Showcase and Exhibit Hall

We have wonderful exhibitors and sponsors representing the latest accessible technology and innovative goods and services to help you live the life you want to live. Please see times and locations in the schedule below to connect with these helpful resources. Don’t miss the showcase event on Saturday morning to hear a quick overview from representatives for each exhibit table available.

Guide Dog Relief Area

Our hotel has three options for guide dogs. While we are at a pet friendly hotel, all relief areas should be kept as clean as possible.
Option 1: When you are in the lobby, find your way to the front doors, exit the hotel and go straight across the driveway toward the fountain. You will find grass on either side of it. When you are heading back inside, there will be a trash can just before entering the hotel on the left.

Option 2: As you exit the hotel front doors turn immediately right, and about three or four feet against the hotel on the right, you will find a dirt area which can also be used. Again, you will find a trash can just before entering the hotel.

Option 3: From the Orangewood Ballroom, exit the room, turn left and follow the hallway to the end, where you will find doors to exit toward the parking lot. Once outside, turn right, and you will find a make shift relief area, with astroturf, as well as a trash can and a roll of bags.

If you have any questions, contact Robert Stigile at 818-381-9568.

Virtual Attendees

Zoom links for the board meeting, resolutions, general sessions, and the banquet will be provided in a separate document to those who have registered.

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors!

Platinum Catalyst Sponsor $7,500
Waymo logo

Silver Ally Sponsor $1,000
Spectrum Logo

Theme – Bold: Increasing Representation and Collective Power

Friday, March 13, 2026

Registration

1:00 PM–4:45 PM and 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
Registration Table Open – Orangewood Foyer
Tiffany Manosh, President, River City Chapter – Coordinator

Hospitality Suite

4:00 PM—7:00 PM – Dinner
Cheryl Thurston, President, Inland Empire Chapter – Coordinator

DeafBlind Division

2:30 PM–3:15 PM – Orangewood 1 and 2 Meeting Room
Angela Fowler, President
Connect with other DeafBlind individuals

Orientation Center for the Blind (OCB) Alumni Association Inc.

2:30 PM–3:15 PM – Orangewood 3 Meeting Room
David Chan, President
Connect with OCB alumni

Senior Division

3:30 PM–5:00 PM – California 1 Meeting Room
Arietta Woods, President, Senior Division – President, Pathfinder Chapter of Los Angeles
Put on your workout attire and join us! “Move Boldly, Prepare Confidently: Seniors Stepping Into Strength and Safety.” Presenters –Ever Lee Hairston and Kyle Navarrette

Board Meeting

5:00 PM–6:00 PM –Orangewood 1 and 2 Meeting Room
Tim Elder, NFB of California State President
Join your Board of Directors for an open business meeting.

Resolutions

6:00 PM–7:15 PM – Orangewood 1 and 2 Meeting Room
Bryan Bashin, Chair
All are encouraged to observe the Resolutions Committee meeting which comes together once a year to decide on the policies and direction of the affiliate for the upcoming year. The 2026 members are Chairperson Bryan Bashin, Shannon Dillon, Tim Elder, Ever Hairston, Laura Millar, Roy Payan, and Jamie Principato Crane.

Exhibit Hall Early Access Hours

7:00 PM–9:00 PM – California Meeting Rooms 2, 3, and 4
Cheryl Thurston, President, Inland Empire Chapter – Coordinator
Check out our vendors in this first evening session of expanded exhibit hall hours.

Visual Interpretation Seminar

7:00pm-8:00pm – California 1 Meeting Room
(Pending adjournment of the Resolutions meeting)
On-demand human visual interpretation is one of the greatest access tools emerging from our mobile device age. Come learn from Aira, Be My Eyes and VisualEyes about the wide range of these services. How might each of them apply in different contexts when you need someone to look at something through your phone’s camera?

Sports and Recreation

7:30 PM–10:00 PM – Orangewood 3 Meeting Room
Joga Singh, President
What’s your sport? Join us for fun, fun, and more fun.

BRAILLED IT Movie Time

8:30 PM–10:00 PM – Orangewood 1 and 2 Meeting Room
Come enjoy a special showing of the independent documentary film, Brailled It. Every year, the best under-18 braille readers and writers in the English-speaking world come to Los Angeles to compete in the Braille Challenge. For one weekend, these blind and low-vision kids aren’t the minority in the room, as they make new friends, go head-to-head against old rivals, and strive for the rare opportunity to be recognized for something beyond their disability.

Nominations Committee Meeting (Invitation Only)

9:00 PM Meeting Room
Contact Chairperson Ever Hairston at ever.hairston@gmail.com if you are interested in running for an elected position on the Board of Directors. All officers and the board seats currently held by Brian Buhrow, Allison Depner and Jamie Principato Crane are up for their two-year term elections. In addition to the Nominating Committee’s recommended candidates, nominations may also be made from the floor by members in good standing.

Saturday March 14, 2026

Registration

7:15 AM–1:45 PM – Registration Table Open -lobby
Tiffany Manosh, President, River City Chapter – Coordinator

Hospitality Suite

6:00 AM—8:00 AM – Breakfast
11:00 AM—1:45 PM – Lunch
Cheryl Thurston, President, Inland Empire Chapter – Coordinator

Ham Radio Group

7:15 AM–8:00 AM – California 1 Meeting Room
Robert Stigile, President, San Fernando Valley Chapter Facilitator

Exhibitors Showcase

8:00 AM–9:00 AM – Orangewood 1 and 2 Meeting Room
Cheryl Thurston, President, Inland Empire Chapter – Coordinator

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

Exhibit Hall

9:00 AM–1:45 PM – California Meeting Rooms 2, 3, and 4
Cheryl Thurston, President, Inland Empire Chapter – Coordinator

Explore the latest technology, services and information from organizations offering useful resources to blind people.

California Association of Guide Dog Users (CAGDU)

9:30 AM–11:15 AM – Orangewood 1 Meeting Room
Shannon Dillon, President
Hear from representatives of guide dog programs and learn how you may be able to file in small claims court to address rideshare issues.

Poder Y Movimiento Latinos (PYML)

10:00 AM–11:00 AM – California 1 Meeting Room
Marisa Vallejo, President
Come support the causes of the blind Latino community.

Civic Engagement Division Organizing Meeting

10:00 AM-11:00 AM- Orangewood 3 Meeting Room

Have you ever wanted to run for public office or serve on a board or committee in your community? Whether you are getting ready to run for Congress or hoping to improve local transportation issues, come meet individuals interested in forming a division focused on promoting blind people into more civic engagement.

Training Center Meetups – Firm Up Your Mobility Skills and More

11:30 AM–12:15 PM – California 1 Meeting Room
Rachel Grider, Louisiana Center for the Blind, and Maureen Neitfeld, Colorado Center for the Blind

Do you have questions about how to get the best blindness training available? Learn how blind people navigate with the white cane, retain their independence, and learn to confidently and efficiently get where they want to go.

Parents of Blind Children

11:30 AM–1:00 PM – Orangewood 3 Meeting Room
Jamey Principato Crane, President

The regular meeting for parents of blind children and parents who are blind, all supporting each other.

Diabetes Action Network (DAN)

11:30 AM–1:00 PM – Orangewood 1 Meeting Room
Joy Stigile, President

All are welcome to attend and learn more about Diabetes care and management.

California Association of Blind Students (CABS)

11:30 AM–1:00 PM – Orangewood 2 Meeting Room
Florentino Becerra, President

College and high school students and supporters, come join our student division for networking and our state convention meeting.

General Session

2:00 PM–5:00 PM – Orangewood 1 and 2 Meeting Room
Tim Elder, California State President

2:00 PM – Call to Order and Opening Ceremonials

Pledge of Allegiance and NFB Pledge — Marisa Vallejo, Presidenta, Poder y Movimiento Latina/o (PYML)

2:05 PM – National Report—Constant Vigilance in the Movement

Everette Bacon, Second Vice President, National Federation of the Blind, reports on what our organization is achieving to advance the rights of blind people and shares updates from President Mark Riccobono.

2:35 PM – Rehabilitation Updates—New Leadership, Order of Selection and Other Change

Kim Rutledge, Director, California Department of Rehabilitation, is introduced to her first state convention to discuss vocational rehabilitation services in California and provide updates for blind job seekers.

2:55 PM – Get on the PAC Plan—Supporting the Movement

Robert Stigile, PAC Coordinator, explains how to join PAC.

3:00 PM – You Too Can Do YouTube—Non-visual Video Production

Lucy Greco, Accessibility Evangelist, shares techniques and tools for non-visually capturing video footage with accessible cameras, editing with accessible software tools, and managing online distribution across multiple social media networks.

3:25 PM – Student Surge—Updates from the Students’ Division

Minahil Jafri, National Student Rep. and recent college graduate shares opportunities for blind students to get involved in the movement.

3:30 PM – One Amazing Accessibility Act—Introducing Our Web Accessibility Law A.B. 2190

Tim Elder, President, NFB of California, and Mike Paciello, Chief Accessibility Officer, AudioEye, introduce AB 2190, an innovative website access law of our own design. Learn about what this new proposed law could do and how we can advocate for its passage in Sacramento in the coming months and a cross-disability event on May 26, 2026.

3:55 PM – Immersion Training—Best in Class NFB Training Centers

Maureen Neitfeld, Director of Student Services , Colorado Center for the Blind, and Rachel Grider, Louisiana Center for the Blind, showcase our best-in-class national training programs.

4:10 PM – Political Action—Blind Leaders Working in Political Parties and Campaigns

Marianne Haas, Delegate to the California Republican Party Convention, and Sagar Gupta, Campaign Field Organizer for the 10^th Congressional District Democratic Candidate Saikat Chakrabarti, share their respective experiences with political action.

4:40 PM – Increasing Wealth—Expanded Eligibility for ABLE Accounts

Maria Sandoval, Outreach Specialist, California ABLE Act Board , explains the value of an ABLE investment account for every blind person and how even more people can now take advantage of this program.

4:55 PM – Report of the Nominating Committee

Ever Lee Hairston, Nominations Committee Chair, announces the slate of proposed candidates and comments on the election process that will follow on Sunday morning.

5:00 PM – Adjourn

Members should quickly exit the room to make way for the banquet setup. Please take your conversations to the hotel lobby to enable the support staff to quickly change over the facility.

Banquet

Doors open at 7:00 PM
7:00 PM–10:00 PM – Orangewood 1 and 2 Meeting Room

Mistress of Ceremony – First Vice President, Rachel Grider

Hear an inspiring address from our national representative, meet our scholarship winners, conduct fun auctions with games, and generally be delighted as we celebrate our success as an organization.

Sunday March 15, 2026

Hospitality Suite

6:00 AM—8:00 AM – Breakfast
Cheryl Thurston, President, Inland Empire Chapter – Coordinator

General Session ii – Business Meeting
9:00 AM–12:00 PM – Orangewood 1 and 2 Meeting Room
Tim Elder, NFB of California State President

9:00 AM – Our Money—Financial Report
Affiliate Treasurer Tiffany Manosh reports on our financial state.

9:15 AM – Bold Action—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 over the past year, the financial state of the organization and reflections for the future.

9:35 AM – Chapter and Division Roll Call
Chapter delegates are called in order posted on our website. Each delegate is given three minutes to share the exciting things they are doing and financial contributions or pledges for the affiliate. The affiliate thanks your chapters and divisions in advance for helping us cover the growing cost of our annual convention.

10:50 AM – Resolutions
The convention votes on the proposed resolutions.

11:20 AM – Election of Officers & Board Members
An election will be run for open positions including nominations from the floor and short statements from the candidates.

12:20 PM – Adjourn

Thank You to Our Convention Committees and Coordinators

Every year, too many individuals to name donate their time and talents to make our convention amazing. We operate this convention with a primarily volunteer team. We would love to have more people join our stellar group for convention planning and logistics efforts. Please share your desire to join us next year with president@nfbcal.org or call (916) 382-0372.

Thank you to the below leaders who graciously donated their time and abilities

Scholarships: Chairperson Skyler Covich, Nikki Dadlani and Trisha Kulkarni
Resolutions: Chairperson Bryan Bashin, Shannon Dillon, Tim Elder, Ever Hairston, Laura Millar, Roy Payan, and Jamie Principato Crane
Nominations: Chairperson Ever Hairston, and unconflicted representatives Debbie Worstman, Tiffany Manosh, Trisha Kulkarni, and Michael Richardson.
Student Technology: Ethan Fung and Gene Kim
Transportation: Cheryl Thurston
Registration: Tiffany Manosh, Shannon Dillon
Exhibits: Cheryl Thurston
Banquet: Rachel Grider
Parents: Jamie Principato Crane
Spanish Translation and Closed-Captioning: Marisa Vallejo, Florentino Becerra, Tiffany Manosh and Rachel Grider
Agenda Embossing and Printing: Brian Buhrow, Tiffany Manosh, and Cheryl Thurston
Audio Video: Brian Buhrow and Dwayne Davis
Ambassador: Michael Richardson
Rookies: Cheryl Thurston, Veronica Martinez, and Jamie Principato Crane
Door Prizes: Tiffany Manosh, Carmen Weatherly and Joe Swain
Auction Baskets: Karen Steele, Michael Richardson and Darryl Thurston
Guide Dog Relief: Robert Stigile, Shannon Dillon
PAC: Robert Stigile
Zoom Hosts: Laura Millar and Bobbi Pompey

And finally, thank you to our many exhibitors who partner with our community throughout the year: