Welcome
Welcome to the 2022 National Federation of the Blind of California Convention
November 3-6, 2022
Courtyard San Diego Old Town By Marriott
2435 Jefferson Street, San Diego, CA 92110
Together Again: Reuniting and Reclaiming Our Right to Equality
Convention Hosts:
President, Tim Elder
First Vice President, Rachel Grider
Second Vice President, Robert Stigile
Secretary, Shannon Dillon
Treasurer, Tiffany Manosh
Board Members: Brian Buhrow, Christina Daniels, Allison Depner, Juanita Herrera, Veronica Martinez, Michael Richardson, and Cheryl Thurston
Additional Convention Planning Committee Members: Cricket Bidleman, Ed Davis, Shelbi Felter, Jeanette Jones, maurice mines, Bobbi Pompey, and Jamie Principato Crane
Chapter & Division Presidents:
Jacquisse Braxton – Antelope Valley Chapter, Cathy Gaten – At Large Chapter, Veronica Martinez – Bakersfield Chapter, Rachel Grider – Central Valley Chapter, Yvette Lee – Escondido Chapter, Michael Richardson – Inglewood Chapter, Cheryl Thurston – Inland Empire Chapter, Rochelle Houston – Pathfinder Chapter of Los Angeles, Dr. Carmen Varela – Poder y Movimiento Latina/o Sección, Tiffany Manosh – River City Chapter, Carmen Weatherly – Riverside Chapter, Allison Depner – San Diego Chapter, Robert Stigile – San Fernando Valley Chapter, Bobbi Pompey – San Francisco Chapter, Miguel Mendez – San Joaquin County Chapter, Jamie Principato Crane – San Jose Chapter, Debbie Worstman – Shasta Cascade Chapter, Shelbi Felter – California Association of Blind Students, Shannon Dillon – California Association of Guide Dog Users, Jeanette Jones – California Parents of Blind Children, Arietta Woods – Seniors Division, Joy Stigile – Diabetes Action Network, Angela Fowler – DeafBlind, Ed Davis – Deversity Equality & Inclusion, Joga Singh – Sports & Recreation, and David Chan – Orientation Center for the Blind Alumni Association, Inc.
Convention Overview
Thursday evening includes live recording of the Presidential Release with Mark Riccobono, the meeting of the Board of Directors and nominations meeting;
Friday includes the Exhibitor Showcase, Exhibit Hall hours, DAN meeting, afternoon General Session I, the Resolutions Committee meeting, and OCB and CABS meetings;
Saturday includes groups and divisions, morning seminar breakouts, afternoon General Session II and the Banquet;
Sunday morning includes the Presidential Report, business meeting, Resolutions, and elections.
Registration
A registration and information table will be stationed on the hotel patio. You can pick up pre-registration packets, wrist bands and welcome goodies there as well as register. The table will be staffed on November 3 from 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., on November 4 from 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., and on November 5 from 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Our table volunteers can also answer questions about the agenda and convention activities. We will be selling a limited number of boxed lunches at the registration table on Friday and Saturday from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. for $20 each.
Covid Testing
Proof of a negative Covid test taken no more than twenty-four hours in advance is required in order to pick up your registration packet. You can show proof of a negative Covid test at the registration table, email it in advance to covid@nfbcal.org, or take a test on-site. Accessible Covid tests will also be available on the hotel patio. Though children under the age of six do not need to register, parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to test them as well. Masks covering the nose and mouth are required while attending all convention activities. For more information about Covid protocols during the convention, visit nfbcal.org/convention (also listed on the registration form when selecting the “in person” option).
Breakfast
All in-person registrants wearing wrist bands are entitled to breakfast on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Breakfast will be provided buffet-style on the hotel patio from 7:00 a.m.-8:30 a.m. on all three days. Please wear your registration wrist bands to be served.
Hospitality Suite
The San Diego Chapter will be hosting a hospitality suite which will be open on Friday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and Friday night from 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. This is a great place to mingle with other convention attendees and enjoy refreshments when you have a spare moment or two. Check nfbcal.org/convention, the registration table, or hotel check in desk for the room number as convention gets closer.
First Time Attendees
If this is your first state convention, you should join us at the Rookie Roundup on Tuesday, November 1, at 6:30 p.m. over Zoom. You will be welcomed by the board members and matched with a mentor for 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.
Legal Office Hours
Do you have questions about your legal rights or need to talk with a lawyer? An attorney with expertise in legal issues affecting blind people will be on site for free 20-minute consultations. Please email Michael Nunez (mnunez@rbgg.com) or call (415) 917-6343 to schedule your appointment at the following times:
- Friday, November 4, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
- Friday, November 4, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, November 5, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
- or as otherwise agreed based on availability
Spanish Translation
We are broadcasting live translations of all general session meetings and the banquet through a Zoom conference function and dedicated telephone audio line that can be accessed from any mobile phone. Please contact Carmen Varela at carmenv@usc.edu for more details or check the main convention information page at https://www.nfbcal.org/convention/ for sign-in instructions.
Captioning and Sound Amplification
We are broadcasting live translations of all general session meetings, division meetings, breakouts, and the banquet through a Zoom conference function that can be accessed from any mobile phone. Some FM transmitters will also be available on sight for sound amplification. Please contact Rachel Grider at Rachel.grider@gmail.com for more details or check the main convention information page at https://www.nfbcal.org/convention/ for sign-in instructions.
Exhibitor Showcase and Exhibit Hall
In the Grand Ballroom at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, November 4, you will hear vendors describe the current products and services which they will have on display. The Exhibit Hall in the Presidio and Cabrillo Breakout Theaters will then be open 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Exhibitors may begin setting up their exhibit tables at 8:00 a.m. For virtual participants, the Vendor Showcase Zoom room will remain open until 10:30 a.m. for a virtual tour of the Exhibit Hall and a chance to ask questions of the exhibitors.
Pre-Session Show
For those joining us virtually on Zoom, log on early for entertaining fun and games hosted by Bobbi Pompey and friends 30 minutes ahead of each afternoon general session and the banquet. It will be more fun than Ellen and Oprah in a water balloon fight.
Guide Dog Relief Area
Exit the hotel’s main doors and turn left. Follow the driveway to Jefferson Street. Turn right, and follow the sidewalk past the parking area to the grass patches on the right of the sidewalk.
Welcome Guide
For more information about the hotel and surrounding area, including orientation to the hotel, directions to points of interest, and a menu for the hotel bistro, you can visit nfbcal.org/convention to download a copy of the local travel guide.
