nfbco_convention_agenda_2019_v7_revised_and_final

AGENDA National Federation of the Blind of Colorado 65th Annual State Convention October 31 – November 3, 2019 Fort Collins Hilton 425 West Prospect Road Fort Collins, CO 80526 Colorado State Ballroom Salons II & III LIVING THE LIFE WE WANT! Scott C LaBarre, President 2233 W Shepperd Avenue Littleton, CO 80120 303-778-1130 NFB PLEDGE I pledge to participate actively in the effort 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 NFB MESSAGE 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 their dreams You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back TRIBUTE TO OUR SPONSORS We extend our sincerest gratitude to our Title Sponsor, Colorado Center for the Blind Since 1988, the CCB has been changing what it means to be blind one life at a time The Center has provided world class blindness training to students from all over the world Contact Julie Deden, Executive Director, jdeden@cocenter.org, 303-778-1130 Also visit www.cocenter.org for more information WE ALSO THANK OUR TITANIUM, GOLD AND SILVER SPONSORS: Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Titanium Sponsor Audio Information Network of Colorado, Gold Sponsor Colorado Business Enterprise Program, Gold Sponsor LaBarre Law Offices, P.C., Gold Sponsor Spectrum, Gold Sponsor Sprint Vision, Gold Sponsor CREEC – Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center, Silver Sponsor GENERAL CONFERENCE INFORMATION REGISTRATION: Hilton Atrium Friday 8:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m Saturday 8:00 a.m to 11:30 a.m Registration Fee: Friday Luncheon: Saturday Lunch: Saturday Banquet: $25.00 $30.00 $30.00 $45.00 CHILDCARE INFORMATION: Please contact childcare coordinator, Ena Batron, 720-384-3263 to make arrangements Childcare will be held in Hospitality Suite #232 Friday: Childcare will be open from 8:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m Parents must provide lunch for their children Saturday: Childcare will be open from 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m Parents must provide lunch for their children Childcare will re-open at 6:30 p.m and close at 10:00 p.m and pizza will be provided Saturday evening Sunday: Childcare will be open from 8:45 a.m to Noon MEMBERSHIP COINS Folks from the At Large Mountains and Plains, Boulder Valley, Greeley and Pueblo Chapters and the COAGDU Division may pick up their NFB Membership coins Thursday evening at the door prior to the start of the Halloween Ball You may also pick them up during Friday registration hours DOG RELIEF AREA INFORMATION: From the last automatic door on the West side entrance to the hotel go 23 feet (straight ahead) and on the left/South and the right/North are two mulch areas for dog relief On the left on the rock pillar are “poopy pouches” on a dispenser attached about feet up on the West side On the left and right are also two outdoor trash receptacles The one with a 3-foot hole is for recyclables and the one with the 8-inch hole is for trash/waste The mulch to the right extends to the wall on the outside pool deck and on the left the mulch extends out to the 10-foot round gazebo Please deposit all waste in the trash cans provided Contact Dog Guide Coordinators, Melissa Green or ReNae Anderson, and pay attention to general announcements DOOR PRIZES: Monique Melton and Jennifer Spears serve as our Door Prize Chairwomen Door Prizes will be drawn in general Convention session and you must be present to win Please bring your prizes to Julie prior to the beginning of general sessions RECYCLING LANYARDS AND NAME BADGE HOLDERS If you not care to keep your Convention lanyard and name badge holder, please drop them off on the registration table at the ballroom entry as Convention winds down We will be able to use them for future Conventions EXHIBITS: Exhibits will be open in the Hilton Atrium on Friday and Saturday at the discretion of the individual exhibitor The times listed below are the designated exhibit hall times but the vendors and exhibits will be open all day Friday and Saturday Friday 8:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m Saturday 8:00 a.m to 9:00 a.m Please stop to visit the following exhibitors and sponsors: Aira, Exhibitor A T Guys, Exhibitor Audio Information Network of Colorado, Gold Sponsor Blind Tech Training, Exhibitor Colorado Business Enterprise Program, Gold Sponsor Colorado Center for the Blind, Title Sponsor CREEC – Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center, Silver Sponsor Fidelco, Exhibitor Guide Dog Foundation, Exhibitor Guide Dogs for the Blind, Exhibitor Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Exhibitor LaBarre Law Offices, P.C., Gold Sponsor NanoPac / Magnisight, Exhibitor The Seeing Eye, Inc., Exhibitor Spectrum, Gold Sponsor Sprint Vision, Gold Sponsor UNAR Labs, Exhibitor Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Titanium Sponsor And don’t forget, in addition to the above exhibitors, several chapters and divisions will be selling items as fundraisers Items will include jewelry, caps, t-shirts, water bottles, candy bars and cosmetics, as well as massage chair therapy sessions THURSDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 31, 2019 6:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m BOOT SCOOT AND BOOGIE WESTERN HALLOWEEN BALL Pay $5 at the door or show your NFBCO membership coin Dress in your finest western duds or dress as a favorite character from the old west Be sure to arrive hungry and hankering for a fine BBQ picnic type spread After the Barbecue join us for a little boot scootin' Whether you are an old pro on the dance floor or just learning, descriptive lessons will be provided so that everyone can boogie! FRIDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 1, 2019 8:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m REGISTRATION Colorado State Ballroom Foyer Pick up your pre-registration packets and register for door prize drawings If you didn’t register in advance, you may inquire as to availability of the various meals Convention Registration is $25.00, Friday Luncheon $30.00, Saturday Luncheon $30.00, and Banquet $45.00 8:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS SHOWCASE Hilton Atrium Peruse this year’s selection of Convention Sponsors and Exhibitors and find out what is new in technology, products, and services In particular, we once again want to salute our Title Sponsor, Colorado Center for the Blind Our heartfelt thanks goes out to Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Audio Information Network of Colorado, Colorado Business Enterprise Program, CREEC, Spectrum, LaBarre Law Offices, P.C and Sprint Vision 8:30 a.m to 10:00 a.m RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE Salon I Brent Batron and Dan Burke, Co-chairmen Come and help set the policy of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado! 8:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m NFB OF COLORADO KID CORRAL Hospitality Suite #232 Ena Batron, Corral Leader This is our NFB of Colorado Childcare and it’s not just babysitting We have planned a number of activities to keep the kiddos busy Although there is no charge for Corral, we ask that you register your children for the Convention Donations to NFBCO are welcome to help defray the expenses Kids in childcare will be eligible to receive door prizes through their parents if their names are called Also, parents are responsible for providing the children with meals, except for the banquet when pizza will be provided to the kiddos Snacks will be available throughout LIVING THE LIFE WE WANT SESSION I Colorado State Ballroom Salons II & III 11:00 a.m to 1:35 p.m 11:00 a.m KICKING IT OFF: Opening Ceremonies for the 65th Annual NFB Colorado Convention Scott C LaBarre, President, NFB Colorado, Centennial, Colorado; Norma Crosby, Member NFB Board of Directors, President, NFB Texas, Alvin, Texas 11:10 a.m MAXIMIZING THE VOCATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THE BLIND OF COLORADO: A Report from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Joe Barela, Executive Director, CDLE, Denver, Colorado; Cher Haavind, Deputy Executive Director, CDLE, Denver, Colorado 11:45 a.m ADVANCING AND SECURING OUR RIGHT TO VOTE ON TERMS OF EQUALITY The Honorable Senator Jessie Danielson, Colorado General Assembly, Senate District 20, Wheat Ridge, Colorado; Curtis Chong, Secretary, Aurora Chapter, NFB of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado; Daniel Burke, Chair, NFB Colorado Legislative Affairs, Centennial, Colorado 12:20 p.m LUNCH SERVED Sit back and enjoy a scrumptious feast prepared by the master chefs and served by the expert wait staff of the Fort Collins Hilton as we take up sundry items such as NFBCO’s Annual Auction, door prizes, words from our sponsors, and other announcements 12:50 p.m TRANSFORMING A COLORADO TREASURE INTO A 21ST CENTURY GATHERING PLACE: Will the Blind of Colorado Still Have Access to Denver’s Sixteenth Street Mall? Brian Pinkerton, Principal Project Manager, Public Works, City and County of Denver, Denver, Colorado 1:05 p.m OUR PUBLIC LIBRARY: A Report from the Colorado Talking Book Library Debbi MacLeod, Director, Colorado Talking Book Library, Denver, Colorado 1:25 p.m TACTILE GRAPHICS LITERACY Ann Cunningham, Golden, Colorado Introducing the Children’s Book Brigade We are working to make images more available 1:35 p.m ADJOURN SESSION I 10 Come gain practical tips and experience hands on demonstrations 3:05 p.m to 5:00 p.m THE HISTORY LADY Aggie Room, 2nd Floor Peggy Chong, Aurora, Colorado Join the Blind History Lady as she brings to life the lives of our blind Colorado ancestors! Learn about the importance of preserving our history and how you can be part of this important work 3:35 p.m to 5:00 p.m LIVING THE LIFE YOU WANT WITH HEARING LOSS OR DEAF-BLINDNESS Research Room, 2nd Floor Doula Jarboe, Denver Colorado Gain the resources to live fully and independently as a blind person with hearing loss or deafness Join us for a presentation from an audiologist on hearing testing and learn about the I Can Connect Program which serves blind people with hearing loss or deafness Be part of our continued efforts to develop the Deaf-Blind Division! 4:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m COLORADO ASSOCIATION OF GUIDE DOG USERS Vet Medicine Room, 2nd Floor Melissa Green, President, COAGDU, Greeley, Colorado 14 Join the Colorado Association of Guide Dog Users for our annual business meeting 4:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m NON-24 CIRCADIAN RHYTHM DISORDER EDUCATION PROGRAM Salon V Sponsored by Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc Come learn more about a debilitating disorder called Non-24 from our nurse educator expert – Shauna Jatho Non-24 is a serious, chronic circadian rhythm disorder that is very common in people who are totally blind Non-24 causes nighttime sleep problems and a wide range of daytime difficulties, including an overwhelming urge to sleep during the day affecting the ability to everyday tasks For those who have not heard of Non-24 or are interested in learning about Non-24, please come join us in the discussion Those that have met Shauna and heard the non-24 discussion in past years are welcome to come and ask questions, offer feedback and/or share their sleep struggles Vanda Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies to address high unmet medical needs and improve the lives of patients 4:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m COLORADO ASSOCIATION OF BLIND STUDENTS 15 BUSINESS MEETING Natural Resources Room, 2nd Floor Cynthia Coffin, Vice President, Colorado Association of Blind Students, Denver, Colorado Join the Colorado Association of Blind Students for our annual business meeting $5 registration FRIDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 1, 2019 7:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m FRIDAY FUN: GAMES AND ADVENTURES! Salons II and III Get ready for Friday night fun with our chapters and divisions Whether you are looking for an exciting adventure or a fun evening socializing with friends, there is something for everyone Hang on for a wild ride on the mechanical bull, compete with friends on the bungee run, or hop into the Inflatable Bouncy Boxing House and bop your best friend with oversized boxing gloves Don’t forget to place your bet for the annual NFBCO Sports and Rec horse race! A cash bar will be available throughout the evening 7:00 p.m to 7:30 p.m NOMINATING COMMITTEE Vet Medicine Room, 2nd Floor Julie Deden, Chairperson 16 (Note: This is the only closed meeting of the Convention Only appointed representatives from chapters and divisions are permitted to be in attendance.) 7:45 p.m to 9:00 p.m TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING Vet Medicine Gary Van Dorn , Chair, NFBCO Transportation Committee, Denver, Colorado SATURDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 2, 2019 8:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m REGISTRATION Colorado State Ballroom Foyer 8:00 a.m to 9:00 a.m EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS EXCLUSIVE SHOWCASE Hilton Atrium LIVING THE LIFE WE WANT SESSION II Colorado State Ballroom Salons II & III 9:00 a.m to 1:45 p.m 9:00 a.m GRAB YOUR CUP OF COFFEE AND LET’S GET THE DAY STARTED Scott LaBarre, President, NFB Colorado, Centennial, Colorado 9:05 a.m LIVING THE LIFE WE WANT AND TRANSFORMING 17 OUR DREAMS INTO REALITY ALL AROUND THE WORLD: A National Report Norma Crosby, Member, Board of Directors, NFB, President, NFB Texas, Alvin, Texas 9:45 a.m EXPECTING AND ENSURING THE HIGHEST QUALITY EDUCATION FOR BLIND CHILDREN IN COLORADO Dr Tanni L Anthony, Director of Access, Learning and Literacy Team, Exceptional Student Services Unit, Colorado Department of Education, Denver, Colorado 10:05 a.m MEETING THE NEW SUPERINTENDENT OF THE COLORADO SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND BLIND: A report from CSDB Dr Nancy Benham, Superintendent, CSDB, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Brent Batron, Member, Board of Trustees, CSDB, Second Vice President, NFB Colorado, Centennial, Colorado 10:35 a.m RINGING THE BELL LOUDLY AND PROUDLY IN COLORADO: A Report on our 2019 BELL Academy Michelle Chacon, President, NFB North Metro Chapter, Denver, Colorado 10:55 a.m MEET THE 2019 NFB COLORADO SCHOLARSHIP CLASS 18 Jessica Beecham, Secretary, NFB Colorado, Chair, NFBCO Scholarship Committee, Colorado Springs, Colorado Bhoomika Bhagchandani Superior, Colorado PhD Candidate & Graduate Fellow Hugh Downs School of Human Communication Arizona State University Cynthia Coffin Denver, Colorado Master’s in Social Work University of Denver Quincie Mattick Colorado Springs, Colorado Pre-Physical Therapy and Health Sciences Idaho State University 11:15 a.m MEET THE BLIND AT WORK IN COLORADO Kevan Worley, Moderator, President and CEO, Worley Enterprises, Member, Board of Directors, NFB Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Yolanda Avila, member, City Council, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Gerry Leary, Entrepreneur and Owner, The Unseen Bean, Boulder, Colorado; Zachary Parks, Warehouse Associate, The Green Joint, Glenwood Springs, Colorado 11:45 a.m LUNCH SERVED 19 Sit back and relax as the master chefs and expert wait staff at the Fort Collins Hilton serve you a savory and stupendous lunch while we take up the NFBCO Auction, door prizes, words from our sponsors, and other announcements 12:15 p.m REALIZING OUR HIGHEST EXPECTATIONS: A Report from the Staff and Students of the Colorado Center for the Blind Julie Deden, Executive Director, CCB, First Vice President, NFB Colorado, Centennial, Colorado 12:45 p.m MY BLINDNESS, MYSELF Meet two Federationists who will share their inspiring stories about their blindness and the Federation’s role in allowing them to live the lives they want! 1:15 p.m TRANSFORMING OUR DREAMS INTO REALITY IN COLORADO: A Presidential Report Scott C LaBarre, President, NFB Colorado, Centennial, Colorado 1:45 p.m Adjourn Session II SATURDAY AFTERNOON, NOVEMBER 2, 2019 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m MODELS AND MAPS AND LEGOS, OH MY! Salon I 20 The drop-in Art Room is switching things up this year and we are going to feature the new Braille Instruction Legos kits along with interactive models and maps Come with your friends and family and stay as long as you like These free activities are fun for kids and adults! 2:00 p.m to 2:45 p.m COLORADO ASSOCIATION OF BLIND MERCHANTS ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING Salon V Brad Basta, President, Colorado Association of Blind Merchants, Golden, Colorado 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m THE IEP PROCESS FOR THE PROFESSIONAL AND FOR THE PARENT: A Training Hosted by CAER Rams Room Nancy K Cozart, President, Colorado Association of Education & Rehabilitation Teacher of Students with Visual Impairment School Orientation & Mobility Specialist Littleton Public Schools Paula Conroy, Ed.D TVI/COMS and Amber Rundle Kahn, TVI/COMS, Doctoral Student A discussion of various approaches to working with blind students who also have challenging behavior, including current trends in the research behind the approaches The presenters have been studying national trends in managing challenging behaviors for 21 students with special needs Time will be devoted to topics pertinent to both child and adult learners Additionally, we will cover IDEA regulations around planning and providing services to students with challenging behaviors Strategies will be shared and there will be time for discussion, questions and answers The cost for this seminar is separate from Convention registration For CAER members the cost is $10 and $20 for non-members 2:00 p.m to 3:25 p.m BLIND PARENTS DIVISION SEMINAR Natural Resources Room, 2nd Floor Dishon Spears, Vice President, NFB of CO Blind Parents Division, Littleton, CO We'll begin with a 30-minute business meeting to elect our board After we take care of business you may join us to try your hand at some of the alternative techniques blind parents use Practice measuring medicine with marked syringes, pulling strollers and more $5 dues must be paid to vote 2:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m SPEED DATING Aggie Room, 2nd Floor Nathan Hecker, Littleton, Colorado Come get to know members of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado in a fast, fun, and friendly game 22 of speed dating Don’t worry! No actual dating is required! 2:00 p.m to 2:55 p.m PARENTS OF BLIND CHILDREN Research Room, 2nd Floor Rob Harris, Grand Junction, Colorado Join the Colorado Parents of Blind Children for our annual business meeting 2:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m EVERYONE IS WELCOME: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Vet Medicine Room, 2nd Floor ReNae Anderson, President, Mountains and Plains At Large Chapter, Avon, Colorado; JJ Aragon, President, Greeley Chapter, Greeley, Colorado; Melissa Green, President, COAGDU, Greeley, Colorado and Kevan Worley, Member, Board of Directors, NFB Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado This session will kick off with an ice breaker and interactive activities to highlight the importance and value of diversity in our affiliate Come help us explore next steps in creating a more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming organization for EVERYONE! 2:50 p.m to 5:00 p.m BLIND ENTREPRENEURSHIP Salon V Come and learn from four talented blind entrepreneurs as they share their trades and offer valuable advice about entrepreneurship! 23 From 2:50 p.m to 3:05 p.m Annie Pineda LMT, will discuss being owner and operator of AP Body Therapy She is an herbalist who currently works from her home and provides therapeutic and relaxation massage, as well as prenatal and postpartum doula services From 3:10 p.m to 3:35 p.m Ileen Gallegos will discuss her journey through Tupperware sales as well as how to stay healthier with Tupperware products From 3:40 p.m to 4:00 p.m Jennifer Spears will discuss the “the book in you” and how to self-publish From 4:05 p.m to 5:00 p.m Brittany Savage will discuss life as a Mary Kay Saleswoman and offer hands on demonstrations of how to apply makeup! This is the perfect chance to get all dolled up for banquet! 3:00 p.m to 3:55 p.m DON’T CRY, IT’S JUST UEB Research Room, 2nd Floor Eliza Portugal In this one-hour session, Eliza will turn your frown upside down as she explains how UEB will impact your Braille reading and writing experience Each participant will leave with a Braille overview of the new UEB code changes 3:05 p.m to 5:00 p.m MIG’S HOUSE OF IMPROV: Improving Communication and Confidence through Acting Aggie Room, 2nd Floor 24 Maryann & Paul Migilorelli, Boulder, Colorado Come play and learn along the way During this session you will use improvisational skills to help you improve communication, learn to be a more effective listener, and learn the power of “yes” Active participation IS a must in this session! 3:30 p.m to 5:00 p.m PERFORMING ARTS Natural Resources Room, 2nd Floor Amy Sabo Calling All Performers! Come join us to network with other blind performers and learn how you can get more involved in the National Performing Arts Division 4:00 p.m to 4:45 p.m MOUNTAINS AND PLAINS AT LARGE CHAPTER MEETING Research Room, 2nd Floor ReNae Anderson, Chapter President Party down with the At Large Chapter as we celebrate being at the same place at the same time with a lot of fun and some business too! Dues-paying members will receive party favors but everyone is welcome! 4:05 p.m to 5:00 p.m SPORTS AND RECREATION DIVISION MEETING Vet Medicine Room, 2nd Floor Maureen Nietfeld, President, Sports and Recreation Division, Littleton, Colorado 25 Join the Sports and Recreation Division for our annual business meeting and to set our agenda for 2020 and beyond 4:50 p.m PAPARAZZI ACCESSORIES $5 FASHION JEWELRY! Research Room, 2nd Floor ReNae Anderson, Owner, Sparkle 911 Lead free and nickel free! Little girl’s jewelry only $1! Something for everyone! Find that perfect piece for the banquet Learn the tricks and tips on owning your own jewelry business, including apps, AIRA and Facebook SATURDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 2, 2019 6:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m PRE-BANQUET RECEPTION Colorado State Ballroom Salons II & III Let’s get tuned up for our Annual Banquet with a cash bar and socializing with one another 7:00 p.m to 9:30 p.m ANNUAL BANQUET Master of Ceremonies, Kevan Worley, Member, Board of Directors, NFB Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado KEYNOTE ADDRESS Norma Crosby, Member, Board of Directors, NFB, President, NFB Texas, Alvin, Texas 26 AWARDS AND OTHER SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Scott C LaBarre, President, NFB of Colorado, Centennial, Colorado NFB OF COLORADO 2019 SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATIONS Jessica Beecham, Chairperson, Committee on Scholarships, Colorado Springs, Colorado ANNUAL FUNDRAISING AUCTION Maryann Migliorelli, NFB of Colorado Auction Chairperson, Boulder, Colorado PAC IT UP and Build the National Federation of the Blind! SUNDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 3, 2019 LIVING THE LIFE WE WANT SESSION III Colorado State Ballroom Salons II & III 8:30 a.m to 11:47 a.m 8:30 a.m NFB COLORADO ANNUAL CHAPTER AND DIVISION BREAKFAST Julie Deden, Mistress of Ceremonies, First Vice President, NFB Colorado and Executive Director, CCB, Centennial, Colorado We will dine on a fabulous breakfast prepared by the master chefs of the Fort Collins Hilton and served by the expert wait staff Then we will hear reports from all chapters and divisions of the NFB of Colorado 27 9:25 a.m THE GREAT TECHNOLOGY DEBATE: Are the blind becoming too dependent on their technology and thereby sacrificing their independence? Kevan Worley, Chief Innovation Advocate, Member, Board of Directors, NFB Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado verses Curtis Chong, Chief Luddite, Secretary, Aurora Chapter, NFB of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 9:55 a.m PERSPECTIVES FROM ACROSS THE POND Holly Scott-Gardner, Colorado Center for the Blind Student, York, England, United Kingdom 10:15 a.m ALL ABOUT THE BUSINESS OF THE FEDERATION We will take up resolutions, conduct elections for our Officers and Board of Directors, review our financial report, facilitate the Honor Roll Call of Chapters and Divisions, and hear final remarks from Norma Crosby, our National Representative 11:47 a.m END SESSION III AND ADJOURN THE CONVENTION 28