Tuesday, October 27, 2020

National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Virtual Convention Agenda

 

AGENDA
National Federation of the Blind of Colorado
 66th Annual State Convention
October 29 – October 31, 2020
 Anywhere & Everywhere!


LIVING THE LIFE WE WANT!

 

Scott C. LaBarre, President

2233 W. Shepperd Avenue

Littleton, CO 80120

303-778-1130

 

Black and white logo of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado including the tagline Live the Life you want

 

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 ONE MINUTE 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 Live the Life You Want 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 COMCAST 6 DOT DASH TITLE SPONSOR AS WELL AS OUR CONVENTION AND 6 DOT DASH PLATINUM, GOLD AND SILVER SPONSORS:

Comcast, Title Sponsor

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Platinum Sponsor

1st Bank, Gold Sponsor

Blackstone Consulting, Gold Sponsor

LaBarre Law Offices, P.C., Gold Sponsor

Philadelphia Insurance, Gold Sponsor

Spectrum, Gold Sponsor

Ability Counseling, LLC, Silver Sponsor

Audio Information Network of Colorado, Silver Sponsor

CREEC – Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center,

  Silver Sponsor

HumanWare, Silver Sponsor

  

GENERAL CONFERENCE INFORMATION

OUR NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Each year, our National President, Mark Riccobono, appoints a national representative to represent the Office of the President at each state convention.  This year, we are delighted to host John G. Paré Jr. as our National Representative.  Here is his story:

 

John G. Paré

John G. Paré, Jr. is the executive director for the Advocacy and Policy department at the National Federation of the Blind.

In this position, he oversees the continuing growth of NFB-NEWSLINE®, the largest electronic newspaper service for blind people, and the NFB's national governmental affairs office. He has testified before the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee regarding library services for blind Americans. He has also appeared on CNN, Fox, BBC, and various radio programs to discuss issues affecting blind Americans. He has testified before the United Nations World Forum for Vehicle Harmonization regarding the dangers posed by silent vehicles. He is also a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers' Committee on Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians and has advised automotive manufacturers on the danger posed by silent hybrid vehicles, as well as the benefits of fully autonomous vehicles for blind people.

REGISTRATION

Convention registration was conducted online and is now closed. Those who registered will be eligible to win door prizes during convention. Registered members who were current on their dues and registered by October 13 will also be eligible to cast votes when the opportunity is presented. However, if you did not register, you are still welcome and strongly encouraged to participate in all convention events as listed in the agenda that follows.

 CONVENTION ZOOM PLATFORM

Unless noted otherwise specifically in the agenda, most activities will be occurring in the NFBCO Main Zoom Ballroom.  Three large blocks of time have been scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday during the convention.  Every block has the same link, password, meeting ID, and telephone number except where indicated otherwise in the agenda.  The Zoom information that we will be generally using follows: 
Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/3895150172?pwd=dkhBNHI1QXBEdTFYR2lMYjhyNi9KQT09

Meeting ID: 389 515 0172

Passcode: 1111

One tap mobile

+17207072699,,3895150172#

 Dial: 1-720-707-2699

When prompted for a meeting ID, enter: 389 515 0172 followed by pound.

No pass code required 

AUCTION

Although we are not all in the same room together for this convention, The National Federation of the Blind of Colorado auction will be happening live throughout the convention. Your auctioneer Maryann will be describing packages live and encouraging your bids.  

To bid you will need to be able to raise your virtual hand. If you are using the Zoom application, you will need to locate the “raise hand” button on the webinar screen. If you are joining using a Windows computer, you will use alt-y. If you are on a Mac use option-y. If you are calling in to our convention, please use star nine to raise your hand. Our Zoom hosts will lower all the hands between bids. 

As the bidding progresses, we will invite you to unmute yourself for some spirited live participation. If you are using the application, you will find the mute/unmute button on the bottom left corner of your screen. In Windows use alt-a. In Mac please use Cmd-Shift-a. If you are dialing in press star six. When you are finished with the vocal bids, please use the same button to mute yourself again. 

If you have registered to our convention and are the highest bidder, you will be contacted by Gary or Maryann to collect your payment and get your shipping details after the bidding finishes. If you are not registered for our convention, we will join you briefly in a Zoom breakout room to collect these details. 

All the auction packages will be shipped by the package donors. 

Thank you in advance for your support. Happy bidding! 

DOOR PRIZES 

Monique Melton and Jennifer Spears serve as our Door Prize Chairwomen.  Door Prizes will be drawn in general Convention session. 

EXHIBIT HALL 

We will be offering a virtual Exhibit Hall.  All Exhibit Hall activities will occur between 11:00 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. on Friday.  Please consult Friday’s portion of this agenda for specifics. 

DOG RELIEF AREA 

Well, we won’t have one this year.  It is BYODRA, Bring Your Own Dog Relief Area! 

THURSDAY MORNING OCTOBER 29, 2020 

Please note that there will be three tracks of Zoom offerings throughout Thursday morning and afternoon:  NFBCO Live Track, COPOBC Track and CCB Empowerment Track.  Each track is set-forth separately. 

NFBCO LIVE 

The following breakout sessions are being offered live on the main NFBCO Zoom Ballroom.  

https://zoom.us/j/3895150172?pwd=dkhBNHI1QXBEdTFYR2lMYjhyNi9KQT09

Meeting ID: 389 515 0172


9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

SENIOR DIVISION ANNUAL MEETING               

Diane McGeorge, President, NFBCO Senior Division, Littleton, CO 

In this year when COVID-19 is changing how we live, we are accessing services in new and different ways. We will discuss methods to remain in control of our daily lives. We will share strategies for accomplishing our goals in different ways in the areas of medical treatment, organizing shopping, and financial management.

 

11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

THE BLIND HISTORY LADY 

Peggy Chong, Aurora, CO 

We will be talking about some of the early board members of the United Workers for the Blind of Colorado.  Having tracked down a few of them, we’ll find out a bit of their history.  We know of one UWB board member who had very poor vision; today we may say he was legally blind.  One of his former positions was Governor.  Can you guess who he was?  Our blind children, as well as all of our members and guests, should know our blind Colorado ancestors. We will share other finds in the old files and discuss the purpose of preserving them and the methods we have selected. 

 

THURSDAY AFTERNOON OCTOBER 29, 2020 

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION 

Monique Melton, Board Member, NFBCO, Vice President, Mile High Chapter, Littleton, CO 

We will give NFBCO members a chance to share their stories and talk about how their backgrounds have affected their blindness moving through life. We hope to find ways to showcase different walks of life to help other members feel welcome and get pumped up about helping us in the federation because we fight for everyone.

 

1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

BLIND PARENTS DIVISION SEMINAR

The Parenting Journey, from Bringing Your Child Home to Watching Them Leave 

Nate Trela, President, NFBCO Blind Parents Division, Littleton, CO 

A series of short talks by blind parents about different stages of the parenting journey, ranging from 5 to 15 minutes per person. There will be discussions of the hospital experience (importance of being prepared and advocating for yourself), the adoption experience (best practices for making agencies comfortable and confident in your abilities), toddlerhood (helping your curious child explore the world), preschool (working with teachers for the first time), elementary school (managing homework, among other challenges), middle school (new issues with schooling as well as surviving the transition from kid to teenager) and high school (your child's bustling extracurricular schedule, their social life and challenges of blind parents getting sighted kids behind the wheel), as well as a focused talk on issues around online learning platforms that are now ubiquitous in the ongoing pandemic.

3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

COLORADO ASSOCIATION OF GUIDE DOG USERS:
Colorado Association of Guide Dog Users Cares!
 

Kevan Worley, President, COAGDU, Colorado Springs, CO 

COAGDU presents wellness and advocacy for human and dog. A special seminar for guide service dog handlers, trainers, and dog lovers who want to make the most of their canine experience. Raul Gallegos, President, National Association of Guide Dog Users; Scott C. LaBarre, LaBarre Law Offices, P.C.; Melissa Allman, Advocacy and Government Relations Specialist, The Seeing Eye; Courtney Kirman, Owner, Tender Hands Animal Training.

 

Join us for the NFBCO Comcast 6 Dot Dash! www.6dotdashco.com<http://www.6dotdashco.com/>

Join my team, The Doggers!  Or build your own team. Thank you Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Philadelphia Insurance, Blackstone Consulting Inc., and other dear friends and supporters.  #comerunwithus

 

The following COPOBC meeting will use the following Zoom information: 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81751111728?pwd=RkJzMW0yY2lMeVRQVFF4cUUyYm90UT09 

Meeting ID: 817 5111 1728
Passcode: 953147
One tap mobile
+17207072699,,81751111728# US

12:00 p.m.

COLORADO PARENTS OF BLIND CHILDREN:
Connecting and Supporting One Another Through Our Parenting Journeys 

Amira Lucas, Thornton, CO 

We will be holding roundtable discussions on topics ranging from education, social/emotional needs to recreation and orientation and mobility for all ages. There will be an opportunity to participate in a tactile art activity and create your own storybook at the end. We hope you are able to join us for this chance to learn from different speakers and support one another as we move through this parenting journey together.

 

THURSDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 29, 2020 

Colorado Center For The Blind Empowerment Track 

These sessions were all recorded during the summer of 2020 as part of the CCB Youth Programs, and we are rebroadcasting them now because even though they were originally targeted at our youth, much of the substance is relevant to all our members.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84907531553?pwd=dWFHdFJiOStRb3hDbFIwanI2VDdjZz09 

Meeting ID: 849 0753 1553

Passcode: 694027 

One tap mobile

+17207072699,,84907531553# US 

Dial: 1-720-707-2699

When prompted for a meeting ID, enter: 849 0753 1553 followed by pound.

No pass code required

 

10:00 a.m.  to 11:00 a.m.

WHAT’S YOUR BLUEPRINT TO SUCCESS?

Looking at Blindness as an Opportunity Not a Hindrance 

You will not want to miss this opportunity to hear from Chris Downey, President, Architecture for the Blind, about his transition from sighted architect to blind architect, and why he wishes he had been blind earlier in life. 

11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

WHO BETTER THAN ME? How to be My Own Best Advocate 

Hear from our very own NFBCO President Scott C. LaBarre on why advocacy is important, and gain tips to get started down this path. 

11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

NATIONWIDE NETWORKING: Connect with Students from Across the Country and Help Make a Difference 

NABS Panel with National Association of Blind Students President Trisha Kulkarni, and 3 other outstanding board members will talk to us about why getting involved with NABS is important and how it can help you be successful in school.

 

THURSDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 29TH, 2020 

3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

LEVELING UP: Tips and Techniques for Navigating College 

Join us to hear from three higher-ed students in varying stages of their post-secondary education journey. Charis Glatthar, Chemistry Major, Metropolitan State University of Denver; Kevin Darcy, PhD Student/Lead Researcher for the Digital Accessibility Office, University of Colorado Boulder; and Garrett Mooney, Law Student, University of Baltimore.

 

THURSDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 29, 2020 

5:30 p.m. OPENING CEREMONIES 

Main NFBCO Zoom Ballroom

https://zoom.us/j/3895150172?pwd=dkhBNHI1QXBEdTFYR2lMYjhyNi9KQT09

Meeting ID: 389 515 0172 

Scott LaBarre, Maureen Nietfeld, and Jessica Beecham, Masters of Ceremonies 

Kick off convention with an engaging and dynamic opening ceremony!!! This is going to be packed with entertainment. Hear from the president of our host chapter, the At-Large Mountains and Plains Chapter. We will be welcomed by several national board members and our national representative John Paré. Listen to our very own virtual choir and enjoy some great music from local talent. The Bulldogs, the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind band, will be joining us, and there will be so much more!! Learn some fun facts about Colorado and take a trip through history as we celebrate major advancements for blind people in Colorado. This is something no one will want to miss!

 

7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

HOSPITALITY

(Zoom info TBD) 

Stop by our hospitality event to have the kids carve a pumpkin, play a game, socialize, or participate in some

improv.  This will be a fun evening with something for

everyone!!

 

SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN FUN

Ann Cunningham and Rashika Kartik will be carving and decorating pumpkins with the whole family while learning about artistic techniques, the history of pumpkin carving, and pumpkin science.

 

TWO MINUTE MYSTERIES 

Hosted by Brett Boyer, NFB of Denver 

What a great night for some mysteries. Come listen to some short stories and try to figure out how our old inspector solved the crime. The question for you is not whodunit, but howdunit!

 

NAME THAT TUNE 

Hosted by the Mountain and Plains Chapter 

Do you love music of all kinds? Are you one of the first to guess a song? Have fun competing with your friends to Name that Tune

 

MIGS HOUSE IMPROV NIGHT

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7202842318?pwd=c2c4NWpIQTZmOEpweEYyVHpCR0pjUT09 

Meeting ID: 720 284 2318

Passcode: 632266

One tap mobile

+17207072699,,7202842318#,,,,,,0#,,632266# US 

Dial by your location

720-707-2699

Meeting ID: 720 284 2318

Passcode: 632266 

Join us for the best virtual fun we can create together! 

Maryann and Paul Migliorelli, Boulder, CO 

Join us for an evening of fun improv games designed to stimulate your creative juices, take you beyond your comfort zone, and grow you to places only your colleagues can imagine.  Come ready to laugh, play, and have more fun than a pack of puppies.

 

FRIDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 30, 2020

 

Main NFBCO Zoom Ballroom

https://zoom.us/j/3895150172?pwd=dkhBNHI1QXBEdTFYR2lMYjhyNi9KQT09

Meeting ID: 389 515 0172 


9:00 a.m.

RESOLUTIONS 

To start a revolution for the blind, it takes a resolution.  Come help us set our policy for the coming year and beyond! 

11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS HOUR OF POWER 

This year, each Sponsor or Exhibitor who wishes to do so will have approximately 4.5 minutes to tell the whole convention about themselves and why we should visit them in their breakout room.  Let’s give a warm welcome to the following Sponsors and Exhibitors: 

Ability Counseling, LLC, Silver Sponsor

Arise Beyond Barriers, Exhibitor

A T Guys, Exhibitor

Audio Information Network of Colorado, Gold Sponsor

Blackstone Consulting, Gold Sponsor

Colorado Center for the Blind, Title Sponsor

Comcast, Title Sponsor

CREEC – Civil Rights Education and Enforcement

   Center, Silver Sponsor

DRCOG, Exhibitor

1st Bank, Gold Sponsor

Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Exhibitor

Guide Dogs for the Blind, Exhibitor

HumanWare, Silver Sponsor

LaBarre Law Offices, P.C., Gold Sponsor

NanoPac / Magnisight of the Rockies, Exhibitor

Philadelphia Insurance, Gold Sponsor

The Seeing Eye, Inc., Exhibitor

Spectrum, Gold Sponsor

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Platinum Sponsor

 

FRIDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 30, 2020 

12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

VIRTUAL EXHIBIT HALL 

Please put on your Zoom shoes and visit our Sponsors and Exhibitors.  Each Sponsor/Exhibitor will have its own Zoom Room. 

The Zoom coordinates TBD.

 

LIVING THE LIFE WE WANT SESSION I

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

2:00 p.m. 
WELCOME AND ZOOM LOGISTICS 

Scott LaBarre, President, NFBCO, Centennial, CO 

https://zoom.us/j/3895150172?pwd=dkhBNHI1QXBEdTFYR2lMYjhyNi9KQT09

Meeting ID: 389 515 0172 

2:10 p.m. 
OUR PARTNERS AT THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT AND BLINDNESS LOW VISION SERVICES: Facing Challenges and Maximizing Potential 

Joe Barela, Executive Director, CDLE, Denver, CO; Krista Hedlund, Manager, CDLE/BLVS, Denver, CO 

2:50 p.m. 
EMPOWERING ALL COLORADANS INCLUDING THE BLIND

The Honorable Lieutenant Governor of the State of Colorado, Diane Primavera, Denver, CO 

3:20 p.m. 
FROM PARENTAL RIGHTS TO VOTING RIGHTS: Senator Danielson Has Got Our Back! 

The Honorable Senator Jessie Danielson, Wheat Ridge, CO

3:50 p.m.
REPORTS, RESOLUTIONS, AND AUCTION 

4:00 p.m. 
EXERCISING OUR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO VOTE 

The Honorable Secretary of State Jena Griswold, Denver, CO

Curtis Chong, Voting Rights Coordinator, NFBCO, Aurora, CO 

4:30 p.m. 
MEET THE 2020 NFBCO SCHOLARSHIP CLASS AND LEARN HOW THEY LIVE THE LIVES THEY WANT 

Jessica Beecham, First Vice President, NFBCO, Chair, NFBCO Scholarship Committee, Colorado Springs, CO 

Kristina Beam

Grand Junction, CO

Master’s First Year Clinical and Mental Health Counseling

Adams State University

 

Kevin Darcy

Longmont, CO

PhD Anthropology

University of Colorado Boulder

 

Charis Glatthar

Lakewood, CO

Chemistry

Metropolitan State University Denver

 

Traci Jones

Longmont, CO

PhD Organizational Leadership, Business Psychology

Chicago School of Professional Psychology

 

5:00 p.m. 
ADJOURN 

FRIDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 30, 2020 

Zoom logistics

https://zoom.us/j/3895150172?pwd=dkhBNHI1QXBEdTFYR2lMYjhyNi9KQT09

Meeting ID: 389 515 0172 

7:00 p.m.
COSTUME PARTY FOR THE KIDDOS 

Round up the kids to show off their best costumes!!

This event will be audio described by nationally renowned audio descriptionist Bonnie Barlow. This just the beginning of another fun filled evening no one will want to miss!  

8:00 p.m.
WILD WEST TALENT SHOW 

The Wild West Chapter presents a night filled with fun and prizes.  Please join us for our very first virtual NFBCO Wild West Talent Showdown. 

There will be talent of various kinds. We'll feature singers, poets, comedians and our very own enthusiastic MCs with even more comedy and surprises of their own.

We will also be giving away door prizes to those who donate to the chapter as well as incredible prizes to those who participate in the show. 

SATURDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 31, 2020 

LIVING THE LIFE WE WANT SESSION II
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
 

10:00 a.m. 
A ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOOD MORNING!

Scott LaBarre, President, NFBCO, Centennial, CO 

10:05 a.m. 
TRANSFORMING OUR DREAMS INTO REALITY THROUGHOUT AMERICA AND THE WORLD: A National Report

John G. Paré, Executive Director of Policy and Advocacy, Baltimore, MD 

10:50 a.m. 
KEEPING OUR PUBLIC LIBRARY OPEN AND THRIVING DURING THE PANDEMIC; A Report from the Colorado Talking Book Library 

Debbi MacLeod, Director, Colorado Talking Book Library, Denver, CO 

11:10 a.m.             
REACHING NEW HEIGHTS AND EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES DURING TROUBLED TIMES: A Report from our Colorado Center for the Blind 

Julie Deden, Executive Director, CCB, Centennial, CO 

11:50 a.m. 
EMBRACING CHALLENGES WITH LOVE, HOPE AND DETERMINATION: A Presidential Report 

Scott C. LaBarre, President, NFBCO, Centennial, CO 

12:30 p.m.
ADJOURN   

SATURDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 31, 2020 

LIVING THE LIFE WE WANT SESSION III
1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
 

1:30 p.m. 
MY BLINDNESS MYSELF 

We will hear from three Members of the NFBCO who will tell their stories about blindness and how the NFB helps them live the lives they want. 

2:15 p.m. 
THE ADA AND CCDC ARE THIRTY!

Julie Reiskin, Executive Director, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Denver CO

 

2:35 p.m.

EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND FACILITATING INCLUSION 

Darian Smith, Chair, NFBCO Diversity and Inclusion

Committee, Littleton, CO; Monique Melton, Board

Member, NFBCO, Denver, CO

 

2:45 p.m. 

LEARN ABOUT OUR INDEPENDENCE MARKET AND
HOW IT CAN IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

 

2:50 p.m. 

BUILDING THE FEDERATION THROUGH PROJECT
LITERACY
 

Kevan Worley, Manager, Project Literacy, Colorado Springs,

CO

 

3:00 p.m. 

REACHING BLIND STUDENTS IN NEW WAYS 

Shane Wegner, Board Member, National Association of

Blind Students, Minneapolis, MN

 

3:10 p.m. 

ALL ABOUT OUR BUSINESS 

We will discuss and adopt our resolutions, conduct elections, 

consider our Financial Report, take up our Honor Roll Call of

Chapters and Divisions, and augment our finances through

our auction.

 

4:30 p.m.

ADJOURN  

SATURDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 31, 2020 

6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

ANNUAL BANQUET 

Master of Ceremonies, Kevan Worley, Manager, Project Literacy, NFBCO, Colorado Springs, CO

 

KEYNOTE ADDRESS 

John G. Paré, Jr., Executive Director of Advocacy and Policy, National Federation of the Blind, Baltimore, MD

 

MUSICAL AND OTHER PERFORMANCES FROM TALENTED MEMBERS 

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND REMARKS 

Scott C. LaBarre, President, NFBCO, Centennial, CO 

NFBCO 2020 SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATIONS 

Jessica Beecham, Chairperson, Committee on Scholarships, Colorado Springs, CO 

PAC IT UP AND BUILD THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND! 

AUCTION, AUCTION, AUCTION 

Maryann Migliorelli, Board Member, NFBCO and Annual Auction Chair, Boulder, CO 

8:30 p.m.  Zoom After Parties 

Various NFBCO members will be offering up their Zoom rooms for a little socializing post Banquet.  Once again, put on your Zoom shoes and do a little Zoom hopping.  We will publish the list of said rooms prior to the Convention.

 

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