The National Organization of Parents of Blind Children presents
DREAMS + SKILLS = SUCCESS
The 2026 NATIONAL SEMINAR for Parents and Teachers
7:30 – 8:45 AM – SEMINAR REGISTRATION & PACKET PICK-UP & YOUTH TRACK REGISTRATION
Those who preregistered online can come and pick up their packets.
9:00 – 10:45 AM – NOPBC YOUTH TRACK SESSION (ages 11 – 18)
Games and Prizes. See the Youth Track agenda for activity details.
9:00 – 10:30 AM – NOPBC SEMINAR OPENING SESSION
- WELCOME – Cassandra McKinney, President, National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
- A GREETING FROM OUR NFB NATIONAL PRESIDENT – Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind
- NOPBC PRESIDENTIAL REPORT – Cassandra McKinney, President, NOPBC
- DREAM BIG, ACHIEVE BIGGER - Karen Anderson, Director of Educational Programs, National Federation of the Blind
- MY JOURNEY TO SUCCESS THROUGH FEDERATIONALISM - Student
- WHY ADVOCACY MATTERS - Casey West Robertson, 1st Vice President, NOPBC Teacher of Blind Students
- PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS – Melissa Riccobono, 2nd Vice-President, NOPBC
- ADJOURN
Following the general session there will be one set of 4 workshops, then a lunch break, and then two more sets of 4 workshops
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM – WORKSHOP GROUP A
How to start Braille Instruction/Braille Code Basics
Speaker - Casey West Robertson, Teacher of Blind Students
Come learn how to implement Braille at home with your child. Write your name & create a tactile graphic.
“It’s not just blindness.” Strategies for complex learners
Speaker - Cindy Champiegn, NFB of LA
An approach to educating or setting appropriate goals for your child with additional needs.
Transitioning from IEP to College
Speaker - Melissa Riccobono, 2nd Vice President, NOPBC
Do you worry that your child will struggle with the transition to college? Come hear from those who have successfully made the transition and some of the strategies that they used and learned from.
Meet the Advocates
Speaker - Sanho Steele-Louchart
This will be an opportunity to meet the Advocates who have been trained through the NFB IEP Advocates Training. Bring your IEP and concerns and have a chance to talk with Advocates from across the country.
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM – Youth Track Session (ages 11 – 18)
Introduction to your NFB Convention and Youth Track Activities. See Youth Track agenda for details.
12:00 – 1:30 PM – Lunch on your own
Child Care will be closed during lunch, so plan to pick up your children, have lunch with your family, and then come back for the afternoon workshops.
1:30 – 5:00 PM – NOPBC YOUTH TRACK SESSION (ages 11 – 18)
Tactile Art and more. See the Youth Track agenda for activity details.
1:45 – 3:00 PM – WORKSHOP GROUP B
Library Resources
Speakers - John Aloszka and Liz Bottner
Information about services offered by NLS (National Library Services) and a demonstration of some of the products that they offer.
Different O&M Techniques
Speaker - Kristin Sims, NFB of LA
Discussion of the various training techniques and which ones work the best. Demonstration of different devices that aid in mobility and how they are used.
Self-Care, Safe Touching & Body Awareness
Speaker - Mika Baugh
Blind and low vision children and even adults often encounter unsolicited and sometimes unwelcome “help” from well-meaning individuals who, without asking, may move, pull, push, steer or position them. It’s important to equip your child with the skills to handle these situations. There will also be discussion about other self-care topics.
Blind Role Models and Blind Professionals
Speaker - Ronza Othman & Regina Mitchell
Come hear from blind role models who are working in interesting careers. Hear about their journeys and the tools that they use to help them.
3:15 – 4:30 PM – WORKSHOP GROUP C
“Little Movers, Big World”
Speaker - Tarik Williams
Play is a critical way that children develop and learn about the world. Come hear information about the interaction of play and development, and get some practical tips on how to invite and encourage your child to be active in play.
Skills, Chores and Getting Outdoors
Speaker - TBD
Can blind/low vision kids REALLY be expected to pitch in in the home as much as a sighted kid? Yes! Come learn about age or stage-appropriate expectations and responsibilities and how parents can learn how blind people accomplish tasks and then teach their children.
Strategies to create a supportive and inclusive environment at home
Speaker - Carol Castellano
Strategies to create a supportive and inclusive environment at home, coupled with giving grace as a parent for not necessarily knowing everything I should know for my child. Especially if there are sighted kids in the home as well. Conversation about limiting thoughts and fears as a parent of a blind child.
Technology
Speaker - Jonathan Mosen & Charles
Various options available to students and adults. From navigating voiceover on iPhones and iPads, to different refreshable braille display options.
4:00 – 5:00 PM – NOPBC YOUTH TRACK SESSION (ages 11 – 18)
What Kind of Jobs Can Blind People Do? See the Youth Track agenda for activity details.
8:30 PM – STUDENT NETWORKING
See NFB agenda for details