2021 NOPBC Conference Agenda | National Organization of Parents of Blind Children

NOPBC National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, a proud division of the National Federation of the Blind, presents:

Empowering Our Children: Maximizing Skills, Opportunities, and Dreams

The 2021 National Conference for Parents and Teachers, National Federation of the Blind National Convention July 6 – 10, 2021

Background information

GUIDE TO ACRONYMS USED IN THIS AGENDA:

NFB: National Federation of the Blind; NOPBC: National Organization of Parents of Blind Children; NABS: National Association of Blind Students; TBS: Teacher of Blind Students; NOMC: National Orientation and Mobility Certificate holder; COMS: Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

PLEASE NOTE:

There are two agendas to pay attention to during this busy and exciting week—this parents’ agenda and the larger NFB Convention agenda (a separate document) You can find it here. Due to schedule changes, some of the information regarding parent activities in the NFB Convention agenda is incorrect. This parents’ agenda has the most up-to-date information on parent workshops and events. We will be announcing the corrections during the week, but please refer to this agenda throughout Convention week for parent activities.
All listed times are Eastern.
Register for Youth Track here: https://nopbc.org/2021-youth-track-registration. Visit 2021 Youth Track Agenda link for more information & details. Zoom links will be sent only to those registered for Youth Track. Please make sure you can locate the links at least one day BEFORE each session! Questions? Contact Jean Fultz at Jean’s email or at 315-222-8288 or contact Melissa Riccobono at Melissa’s email or at 443-803-0266.

SPECIAL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES ALL WEEK LONG:

Other activities that you & your child might enjoy are listed in the NFB Convention agenda. Be sure to read both agendas to be aware of all events, but follow this agenda for correct parent activity information.
A sampling of the week’s activities:

NFB Convention general sessions: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, July 8-10
Banquet: Saturday evening, July 10
A list of recorded children’s activities will be posted prior to the start of Convention.
Tech seminars & updates, new products, autonomous vehicles, AI, tactile maps, accessible voting, access at work and online, diversity, inclusion, & discrimination challenges, legislation & advocacy updates, mentoring opportunities, meet with disability rights attorneys, training center open houses, employment & career seminars, medication management, money management, social security info, state caucuses, cooking, comedy night, a concert, virtual tours, and much more!
NFB special interest activities: Blind Students, Deaf-Blind, Culture Groups, Educators, Lawyers, Journalists, Scientists, Engineers, Writers, Sports and Rec, Crafts, Performing Arts, Community Service, Guide Dog Users, Blind Parents, and many more. Open to all
Our incomparable Exhibit Hall. This year’s virtual Exhibit Hall will be hosted on the CrowdCompass platform. Find all links for access along with helpful information for visiting the virtual Exhibit Hall at https://www.nfb.org/convention.
The Banquet and scholarship presentations

EXPRESSING OUR APPRECIATION...

The NOPBC would like to offer a special thank you to NFB President Mark Riccobono and the NFB staff for once again supporting us during this virtual conference. We also thank Amy Porterfield and Alyssa Bracamonte of SAAVI Services for the Blind and Emily Gibbs of the NFB of TX for providing fun and creative activities for our youth at this year’s convention.

Of course, none of the NOPBC conference would be possible without our awesome conference director Melissa Riccobono, NOPBC president Carlton Walker, and the NOPBC board! These volunteers have spent hundreds of hours planning this conference, all while still caring for their families and doing their professional jobs. They truly live their commitment to helping other families, changing what it means to be blind, and enabling our children to live the lives they want!

PRECONFERENCE ACTIVITIES

SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 2021

4:00 – 6:00 PM CONVENTION 411

THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021

8:00-10:00 PM CONVENTION 411

Joining us for the National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind for the first time in 2021? Or, have you attended convention before, but still feel lost, overwhelmed, or have questions about parent activities, the convention as a whole, or navigating the virtual environment? Or, have you been coming to conventions for years and want to help new families have a positive convention experience?

If you answered yes to any of the above, then please come to Convention 411 sessions to meet a few NOPBC board members so you feel a little more connected, go over NOPBC activities, discuss general convention activities including the NFB board meeting and general sessions, highlight “shouldn’t miss” events and why they are important for parents and families, and get answers to any questions you may have about this extremely exciting, yet very busy week.

Both sessions will offer the same information. You do not need to attend twice.

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW for FAMILIES (All times Eastern)

Sun., June 27 4:00 PM Preconference Activity—Convention 411

Thu. July 1 8:00 PM Preconference Activity—Convention 411

Tues., July 6 12:00 - 5:00 PM NOPBC Youth Track Sessions

1:00 - 1:45 PM NOPBC Seminar Opening Session

2:00 - 2:45 PM NOPBC Concurrent Workshops I

3:00 - 3:45 PM NOPBC General Session Reconvenes

4:00 - 4:45 PM NOPBC Concurrent Workshops II

5:00 - 7:00 PM NOPBC Family Game Time!

7:00 - 10:00 PM NOPBC Family Open House

Wed., July 7 12:00 - 2:00 PM NOPBC Youth Track Sessions

12:00 - 12:45 PM NOPBC Concurrent Workshops III

1:00 - 1:45 PM NOPBC Concurrent Workshops IV

5:00 - 6:30 PM NOPBC Youth Track Sessions

7:00 - 8:00 PM NOPBC Youth Track Sessions

8:00 - 11:00 PM NABS Annual Meeting

Thurs., July 8 12:00 - 1:00 PM NOPBC Youth Track Sessions

1:00 - 1:50 PM Exhibitor Open House

2:00 - 5:00 PM NOPBC Annual Meeting

5:00 - 6:00 PM NOPBC Youth Track Sessions

7:00 - 9:50 PM NFB Opening General Session

Fri., July 9 9:30 - 10:30 AM NOPBC IEP Workshops I

11:00 AM-1:00 PM Affiliate Caucuses

2:00 - 5:00 PM NFB General Session

6:30 - 9:30 PM NFB General Session

Sat., July 10 10:30 - 11:30 AM NOPBC IEP Workshops II

12:00 - 1:00 PM NOPBC Youth Track Sessions

1:00 - 4:00 PM NFB General Session

4:30 - 6:30 PM NFB General Session

6:30 PM Pre-Banquet Family Gathering

7:30 PM Banquet

*NATIONAL ORGANIZATION of PARENTS of BLIND CHILDREN presents***

EMPOWERING OUR CHILDREN: Maximizing Skills, Opportunities, and Dreams

2021 National Seminar and Conference for Parents & Teachers

JULY 6 – 10, 2021

Preconference Activities June 27 and July 1

All times Eastern

TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021

12:00 - 5:00 PM NOPBC YOUTH TRACK

See p. 2 for registration & link information and agenda details. Please make sure you have session links a day BEFORE the sessions!

12:00-2:00 PM It’s Your Convention Experience

2:00-4:00 PM Go Where You Want When You Want with Confidence

4:00-5:00 PM National Cryptologic Museum Tour

1:00 – 1:45 PM NOPBC SEMINAR OPENING SESSION

Zoom meeting ID: 414 052 0261

WELCOME TO THE CONFERENCE!

Carlton Anne Cook Walker, President, National Organization of Parents of Blind Children

KID TALK

Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind
Children may join President Riccobono for an informal chat

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Living the Life I Want Because of Parent Empowerment

Ronza Othman, JD, MS; Director, Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance, US Dept. of Health and Human Services; President, NFB of MD

2:00 - 2:45 PM NOPBC CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS SESSION I

Parents & teachers are invited to attend.

NFB Newsline: It’s Not Just for Adults Anymore

Zoom meeting ID: 414 052 0261

Learn about the many ways your child can access, read, and use information from hundreds of newspapers and magazines, all for the best price—free! Instructor: Jessica Beecham, Newsline Coordinator, NFB of CO

Reading to Learn the Braille Code Using the Natural Order of Contractions

Zoom Meeting ID: 960 6216 1931

Evidence shows learning contracted Braille as soon as possible leads to more reading success, and there are fun and easy ways to teach Braille in this way. Instructor: Casey West Robertson, TBS

Structured Discovery: It’s Not Just for Teaching Cane Travel

Zoom meeting ID: 964 1123 4247

The Structured Discovery method of teaching was first introduced as an innovative way to teach cane travel. But the method has applications in many areas of a child’s life—for daily living, technology, and many other skill areas. Instructor: Kristen Sims, TBS, NOMC

Let’s Get Cooking

Zoom meeting ID: 947 8274 4209

How to get kids of all ages to explore the kitchen and learn all aspects of preparing foods both simple and complicated. Instructor: Michelle Murrey, Board Member, NOPBC

Confessions of NOPBC Board Members

Zoom meeting ID: 921 1075 4543

We’re not perfect and our kids aren’t perfect either! Yes, we are NOPBC board members, but we are parents just like you and we’ll share our stories about navigating the sometimes unexpected, stressful, bumpy, but always rewarding road of raising a blind child. Instructors: Jackie Anderson, TBS, Board Member, NOPBC; Sarah Erb, Board Member, NOPBC; Jean Fultz, Board Member, NOPBC

3:00 – 3:45 PM NOPBC GENERAL SESSION RECONVENES

Zoom meeting ID: 414 052 0261

NOPBC PRESIDENTIAL REPORT: Empowering Our Children—Maximizing Skills, Opportunities, and Dreams

Carlton Anne Cook Walker, President, NOPBC

GUIDANCE FROM GRADUATES

Kenia Flores, Furman University Graduate, Staff Assistant, US Senate; 1st VP, NABS; Syed Mahmud Rizvi, SEO Fellow, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld; JD candidate, Harvard Law School; former 1st VP, NABS; Cricket X Bidleman, Rebele Intern, First Amendment Coalition; Accessibility Consultant, Stanford University; M.A. Candidate at Stanford University, 2022; President, CA Association of Blind Students

IT’S NOT JUST YOU: Growth and Resilience During Pandemic Times

Carla Keirns, MD,PhD, University of Kansas Medical Center; Board Member, NOPBC

4:00 - 4:45 PM NOPBC CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS SESSION II

Accessibyte: Touch Typing, Flash Cards, Games… Fun for All!

Zoom meeting ID: 414 052 0261

Discover a new way to teach keyboard and Braille skills to blind children of all ages with this self-voicing suite of programs which can be launched from any computer with an internet connection. Designed for blind children, it is engaging for blind and sighted students alike. Make learning typing in print and Braille fun! Instructor: Joe Jorgenson, Founder, Accessibyte

Road to Reading: Exploring Tools to Help Children with Dyslexia Learn

Zoom meeting ID: 929 1338 2130

Whether using print or Braille, some people have difficulties or disabilities with the complex processes of reading, writing, and spelling. Join us as we explore tools—including the Wilson Reading System and fully contracted Braille—that can help students with dyslexia conquer the code of written language. Instructor: Carlton Anne Cook Walker, TBS; President, NOPBC

Travel Tips: Regaining Confidence in Travel Skills after a Year at Home

Zoom meeting ID: 969 6633 4878

Tips and tricks for encouraging cane use, exploring new environments, and regaining confidence for children of all ages. Instructor: TBA

Safety and Support Training: Boundaries and Consent

Zoom meeting ID: 664 561 4114

This workshop will teach the importance of boundaries and consent for all—including blind children and teens. Come join the Survivor Task Force and Consent Academy to become a consent advocate for your child, and for our entire NOPBC and NFB community. Sponsored by the NFB Survivor Task Force.

The End of the IEP Road: What You Need to Know About the Transition to College

Zoom meeting ID: 946 9923 7875

Everything changes when a student gets to college! Learn how a blind student can prepare—how to choose a college, skills needed for success, student rights and responsibilities, the critical importance of self-advocacy, and using disabled student services. Instructor: Carol Castellano, Secretary, NOPBC

5:00 - 7:00 PM NOPBC FAMILY GAME TIME!

Zoom meeting ID: 967 3752 7512

Drop in to play a variety of accessible games—both high and low tech or learn how to make board and card games accessible for your child.

7:00 - 10:00 PM FAMILY OPEN HOUSE

Zoom meeting ID: 414 052 0261

Meet the NOPBC Board, ask questions, drop in for some fellowship and conversation. Breakout rooms will be available for specific topics. If you can’t make the meeting, meet the board online.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021 (all times Eastern)

12:00 - 2:00 PM—NOPBC YOUTH TRACK SESSION

See p. 2 for registration & link information and agenda details. Please make sure you have session links a day BEFORE the sessions!

Looking Good, Feeling Good

12:00 - 12:45 PM NOPBC CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS SESSION III

What Are JAWS, Zoomtext, and Fusion Anyway?

Zoom meeting ID: 984 6579 3370

You’ve heard the names of these screen reading software programs, but what are they really? When should your child begin using them? You’re your child need access to these programs both at school and at home? Instructor: Chancey Fleet, Assistive Technology Coordinator, New York Public Library

A New Generation of Braille Display: What Is the Brailliant BI 20 or 40X?

Zoom meeting ID: 953 5779 3909

This exciting new Braille display from Humanware combines online access to Braille books, magazines, and newspapers, a display to view computer screen or smart phone content, a simple word processing program to create or read simple documents, and even a calculator. Learn more about this new and exciting tool for productivity and entertainment. Instructor: Joel Zimba, Product Specialist, Humanware

The Structured Discovery Method of Teaching Cane Travel

Zoom meeting ID: 964 1123 4247

The Structured Discovery method empowers students to actively learn and discover information about their environment for themselves. Learn how to incorporate this method into real life and explore if your child could benefit from using a cane. Instructor: Jeff Altman, NOMC

A Life of Contradictions

Zoom meeting ID: 929 7962 5847

Mixed messages blind kids receive from a sighted world, and what parents can do to help their children express and deal with the feelings these contradictions bring. Instructor: Melissa Riccobono, Board Member, NOPBC

2:00 - 4:30 PM NFB BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING (Open to All)

Zoom meeting ID: 945 1453 3422

Come to this informative meeting to find out what is new in the National Federation of the Blind.

5:00 PM RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

Zoom meeting ID: 945 1453 3422

Sharon Maneki, Chair

At this meeting, you will hear the proposals put forth that could become the work of the Federation in the year to come. Resolutions are voted upon by the committee and those that pass go on to a vote by the whole Federation.

5:00 - 6:30 PM and 7:00-8:00 PM NOPBC YOUTH TRACK SESSIONS

See p. 2 for registration & link information and agenda details. Please make sure you have session links a day BEFORE the sessions!

5:00 - 6:30 PM It’s All about the J.O.B

7:00 - 8:00 PM Resolutions Explained

8:00 - 11:00 PM NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND STUDENTS (NABS) ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

Zoom meeting ID: 940 3595 6213

We invite all students, avid learners, and allies to join us for our annual national student division business meeting! Register for the NABS Meeting to reflect on this crazy, unique year of virtual learning and to look forward to the months ahead. Trisha Kulkarni, President

THURSDAY, JULY 8, 2021 (all times Eastern)

12:00 - 1:00 PM—NOPBC YOUTH TRACK SESSIONS

See p. 2 for registration & link information and agenda details. Please make sure you have session links a day BEFORE the sessions!

Your Life, Your Body, Your Power

1:00 - 2:00 PM NOPBC EXHIBITOR OPEN HOUSE

Zoom meeting ID: 414 052 0261

Representatives will speak briefly on their products and services

2:00 – 2:50 PM NOPBC ANNUAL MEETING: Journey to Empowerment

Zoom meeting ID: 414 052 0261

WELCOME

Carlton Anne Cook Walker, President, NOPBC

ON THE ROAD WITH NFB BLINDNESS INITIATIVES

Anil Lewis, Executive Director, NFB Blindness Initiatives

PIT STOP SUPPORT FROM THE NFB OF COLORADO

Michelle Chacon, TBS, COMS; NFB of CO Private School Initiative Committee; 2014 NFB Blind Educator Award Recipient

UNCOVERING HIDDEN PATHS WITH VISPERO/FREEDOM SCIENTIFIC

Michael Wood, Strategic Accounts Manager, Education, Vispero

Eric Damery, Vice President, Software Product Management, Vispero

KID POWER: Tales from the Road

Boon Dumrong, WA, 8th grade; Oriana Riccobono, MD, 6th grade

3:00 – 3:50 PM NOPBC ANNUAL MEETING continues

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Empowering or Disqualifying—What Are We Doing?

Jordana Elgebretsen, TBS, ID; 2021 NFB Distinguished Educator of Blind Students

PARENT POWER: TRAVELLING WITH FRIENDS

Ashleigh Moon, President, AZ Parents of Blind Children; other parent leaders TBA

4:00 – 4:50 PM NOPBC ANNUAL MEETING continues

COMMITTEE REPORTS and OTHER BUSINESS

ELECTIONS

NOPBC BRAINSTORMING

What did you like at this convention? What workshops might you like to see us offer next year? What resources would help you stay connected throughout the year?

5:00 - 6:00 PM NOPBC YOUTH TRACK SESSION

See p. 2 for registration & link information and agenda details. Please make sure you have session links a day BEFORE the sessions!

Calling All Gamers!

7:00 - 9:50 PM NFB OPENING GENERAL SESSION

Zoom meeting ID: 973 7933 1900

Be there for the exciting beginning of the first NFB general session! See the NFB Convention Agenda for program details

FRIDAY, JULY 9, 2021 (all times Eastern)

9:30 - 10:30 AM NOPBC IEP WORKSHOP SESSION I

Zoom meeting ID: 414 052 0261

We want to hear from you! What IEP topics would you like to discuss? Please send an email to Melissa Riccobono with your burning IEP questions and concerns, and we will do our best to address them. (Please put NOPBC IEP in the subject of your email. Thank you!) Breakout rooms will be available in order to make answering specific questions possible.

For background on IEP basics and other IEP topics, please consider listening to recordings of our IEP sessions from 2020. Scroll down to find the sessions you are looking for.

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM AFFILIATE CAUCUSES

Join your state affiliate caucus to meet or renew ties with your Federation friends and family, to review this year’s resolutions, and to learn more about the work of the Federation. Visit your affiliate’s website or contact your delegate, typically your state president, for exact times and connection details.

2:00 – 5:00 PM NFB GENERAL SESSION

Zoom meeting ID: 987 4172 7764

6:30 – 9:30 PM NFB GENERAL SESSION

Zoom Meeting ID: 987 4172 7764

SATURDAY, JULY 10, 2021 (all times Eastern)

10:30 - 11:30 AM NOPBC IEP WORKSHOPS SESSION II

Zoom meeting ID: 414 052 0261

For background on IEP basics and other IEP topics, please consider listening to recordings of our IEP sessions from 2020. Scroll down to find the sessions you are looking for.

12:00-1:00 PM NOPBC YOUTH TRACK SESSION

See p. 2 for registration & link information and agenda details. Please make sure you have session links a day BEFORE the sessions!

Advocacy in the Family: Expressing Yourself with the People You Love the Most

1:00 – 4:00 PM NFB GENERAL SESSION

Zoom Meeting ID: 952 9797 7720

4:30 – 6:30 PM NFB GENERAL SESSION

Zoom Meeting ID: 952 9797 7720

6:30 PM PRE-BANQUET GATHERING

Zoom Meeting ID: 847 1768 0737

Passcode: 146699

Join us for fellowship and conversation in this informal gathering for families.

7:30 PM BANQUET

Zoom meeting ID: 952 9797 7720