Each year, the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC) hosts its annual seminar during the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) national convention, bringing together Federation members, families, educators, and friends of all ages to learn from one another, share experiences, reconnect with old friends, and form new friendships. The seminar features sessions and workshops on a wide variety of topics related to parents of blind children, education, advocacy, and opportunities for blind youth.
We’re Gathering Together In Person – Please Join Us for the 2026 NOPBC Seminar!
Thank you for attending the 2026 NOPBC Seminar held in person in Austin, Texas, July 3–8, 2026, at the JW Marriott Austin in conjunction with the NFB national convention. Please stay tune for details regarding the 2027 NOPBC Seminar.
The 2026 NOPBC Seminar will be held in person in Austin, Texas, July 3–8, 2026, at the JW Marriott Austin in conjunction with the NFB national convention.
Please note that registration for the NOPBC Seminar is separate from registration for the NFB national convention, Youth Track, and NFB Camp.
During convention week, parents, blind adults, educators, and families will have opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and participate in discussions that promote high expectations and expanded opportunities for blind children.
Registration Information
Registration is required to attend the NOPBC Seminar.
Registration Fees
- Individual Registration: $35
- Family Registration: $50
What Registration Includes
Individual Registration Includes:
- NOPBC membership through December 31
- One annual subscription for one Vispero software product (JAWS, Fusion, or ZoomText)
Family Registration Includes:
- Two NOPBC memberships
- Two annual subscriptions for Vispero software (JAWS, Fusion, or ZoomText)
Each subscription provides access to one Vispero software product of the participant’s choice.
Teacher Encounter and Continuing Education Units
Educators participating in the Teacher Encounter program who wish to receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) must pay an additional $40 Teacher Encounter/CEU fee. This fee is separate from the NOPBC Seminar registration fee and supports participation in the Teacher Encounter program and CEU processing.
Important Registration Information
Registration for the NOPBC Seminar, the NFB national convention, the Youth Track, and NFB Camp is separate, and participants must complete each required registration individually in order to participate in these activities during convention week.
Participants planning to attend multiple programs or events should ensure that all required registrations are completed in advance so they can fully participate throughout the week. While there is no fee to register for the Youth Track, participants must still complete the Youth Track registration form in order to participate in Youth Track activities.
Families selecting the Family Registration Package that includes a Vispero software product must provide two separate email addresses during registration so the software subscriptions can be properly issued and activated. Participants may choose a license for JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion.
Family Gathering Day Before the Seminar--Texas State Capitol Tour
Join us on July 2 for a special afternoon visit to the Texas State Capitol which will include hands-on opportunities. We will meet at 12:45 outside the Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave.
After the tour, we will walk to an ice cream shop at 1400 N. Congress Ave. Anyone wishing to continue afterward is invited to join the group at the Capitol Café, 1001 N. Congress Ave. #180, Austin, TX 78701, for snacks or dinner.
Please let us know you will be joining us by calling or texting Mayra at 661-243-5923.
Quick Navigation
- Agenda
- NOPBC 50/50 Fundraiser
- Youth Track
- NFB Camp
- Policies
- Help Us Improve
- NOPBC GroupMe Group
- Questions
Seminar Agenda
Please note that the HTML version of the agenda is only available in English and that agenda items are subject to change without prior notice. Additional formats will be coming soon.
- 2026 NOPBC Seminar Agenda (HTML)
- 2026 NOPBC Seminar Agenda (Word Document)
- 2026 NOPBC Seminar Agenda (PDF)
- 2026 NOPBC Seminar Agenda (BRF)
- 2026 NOPBC Seminar Spanish Agenda (Word Document)
- 2026 NOPBC Seminar Spanish Agenda (PDF)
- 2026 NOPBC Seminar Spanish Agenda (BRF)
NOPBC 50/50 Fundraiser
During the NOPBC Seminar at the NFB national convention, participants will have an opportunity to support NOPBC through a 50/50 fundraiser.
Each chance is available for a $5 donation. One participant will receive half of the total amount collected, while the remaining funds support NOPBC programs and initiatives that benefit blind children and their families.
To participate, individuals must complete the NOPBC 50/50 Fundraiser Form.
The participant selected to receive half of the funds will be announced by a NOPBC representative during the NFB national convention banquet.
Youth Track
The Youth Track offers programming for blind and low vision students, children of blind adults, and sighted siblings ages 11 to 18 who are attending the NFB national convention.
Youth Track activities allow participants to connect with peers from across the country, participate in discussions and group activities, and learn more about independence, leadership, and opportunities within the blindness community.
Participation in Youth Track programming requires pre-registration using the 2026 NOPBC Youth Track Registration Form prior to convention activities. Completing the form helps organizers plan Youth Track sessions and ensures participants receive information about scheduled activities.
- 2026 NOPBC Youth Track Agenda (HTML)
- 2026 NOPBC Youth Track Agenda (Word Document)
- 2026 NOPBC Youth Track Agenda (PDF)
- 2026 NOPBC Youth Track Agenda (BRF)
NFB Camp
NFB Camp is a childcare option offered during the NFB national convention for children ages six weeks to twelve years old, both blind and sighted. The program provides a safe and engaging environment where children can participate in age-appropriate activities, interact with peers, and enjoy supervised care while their parents or guardians attend convention sessions and events.
Enrollment in NFB Camp is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and advance registration is required. The deadline to register for NFB Camp is June 15, 2026. Click here to enroll your child for NFB Camp while space is still available!
Registration for NFB Camp is separate from registration for the NOPBC Seminar. Families who wish to enroll their children must complete the NFB Camp registration process in addition to registering for the seminar or other convention activities.
To learn more about the program, visit the NFB Camp information page.
Policies
Participants in NOPBC Seminar activities during the NFB national convention are expected to follow the policies established by the NFB to help maintain a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all attendees.
Parents, guardians, educators, volunteers, and youth participants should review these policies before participating in NOPBC or convention activities. These policies outline expectations for conduct, youth safety, and appropriate participation in programs involving children and youth.
Please review the following policies:
These policies apply to convention activities and youth programs and help promote respectful behavior, safety, and accountability throughout the event.
Help Us Improve
Your feedback is essential in helping us enhance future NOPBC seminars at the NFB National Convention. By sharing your thoughts, you help us create more impactful sessions, address the needs of families and blind children, and strengthen our community. Please take a few moments to complete the form below:
NOPBC Announcements GroupMe Group
Join the NOPBC Announcements GroupMe Group to receive updates about NOPBC activities during the NFB national convention and throughout the year. Members receive announcements, reminders, and updates about NOPBC programs, events, and activities. To learn how to join the group, visit the NOPBC Announcements GroupMe information page.
Questions?
If you have questions about the NOPBC Seminar, registration, or available payment options, please contact NOPBC President Cassandra McKinney at President@NOPBC.org. We are happy to assist with registration questions and provide additional information to help you prepare for convention week.