Below you will find this years state convention agenda. You will also find a downloaded Word Document version of the agenda for your convienience.
State Convention COVID Policy
In order to ensure that all people participating in the NFBAZ state convention remain healthy and safe, the NFBAZ Board requires all people attending the convention to complete a covid test at their first point of entry of our state convention.
Testing sites are located at the registration table as well as at the embarking points of the NFBAZ bus transportation locations. All attendees with negative test results may proceed to register or pick up their registration packets. Please wear your name tags at all times to be admitted to each session.
All convention attendees must wear a mask at all points of convention. This includes Registration, traveling between sessions, all convention sessions, all meals except for when actively eating and drinking, and social activities where other convention attendees are present.
Masks will be available from martials and at other locations throughout convention. for the complete text of our Covid policy, please reference the special notes at the end of this agenda.
Auction and Door Prizes
Have your positive energy ready to bid on Auction items during the banquet. Door prizes will be given away during general session and banquet. The final door prize will be drawn during Sunday’s business meeting and breakfast.
In order to win a door prize, you must be registered for the convention and present at the time your name is drawn. If your name is drawn for a door prize, you will not be eligible for additional door prizes until the final door prize.
To register, please go to https://az.nfb.org/convention-registration
Code of Conduct
We welcome all attendees to our convention and embrace diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect. Please keep the following expectations in mind when joining us.
The National Federation of the Blind provides support to members and advocates for our right to live the lives we want through advocacy, public awareness, and mentoring.
As a member or guest at our convention, you not only represent yourself but also our organization. We want you to enjoy your time with us, make new friends and renew old acquaintances. Although we encourage members to socialize and have fun, the convention also provides an important opportunity to come together to continue the work of our organization, to learn about the important initiatives that we are involved with on a local and national level, and to plan our work for the future.
Please remember these <!guidelines:
Welcome new attendees: Although you will undoubtedly enjoy time with your friends, please reach out to those who have never joined us before and help them to be comfortable. We welcome people from all walks of life and with diverse needs and experiences.
Attend and participate in sessions.
Sexual harassment will not be tolerated under any circumstances. If your behavior could possibly make anyone uncomfortable, even if you would not be upset by it yourself, do not do or say anything that could be considered inappropriate by anyone.
Affiliate Fundraising
Who is ready for a splash down? Four brave Federationists have signed up to compete against each other to raise the most money during convention weekend. The person who raises the most money will get to dump a bucket of cold water onto the person who raises the least contributions. Bring cash to support this worthy cause that will benefit the affiliate and cheer on each of the participants!
We are selling our famous NFB hoodies during the convention. They will be available in the exhibit hall and in the back of the general session room.
NFB National Representative: Julie Deden
Julie Deden is Executive Director of the Colorado Center for the Blind. She joined the National Federation of the Blind in 1978 and became the director of the Colorado Center in 1998.
Registration
Registration is available online at www.az.nfb.org. You may also register at the convention. The registration table will be located in the main lobby of the hotel. Please see the additional information at the end of the agenda for a description of the first floor of the hotel and the location of the convention registration table.
If you have any problems registering, please contact your chapter president in advance to make special arrangements. You may also contact Sharonda Goode at Sgoode1013@gmail.com, or 602-281-5955.
You must be registered for the convention and present to be eligible to win a door prize. When you register on-line, you should receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive the confirmation, please contact your chapter president or Sharonda Goode.
Social Media
We are using the hashtag #nfbaz22 when posting about our convention. Please make sure to share throughout convention. There will be lots of information and videos on our Facebook page the entire weekend! a pre and post convention wrap up discussion will also happen. Make sure to like and follow our page: https://www.facebook.com/blindarizona.
Scott Tokunaga-Social Media Committee Chair
Convention Streaming
Although we want everyone to join us in person we will be streaming a small amount of our convention online. Please visit our Facebook page or www. az.nfb.org/convention on Saturday, September 3rd to find streaming options. Please note that those tuning into our virtual feed will not be eligible to vote or win a door prize.
Hospitality Suite
The Hospitality Suite is located in the Copper Room. It will be open from 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM on Friday and Saturday. It will also be open Friday evening, immediately following the Legislative Seminar. The host chapter is offering a light dinner. A $5.00 donation for expenses is requested.
Thursday, September 1, 2022
4:00 PM -5:00 PM – Registration and Covid Testing: Main Lobby
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Presidential Release Live: Sabino-Pima-Madera Ballroom
Join us as we listen to our National Federation of the Blind President, Mark Riccobono, deliver the latest Presidential Release.
6:00 PM – Philosophy Session: Sabino-Pima-Madera Ballroom
“Our Movement, Our Collective Story”
In this philosophy session we will bring the words of the convention theme to life. We know that words only have the power that we give them. Therefore, your active participation is required! We will all come together to share, discuss, and bring a limitless power to Our movement , Our collective story!
Tarik Williams, Board Member and Affiliate Membership Recruitment and Engagement Committee Chair
Friday, September 2, 2022
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Registration: Main Lobby
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Exhibit Hall: Ballroom Foyer
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Access Technology Seminar: Madera room
This year, we are mixing some old with the new. We will discuss two applications which have been a big part of our lives since 2020. Due to the COVID Pandemic, the world began using Zoom, a meeting and webinar application. We will discuss advanced features that users may not be aware of including Advanced hosting features, the difference between meetings and Webinars, and routing zoom and screen reader audio through different sound devices.
Then, we will discuss Clubhouse, a social media app, based entirely in audio. It has been around for a little over a year. The premise is that users are able to connect with friends, family, and other users to discuss any topic of interest. What makes Clubhouse unique, is that you are able to create single rooms for just a single topic, or entire clubs to cover a vast array of topics. We will discuss how to create a room, a club, and how to find/socialize with others using this application. Clubhouse is available for both iPhone and Android.
Joe and Sharonda Goode, Affiliate Technology Committee Co-Chairs
9:00 AM – 11:30 AM – Employment Seminar: Canyon A&B rooms
Drafting Our Story of Success in the Workplace
The workplace is a key avenue where blind people create opportunities to write a positive and fulfilling life story. For some, utilizing rehabilitation services, asking for accommodations, and talking about blindness in a positive way can be a challenge. This seminar will help participants form the words that will build a positive narrative for a successful future at work. This seminar will include tips and tricks to navigate vocational rehabilitation, understanding your rights under the ADA, an interactive segment on talking about blindness in a positive way in the job interview, a panel discussion featuring blind people working in a variety of fields, as well as the opportunity to network. Join us as we learn to draft our story of success in the workplace.
Rachel Kuntz, Affiliate Fund Raising Committee Chair
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Health and Fitness Seminar: Ventana Room
Yoga is for everyone regardless of age, ability or disability, or whatever other imagined barriers have been created. Join us as we explore the five limbs of Yoga and how they can contribute to complete well-being as well as relate to our desire for independence. Come ready to participate in a short sequence led by an Akhanda Yoga certified instructor and learn about the “modality of a prince” otherwise known as structured discovery.
You might wish to bring a mat or a towel two comfortably practice on the floor, but chairs will be provided for those in need. Yoga means unity, Akhanda means complete, and well-being is your birthright.
EvaMarie Sanchez
Noon – 1:30 PM – Lunch: Sabino-Pima-Madera ballroom
Speakers:
Julie Deden, National Representative
Kristen Mackey, RSA Administrator
Chris LaFollette, President/CEO Arizona Industries for the Blind
1:30 PM – 5:00 PM – Exhibit Hall: Ballroom Foyer
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM – Student Division Seminar: Ventana Room
Arizona Association of Blind Students
Brian Mucyo, President Arizona Association of Blind Students
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM – Blindness Professionals Seminar: Canyon A&B Rooms
Come one come all professionals working with blind students and/or consumers! There is always so much to learn when we put our heads together. In this year’s Blindness professionals session, we will explore ways to survive in our “new” normal from hands on approaches to managing inaccessible documents, to staying mindful through problem solving, to supporting our seniors in the 21st century. We have rejuvenating tools for everyone.
Amy Porterfield, Affiliate Board Member, SAAVI COO
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM – Legislative Seminar: Sabino -Pima-Madera ballroom
Join us as we meet with policy makers and discuss the voting and elections process. From voter registration to accessible voting, we will cover a wide range of topics. We will also discuss the impact of SB1638 and the next steps to getting accessible mail in and absentee voting in Arizona.
Guest speakers include:
Katie Hobbs, Arizona Secretary of State
Gabriella Cazares-Kelly, Pima County Recorder
Joanne Williams, Affiliate Board Member and Legislative Director
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM – Hospitality Suite – Copper Room
Join the Tucson Chapter for a quick meal before the resolutions committee meeting. A $5.00 donation for expenses is requested.
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM – Resolutions Committee: Ventana Room
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Hospitality Night: Sabino -Pima-Madera ballroom
Take part in game night courtesy of the host committee and affiliate friends. Play games, win prizes, and enjoy delicious refreshments. A cash bar is available.
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM – Nominating Committee: Board Room
This is the only meeting during the convention that is not open to the public
Bob Kresmer, Affiliate 2nd Vice President, Nominating Committee Chair
Saturday, September 3, 2022
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM – Registration and COVID Testing: Main Lobby
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM – Youth Track: Canyon A&B rooms and off-site location
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Morning General Session: Sabino -Pima ballroom
9:00 AM – Call to Order by President Donald Porterfield
9:05 AM – Invocation
9:10 AM – Opening Ceremony
9:20 AM – Convention Planning Committee Welcome
Jordan Moon, Committee Chair
9:30 AM – Membership Committee Celebration
Tarik Williams, Committee Chair
10:15 AM – Rehabilitation Services Administration, Services for the Blind, Visually Impaired, and Deaf
Dr. Brian Dulude, Region III Program Manager Services for the Blind, Visually Impaired, and the Deaf
10:45 AM – David Steinmetz, Arizona Industries for the Blind
11:15 AM – Erin Paulus, Arizona Talking Book Library
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM – Special Presentation
Noon – 1:30 PM – Division Meetings
Arizona Parents of Blind Children: Canyon A&B rooms
Arizona Association of Blind Students: Ventana Room
Diabetes Action Network: Canyon C Room
Seniors Division: Madera Room
1:30 – 5:00 PM – Afternoon General Session: Sabino- Pima Ballroom
1:30 PM – President’s Report
Donald Porterfield, Affiliate President
1:50 PM – National Representative Report
Julie Deden, National Representative
2:10 PM – Nominating Committee Report and Elections
Bob Kresmer, Committee Chair
3:00 PM – Resolutions
4:00 PM – Colorado Center for the Blind
Julie Deden, Executive Director
4:15 PM – SAAVI Services for the Blind
Amy Porterfield, Chief Operations Officer
4:30 PM – NFB BELL Academy
Amy Porterfield, Arizona BELL Academy Coordinator and Affiliate Board Member
5:00 PM – Adjourn
6:00 PM – Reception: Ballroom Foyer
7:00 PM – Banquet: Sabino-Pima-Madera Ballrooms
Keynote Speaker – Julie Deden, National Representative
Scholarship Awards – Amy Porterfield, Committee Chair
Auction – Donald Porterfield, Affiliate President
Sunday, September 4, 2022
7:30 AM – 8:00 AM – Youth Track: Canyon A&B rooms and off-site location
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Business Meeting and Chapter Reports Breakfast: Sabino-Pima-Madera Ballrooms
Chapter Reports:
East Valley
West Valley
Phoenix
Tucson
Treasurer’s Report: Donna Silba, Affiliate Treasurer
2022 – 2023 Events
Blind Equality Achievement Month (Meet the Blind Month)
Phoenix Seminar
Washington Seminar
2023 National Convention
2023 NFB BELL Academy
2023 State Convention
Hotel Layout – Description of the 1st floor of the hotel.
Once you walk into the Marriott and your back is to the front door, immediately to your left you will find the Restaurant and bar area.
From the front door, if you walk forward a few feet on your right will be the front desk area.
Once you walk past the front desk area, you will find a hallway on the right. The elevators are located in this hallway on your left side.
Within the same hallway, you will find the copper room (hospitality room) on your right. And Continuing along this hallway, you will find the door to the fitness area.
The Convention Registration table will be found by following a straight path past the front desk.
Moving past the convention registration table, on either side of the foyer , you will find the location of the exhibit hall tables. This will be available on Friday only.
After passing by the exhibitor area, you will find yourself near the seminar breakout session rooms. The canyon rooms are going to be on your left. Canyon A is going to be on your right.
Make a left at the end of this hallway and you will find our main ballroom area. This is where general session, bigger seminar meetings, and where the banquet will be held.
State Convention COVID Policy
In order to ensure that all people participating in the NFBAZ state convention remain healthy and safe the NFBAZ convention board of directors approved the following policy.
All individuals attending the NFB state convention must take a COVID test upon their first point of entry of convention. This includes boarding the bus in Phoenix or Mesa locations or entering the lobby to check in to the hotel. you do not need to re-test at the hotel if tested at one of the bus pick-up locations. COVID Tests will be available at the hotel at the registration table on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Anyone testing positive for COVID at any point of entry will not be permitted to board the bus or enter the convention. Anyone experiencing COVID symptoms during convention Should contact their chapter president, may not attend convention activities, and should isolate in their room.
Depending on the presence of symptoms, the outcome and timing of a positive test result, the following steps will occur:
A covid test will be delivered to the individual’s hotel room.
If anyone tests positive, they should return home, and may not participate in in-person convention activities. If needed, Transportation to Phoenix will be provided courtesy of SAAVI Services for the Blind to anyone testing positive during convention.
Anyone testing positive may not reboard the bus home.
If a person experiences symptoms at the hotel, they may not participate in in-person convention activities. The meals they purchased will be delivered to their room.
If a person experiences COVID symptoms, tests negative, and symptoms abate, they may return to in person activities.
Symptoms include:
Fever
Cold and flu like symptoms
Excessive fatigue or dizziness,
Mask Requirements
Masks are mandatory and must be properly worn when participating in all convention activities. Masks are worn properly when it completely covers the nose and mouth. Masks will be available and provided throughout convention. Martials will be present throughout the convention facilities and will provide all convention attendees a mask if they are not wearing them.
Convention activities include:
Registration,
Traveling between sessions
Each and every convention session.
All meals except for when actively eating and drinking.
Social activities where other convention attendees are present.
2022 Convention Sponsors
The National Federation of the Blind of Arizona would like to thank the following sponsors for their commitment to helping us hold a successful convention.
Gold Sponsor
SAAVI Services for the Blind
SAAVI Services for the Blind is a blindness rehabilitation training center providing skills training in nonvisual techniques to people of all ages.
www.saavi.us
Silver Sponsors
Meg’s Vending and Food Services
Megs Vending services – vending machines in several cities throughout the valley.
Arizona Industries for the Blind (AIB)
Arizona Industries for the Blind (AIB) is an employer of choice for people who are pursuing career opportunities that empower them to achieve their version of the American Dream. AIB is a role-model for the community, demonstrating that with the right technology, right training and right attitude people who are blind can be successful in the workplace and the community.
www.azifb.com
Arizona participating Operators Committee- APOC
Mike Finney, Chair
The Arizona Business Enterprise Program provides employment opportunities for individuals who are legally blind to own merchandising businesses, including vending and food service operations.
Business Enterprise Program (BEP) | Arizona Department of Economic Security (az.gov)