Agenda

National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma
2020 virtual anywhere and everywhere Convention
October 9-11, 2020
“We know who we are, do you”

National Federation of the Blind Pledge

I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity and security for the blind; to support the programs and policies of the Federation and to abide by its constitution.

Our 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 our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

Virtual Convention

This year our convention is all virtual. We will be meeting on the Zoom platform. You do not have to have a Zoom account to participate. You will need to have a computer, tablet or phone in order to join the meetings as they take place.

For technical assistance please e-mail your name, concern and phone number to info@nfbok.org

Registration

Registration is free for all who would like to join the convention. You must register to be eligible to vote and to win door prizes. You may register for the convention
on our online convention registration form.

Should you have questions about convention registration please contact Glenda Farnum by phone at 405-255-6482 or send E-mail.

Should you have questions about the NFBOK 2020 convention, please contact Audrey Farnum, 405-590-6110 or Glenda Farnum at405-255-6482. Audrey and Glenda are serving as co-chairs for this year’s Convention Arrangements Committee.

National Rep

This year’s convention is shaping up nicely! We are happy to welcome our national representative, Amy Burresh. Amy serves as President of the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska and on the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind. Amy has a lot of work experience in rehabilitation services and years of experience in the National Federation of the Blind to share with us. Please welcome Amy to our great state!

Door prizes

Please contact Glenda Farnum regarding making contributions for door prizes. We are asking for cash or gift cards in order to better facilitate getting door prizes to those whose names are drawn.
In order to claim door prizes you must e-mail info@nfbok.org when your name is called during the convention.

Friday, October 9

8:00 – 12:00 Structured Discovery Seminar
This seminar will cover the structured discovery teaching model along with introductions to structured discovery training centers. Presenters:
Dr. Edward Bell, Louisiana Tech University, Institute on Blindness
Pam Allen, Director, Louisiana Center for the Blind
Julie Deden, Director, Colorado Center for the Blind
Jennifer Kennedy, Director, Blindness Learning in New Dimensions
Link to join Structured Discovery Seminar on Zoom
1 tap mobile for Structured Discovery Seminar on Zoom: +12532158782,,97390538924#

12:00 – 1:00 Sponsor highlight
Here from all of our fantastic sponsors. Thanks to all for your support.

12:00 – 12:15 Nanopack

12:15 – 12:30 Vanda Pharmaceuticals

12:30 – 12:40 ABLE Tech

12:40 – 12:50 Oklahoma Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped

Link to join Sponsor Highlights on Zoom
1 tap mobile for Sponsor Highlights on Zoom: +14086380968,,94342306658#

1:00 – 4:00 NFBOK Board Meeting and Seminars

1:00 – 2:00 National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma Board meeting

Open to and encouraged for all attendees. Welcome to convention, convention arrangements, and how to get the most out of your convention experience.

Link to join Board Meting on Zoom
1 tap mobile for Board Meeting on Zoom: +14086380968,,94342306658#

2:00 – 4:00 Legislative Seminar- Sharon Maneke, Immediate past president, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, Legislative Director, NFBMD
Sharon is presenting on her vast experience with everything legislative from state to national initiatives.

Link to join Legislative Seminar on Zoom
1 tap mobile for Legislative Seminar on Zoom: +14086380968,,95994677870#

2:00 – 4:00 Knowing your child’s rights: The IEP process –
Carlton Anne Cook Walker, President, National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, Attorney and Teacher of Blind students

Carlton is presenting on the IEP process and knowing what your child’s rights are at school. She has a vast knowledge of the topic not only due to her intersectionality but to the fact that she is the parent of a now young adult blind daughter.

Link to join IEP Seminar on Zoom
1 tap mobile for IEP Seminar on Zoom: +12532158782,,95154081116#

7:00 – 8:00 Resolutions Committee –
Steve Shelton, Chair

Any member may submit, at least 1 week in advance of the convention, a resolution which may be considered by the Committee. All members are encouraged to attend as this is where you will learn about the resolutions for this year. Resolutions which pass the committee will then be voted on by the membership at our annual business meeting on Sunday, April 15th. Resolutions are the birth place of what becomes the policy and action of our affiliate.

Resolutions for consideration may be sent to Steve Shelton at steve@sbshelton.com

Link to join Resolutions Committee on Zoom
1 tap mobile for Resolutions Committee on Zoom: +13462487799,,95238370247#

Saturday, October 10

For questions specific to any of the speakers during General Session please submit them to info@nfbok.org prior to convention if possible. If e-mailing questions during convention we will make every effort to ask them of our speakers.

9:00 – 12:00 General Session

9:00 – 9:15 Welcome to the National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma Anywhere and everywhere virtual convention
Jeannie Massay, President

9:15 – 9:20 The National Federation of the Blind pledge and message

9:20 – 10:20 The National Report – Amy Burresh, President, National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska, Board member, National Federation of the Blind

10:20 – 10:40 Protecting the rights of Blind parents – Melissa Riccobono, 1st Lady of the National Federation of the Blind

10:40 – 11:00 What is NABM? Protecting the rights of blind merchants and growing entrepreneurs – Nicky Gacos, President, National Association of Blind Merchants

11:00 – 11:15 PAC, Kenneth Jernigan Fund & other funds report and update – Glenda Farnum, Treasurer, NFBOK

11:15 – 11:35 National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC) –Carlton Ann Cooke Walker, President, NOPVC

11:35 – 11:45 Fitness break – Audrey T. Farnum, 1st Vice –president, NFBOK

11:45 – 12:00 Update on Education – Todd Loftin, Executive Director, Special Education, Oklahoma Department of Education

Link to join Morning General Session on Zoom
1 tap Mobile for Morning General Session on Zoom: +16699006833,,94469999721#

12:00 – 2:00 Lunch on your own

12:15 – 1:45 Oklahoma Association of Blind Merchants Division meeting
Jeffrey Pennick, President

Link to join OABM meeting on Zoom
1tap mobile for OABM Meeting on Zoom: +12532158782,,97240350148#

2:00 – 5:00 General Session

2:00 –2:30 Oklahoma Election Board – Demanding equality and protecting the rights of blind voters in Oklahoma

2:30 – 4:00 Finding, getting and keeping a job
Panel discussion moderated by Fatos Floyd

Getting a job begins with attaining the skills of blindness. What does that mean? Discussion of what it takes in the job market to be competitive.

4:00 – 4:30 Knowing your rights: Informed choice as protected by federal law
Amy Burresh, President, NFB of Nebraska, Board member, National Federation of the Blind

4:30 – 5:00 Report on Washington Seminar
Steve Shelton, Legislative Committee Chair
First – time attendees, Jenna Adair and Brayan Samarippa

5:00 Adjourn

Link to join Afternoon General Session on Zoom
1 tap mobile for Afternoon General Session on Zoom: +13462487799,,95070033951#

5:15 Nominating Committee – TBD
Meeting closed to all but those serving on the Nominating Committee

7:00 –8:30 Virtual Banquet

Keynote address: Amy Burresh, President, National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska, Board member, National Federation of the Blind, and, most importantly, member, National Federation of the Blind!

Link to join Virtual Banquet on Zoom
1 tap mobile for Virtual Banquet on Zoom: +13462487799,,98837438583#

Sunday, October 11

9:00 – 12:00 Student Leadership Seminar – Presented by Norma Crosby, President, NFB of Texas and Board member, National Federation of the Blind
All students interested in meeting other blind studetns, learning how to advocate for yourself and others and how to contribute to the collective action of the National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma and the national organization , you are invited! To this and the entire convention. Pleasse register for the convention at the link above in the registration section of the agenda.

Link to join Student Seminar on Zoom
1 tap mobile for Student Seminar: +14086380968,,91264087446#

2:00 – 5:00 Business Meeting – National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma

2:00 – 2:20 Presidential Report – Jeannie Massay, President NFBOK

2:20 – 2:35 Treasurer’s Report – Glenda Farnum, Treasurer, NFBOK

2:35 – 2:50 Secretary’s Report –Brayan Zammarippa, Secretary, NFBOK

Chapter & Division Reports
2:50 – 3:05 Central Oklahoma Chapter, Audrey T. Farnum, President

3:05 – 3:20 Tulsa Chapter, Mike Floyd, President

3:20 – 3:35 Oklahoma Association of Blind Merchants, Jeffrey Pennick, President

3:35 – 4:20 Resolutions Committee Report to the Membership followed by a vote of the dues paying members present Steve Shelton, Resolutions Committee Chair

4:20 – 4:30 Nominating Committee Report Audrey T. Farnum, Nominating Committee Chair

4:30 – 4:45 Elections
Dues paying members may vote in the elections

4:45 – 5:00 closing remarks – the President