National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma
2026 Annual State Convention
April 23-25, 2026
Hilton Garden Inn Oklahoma City Bricktown
328 E. Sheridan Avenue
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104
Phone: (405) 270-0588
“Positive Change Through Collective Action”
Message from the President
Greetings and welcome to the 2026 annual state convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma; where blindness is a characteristic that does not define you or your future. Our theme this year is “Positive change through collective action.” We will learn about the ways in which blind people have worked together to achieve equality, opportunity and security for ourselves through organization and advocacy and discuss strategies for expanding our efforts to improve the lives of blind Oklahomans.
You’ll have many opportunities for door prizes during our banquet, business meeting and general session. You must be registered for convention to be eligible for door prizes and to vote. You will also have many opportunities to network with other blind people from across the state to share experiences and form new friendships starting right away with our welcome reception on Thursday evening. Our reception, sponsored by NFB Newsline®, will feature live entertainment, light snacks and an opportunity to learn what to expect over the weekend. Whether this is your first convention or you are a seasoned veteran, you won’t want to miss this kick-off for what is sure to be a great convention. I look forward to all your input as we continue to build the Federation!
With Love, Hope and Determination
Audrey T. Farnum, J.D.
President
National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma
NFB Pledge
I pledge to participate actively in the effort of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind, to support the policies and programs of the Federation, and to abide by its constitution.
NFB One-Minute 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.
Code of Conduct
We are committed to providing a welcoming, safe, and healthy environment for everyone. Thank you for cultivating an atmosphere of mutual respect where participants from diverse backgrounds can learn, network, and share with each other. We are committed to diversity, equity, and the free expression of ideas. These principles have been outlined in our Code of Conduct found at https://nfb.org/codeofconduct .
We recognize a shared responsibility to create and uphold an inclusive atmosphere for the benefit of all. Prohibited behaviors include harassment and sexual misconduct. Prohibited behavior will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the convention and other consequences.
For assistance or to report an incident at the convention, please call
(410) 659-9314, extension 2475, or email code@nfb.org. All reports will be fully investigated according to the steps outlined in our code of conduct. Thank you for doing your part to contribute to our community and the high expectations we strive to maintain at all our events.
Special Guest
We are pleased to welcome Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind to Oklahoma and our convention. After serving as the Executive Director at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute in Baltimore, Mark was elected to his current role as President in July, 2014. In his Federation work he has led a number of critical initiatives including: establishment of the National Center for Blind Youth in Science, building a national mentoring program, expanding Braille literacy programs including the NFB Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning program, development of cutting-edge technologies including a car that a blind person can drive (the NFB Blind Driver Challenge®), many advocacy priorities, affiliate-building projects, and serving as a point person for key relationships with NFB partners. You don’t want to miss this is exciting opportunity to meet and get to know our president.
Thursday, April 23, 2026
4:00-6:00 – Registration Packet Pick Up located outside the Red River Room
4:00-6:00 – Exhibit Hall and Auction Preview – Red River Room
6:00-9:00 Rookie Roundup, Mixer, Welcome Reception – Washita Room
Whether you’re a first timer to a NFB convention or a seasoned veteran, join in the fun as we welcome everyone and get geared up for a great convention weekend. Get an overview of what to expect and get all your burning questions about the convention answered. Meet the NFB Oklahoma Board and get an introduction to NFB Newsline®. Informal gathering to mix and mingle, live music, an assortment of complimentary hors d'oeuvres, a wine and beer host bar, come and go as you please.
Sponsored by NFB Newsline.
Friday, April 24, 2026
8:00 - Registration Packet Pick Up located outside Red River Room
8:00-9:00 Exhibit Hall – Red River Room
Visit our vendors. You can also check out our great auction items for the live auction on Friday afternoon. The proceeds will benefit the programs and initiatives of NFB Oklahoma.
9:00-12:00 - General Session 1 – Cimarron Room
9:00 - Call to Order and opening remarks - Audrey T. Farnum, President, National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma
9:15-9:45 – “What is NFB Newsline?” Sarah Weissman, Marketing Specialist for NFB Newsline®
It’s more than news—access a world of content in this free audio and Braille service for blind and print-disabled people. NFB-NEWSLINE® is a free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, deafblind, or otherwise print-disabled that offers access to more than 500 publications, emergency weather alerts, job listings, and more.
9:45 - “National Report,” Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind.
Get the latest news about NFB initiatives and advocacy efforts straight from the President.
10:15 - Legislative Report, Leah Campbell, First Vice President/Legislative Director, NFB Oklahoma
Get an update on all the legislative priorities of the National Federation of the Blind and learn how your advocacy can help blind Americans achieve equality, opportunity and independence.
10:45 - Update from Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
11:15 – “What is Structured Discovery?” Jordan Moon, NOMC, Director for Strategic Services, SAAVI Services for the Blind
11:45 - Get on the PAC Plan
Find out how you can help the National Federation of the Blind by making a monthly Pre-Authorized Contribution.
12:00 – Lunch, Washita Room
Show your wristband to receive your boxed lunch.
12:00 -1:45 Exhibit Hall and Auction preview - Red River Room
Please stop by and visit our vendors. You can also check out our great auction items for the live auction on Friday afternoon. The proceeds will benefit the programs and initiatives of NFB Oklahoma.
2:00-5:00 - General Session 2 – Cimarron Room
2:00 – “Comparing Smart Glasses”
Smart glasses are everywhere now and have a variety of benefits for blind people. We’ll talk about different models including Meta, Agiga and Envision. We’ll also discuss use cases as well as limitations.
2:30 – “Oklahoma Library for the Blind,” Kevin Treese, Program Manager III/Library Director, Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
3:00 – “NFB Newsline Panel” - Moderated by Sarah Weissman, Marketing Specialist, NFB Newsline
Panelists include Newsline power users who share their insights into how they use and benefit from the service.
4:00 – Live auction, Kenny Blair, Auctioneer
This is your chance to bid on some fabulous items. Open your wallet and help support NFB Oklahoma so we can continue to grow our programs and initiatives.
5:00 - Adjourn
5:00-7:00 - Exhibit Hall– Red River Room
Please stop by and visit our vendors.
7:00-8:00 - At Large Chapter meeting – Cimarron Room
Our At Large Chapter is a state-wide virtual chapter that meets monthly on Zoom. Join us for this opportunity for our annual in-person chapter meeting. Learn how you can get involved with the chapter. Elections of the board will be held.
8:00 – Tech Chat – Cimarron Room
Are you struggling with Zoom? Having trouble with your phone? Want to learn about what useful apps are available to help blind people accomplish everyday tasks? Join us for this gathering where we will share and learn from one another. Experienced tech users will be available to offer instruction and advice. If you have questions about iPhone, Android, JAWS, NVDA, Mac, smart glasses or anything else, chances are we will have someone who can help. If you are confident in your skills and want to help, we need you. This is blind people helping each other by sharing our learned experience. All are welcome.
Saturday, April 25, 2026
8:00-9:00 – Exhibit Hall, Red River Room
Please stop by and visit our vendors.
9:00-12:00 - General Session 3 – Cimarron Room
9:00 - Call to Order
9:10 – NFB Philosophy Discussion: What is the NFB philosophy? Why does it matter? How do we apply it to our individual lives? Come to this seminar to engage in thought provoking discussions on NFB philosophy and its practicable applications.
10:00 – “Why I’m a Federationist” Panel discussion
Why we joined and what makes us choose to be active.
11:00 – “Strategic Planning: Shaping the Future of NFB Oklahoma”
Open discussion about how we move forward. We’ll talk about committees, membership growth, how to have effective chapter meetings, leadership development and come up with a basic plan for our affiliate.
12:00 – Lunch – Washita Room
Show your wristband to pick up your boxed lunch.
Please stop by and visit our vendors.
2:00-5:00 - General session 4
2:00 - “Oklahoma ABLE Tech,” Allyson Robinson, M.A. CCC-SLP, Director of Accessibility Programs, Department of Wellness Sponsored Programs, Oklahoma State University
2:30 - Business meeting
2:35 - Meet the Board
2:40 - President's Report, Audrey T. Farnum, President, NFB Oklahoma
2:50 - Secretary Report – Yolanda Sargeon, Secretary, NFB Oklahoma
3:05 - Treasurer Report, Glenda Farnum, Treasurer, NFB Oklahoma
3:20 – Chapter and Division Reports
At Large Chapter – Beau Donaho, President
Tulsa Chapter - Yolanda Sargeon, President
Oklahoma Association of Blind Merchants – Jeffrey Penick, President
3:55 – Elections
4:00 – Social hour – Lobby Bar
Meet up for fellowship and fun with your NFB family.
7:00 - Banquet, Washita Room
Keynote address, Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind
9:00 – Adjourn until 2027 in Tulsa!
Late Registration is Available
Convention Late registration is available for $40. Late registrants will have access to all events and sessions including the banquet on Saturday evening, but late registration does not include the banquet meal or lunch on Friday and Saturday. Late Registration can be paid online using our registration form at the link below.
Click here for the on line registration form
Room reservations at the Hilton Garden Inn Bricktown, 328 E. Sheridan Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma may still be available but the early registration convention rate is no longer available. The room rate includes daily breakfast every morning. You can reserve your room at the following link or by calling the hotel at 405-270-0588
Click here for Hotel Reservation
Stay in Touch
Thanks for coming to the convention! For follow-up questions and to get involved, please contact us at 405-532-2120 or nfbok@outlook.com.
Special Thanks
The National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma sincerely thanks Lacey Downs and the Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped for their dedication and expertise in preparing the braille version of our 2026 State Convention agenda. Lacey’s work ensures full access and inclusion for all attendees. We deeply appreciate her continued support and partnership.
Thank You to our Sponsors
The National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma sincerely thanks our 2026 State Convention sponsors for their generous support. We are grateful for their support in making this event a success. We appreciate their continued partnership and outstanding commitment to our mission.
Platinum Sponsor - NFB Newsline
Gold Sponsor - Nanopac
Bronze Sponsor - SAAVI Services for the Blind
Thank You to our Exhibitors
The National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma sincerely thanks all exhibitors at our 2026 Annual State Convention for their support and dedication to the blind and low vision community. We deeply appreciate the time you spent engaging with our attendees and sharing valuable resources that help move us forward together:
NanoPac, Inc.
NFB Newsline Oklahoma
Oklahoma ABLE Tech
Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
SAAVI Services
Thank You to our Donors
The National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma sincerely thanks our generous donors for their contributions of door prizes and auction items for our 2026 Annual State Convention. Your support helps fund our advocacy efforts and empowers blind Oklahomans to live the lives we want:
Bark Box
Black Bear Diner
Boomerang Diner
Cheesecake Factory
Computers For The Blind
First Americans Museum
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Hal Smith Restaurants
Kenny Blair & Donnita Nipps
Kristyna Augustine
Mazzio’s Italian Eatery
McAlister’s Deli
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Raising Cane’s