Uniting Together Over Distance

But Definitely Not Distant

 

2021 Annual State Convention

National Federation of the blind of Michigan

 

Thursday, November 11, 2021 – Saturday, November 13, 2021

Anywhere and Everywhere Using the Zoom Platform

 

Michael Powell, President

 

Message from the President

 

We thought it would be different. Although we looked forward to gathering in person this year, it just was not meant to be. Since COVID-19 variants and vaccination delays have caused businesses to operate at less than full staffed capacity, we determined we could not hold a live state convention that we have come to expect. Therefore, in true NFB fashion, when we must change our course of action, or develop a new plan, we approach it with the same dedication to excellence that has always characterized our movement.

 

These last two years we have been working in a virtual environment, and we have come to appreciate the options and possibilities the virtual meeting platform continues to offer us. Despite the physical distance that separates us we have become stronger together as we unite together as an organization. Working individually from our respective homes across the state of Michigan, we spend time with each other, hold meetings, attend seminars, teach each other, and deliberate over matters as we speak collectively with one voice. With the virtual environment we are no longer restricted by hours of travel time or poor public transportation services.

 

This creative spirit of ours, in taking advantage of every opportunity and seizing the moment, brings to mind how the founders of our movement recognized that if we as blind people were ever going to come into our own as a people who represent a normal cross section of society, we would have to be the ones to determine how we see ourselves and how others need to see us.

 

The rest of the world continues to look at blind people as broken sighted people who have diminished value and capacity because of our lack of physical sight. According to this view, a person is considered blind by either the amount of vision that remains or the amount of vision that has been lost. However, those of us who continue to work and grow under the federation’s definition of blindness believe a person is considered blind when he or she uses techniques and strategies to do things that usually would be done with eyesight if the person had it. We stress the importance of functioning and living actively, not just coping or doing the best to get by with a debilitating eye condition. We are a people who invest time and energy in ourselves as we literally work at learning how to be blind.

 

As the world continues to evolve and technology and other advancements shape the world around us our ability to function as blind people also continues to evolve as we test the limits of what blindness is and what it is not. We continue to be a living work in progress as we develop our skills and gain confidence in living our lives, getting an education or a job, and participating actively in the federation to pass on what we know to those blind people who have never learned or understood our message.

 

As our brand message statement says, “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.”

 

If you are attending our virtual convention for the first time or are from another part of the country, I personally welcome you to the NFB of Michigan State Convention. Let us rededicate ourselves or commit to our cause if you are new to us. We invite you to join with us and help us carry on our work together to build the federation in this present time, dream for our future, and, as President Riccobono says, “ transform our dreams into reality.”

 

Michael Powell, President

National Federation of the Blind of Michigan

 

NFB Branding 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.

 

 

 

NFB 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 policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.

 

Convention Registration

 

Convention registration is available online. Please visit https://www.nfbmi.org/convention to register for the convention. We encourage everyone to register for the convention. Everyone who registers for the convention will be eligible to win door prizes that will be given away throughout the convention. Additionally, current members of a local chapter or state division in Michigan will be eligible to vote during resolutions and elections if registering by November 5.

 

Tell your Friends

 

We encourage you to talk about the convention with your friends on social media. Our official hash tag is #NFBMI21.

 

 

 

Inclusivity, Diversity, and 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 in which 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 that atmosphere for the benefit of all. Prohibited behaviors include harassment, sexual misconduct, and inappropriate use of the NFB virtual convention platform. Prohibited behavior or misuse of the platform will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the convention and/or other consequences. For assistance or to report an incident at the convention, please call 410-659-9314, extension 2475, or email code@nfb.org.

 

Zoom Meeting Access

 

We will be using one of two separate Zoom meeting rooms throughout the convention. We have embedded Zoom links in the agenda to make it easy for you to access your meeting.

 

Most of the convention meetings will use the following link:

 

https://zoom.us/j/9612695221?pwd=dHlxZDNwcVVZbUVTYUM5cEU4cDlndz09

 

Meeting ID: 961 269 5221             Passcode: 902855

One tap mobile: +13017158592,98441867949#,,0#,,902855

 

 

 

All of the student division meetings will use the following link:

 

https://zoom.us/j/98441867949?pwd=d1lhdWs4bGdjR1BPajBLQks2Nk1IUT09

 

Meeting ID: 984 4186 7949           Passcode: 902855

One tap mobile: +13017158592,98441867949#,,0#,,902855

 

Phone Meeting access

 

We have kept most of the meeting information the same for anyone accessing the meetings using a landline telephone. All the meetings will use the same phone number and passcode. The only thing different is the meeting ID number.

 

Phone Number: +13017158592

 

General Sessions ID: 961 269 5221

Student Sessions ID: 984 4186 7949

 

Passcode: 902855

 

Anyone who would like additional information using the accessibility features for Zoom can visit the Zoom   accessibility page at: https://zoom.us/accessibility.

 

 

 

Door Prizes

 

 Door prizes will be drawn periodically throughout the convention sessions on Thursday evening, all day Saturday, and during the banquet. Anyone is eligible to win a door prize if they are registered for the convention and are present on Zoom when their name is called for a door prize.

 

People can claim their door prize by raising their hand in the Zoom platform. A person can raise their hand in the Zoom platform by pressing ALT Y or command Y using a desktop computer, star 9 if calling in from a telephone, and under the more tab  if using a mobile app on a smart phone.

 

Thursday, November 11, 2021

 

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Happy Hour Meet and Mingle

 

Zoom ID: 961 269 5221

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/9612695221?pwd=dHlxZDNwcVVZbUVTYUM5cEU4cDlndz09

 

Say hello to old friends, meet some new friends, and ask questions regarding logistics for the convention weekend.

 

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm   Opening Session

 

Zoom ID: 961 269 5221

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/9612695221?pwd=dHlxZDNwcVVZbUVTYUM5cEU4cDlndz09

 

 

 

7:00 pm Call to order and Welcome, Michael Powell, President,

7:15 pm A Report from Our National Office - Jennifer Kennedy, Executive director, BLIND, Inc. (Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions)

7:50 pm My Experience as an Amazon Employee – Munzer Abukharsa,

8:10pm Scholarship presentation – Sabrina Simmons, Scholarship Committee Chairperson

8:25 PM Intro to Non-24 – Jennifer Lyman, Nurse Educator-Midwest, Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

8:30 PM what is new and noteworthy from HumanWare – Peter Tucic, Director of Strategic Partnerships, HumanWare

8:40 pm Uniting Together Under Leadership: Why I Choose to Lead – Daniel Hodges, President,

Pieces of Me 

9:00 pm Adjourn

 

Friday, November 12, 2021

 

10:00 am – 12:00 pm Resolutions committee meeting

 Steve Handschu, Resolutions Committee Chairperson

 

Zoom ID: 961 269 5221

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/9612695221?pwd=dHlxZDNwcVVZbUVTYUM5cEU4cDlndz09

 

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Uniting Together with the NFB Philosophy

Jennifer Kennedy, Executive Director, BLIND, Inc. 

 

Zoom ID: 961 269 5221

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/9612695221?pwd=dHlxZDNwcVVZbUVTYUM5cEU4cDlndz09

 

 

 

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Improvements Galore :A Look at What is New and Noteworthy from HumanWare

Peter Tucic, Director of Strategic Partnerships, HumanWare

 

Zoom ID: 961 269 5221

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/9612695221?pwd=dHlxZDNwcVVZbUVTYUM5cEU4cDlndz09

 

Join us for a discussion on all things HumanWare. We will take a close look at the new intelligent Brailliant BI X series braille displays and APH Mantis Q40, as well as a demonstration of new features coming to the BrailleNote Touch Plus. Additionally, we will also shed light on the new Explore 12 handheld magnifier, and will of course have time for questions.

 

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Exhibit Hall Open House

J.J. Meddaugh, First Vice-president

 

Zoom ID: 961 269 5221

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/9612695221?pwd=dHlxZDNwcVVZbUVTYUM5cEU4cDlndz09

 

Join us as we explore what is new in the world of technology. We will start with a presentation from our White Cane Sponsor, Hims, followed by short presentations from some of your favorite technology companies from Michigan and beyond.

 

3:00 – 3:15 What’s New with the BrailleSense 6 – Earle Harrison, National Account Manager, Hims, Inc.

3:15 – 4:00 Presentations from Other Exhibitors

 

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm How the NFB is like an Oak tree

 Donna Posont and Fred Wurtzel, Youth Outreach Committee Co-Chairpersons

 

Zoom ID: 961 269 5221

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/9612695221?pwd=dHlxZDNwcVVZbUVTYUM5cEU4cDlndz09

 

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Educational Discussion on Non-24 Sleep Wake Disorder (Non-24)

Jennifer Lyman, Nurse Educator-Midwest, Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

 

Zoom ID: 961 269 5221

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/9612695221?pwd=dHlxZDNwcVVZbUVTYUM5cEU4cDlndz09

 

Non-24 Hour Sleep Wake Disorder is a serious disorder that disrupts a person’s sleep and wake schedule. People who are blind or visually impaired are at high risk of having Non-24. Learn more from a Non-24 nurse educator and discuss some interesting & frequently asked questions about this disorder.

 

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm MABS Virtual Dance Party: open to all

 

Zoom ID: 984 4186 7949

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/98441867949?pwd=d1lhdWs4bGdjR1BPajBLQks2Nk1IUT09

 

This is your chance to pick the tunes, hang out with old friends, and meet some new friends. Plus lots of door prizes. Tickets are $7 before the event and $10 on the day of the event via Paypal.

Ticket Registration: http://www.nfbmi.org/students/dance-night-registration.

 

 

Saturday November 13, 2021

 

9:00 am – 12:00 pm General Session

 

Zoom ID: 961 269 5221

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/9612695221?pwd=dHlxZDNwcVVZbUVTYUM5cEU4cDlndz09

 

9:00 am.  Call to order and opening remarks - Michael Powell, President

 

9:15 am  The Ongoing Commitment to blind Education in Michigan -   Roxanne Balfour, Director, Michigan Department of Education Low Incidence Outreach, and  Pat Love, education Consultant, Michigan Department of Education Low Incidence Outreach 

 

9:45 am Exploring Program Possibilities with Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Bill Robinson, Director, Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Lisa Kisiel, Director of Field Services Division, Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Juan Ortiz, Director, Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Training Center, and Shannon McVoy, Transition Services Manager, Bureau of Services for Blind Persons

 

10:15 am What It Means to Lose the Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind- Richard Clay, Community Outreach Committee Chairperson

 

10:35 am Equal Rights Equals Participation in Michigan Elections – Fred Wurtzel, Board Member and Mike Powell, President

 

10:55 am Building Success and Celebrating Accomplishments - Sabrina Simmons, Founder, Eye Learn

 

11:15 am Building Dreams with Diversity and Inclusion within the NFB - Robert Parsons, Board Member

 

12:00 pm Adjourn for lunch.

 

1:00 PM – 2:30 pm Michigan Association of Blind students meeting

Rachel Pavone, President

 

Zoom ID: 984 4186 7949

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/98441867949?pwd=d1lhdWs4bGdjR1BPajBLQks2Nk1IUT09

 

WE welcome all students and anyone interested in student issues to join us as we shape the vibrant and exciting student division for the future. Anyone seeking an officer position or vote in elections must register and pay $10 annual dues.

Student Registration: http://www.nfbmi.org/students/membership-form.

 

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Blind Michigan Seniors Advocating for Seniors Meeting

Darryl Rice, Chairperson

 

Zoom ID: 961 269 5221

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/9612695221?pwd=dHlxZDNwcVVZbUVTYUM5cEU4cDlndz09

 

3:00 pm - 5:30 pm Business Session

 

Zoom ID: 961 269 5221

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/9612695221?pwd=dHlxZDNwcVVZbUVTYUM5cEU4cDlndz09

 

President’s Report - Michael Powell

Secretary’s report - Diana Mohnke

Treasurer’s Report - Mark Eagle

Convention Voting Logistics

Election of Board Members

Nominating Committee and Alternate Delegate 2022 National Convention

Resolutions – Steve Handschu

Constitution Amendment

2022 Washington Seminar

2022 National Convention

2022 NFB of Michigan Convention

State Division Reports

Seniors, Students, Guide Dog

Chapter Reports

Kalamazoo, Capital Region, Jackson, New Wayne County, Detroit, At Large

Old and new business

 

7:00 pm –10:00 pm Banquet Session

 

Zoom ID: 961 269 5221

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/9612695221?pwd=dHlxZDNwcVVZbUVTYUM5cEU4cDlndz09

 

7:00 pm INVOCATION Darryl Rice

INTRODUCTIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

Keynote Address - Jennifer Kennedy, Executive director, Blind, Inc.

Scholarship Awards Presentation –Sabrina Simmons, Scholarship Committee Chairperson

Auction and door prizes – Donna Posont, Door Prize and Auction Chairperson

 

10:00 pm Adjournment of the Virtual NFB of Michigan 2021 State Convention

 

Convention Sponsors

 

Platinum Sponsor: Non-24

Non-24-Hour Sleep Wake Disorder (Non-24) is a serious chronic disorder that disrupts a person’s circadian rhythm which can lead to disrupted sleep-wake cycles. Up to 70% of people who are totally blind have Non-24 and may not even know it. Trouble falling asleep & staying asleep and daytime         sleepiness are signs of Non-24 as well as waking up feeling groggy or tired.

Learn more about this disorder, its cause, and how to advocate for help.  Join an education session and discussion at this convention with a Non-24 Nurse Educator, Jennifer Lyman, R.N., B.S, Non-24 Nurse Educator, 202-875-4714, jennifer.lyman@vandapharma.com.

 

Platinum Sponsor: Humanware

 

Over the past 30years, HumanWare has designed and marketed a wide range of innovative products including the first Google-certified Braille tablet, refreshable braille displays, audio players, GPS products, and handheld/intelligent video magnifiers to enable customers to interact better with the world around them. We are a proud partner of the National Federation of the Blind. Please visit us at www.humanware.com for more information, or give us a call at 800-722-3393. We hope everyone has a fantastic 2021 convention!

 

 

 

White Cane Sponsor: Hims, Inc.

 

In March of 2021, HIMS introduced the newest, sleekest and most powerful Braille Note taker ever devised and the positive response has been overwhelming.  Now only 8 months later BrailleSense 6 firmware version 1.5 has been released and the momentum of a great product launch just keeps getting better. This update introduces several new functions, including a new Podcasts app, a new Wiki Search app, a similar Document Reader app to that on the U2, a Backup/Restore Flashdisk utility and support for the ever popular Sense Bible application. This upgrade also contains many other fixes and enhancements to our existing functionality, including contracted braille translation while using a QWERTY keyboard, and the ability to label graphics in Android applications. For more information, please visit . www.hims-inc.com.

 

Partner Sponsor: Pieces of me

 

Pieces of Me is a community of unique individuals united in a common vision redefining what it means to have a disability, physical difference, or chronic illness. We celebrate every kind of diversity, because an array of perspectives is the only way of addressing systemic problems holistically and comprehensively. Please visit us at www.piecesofme.org.

 

Thank You!

 

Thank you for participating in the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan 2021 state convention. We hope to see you again next year at the 2022 state convention, or at your next local chapter or division meeting.