Helpful Convention Resources and Reminders

Any agenda changes made after Braille and print production can be accessed on the NFB26 app or at nfb.org/convention. Changes will be marked with an asterisk (*).

Information Desk and Ambassadors

Reminder: The Federation information desk is outside the JW Grand Ballroom (level 4) from Saturday morning through Wednesday for attendees with questions or in need of assistance.

Additionally, Convention Ambassadors are available to share information, provide directions, and help to resolve any issues that may arise. Ambassadors are typically talking signs stationed throughout the convention hotels and ready to help!

Banquet Tickets and Exchange for Group Seating or Dietary Needs

Before Banquet

To sit with a specific group (family or friends) or to have a specific dietary meal during the banquet, you must visit the banquet ticket exchange with the original, unexchanged banquet ticket(s). Banquet tickets are 90 dollars at registration until 1:45 p.m. on Monday.

How it works: The banquet ticket exchange, located in the JW Grand Ballroom foyer (level 4), allows you to:

  • Reserve seating for yourself or up to ten people by turning in the original ticket(s) and receiving assigned tickets with table numbers.
  • Request a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, or halal meal by 1:45 p.m. on Monday, July 6. Note that entrée will not contain pork or seafood.

Banquet Ticket Exchange Open Hours

  • Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Monday: 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. and noon to 1:45 p.m. (final opportunity to request a special banquet meal)
  • Tuesday: 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. and noon to 1:45 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. and 12:15 to 1:00 p.m.

At Banquet

A purchased banquet ticket regardless of exchange is required to enter the ballroom and will be checked at the doors. Attendees who have unexchanged tickets will be seated at available open tables. 

Portrait Studio with a Photographer

The portrait studio is located in the JW Grand Ballroom foyer (level 4). Get a personal or small group photo taken. Photos are also stored for official communications of the National Federation of the Blind. We use images in the Braille Monitor, on websites, and to build the movement through authentic representation. We will email photos after convention to those who would like to have them.

Portrait Studio Open Hours

  • Sunday: 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Monday: 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.
  • Tuesday: 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.

NFB Camp (Childcare)

NFB Camp, convention childcare, is available during most of convention programming. Preregistration is required. Send questions to [email protected].

Important Meal Reminders and Late Pickup Fees

  • Morning and afternoon snacks are provided.
  • Parents/guardians must provide lunch each day.
  • Late pickup fee: 10 dollars per fifteen minutes, per child.

NFB Camp Open Hours

  • Friday, July 3: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 4: Closed
  • Sunday, July 5: 8:30 a.m. to noon and 12:45 to 5:30 p.m.
  • Monday, July 6: 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, July 7: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 8: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 8 (Banquet): 6:30 p.m. to thirty minutes after banquet adjourns. Dinner will be provided for children in camp during banquet.

Announcement Requests

Requests for announcements to be made by President Riccobono during General Sessions must be submitted in Braille.

Divisions, Committees, and Groups

In addition to state affiliates, members connect, learn, and lead across the National Federation of the Blind through affiliated divisions, committees, and groups.

We invite you to explore these networks by adding some to your schedule during convention and find the spaces where your voice, experience, and energy can help shape the movement. Access contact information at nfb.org/about-us/divisions-committees-and-groups.

Divisions

Divisions of the National Federation of the Blind focus on shared interests, life stages, or career fields, supporting advocacy and leadership development at the national level.

Assistive Technology Trainers: Brett Boyer, President

Black Leaders: Shawn Callaway, President

Computer Science: Brian Buhrow, President

DeafBlind: Rocky Hart, President

Diabetes Action Network: Debbie Wunder, President

Educators: Lara Sowell, President

Government Employees: Ronza Othman, President

Guide Dog Users: Raul Gallegos, President

Human Services: Sarah Patnaude, President

Lawyers: Ronza Othman, President

Merchants: Nicky Gacos, President

Parents of Blind Children: Cassandra McKinney, President

Performing Arts: Katelyn MacIntyre, President

Professionals in Blindness Education: Emily Gibbs, President

Rehabilitation Professionals: Amy Porterfield, President

Science and Engineering: John Miller, President

Seniors: Glenn Crosby, President

Sports and Recreation: Richie Flores, President

Students: Lauren Altman, President

Veterans: William Stinson, President

Committees

Committees of the National Federation of the Blind are appointed by the President, except for the nominating committee, and guide the organization on key issues and initiatives to build the organization at all levels.

Accessibility and User Innovation for the NFB: Curtis Chong, Chair

Advancement and Promotion of Braille: Jennifer Dunnam, Chair

Advancement of Spanish-Speaking Advocates: Aleyda Santos, Chair

Ambassadors: Dan Burke and Corbb O’Connor, Co-Chairs

Blind Educator of the Year Award: Robin House, Chair

Communications: Liz Wisecarver, Chair

Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award: Carla McQuillan, Chair

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Shawn Callaway and Kenia Flores, Co-Chairs

Employment: Lia Stone, Chair

Federation Website Coordination: Steve Cook, Chair

Jacobus tenBroek Award: Pam Allen, Chair

Jacobus tenBroek Library and National Archives Advisory: Nichole Chrissis, Chair

Jacobus tenBroek Memorial Fund: Qualik Ford, Chair

Kenneth Jernigan Fund: Tracy Soforenko, Chair

Membership: Denise Avant, Chair

PAC Plan: Marilyn Green, Chair

Resolutions: Donald Porterfield, Chair

Scholarship: Cayte Mendez, Chair

Shares Unlimited in NFB (SUN): Sandy Halverson, Chair

White Cane and Affiliate Finance: Everette Bacon, Chair

Groups

Groups of the National Federation of the Blind, led by appointed chairs, connect members around specific topic areas to strengthen the resource network of the organization.

Amateur Radio: David Chan, Chair

Blind Christians: Linda Mentink, Chair

Blind Crafters: Tracy Carcione, Chair

Blind Fraternal Greek and Masonic: Shawn Callaway, Chair

Blind Muslims: Tasnim Alshuli, Chair

Blind Parents: Lisamaria Martinez, Chair

Blind Professional Journalists: Elizabeth Campbell, Chair

Blind Survivors: Christine Grassman, Chair

NFB in Judaism: Stewart Prost, Chair

NFB in the Kitchen: Regina Mitchell, Chair

NFB LGBT+: Sanho Steele-Louchart, Chair

Agenda Navigation

Please use the links below to navigate the agenda pages.