Friday, November 7, 2025

9:00 AM to 10:15 AM - Pre-Registration Packet Pick-up and Convention Registration:  Pre-Function Area 

10:30 am to Noon - Ohio Board of Directors Meeting Canterbury/Dover Rooms

12:15 PM to 1:45 PM - DeafBlind committee meeting

Join us for a Lunch & Learn with Speakers: Karlee Wascher, M.A. CVRT Employment Specialist; Helen Keller, Dawn Watts, Ohio SSP Coordinator and become informed about resources related to deaf, hard of Hearing, DeafBlind and know the differences between the 3 groups of individuals and their communication needs.

Order your lunch in advance, & each includes chips & cookies for only $25. Select from the following choices and pay by: 

  • Online at WWW.NFBOhio.ORG/Convention,
  • By mail a check to: Attention Kathy Legg, Treasurer, 1916 15th Street SW, Akron Ohio 44314, put Lunch and Learn in the Memo. 
  • Bacon, lettuce & tomato served on toasted Ciabatta. 
  • Egg Salad or Tuna Salad 
  • Vegetable Wrap or Club Wrap or Chicken Caesar Wrap
  • Turkey Croissant 
  • Italian Sub or Roast Beef Sub

The DeafBlind Committee will meet in the Bassett Room

12:30 PM to 1:45 PM - Pre-Registration Packet Pick-up and Convention Registration: 

GENERAL SESSION: Canterbury/Dover Rooms

2:00 PM - Call to Order Richard Payne, President, NFB of Ohio

2:05 PM - Invocation Rev., Dr. Carolyn Peters, President, Ohio Communities of Faith Division, and Member, Board of Directors, NFB of Ohio

2:10 PM - Opening ceremonies: 

2:25 PM - Welcome and Opening Remarks by the Host Chapters At Large, Lorain County, and Greater Akron Chapters

2:35 PM - Welcome Honorable Ohio Legislators

John Brad Deane, Field Representative for Honorable, Congresswoman Chontel Brown, Honorable, Ohio State Senator, Nickie Antonio and Honorable, Ohio State Representative, Darnell T. Brewer 

Propelling our initiatives forward, creating opportunities for meaningful change within our lives and communities.
Suzanne Turner, Ohio Legislative Director, and Vice President, NFB of Ohio 

3:05 PM - Social Security Administration (SSA) The current climate,

Brandon Smith, Public Affairs Specialist, SSA Northeastern Ohio Area 

3:25 PM - National Report - Pamela Allen, National Representative, and Executive Director of Louisiana Center for the Blind

3:50 PM - “Access and Achievement: Navigating Barriers as Blind Students”, Kinshuk Tela, Moderator, MaKenzie Love, Antonio Dobyne and Caitlyn Head

4:10 PM - Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) 

Bureau Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI)
Berna King, Deputy Director, and Allison Meloy, Vision Services Program Manager

4:35 PM - Connecting With the Community

Kenny Foderaro, University Police ambassador and Jeff Ridler, University Circle Police officer 

4:55 PM - Announcements

5:00 PM - Adjourn: General Session resumes at 9:00 AM Saturday.

5:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Hospitality: Join in the fun and fellowship on hospitality night. Visit the Conference Level, (Rooms A/B and C/D Third floor to eat and socialize).

6:00 PM to 7:30 PM - Ohio Community Service Division Meeting: Patricia McPherson, President 

Celebrating the 35th anniversary of the ADA, with speaker Patrick Thornton from Westlake's City Architect. OCSD will once again sponsor Ohio State school for the blind by collecting hats/mittens/gloves and winter coats/jackets (new, gently used for junior/high school students. Please bring items to meeting. 

Bassett Room

6:00 PM to 7:30 PM - Resolutions Committee Meeting: Mike Bullis, chair

All are welcome to attend. Resolutions adopted by the convention become the policy of the organization.

Bradley Room

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM - Ohio Communities of Faith Division Meeting: Dr. Rev. Carolyn Peters, President

The doors are always open! We are a diverse group of blind members representing various religions. Join our business meeting, elections and learn about resources.

Canterbury/Dover Rooms

7:30 PM to 8:30 PM - Ohio At-Large Chapter Meeting: Colleen Roth, President

Bassett Room

8:00 PM to 9:30 PM - ROOKIE ROUNDUP

Calling all first-timers! Come and meet President Payne and members from the Ohio Board of Directors who will be present to welcome you and answer questions about the weekend activities. Also, Pam Allen, Director of the Louisiana Center for the Blind, President of the NFB of Louisiana, Chairperson and Vice President of the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind will be in attendance as well. 

Bradley Room     

8:30 PM - Nominating Committee Meeting: This is a closed meeting.

Bassett Room

9:30 PM - Calling all talent If you have a unique skill or creative passion, we encourage you to showcase it and share your artistry with others. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting out, this is your opportunity to shine and connect with fellow artists. Please contact Wilbert Turner to sign up. (216) 561-6864. 

Canterbury/Dover Rooms