2025 state convention of the national federation of the blind of Ohio!
Introduction
Welcome back to the City of Westlake, Ohio. We are delighted to have you return visiting us and hoped you enjoyed seeing what makes our City such a special place.
In November 2025, West Lake is honored to hold once again the State Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio.
“AIN’T No Stopping Us Now” is the theme for 2025.
The Convention dates are Thursday, November 6, 2025, through Sunday, November 9, 2025.
Ohio Affiliate, President, Richard Payne, and the Ohio Board of Directors invite you to come learn how to reach your maximum leadership potential, participate in motivational and leadership development seminars, and most of all learn about “living the life you want.”
AIN’T No Stopping Us Now! We fight to win, breaking down barriers and sustaining our civil rights.
The 79th Ohio State convention will be held at the Wyndham Garden Westlake Hotel. The address is 1100 Crocker Road, Cleveland Westlake, Ohio 44145. You can make reservations by calling (800) 407-9832. Individuals must identify themselves as being with the group, The National Federation of the Blind, at the time the reservation is made. The room rate is only $115.00, taxes are 17.5%, which includes breakfast for 2 occupants per room. The last date to reserve a room is Monday, October 6, 2025.
By the way, there is comfortable seating in the restaurant where we all will gather for fellowship each morning prior to great presentations during the General Sessions and inspiring Breakout Seminars. The good news is that when you make your reservations, funds are not deducted from your credit card until you arrive at the hotel.
RESERVE NOW!
National rep.
our national rep this year is Pam Allen!
Originally from Lancaster, New York, Pam was blessed to grow up in a loving and supportive family surrounded by high expectations. Blindness was not viewed as a barrier. The loving example and nurturing environment gave her a solid foundation upon which to build.
When she was a senior at Denison University majoring in psychology with a minor in women’s studies, Pam was awarded a national scholarship by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). This opportunity would be transformative in ways she could not have imagined. It allowed her to engage with the NFB community, where she served as vice president of the Ohio Association of Blind Students and secretary of the National Association of Blind Students. Additionally, she gained valuable experience working with the Children’s Program at the Louisiana Center for the Blind during her summer breaks in college.
Pam’s commitment to empowering blind individuals ultimately led her to a leadership role as the executive director of the Louisiana Center for the Blind, located in Ruston, Louisiana. In this capacity since 2001, she has been instrumental in developing and overseeing programs that equip blind individuals with essential skills for independent living and success. Her dedication extends to her involvement with the NFB at both state and national levels. Pam serves as the president of the National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana, where she advocates for the rights and opportunities of blind individuals across the state and around the country. Her leadership and advocacy efforts have been pivotal in advancing the organization’s mission and initiatives. She serves on the Advisory Council for the Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness at Louisiana Tech University. She was also appointed by Governor Landry to serve on the Louisiana Statewide Independent living Council.
On a national scale, Pam currently holds the position of first vice president on the NFB’s board of directors. In this role, she collaborates with fellow leaders to shape policies and programs that promote equality and accessibility for blind individuals nationwide. She also serves as vice president for the National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals.
Pam and her husband, Roland, a talented cane travel instructor and dedicated leader at all levels, live in Ruston and have been married since 2001. In addition to traveling, Pam enjoys reading, baking, rock climbing, and shopping. She and Roland are active members of their community and love giving back. Serving as national rep is a blessing and honor that enables her to learn from and share with her Federation family.
forms and useful documents
Preregistering, volunteering, sponsoring and exhibiting for the 2025 Ohio State convention!
Online Pre-Registration and volunteer registration is open until November 2, 2025 at 11:59 AM.
Please click here to read and complete the convention preregistration process.
If you wish to be a volunteer,
Please click here to complete our volunteer registration form.
if your an exhibitor
Please click here to complete our exhibitor registration form before October 19, 2025.
If your wishing to become a sponsor of this years convention,
Please complete our sponsorship registration form!
access to the agenda
The agenda will be available online soon.
Please note that a limited number of hardcopies will be available in large print in Braille on site at convention in Westlake.
Want more information or have questions?
For more information or questions, contact,
Richard Payne, Affiliate President
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
(937) 829-3368
Conclusion
The 79th Annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio (NFBOH) is the largest gathering of blind people in the state. This will be an opportunity for participants to learn about accessible technology at our Technology Fair and living with blindness, by attending outstanding educational seminars and much more.