Saturday, November 7, 2026
7:30 AM to 8:45 AM - Scholarship Breakfast Meeting
Invited guests will meet in the Dewberry 1850 Restaurant. Kristin Coen and Kinshuk Tella serve as scholarship committee co-chairs.
General Session Continues
Location: Salon E.
9:00 AM - Call to Order
Richard Payne, President, NFB of Ohio.
9:05 AM - Invocation
Christopher Sabine, Ohio Communities of Faith Division and NFB of Ohio Board Member.
9:10 AM - 3D Inclusive Models
Tom Babinszki, CEO, Even Grounds, will discuss inclusive models such as restroom maps and other tactile resources.
9:30 AM - Vanda Pharmaceuticals: Non-24 Circadian Rhythm Disorder
Magdalena Felton, Nurse Educator.
9:50 AM - Aira
Jenine Stanley, Aira Visual Interpreting Services.
10:10 AM - Ohio Talking Book Program
Angelyn Hellman, Supervisor, State Library of Ohio.
10:30 AM - Miami Valley Vision Services
Leah McGraw, MPA, Vision Services Manager.
10:50 AM - Meet The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio
Tim Tegge, Executive Director.
11:15 AM - Introduction to the Pageantry System
Tanisha Carlgren, former National Miss Star, and Tomeika Hurt, 2026 Miss Ohio Star, AmeriFest.
11:35 AM - Braille Power: Literacy Among Students, Educators, and Beyond
MaKenzie Love, National Braille Challenge winner.
Noon - Adjourn
General Session resumes at 9:00 AM Sunday.
Noon to 4:00 PM - Exhibit Hall
Location: Tradewinds Room, first floor.
12:00 PM to 1:30 PM - DeafBlind Committee Meeting
The DeafBlind Committee, in partnership with Kacie Weldy, will present an immersive learning experience focused on DeafBlind communication and lived experiences. The session will include interactive activities, group discussion, and a panel led by DeafBlind individuals sharing insights on communication access, independence, and community perspectives.
Delcenia Brown and Dynasty Lavender, Co-Chairs.
Location: Salon E.
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM - Tech Seminar 101
Sabrena Rice, iLearn LLC, will share tips for using everyday apps on Android and Apple devices.
Location: Kiefaber Room.
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM - Ohio Association of Blind Senior Division Meeting
Mariann Denning, President.
Location: Salon E.
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM - Self-Employment 101
Presenters Christopher Sabine of O.N.H. Consulting and Natassha Ricks of N. Lichells Inc. will discuss obtaining an EIN, building a brand, developing clientele, and planning future business goals.
Location: Salon H.
2:00 PM to 3:15 PM - Membership Committee Meeting
William Turner and Jessica Stover, Co-Chairs, with Suzanne Turner, Vice President, NFB of Ohio.
Location: Kiefaber Room.
We’re excited to welcome President Mark Riccobono as our special guest. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear his perspective, ask questions, and explore ideas for strengthening membership throughout the Federation.
Join us for an opportunity to connect with others. There will be a door prize drawing to close out our meeting and we even have some free goodies to share!
Meeting Agenda
Facilitators: William Turner and Andra Stover
2:00–2:10 p.m. | Welcome & Introductions
Get to know your fellow attendees and kick off our meeting.
2:10–2:25 p.m. | Icebreaker: Through the Decades
2:25–2:30 p.m. | Remarks from President Payne
2:30–2:50 p.m. | Special Guest: President Mark Riccobono
Hear his thoughts on membership, engagement, and strengthening our Federation.
2:50–3:10 p.m. | Open Q&A
Bring your questions, share your ideas, and join the conversation!
3:10–3:15 p.m. | Closing Remarks & Door Prize Drawing
Everyone Is Welcome!
Whether you’re a longtime Federationist or newer to the organization, your voice and ideas matter. Come be part of the conversation as we work together to strengthen our membership and build an even stronger Federation.
We hope to see you at the 80thState of Ohio Convention!
2:30 PM to 4:00 PM - Toastmasters: The Art of Communicating Effectively
Dr. Linda Jackson, Orator.
Location: Salon F.
3:00 PM to 4:30 PM - Tech 2
Learn more about using ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot with JAWS. Presenter: Elizabeth Whitaker, Vispero, Director of User Education and Outreach.
Location: Salon H.
3:30 PM to 4:45 PM - Diabetes Action Network Meeting
Joann Williams, President.
Location: Kiefaber Room.
5:30 PM to 6:30 PM - Social and Cocktail Hour
Location: Ballroom Foyer.
6:30 PM - NFB of Ohio Banquet
Proof of ticket purchase is required. Location: Ballrooms.
Banquet Highlights:
Mistress of Ceremonies: Jessica Stover, President, NFB of Ohio Greater Akron Chapter.
Invocation: Richard Payne, President, NFB of Ohio.
Keynote Speaker: Mark A. Riccobono, National President, National Federation of the Blind.
Awards Presentation: William Turner, Chair, Ohio Awards Committee.
Scholarship Awards: Kristin Coen Mishlan, Chair, NFB of Ohio Scholarship Committee.
Not-So-Silent Auction: Annette Lutz, Secretary, NFB of Ohio Board, and President, NFB of Ohio Capital Chapter.
Money for the Movement: Christopher Sabine, Treasurer, NFB of Ohio.
9:00 PM - After Party
Stick around after the banquet to socialize and celebrate with the NFB of Ohio community.