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The National Federation of The Blind
Alabama Affiliate 2019 Annual Convention
Theme:
“BREAKING ALL LIMITS”
March 8-10, 2019
Huntsville Marriot Space and Rocket Center
5 Tranquility Base
Huntsville, AL 35805
Ph: 256.830.2222
Pricing:
Room Rate: $109.00 (Plus Tax) per night
Annual Convention Packet $95.00
“Individual Pricing”
Registration $25.00- After March 01, $30.00
Lunch $20.00 – After March 01, $25.00
Banquet $40.00 – After March 01, $45.00
Breakfast $25.00 – After March 01, $30.00
NFB Pledge
I pledge to participate actively in the effort 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.
NFBA Affiliate Update (2018-2019)
The National Federation of the Blind, Alabama Affiliate, is proud to share with you many of our achievements of 2018. With your support and determination our team will continue to reach greater heights. It is our sincere desire that every blind individual in our state enjoys a full quality of life.
Our 2018 Board of Directors were asked to network with a Chapter President or Division Chairperson. The goal of the networking is to create a strong bond throughout our affiliate, broaden lines of communication and give assistance to each other when needed.
We were instrumental in getting affiliate insurance. This opened the door for our first BELL (Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning) Academy in June. This event was held in Huntsville, Alabama at the Lamb of God Lutheran Church. Eleven students participated in a two-week camp and gained valuable tools that included braille, cane travel and other non-visual skills. The coordinator, Joy Orton and her staff started the journey with tremendous enthusiasm. We are happy to announce that another BELL Academy is being planned for the southern part of our state (2019). Tamika Williams, our First Vice President will be the coordinator in Mobile, Alabama. Providing opportunities and impacting minds of every blind student in our state is our ultimate goal.
Our National Convention convened in Orlando, Florida on July 3, 2018.The gathering was very impactful and full of energy. Approximately 70-plus members of our affiliate attended this family reunion. The fellowship was amazing.
Joy Harris, our past President, received the Jacobus Ten-Broek Award during our convention’s annual banquet. This award is the highest honor bestowed upon an individual. Joy received the award for seven years of outstanding service to our Alabama Affiliate. We extend appreciation and congratulations for a job well done.
On July 9, 2018 we received information that the Alabama State Board of Education would meet to decide on a new state test for our 2020 students. The new test will encompass reading, math and science. We immediately contacted NFB members and friends of our organization and encouraged them to contact the board of education to ensure that the test be completely accessible for braille readers and low vision students.
The following day Larry Povinelli, Paul Orton, Ahbee Orton and Luke Seibert attended the State Board of Education meeting. These individuals were able to meet with representatives from the Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) who will be Alabama’s new providers of State testing. Our representatives stressed the importance of braille for our blind students. They were advised that DRC has a procedure already in place to make sure that new test items are appropriate for being brailed. DRC was invited to attend our 2019 National Convention in an effort to get feedback from a variety of blind people. We have a long way to go toward gaining full inclusion for our blind students in Alabama and we are fully committed to this endeavor.
Members of AIDB, ADAP, NFB and other consumer organizations met in Montgomery with Secretary of State Members. As a result, on September 4, 2018 at the Alabama School for the Blind, Secretary of State John Merrill announced that blind voters could access a variety of documents from the school in braille.
Charles W. Holmes, Executive Director of Public Radio, WBHM (90.3 FM) contacted us regarding participating in a meeting to discuss the feasibility of continuing the radio reading service in Alabama. Most of the reading services have discontinued. Mr. Alan Harris participated in the meeting. He assured them that anything a blind consumer need could be accessed from our newsline. Mr. Harris advised that we were willing to dialog farther regarding this subject.
Our “Transforming Dreams Into Reality Walk” was a tremendous success and every participant played a significant part in making this walk a great experience. Thanks and appreciation is extended to Kingship Lear, LLC, Wind Creek Hotel and Casino, Regions Bank, Joe Bullard Automotives and Braille Smith for their sponsorships. Southern
Foods, Subway and Publix also contributed toward the event. Everyone’s contribution and commitment resulted in our affiliate moving closer to realizing our goals for the entire organization. Tamika Williams, Fundraising Committee Chairperson led us to an outstanding victory.
Latresa Berry, Communication Chairperson from Montgomery, Alabama was instrumental in getting our Affiliate listed with 211 Connection (community information and referral services). Now, whenever an individual call 211 to inquire about services, resources or advocacy for the blind, our contact information is readily available.
Parmie Similton, Chapter President from Montgomery and Latresa Berry worked diligently to get eight one-way airline tickets donated to attend our National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. The tickets were presented by Southwest Airlines. A drawing will take place during our annual convention in Huntsville on March 9, 2019. The first drawing (two tickets/one round trip) will take place at our afternoon session. The second drawing (two tickets/one round trip) will take place during our banquet. The remaining four tickets will stay with the Montgomery Chapter. To qualify for the drawings, you must be an NFB member in good standing and be present at the time of the drawing.
The Frank Lee Scholarship is one of our prestigious awards and is presented each year to a deserving student. It is important that our youth farther their education and set goals for their future. Student Division President, Jessica Williams and Grace Anderson, Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee work tirelessly to ensure that the scholarship is appropriately awarded. This year two scholarships will be awarded. A $1000.00 and a $500.00 scholarship will be presented. The recipients are Gabriel Mendez-Frances and Gabriella Ahbee Orton. We extend our congratulations to them both.
The legislative Committee focuses on maintaining a powerful legislative branch of inclusion and diversity. To achieve this, membership rosters were requested from each Chapter President. Upon receipt, members were contacted to verify and update contact information, ease any concerns a member might have and confirm means by which everyone wanted information delivered. Nathalie Oliver agreed to chair our
legislative committee. She and her members have word diligently to enhance the lives of our blind community. Representative Rolanda Hollis has agreed to sponsor The Parental Bill for the blind. The bill has been assigned number HB 24. NFB members will be contacted soon by the legislative committee soliciting your support of this bill.
There were several leadership calls with Chapter Presidents and Division Chairpersons held. The calls were designed to be used as training tools for our leaders. The Chapter Presidents and Division Chairs shared information on how to improve and enhance their prospective roles as well as gather input from colleagues.
In October 2018, we received information about our “National Braille Readers Are Leaders” Initiative. We immediately begin circulating the information to our K-12 students. I can think of no better way for our children to enhance their braille reading skills than competing with other peers. The fact that every participant receives a gift is added motivation. Our affiliate took it a step farther by honoring our own Alabama children. Five categories for the initiative have been identified: K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, 9-12. Three winners will be chosen from each category. 2018 – 2019 braille readers awards went to Rebecca Butler, third place (K-1) and an honorable mention presented to Clara Scelfi (2-3). It is our hope that Rebecca and Clara can take part in our annual banquet. Each will be awarded a certificate of achievement and a gift card. The winners will receive their winnings in the mail if they are unable to attend.
I wish to convey my deepest appreciation to every member of this great affiliate. It is because of your commitment, dedication and support we continue to move closer to our goals of excellence and equality. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you.
Sincerely,
Barbara Manuel, President
“Diversity is Being Invited to the Party, Inclusion is Being Asked to Dance, so Let’s all Dance!!!” By Verna Myers
NFB Of Alabama Constitutional Officers
Name Title Location
Barbara Manuel President Mobile, AlabamaTamika Williams Vice President Mobile, Alabama
Robert Kelly Second Vice President
Montgomery, Alabama
Gail Smith Secretary Jasper, AlabamaLarry Povinelli Treasurer Madison, Alabama
At Large Board Members
Jeffery Wilson Center Point, AlabamaSusan Povenilli Madison, Alabama
Ellen Jones Bessemer, AlabamaBrandy Woods Birmingham, Alabama
Brenda Houston Livingston, AlabamaCarol Braithwaite Birmingham, Alabama
NFB One Minute 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.
Hotel Layout Overview
As you enter the front door, you will be facing one entrance of the Great Room which has seating consisting of tables on the right and booths on the left. Pass the seating, you will find two entrances to the sports bar (open from 11 A.M. until 11 P.M.). To locate the check-in desk from the front door, after entering, turn left and when you get to an opening you will turn right in about five feet the desk will be on your left and the lobby seating area will be on your right. When facing the check-in desk, the elevators will be to your left and the gift shop/market will be on the right. To locate the elevator bank from the front door you will proceed left and turn at the next opening into the elevator bank. To locate the Seasons restaurant (serving breakfast only) turn left from the elevators and advance about 25 feet, turn left and go ahead about 15 feet until you reach a textured column keep forward until you reach the smooth column. Make a right to enter the restaurant. From the elevator bank, go left and the next opening on your left you will find the ATM machine. There will be a large plant near the entrance. One set of restrooms is located to the right of the main entrance and down the first hall to the right.
Directions to the Meeting Rooms and Guide Dog Relief Area
Upon entering the front door, turn left and proceed to the first walk way, turn right pass the front desk and lobby area and continue forward about 50 ft. until you reach carpeted area. There will be two large openings on the left and business center and restroom on the right. In your first large opening to the left side of the hall are three meeting rooms which are Challenger, Enterprise and Path Finder consecutively. On the right side of the hall are Salon A, Salon B and Salon C. Across from the first large opening, on the main walk-way, you will find the business center and male restroom on the right. The second large opening will consist of Salon D, Salon E and Salon F on the left side of the hall. Listed in order, you will find The Discovery, The Atlantis and The Columbia meeting rooms on the right side of the hall. Across from the second large opening is the women restroom. To locate guide dog relief area, go back into the main carpeted area and turn left to reach the exit.
Agenda
Friday, March 8, 2019
Registration---------------------------12:00 –2:00 PM and 4:00 – 5:30 PM Conference Registration Area
Exhibit Hall Hours 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Locations: Enterprise and Challenger
Hospitality Room: 727
SPONSOR: Alabama Business Enterprise Blind Vendors
Breaking All Limits Seminars – Location: Satellite
1:00 – 4:00 PM
Barrier Breaker at the Voting Polls---------------------1:00 – 1:50 PM
“Removing All Limits Towards Having a Smooth Independent Voting Experience”
Presented By: Judge Frank Barger, Madison County, Probate Judge
Independence Through Technology------------------2:00 – 2:50 PM
“Creating Limitless Choices in an Ever-Changing World of Technology”
Presenters:
Joel Stephens - Assistive Technology Instructor, AIDB
Glenn Tommie - Microcomputer Specialist, AIDB
Heather Lease - Technical Assistant, AIDB
Limitless Ways to Enhance a Healthier You----------3:00 – 3:50 PM
“Increasing Your Determination to Live Your Healthiest, Happiest Life”
Presenter: Mrs. Estella Beavers, Life Coach and Founder of Stellar Healthy Living
Building the Next Generation of Leaders Seminar Location: Pathfinder----------------4:00 – 6:00 PM
Alabama Association of Blind Students
Jessica Williams, President
Discussion Panelist
Kelly Crawford, UAH Student Affair Advisor
Luke Seibert, Clarks Summit University
Syed Rizzvi, First Vice President of the National Association of NFB Blind Student Division.
Jessica Williams, Alabama Association of Blind Students
Followed by Business Meeting and Elections
Division Meetings
NFB Senior’s ---------------------------------------------------------4:00 – 5:00 PM
Carol Braithwaite, President
National Association of Blind Merchants -----------------------5:00 – 6:00 PM
Tracy Watts, President
Bingo Gala----Location: Salon DEF-----------------7:30 – 10:00 PM
Don’t miss out on the fun! One card will cost $10.00 and if you feel really lucky, try two cards for $15.00.
Light hors d’oeuvres and a Cash Bar will be available.
Luau------------------------------------------------------10:15 – 12:00 PM
Hawaii may be far away, but we are bringing the tropics to you. Come join us as we create memories, Hawaiian style.
Admission $5.00
Saturday March 9, 2019
Registration--------------7:30 – 8:45 AM Conference Registration Area
Breaking All Limits General Session------Location: Salon ABC 9:00 AM
Call to Order, President Barbara Manuel---------9:05 – 10:30 AM
Opening Ceremonies Invocation: Minister Timothy Jamar New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL
Presentation of Colors: Grissom High School JROTC
Pledge: Charles Aurand, Huntsville Chapter President
National Anthem: Phyllis Powell, Citronelle, AL
Welcome: Charles Aurand, Huntsville Chapter President
Greetings:
U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks, Alabama Fifth Congressional District
Representative Laura Hall, Alabama House of Representatives, 19 District, Huntsville, AL
Honorable Mayor Tommy Battle Jr., Huntsville, AL
NFB National Report: --------------------------------------9:30 – 10:10 AM
Mark A. Riccobono, National Federation of the Blind President
Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning Academy--10:10 – 10:30 AM
“Academy Success”
Joy Orton, Coordinator with Participants
“Breaking Limits and Celebrating Victories” ----------10:30 – 11:00 AM
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation:
Curtis Glisson, Assistant Commissioner for Blind and Deaf Services, Montgomery, AL
Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind------------------11:00 – 11:30 AM
Vera Hendrix, Vice President of Instructional Programs, Talladega, AL
Educational Barrier Breakers--------------------------------11:30 – 11:55 AM
Dr. Derrick Smith, Associate Professor and Associate Dean, College of Education of the University of Alabama, Huntsville (UAH).
Convention Announcements/Updates--------------------11:55 AM – 12:00 PM
Lunch-------------------------------------------------- 12:00 – 2:00 PM
Exhibit Hall Open--Location: Enterprise and Challenger 12:00 – 1:45 PM
**Last Chance for Registration------------------------1:15 – 1:45 PM**
General Session----------------------------------2:00 – 5:00 PM
Breaking All Barriers for Alabama Students in STEM----2:05 – 2:45 PM
“Promoting STEM Careers as Viable Options for Students Among Education and Rehabilitation Professionals”
Presenters:
Isaac Beavers, AIDB Regional Director, Huntsville, AL
Bill Adams, Case Manager for the Blind and Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Tuscaloosa, Al
STEM Barrier Breakers---------------------------------------2:45 – 3:15 PM
Facilitator: Tamika Williams, NFBA First Vice President
Nikita Davis Sr., Lead Programmer Analyst, BBVA Compass Bank
Craig Moore, Computation Chemist Engineer, Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL
Gabriel Mendez-Frances, High School Senior, Pursuing a Degree in Computer Science at The University of Alabama, Huntsville, Aspiring to
become a Software Engineer
Breaking Barriers through Training and Education----------3:15 – 4:15 PM
Ahbee Orton, Student at Louisiana Center for the Blind, Ruston, LA
Desmand Jackson, Rehabilitation Specialist at BISM and IT Specialist at Data Speech Computer Solutions,
Baltimore, MD
Breaking Barriers through Employment-------------------------4:15 – 4:55 PM
Facilitator: Latresia Berry, NFBA Communications Chairperson
Michael Talley, Talley Vending Services, Elected Committee Chairman of The Business Enterprise Program for the Blind, Birmingham, AL
Dr. Kathlene Thompson, Senior Business Analyst, Science Applications International Cooperation
Issac Beavers, Regional Director of Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, Huntsville, AL
Susan Povinelli, Human Capital Specialist, Army Material Command Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL
Tarmen Siaway PHD LPC-S, NCC Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Samaritan Counseling Center, Montgomery, AL
Adjournment------------------------------------------------------------5:00 PM
Social and Cash Bar---------------------------------------------------6:30 PM
**2019 Annual NFB of Alabama Banquet------------7:00 – 9:00 PM**
Invocation: Robert Kelly Jr., NFBA Second Vice President
Introduction of National Representative: Tamika Williams, First Vice President NFBA Alabama Affiliate
Banquet Address: Mark A. Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind Baltimore, Maryland
Braille Readers Are Leaders Presentation: Joy Harris, Former NFBA President
Scholarship Presentation: Jessica Williams, President, Alabama Association of Blind Students; Grace Anderson, Scholarship Committee Chairperson
Progressive Auction-------------------Erskine Brantley, Auctioneer
Karaoke-------------------Student Division-----------------------9:00 – 11:00 PM
Join us as we discover hidden talent within our NFB family! Admission $5.00
Sunday, March 10, 2019
**All American Breakfast----Location: Salon DEF (Pre-Paid Only) 7:00 AM**
NFBA of Alabama Board Meeting--------------------------------8:00 – 9:00 AM
NFBA Annual Business Meeting--------------------------------9:00 – 12:00 PM
Call To Order – President Manuel
Invocation---------------------------- Karen Braithwaite, NFBA Board Member
Reading of Minutes----------------------------------Gail Smith, NFBA Secretary
Treasurer Report-------------------------------Larry Povinelli, NFBA Treasurer
Nominating Committee
Report---------------------------------------------------------Alan Harris, Chairman
Positions: -----------------------------Constitutional Offices, Board Seats, 1-3-5
Appointment of 2019 Delegate and Alternate
Chapter Updates
Old Business
New Business
Adjournment--------------------------------------------------12:00 PM
The National Federation of the Blind2019 Alabama Affiliate Exhibitors Showcase
ADRS Rehabilitation Teachers and O&M Specialists506 S. Lawrence StreetMontgomery, AL 36104(334) 293-7100
AIDB Birmingham Regional CenterJessica Edmiston(205) 328-3989
AIDB Huntsville Regional Center Consumer Store600 St. Clair AvenueBuilding 2Huntsville, AL(256) 539-7881
AIDB Structured DiscoveryJeffrey Wilson, Coordinator 1809 3rd Street NWCenter Point, AL 35215Cell: [email protected]
Alabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped6030 Monticello DriveMontgomery, AL 36130-6000(334) 213-3906 (Local)(334) 213-3993 (Fax)(800) 392-5671 (Toll-Free)[email protected]
E. H. Gentry Technical Facility
1105 Fort Lashley AvenueTalladega, AL 35160JWJanet Di Nola Parmerter [email protected]
Mary Kay ConsultantConstance [email protected]://www.marykay.com/chughes9905
The Described and Captioned Media ProgramC/O Cindy Camp1447 E. Main StreetSpartanburg, SC 29307864-585-1778Email: [email protected]
Scentsy DistributorAnna North Email: [email protected]: (256) 604-0469
NFBA Affiliate“With Love, Hope and Determination” T-shirts“Let’s Go Build The Federation” T-shirts$15.00 (Variety of Colors)
NFBA Senior DivisionFifty-Fifty DrawingCarol Braithwaite, President
Your Presence Greatly Enhanced Our Convention,
And We Are Honored To Have You As A Friend.
“WITH LOVE, HOPE AND DETERMINATION,
WE ARE TRANSFORMING DREAMS INTO REALITIES”.
For More Information Contact:
The National Federation of the Blind
Alabama Affiliate
896 Parliament Court
Mobile, Alabama 36695
251.656.5165
