The National Federation of the Blind of Oregon celebrates 52 years of education and advocacy for blind Oregonians. Join us for the 2023 State Convention October 6, 7, and 8. The convention hotel is Hilton Garden inn, 3528 Gateway Street, Springfield, Oregon. Room rates are singles, doubles, triples and quads $127 per night plus fees and local taxes.

Our national representative for state convention this year is Denise Avant, NFB Membership Committee Chair.

For an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all we will offer:

• A Rookie Roundup via Zoom for anyone attending our annual convention for the first time. This event will be about a week before our convention, date, time, and Zoom information will be provided.
• We will be offering attendees who need special assistance to be paired with a mentor. The mentor will serve to help answer any questions, offer orientation, and be a contact throughout convention.

The DEI icebreaker activity is designed to be a fun and interesting way to get to know others attending convention. Sometimes it feels easy to just mingle with those you already know. Here's a chance to get to meet new people and learn interesting facts about each other. Let's help everyone feel welcome and included at NFB Oregon convention 2023!

Meal Package $60
Includes registration, "grab and go" breakfast Saturday and Sunday, lunch and banquet on Saturday. Meal choices are on the registration form.
Note: No meal option is provided for Friday. There is a number of restaurant near the hotel to choose from, and a two hour dinner break in the agenda.

The Lego project breakout session
Those attending the Lego project breakout session Saturday afternoon are asked to purchase a Lego set at convention for $10. The project will be built during the breakout and the set will be theirs to keep.

Donations for door prizes and auction items are always gladly accepted.

Deadline to register for the hotel and state convention was Thursday, September 14, 2023.


Agenda - Friday, October 6
Agenda - Saturday, October 7
Agenda - Sunday, October 8


Questions? Please contact Carla McQuillan, email nfb-oregon.org or by phone 541.653.9153.

Agenda - Friday October 6

1pm: Registration Opens

1:30pm to 3pm: Oregon Association of Blind Students Seminar hosted by Jennifer Doran

3:30pm to 5pm: Parents' Division Seminar hosted by Andrea Barnhurst

5pm to 7pm: Dinner of your choice in walking distance of the hotel

7pm to 8pm: Introduction Icebreaker hosted by Natalie Charbonneau

8pm to 10pm: Auction


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Agenda - Saturday October 7

9:00 am - 12:00 pm
General session

9am to 9:10am: Welcome by NFB President of Oregon Carla McQuillan

9:10am to 9:40am: National Representative's Report by Denise Avant

9:40am to 9:55am: Oregon Talking Book and Braille Library, by Elke Bruton

9:55am to 10:10am: NFB BELL® Academy Report by Justin Harford

10:10am to 10:30am:  Learn about coloring books for the blind presented by John Gardner

10:30am to 10:45am: Oregon Commission for the Blind Report, by Dacia Johnson

10:45am to 11:10am: Accessible Materials in Higher Education: Ashley Neybert, Jennifer Doran, and Natalie Charbonneau; Oregon State University Students

12pm to 1:20pm: Lunch
Keynote Speaker: Ashley Neybert

Breakout Sessions

Session 1: 1:30pm to 2:30pm
A) Learn about advancements in Lego accessibility and inclusion for blind builders and get a chance to built a set independently.
B) Making Sense from the Senior's Perspective presented by Joy Relton
C) Come learn the latest IPhone commands presented by Nick Peterson

Session 2:  2:45pm to 3:45pm
A) Learn virtual learning opportunities for the Blind presented by Kirk Wagner
B) How to increase your chapter's membership presented by Denise Avant
C) Learn about advancements in Lego accessibility and inclusion for blind builders and get a chance to built a set independently.

Session 3: 4pm to 5pm
A) What questions Should YOU ask at your child's next IEP meeting presented by Carla McQuillan
B) Learn all about the ABLE account presented by Kris Colcock
C) Come learn the latest IPhone commands presented by Nick Peterson

6pm: No Host Bar
7pm: Banquet
Banquet address: Denise Avant, National Representative and Membership Co-Chair, NFB of Illinois



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Agenda - Sunday October 8

9am to 11am
Business Meeting
Chapter Reports
Elections
Adjourn

Braille agendas at state convention courtesy of View Plus,
Large print agenda at state convention courtesy of Kirk Wagner




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