2026 National Federation of the Blind of Washington State Convention
Convention Information
Come ignite the spark and empower the journey at the National Federation of the Blind of Washington 2026 state convention. We will dazzle you with sessions rich with education, entertainment, and empowerment.
This will be a weekend full of memories for all ages.
When: February 26 through March 1, 2026
Where: The DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton, Seattle Airport
18740 International Blvd.
Seattle, WA 98188
CONVENTION AGENDA
Coming soon... Please check back often.
CONVENTION COST
Registration is $30. You must be registered to be eligible for door prizes. Banquet tickets are $75. You will have your choice of either a meat or vegetarian option.
CONVENTION REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Use the link below to get to the form.
REGISTER HERE
HOTEL INFORMATION
Reserve your hotel room at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport. Room rates are $139 per night plus taxes and fees. The deadline for booking a hotel room is February 2, 2026.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are using screen reading software, once you enter the date fields, pressing space and then using your arrow keys should allow you to choose a date. You can book a hotel room either by calling toll-free reservation number at (800) 222 TREE, or (800) 222-8733 and reference the group name: National Federation of the Blind or by using the electronic booking link below.
BOOK YOUR HOTEL HERE
National Rep
Norma Crosby has served as the President of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas since2014 and was elected to the National Board of Directors in 2015, where she serves as the treasurer. A dedicated Federationist since 1983, Norma has worked tirelessly for movement advocating for the belief that blind people can live the lives they want. She is notably recognized for her leadership with Project BOLD, Blindness Outdoor Learning and Development, which is an initiative that empowers blind youth and their families through outdoor immersion and high expectations.
Norma’s commitment is rooted in her own journey of determination. She knows firsthand what it takes to pull oneself up by their bootstraps to build a successful and happy life. Even in the face of adversity, beyond her advocacy, Norma is a proud mother and grandmother. She and her husband Glen are retired business owners who live on 4 acres of land near Houston. Through her leadership and her life, Norma proves that she has a spirit that refuses to be defined by limitation. She continues to lead with heart and conviction. She remains a steadfast champion for the movement, ensure that the next generation has the tools and confidence to turn their dreams into reality and purpose.
TEACHER TRAINING OPPORTUNITY
The National Federation of the Blind of Washington is pleased to be partnering once again with our platinum convention sponsor, The Northwest Center for Assistive Technology Training (CATT-NW) to bring you this valuable workshop at our annual NFBW state convention. This event is free. Although you don't have to be registered for our convention to participate in the training, we hope that you decide to do so. We would love to get to know you better.
When:
- CATT NW will be hosting a training February 27, 2026, from 9:00am-4:00pm
What: Docx and Dots
This interactive, in-person workshop will focus on how to manage documents for braille readers using the braille displays from APH (Chameleon, Mantis, Monarch), participants will take a deep dive into best practices for teaching students how to manage and work with documents in the K-12 classroom.
Event eligible for ACVREP and Washington state Clock hours .
Deadline:
Registration closes for this workshop February 16, 2026.
SIGN UP FOR DOX AND DOTS HERE
Partnership Opportunity
Would your company or organization like to be part of the NFBW state convention? Well, you are in luck because we would love to have you. For more information, please fill out our PARTNERSHIP REGISTRATION FORM HERE
HUGE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Platinum Sponsors:
WAMO
At Waymo, we believe the status quo is not acceptable. Our mission is to save lives that are trag-ically lost to traffic crashes. We are driven to provide inclusive mobility that offers freedom of movement for all, working with our partners and communities to create an ecosystem that is safe, accessible, and inclusive.
Learn more about Waymo on their WEBSITE
Sign up for Waymo updates HERE
The Center for Assistive Technology and Training (CATTNW)
The Northwest Center for Assistive Technology Training (CATT-NW) is funded by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and based at the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB).
Our mission is to provide assistive technology training to teachers of blind/low vision children, utilizing a "train the trainer" model, while also providing support/training for other professionals working with blind or low vision children as well as parents/caregivers of a child who is blind or has low vision, including those with additional disabilities.
Assistive technology options are provided through APH and training is provided through WSSB-employed trainers serving an eleven-state/territory region: Alaska, American Samoa, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming.
Requests for training and loaner devices can be submitted on our WEBSITE
Be sure to bookmark our AT Resources website for easy access to training materials and resources HERE
Gold Sponsors:
Department of Services for the Blind (DSB)
Washington State Department of Services for the Blind provides skills, training, and support to people of all ages who are Blind, Deaf-Blind or Low Vision to help them achieve educational, employment, or independent living goals.
We work with individuals who are Blind, Deaf-Blind, or Low Vision so they can flourish in their homes, communities and workplaces.
VISIT DSB HERE
Email: info@dsb.wa.gov
Phone: 800-552-7103
Amerability
Amerability is a vendor for DSB in WA State working with students aged 14-21 in the Pre – ETS program. We host 4 workshops per year focusing on job readiness, living skills and advocacy. Our team also feature staff with lived experience, so we understand challenges.
Check out our podcast “Changing the Narrative”
Changing the Narrative | Podcasts
Workshop Dates and Links to register:
Express of interest | Amerability
• Redmond, WA Microsoft Experience March 27-April 1 (Spring Break)
• Spokane, WA June 19-21 (paid Internships with Amerability, US Blind Tennis & EQ Records over the summer)
• Vancouver, WA August 14-19 (Living Skills)
• Vancouver, WA September 11-13 (Employ ME Pathways))
Silver Sponsor:
Democracy Live:
In too many states, voters with disabilities do not have equal access to vot-ing independently and privately from home. Fortunately, there are new ac-cessible at-home voting technologies now available.
The Democracy Live OmniBallot accessible at-home voting system is a fully ADA Section 508, WCAG compliant remote ballot marking solu-tion. The system has been tested to meet the accessibility requirements of over 90 combinations of browsers, operating systems, screen readers and devices. OmniBallot has been deployed as an accessible absentee tool since 2008, in over 7,000 elections, serving more than 2,500 jurisdictions, in thirty-six states and 180 countries around the world. OmniBallot has been tested and reviewed by members of most every leading disability or-ganization in the nation.
For further information, please contact Democracy Live:
Phone: 855-655-VOTE (8683) Toll Free
Email: info@democracylive.com
VISIT DEMOCRACY LIVE HERE
Bronze Sponsors:
Achieving Access:
achievingaccess@gmail.com
Penny Forward
FOR MORE INFORMATION
We sincerely look forward to connecting with all of you at the 2026 state convention for the National Federation of the Blind of Washington, where you too can live the life you want. If you have any other questions regarding this year's convention, please contact our convention planning chair person, Corey Grandstaff directly at:
corey.grandstaff@gmail.com