2024 National Federation of the Blind of Washington State Convention
DATE AND LOCATION
When: February 29 through March 3, 2024
Where: The Heathman Lodge
7801 NE Greenwood Dr.
Vancouver, WA 98662
Join the National Federation of the Blind of Washington In Vancouver, WA at the Heathman Lodge for an enriching weekend at our 2024 state convention! From February 29 to March 3, immerse yourself in a diverse array of events—informative, educational, recreational, and inspirational. We will be Tapping into the Future,’ embracing innovation and progress. This all-ages gathering promises a blend of insightful discussions, engaging activities, and moments of pure enjoyment. Reserve your spot for a weekend that resonates with navigating new horizons and embracing a future full of possibilities.
We wish to express our gratitude to our generous sponsors. Please take a moment to explore their offerings by visiting their websites, conveniently located below convention details.
Check back often. More information will be posted here as it becomes available.
CONVENTION AGENDA
Leap Into The Future! Below are links to the agenda in English and Spanish. If they do not download the first attempt, please try again.
View Our Agenda
View Our Agenda In Spanish
CONVENTION REGISTRATION
Registration is now closed. In order to be eligible for door prizes, attendees must be registered.
HOTEL INFORMATION
Hotel booking is now closed.
National Rep Shawn Callaway
Shawn Callaway, originally from Washington, DC and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland, holds degrees in psychology and social work. He currently works as a program specialist for the Unit-ed States Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, DC. Married with a daughter, he joined the National Federation of the Blind in 2009. Since then, he has been actively involved in various leadership roles and community activities, including serving as Presi-dent of the Washington, DC affiliate and on the NFB Board of Direc-tors. Additionally, he co-chairs the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and serves as President of the National Association of Blind Black Leaders Division. In his leisure time, he co-hosts a community radio program, participates in the DC Blind Bowlers As-sociation, and serves as President of the DC Friends of the Talking Book and Braille Library. Shawn’s dedication to his work and com-munity, along with his involvement with the National Federation of the Blind, have enriched his life and empowered him to advocate for others. He continually demonstrates a lifelong commitment to men-toring, advocating, and building a stronger community for individuals who are blind and their families.
TEACHER TRAINING
The National Federation of the Blind of Washington is pleased to be partnering 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.
Training Presented By: NFBW Convention Platinum sponsor, The Center for Assistive Technology Training Northwest (CATT-NW)
Workshop Details:
APH offers two braille notetakers: the Chameleon and the Mantis. Which notetaker might be right for a student? This 3.5-hour workshop will provide an introduction to both notetakers, including information on how to get started and how to assess what device could be the best fit.
This session will be offering 3.5 Washington state clock hours, as well as 3.5 ACVREP hours.
Cost: Free
Notetaker Showdown Registration
For More Information
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
We sincerely look forward to connecting with all of you at the 2024 state convention for the National Federation of the Blind of Washington, where tapping into the future isn't just a theme, it's an immersive experience.
IMMENSE GRATITUDE TO OUR SPONSORS!
Platinum Sponsors:
The Center for Assistive Technology and Training (CATT-NW)
CATT-NW Website
The Northwest Center for Assistive Technology Training (CATT) Program is a collaboration between the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) and the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB).
CATT's Mission
To provide assistive technology devices and 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.
Who Provides the Technology and Training?
Assistive technology are provided through APH and training is provided through WSSB employed trainers serving a ten-state/territory region: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa.
Gold Sponsors:
Department of Services for the Blind (DSB)
Silver Sponsors:
Democracy Live
Democracy Live Website
In too many states, voters with disabilities don’t have equal access to voting independently and privately from home. Fortunately, there are new accessible 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 solution. 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 5,000 elections, serving more than 2,500 jurisdictions, in 34 states and 96 countries around the world. OmniBallot has been tested and reviewed by members of most every leading disability organization in the nation.
For further information, please contact Democracy Live:
855-655-VOTE (8683) Toll Free
Email: info@democracylive.com
Penny Forward
Penny Forward Website
Phone Number: 1 (888) 332-5558
Do you want to become a better manager of money but you’re feeling a little lost?
Our self-paced online courses will provide you with tools and techniques you can use to navigate the complicated landscape of personal finance. In addition, you will also have access to exclusive member-only Zoom chats where you can ask questions and practice your growing money manage-ment skills with other members and our instructors. You can also schedule one to one sessions for more personalized help. If that isn’t enough, you’ll also get early access to all Penny Forward podcast episodes, A members only newsletter, and bonus content created exclusively for our members. Visit our website listed above.
Amerability LLC
Amerability LLC Website
Amerability is a contractor for Department of Services for the Blind in WA State. We offer two consulting programs to Pre-ETS students aged 14-21 across WA State. Program 1 is named “The Most Valuable Plan”. It’s a first step person centric model to help students create short, medium and long term goals with activities to those goals relating to career & study, health & wellbeing, advocacy & accessibility, family-friendships-relationships and interests & community involvement. You can sign up by visiting the website above and the program is free for DSB Clients.
Program 2 is named “The Startup Wizard”. This program follows up from “Most Valuable Plan”. This program focuses on resume creation, job searching, job research techniques, mock interviewing and body language through building self confidence.
Amerability also offers a blind low vision tennis program starting April 15th at Vancouver Indoor Tennis Center.
Bronze Sponsors:
Bricks for the Blind
Lighthouse for the Blind
Lighthouse for the Blind Website
Non-24/Vanda Pharmaceuticals, INC
Northwest Association of Blind Athletes (NWABA)
COST
$25 to register & be eligible for door prizes