2024 State Convention Agenda
National Federation of the Blind of Rhode Island
54th Annual State Convention
Join us as we celebrate 54 years of empowering blind people to realize their dreams and live the life they want!
September 20 and 21 2024
Crowne Plaza Hotel
801 Greenwich Avenue
Warwick, Rhode Island, 02886 (401)732-6000.
***For those using Paratransit please asked to be dropped and picked up at the main entrance.***
For pricing information and to register please visit https://nfbri.org/annual-state-convention
Deadline to register is September 11, 2024.
The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know 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. Our collective power, determination and diversity achieve the aspirations of blind people.
We welcome this year’s national representative, Denise Avant of Illinois to our convention! Denise is a former national board member and currently serves on the Jacobus tenBroek board as well as chair of the membership committee.
Friday, September 20th
Resource, Health and Wellness Fair – Bristol A
1:00 pm - 4:00pm – Come and discover valuable resources and the latest assistive technology products through interactive demonstrations. there is a little something for everyone! Learn what the Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation has to offer! Check out the latest blindness technology from New England Low Vision and Blindness. Find out about health insurance options from Neighborhood Health Plan of RI. Learn how services from OSCIL, Governor’s Commission on Disabilities, ATAP, and Rhode Island Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired can help enhance your independence. Visit representatives from the office of the Secretary of State to try out the ExpressVote, our accessible voting machine. And don’t forget to pick up some NFB literature to share in your community!
1:30 pm – Learn how to make your voice heard in the legislative process, facilitated by Elizabeth Hubbard and Angelina Stabile.
3:00 pm – Let’s talk about the Apps to increase independence at home, work and play, Gloria Steward.
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm – NFB of RI open house! Come socialize and make new connections.
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm Let’s have fun and test your knowledge with trivia!
Saturday, September 21
***Door prizes will be awarded throughout the convention and banquet. You must be present to win.***
The convention is being streamed on Zoom. Registered attendees are eligible to win door prizes as well. Please claim your prize by raising your hand or writing on the chat.
Morning Session – Bristol A and B
8:00 am – Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:00 am – Call to Order, Grace Pires, President.
NFB Pledge
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts 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.
9:10 am – A Message from Our National office , Denise Avant, National Representative.
9:40 am – An Update on Talking Books Program, Alicia Waters, Regional Librarian, Talking Books Plus.
10:10 am – Computers for the Blind A Resource, Heather Schey.
10:20 am – Update on Accessible Voting Options in Rhode Island, Office of the Secretary of State.
10:50 am – Access Granted: How AI is Enabling Independence for the blind, Gloria Steward and Jenaya Smith.
11:20 am – An Update on Insight Services, Christopher Butler, Executive Director.
11:50 am – PAC Report, Hillary Feeney, Pac Coordinator.
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Lunch
Afternoon Session –Bristol A and B
1:00 pm –Money Smart: Financial Literacy Training Program, Joanne DeAngelis, Director, Easter Seals Rhode Island.
1:30 pm – Governor’s Commission on Disabilities (GCD) Update Elizabeth Hubbard, Executive Secretary, Governor’s Commission on Disabilities.
2:00 pm – What is Happening at Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation, Ken Barthelemy, Bill Hawkins and Danielle Petsch.
2:20 pm – Reflections from First Time Convention Attendees, Danielle Petsch, Tracey McLaughlin and Ashley Kajileh.
2:40 pm – Presidential Report, Grace Pires, President, NFBRI
3:00 pm – Making Games Accessible: An Update on Products and Services, Richard and Emily Gibbs, Owners, 64 Ounce Games.
3:30 pm – Board Meeting,: Call to order.
•Treasurer’s report, Angelina Stabile, Treasurer, NFBRI.
•Chapter Reports, Rui Cabral President, Greater Providence Chapter, Robert Pires, President, Mount Hope Chapter
•Nominating Committee Report, Heather Schey, Committee Chair.
•Elections and Installation of Board Members.
4:30 pm – Closing Remarks and Adjournment, Grace Pires
Evening Banquet –Bristol A and B
5:30 PM – Welcome and Call to Order.
- Keynote Address – Denise Avant
- Raffle Drawings
- Scholarship Presentation – Regina Connor, Scholarship committee Chair.
8:00 PM – Closing Remarks and Adjournment, Grace Pires
National Federation of the Blind of Rhode Island
Grace Pires, President
PO. Box 14404, East Providence, RI 02914
(401)433-2606
President, Grace Pires
Vice President, Molly Faerber
Treasurer, Angelina Stabile
Secretary, Regina Connor
Board of Directors
Rui Cabral
Robert Pires
Heather Schey
Jenaya Smith
The Greater Providence Chapter meets most second Saturdays in East Providence from 10:30-12:30 PM. Contact (rui@nfbri.org for details.
The Mount Hope Chapter meets most Third Thursdays from 6:00-7:30 pm in Bristol. Contact president@mhc.nfbri.org for details.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our sponsors for their financial support.
Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation
www.rilionssightfoundation.org
New England Low vision and Blindness.
799 West Boylston Street Suite 140 Worcester, MA 01606
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island,
910 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917
Rui Cabral, NFB of RI board member and Greater Providence Chapter President.