Annual State Convention
National Federation of the Blind of Rhode Island
Join us for our 55th year of connecting with our community, learning new skills, and empowering one another to live the lives we want.
When: Friday October 3rd and Saturday, October 4th, 2025
Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 801 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick, RI
We welcome this year’s national representative, Tom Page of Kansas to our convention! Tom is the president of the NFB of Kansas and also serves as a member of the National Federation of the Blind board of directors.
Friday - Seminars and Exhibits
Resource Fair
11:00AM -5:00 PM - This is your opportunity to chat with representatives from organizations serving and of interest to the blind and low vision community. Learn what these community resources have to offer, whether that’s the latest in accessible technology, exciting recreational activities, or training to help you achieve your goals. We know that blindness doesn’t have to hold you back, and so do our exhibitors. Visit tables to enter for a chance to win a prize! Exhibitors include New England Low Vision and Blindness, Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation, Neighborhood Health Plan of RI, RI Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, ATAP, ATEL, the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities, OSCIL, RI Secretary of State, HipMe LLC, RI Talking Books Plus and more.
Wearables 101
12:00 - 1:30
Join New England Low Vision and Blindness for an in-depth look at wearables, from the Rayban Meta smart glasses to hands-free video magnification. What do these devices do, and what’s the key to success when using them? Which one is right for you? Come by to find out!
Creating Community
2:30 - 4:00
Are you a knitter, crocheter, artist or creative? Do you aspire to be? Or maybe you’re new to vision loss and want to know how to get creative nonvisually? We’re here to help. Come by with your current project, or have fun with one of our artsy activities. Share your tips, ask your questions, and enjoy!
Saturday - General Session
Coffee and a light breakfast will begin at 8:00AM and from there our convention kicks off with an engaging speaking program that aims to educate, empower and inspire. This year we are excited to offer a presentation by the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities on the history of the ADA, as well as one on Innosearch, an exciting new AI-powered shopping tool catering to the blind community. We’ll hear updates from local agencies including Insight, RI Talking Books Plus, and RIPTA, as well as many other exciting topics. A boxed lunch will be provided with time to relax and mingle. We are excited to facilitate a panel on employment featuring blind folks working in a range of different fields who will share their experiences. Finally, all are welcome to join us for our annual board meeting, including updates from our treasurer and chapter presidents, as well as elections.
Saturday Evening - Banquet and Talent Show!
To close out our convention, we come together for an evening banquet that will celebrate 55 years of advocating for the rights of blind Rhode Islanders. Our keynote address will be delivered by our national representative Tom Page of Kansas. This year we will also host several special performances to showcase the talents of our community! This is one you don’t want to miss!
Our convention is a time for blind people and those with low vision to come together to learn, connect, and uplift each other. We know that blindness in not the characteristic that defines you or your future. We welcome you to join us!
Registration
The registration fee for our full convention package is $60.00. This includes an informative speaking program, light breakfast, box lunch and banquet dinner.
Day only Convention package is $40.00. This includes a speaking program, light breakfast and box lunch.
Virtual attendance is $10.00. Zoom link will be emailed prior to convention.
The Friday event is free! But please fill out the registration form!
NOTE: If the cost to attend the convention will pose a financial hardship please call us to inquire about financial assistance.
Deadline for registration is September 19, 2025. Registration for the Virtual option is October 2, 2025
All registrants are eligible to win our door prizes, which will be drawn throughout the day. Must be present to win!
If you have questions please contact the office at (401)433-2606 or info@nfbri.org.
To request an accommodation please email accommodations@nfbri.org or call (401)433-2606.
To register please visit our registration page.
Payment may be done via the following methods:
•Zelle: info@nfbri.org
• Credit card or PayPal:
• Checks payable to NFB of RI;
mail to: National Federation of the Blind of RI
PO. Box 14404, East Providence, RI 02914
Please complete the registration form to indicate your meal choices.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our sponsors for their financial support.
White Cane Sponsors:
Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation
www.rilionssightfoundation.org
Cox Communications
Braille Sponsor
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island,
910 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917
Accessibility Sponsor
East Providence Lions Club