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2009 Convention
of the National Federation of the Blind
of New York State Inc.
ANNOUNCING! OUR 53RD ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION
If you are a blind person, related to a blind person, a professional in the field of work with the blind, or simply interested in the future of blind people in New York and the world read on. The National Federation of the Blind of New York State will hold its 53rd annual convention over the weekend of October 23-25 at the Best Western Hotel, 1228 Western Avenue, Albany, New York 12203.
The convention will begin on Friday with an all-day seminar for parents and their blind children. This seminar will include literacy, technology, social adjustment, issues surrounding blind children with other disabilities in addition to their blindness, and much more. Childcare will be available all weekend, so PLEASE BRING YOUR CHILDREN. This is an educational event not only for parents but for children as well. It will be a very beneficial weekend for all. For more information about the Parents of Blind Children Division, contact President Maria Garcia at pobcny@verizon.net.
All day Friday and part of Saturday, there will be exhibits of technology and products for blind people of all ages. We will also be conducting a “workshop” (no pun intended) for people who want to learn about simple home repairs. A meeting of the Board of Directors of the affiliate, to which all are invited, will follow. To cap off the day and to “chill” you out, we will be holding a pool party for everyone at the hotel’s indoor pool. Bring your bathing suit. The members of the Board have agreed to get in the pool as well.
Saturday will see us engaged in discussing all aspects of life for blind people in our society. Government officials, professionals in the field, vendors of technology and many others will present on topics reaching every member of the audience. To address the crisis in literacy of blind people, we will be highlighting the sale of the Louis Braille Commemorative Silver Dollar, profits to aid establishing and expanding programs for Braille education. We will also be discussing the future of the Randolph-Sheppard Program (BEP) in our state and nation.
This year, we are hoping to establish a new division for those interested in diabetes. It would enable diabetics, their families and friends to learn about the means by which others with all levels of vision impairment are handling the disease. We will bring to the convention guest speakers and accessible products for testing blood glucose levels, along with the latest technology available for those who use insulin. We are also arranging for the hotel to serve a luncheon at which all the foods would be measured and legal. Those having difficulty testing blood sugar levels will be able to learn some of the "tricks of the trade” or just review techniques of self testing with a registered nurse. We will of course also have a Q and A, and time for members to network and plan topics and speakers for the coming year.
We are delighted to welcome Parnell Diggs, President of our South Carolina affiliate, member of our National Board, and a practicing attorney as our National Representative. Parnell is a multi-faceted gentleman who will interact with us throughout the weekend and keynote our Saturday evening banquet. On Sunday we will hold our annual business meeting and it is there that we will chart our course for the coming year.
Room rates this year are $80, banquet tickets are $28 and a box lunch for $12 will be available on Friday and Saturday in order to save time in a full convention schedule. The registration fee is $15. Please see the attached form or visit our website to use your credit card at www.nfbny.org. All charges including the hotel room should be made through the NFB of New York. A 10% discount will be given to anyone who registers before October 9, 2009. Please call the office at 718-567-7821 for any questions regarding this year’s convention.
This year's convention will be held at the 
Best Western
1228 Western Avenue,
Albany, New York, 12203-3326
Phone: 518/489-2981
Click here for information about this hotel
The convention will be broadcast over the web. Click here for more information
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