National Federation of the Blind of South Dakota convention coming to Brookings

BROOKINGS The state convention of the National Federation of the Blind of South Dakota will be April 18-19 at the Comfort Suites in Brookings.

The National Federation of the Blind of South Dakota was established in 1942. This organization recognizes that blindness is not the defining characteristic of an individual or their future.

Instead, it focuses on raising expectations for blind people, breaking down obstacles, and empowering them to pursue their dreams.

The NFB SD hosts events, provides scholarships for legally blind students, and collaborates with training centers for the blind.

The convention is open to the public and will be filled with lots of interesting information. The schedule of events are as follows:

Friday

2:30 to 4 p.m. Registration; the fee is $50.

4-5 p.m. Meeting of the Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired South Dakota; director Ronda Williams.

6 to 8 p.m. Pizza party and social, $10 per person.

Saturday

8:30 a.m. Call to order by Mike Klimisch, president of NFB of South Dakota.

9 to 9:30 a.m. Jesse Shirek, the national representative of the NFB, will give the national report.

9:30 to 9:45 a.m. Personal experiences shared on the use of continuous glucose monitoring system.

9:45 to 10 a.m. Children of blind parents and grandparents will share their experiences.

10:15 to 10.30 a.m. Izzy Collazo, local NFB president, will be presenting on his new Meta glasses.

10:30 to 11 a.m. Spouses of low-vision and blind partners giving helpful tips for day to day living.

11 to 11:30 a.m. Ski For Light presentation.

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch.

1 to 1:30 p.m, George Seamon, South Dakota state librarian, will discuss the State Library and accessible library services update.

1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Software Accessibility Engineer-AI and the blind, presented by Aaron Cannon

2:30 to 3:15 p.m. Director of Service to The Blind and Visually Impaired, South Daktoa Department of Human Services, rehab center manager, and quality assurance program.

3:15 to 3:45 p.m. Open mic and accessible video game information.

3:45 p.m. Adjourn.

4 to 5 p.m. NFB annual business meeting.

6 to 8:30 p.m. NFB SD annual convention banquet guest speaker: Shirek.

There will be door prizes awarded throughout the weekend. Also, a 50-50 drawing and silent auction.

For more information, contact Brookings Area NFB President Izzy Collazo at 305-763-2540 or email [email protected].