Friday, May 1, 2026

Registration and Packet Pick-Up

7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Pre-Function Foyer
Cheryl Livingston, Coordinator, Registration Arrangements

Greater At-Large Chapter Meeting

7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Stateroom D

This is the annual face-to-face meeting of the chapter. Chapter members are encouraged to attend, and guests are welcome!

Kimberly Scherbarth, President, National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska Greater At-Large Chapter

General Session I

Ballroom I

Call to Order

9:00 a.m.
Jamie K. Richey, President, National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE

Invocation

9:05 a.m.
Nancy Coffman, Board Member, National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE

Convention Logistics

9:10 a.m.
Kimberly Scherbarth, President, Greater At-Large Chapter, Kearney, NE

Welcome to the Heart of Nebraska

9:20 a.m.
Jonathan Nikkila, Mayor, City of Kearney, Kearney, NE

National Report

9:40 a.m.
Anil Lewis, National Representative, National Federation of the Blind, Atlanta, GA

Fit Break

10:25 a.m.

The Right to Read: Tailoring TBBS to Your Lifestyle

10:35 a.m.
Gabe Kramer, Executive Director, Nebraska Library Commission Talking Book and Braille Service, Lincoln, NE

A Responsibility to Connect: Christian Record's Global Mission

10:50 a.m.
Dextor Thomas, President, Christian Record Services, Lincoln, NE

The Resilience of the Human Voice: News in a Digital World

11:05 a.m.
Bekah Jerde, Executive Director, Radio Talking Book Service, Omaha, NE

Final Announcements

11:20 a.m.

Adjourn

11:30 a.m.

Luncheon and Keynote Address: Investing in Independence: Nebraska Enable Savings Plan

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Loper Hall North
Shauna Paolini, Director, Nebraska Enable Savings Plan, Nebraska State Treasurer's Office, Lincoln, NE

Exhibits

1:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Ballroom II

Refer to the exhibitor packet for a list of exhibitors and descriptions.

Note: Visit each exhibitor and have your card marked at each table for a chance to win cash prizes! Once completed, drop your card off at the Information Table. A drawing will take place on Sunday morning. You must be present to win.

Registration and Packet Pick-Up

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Pre-Function Foyer
Cheryl Livingston, Coordinator, Registration Arrangements

Note: The following three sessions run concurrently from 1:15 to 3:00 p.m. Choose one to attend.

Tapping Into It: Making the Most of Smart Devices

1:15 - 3:00 p.m.
Stateroom D

Discover how everyday technology can support greater independence at home and on the go. This session will highlight useful apps and affordable tools, along with practical ways to get more out of the devices you already use. Participants will also learn about the WayAround® app and how to use WayTags included on convention name badges to access agenda information and more.

Peg Halverson, Facilitator

Harnessing Our Future: Building a Guide Dog Division

1:15 - 3:00 p.m.
Stateroom E

Whether you currently travel with a guide dog, are considering one for the future, or simply want to support your fellow Federationists, this session is for you. Join us as we take the exciting step of forming our own division. We will discuss the rights of handlers, the responsibility of high-quality training, and the resilience required to navigate the world as a team. Come share your voice and help us build a community that is truly stronger together.

Maura Loberg, Facilitator

How to Get Benefits from Social Security, Go to Work, and Live to Tell About It

1:15 - 3:00 p.m.
Stateroom F

Here is your opportunity to get answers to your questions about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Sponsored by the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, this session will cover what each program is, who is eligible, financial limits, benefit amounts, and the medical benefits associated with SSDI and SSI. Learn how to apply, how work affects benefits, and how to use safety nets known as work incentives to help protect your benefits while working. Special attention will be given to rules and advantages specific to blind individuals. A limited number of individual consultations are available by emailing convention@ne.nfb.org. Consultations will be held from 3:15 to 6:00 p.m.

Michael Dalto, Owner, High Note Consulting, LLC

Note: The following three sessions run concurrently from 3:15 to 5:00 p.m. Choose one to attend.

Be Tactile

3:15 - 5:00 p.m.
Stateroom D

Join our exclusive Be Tactile Breakout Session to explore the full Be Tactile Program and experience the Tactile Treasures Quarterly Kit firsthand. Create one of our elegant, textured cards during the session, using luxury materials and guided techniques. Plus, enjoy the exclusive opportunity to pre-order and take home the complete kit, which is available in limited quantities. Don't miss this chance to craft, discover, and elevate your gifting with effortless sophistication!

Jeni Charlston, CEO, Kreative Keepsake

Stronger Together: Building Resilient Families

3:15 - 5:00 p.m.
Stateroom E

Designed for blind parents and parents of blind children, this seminar blends hands-on problem solving with encouragement and resource sharing. Discover creative approaches to everyday parenting, normalize common challenges, and leave with actionable ideas, renewed confidence, and meaningful support.

Lesa Griess, Facilitator, National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska Parents Group

Individual Benefits Consultations

3:15 - 6:00 p.m.
Stateroom F

Meet one-on-one with Michael Dalto to discuss Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Get personalized guidance on benefits, work, and available supports. A limited number of consultations are available. To schedule, email convention@ne.nfb.org in advance.

Michael Dalto, Owner, High Note Consulting, LLC

Dinner and Keynote: Our History, Our Strength: The Story of Blind Nebraskans

6:00 p.m.
Loper Hall North
Peggy Chong, The Blind History Lady, Aurora, CO

National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska Board of Directors Meeting

7:00 p.m.
Loper Hall North

Join the quarterly board meeting of the affiliate to learn about the latest updates, discuss key topics, and hear from board members on important initiatives. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Resolutions Committee

7:30 p.m.
Loper Hall North

All attendees are encouraged to attend, as this is where you will learn about the resolutions for this year. Resolutions which are passed by the committee will then be voted on by the membership during general sessions of the convention. Resolutions are the birthplace of what becomes the policy and action of our affiliate.

Amy Buresh, Chair, Resolutions Committee

Trivia

8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Loper Hall North

Gather your team or join one on the spot for a fun and fast-paced trivia challenge! From NFB history to general knowledge and surprise questions, this exciting event will keep you on your toes. Come ready to compete, learn, and share some laughs — who will take home the trivia chocolate?

$5 per person per round; a cash bar will be available.

Jeff and Deb Altman, Facilitators