Saturday, March 29, 2025
Nominating Committee
7:30 - 8:00 a.m.
Dundee
This is the only closed meeting within the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska and consists of a delegate from each chapter and division.
Christine Boone, Chair, Nominating Committee
Registration and Packet Pick-Up
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Millard Boardroom
Cheryl Livingston, Coordinator, Registration Arrangements
Exhibits
8:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Grand Foyer and Salon E
Refer to the exhibitor packet for a list of exhibitors and descriptions.
Note: Prove you have visited all the exhibitors by getting your exhibitor card punched at each table and win some cash! The cards will be collected, and a drawing will take place Sunday morning. Must be present to win.
Senior Division Annual Business Meeting
8:00 - 9:45 a.m.
Salon D
Join us for the Senior Division’s Annual Business Meeting, where we’ll discuss important updates, upcoming initiatives and opportunities for involvement. This is your chance to connect with fellow seniors in the blind and low vision community, share your experiences and contribute to shaping the future of the division. Be part of the conversation as we work together to strengthen our community and continue advocating for the needs of blind seniors.
Robert Newman, President, National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska Senior Division
Nebraska Association of Blind Students Annual Business Meeting
8:00 - 9:45 a.m.
Blackstone
Whether you're a high school student preparing for college, an adult learner exploring a new path, a seasoned college attendee, or an educator working with blind and low vision students, this meeting is for you! Learn about the division and discover how you can get involved!
Lucas Griess, President, Nebraska Association of Blind Students
Shaping Healthier Tomorrows: Diabetes Management
10:00 – 11:45 a.m.
Salon D
Join us for an informative seminar on managing diabetes with the latest technology and expert tips. Learn about innovative tools to help with blood sugar monitoring, insulin management and overall health. Discover the dos and don'ts of living with diabetes and find out how you can get involved in the community to share experiences and gain support. Whether you're newly diagnosed or experienced, this session will provide valuable insights.
Gary Wunder, Facilitator
Shaping Tomorrow with Puppy Paws: The Guide Dog Experience
10:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Blackstone
Curious about guide dogs? Ever wondered what it’s like to have one? This session covers the benefits of guide dog mobility, school programs, application processes, and real-life experiences. Hear from guide dog users, learn about different training programs and get updates from the National Association of Guide Dog Users.
Paul Sandavol, Vice President, National Association of Guide Dog Users and Maura Loberg, Owner, Jojo the Guide Dog
Parents Group Round Table
10:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Dundee
Join us for an open and supportive discussion designed for parents of blind children and blind parents alike. This round table is a chance to ask questions, share experiences, give and receive advice, and connect with others who understand the journey. Children are welcome—be part of this empowering conversation!
Lesa Griess, Facilitator
Luncheon and Keynote Address: Shaping Tomorrow Through Structured Discovery
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Regency Ballroom
Dr. Merry-Noel Chamberlain, Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments, Orientation & Mobility Instructor, Education Service Unit #3
General Session II
Salons A, B, C and D
Call to Order
1:30 p.m.
Christine Boone, First Vice President, National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
Invocation
1:35 p.m.
Nancy Oltman, Member, National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska, Hastings, NE
Presidential Report
1:40 p.m.
Jamie K. Richey, President, National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
Report from the National Association of Blind Students
2:00 p.m.
Joshua Olukanni, Second Vice President, National Association of Blind Students, Minneapolis, MN
Future Leaders on the Hill: The Power of Student Advocacy
2:20 p.m.
Lucas Griess, President, Nebraska Association of Blind Students, Atkinson, NE; Benjamin Grelk, Vice President, Nebraska Association of Blind Students, Lincoln, NE; and Hay Paw, Member, Nebraska Association of Blind Students, Madison, NE
Fit Break
2:40 p.m.
Forward Together: Advancing Services for the Blind
2:45 p.m.
Carlos Servan, Executive Director, Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Lincoln, NE
The Impact of SSPs in the DeafBlind Community
3:05 p.m.
Brett Wilhelm, DeafBlind Services Program Manager, Vancro Integrated Interpreting Services, O'Fallon, MO
Maximizing Impact: Understanding the PAC Program
3:25 p.m.
Barbara Loos, Chair, Pre-Authorized Contribution Program Committee, Lincoln, NE
Bells Will Be Ringing: Shaping the Future One Dot at a Time
3:45 p.m.
Lesa Griess, Coordinator, NFB Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning® Academy of Nebraska
From the UK to the USA: Moving Forward Together
3:55 p.m.
Sania Kellogg, Member, National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
Reports and Resolutions
4:15 p.m.
Adjourn
4:30 p.m.
Portrait Studio
6:00 p.m.
Regency Ballroom Foyer
Dress your best and say cheese! We will be taking current photos for archival purposes. Don’t miss the chance to have your picture taken before the banquet!
Sandy Wright, Photographer
Cocktail Reception
6:00 p.m.
Regency Ballroom
Kick off the evening with great company and a refreshing cocktail! Get a sneak peek at the exciting auction items, purchase a duck for the Lucky Ducky game, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with friends before the banquet begins.
Annual NFB of Nebraska Banquet
7:00 p.m.
Barbara Loos, Master of Ceremonies, Lincoln, NE
Invocation: Linda Mentink, Secretary, National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska, Columbus, NE
Keynote Address: Gary Wunder, National Representative, National Federation of the Blind, Columbia, MONFB of Nebraska Scholarship Presentation: Bob Burns, Chair, Scholarship Committee, Omaha, NE
Get on the PAC Program: Barbara Loos, Chair, Pre-Authorized Contribution Program Committee, Lincoln, NE
Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) Program Form
This program allows you to contribute to the National Federation of the Blind through recurring monthly donations. These donations can be made via direct withdrawals from your checking account or charges to your credit card. To start a new monthly donation or update your existing PAC plan, please follow the link below.
For questions, please contact: PAC@nfb.org
Thank you for your generosity and support.
The Pitch Pipes and Annual Auction
9:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Regency Ballroom
Grab your friends and get ready for a night of music and excitement! The Pitch Pipes will entertain with lively cover tunes. Between songs, you’ll have the chance to bid on fantastic items in our annual auction. A cash bar will be available.
Jeremy Fifield and Maura Loberg, Facilitators