2025 Annual Convention Agenda
2025 Annual Convention
#NFBMN
November 14-16, 2025
Best Western Rochester Hotel, Mayo Clinic Area
1517 16th Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Corbb O’Connor, President
National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota
2801 Hennepin Avenue, South #126, Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 872-9363, president@nfbmn.org
www.nfbmn.org
National Representative:
Norma Crosby
Treasurer, National Federation of the Blind
and President, NFB of Texas
Alvin, Texas
Registration
Registration is required to attend and take part in convention activities. Please consult the times in the agenda for when the registration desk will be open. On-site registration is available for $30. A limited number of meals are available at the following rates:
- Friday lunch: $20
- Friday dinner: $30
- Senior breakfast: $27
- Saturday lunch: $30
- Saturday banquet: $55
- Sunday breakfast: $25
Please also ensure we have your most current contact information, including your email address. If you do not currently receive The Braille Monitor—our national monthly magazine—please let us know, and we will sign you up.
Assistive Listening Devices
We will offer assistive listening devices to make it easier for people with hearing loss to hear presentations. A transmitter is directly connected to the sound system, and small receivers can receive the signal throughout the meeting room. You can connect your own headphones to the receiver, or we can supply headphones. In addition, we have a couple of neck loops available that will allow the receiver to be heard directly by hearing aids with T-Coils.
If you have a need for such a device, after you arrive at the hotel, you can contact Rocky Hart at (218) 839-4544 to make arrangements to check out a receiver. We ask that you give a $10 cash deposit that will be returned to you when the receiver is turned back in.
A Note about Support Service Providers
Deafblind individuals may be engaging SSPs and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. SSPs help with environmental information, communication, and orientation, supporting their clients in a self-directed manner. ASL interpreters aid with signing or communication facilitation. SSPs and interpreters are here to support their clients and are not convention participants. Please refrain from asking them to introduce themselves or join convention activities, so they can focus on their assigned tasks.
Gender-Neutral Restroom
A gender-neutral restroom is found near the pool. Please consult the front desk for specific directions.
Auction
Please stop by our table in the Royal Ballroom during General Sessions or the hospitality reception on Friday to drop off your items.
Door Prizes
Live Streaming
For those unable to join us in person this weekend, the convention will be live streamed using the Zoom platform. You will not be able to participate or vote via Zoom.
Join Zoom meeting – https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/97449266106
Meeting ID: 974 4926 6106
Passcode: 19202025
You may also join by phone by calling (312) 626-6799 and enter the meeting ID and passcode above.
Vehicle Donations
The National Federation of the Blind uses car donations to improve the education of blind children, distribute free white canes, help veterans, and so much more. We have partnered with Vehicles for Charity to process donated vehicles. Please call (855) 659-9314, and a representative can make arrangements. You can also donate online by visiting www.nfb.org/vehicledonations.
Thursday, November 13, 2025: Reuniting our Community
7:00 PM-9:00 PM—Unwind and Connect: An Accessible, Low-Sensory Social (Hotel Breakfast Area)
Looking for a quieter way to kick off convention weekend? Start your weekend your way with a relaxed, sensory-aware social gathering that offers space to unwind and connect in comfort. Whether you prefer calmer settings, want to meet new people, or simply need a break from the noise, you’ll find an easy-going atmosphere and friendly faces here. Rocky Hart, Coordinator.
7:00 PM-10:00 PM—Splash, Soak, and Socialize: A Night at the Pool (Pool Area)
Kickoff convention in a fun, family-friendly setting with a water slide, splash pad, kiddie pool, basketball hoop, and hot tub. Come and go as you please, meet up with friends, welcome some new faces, and start your weekend in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Friday, November 1: Welcoming our Community
8:00 AM-4:00 PM—Pre-Registration Packet Pickup & On-site Registration (Grand Foyer & Empire Entrance)
Pastries, gluten-free pastries, and coffee will be available. Those who pre-registered should pick up meal tickets and agendas. Registration is required to attend convention sessions. A limited number of extra meals may be available for purchase.
8:30 AM-6:00 PM—Exhibits (Grand Hallway)
- EZ2See®
- Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library
- Selvas BLV
- State Services for the Blind
9:30 AM-11:25 AM—General Session (Royal Ballroom)
Coffee will be available.
- 9:30 AM, Call to Order
- 9:35 AM, Welcome to Rochester—Jan Bailey, Rochester Chapter President
- 9:50 AM, Working Together for Access and Opportunity in Minnesota's 1st Congressional District—Congressman Brad Finstad
- 9:55 AM, Report from our National Office—Norma Crosby, NFB Treasurer and President, NFB of Texas
- 10:25 AM, The Stillwater Market Story: Confidence, Community, and a Wagon Full of Freshness—Dave Andrews, At-Large Chapter President and NFBMN Secretary
- 10:35 AM, Convention Logistics
- 10:40 AM, Creating Opportunity Together: Fundraising through our Online Auction—Charlotte Czarnecki, Chairperson
- 10:50 AM, Words Matter: Strengthening Confidence from the Inside Out—Kotumu Kamara, NFBMN Board Member
- 11:00 AM, Charting a Course for Accessible Learning and Mobility in Rochester—Mayor Kim Norton
- 11:15 AM, Announcements
- 11:25 AM, Adjourn
11:45 AM-1:00 PM—Get Ready: Turning Job Postings into Real Possibilities (Grand C)
Start your employment journey with clear, practical guidance on how to search smarter and prepare with confidence. We’ll explore where people are finding job postings today, how to read a post for what really matters, and how to align your experience to what employers are looking for. Facilitators will share examples and strategies to help you get ready for screenings and interviews with clarity and confidence. Hosted by the Minnesota Center for the Blind and Saavi Services for the Blind.
11:45 AM-1:00 PM—Let’s Talk About Organizing: The Moral Questions Behind Our Movement (Royal Ballroom)
The National Federation of the Blind has always believed that the blind themselves must lead the way—but why is that leadership a moral duty as much as a practical one? This conversation will explore the deeper reasons behind organizing together: our obligations to one another, the balance between independence and interdependence, and how unity strengthens, rather than silences, diversity. Come ready to think, question, and share your ideas on what it means to act collectively for truth and equality. Cody Beardslee, NFBAZ Tucson Chapter President.
11:45 AM-5:00 PM—Imagination in Motion: A Drop-In Art Room for Makers and Dreamers (Grand A)
Need a break from the hustle of convention? Come recharge your imagination with direct, tactile artmaking in the Drop-In Art Room: a relaxed, creative space open to everyone. No experience is needed; stay for a few minutes or lose track of time while exploring rainbow loom jewelry, tactile drawing, sculpting, flip-pics, and other imaginative projects. Whether you’re a lifelong maker or just curious to try something new, this is a welcoming place to express yourself, create freely, and connect with others through art. Minh Ha, Tulie Lomax, and Tai Tomasi, Facilitators.
11:45 AM-6:00 PM—The Convention Escape Room Challenge: Wake Up and Break Out (Hotel Breakfast Area)
After a fun night at convention, you fall asleep at breakfast. You wake with only 30 minutes to get to the presidential report. While you were passed out, mischief was about—now you must solve the clues in time to pay your dues. Think fast and work together to solve several Federation-themed puzzles.
To join the adventure, sign up with Debbie Hobson ahead of time, or stop by to get her phone number and reserve a later time slot. Space is limited, so be sure to claim your spot before the clock runs out! Debbie Hobson and Jen Sawczyn, Facilitators.
1:00 PM-2:00 PM—Lunch (Grand A)
2:15 PM-3:45 PM—Demystifying AI: How to Use It, Shape It, and Thrive with It (Grand B)
Whether you love it or hate it, artificial intelligence and tools like ChatGPT are part of everything we do online. As this trend continues, the ability to effectively interact with and leverage AI has become a critical job skill. In this session, we’ll explore practical strategies for engaging AI to solve real-world problems. We'll also discuss and differentiate between the AI models you are likely to meet in both personal and professional settings and demonstrate how to craft effective prompts to help you use AI to its full potential. Steve Sawczyn, NFBMN Vice President.
2:15 PM-3:45 PM—When Access Meets Identity: Building Belonging for All (Grand C)
A sense of home comes from knowing you belong. This conversation invites open, genuine talk about what makes a space feel warm…and what happens when it doesn’t. Together, we’ll explore how real access helps people feel seen, valued, and connected, not just accommodated. Through shared stories and reflection, we’ll look at how each of us can help build communities where everyone feels welcome, respected, and at home. Kotumu Kamara, NFBMN Board Member; Kia Sadler; and Showe Trela, Facilitators.
4:00 PM-4:45 PM—Resolutions Committee: Shaping the Policies of Our Movement (Royal Ballroom)
All attendees are invited to contribute to the work of the Resolutions Committee as we consider proposed policy statements that shape the direction of the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota. This is where members bring forward ideas, debate their language and purpose, and determine which resolutions will advance to the full convention for final consideration. It’s a terrific opportunity to understand how our movement’s priorities are set and how Federation philosophy is reflected in our public policy. Jennifer Dunnam, Chairperson.
4:30 PM-6:00 PM—Own the Moment: Look and Feel Great in Any Photo (including Selfies!) (Grand B)
Hosted by blind presenters who know what it takes to feel at ease and expressive, this session brings a fresh, fun take on what it means to be “photo ready.” We'll dive into the practical and empowering techniques that help blind people feel confident, expressive, and self-assured in photos. You’ll practice body language, posture, learn a few insider tricks, and discover how to project your personality with ease. Expect to learn, experiment, and enjoy the process. Photos are about more than pictures…they’re about showing up as your authentic, confident self and enjoying it! Tulie Lomax and Tai Tomasi, Facilitators.
5:00 PM-5:45 PM—Town Hall with State Services for the Blind: Your Voice Matters in Our Continued Evolution (Royal Ballroom)
In this open conversation, agency representatives will highlight progress and invite direct input from the community. Discussion will include public comments and next steps related to housing and work-authorization policy changes within Minnesota Rules Chapter 3325. Bring your ideas and questions to help ensure that future programs and policies reflect the real experiences and priorities of blind Minnesotans. Hosted by Director Natasha Jerde and Deputy Director Jon Benson.
5:45 PM-6:45 PM—Casual Dinner (Grand A)
Grab a drink at the bar on your way in!
7:00 PM-8:00 PM—In-Person Meeting of the At-Large Chapter (Hotel Breakfast Area)
David Andrews, President.
7:00 PM-8:30 PM—Minnesota Association of Blind Students Annual Meeting (Grand C)
Ben Zheng, President.
7:00 PM-8:30 PM—Building a Brighter Financial Future: Budgeting, Credit, Saving, and Investing for Beginners and Beyond (Grand B)
Money confidence starts with understanding where you are and where you want to go. We'll share practical ways to track spending, build a realistic budget, use credit responsibly, and begin saving and investing with purpose. You’ll learn real examples of how steady, thoughtful choices can lead to long-term stability and greater independence.
The session will also touch on more advanced topics, such as managing debt, building credit, protecting your income with insurance, and getting started with investments like retirement plans, ABLE accounts, and brokerage tools. With straightforward discussion and personal insights, this workshop offers a friendly, judgment-free space to strengthen your financial skills and gain confidence in managing your money. Cody Beardslee, NFBAZ Tucson Chapter President, and Mike Colbrunn, NFBMN Board Member, Facilitators.
8:00 PM-11:00 PM—Roll the Dice and Relax: Friday Night Hospitality (Grand A)
When the day’s done, the fun continues at our lively reception with good company! Whether you’re a card shark, a Monopoly mogul, or just in it for laughter, we’ll have accessible games ready for everyone to enjoy, including favorites like Coup, Sorry, and Monopoly. We’ll also have a spread of sweet, salty, and gluten-free snacks to keep you fueled for the night at no cost to you. Hosted by the Rochester Chapter.
Dream Makers Circle
You can help build a future of opportunity for the blind by becoming a member of our Dream Makers Circle (DMC). It is easier than you think. You can visit your bank and convert an account to a P.O.D. (payable on death) bank account, which is payable after your passing to our organization. Your legacy gift to the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota can be made in the form of a will or living trust, an income-generating gift, or by naming us as the beneficiary of a retirement plan, IRA, pension, or a life insurance policy. You can choose a specific amount, a percentage, or list NFBMN as one of several beneficiaries. For more information, please call Patti Chang at (410) 659-9314 x2422 or email PChang@nfb.org.
Saturday, November 2: Strengthening our Voice
7:00 AM-8:30 AM—Breakfast with the Seniors Division (Grand A)
Registration will be open 15 minutes before the meeting to pick up breakfast tickets for those who arrived on Friday night.
Join us as we collaborate on topics for our upcoming winter meetings, ensuring they reflect the needs and interests of our older members experiencing vision loss. We’ll also hear from Ed Lecher, Director of the Senior Services Unit at State Services for the Blind, who will share about the services available for seniors. Judy Sanders, President.
8:30 AM-12:15 PM—Registration (Grand Foyer & Empire Entrance)
9:00 AM-11:45 AM—General Session (Royal Ballroom)
Coffee and a limited number of donuts will be available.
- 9:00 AM, Call to Order
- 9:05 AM, What the Department of Education’s Reduced Expertise Means for Blind Americans—Mike Colbrunn, NFBMN Board Member and Second Vice President, National Association of Blind Merchants, and Jennifer Dunnam, Chairperson, NFBMN Government Affairs Committee
- 9:15 AM, Equal Work, Equal Worth: Advancing Disability Wage Justice in Minnesota—Jillian Nelson, Policy Director, Autism Society of Minnesota
- 9:25 AM, What It's Really Like to be a Student in 2025: Words from our Joyce and Tom Scanlan Scholarship Finalists—Samantha Flax, Scholarship Committee Chairperson; Heather Kent; and Madeline Major
- 9:45 AM, How Braille Displays and Advocacy Shape My Work while On the Record—Kayde Rieken, Court Reporter, Hennepin County District Court
- 10:00 AM, Finding Your Pace: Building Community Through Adaptive Sports—Tai Tomasi, Accessibility Analyst, Renaissance Learning
- 10:15 AM, Moving Literacy Forward—Catherine A. Durivage, Library Program Director, Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library
- 10:30 AM, Minutes from our 2024 State Convention—David Andrews, NFBMN Secretary
- 10:45 AM, Students Encouraging Confidence and Connection—Ben Zheng, President, Minnesota Association of Blind Students; and Benjamin Grelk, Board Member, National Association of Blind Students
- 11:00 AM, Labels That Work for Us: Minnesota’s New Prescription Accessibility Law—Samantha Flax, Member, NFBMN Government Affairs Committee
- 11:15 AM, The Federation on External Committees and Boards
- 11:25 AM, Auction & Announcements
- 11:45 AM, Adjourn
12:00 PM-1:45 PM—Lunch with the Minnesota Center for the Blind (Grand A)
Join us over lunch for updates from MCB. We’ll cover brief reports from the staff and Board of Directors on current programs, partnerships, and plans for the year ahead. One of our Senior Program participants will share their experience with our latest initiative. Bring your questions and learn simple ways to get involved, make referrals, and support the work. Briley O'Connor, Executive Director.
2:00 PM-3:30 PM—General Session (Royal Ballroom)
- 2:00 PM, Call to Order
- 2:05 PM, Learning What Matters: Mastering Nonvisual Techniques for Tomorrow's Challenges—Cody Beardslee, NFBAZ Tucson Chapter President
- 2:20 PM, Update from the Minnesota Department of Education—Diane Dohnalik, M.S.Ed., COMS, Specialist for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Minnesota Department of Education
- 2:40 PM, Turning Feedback into Progress at State Services for the Blind—Natasha Jerde, SSB Director
- 3:00 PM, Presidential Report—Corbb O'Connor, NFBMN President
- 3:20 PM, Auction & Announcements
- 3:30 PM, Adjourn
3:45 PM-5:15 PM—Get Reps: Firsthand Strategies for Real-World Employment Success (Grand C)
You’ve done the prep—now it’s time for practice. In this guided, supportive workshop, you’ll apply what you’ve learned through real-time feedback, mock interviews, and collaborative problem-solving. We’ll tackle real employment barriers and share tools for building confidence and persistence in your job search. Hosted by the Minnesota Center for the Blind and Saavi Services for the Blind.
3:45 PM-5:15 PM—Reimagining Chapter Leadership and Membership (Royal Ballroom)
Strong chapters are built on shared leadership, active members, and a sense of purpose. Yet too often, the work falls to a few. In this 90-minute session, our national representatives will guide a discussion on how to cultivate vibrant chapters that do more than hold monthly meetings. We’ll exchange concrete ideas for community involvement, leadership development, and meaningful action—reminding ourselves that local energy drives national progress. Norma and Glenn Crosby, Facilitators.
3:45 PM-5:15 PM—Making Art with Code, Even If You’ve Never Written Any (Grand B)
Text can transform into pictures even without AI! This beginner-friendly session introduces a simple, text-based way to draw on a computer using something called SVG, Scalable Vector Graphics. We’ll show how basic commands can build shapes, apply color, and arrange designs. You can bring a charged laptop to practice as we go or sit back and learn how it works. No coding experience needed—just an open mind and a little curiosity. Minh Ha, CPACC, Facilitator.
6:00 PM-6:45 PM—Happy Hour and Appetizers (Grand Foyer & Empire Entrance)
Join us before the banquet for friendly conversation, cocktails, and passed appetizers.
7:00 PM-9:30 PM—Banquet (Grand A)
Steve Sawczyn, Emcee
- Meditation: John Saphir, ManKind Project USA
- Introduction of Harvest Table
- Auctions, Raffles, and Drawings
- Keynote Address: Norma Crosby, NFB Treasurer and President, NFB of Texas
- Presentation of Joyce and Tom Scanlan Scholarships
9:30 PM-11:00 PM—Post-Banquet Social (Grand A)
Preauthorized Contributions
Can you help the National Federation of the Blind on a regular basis? Please consider joining our preauthorized contribution (PAC) plan. Starting at $5 monthly, you can help us turn dreams into reality and raise expectations. Call (877) 632-2722, visit www.nfb.org/pac to fill out the online form, or email pac@nfb.org for additional information.
Sunday, November 3: Leading our Future
7:00 AM-8:00 AM—Respect in Practice: Navigating the World with and Around DeafBlind People (Grand B)
This practical discussion shares what to do—and what not to do—when interacting with DeafBlind people. We’ll explore topics such as the spectrum of DeafBlindness, why the term DeafBlind is written as one word, and how to support—not overstep—when offering assistance. Afterward, participants will share personal stories and insights that highlight the diversity and richness of DeafBlind experiences. Rocky Hart, President, National Federation of the Blind DeafBlind Division.
8:00 AM-8:45 AM—Breakfast (Grand A)
9:00 AM-12:00 PM—General Session (Royal Ballroom)
- 9:00 AM, Call to Order and In Memorium
- 9:10 AM, No Picture on the Box: Building Leadership Brick by Brick—Briley O'Connor, Executive Director, Minnesota Center for the Blind
- 9:25 AM, Every Voice Matters: A Legislator’s Commitment to Families and Fairness—Minnesota Representative Kim Hicks
- 9:40 AM, Beyond the Checkout: Building Access and Influence at Work—Steve Decker, Senior Manager of Accessibility, Target Corporation
- 9:55 AM, Treasurer's Report—Jennifer Dunnam, NFBMN Treasurer
- 10:15 AM, Outdoor Adventures for Blind Explorers on Slopes and Summits—Minh Ha, CPACC, Accessibility Consultant
- 10:30 AM, Elections
- 10:50 AM, Election of Delegate and Alternate Delegate to the 2026 National Convention
- 10:55 AM, Resolutions—Jennifer Dunnam, Resolutions Committee Chairperson
- 11:20 AM, Brag & Steal: Chapter Reports
- 11:40 AM, Announcements
- 11:50 AM, Concluding Remarks from our National Representative**
- 11:55 AM, Adjourn
Special Thanks
The activities of this organization can only succeed with the help and dedication of many Federationists, and the convention is no exception. The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota offers particular thanks to the Rochester Chapter for their hospitality, and to all of the many Federationists who have worked both out in front and behind the scenes to make this convention happen.
NFB of Minnesota Board of Directors:
- Corbb O’Connor, Saint Paul (President)
- Steve Sawczyn, Richfield (Vice President)
- Jennifer Dunnam, Saint Louis Park (Treasurer)
- David Andrews, Stillwater (Secretary)
- Jan Bailey, Rochester
- Michael Colbrunn, Mankato
- Dale Heltzer, Rochester
- Steve Jacobson, Edina
- Kotumu Kamara, Saint Anthony
NFB of Minnesota Chapters
- At-Large: David Andrews, President
- Metro: Steve Sawczyn, President
- Rochester: Jan Bailey, President
Divisions, Committees, and
Work Groups
- Convention Auction: Charlotte Czarnecki, Briley O’Connor, and Jen Sawczyn
- Convention Door Prizes: Amy Baron, Kallie Decker, Kyra Decker, John TeBockhorst, and Tom TeBockhorst
- Convention Logistics: Samantha Flax and Steve Jacobson
- Convention Photography: Lorraine Rovig
- Convention Sound, Recording, and Streaming: Steve Jacobson and Mike Sahyun
- Caring Circle: Steve Sawczyn, Chairperson
- Deafblind Group, Rocky Hart, Chairperson
- Government Affairs Committee: Jennifer Dunnam, Chairperson
- Minnesota Association of Blind Students: Ben Zheng, President
- Minnesota Bulletin Editorial Team: Jennifer Dunnam and Kayde Rieken
- Resolutions Committee: Jennifer Dunnam, Chairperson
- Scholarship Committee: Samantha Flax, Chairperson
- National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota Seniors’ Division: Judy Sanders, President