The National Organization of Parents of Blind Children presents
DREAMS + SKILLS = SUCCESS
The 2026 NATIONAL SEMINAR for Parents and Teachers
7:30 – 8:45 AM –Salon F - SEMINAR REGISTRATION & PACKET PICK-UP & YOUTH TRACK REGISTRATION
On-site registration and packet pick up for those who pre-registered online.
7:30 – 8:45 AM – Room #303 – NOPBC EXHIBITOR FAIR
Come and explore various vendors who have items of particular interest to families of blind children to showcase. Learn about new technologies and experiences for the whole family.
9:00 – 10:45 AM – Room #306 - NOPBC YOUTH TRACK SESSION (ages 11 – 18)
Games and Prizes. See the Youth Track agenda for activity details.
9:00 – 10:30 AM – Salon F - NOPBC SEMINAR OPENING SESSION
- WELCOME – Cassandra McKinney, President, National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
- A GREETING FROM OUR NFB NATIONAL PRESIDENT – Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind
- NOPBC PRESIDENTIAL REPORT – Cassandra McKinney, President, NOPBC
- DREAM BIG, ACHIEVE BIGGER - Karen Anderson, Director of Educational Programs, National Federation of the Blind
- MY JOURNEY TO SUCCESS THROUGH FEDERATIONALISM - Student
- WHY ADVOCACY MATTERS - Casey West Robertson, 1st Vice President, NOPBC Teacher of Blind Students
- PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS – Melissa Riccobono, 2nd Vice-President, NOPBC
- ADJOURN
Following the general session there will be one set of 4 workshops, then a lunch break, and then two more sets of 4 workshops
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM – WORKSHOP GROUP A
How to start Braille Instruction/Braille Code Basics – Salon F
Speaker - Casey West Robertson, Teacher of Blind Students
Come learn how to implement Braille at home with your child. Write your name and create a tactile graphic.
“It’s not just blindness.” Strategies for complex learners – Room #304
Speaker - Cassie McKinney, President, NOPBC
An approach to educating and setting appropriate goals for your child with additional needs.
Transitioning from IEP to College – Room #305
Speaker - Melissa Riccobono, 2nd Vice President, NOPBC
Do you worry that your child will struggle with the transition to college? Come hear from those who have successfully made the transition; learn some of the strategies they used.
Meet the Advocates – Room #307
Speaker - Sanho Steele-Louchart
This will be an opportunity to meet the advocates who have been trained through the NFB IEP Advocates Training. Bring your IEP and your concerns, and talk with advocates from across the country.
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM – Youth Track Session (ages 11 – 18) – Room #306
Introduction to your NFB Convention and Youth Track Activities. See Youth Track agenda for details.
12:00 – 1:30 PM – Lunch on your own
Child Care will be closed during lunch, so plan to pick up your children, have lunch with your family, and then come back for the afternoon workshops.
12:00 – 1:30pm – NOPBC EXHIBITOR FAIR – Room #303
Come and explore various vendors who have items to showcase. Learn about new technologies and experiences for the whole family.
1:30 – 5:00 PM – NOPBC YOUTH TRACK SESSION (ages 11 – 18) – Room #306
Tactile Art and more. See the Youth Track agenda for activity details.
1:45 – 3:00 PM – WORKSHOP GROUP B
Library Resources – Salon F
Speakers - John Aloszka and Liz Bottner
Information about services offered by NLS (National Library Services) and a demonstration of some of the products that they offer.
Different O&M Techniques – Room #304
Speaker - Kristin Sims, NFB of LA
Discussion of the various training techniques and which ones work the best. Demonstration of different devices that aid in mobility and how they are used.
Self-Care, Safe Touching & Body Awareness – Room #305
Speaker - Mika Baugh, PhD
Blind and low vision children, and even adults, often encounter unsolicited and sometimes unwelcome “help” from well-meaning individuals who, without asking, may move, pull, push, steer, or position them. It’s important to equip your child with the skills to handle these situations. There will also be discussion about other self-care topics.
Blind Role Models and Blind Professionals – Room #307
Speakers - Ronza Othman, NFB of MD; Regina Mitchell, NFB of NV
Come hear from blind role models who are working in interesting careers. Hear about their journeys and the tools that they use to accomplish tasks.
3:15 – 4:30 PM – WORKSHOP GROUP C
“Little Movers, Big World” – Salon F
Speaker - Tarik Williams, NFB of AZ
Play is a critical way that children develop and learn about the world. Come hear information about the interaction of play and development, and get some practical tips on how to invite and encourage your child to be active in play.
Skills, Chores and Getting Outdoors – Room #304
Speaker – Cassandra McKinney, President, NOPBC
Can blind/low vision kids REALLY be expected to pitch in at home as much as a sighted kid? Yes! Come learn about age, or stage-appropriate, expectations and responsibilities and how parents can learn how blind people accomplish tasks and then teach their children.
Strategies to create a supportive and inclusive environment at home – Room #305
Speaker - Carol Castellano, Secretary, NOPBC; Author
Strategies to teach your child; thoughts about sighted siblings; ideas for giving yourself a break for not necessarily knowing everything and conquering your fears!
Put Technology to Work for Your Family – Room #307
Speakers - Jonathan Mosen & Charles Hiser, NFB Internat’l Braille & Tech Center (IBTC)Speakers - Jonathan Mosen & Charles Hiser, NFB Internat’l Braille & Tech Center (IBTC)
Learn about the many tech options available to students and adults, from navigating Voiceover on iPhones and iPads, to various refreshable braille displays.
4:00 – 5:00 PM – NOPBC YOUTH TRACK SESSION (ages 11 – 18) – Room 306
What Kind of Jobs Can Blind People Do? See the Youth Track agenda for activity details.
8:30 PM – STUDENT NETWORKING – Salon E
See NFB agenda for details