NOPBC Seminar

Each year, the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC) hosts its annual seminar during the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) national convention, bringing together Federation members, families, educators, and friends of all ages to learn from one another, share experiences, reconnect with old friends, and form new friendships. The seminar features sessions and workshops on a wide variety of topics related to parents of blind children, education, advocacy, and opportunities for blind youth.

We’re Gathering Together In Person – Please Join Us for the 2026 NOPBC Seminar!

The 2026 NOPBC Seminar will be held in person in Austin, Texas, July 3–8, 2026, at the JW Marriott Austin in conjunction with the NFB national convention.

Please note that registration for the NOPBC Seminar is separate from registration for the NFB national convention, Youth Track, and NFB Camp.

During convention week, parents, blind adults, educators, and families will have opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and participate in discussions that promote high expectations and expanded opportunities for blind children.

Quick Navigation

Registration Information

Registration is required to attend the NOPBC Seminar. A link to the 2026 NOPBC Seminar Registration Form will be posted soon.

Registration Fees

  • Individual Registration: $35
  • Family Registration: $55

What Registration Includes

Individual Registration Includes:

  • NOPBC membership through December 31
  • One annual subscription for one Freedom Scientific software product (JAWS, Fusion, or ZoomText)

Family Registration Includes:

  • Two NOPBC memberships
  • Two annual subscriptions for Freedom Scientific software (JAWS, Fusion, or ZoomText)

Each subscription provides access to one Freedom Scientific software product of the participant’s choice.

Teacher Encounter and Continuing Education Units

Educators participating in the Teacher Encounter program who wish to receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) must pay an additional $40 Teacher Encounter/CEU fee. This fee is separate from the NOPBC Seminar registration fee and supports participation in the Teacher Encounter program and CEU processing.

Important Registration Information

Registration for the NOPBC Seminar, the NFB national convention, the Youth Track, and NFB Camp are separate. Each registration must be completed individually in order to participate in these activities during convention week.

Participants who plan to attend multiple activities should ensure that all required registrations are completed in advance so they can fully participate in the sessions, events, and programs offered throughout the week.

While there is no fee to register for the Youth Track, participants must still complete the Youth Track registration form to take part in Youth Track activities.

Families selecting the Family Registration Package that includes a JAWS® license must provide two separate email addresses during registration so the software subscriptions can be properly issued and activated.

NOPBC 50/50 Fundraiser

During the NOPBC Seminar at the NFB national convention, participants will have an opportunity to support NOPBC through a 50/50 fundraiser.

Each chance is available for a $5 donation. One participant will receive half of the total amount collected, while the remaining funds support NOPBC programs and initiatives that benefit blind children and their families.

To participate, individuals must complete the NOPBC 50/50 Fundraiser Form.

The participant selected to receive half of the funds will be announced by a NOPBC representative during the NFB national convention banquet.

Youth Track

The Youth Track offers programming for blind and low vision students, children of blind adults, and sighted siblings ages 11 to 18 who are attending the NFB national convention.

Youth Track activities allow participants to connect with peers from across the country, participate in discussions and group activities, and learn more about independence, leadership, and opportunities within the blindness community.

Participation in Youth Track programming requires pre-registration using the 2026 NOPBC Youth Track Registration Form prior to convention activities. Completing the form helps organizers plan Youth Track sessions and ensures participants receive information about scheduled activities.

NFB Camp

NFB Camp is a childcare option offered during the NFB national convention for children ages six weeks to twelve years old, both blind and sighted. The program provides a safe and engaging environment where children can participate in age-appropriate activities, interact with peers, and enjoy supervised care while their parents or guardians attend convention sessions and events.

Enrollment in NFB Camp is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and advance registration is required. The deadline to register for NFB Camp is June 15, 2026. Click here to enroll your child for NFB Camp while space is still available!

Registration for NFB Camp is separate from registration for the NOPBC Seminar. Families who wish to enroll their children must complete the NFB Camp registration process in addition to registering for the seminar or other convention activities.

To learn more about the program, visit the NFB Camp information page.

Policies

Participants in NOPBC Seminar activities during the NFB national convention are expected to follow the policies established by the NFB to help maintain a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all attendees.

Parents, guardians, educators, volunteers, and youth participants should review these policies before participating in NOPBC or convention activities. These policies outline expectations for conduct, youth safety, and appropriate participation in programs involving children and youth.

Please review the following policies:

These policies apply to convention activities and youth programs and help promote respectful behavior, safety, and accountability throughout the event.

NOPBC Announcements GroupMe Group

Join the NOPBC Announcements GroupMe Group to receive updates about NOPBC activities during the NFB national convention and throughout the year. Members receive announcements, reminders, and updates about NOPBC programs, events, and activities. To learn how to join the group, visit the NOPBC Announcements GroupMe information page.

Questions?

If you have questions about the NOPBC Seminar, registration, or available payment options, please contact NOPBC President Cassandra McKinney at President@NOPBC.org. We are happy to assist with registration questions and provide additional information to help you prepare for convention week.