The Canadian Federation of the Blind (CFB) is pleased to be able to offer a few scholarships, from CFB’s Empowerment Fund, for blind individuals who can use some financial assistance to attend the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) national convention in Orlando, Florida, this year.

The NFB convention will take place this July 5 – 10 in Orlando, Florida.

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) convention is a week-long gathering of close to 3,000 blind people that brings blind people together from around the world to mentor each other, to build self confidence and to learn a positive perspective on blindness.

At this event, participants will take part in a wide array of seminars and classes related to employment, independence and blindness skills; they will hear speakers who talk about blindness from a positive and proactive perspective; participate in workshops on everything from blind parents, to blind lawyers, to blind educators, to blind journalists; and take part in events such as adaptive technology exhibits, employment seminars and recreational activities.

These events provide exceptional training, education, employment information, mentoring and inspiration to participants. But the chief benefit of attending this gathering of nearly three thousand blind people (the largest gathering of blind and visually-impaired people in the world) is the opportunity to network with others and to come to understand the diversity, potential and normalcy of the blind.

Convention is a time for mentorship, in living the positive attitudes of blindness which promote competing on terms of equality with the sighted, in all aspects of life. It is, for the moment, the best form of rehabilitation that we have available to us

This is a wonderful opportunity to experience firsthand the huge potential, capabilities and accomplishments of blind people, where high expectations and mentoring make much of the difference. Lots of seminars and interesting, inspiring people and speeches. Attendees really enjoy visiting the huge Exhibit Hall where technology in all its splendor is displayed and the NFB Independence Market shows and sells NFB canes and equipment of all kinds. The highlight of every convention is the banquet dinner and president’s banquet speech. This will be the first speech of NFB’s new president Mark Riccobono. For many in the past who have attended, the convention is a life-changing event.
Do consider applying for sponsorship to attend this convention. Sponsorship will cover airfare and possibly more, depending on available funds. Open to blind non-CFB and CFB members. Scholarship winners commit to attending the entire convention and the closing banquet.

To apply, please send an email to info@cfb.ca by April 15, 2015 with the following information:

Name
Address
Phone number
Email address
Write a paragraph about yourself. Tell us why you’d like to attend the convention and how you think it will benefit you and how you intend to use what you learn to enhance the work of the Canadian Federation of the Blind.

Paul Gabias, second vice-president of CFB, is responsible for compiling all applications and reporting to the CFB executive which will make the decision on the number and amount of scholarships to be awarded based on available budgeted funds. Please contact him to discuss your application, or to get answers to questions about the convention, at (250) 491-7256.

National Federation of the Blind
National Convention 2015

When:

Sunday, July 5—Friday, July 10, 2015

Where:

Rosen Centre Hotel
9840 International Drive
Orlando, Florida 32819

Reservations: Call the Rosen Centre staff at (800) 204-7234.

Preregistration:

Preregistration is now open. When purchased online by May 31st, the preregistration fee for convention is $25 ($30 on-site) and the cost of a banquet ticket is $55 ($60 on-site).

Preregister online now or use the mail-in PDF form.

Hotel Information and Room Rates:

The 2015 convention of the National Federation of the Blind will take place in Orlando, Florida, July 5-10, at the Rosen Centre Hotel at 9840 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819. The 2015 room rates are singles and doubles, $82; and triples and quads, $89. In addition to the room rates there will be a tax, which at present is 13.5 percent. Make your room reservation as soon as possible with Rosen Centre staff by calling (800) 204-7234. At the time you make a reservation, a $95 deposit is required for each room reserved. If you use a credit card, the deposit will be charged against your card immediately, just as would be the case with a $95 check. If a reservation is cancelled before Monday, June 1, 2015, half of the deposit will be returned. Otherwise refunds will not be made.

Guest-room amenities include cable television; in-room safe; coffeemaker; hairdryer; and high-speed Internet access. Guests can also enjoy a swimming pool, fitness center, and on-site spa. The Rosen Centre Hotel offers fine dining at Executive Chef Michael Rumplik’s award-winning Everglades Restaurant. In addition, there is an array of dining options from sushi to tapas to a 24-hour deli. The hotel has first-rate amenities.

Schedule:

First Timer’s Guide to the NFB National Convention:

View our beginner’s guide to the NFB National Convention, intended to give the first-time convention attendee some important information about national conventions of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB).

First Timer’s Guide to the National Convention
First-Timer’s Guide to the National Convention (Audio)
For more information, check nfb.org