Convention Agenda
See you next year - 2023!
National Federation of the Blind - Alabama Affiliate
2022 Annual Virtual Convention
Affiliate President - Barbara Manuel
National Representative - Anil Lewis
March 3 – 6, 2022
Welcome to the 2022 Alabama State Convention
Connections, Independence, Empowerment:
A Formula for Success
Below are quick links to navigate the agenda:
Seniors Division Prize Drawing
I pledge to participate actively in the effort of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.
NFB of Alabama Officers and Board of Directors 2021-2022
President – Barbara Manuel, Alabama Affiliate
1st Vice President – Tamika Williams, Mobile Chapter
Secretary – Grace Anderson, Birmingham Chapter
Treasurer – Larry Povinelli, Huntsville Chapter
Board Seat 1 – Sandre Tyler, Birmingham Chapter
Board Seat 2 – Jeffery Wilson, Birmingham Chapter
Board Seat 3 – Jill Rossiter, At Large Chapter
Board Seat 4 – Brenda Houston, Tuscaloosa Chapter
Board Seat 5 – Luke Seibert, Huntsville Chapter
Board Seat 6 – Pazater Turner, Talladega Chapter
NFBAL 2022 Virtual Convention Planning Committee
Larry Povinelli, Chair Person
Tamika Williams
Luke Seibert
Jennifer Reeves
Zippora Jones
Code of Conduct
The following link will take you to the NFB website:
The following information will help you get the most from your ZOOM Conference experience. If you have issues connecting during the convention you may reach out to any of the following contacts:
Ashley Malson - (251) 581-6436 or [email protected]
Tomecia Caver - (256) 649-0912 or [email protected]
Using Telephone:
To mute or unmute your audio, press *6.
Note: during General Session, all persons will be muted by default. You must raise your hand to request the ability to speak.
If your name is mentioned as a winner of a door prize, you must raise your hand to claim your prize.
To raise your hand to ask a question, or claim your door prize, press *9.
Always allow the host to lower your hand.
Using Mac Computer:
Mute your microphone by pressing Command plus Shift+A or press spacebar on the mute audio button. To unmute, press Command+Shift+A again or press the spacebar on the unmute button.
To raise your hand, press Option plus Y.
Always allow the host to lower your hand.
Using Windows Desktop or Laptop Computer:
Mute your microphone by pressing Alt plus A or press spacebar on the mute audio button. To unmute, press Alt plus A again or press the spacebar on the unmute button.
To raise your hand, press Alt plus Y.
Always allow the host to lower your hand.
Using iPhone or iPad:
Tap on the settings button and look through the options to improve your experience.
*There are two buttons, meetings and general. Meetings has settings you should review.
Auto connect to audio allows you to select connect using internet audio.
This gets rid of the prompt before you connect to a meeting and ensures you get the best sound quality.
Always mute my microphone when joining a meeting ensures you are never accidentally heard until you want to speak.
Then just double tap the unmute audio button when you have something to contribute.
Always turn off my video ensures you never unintentionally show yourself or your environment when you did not mean to.
Important: To prevent the annoyance of Voice Over always speaking the names of participants as they join and leave, turn off Show name when participants join.
When connecting, you will get a prompt saying, “to hear others, please join audio.” Select the “call using internet audio” option or go into settings and select internet audio to always be automatically connected.
Important: Find and double tap the mute my audio button until you want to be heard. Or go into settings and choose to always mute audio upon entry.
To raise your hand, tap on the more button on the far lower right, then double tap the button to raise your hand. This will exit you to the main screen. Allow the host to lower your hand.
To know who is currently speaking, swipe to the far left. It will say, displaying person’s name avatar.
You may want to use earbuds.
Again, always make sure your microphone is muted when you are not speaking to prevent background noise or people hearing you.
All meeting times are Central Standard Time.
Pre-Convention Meetings
6:00 – 6:30 pm
National Federation of the Blind; A Formula for Success
2022 Rookie Roundup - Connecting and Empowering, One by One
Alabama Virtual Zoom Hall
Meeting ID: 2516565165
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6:30 – 8:00 pm
Division Connections
Alabama Senior Division
Carol Braithwaite, President
Alabama Virtual Zoom Hall
Meeting ID: 2516565165
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Alabama Association of Blind Merchants
Tracie Watts, President
Opportunity Hall
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 690 781 0976
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Alabama Association of Blind Students
Luke Seibert, President
Equality Hall
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Meeting ID: 982 1383 7163
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6:30 – 8:00 pm
Exhibit Hall
Zippora Jones, Florence, AL
Jennifer Reeves, Talladega, AL
Tamika Williams Mobile, AL
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Meeting ID: 874 150 5788
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4:30 – 5:00 pm
Virtual Information Table
Sandre Tyler, Membership Coordinator
Tomecia Cavers, Co-Membership Coordinator
Alabama Virtual Zoom Hall
Meeting ID: 2516565165
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5:00 – 5:30 pm
Welcome and Overview
Barbara Manuel, President
NFBA Affiliate
Sponsors and Exhibitors Showcase
Zippora Jones
NFBAL At Large Chapter Secretary
5:30 – 6:30 pm
Break Out 1
Empowering a Healthy Lifestyle
Dr. Tarmen Siaway, PhD LPC, Clinical Director, The Family Guidance Center of Alabama
Alabama Virtual Hall
Meeting ID: 2516565165
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Break Out 2
Empowerment from Career to Personal – Aligning Your Image with Your Goals
Madeleine White, Washington D.C., Professional Personal Stylist
Bethany Siggins, Certified Image Consultant, Dallas TX, Bethany Siggins Image Consulting LLC
Fashionistas Panelist:
Evelyn Valdez, President Greater Alexandria Chapter, Logistics Management Specialist, Department of Veterans affairs, Alexandria, Virginia
Alex Castillo, Rehabilitation Instructor for Virginia’s Dept. of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Northern Virginia
Ever Lee Hairston, Board of Directors, National Federation of the Blind, Los Angeles, California
Anil Lewis, Executive Director for Blindness Initiatives, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, Atlanta, Georgia.
Opportunity Hall
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6:30 – 7:00 pm
Break Out 1
Code of Conduct
Sandre Tyler, Membership Coordinator
Alabama Virtual Hall
Meeting ID: 2516565165
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Break Out 2
Independence & Innovation - the Direction of BEP
Susan Sarro, Instructor, Business Enterprise Program for the Blind, E.H. Gentry, Talladega, Alabama
Jerry Todd, Jaguar Food Services, BEP Blind Vendor Mobile, Alabama
Alphonso Marsh, Snacks On Deck, BEP Blind Vendor, Huntsville, Alabama
Deborah Myrick, Director, Alabama Business Enterprise Program for the Blind, Montgomery, Alabama
Opportunity Hall
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Meeting ID: 690 781 0976
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6:45 – 7:45 pm
Exhibit Hall
Zippora Jones, Florence, AL
Jennifer Reeves, Talladega, AL
Tamika Williams Mobile, AL
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Meeting ID: 874 150 5788
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7:30 – 8:30 pm
Break Out 1
Connections, Independence, Empowerment – A Formula for Success: How Alabama Regional Library Resources Can Get You There
Angela Fisher Hall, Regional Librarian, Alabama Regional Library for the Blind, Montgomery, Alabama
Alabama Virtual Hall
Meeting ID: 2516565165
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Break Out 2
Shielding Your Independence
Personal Self-Defense for the Blind, by the Blind
Vencer Cotton, Jackson, Mississippi
Opportunity Hall
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8:30 – 9:00 pm
Affiliate Resolutions
Michael Evers, Legislative Chairperson, Mobile, Alabama
Alabama Virtual Hall
Meeting ID: 2516565165
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9:00 – 11:00 pm
Feuding with the Family - Chapter Faceoff
Alabama Virtual Hall
Meeting ID: 2516565165
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(All morning sessions are held in the Alabama Virtual Hall)
Alabama Virtual Hall
Meeting ID: 2516565165
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General Session
Connections, Independence, Empowerment: A Formula for Success
9:00 – 9:30 am
Agenda
Alabama School for the Blind Band
Call to Order: Barbara Manuel, President NFB Of Alabama
Opening Ceremonies
Welcome: Jill Rossiter, President NFBAL At Large Chapter
Invocation: Luke Seibert, Elder in Training Elkmont Baptist Church, Elkmont, Alabama
NFB Pledge: Grace Anderson, NFBAL Secretary
National Anthem: Cassidie Gorig-Worrell, Alabama School for the Blind
Pledge of Allegiance- Azarriah Tilley-Williams, Mobile AL
Greeting: Representative Adline Clark, Alabama House of Representatives, 97 District, Mobile, AL
9:30 – 10:00 am
National Report
Anil Lewis, Executive Director for Blindness Initiatives, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute,
10:00 – 10:20 am
Promoting Independence & Empowerment on the Screen
Mike McKenzie, Director of Programming and Public Information, Alabama Public Television, Birmingham, Alabama
10:20 – 10:40 am
Empowerment at the Polls
Kathy Jones, Alabama League of Women Voters President, Madison, Alabama
10:40 – 11:00 am
A Formula to Succeed - Parents of Blind Children
Terri Rupp- NFB Board of Directors Member, Nevada Affiliate President, Las Vegas, Nevada
11:00 – 11:35 am
Independence, Yesterday, Today & Future
Peggy Chong, Blind History Lady, Aurora, Colorado
11:35 – 12:00 pm
2022 Affiliate Address
Barbara Manuel, NFBAL President
Chapter Roll Call
Nominating Committee
12:00 – 1:30 pm
Lunch
NFB of Alabama Virtual Exhibit Hall
Zippora Jones, Florence, AL
Jennifer Reeves, Talladega, AL
Tamika Williams Mobile, AL
1:30 – 2:00 pm
Connection – A Formula for Success
Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind
Jessica L. Edmiston, M.Ed., Executive Director, E. H. Gentry, Alabama Freedom Center Director, Talladega, Alabama
Alan Nunn, Principal, Alabama School for the Blind, Talladega, Alabama
Kyle Gregg- Executive Director, Alabama Industries for the Blind, Talladega, Alabama
Alabama Virtual Hall
Meeting ID: 2516565165
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2:00 – 2:30 pm
Break Out 1
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
W. Ashley Townsend, MA CRC, Assistance Commissioner, Blind and Deaf Services
Alabama Virtual Hall
Meeting ID: 2516565165
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Break Out 2
Legislative Relationships
Anil Lewis, Executive Director for Blindness Initiatives, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
Opportunity Hall
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2:30 – 3:30 pm
Independence – A Formula for Success
Break Out 1
Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind
Lavell Keeling, Director of Business Development, Georgia and Alabama
Andy Berstine, Accessible Pharmacy Co-Founder, Alabama
Virtual Zoom Room
Meeting ID: 2516565165
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Break Out 2
IOS and Alexa Updates
Alecia Bean, M. Ed., COMS, CATIS, CLVT, Computer Access Training, (CAT)Supervisor, Gulf Coast Veteran Health Care System, Biloxi, Mississippi
Opportunity Hall
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Break Out 3
Android, Braille Note and Screen Readers
Jordy Stringer, Executive Director, Center for Independent Living, Southeastern Ohio
Jason Meadow, Chief Executive Officer of a T guys, Michigan
Equality Hall
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Meeting ID: 480 253 0096
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3:30 – 4:30
Empowerment – A Formula for Success
Breakout 1
Employment Marketing Tools for Success
Angela Waldsmith, Employee Recruiter, Southern Food Service, Birmingham, Alabama
Alabama Virtual Hall
Meeting ID: 2516565165 one tap mobile
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Breakout 2
Blind Achievers
Luke Seibert, Author, Huntsville Chapter President, Alabama Association of Blind Student President, Ardmore, Alabama
Zippora Jones, BEP Blind Vendor, At Large Chapter Secretary, Talking Blind Podcast, Florence, Alabama
Braydon Arata, South Alabama BELL student, Member of Robotic Club and Scholar’s Bowl team, Mobile, Alabama
Clara Scelsi, North Alabama BELL student, Actor, Song Writer, and Performer
Opportunity Hall
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Meeting ID: 690 781 0976
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7:00 pm
National Federation of the Blind - Alabama Affiliate 2022 Banquet
Alabama Virtual Hall
Meeting ID: 2516565165 one tap mobile +16468769923,,2516565165# US
Program
Opening
Banquet Entertainment Presented by Tony Nixon, T. Nixon Entertainment
Presider: Tamika Williams, First Vice President, NFBA
Invocation: Rev. Richard Smith, NFBAL Montgomery Chapter President
Poem: Janetta Price, Beaumont, Texas, President of the Community Service Division
Entertainment: Tony Nixon, T. Nixon Entertainment
Introduction of National Representative: Tamika Williams; First Vice President, NFBA
Banquet Address: Anil Lewis, Executive Director for Blindness Initiatives, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
Scholarship Presentation: Grace Anderson, Scholarship Committee Chairperson
Pre-Authorization Contribution (PAC): Tamika Williams
Closing
Entertainment by Tony Nixon, T. Nixon Entertainment
Alabama Virtual Zoom Hall
https://zoom.us/j/2516565165
Meeting ID: 2516565165
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Join the Alabama Association of Blind Students for this exciting
event. Throughout the concert, performers will perform a variety of music—including some original songs—as well as offer some more information about the division. This is also a fundraiser, and any donations will be appreciated. More information on ways to donate coming soon.
8:00 – 9:00 am
Devotion
Minister Percy Garrett, At Large Chapter Chaplin
Luke Seibert, Elder in Training
Equality Hall
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Meeting ID: 480 253 0096
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9:00 – 10:00 am
National Federation of the Blind of Alabama Affiliate Board Meeting
Alabama Virtual Hall
Meeting ID: 2516565165
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10:15 am
Alabama Affiliate Annual Business Meeting
Alabama Virtual Hall
Meeting ID: 2516565165
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Agenda
Call to Order: Barbara Manuel, NFBA President
Invocation: Michael Evers, Mobile Chapter, NFBA Legislative Chair
Reading of Minutes: Grace Anderson, NFBA Secretary
Treasurer Report: Larry Povinelli, NFBA Treasurer
Nominating Committee Report
Richard Smith
Positions: Constitutional Offices, Board Seats, 2 – 4 – 6
To place your vote, please text or dial (251) 325-5220
Appointment of 2022 Delegate and Alternate
Chapter Highlights
Old Business
New Business
Adjournment
Independence:
Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind
P. O. Box 698
Talladega, Alabama 35161
(256) 761-3200
www.aidb.org
Empowerment:
Vanda Pharmaceutical
2200 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, D.C.
(202) 578-9060
www.vandapharma.com
Exhibitor Showcase:
Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind
Lavell Keeling
403 South Oxford Valley Road
Fairless Hills, PA 19143
215-799-9900
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
Paige Dewberry
236 Goodwin Crest Dr.
Birmingham, AL 35209
(205) 290-4308
Alabama Freedom Center
Jessica Edmiston
1105 Fort Lashley Avenue
Talladega, AL 35160
(256) 493-3360
[email protected]
www.aidb.org
Blind Justice Defense
Ron Brown, Owner
765-860-5522
(800) 981-5119
E.H. Gentry
Jessica Edmiston
1105 Fort Lashley Avenue
Talladega, AL 35160
(256) 493-3360
[email protected]
www.aidb.org
E.H. Gentry - Technical Facility
Doug Nixon
1105 Fort Lashley Avenue
Talladega, AL35160
(256) 589-6597
Emerald Coast Vision Aids
Mike Hage
163 East Burgess Road
Pensacola, FL
(850) 206-5375
[email protected]
www.emeraldcoastvisionaids.com
NFB of Alabama- At Large Chapter
Jill Rossiter
(256)702-0559
https://radafundraising.com?rfsn=5720329.6072e9f
*Make sure that you select “yes I want my purchase to support the National Federation of the Blind of Alabama.
NFB of Alabama Newsline
Jeff Wilson
1809 3rd Street NW
Center Point, AL 35215
(256) 589-2096
Talking Blind
Zippora Jones
“My blind does not define who I am, I am so much more.”
https://www.clubhouse.com/@talkingblind
Vanda Pharmaceutical
Vicki Preddy
2200 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, D.C.
(202) 578-9060
www.vandapharma.com
The NFB of Alabama Seniors Division is excited to announce a drawing for a Victor Reader Stream Second Generation! To be given away on June 13, 2022. Donation, $5.00 each.
For more information, please contact Carol Braithwaite, Senior Division President @ [email protected].
Expressing sincere appreciation to Emerald Coast Vision Aids for donating this Victor Stream.
We’d like to thank Pixelthin, LLC for document preparation.
We’d like to thank Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind for ASL and Captioning services.
We’d also like to thank the following stations for their In-kind advertisement:
Awesome AI internet Radio, AI Eford, NFBAL Montgomery Chapter
God’s Gospel Train Internet Radio, Julius Love, NFBAL At Large Chapter
Randy Soul Internet Radio, Randy Robertson, NFBLA Montgomery Chapter
The entire membership of NFB of Alabama takes this time to express sincere thanks to you for joining us. The connections we’ve made over the years and, future partnerships, The independence we daily advocate for and the empowerments we achieve has made us who we are. We appreciate each of you!
“WITH LOVE, HOPE AND DETERMINATION, WE ARE TRANSFORMING DREAMS INTO REALITIES”
For More Information Contact:
The National Federation of the Blind
Alabama Affiliate
896 Parliament Court
Mobile, Alabama 36695
(251) 656-5165
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.