Friday, March 27, 2026
FRIDAY AFTERNOON, March 27, 2026
12:00PM to 3:00 PM REGISTRATION
Grand Foyer
Pick up your pre-registration packets.
12:00 PM to 3:00 PM Imagination in Motion
Salon B
Minh Ha, Providence, RI
A Drop-In Art Room for Makers and Dreamers
Need a break from the hustle of life? 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, origami, 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 tactile art.
12:30 PM White Cane and Structured Discovery
Salon F
Rachel Grider, Rustin, LA
Structured Discovery: How Does It Work?
Do you have questions about how blind people travel independently? Do you want to firm up your orientation and mobility skills? Are you interested in learning tips and tricks for performing every-day tasks non-visually? Do you wonder what makes Structured Discovery training centers unique? If any of these questions apply to you, then you'll want to drop into this break-out session where you can learn about Structured Discovery, work on some cane travel skills, and ask questions about attending a training center to increase your independence. In addition, there will be an opportunity to receive some one-on-one orientation and mobility training.
1:30 PM to 2:30 PM Emergency Preparedness
Salon G
Basil Maurice, Springfield, MA
Grace Anderson, Birmingham, AL
General Session I Salon C and D
Join Zoom Meeting
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/94518011561?pwd=1sezymizdZhSbFOifgbDmGIaToC8uW.1
Meeting ID: 945 1801 1561
Passcode: 2026
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Join instructions
3:00 PM to 3:15 PM CALL TO ORDER, WELCOMING REMARKS AND OPENING CEREMONIES
Shara Winton, President, NFB of Massachusetts
3:20 PM to 3:40 PM NEW VOICES RISING: Presenting the 2026 NFB of Massachusetts Students
Christopher Supplice, President, NFB of Massachusetts Student Division.
Kyra Sweeney, Scholarship Chair
3:45 PM to 4:15 PM THE FEDERATION on the Move: A National Report
Grace Pires, President, National Federation of the Blind of Rhode Island
4:20 PM to 4:45 PM Lift Every Voice: Jana Jackson A Blind Professional in voice Arts
Jana Jackson, from Nashville, is a woman of many talents and interests. She often refers to herself as a Renaissance Woman, putting her heart into passions such as music, voice acting, travel, and advocacy. Learn how she has successfully tackled a Gospel singing career, her own travel Agency and since 2010 voice acting; radio ads, video presentations, and most recently, AI -language modeling.
4:50 PM to 5:10 PM REMIXING CREATIVITY: Making Music with AI
Cullen Gallagher, Quincy, Massachusetts
AI and its capabilities are rapidly evolving. One particularly fun use case is creating original music, with output quality improving dramatically over time. Cullen will share the process he used to produce songs for various events. He will also offer practical tips and tricks to help others start making their own AI-generated music.
5:10 PM to 5:20 PM Overview of the resolutions that are being submitted.
5:20pm. Auction item and door prizes
5:30 ADJOURN SESSION I
5:35PM to 6:35 PM Massachusetts Parents of Blind Children (MAPBC) Salon G
Stephanie Berarra Valdes, President MAPBC
Join us for our annual business meeting as we come together to reflect, connect, and shape the year ahead. During the business portion of the meeting, we will review important updates, elect our 2026 leadership team, and discuss key plans that will guide our chapter forward. Please note that only current dues paying members are eligible to vote in the election.
We will also spend time setting meaningful goals for 2026 and participating in an interactive activity designed to strengthen our voices and build confidence as we support our children.
FRIDAY EVENING, March 27, 2026
Salons CD
7:00 PM Boston North Ender Italian Dinner
8:00 PM to 11:00 PM MIC & MOJO: NFB Jams – Where Federation Spirit Meets Friday Night Groove
Start the convention weekend with a night of creativity, fun, and Federation pride. Mic & Mojo: NFB Jams is our open-mic and talent showcase featuring performers from across Massachusetts. Each performer will have five minutes to share their talent. Prizes will be awarded to the top three acts. Come for the music and stay for the mojo! It’s the Federation at its finest!
Performances can include karaoke, original music, poetry, skits, or comedy.
- Each performance slot is 5 minutes long.
- A donation of $10 donation is suggested.
- The evening will be capped at 25 performers. Sign up early!
- Come dressed as your favorite musician or performing artist! Show off your creativity for a chance to win fun prizes.
- Whether you’re performing or cheering from the crowd, this will be a night full of energy, laughter, and unforgettable talent.
- Interested in performing? Please email cullen.gallagher@gmail.com or at 781-428-1254 to secure your spot on stage today!