NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF Massachusetts
73rd Annual State Convention
March 27th-29th, 2026
The Crown Plaza Boston/Woburn
15 Middlesex Canal Park Dr.
Woburn, MA 01801

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Shara Winton, President
617-600-8130 Sharawinton@gmail.com

Message from our Massachusetts President

Happy State Convention!

Greetings to our Federation family, friends, and attendees! The National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts is thrilled to visit Woburn for another incredible convention. This year’s gathering promises an enriching experience filled with dynamic sessions, insightful discussions, and exciting breakouts designed to empower and inspire. As the largest gathering of blind people, organized by BLIND people in Massachusetts, this convention offers invaluable resources and connections to support you in your academic, social, and vocational pursuits. I encourage you to take full advantage of these opportunities and build meaningful networks throughout the weekend.

Our theme this year, “Empowerment through Advocacy,” is woven into every aspect of our programming. On Friday afternoon, our breakout sessions will highlight the essential skills that enable blind individuals to thrive. In his 2023 National Banquet Address, our national president, Mark Riccobono, called for a decisive break from the Vision Industrial Complex—a challenge that I now extend to you. I invite each of you, whether a longtime Federationist, guest, or first-time attendee, to embrace the mission of the Federation: securing equality, opportunity, and security for the blind.

By engaging in our breakout and general sessions, making your voice heard as a proud dues-paying member, and advocating alongside us, you become an active force for change in the lives of blind individuals across Massachusetts. As one of 52 affiliates supporting our national movement, we are honored to welcome Grace Pires as our national representative this year. Her wealth of experience, combined with the learning and leadership opportunities available throughout this weekend, fuels my excitement for what we can achieve together in the year ahead.

I look forward to hearing your insights, ideas, and aspirations as we continue to live the lives we want!

With Love, Hope and Determination

Shara Winton, President

NFB PLEDGE

I pledge to participate actively in the efforts 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 MESSAGE

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 their dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

NFB CODE OF CONDUCT

All NFB members, employees, contractors, event attendees, volunteers, and program participants are subject to the NFB Code of Conduct. Everyone is strongly encouraged to review the Code which can be found at: www.nfb.org/codeofconduct.

NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

This year we are delighted to have Grace Pires, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Rhode Island, serving as our National Representative.

Grace Pires was elected to the National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors in July 2022 and serves as president of the National Federation of the Blind of Rhode Island. Born in Portugal in 1970, Grace’s blindness was noticed by her mother when she was only three months old. Although doctors confirmed a vision problem, the exact cause was never determined. Some suggested retinitis pigmentosa while others believed it to be Leber’s disease. Her younger brother is also blind.

Grace did not begin school until age ten because the island where she lived had no school for the blind. After a difficult residential school experience on a neighboring island, her family immigrated to the United States so she could receive an education. Placed in fourth grade to be with children her age, she first had to learn English and Braille before catching up academically. By seventh grade she was completing her schoolwork independently, an achievement that brought her great pride.

She began learning cane travel at age twelve. Though initially reluctant because she feared it would make her blindness more visible, she quickly embraced the independence it provided. During her early teenage years, Grace struggled with the lack of blind role models until a teacher introduced her to a blind woman named Monica, who became an important mentor and showed her that blind people could live successful, fulfilling lives.

Grace attended Rhode Island College, earning a bachelor’s degree in social work and later a master’s degree in the same field when employment opportunities were limited. As transportation services improved, she was able to work with clients in the community. She later worked at an independent living center and then for the state of Rhode Island as a rehabilitation teacher. While working, she earned a second master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and has served as a vocational rehabilitation counselor since 2009.

Grace joined the National Federation of the Blind in 2000 after beginning her career, wanting to give back to the community. Instead, she found a welcoming movement that profoundly shaped her life and leadership. Today she works to be a positive role model for others, sharing both practical skills and confidence about blindness.

She is particularly interested in legislative advocacy. Grace helped advance a parental rights bill after facing doubts about her own ability to care for her child as a blind parent. She has also worked on improving voting accessibility and expanding transportation services for people with disabilities in Rhode Island.

Balancing work, family, and advocacy can be demanding, especially as she often translates for her Portuguese-speaking parents at appointments. In her free time, Grace enjoys reading, knitting, taking long walks, watching Netflix with her husband Robert, and playing Uno with her nieces.

Grace believes one of her most important roles in the Federation is listening to others, meeting people where they are, and serving as a role model for blind people striving to live happy, productive lives.

REGISTRATION

Pick up your registration packet and convention agenda in the Grand Foyer.

• Friday 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Saturday 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

FOOD AND BEVERAGE NOTES

Do please enjoy breakfast at the hotel’s Scoreboard Sports Bar and Grill. The morning after you have stayed a night, at the hotel within our hotel block, your breakfast is free. Breakfast begins at 7 AM. Additionally, we will not be offering coffee at the start of the Saturday’s general sessions. Please enjoy the coffee from your room or from the restaurant. Your Friday Dinner, Saturday lunch and Banquet Dinner are provided with a Full Registration package.

CONVENTION ZOOM PLATFORM

We will be providing Zoom access for the state convention for Friday's General Session, Saturday's General Session, Banquet, and the Sunday morning Business Session.

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

https://nfb-org.zoom.us/meetings/94518011561/invitations?signature=nvzM0mjmeayEdMo9UAFfEBz6XR7RS_bKiev3tIR_12M

ZOOM HELP DESK

Cullen Gallagher: cullen.gallagher@gmail.com or 781-428-1254

DOOR PRIZES

Carol Maurice will serve as our Door Prize Chair. Door prizes will be drawn in general convention sessions, and you must be present to win. Please bring your prizes to Carol prior to the beginning of general sessions.

AUCTION

Throughout the weekend, we will conduct our Annual Auction under the stellar leadership of our Auction Chair, Stephanie Valdez of Fitchburg. For those who purchase an auction item, please be advised that once an auction item has been purchased, it is the sole responsibility of the purchaser from that moment on. The NFB of Massachusetts is not responsible for shipping and/or insurance expenses related to purchased auction items, nor is the NFB of Massachusetts liable for damage to any shipped items.

EXHIBIT HALL

Exhibits will be open in Salon A throughout the convention at the discretion of the individual exhibitor and primarily when there are no competing convention activities.

• Friday: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
• Saturday: 7:00 AM-8:45 AM & 12:00PM-1:00PM
• Saturday: 4:30 PM – 6:30PM