Do you want advice from other parents about what toys your blind child will enjoy playing with. Are you wondering how to make games and toys purchased off the shelf accessible? We discuss all aspects of holiday gift giving for blind and low vision babies, children, teens and even adults!

Nopbc.org

National Organization of Parents of Blind Children

WELCOME  Carlton Anne Cook Walker, President, NOPBC

OPTIONS & OPPORTUNITIES      Anil Lewis, Executive Director, Blindness Initiatives, NFB

NOPBC: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE—WHO WE WERE, WHO WE ARE, AND WHO WE WILL BECOMECastellano, Past President, NOPBC; Secretary, NOPBC; Founder, Parents of Blind Children-NJ

THE NFB & PEARSON PARTNERSHIPPearson Representatives

KID POWER: Living the Life They Want!  Salome Cummins, 4th Grade Student, Missouri; Ian Oliver, 7th Grade Student, AL; Clara Scelsi, 5th Grade Student, AL

PARENT POWER: Making It Happen

Jeanette Jones, President, CA Parents of Blind Children  Linda Coccovizzo, President, MO Parents of Blind Children

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Virtual Reality vs. Reality

Graciela Olivo, 2020 NFB Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Proprietor, St. Lucia Eyesessible Services, Brownsville, TX

COMMITTEE REPORTS   ELECTIONS  NOPBC BRAINSTORMING

Blind kid  National Organization of Parents of Blind Children

Singing for My Supper: Blind Adults Share Stories about Their First Jobs

Join successful blind adults as they talk about their first adventures into employment. Ask questions to better understand how you can encourage and help your blind teen land a job of her own. Moderator: Melissa Riccobono, Board Member, NOPBC

Let’s Socialize: Accessible, Virtual Ways to Retain Friendships from a Distance

Learn tips for organizing virtual playdates which will engage your blind child and his or her playmate. Also discuss different online game platforms and apps your blind children can play with sighted friends and family. Instructors: Michelle Murrey, Board Member, NOPBC; Georgie Sydnor, Teacher Candidate in Teacher of Blind Students with Orientation and Mobility add-on, Louisiana Tech; NCUEB

Tech Talk: Choosing a Braille Embosser

Particularly during these uncertain times, when a great deal of schooling might be done at home, a braille embosser is an incredibly valuable tool. Learn about different types of embossers which are well suited for home use and how having an embosser at home can benefit your child. Instructor: Matt Hackert, Access Technology Specialist, NFB

Tech Talk: Harnessing the Power of the Google Suite of Products

Can a blind student truly use Google Classroom, Google Docs, Google Forms, and other Google products independently? Get the real info here. Instructor: Nate Kile, Program Director, Alaska Center for the Blind

I Like to Move It: the True Advantages of the Long White Cane

Does the material the cane is made of really make that big a difference? How about the length of the cane? Isn’t a folding cane just easier than a straight cane? Find answers to all of these questions and more!

Instructor: Ben Schuler, NOMC

Counting Sheep: Ways to Help Your Child Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Some parents of blind children have reported that their children seem to have a great deal of difficulty sleeping. Hear from a doctor who is beginning to conduct the research needed to try to get to the bottom of why this might be. Find out on how to combat sleep difficulties in blind children. Instructor: Dr. David Ingram, Sleep Physician, Children’s Mercy, Kansas City

Let’s Socialize: The Importance of and Techniques for Teaching Your Child Common Physical Movements such as Gestures and Dances

Instructor: Melissa Riccobono, Board Member, NOPBC

I Like to Move It: Practical and Fun Ways to Include Cane Travel Skills in Everyday Life—Even if You’re Stuck at Home

Blind Kid Blind Students