05/22/2026
Hear ye! Hear ye! You Are Cordially Invited to Attend the 70th Annual Convention of the
National Federation of the Blind of New Hampshire in Concord, NH, on Saturday May 30, 2026. Please join us as we come together as blind Granite Staters and work together to make a positive difference in the lives of blind people across New Hampshire. Registration is open at www.nfbnh.org until May 25, 2026. All are welcom. Feel free to bring a friend.
The NFB of NH brings blind people together to empower and learn from one another and to celebrate our achievements as we work together. The NFB of NH is an organization of blind and low vision Granite Staters who believe that blind people can live the lives we want.
This year, our in-person convention will take place at the Grappone Conference Center – at 70 Constitution Avenue in Concord NH.
A Continental Breakfast will be available to attendees who have paid registration.
The convention will get underway at 8:30 AM EDT and conclude at 5:00 PM EDT.
CONVENTION NOTES
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND 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 programs and policies of the Federation and to abide by its constitution.
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND ONE MINUTE MESSAGE
The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know 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. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.
FRAGRANCE FREE POLICY
The National Federation of the Blind of New Hampshire’s goal is to be sensitive to members with perfume and chemical sensitivities who, as a result, may suffer potentially serious health consequences. In order to address this concern, members and participants at conventions and other meetings should refrain from wearing scented products, including, but not limited to, perfumes, colognes, aftershave lotions, or similar products. We want to ensure full participation in all of our state-wide activities.
INTEGRITY AND RESPECT
The National Federation of the Blind of New Hampshire holds its members to the standards outlined in the National Federation of the Blind Code of Conduct. To allow all attendees the opportunity to benefit from the convention, we are committed to providing a welcoming environment for everyone. We thank you for your help in cultivating an environment where our diverse participants enjoy mutual respect. Thank you for doing your part to maintain the high expectations of our organization.
Board of Directors
President: Deanna O’Brien
1st Vice President: Richard Chabot
2nd Vice President: Randi Wilson
Secretary: Carolyn Corrigan
Treasurer: Fred Fournier
Board Members:
Deb Moore
Sheryl Dutton
Kelly Snyder
Dennis O’Brien
Registration
Only registered attendees are eligible for the continental breakfast, door prizes, raffles and games.
It will not be possible to purchase the box lunch on the day of the convention.
There will be a registration table at the convention.
Voting
During the convention there will be a need to have voting. For the voting process, we will be asking for a voice vote from our members. Only dues paying members are eligible to vote. If we are not able to obtain adequate results, we will be taking a roll call vote.
"The Road Less Traveled"
Convention Agenda
8:30 – 9:30 AM Continental Breakfast
9:00 – 9:30 AM Convention *Call to Order - President Deanna O'Brien
* Music: “Road Less Travelled” by Lauren Alaina
*Poem: “Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost – Dennis O’Brien
*Pledge of Allegiance – Suzie Hoight
*NFB Pledge – David Brownell
*NFB Belief Statement – Melissa Abbott
* Invocation - Richard Chabot
*Welcome by President – Deanna O’Brien
Legislative Letters - letters from members of Congress and other government leaders. These letters will be presented by affiliate members.
9:30 – 10:15 AM Marilyn Green - National Representative
National Report
Marilyn is the President of the Illinois affiliate and a member of the National Board
10:15 – 11:00 AM Treats Maple Farm
11:00 – 11:15 AM - Break
11:15 – 11:30 AM Randi Wilson – 2nd Vice President
Kenneth Jernigan Leader and Service Program
11:30 – 11:45 AM Juliette Harvey-Bolia - Democracy Live
Omniballot Voting Machine
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM Joan Nelson
What’s New in the National Library Service
12:15 – 12:30 PM Scott Joffre
Demonstrate Phone App
12:30 – 2:00 PM - Lunch
2:00 – 2:30 PM Marilyn Green, National Representative Banquet Speech
2:30 – 3:00 PM Stephanie Hurd
Future In Sight
3:00 – 3:30 PM Sheryl Dutton Board Member
Work Experiences
3:30 – 4:00 Stephen Poirier, Scott Joffre – Sideways Innovations
Demonstration of New Products
4:00 – 4:30 PM Affiliate Business
President’s Report – Deanna O’Brien
Treasurer’s Report – Fred Fournier
Nominating Committee Report – Deb Moore
Elections
4:30 – 5:00 PM Conclusion and Raffle
5:00 PM Adjourn
Thank you,
Deanna O’Brien, President
We know 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.
