09/16/2026
136 Thomas Avenue
Rochester, NY 14617
You Are Cordially Invited to Attend
The 71st Annual Convention of the
National Federation of the Blind of New York State
“Get On Your Feet”
November 12 – November 15, 2026, 2026
At the Holiday Inn Brooklyn Downtown
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(718) 624-2211
300 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217
The NFB of NYS is an organization of blind and low vision New Yorkers who believe that, with the appropriate training, attitude, and opportunities, blind people can live the lives we want.
Please join us as we continue to build a network of expertise and encouragement among blind New Yorkers and work together to make a positive difference in the lives of blind people across New York State.
The theme of this year’s convention is “Get on your feet.” Our presenters, panel discussions and breakout sessions will challenge us to step out of our comfort zones and learn new skills, experience new pastimes, and make new connections. We are delighted to announce that Sheila Wright, President of the NFB of MO, will be our National Representative, helping to connect our work in New York with the broader national organized blind movement.
In order to take advantage of the many opportunities New York City has to offer, we are pleased to invite convention attendees to join us for a few special events. On Wednesday evening, November 11, a limited number of tickets will be made available to a Broadway show in Manhattan. During the day on Thursday, we will be holding a travel seminar, which will include a trip to the Transit Museum in Brooklyn. On Thursday evening, a limited number of tickets will be made available for attendees to enjoy a comedy show in Brooklyn. Finally, on Sunday evening, convention goers are all welcome to attend a casual social event at Bar Freda in Ridgewood, on the border between Brooklyn and Queens.
During the day on Friday and Saturday, as well as on Sunday morning, we will host a variety of break-out sessions, panel discussions and presentations on topics of interest to the blind of New York. All convention registrants are welcome to attend these open sessions. On Friday evening, we will host our annual Federation family Night, with a ticketed Mexican Buffet and social gathering to follow. On Saturday evening, we invite everyone to purchase tickets to attend our banquet, where we will enjoy a plated meal together and hear an inspiring speech from our national representative, Sheila Wright.
To allow convention attendees the opportunity to extend their stay in New York if they choose, we have secured our convention room rate for rooms booked From Wednesday, November 11 through Monday morning, November 16. The cost of each room night includes two breakfast vouchers for the hotel restaurant each night of your stay.
Room Rate: $175.00 per night
Federation Family Night Mexican Buffet: $50 per person
Saturday Banquet: $80 per person
Tickets to the Broadway show, travel seminar and comedy club outing will be made available separately, and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested should check the relevant boxes on the convention registration page. Emails will be sent to those who have expressed interest in attending with additional information and payment details.
We warmly welcome blind and low vision New Yorkers, families, friends, community partners, first-time attendees, and longtime Federation members to join us for a weekend of connection, learning, encouragement, and celebration. Come ready to “Get On Your Feet,” make new connections, share in our community, and experience the energy of the organized blind movement. We look forward to welcoming you to Brooklyn!
Convention registration deadline: October 5, 2026.
For convention registration and agenda information, please visit www.nfbny.org.
Aubrey Bird, President, NFBNY | www.nfbny.org | (585) 739-6473
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.
