2026 NFB GA Official Convention Agenda

 National Federation of the Blind of Georgia

2026 Annual State Convention

 

September 4-6, 2026

 

 

Hilton Atlanta Airport

1031 Virginia Avenue

Hapeville Georgia 30354

 

 

Theme: 

Bridging The Gap By Honoring The Past While Creating Our Way To The Future!

 

 

Affiliate President: 

Ms. Dorothy Griffin

 

National Representative: 

Ms. Jessica Beecham

 

National Federation of the Blind of Georgia

The National Federation of the Blind of Georgia is the leading advocacy organization for blind and low-vision individuals across the state of Georgia. As a dynamic affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, we are deeply committed to fostering independence, inclusion, and opportunity for Georgians of all ages who are blind, laying the foundation for a future defined not by limitations, but by possibility.

 

Our Belief Statement

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 our 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.

 

Code of Conduct

All individuals within the organization, including all attendees at NFBGA sponsored events shall abide by the National Federation of the Blind Code of Conduct (https://www.nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct). All are expected to refrain from the unwelcome and harmful misconduct outlined in the Code, including but not limited to discrimination, abuse, misuse of power, sexual misconduct, conflict of interest, fraud, and other forms of misconduct. 

 

NFB Pledge

I pledge to participate actively in the effort 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.

 

We welcome you to the 2026 53rd Annual Georgia State Convention!

 

Our Affiliate President Dorothy Griffin, the board of directors, and the convention committee would like to welcome you to the 53rd annual state convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Georgia (NFBGA). Many people have worked hard over the last several months to create a dynamic and engaging agenda with something for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact any board member at georgiablind@nfbga.org and we will help you take care of whatever you need. 

 

The past year has been an exciting time of growth for the NFB of Georgia. We invested in our movement by training our seniors, supporting our students, advocating for higher education and job training services, and working for our right to accessible voting and to do it privately and independently.

 

We want to celebrate those accomplishments and plan the next phase of sharing free opportunities to help members remove obstacles one opportunity at a time! We strongly believe that many hands make light work.

 

 

NFB of Georgia Officers and Board of Directors

 

 

 

President: Ms. Dorothy Griffin, Georgia Affiliate

 

1st Vice President: Ms. Patrice Lewis, Atlanta Metropolitan Chapter

 

2nd Vice President: Ms. Landree Culbreath, Southside of Atlanta Chapter

 

Acting Secretary: Ms. Heather Ludi, Decatur Area Chapter

 

Treasurer: Ms. Nata Watkins, At-Large Chapter

 

Board Seat 1: Ms. Page Carlyle, Augusta Central Savannah River Area Chapter

 

Board Seat 2: Mr. Anil Lewis, Decatur Area Chapter

 

Board Seat 3: Dr. Cohiscan Thomas, Fountain City Chapter

 

Board Seat 4: Mr. VaShaun Jones, Southside of Atlanta Chapter

 

Board Seat 5: Ms. Lisa Jones-Osaby, Southside of Atlanta Chapter

 

Board Seat 6: Ms. Lyn Eberhardt, Augusta Central Savannah River Area Chapter

 

Chapters and Divisions

 

CHAPTERS:
Albany Chapter 

Mr. Melvin Scott, President
Atlanta Metropolitan Chapter 

Ms. Dorothy Griffin, President
At-Large Chapter 

Ms. Nata Watkins, President
Bainbridge Chapter 

Mr. Ronnie Sheppard, President
Augusta Central Savannah River Area Chapter 

Ms. Page Carlisle, President
Chatham County Chapter 

Mr. McArthur Jarrett, President
Cobb County Empowerment Chapter 

Ms. Megan Deen, President
Decatur Area Chapter 

Mr. Robert Smith, President
Fountain City Chapter 

Mr. Rashad Jones, President
Gwinnett Family Chapter 

Ms. Jo Ann Johnson, President
Southside of Atlanta Chapter 

Ms. Landree Culbreath, President

 

DIVISIONS:
Diabetes Action Network Division 

Mr. Ernic Eyma Jr., President
Georgia Association of Blind Students Division 

Ms. Aunya Anderson, President
Senior Division 

Ms. Vanessa Meadows, President

Parents of Blind Children Division

Ms. Shelby Ball, President

 

 

A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS

 

 

Sponsors

  • Title: $5,000.00
    • NEWSLINE
  • Cassette: $1,000.00 
    • DELTA 
    • I Can Connect 
    • VANDA Pharmaceuticals 
  • Eight Track: $500.00 
    • Center For The Visually Impaired

 

 

 

Exhibitors

  • Visually Impaired Blind Society
  • World Services
  • Visual Eyes Access
  • NFBGA Southside of Atlanta Chapter
  • Queens Corner
  • Dog INC
  • JW.ORG
  • Palmer Visions
  • Casey Carver
  • Janice Barrocas
  • Multiple Choices

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Representative Biography

Jessica Beecham

Jessica Beecham

 

Jessica Beecham was born and raised in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and currently lives in Denver, Colorado. She earned both her bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation and her master’s degree in Exercise Science from Middle Tennessee State University. 

 

Early in her career, Jessica worked as a recreational therapist with people who were medically fragile and with individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.

 

After moving to Colorado, Jessica became involved with the National Federation of the Blind. Over the years, that involvement has become a significant part of both her professional and personal life. She currently serves as President of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado and as a member of the National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors. She previously served as the organization’s Chapter and Community Development Coordinator and as President of the National Federation of the Blind Sports and Recreation Division from 2016 to 2023.

 

Jessica’s current work includes food service contracting and programs for blind youth. Much of her work, both professionally and through the National Federation of the Blind, has centered around expanding opportunities for blind people and challenging expectations about what blindness means.

 

 

 

2026 NFBGA STATE CONVENTION AGENDA

Friday, September 4, 2026

 

8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.: Convention Registration

Location: Pre-Function Area

 

Exhibit Hall of Products and Services

Hours: 

Friday, September 4, 2026, 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Saturday, September 5, 2026, 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. 

 

Come and meet venders that offer products and services that blind People Use to Live, Learn, Work, And Play as Active Members of Our Communities.

 

Location: Pre-Function Area

 

8:30 A.M. –12:00 P.M.: NFBGA Senior Division Meeting

Location: Grand Ball Room Section B

 

Agenda:

8:30 A.M.: Registration 

2027 Senior Membership Dues $10-CASH ONLY; Admission Free

 

THEME: HONORING THE PAST – EMBRACING THE FUTURE 

 

9:15 A.M.:

Call To Order

NFB Pledge

Invocation

Welcome

Introduction of NFB National Board of Director Representative, Ms. Jessica Beecham

 

 

9:30 A.M.: Technology is Changing Accessibility: Opening new doors to navigate the world with more confidence and independence.

 

PRESENTERS:

Daniel Chrismer, Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS), Reader Advisor, Specializes in technology training

Aracely Rosillo – Certified Vision Rehabilitation Specialist

Ernic Eyma – Technology Specialist-Trainer & President, NFBGA Georgia Diabetes Action Network  Division

 

TOPICS: AI Smart Glasses; AI Smart Canes; Cell Phone Apps; GPS Systems & Sharing helpful Resources to improve overall quality of life. 

 

10:45 A.M.: Senior Moment Feud Game – Where Everyone’s A Game Participant

 

11:45 A.M.: Closing Remarks, Vanessa Meadows, President, NFBGA Senior Division

 

On behalf of the NFB Senior Division, we would like to give our sincere thanks and appreciation to all our speakers, guest and volunteers. Your time and contribution today go a long way to supporting our mission.  

 

9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.: Rehab. Professionals Training 

Location: Grand Ballroom Section A

 

CONCURRENT MORNING SESSIONS:

 

10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.: Social Security and You 

Presenter: Ms. Tatiana Amill-Jennings, CWIC, Walton Options for Independent Living, 

Location: Grand Ballroom Section C

 

10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.: Guide Dogs and You

PRESENTER:

Ms. Rita Harris , Leader Dogs for the Blind

Ms. Kate Pawley, Dogs INC

Location: Grand Ballroom Section D

 

11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.: Tools for Life

Presenter: Mr. Justin Fuller-Green, Assistive Technology Specialist

Location: Grand Ballroom Section D

 

12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.: Convention Lunch Break (on your own)

 

12:00 P.M. to 1:30 P.M.: Affiliate Board & Chapter & Division Presidents Luncheon

Presenters: 

Ms. Dorothy Griffin, Affiliate President

Ms. Jessica Beecham, National Representative

Ms. Patrice Lewis, Affiliate 1st Vice President

Location: Grand Ballroom Section C

 

2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.: Convention Registration

Location: Pre-Function Area

 

2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.: Sports and More Sports

Presenter: Mr. Hal Simmson

Location: Grand Ballroom Section A

 

2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.: BINGO

Presenter: Friends of GLS

Location: Grand Ballroom Section B

 

2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.: Social Security and You 

Presenter: Ms. Tatiana Amill-Jennings, CWIC, Walton Options for Independent Living

Location: Grand Ballroom Section C

 

2:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.: NFBGA Parents Division Event

Presenter: Ms. Shelby Ball, President

Location: Grand Ballroom Section D

 

3:00 P.M. to 3:10 P.M.: None 24

Presenter: Ms. Vicki Preddy

Location: Grand Ballroom Section A

 

3:15 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.: Accessible Training and Support

Presenter: 

Ms. Heather Miller, World Services for the Blind

Ms. Janice Barrocas, Free Access Technology 

Location: Grand Ballroom Section A

 

3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.: Introduction to Voiceover & Accessible Apps

Presenter:

Mr. Brett Boyer, Access Technology Instructor, Colorado Center for the Blind Location: Grand Ballroom Section C

 

4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.: NFB Philosophy

Presenter: Ms. Jessica Beecham, NFB National Representative

Location: Grand Ballroom Sections A & B

 

5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.: Convention Dinner Break (on your own)

 

6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.: Georgia Students Division Seminar

Location: Grand Ball Room Section C

Agenda:

  •  Welcome, Ms. Aunya Anderson, President
  •  Introduction of the Student Division Board
  •  Election Procedures
  •  Knowing the NFB Pledge, Mr. Sebastian J
  •  NFB Trivia
  •  Officer’s Responsibilities
  • Closing Remarks and Adjourn

 

7:00 P.M. to 10:30 P.M.: NFBGA Variety Event

Come and join us for the NFBGA variety show and Atlanta Lights game night. The doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m.

Location: Grand Ballroom Sections A & B

 

 

2026 NFBGA STATE CONVENTION AGENDA

Saturday, September 5, 2026

 

8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.: Convention Registration

Location: Pre-Function Area

 

Exhibit Hall of Products and Services

Hours: 

Saturday, September 5, 2026: 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. 

Come and meet venders that offer products and services that blind People Use to Live, Learn, Work, And Play as Active Members of Our Communities.

Location: Pre-Function Area

 

8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.:

Fit breaks, and door prizes throughout the day 

Ms. Vanessa Meadows, President, NFBGA Senior Division

 

8:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.: Morning General Session

Location: Grand Ballroom Sections A & B

 

8:30 A.M.: Opening Session 

Ms. Dorothy Griffin, President

  • Call to Order 
  • Invocation and Moment of Silence
  • Welcome 
  • Pledge of Allegiance 
  • NFB Pledge 
  • National Anthem 
  • Celebration of Freedom and Veterans Recognition 

 

9:00 A.M.: National Report

Ms. Jessica Beecham, National Representative

 

9:45 A.M.:  Dr. Kirk Shook, Executive Director, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2026 - CONTINUED

 

10:15 A.M.: GVRA Update and Project Independence 

Presenters: 

Ms. Wytincia Swindle, Manager of Sensory Disabilities, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency

Ms. Shirley Robinson, Blindness Services Coordinator, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency

 

10:30 A.M.: Teachers of Tomorrow

Presenters: Ms. Leslie McNiel & Ms. Jackie Anderson

 

10:45 A.M.: Accessible Training and Support

Presenters: 

Ms. Heather Miller, World Services for the Blind

Ms. Janice Barrocas, Free Access Technology Help Desk 

 

11:00 A.M.: Building Our Movement Breakouts

  • Membership Building, facilitated by TBA
  • Advocacy, facilitated by Mr. Anil Lewis

Fundraising, facilitated by Ms. Jessica Beecham

 

12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.: Lunch and Division Breakout Sessions

  • NFB of Georgia Senior Division Meeting: 

Ms. Vanessa Meadows, President

Location: Grand Ball Room Section A & B

  • NFBGA Diabetes Action Network Meeting:

 Mr. Ernic Eyma Jr., President

Location: Grand Ball Room Section A & B

  • NFBGA Association of Blind Students Division Meeting:

Ms. Aunya Anderson, President

Location: Grand Ball Room Section C

  • NFBGA Parents of Blind Children Division Meeting:

    Ms. Shelby Ball, President

    Location: Grand Ball Room Section D

 

 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2026 - CONTINUED
Afternoon General Session

Location: Grand Ballroom A & B

 

2:00 P.M.: NFBGA Presidential Report

Ms. Dorothy Griffin, President 

 

2:15 P.M.: Nonvisual Access to Information Panel Georgia Library Service, Vocal Point, and NFB-NEWSLINE® Service

Presenters: 

Ms. Jessica Beecham, NFBGA-NEWSLINE Manager

Ms. Kristin White, MLIS GLS State Director

Dr. Brittany McLemore, Vocal Point

 

2:30 P.M.: I Can Connect 

Presenter: 

Ms. Jackie Anderson GCDHH's ICC program

 

2:45 P.M.: Prevent Blindness

Presenter: 

Ms. Shavette Turner, Vice President, Vision Services 

 

3:00 P.M.: Structure Discovery Pannel

 

3:15 P.M.: Introduction to AI

Presenter: 

Mr. Brett Boyer, Access Technology Instructor, Colorado Center for the Blind

 

4:00 P.M.: Final Remarks and adjourn

4:15 P.M.: Nominating Committee Meeting

This is a closed meeting, location to be announced.

 

7:00 P.M. to 10:30 P.M.: NFBGA Parents Division Pajama Dinner Party

This event will provide games and entertainment for children not attending the banquet. Ages 6 to 13

Dinner will be provided

Location: Grand Ballroom Section D

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2026 - CONTINUED

 

7:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.: National Federation of the Blind of Georgia Annual Banquet

Location: Grand Ballroom Sections A & B

 

Agenda:

  • Dinner
  • Banquet Speech
  • Recognitions/Awards
  • Affiliate Fund Raising Activities 

 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2026

 

8:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M.: Morning Devotion

Location: Grand Ballroom Section A & B

 

9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.: NFBGA Business Session

Location: Grand Ballroom Section A & B

Agenda:

  • Call to Order
  • Welcome 
  • Secretary’s Report
  • Treasurer’s Report
  • Chapter and Division Reports 
  • Old Business
  • New Business
  • Resolutions
  • Elections of Officers and Convention Delegates
  • Remarks from the National Representative
  • Closing Remarks
  • Adjourn

 

Thank you all for attending the 53rd Annual State Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Georgia. We hope this weekend offered you meaningful opportunities to learn, connect, and grow—whether through engaging workshops, powerful presentations, or the shared spirit of advocacy and community.

 

It has been our honor to host this event, we deeply appreciate your presence and participation, and we look forward to welcoming you back next year as we continue building a future of opportunity and inclusion.

 

Until then, the NFB of Georgia wishes you safe travels, continued success, and an unwavering belief in the power of blind people to live the lives we want.