NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF WEST VIRGINIA ANNOUNCES
BLIND COMMUNITY UNITY DAY
WHO: | National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia (NFBWV); Mountain State Council of the Blind (MSCB); blind and low-vision consumers, parents and families of consumers, professionals, and agency representatives in blindness/low-vision fields |
WHEN: | October 13, 2023; 9:00 AM-4:30 PM |
WHERE: | State Culture Center, Capitol Complex, Charleston, WV; Hosted by NFBWV and the West Virginia Library Commission |
Friday, October 13, 2023, could be one of the luckiest, most fruitful, and most memorable days in the history of human rights for the blind and low-vision population of West Virginia. On that Friday the 13th, the State Culture Center in Charleston will be the site of Blind Community Unity Day, a gathering of blind consumer groups, other blind individuals, and blindness professionals from around the state to celebrate common achievements and to explore common challenges and goals.
In celebration of Blind Equality Achievement Month, the theme of the event will be Blind Unity--a new attitude and commitment to bridge social, political, and organizational barriers that have too often created obstacles to the progress of our community. It will mark the beginning of a new public image of unity and cooperation within West Virginia's blind community.
The morning session will be "All About Consumers." NFBWV president, Marcus Soulsby, and MSCB president, Donna Brown, will lead off a series of organized presentations and discussions. Persons across the blind consumer spectrum will have an opportunity to share their thoughts and solutions concerning blindness issues.
The afternoon session will provide an opportunity for participants to interact with agency representatives over a broad range of topics including education, rehabilitation, employment, and access to information.
The highlight of the day is planned as a special surprise-a first of its kind, which could mark the symbolic beginning of a small but important step in blind consumer history. Let's make this more than just a day. Join us and help make this history.
Persons wishing to attend Blind Community Unity Day must pre-register no later than October 6, 2023, online at https://nfbwv.org/blind-community-unity-day/registration or by contacting event coordinator, Sheri Koch, by phone at 304-993-5103 or by email at slk8332015@gmail.com.
There is no charge, and lunch will be provided. Early registrants will have an opportunity to submit questions and concerns to be shared with program presenters. A more complete agenda will be posted soon at the above web address. A Zoom conference link will also be provided for anyone unable to attend in person.
Blind Community Unity Day is the opening event of the 2023 convention of the National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia-the organization's first in-person gathering since 2019. More convention activities-including business sessions and banquet-will take place Friday and Saturday, October 13 and 14, at the St. John XXIII Pastoral Center, 100 Hodges Road, Charleston, WV 25314. Non-members interested in attending the convention or learning more about the organization can find further details by using any of the above contact information.
The National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia is a state affiliate of a nationwide civil rights and advocacy organization of blind persons. Federation members know that blindness is not the characteristic that defines us or our future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. We can live the lives we want; blindness is not what holds us back. Learn more at www.nfb.org or at www.nfbwv.org.