The 50th Annual State Convention
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey

 
 

 
 

Live the Life You Want -- Stronger Together Progress & Possibilities!
Wednesday through Sunday
October 21, 22, 23, 24 & 25, 2026

Linda Melendez, President
908-590-1747
president@nfbnj.org
www.nfbnj.org

 

Who We Are and What We Do

 

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), established in 1940, is the oldest and largest organization of and for the blind in the US and its territories. The NFB is made up of blind and low vision people of all ages, and their families and friends. We help blind people adjust to eyesight loss, assist parents and teachers of blind children, and promote the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities. Our activities include:

• Assisting blind persons in acquiring the skills of independence and developing confidence in themselves
• Supporting parents and teachers of blind children with information, mentoring, role modeling, and training
• Preparing blind students for careers and self-sufficiency through mentoring, training, and academic scholarships
• Encouraging blind seniors to continue to live active and meaningful lives
• Advocating policies that eliminate discrimination, promote civil rights, and guarantee equal access to high-quality educational and rehabilitation programs
• Sponsoring information campaigns and legislative action at the state and national levels
• Educating the public through community activities and publications

 

Spotlight on the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey (NFB of NJ)

 

Since 1976, the NFB of NJ, an affiliate of the NFB, has been providing invaluable information and resources to blind/low vision people throughout the state. Our members work together for a brighter tomorrow by raising expectations for blind people everywhere so that blind people can live the life they want. Our five chapters meet monthly; committees and groups meet at various times throughout the year. Please join us — we would welcome your participation and membership. For more information on the affiliate, chapters, committees, groups, programs, and projects, visit www.nfbnj.org.

 

Integrity and Respect

 

To allow all attendees the chance to benefit from all aspects of the convention, we are committed to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone. We appreciate your assistance in cultivating an atmosphere in which participants from diverse backgrounds can learn, network, and share with each other in an environment of mutual respect. Thank you for doing your part to contribute to our community and the high expectations we strive to maintain. To read the NFB Code of Conduct, visit www.nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct.

 

NFB Mission Statement

The NFB advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States and its territories. 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.

 

NFB 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 policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.

 

Fragrance-Free Policy

 

The NFB of NJ'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 statewide activities.

 

Accessibility Statement

 

The NFB of NJ holds itself to the highest standards of inclusion in all our work. This commitment encompasses our in-person events as well as our virtual communications. To make accessibility-related requests or report barriers, please contact Clarke King, 2nd VP, NFB of NJ at director.legislation@nfbnj.org.

Pre Convention Happenings

The NFB of NJ affiliate offers multiple virtual events to equip attendees with information before our 50th annual state convention.

Resolutions Committee Meeting

October 19, 2026, 7 PM – 8 PM

Join us virtually as we review and discuss the proposed 2026 resolutions that may guide the NFB of NJ's priorities for the coming year. All interested members and guests are welcome to observe the committee's deliberations and voting process. All resolution authors must attend this virtual meeting. Resolutions that receive committee approval will advance to the General Session business meeting for consideration.

Zoom Information

https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/6477660103?pwd=MUl1dnZQU1JxMkhUemdCSHZUM21HUT09&omn=95930734701
Meeting ID: 647 766 0103
Passcode: 460994

One tap mobile
+16469313860,,6477660103#,,,,*460994# US

Dial by your location

• +1 646 931 3860 US
• +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)

Hotel Orientation

Tropicana Atlantic City is a large resort complex with multiple towers, restaurants, entertainment venues, casino areas, and meeting spaces. The main hotel entrance and registration/check-in area are located on the Boardwalk side of the property. From the main lobby, guests can access the casino, dining options, shopping, and other resort amenities. The casino and many resort restaurants and entertainment venues are located in the central portion of the property, while The Quarter provides additional dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

The Havana Tower is located farther into the property, beyond the main lobby and casino areas, near The Quarter. The Havana Tower contains guest rooms as well as additional meeting and hospitality spaces. Convention activities will take place on the 3rd floor of the conference center in the Havana Tower.

Guide Dog Area

Exit the hotel onto Pacific Avenue and turn left towards Iowa Avenue. Please note that garbage pails are located on both sides of the exit doors as you leave the hotel and enter Pacific Avenue.

Quiet Room

Conga and Cha Cha

Need a break from the convention's busy energy? Visit our Quiet Space, a calm, supportive environment designed for rest and recharging. Whether you want a few moments of silence, a low-stimulus area to relax, or simply a chance to reset, this space is available to all attendees. Take a breath, refresh your mind, and get ready to fully participate in the convention experience.

Stay Connected During Convention

There are multiple ways to access the latest convention news.

• Opt in to receive text message updates. For daily convention agenda updates and time-sensitive changes, text 50155 with the word, “Convention.” For bus transportation updates, text 50155 with the code NJBUS2026.
• Receive email updates with daily agendas. These emails will come from president@nfbnj.org.
• View the agenda and other essential convention items online by visiting
  State Convention | National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey.
• Get involved on Facebook by following us at https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238.

Convention Happenings

Exhibit Hall

Bossa Nova

Visit our array of vendors and outreach resources on Thursday, October 22, from 9 AM to 2 PM. Be sure to thank them for participating in our convention.

Registration Desk & Pre-Registration Pick-Up and On-Site Registration

Registration Desk

• Thursday, October 23 — 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM
• Thursday, October 23 — 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM
• Friday, October 24 — 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Sat., October 25 — 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Renewing Annual Affiliate Membership

Castanet

Would you like to renew your affiliate membership to join a committee, group, program, or project? Then come pay your dues and remain an affiliate member on Friday, October 24, from 8:00 to 8:25 AM. Annual dues are $10. You can also renew your membership by clicking the link below and paying online with PayPal or a credit/debit card, or by mailing a check to NFB of NJ, PO Box 2202, Vincentown, NJ 08088, payable to the NFB of NJ. Please write “NFB of NJ dues” in the memo section.

https://www.nfbnj.org/affiliate-membership-renew-member-form

Pre-Purchased Saturday Banquet Ticket Exchange

Bring your pre-purchased banquet ticket to the exchange ticket table, where you will then receive a ticket with a table number. Each banquet table seats 8 individuals. You may trade banquet tickets at the same time to obtain seats at the same table. You must have everyone’s ticket when visiting the exchange table. Indicate if you are also bringing an aide, PCA, or SSP to ensure that space is available at your assigned table. If you do not exchange your ticket, you will be seated where space is available. Open seating will begin promptly at 7:15 PM; no holding of seats is permitted!

50/50 Raffle

Support the affiliate by purchasing 50/50 raffle tickets, 1 for $5, 3 for $10, and eight for $20. Watch for opportunities to purchase during the convention or look for Annemarie Cooke, Chair, Raffle Committee.

Door Prizes

Door prizes will be drawn for pre-registered conventioneers and announced throughout the technology seminar, general sessions, and banquet. You must be inside the room when your name is called to claim your prize. Donated door prizes are welcome and can be dropped off at the Registration Desk when it is open.

Portrait Studio

Prior to the 50th anniversary banquet, attendees can capture the moment in photos taken by a professional photographer. The background for these photos will feature the 50th Anniversary NFB of New Jersey logo; location to be announced during convention.

Pictures & Recording

We will take pictures throughout the convention and record convention segments, which will be available on the website.

Host Chapter

We are pleased to announce that this year’s host chapter is the South Jersey Shore Chapter, whose members have aided with various convention activities. Only a host chapter is permitted to fundraise during the convention. Please support them.