NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF GEORGIA

THIRTY-Fifth ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION

“The Blind: Everyday People, Living Life Every Day”

October 3-5, 2008

It is time to plan for the 2008 convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Georgia. Last year's convention, in Columbus, was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate how much we have grown as an affiliate, and the difference our efforts are making in the lives of blind youth across the state of Georgia. We will meet this year at the Holiday Inn Midtown in Savannah. This hotel is a quaint facility located in the center of historic Savannah, GA.

The theme, “The Blind: Everyday People, Living Life Every Day,” has been chosen to emphasize that a primary purpose of the National Federation of the Blind of Georgia is to fight for the right of the blind to receive the essential public services that allow every citizen to be responsible, accountable members of society. We do this in an effort to have all blind people recognized as “Everyday” productive contributing members “Living” in our communities, not simple beneficiaries of the public goodwill. We tirelessly fight “Every Day” for our rights to literacy, education, and employment, and welcome the responsibilities that accompany them.

Literacy is an essential tool for independence. The blind student requires braille instruction in order to acquire the ability to spell, read, and write. So we work to enforce the right for every blind and visually impaired student to receive instruction in reading and writing Braille that can benefit.

Education is the key to success. In order to learn and acquire a quality education, the student must have access to the instructional materials. Technology has made it possible for the blind to access overwhelming amounts of information quicker than ever before. So we fight for the provision of accessible learning materials through legislation that requires publishers to provide access to electronic text versions of their textbooks.

Gainful employment promotes self worth, and allows one to be self sufficient. The blind adult requires specialized education and training in order to obtain gainful employment in fulfilling careers. So we fight for the provision of quality vocational rehabilitation services, conducted by professionals that fully understand specific blindness vocational skills training, that will assist blind people learn to effectively use the alternative skills of blindness and assistive technology to obtain gainful employment.

As we have experienced incremental successes in obtaining our rights to literacy, education, and employment, we have enthusiastically embraced our responsibilities as productive, contributing members of society. The National Federation of the Blind of Georgia will continue to fight for the rights of the blind. Come join with us in Savannah and participate in our recommitment to our own destiny and acknowledge “The Blind: Everyday People, Living Life Every Day.

Location:

Holiday Inn Midtown

7100 Abercorn Street

Savannah, Georgia 31406

(800) 255-8268

Convention Registration: $25.00

Board Dinner: $15.00

Student Luncheon: $15.00

Convention Banquet: $25.00

Room rates $70.95 plus tax

(SMOKING AND NON-SMOKING ACCOMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.)

For More information:

National Federation of the Blind

of Georgia, Inc.

315 West Ponce De Leon Avenue, Suite 603, Decatur, Georgia 30030

(404) 371-1000

(404) 371-1002 (Fax)

(866) 316-3242 (Toll Free)

The Blind @ NFBGA.org (e-mail)

www.NFBGA.org (web)

Back to NFBGA Home Page

Last Revised:April 5, 2008