State Convention

The National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas State Convention is the largest gathering of blind people in the state. It is the premier event for training, support, and information for the blind community. It also serves as a governing body, democratically electing our leadership and establishing each year's organizational priorities.

National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas 2025 State Convention

Friday, April 4 through Saturday, April 5, 2025
Theme: Breaking Barriers-Change starts with Us

Register and make a difference in the lives of blind Arkansasans!

The 2025 State Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas will be held at:
LaQuinta Inn & Suites
1001 SE Walton Blvd.
Bentonville, Arkansas 72712

We will be live streaming portions of the convention that will be recorded for archival purposes on the website.

Note: The agenda will be finalized, distributed, and posted on the state website in mid to late March. Yes, the agenda will be available on NEWSLINE® too!

Here is your chance to participate and learn more about the NFB’s programs and goals on the state and national level. Hear from the NFB national representative. Also, hear from speakers on topics of national and state importance, membership, seniors, technology, Braille, students, guide dog users, and parents’ concerns, meet the scholarship class of 2025 and much more!

We are proud to announce that John Pare, Executive director of Advocacy & Policy at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, will serve as the national rep for this year's state convention. Click here to read his bio.

Mark your calendars and make every effort to attend the 2025 State Convention of the NFB of Arkansas. Get involved. Make a difference! Please share with others, everyone is welcome!

Room Reservations

The La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bentonville is now accepting room reservations for the state convention. To make your reservation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, please dial 479-271-7555 and use the group code of WY040325AS, or visit our room reservation booking link. The best time to call is during regular business hours, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. The 2025 room rate is $129/night for both king and queen rooms. Hotel room rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes, which will be in effect at the time of check-out.

Our room block is available until Thursday, March 20. Please make your reservations early. You need a credit card to secure your reservation, but your card will not be charged until arrival.

Note: if you can not attend and you have made hotel reservations, don’t call the hotel to cancel. Please call Nena Chadwick at 479-435-8348. Nena usually has a waiting list to review as many learn about the state convention after Thursday, March 20.

Registration

Registration for the 2025 NFB of Arkansas State Convention is now open!

The in-person convention registration including the banquet is $70 per person. In addition virtual convention registration is $10 per person and does not include a banquet ticket. This rate is good till Thursday, March 20, 2025. All registrations completed after March 20 will incur an additional charge of $10 per person. It is to your advantage to register before March 20, 2025 via the online registration form. If you are registering multiple people for the convention, you MUST fill out a separate form for each attendee.

Click here to register for the convention.

Dietary Requests

Those with special dietary needs for any of the meals should contact Nena Chadwick, 479-435-8348 or nchadwick@nfbar.org. The deadline for such requests is March 15.

Agenda

Sponsorship and Exhibiting Opportunities

The 71st annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas will be more exciting than ever, with blind individuals, educators, rehabilitation professionals, and various service providers expected at this year’s convention. We invite you to support this year’s convention weekend of diverse activities. Become a significant partner. Click here to learn more about being a sponsor or exhibitor at this year's state convention!

Convention Donations

We are asking for your help with the 2025 Arkansas State Convention. We need donations for our auction and door prizes. A broad range of demographics will be attending, so we are seeking various donations to help make this vital fundraiser a success! Click here to learn more about how you can donate towards this year's state convention.

Code of Conduct

As an attendee at our convention, you not only represent yourself but also represent our greater organization. We want you to enjoy our time together and to make new friends and renew old acquaintances. Although we encourage members to socialize and have fun, the convention also provides a valuable opportunity to come together to continue the work of our organization, to learn about the important initiatives that we are involved with on local and national levels, and to plan our work for the future.

The National Federation of the Blind seeks to provide a convention environment in which diverse participants, including members, speakers, exhibitors, staff, and volunteers, may learn, network, and enjoy the company of friends and colleagues in an environment of mutual respect and professionalism. We recognize a shared responsibility to create and uphold that atmosphere for the benefit of all. Some behaviors are therefore specifically prohibited:

  • harassment or intimidation based on race, religion, ethnicity, language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, physical appearance, or other group identity
  • harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), or unsolicited physical contact
  • public drunkenness and associated behaviors (e.g., belligerence, yelling, hostility, destruction of property)

Participants are expected to abide by these rules and behaviors in all convention venues, including online arenas, social media, and social events. Participants who are asked to stop a behavior that the recipient considers hostile or harassing are expected to comply immediately. We are committed to diversity, equity, and the free expression of ideas. Please visit https://nfb.org/code-conduct for more information.

National Rep Bio

John Pare
Executive Director of Advocacy & Policy, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute

John Pare serves as the Executive Director of Advocacy & Policy at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute. In this leadership role, Mr. Pare is responsible for overseeing several key initiatives that impact the blind community. One of his most notable responsibilities is managing the NFB-NEWSLINE® program, the largest electronic newspaper service in the world, which provides blind and print-disabled individuals with access to newspapers, magazines, and other print materials in accessible formats. Additionally, he manages the Independence Market, which offers a wide range of adaptive products to help blind individuals achieve greater independence, as well as the Federation’s Governmental Affairs office, where he leads efforts to advocate for policy changes that benefit blind Americans.

Mr. Pare's expertise in public policy and his advocacy for the rights of blind individuals have led to significant legislative successes. He has testified before the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee on library services for blind Americans, highlighting the need for accessible resources and services. He played an instrumental role in the negotiations and successful passage of the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act, a crucial piece of legislation that improves safety features for pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired, and the Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act, which expands access to printed books and other published works for people with print disabilities.

In addition to his work in policy advocacy, Mr. Pare has appeared on major media outlets such as CNN, Fox News, BBC, and various radio programs to discuss issues affecting blind Americans. His efforts to raise awareness and advocate for policy change have helped bring attention to the challenges faced by blind individuals, as well as the solutions needed to ensure greater equality and inclusion.

Mr. Pare holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he developed a strong foundation in the skills that would later support his influential career in advocating for the blind community.

John Pare's personal journey has been one of resilience, passion, and unwavering advocacy for the blind community. Born blind, Mr. Pare’s experiences growing up were marked by the challenges faced by blind individuals in a society that often overlooked their potential. Raised in a family that emphasized the value of education, independence, and community, John learned early on the importance of advocacy and support in overcoming obstacles. His parents, who instilled in him a belief in the power of perseverance, encouraged him to participate in mainstream education and community activities, helping him develop a strong sense of self and purpose.

As a child, John was often one of the few blind students in his school, and he faced many of the misconceptions and challenges that come with being a minority in a typical classroom setting. These formative years shaped his deep understanding of the need for social change and greater acceptance of people with disabilities. He was not content to simply adapt to societal expectations but sought to challenge and change them, advocating for better opportunities for blind individuals, particularly in education and employment. His involvement in advocacy started in his teenage years, participating in local organizations that promoted disability rights and access to resources.

John Pare’s involvement with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) has been one of the most defining aspects of his life and career. He first became involved with the NFB as a young adult, seeking out a community of like-minded individuals who shared his passion for advocating for the rights and opportunities of blind people. At the NFB, John found not only a network of support but also a platform for enacting real change in the lives of blind Americans.

Over the years, John has held a variety of leadership roles within the organization, gradually taking on greater responsibility and influence. His commitment to the NFB’s mission of promoting equality and independence for blind people was evident from the start, and it quickly became clear that John’s leadership skills and personal dedication would be vital to the success of the Federation’s advocacy efforts. He became deeply involved in the NFB’s grassroots efforts, engaging with local chapters and national programs to build a unified voice for the blind community.

As a leader within the NFB, John contributed to the development and expansion of several key initiatives that are still critical to the blind community today, including the NFB-NEWSLINE® program. His work helped to enhance this groundbreaking service, which continues to serve as a lifeline for blind individuals by providing access to newspapers, magazines, and other reading materials in a format that is fully accessible. Additionally, John’s leadership was instrumental in the creation and expansion of other programs aimed at promoting independence, such as the Independence Market, which provides tools and resources to help blind individuals live more autonomous lives.

John's commitment to policy change has also been a central aspect of his work with the NFB. He played a crucial role in advancing the Federation’s advocacy initiatives, particularly in pushing for legislation that improves accessibility, safety, and opportunities for blind individuals. He was an active participant in the efforts that led to the passage of landmark legislation like the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act and the Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act. His efforts in government relations, including testifying before Congressional committees, have helped the NFB gain a prominent voice in national conversations about disability rights and policy.

Throughout his involvement with the NFB, John has been a staunch advocate for the power of collective action. He believes that the strength of the Federation lies in its members and their ability to work together toward common goals. His vision of an inclusive society, in which blind individuals are given the same rights and opportunities as everyone else, has shaped his leadership style and his work in advocacy.

The NFB has provided John Pare with the tools, mentorship, and resources to make lasting contributions to the blind community, and in turn, John has become one of the Federation’s most influential and respected leaders. His ongoing work within the NFB continues to inspire new generations of blind individuals to become involved in advocacy and to pursue their dreams without limits.

Additional Information

Additional information will be posted as soon as it becomes available. Please check back often. For more information, please contact us at 479-435-8348 or nchadwick@nfbar.org.