Positive Note
Positive Note
July 12, 2026
Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter and Division Presidents and Others
From: Marty R. McKenzie, President
843-939-8091 president@nfbofsc.org
Positive Note: 2083
Dear Federation Family,
The South Carolina delegation returned from the National Federation of the Blind National Convention in Austin, Texas, rejuvenated and enthusiastic about the future of our work together. Total convention attendance in-person was just over 2,600 people, and South Carolina was well represented with 62 people registered in-person. While we did not appear in the top ten states with individuals registered, our representation was excellent! There were seven Successful Transitions students and interns present along with staff. The students participated in the Career Quest program through the NFB National Office.
President Riccobono delivered a moving, powerful Presidential Report for 2026 which outlined the many challenges the NFB and all individuals with disabilities faced over the past year. Certainly, we had successes, yet there is much work to be done. The Presidential Address resonated with me as President Riccobono often said, “Our shared bonds strengthen us.” It is the shared challenges and our ability as blind and low vision people that bring us together, allow us to fight the battles we must and learn from each other.
The JW Marriott in downtown Austin is one of the best convention hotels we have ever experienced since my time in the Federation! Rooms were large and comfortable, and the meeting spaces were easy to access. Unlike other hotels, there were no really long walks to get where one needed to be. Additionally, the staff were courteous and provided assistance as needed. It was a terrific experience! The agenda is available in many formats, so I will not include topics here. I do encourage you to listen to the content of the general sessions once it is posted if you did not take part in the virtual experience. Below are locations for the conventions through 2034.
- 2027 – Austin, Texas
- 2028–2029 – Chicago, Illinois
- 2030 – Phoenix, Arizona
- 2031–2032 – Atlanta, Georgia
- 2033–2034 – New Orleans, Louisiana
One of the exciting things about Austin is the availability of Waymo and Tesla autonomous vehicles. I took the opportunity to travel to Torchy’s Tacos with Neil Sheth and Trent Tedder in a Waymo. The vehicles are clearly identifiable by the cameras and sensors affixed to the exterior. The car is made by Jaguar and is a luxurious sedan outfitted with lots of equipment. The car carefully navigated through intersections, allowing pedestrians the right-of-way and even allowed another vehicle to exit a parking area in front of it. I have ridden with human drivers in my life that scared me more. While every community is not ready for this technology and there is more work to be done, the day will come when blind and low vision people can purchase an autonomous vehicle and gain back a huge amount of independence.
From time to time, I include an AI tip in here either from me or from others in the Federation who love to use this tool. The first shower in the JW Marriott was a marvelous experience, and I absolutely had to know more about where to purchase the shower head. A conversation with an AI bot revealed that the shower heads could be purchased in the Spa on Level 5. Needless to say, I now own two of them for my home. I, along with others, shared this information among the South Carolina delegation, and several shower heads were purchased. I ran into another affiliate president while shipping them home, and that person headed to the Spa. The Spa employees were astonished at the number of people who purchased shower heads. This is an AI use case and a fun fact. It has nothing to do with how wonderful the convention was!
NFB of SC Student Scholarship Deadline Extended
The deadline for completing and submitting scholarship applications has been extended to Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM. High school seniors and college students who are blind or have low vision are strongly encouraged to apply for these scholarships. Three scholarships are awarded each year. The total amount of almost $7,000 was awarded at the 2025 NFB of SC banquet. If you need assistance, reach out to the Committee Chair, Shannon Cook, at scholarships@nfbofsc.org, and you will receive assistance. It is not too late to get your application in!
Door Prizes for NFB of SC State Convention
First Vice President Lenora Robertson will again serve as the door prize chairperson. Please bring your door prizes to the state convention and give them directly to her. If shipping, address them to Lenora Robertson, 1258 Roundtree Circle, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Shipments should arrive no later than Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Door prizes should have a minimum value of $10. Cash is always welcome!
Technology Backpack Fundraiser – Computer Science and Technology Division
The Computer Science and Technology Division (CSTD) of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is holding a Technology Backpack Fundraiser with a drawing on August 16, 2026, during the state convention. Tickets are priced at $5 for one, $10 for three, $20 for seven and $30 for ten. The prize package includes a technology backpack, a talking meat thermometer, an infrared thermometer, Bluetooth earbuds, a 256 GB flash drive, a Bluetooth speaker, a surge protector and a home license copy of JAWS, ZoomText or Fusion. Ten percent of funds raised will support a student scholarship. You do not need to be present to win as prizes can be shipped. To enter, complete the online web form and submit payment via PayPal or check, or by calling 803-260-1292. If using PayPal, be sure to note “Technology Backpack Fundraiser” in the notes section. Mail checks to Steve Cook, 2446 Harrison Road, Columbia, SC 29204.
Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser – Senior Division
The NFB of SC Senior Division is holding a Cash Extravaganza fundraiser with a chance to win $400 in cash. The drawing will take place Sunday morning, August 16, at the conclusion of the state convention, and you do not need to be present to win. Tickets are $10 for one or $20 for three. Half of the funds raised will go to Rocky Bottom Senior Camp and half to the Senior Division. To buy or sell tickets, contact Shelley Coppel at 803-796-8662, 303-819-9795 or Frankandshelley51@gmail.com. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the NFB of SC Senior Division with “Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser” in the memo line and mailed to Shelley Coppel, 847 Jefferson Street, West Columbia, SC 29169.
NFB of SC State Convention Registration
You are warmly invited to attend the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention. This annual event brings together blind and low vision individuals, families, advocates and community members from across the state. It is a weekend of learning, networking and inspiration. Whether you are a long-time member or new to the Federation, the convention offers something for everyone: engaging guest speakers, opportunities to connect, exhibits featuring helpful products and services, plus time for fun and fellowship. The event will take place August 13–16, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton located at 2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC. Join us as we work together to build a brighter future and change what it means to be blind. For more information or to register, visit the NFB of SC website and select “State Convention & Exhibit Hall Registration.”
NFB of SC State Convention Hotel Registration
The DoubleTree by Hilton is now accepting reservations for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention being held August 13–16, 2026. The cost of the rooms is as follows: singles and doubles: $134; triples: $144; and quads: $154 plus applicable taxes and fees. Breakfast is included with the cost of your room. You may book your room at the DoubleTree’s online reservation page. You may also call 800-445-8667 and give the code 917 to link to our room block. The cutoff for these special rates is Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Remember the following when booking your room:
- The first night’s stay will be charged at time of booking.
- When checking in, a hold will be placed on the card to cover the entire stay.
- There is a $50 per night hold for incidentals.
It is strongly recommended that a credit card be used for this stay. Using a debit card means these holds will be placed on the funds in your checking account.
Things to Remember
- Hotel reservations and Early Bird Registration for the NFB of SC State Convention ends on July 22, 2026.
- NFB of SC State Convention takes place August 13–16, 2026.
- Technology Backpack Fundraiser drawing is August 16, 2026, during the state convention.
- Cash Extravaganza drawing is Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the conclusion of the state convention.
Marty
Marty R. McKenzie, President
National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina
119 S. Kilbourne Road
Columbia, SC 29205
Phone: 803-254-3777
Mobile: 843-939-8091
Website: www.nfbofsc.org
July 12, 2026
Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter and Division Presidents and Others
From: Marty R. McKenzie, President
843-939-8091 president@nfbofsc.org
Positive Note: 2083
Dear Federation Family,
The South Carolina delegation returned from the National Federation of the Blind National Convention in Austin, Texas, rejuvenated and enthusiastic about the future of our work together. Total convention attendance in-person was just over 2,600 people, and South Carolina was well represented with 62 people registered in-person. While we did not appear in the top ten states with individuals registered, our representation was excellent! There were seven Successful Transitions students and interns present along with staff. The students participated in the Career Quest program through the NFB National Office.
President Riccobono delivered a moving, powerful Presidential Report for 2026 which outlined the many challenges the NFB and all individuals with disabilities faced over the past year. Certainly, we had successes, yet there is much work to be done. The Presidential Address resonated with me as President Riccobono often said, “Our shared bonds strengthen us.” It is the shared challenges and our ability as blind and low vision people that bring us together, allow us to fight the battles we must and learn from each other.
The JW Marriott in downtown Austin is one of the best convention hotels we have ever experienced since my time in the Federation! Rooms were large and comfortable, and the meeting spaces were easy to access. Unlike other hotels, there were no really long walks to get where one needed to be. Additionally, the staff were courteous and provided assistance as needed. It was a terrific experience! The agenda is available in many formats, so I will not include topics here. I do encourage you to listen to the content of the general sessions once it is posted if you did not take part in the virtual experience. Below are locations for the conventions through 2034.
- 2027 – Austin, Texas
- 2028–2029 – Chicago, Illinois
- 2030 – Phoenix, Arizona
- 2031–2032 – Atlanta, Georgia
- 2033–2034 – New Orleans, Louisiana
One of the exciting things about Austin is the availability of Waymo and Tesla autonomous vehicles. I took the opportunity to travel to Torchy’s Tacos with Neil Sheth and Trent Tedder in a Waymo. The vehicles are clearly identifiable by the cameras and sensors affixed to the exterior. The car is made by Jaguar and is a luxurious sedan outfitted with lots of equipment. The car carefully navigated through intersections, allowing pedestrians the right-of-way and even allowed another vehicle to exit a parking area in front of it. I have ridden with human drivers in my life that scared me more. While every community is not ready for this technology and there is more work to be done, the day will come when blind and low vision people can purchase an autonomous vehicle and gain back a huge amount of independence.
From time to time, I include an AI tip in here either from me or from others in the Federation who love to use this tool. The first shower in the JW Marriott was a marvelous experience, and I absolutely had to know more about where to purchase the shower head. A conversation with an AI bot revealed that the shower heads could be purchased in the Spa on Level 5. Needless to say, I now own two of them for my home. I, along with others, shared this information among the South Carolina delegation, and several shower heads were purchased. I ran into another affiliate president while shipping them home, and that person headed to the Spa. The Spa employees were astonished at the number of people who purchased shower heads. This is an AI use case and a fun fact. It has nothing to do with how wonderful the convention was!
NFB of SC Student Scholarship Deadline Extended
The deadline for completing and submitting scholarship applications has been extended to Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM. High school seniors and college students who are blind or have low vision are strongly encouraged to apply for these scholarships. Three scholarships are awarded each year. The total amount of almost $7,000 was awarded at the 2025 NFB of SC banquet. If you need assistance, reach out to the Committee Chair, Shannon Cook, at scholarships@nfbofsc.org, and you will receive assistance. It is not too late to get your application in!
Door Prizes for NFB of SC State Convention
First Vice President Lenora Robertson will again serve as the door prize chairperson. Please bring your door prizes to the state convention and give them directly to her. If shipping, address them to Lenora Robertson, 1258 Roundtree Circle, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Shipments should arrive no later than Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Door prizes should have a minimum value of $10. Cash is always welcome!
Technology Backpack Fundraiser – Computer Science and Technology Division
The Computer Science and Technology Division (CSTD) of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is holding a Technology Backpack Fundraiser with a drawing on August 16, 2026, during the state convention. Tickets are priced at $5 for one, $10 for three, $20 for seven and $30 for ten. The prize package includes a technology backpack, a talking meat thermometer, an infrared thermometer, Bluetooth earbuds, a 256 GB flash drive, a Bluetooth speaker, a surge protector and a home license copy of JAWS, ZoomText or Fusion. Ten percent of funds raised will support a student scholarship. You do not need to be present to win as prizes can be shipped. To enter, complete the online web form and submit payment via PayPal or check, or by calling 803-260-1292. If using PayPal, be sure to note “Technology Backpack Fundraiser” in the notes section. Mail checks to Steve Cook, 2446 Harrison Road, Columbia, SC 29204.
Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser – Senior Division
The NFB of SC Senior Division is holding a Cash Extravaganza fundraiser with a chance to win $400 in cash. The drawing will take place Sunday morning, August 16, at the conclusion of the state convention, and you do not need to be present to win. Tickets are $10 for one or $20 for three. Half of the funds raised will go to Rocky Bottom Senior Camp and half to the Senior Division. To buy or sell tickets, contact Shelley Coppel at 803-796-8662, 303-819-9795 or Frankandshelley51@gmail.com. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the NFB of SC Senior Division with “Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser” in the memo line and mailed to Shelley Coppel, 847 Jefferson Street, West Columbia, SC 29169.
NFB of SC State Convention Registration
You are warmly invited to attend the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention. This annual event brings together blind and low vision individuals, families, advocates and community members from across the state. It is a weekend of learning, networking and inspiration. Whether you are a long-time member or new to the Federation, the convention offers something for everyone: engaging guest speakers, opportunities to connect, exhibits featuring helpful products and services, plus time for fun and fellowship. The event will take place August 13–16, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton located at 2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC. Join us as we work together to build a brighter future and change what it means to be blind. For more information or to register, visit the NFB of SC website and select “State Convention & Exhibit Hall Registration.”
NFB of SC State Convention Hotel Registration
The DoubleTree by Hilton is now accepting reservations for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention being held August 13–16, 2026. The cost of the rooms is as follows: singles and doubles: $134; triples: $144; and quads: $154 plus applicable taxes and fees. Breakfast is included with the cost of your room. You may book your room at the DoubleTree’s online reservation page. You may also call 800-445-8667 and give the code 917 to link to our room block. The cutoff for these special rates is Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Remember the following when booking your room:
- The first night’s stay will be charged at time of booking.
- When checking in, a hold will be placed on the card to cover the entire stay.
- There is a $50 per night hold for incidentals.
It is strongly recommended that a credit card be used for this stay. Using a debit card means these holds will be placed on the funds in your checking account.
Things to Remember
- Hotel reservations and Early Bird Registration for the NFB of SC State Convention ends on July 22, 2026.
- NFB of SC State Convention takes place August 13–16, 2026.
- Technology Backpack Fundraiser drawing is August 16, 2026, during the state convention.
- Cash Extravaganza drawing is Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the conclusion of the state convention.
Marty
Marty R. McKenzie, President
National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina
119 S. Kilbourne Road
Columbia, SC 29205
Phone: 803-254-3777
Mobile: 843-939-8091
Website: www.nfbofsc.org