National Federation of the Blind 2026 National Association of Blind Students Southwest Student Seminar Registration

Welcome to the event page for the National Federation of the Blind National Association of Blind Students 2026 Southwest Student Seminar: The Power of Connection: Networking With Intention taking place September 18, 2026, 5:00 p.m.- September 20, 2026, 12:00 p.m., Central at the Saavi Services for the Blind, 3350 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85716.

As blind students, we are encountering unique daily realities that often remain unrecognized or misunderstood by the people around us. The National Association of Blind Students is thrilled to invite you to The Power of Connection: Networking With Intention, with us as we explore these shared experiences with students from all over the region.

It will be an engaging weekend packed with opportunities to challenge your perceptions and network with blind peers and mentors alike. You can expect a mix of interactive activities, thought-provoking conversations, and riveting presentations—with topics covering everything from securing accommodations to finding identity as a blind person.

This journey promises to empower you to identify new ways of living the life you want. Regardless of where you are in your education journey, we hope you will join us for a weekend of growth and fun!

For more information, read the full program description.

Hotel Information

Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites (5151 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712)

Room cost: one room with two queen beds $129/night. Room reservations can be made in any of the following ways:

• Call 1-800-325-3535 and use our group code: National Federation of the Blind Student  
• Reserve your room using the NABS 2026 Reservation Link.

Room reservations should be made before August 19th, 2026  

Airport Information

Nearest airport: Tucson International Airport (TUS). 

While we encourage participants to travel into Tucson International Airport (TUS), we will be providing transportation between the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and the hotel. For those participants planning to travel into PHX, please contact Emily Papenfus at epapenfus@saavi.us  for next steps.   

Event Guidelines

The National Association of Blind Students prioritizes its members' health and safety in all its events. For the safety of all participants, we ask that if you are feeling ill, please remain home. These policies are consistent with the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona policies on in-person gatherings. 

We are also committed to keeping all members safe. As such, we follow the Code of Conduct and the Youth Program Participant Protection Policy, upheld by the National Federation of the Blind. 

Payments

We in no way, shape, or form want finances to deter student attendance. If the $100 registration fee stands in the way of your attendance or you have any other questions please contact Avah Orellana at avahmoody3@gmail.com.   

If you are interested in learning about how Vocational Rehabilitation can support your seminar participation, please contact Nikki Jackson at njackson@nfb.org or 410-659-9314 extension 2404. 

See the confirmation message after submitting this form for information pertaining to methods of payment.

Please note that the deadline to complete this registration form and its accompanying payment is August 21, 2026.