2025 National Association of Blind Students Midwest Seminar Registration

Welcome to the registration form for the National Federation of the Blind National Association of Blind Students 2025 Midwest Student Seminar: Beyond the handshake: Networking in the Windy Citytaking place March 7, 2025, 5:00 p.m.- March 9, 2025, 12:00 p.m., Central at the Holiday Inn Chicago O'Hare Area. 5615 North Cumberland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631.

Hotel Information

Holiday Inn Chicago O'Hare Area. 5615 North Cumberland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631

Room cost: one room with two queen beds $119/night
Room reservations can be made in either of the following ways:

• Call 800-465-4329 or 773-693-5800  and use our group code: National Federation of the Blind Student 
• Go to www.hiohare.com and type in the Group code:  NFB

*Room reservations should be made before February 8, 2025. 

Nearest airport: Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, to learn how you can support your consumer’s participation in the Midwest Seminar, please download the seminar program description and the vocational rehabilitation agenda. For any additional questions, contact James Yesel at james.n.yesel@gmail.com. 

Description

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 Beyond the handshake: Networking in the Windy City 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, we hope you will join us for a weekend of growth and fun!

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 Illinois' 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, which requires all event participants to be over the age of eighteen for this residential program.

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 about the registration process, please reach out to NABS Board Member Joshua Olukanni by email at joshuaolukanni2002@gmail.com. 

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 February 14, 2025.