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

Welcome to the registration form for the National Federation of the Blind National Association of Blind Students 2026 Midwest Student Seminar: Presenting with Purpose: Putting Your Best Foot Forward in Any Situation, taking place March 13, 2026, 5:00 p.m.- March 15, 2026, 12:00 p.m., Central at the Holiday Inn Chicago O'Hare Area. 5615 North Cumberland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631.

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 present with purpose, 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!

Hotel Information

Holiday Inn Chicago O’Hare (5615 North Cumberland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631)

Room cost: one room with two queen beds $119/night
Room reservations can be made in any 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 typing in the Group code: NFB
Reserve your room using the NABS 2026 Reservation Link

*Room reservations should be made before February 20, 2026.
Nearest airport: Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)

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 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.

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, Riley Letterman at rileyletterman07@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 February 20, 2026.

Seminar Registration

Contact Information

First name *

Last name *

Preferred name

Preferred pronouns

Email *

Phone number *

Home state *

Date of birth *

Are you above the age of eighteen? *

Emergency Contact Information

Emergency contact's name *

Emergency contact's email *

Emergency contact's phone number *

Additional Information

Educational status *

Name of educational institution *

National Association of Blind Students membership status *

How did you find out about the NABS 2026 Midwest Student Seminar? *

Do you have another disability in which you may need additional accommodations? If so, please list what accommodations would best fit your needs.

Do you have any allergies? Please list them and their degree of severity.

Do you have any dietary restrictions? Please list them below.

We will not be assigning roommates, and you will be responsible for booking your own room through the hotel using our group rate. Each room costs $119 per night, plus taxes/fees. Would you like to be connected with other attendees looking for a roommate? *

Volunteer Information *

By checking this box, I certify that I give the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and its presenting division, the National Association of Blind Students (NABS), permission to use my name, likeness, image, voice, and/or appearance as such may be embodied in any pictures, photos, video recordings, audiotapes, digital images, and the like, taken or made on behalf of the 2026 National Association of Blind Student Seminars or any of its related activities.

I understand that the National Federation of the Blind and National Association of Blind Students has complete ownership of such pictures, etc., including the entire copyright, and may use them for any purpose consistent with the National Federation of the Blind and the National Association of Blind Students mission. These uses include, but are not limited to, illustrations, bulletins, exhibitions, videotapes, reprints, reproductions, publications, advertisements, and any promotional or educational materials in any medium now known or later developed, including the Internet. I acknowledge that I will not receive any compensation for the use of such pictures, etc., and hereby release the National Federation of the Blind and National Association of Blind Students, their agents, and assignees from any and all claims which arise out of or are in any way connected with such use.

Media Release *

I certify that I have read the above message and that I understand/agree to the media release.

By checking this box, I certify that I have read and understand the expectations of the National Federation of the Blind’s Code of Conduct. I affirm that I will, throughout the duration of my attendance of the 2026 National Association of Blind Student Seminar, conduct myself with the outlined principles of the Code of Conduct, facilitating positive interactions with my fellow attendees. I also affirm that I have visited the National Federation of the Blind's webpage and have reviewed the Code of Conduct, which can be found at https://www.nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct.

Code of Conduct *

I certify that I have read the above message and understand/agree to the National Federation of the Blind’s Code of Conduct.