NFB National Convention 2006

The Wyndham Anatole Hotel in Dallas

It is time to plan for the 2006 convention of the National Federation of the Blind. This year we will return to Dallas, Texas, deep in the heart of the LoneStar State.

We will again experience the hospitality of the Big D, but this time we are going to the stunningly beautiful Wyndham Anatole Hotel. Once again our hotel rates are the envy of all. For the 2006 convention they are singles, doubles, and twins $60 and triples and quads $65. In addition to the room rates there will be a tax, which at present is 15 percent. No charge will be made for children fifteen and under in the room with parents as long as no extra bed is requested.

For 2006 convention room reservations you should write directly to the Wyndham Anatole Hotel, 2201 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75207, or call (800) 996-3426. Online use the link from the NFB Web site, <www.nfb.org>, or go directly to <www.anatole.wyndham-hotels.com> to make reservations. The hotel will want a deposit of $60 or a credit card number. If you use a credit card, the deposit will be charged against your card immediately, just as would be the case with a $60 check. If a reservation is cancelled prior to June 1, 2006, $30 of the $60 deposit will be returned. Otherwise refunds will not be made.

Guest-room amenities include cable television, coffee pot, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, and high-speed Internet access.

The Wyndham Anatole has several restaurants and bars and even a disco. Nana offers a five-star dining experience with panoramic views of the city and prices to match. La Esquina Restaurant and Tequila Bar offers south-of-the-border lunches and dinners with a Texas flair. At Common Ground in the atrium you will find light breakfast and lunch fare. The Rathskeller Sports Bar provides a basement hideaway for dinner. At the Crocodile Disco you will find cocktails, a disk jockey, and dancing. All restaurants are nonsmoking. See later issues of the Monitor for information about tours and other attractions in the Greater Dallas/Ft. Worth area.<

The 2006 convention of the National Federation of the Blind will be a truly exciting and memorable event, with an unparalleled program and rededication to the goals and work of our movement. Make plans now to be a part of it. The schedule this year is our usual one. Preconvention seminars for parents of blind children and other groups and set-up of the exhibit hall will take place on Saturday, July 1, and adjournment will be Friday, July 7, at 5:00 p.m. Convention registration will begin on Sunday, July 2, and both Sunday and Monday will be filled with meetings of divisions and committees, including the Monday morning annual meeting of the board of directors of the National Federation of the Blind, which is open to all.

General convention sessions begin on Tuesday, July 4, and continue through the afternoon of Friday, July 7. The annual banquet will take place on Thursday evening, July 6. To assure yourself a room in the headquarters hotel at convention rates, you must make reservations early. The hotel will be ready to take your call or deal with your written request by January 2.

Remember that as usual we need door prizes from state affiliates, local chapters, and individuals. Once again prizes should be small in size but large in value. Cash, of course, is always appropriate and welcome. As a general rule we ask that prizes of all kinds have a value of at least $25 and not be alcoholic. Drawings will occur steadily throughout the convention sessions, and you can anticipate a grand prize of truly Texas proportions to be drawn at the banquet. You may bring door prizes with you or send them ahead of time (identifying the item and donor and listing the value in print and Braille) to Denice Hopper, 3726 Dutton Drive, Dallas, Texas 75211, phone (214) 339-3697.

The best collection of exhibits, featuring new technology; meetings of our special interest groups, committees, and divisions; memorable tours arranged by the Texas affiliate; the most stimulating and provocative program items of any meeting of the blind in the world; the chance to renew friendships in our Federation family; and the unparalleled opportunity to be where the real action is and where decisions are being made--all of these mean you will not want to miss being a part of the 2006 national convention. We'll see you in Dallas in 2006!

Additional Convention Information

Below are links to additional information about NFB and NFB of Tennessee Conventions that will be of interest to those wishing to attend an NFB state or national Convention. They deal with particular aspects of our conventions and offer tips for getting the most out of this life-changing event:

NFB conventions, particularly the national convention can be an over whelming experience for those attending for the first time. The link below leads to information which will be of interest to individuals attending their first ever National Federation of the Blind convention. The first link in the list below will take you to the conventions area of our national Web Site where you can learn about past NFB national and state conventions as well as obtain additional information concerning the up-coming national convention not featured on this Web Site.

NFB Conventions Information Archive

Mary Ellen Jernigan has written an article to help you orient yourself to the Windam Anatole Hotel and to know where various hotel meeting rooms, restaurants, and other facilities are located and how to access them.

A Quick Introduction to the Windam Anatole Hotel

Information for those attending their first NFB convention can be found here:

First Timers Information

Those who attend this year's national convention will participate in a very special event the launch of the Kurzweil National Federation of the Blind Reader, a device that will revolutionize access to the printed word for the blind. Information about the history and development of this innovative reader can be found elsewhere on this Web Site by selecting the following link:

Kurzweil National Federation of the Blind Reader

We have also included information of particular interest to those attending the convention with a guide dog. Federationist Melissa Riccobono gives practical tips for insuring that your convention experience is a positive one for you and your dog.

Top Ten Tips for a Successful Convention Trip with a Guide Dog

To further assist guide dog users attending this convention be sure to arm yourself with a copy of the Texas White Cane Law to prepare yourself for a possible encounter with someone who may not be aware of the rights you have to enter public establishments with your guide dog. Having this hinformation handy and acquainting yourself with this law will assist you in resolving any disputes that may arise during your time in the Lone Star State.

Texas White Cane Law

For those who attended the 2006 NFB Convention in Dallas Texas you will find details concerning major happenings at this event by viewing the:

2006 Convention Roundup

If you're looking for an inexpensive eatery or some of the finest dining to be found in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex be sure to read and download a copy of the Dallas Restaurant Guide prepared by members of the Dallas Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas. In addition to dining establishments there is also information for local pharmacies, grocery stores, veterinarians, public transportation and cab services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Dallas Restaurant Guide

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