Stronger Together Conference Program
DAY ONE: FRIDAY, MAY 16TH
3:00-6:00 PM REGISTRATION FOR CONFERENCE
Check in and meet your Peer Mentor leader. Receive your conference welcome bag as well as chosen version of the agenda and program. An optional sign up for either sport expo or talent show.
HOTEL ROOM CHECK IN AT FRONT DESK
Receive room key.
5:00-6:00 PM HOTEL O&M TOURS
An O&M instructor will guide participants through the key areas of the conference in the hotel, including meeting rooms and hospitality room.
6:00-7:00 PM DINNER
Plated dinner: Pasta Peperonata with peppers, onions, sausage over penne pasta.
7:00-7:30 PM PLANTING THE SEEDS
DSB staff will give a general overview of the weekend’s agenda.
7:30-8:00 PM MIXER
Informal opportunity to network and meet other participants of the Stronger Together conference.
8:00-9:00 PM OPTIONAL SECOND HOTEL O&M TOURS
An O&M instructor will guide participants through the key areas of the conference in the hotel, including meeting rooms and hospitality room.
7:30-9:00 PM HOSPITALITY ROOM
It is available for families to enjoy a quiet space if needed throughout the conference. If interested in using it please seek out a DSB staff member, or peer mentor.
Day Two: Saturday, May 17th
8:00-9:00 AM BREAKFAST
Continental buffet with service and assistance.
9:00-9:30 AM WELCOME KEYNOTE
Keynote features Nicole Harris. Nicole Harris, aka The BrassknuckleBeauty, is a force of nature. Blind, brilliant, and unapologetically bold, she’s a Bay Area powerhouse who turns advocacy into art. After losing her sight, she didn’t slow down—she earned five degrees in five years and started Love The Hope Project, a nonprofit empowering blind creators through storytelling, self-reliance, and digital freedom.
She’s the author of Beautiful Accomplice, a memoir with bite, and a viral voice on TikTok, where she tells the world to “Keep Your Cane Hand Strong” and own every part of their story. Nicole doesn’t just change minds—she shifts culture.
9:45-10:30 AM ONE COURT PRESENTATIONS
DSB partners will present on exciting developments in inclusive technology.
10:45-11:45 AM CONCURRENT PANEL A
Transitions–School to Employment/ Higher Ed:
Discussion around transition options and experiences, with a focus on high school students leaving for higher education or employment.
Panelists:
- Corey Grandstaff: Associate Director of Transition and Residential Programs - Washington State School for the Blind
- Holly Edwards: DSB contractor and College and Career Specialist
- Nicole Harris: Social Entrepreneur and Public Speaker
- Angie Rodriguez: Pre-ETS Peer Mentor
10:45-11:45 AM CONCURRENT PANEL B
All About IEPs:
Discussion about options for parents and students to be more informed about IEP options and supports in K-12 schools.
Panelists:
- Marci Carpenter–President, National Federation of the Blind of Washington
- Krista Bulger, TVLV/CATIS–Washington State School for the Blind
- Amelia Laing–Pre-ETS Peer Mentor
11:45-12:15 PM MARKETPLACE EXHIBITS
Booth exhibit to meet and discuss opportunities to work with exhibitors and experience real time use of products.
11:45-12:15 PM FARMERS MARKET
Vancouver farmers market with a variety of market stalls available across the street from the hotel. Please note O&Ms are available for support; they will be gathering on the 1st floor to the left of the entrance, by the front desk registration area.
12:15-1:15 PM LUNCH
Plated lunch: Chicken Enchilada, Refried Beans, Spanish Rice, topped with your choice of Cheddar Cheese Salsa Verde, Sour Cream
1:15-4:45 PM AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Meet with your assigned cohort after lunch. For Saturday’s breakout sessions only, all attendees will be divided into four groups named after trees, based on the first letter of your last name. Each group will be led by a Peer Mentor who will answer questions & guide you to your breakout sessions throughout the day.
If you have a different last name than a family member but would prefer to be in the same group, you are welcome to switch groups to stay together. Otherwise, please remain in your assigned group to help ensure we have enough materials & space for everyone in each session.
- Birch (A through D); Group Leader, Amelia
- Maple (E through K): Group Leader, Angie
- Cedar (L through P): Group Leader, Jieke
- Evergreen (Q through Z): Group Leader, Liling
1:15-2:00 PM Breakout Session 1
Marketplace Exhibitors
This session introduces participants to a wide array of resources, fostering connections with industry professionals and organizations that support career exploration and self-advocacy. Brief presentations by each exhibitor will be followed by open booth visits for personalized engagement.
2:10-2:55 PM Breakout Session 2
From Stress to Success, Accessible Cooking & Mental Health
Join blind chef Debra Erickson and mental health clinician Jenelle Landgraf, LICSW for an empowering workshop on cooking and confidence. Designed for blind and visually-impaired youth, this session addresses common fears around cooking—like handling sharp tools or heat, using adaptive techniques and tools. Learn practical kitchen skills alongside mental health strategies, including the Zones of Regulation framework, to manage anxiety, build resilience, and recognize emotional states. The workshop also covers communication and interview tips to support success in work and life.
3:05-3:50 PM Breakout Session 3
Creating Inclusive and Accessible Environments
Interactive presentation, demonstration and activity geared toward creating an accessible and inclusive home environment for blind and visually impaired individuals. Presented by Sahra Perretz-Rosales, LSWAIC and O&M professionals Natalie Banks, Aileen Mattsen and Julia Smith.
4:00-4:45 PM Breakout Session 4
Exploring Careers & Building Adaptability
In this interactive workshop, youth and their families will explore career pathways aligned with their interests and strengths using the Holland Code framework. Together, we’ll also practice the durable skill of adaptability—an essential tool for thriving in today’s ever-changing world of work. Presented by Joy Thomas, M.Ed. and Holly Edwards.
4:45-6:00 PM CAT Technology Workshop (Optional)
Provide a strong overview of the adaptive technology currently available with opportunities to try out equipment and devices. Discuss functional use of assistance tech with industry professionals.
6:00-7:00 PM DINNER
Plated dinner: Orange chicken, stir fry, rice and vegetable’s
7:00-9:00 PM TALENT SHOW
A fun night of opportunities to perform talent. Please note instruments must be provided by musicians.
7:00-9:00 PM SPORTS EXPEDITION
Try out blind low vision tennis, blind cricket, and goalball.
Day Three: Sunday, May 18th
8:00-9:00 AM BREAKFAST
Continental buffet with service and assistance.
9:15-10:15 AM CONCURRENT PANEL C
Empowering Parenting:
Learn and develop useful skills for parenting blind and low vision children. Reinforced by a panel with lived experiences and Q&A.
Panelists:
- Sara Logston: Explorers Program Coordinator – Department of Services for the Blind
- Jess Cummings LMHCA: Child and Adolescent Therapist
- Schei McVey: Parent of Pre-ETS Customer
- Lyla Duffy: Pre-ETS Customer
9:15-10:15 AM CONCURRENT PANEL D
Industry Professionals–Careers & Opportunities:
Focus on career pathways for students. Better understand industries and careers available from panel members’ lived experiences and Q&A session.
Panelists:
- Miranda McPherson: Small business owner, Adaptive Technology Instructor, and DSB contractor, TechAbility Northwest LLC.
- Debra Erickson: Small business owner and DSB contractor, The Blind Kitchen
- Murray Elbourn: Small business owner and DSB contractor, Amerability
- Joy Thomas; Student Support Coordinator and DSB contractor, Cabrillo Point Academy
10:30-11:15 AM FINAL GENERAL SESSION
Closing remarks, Conference Q&A & Feedback
Our conference team will wrap up the conference as well as host an opportunity for all participants of the conference to ask questions related to anything within the conference or to provide feedback. Time will be provided to complete a post-conference survey.
11:15 AM FAREWELL
Check under your bed and do not forget your chargers when you leave. Thank you for attending!