2025 State Convention Committees

The success of our State Convention depends on the energy, commitment, and teamwork of our committees. Each committee plays an important role, whether it is planning engaging sessions, coordinating sponsorships, ensuring accessibility, or strengthening connections with our members. Their work ensures that our convention is both meaningful and impactful.

You can view the full list of committees and find contact information for their chairs at the following link:
https://nfbnj.org/state-convention-committees

Room Reservations

The APA Hotel Woodbridge is now accepting room reservations for the State Convention. To make your reservation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, contact Cheyenne Finch at 732-603-7792 or Cheyenne.Finch@apahotelwoodbridge.com and use the group name of National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey. The best time to call is during regular business hours, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. The 2025 room rate is $119 a night for up to four occupants in a room per night. Hotel room rates are subject to 6.625% New Jersey State tax, 5.0% Occupancy tax and 3.0% Municipal tax. All taxes are subject to change without prior notice, and will be in effect at the time of check-out.

For those considering arriving early, there is a limited number of available guest rooms as another group will be occupying most of the hotel on Wednesday, October 22. The Hotel will be releasing our block of rooms on Friday, October 10, 2025 at 5 PM so make your reservation quickly. You will need a credit card to secure your reservation, There will be no charge to your card until you arrive at the hotel. In addition, there are a limited number of wheelchair accessible rooms and if needed, make it known when you are making your room reservation.

Note: If you can not attend and you have made hotel reservations, don’t call the hotel to cancel. Please call Linda Melendez at 908-590-1747. Linda usually has a waiting list to review as many learn about the State Convention after Friday, October 10.

Convention Meal Options

Pre-registered attendees will have the opportunity to purchase meals at significantly reduced prices as part of their convention experience. These meals are a convenient and affordable way to enjoy quality dining while staying fully engaged in our weekend activities. Pre-registration closes at 5 PM on October 10, 2025, and no food can be purchased after this deadline. Please note that on-site meal sales will not be available, so be sure to register early to secure your meal selections.

To view the full list of available meal options, please visit:
https://nfbnj.org/state-convention/meal-options

Please note that due to circumstances beyond our control, menu items and offerings may be subject to change or substitution by the hotel without prior notice. We appreciate your understanding and will do our best to ensure a delightful dining experience despite any necessary adjustments.

Meet Our Sponsors

The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey (NFBNJ) proudly recognizes and thanks the generous sponsors of our 49th Annual State Convention, “Live the Life You Want; Building Champions.” Their commitment ensures that this annual gathering brings together blind New Jerseyans, families, advocates, and allies to share resources, build connections, and strengthen our community.

Through their support, NFBNJ is able to expand programs in advocacy, education, technology, and leadership — empowering blind individuals to live the lives they want and creating opportunities across New Jersey. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and dedication to accessibility and inclusion.

Visit our Convention Sponsors Page to see the full list of this year’s sponsors:
www.nfbnj.org/state-convention/exhibitors-sponsors

Meet our National Representative

John Pare
Executive Director of Advocacy & Policy, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute

John Pare serves as the Executive Director of Advocacy & Policy at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute. In this leadership role, Mr. Pare is responsible for overseeing several key initiatives that impact the blind community. One of his most notable responsibilities is managing the NFB-NEWSLINE® program, the largest electronic newspaper service in the world, which provides blind and print-disabled individuals with access to newspapers, magazines, and other print materials in accessible formats. Additionally, he manages the Independence Market, which offers a wide range of adaptive products to help blind individuals achieve greater independence, as well as the Federation’s Governmental Affairs office, where he leads efforts to advocate for policy changes that benefit blind Americans.

Mr. Pare's expertise in public policy and his advocacy for the rights of blind individuals have led to significant legislative successes. He has testified before the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee on library services for blind Americans, highlighting the need for accessible resources and services. He played an instrumental role in the negotiations and successful passage of the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act, a crucial piece of legislation that improves safety features for pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired, and the Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act, which expands access to printed books and other published works for people with print disabilities.

In addition to his work in policy advocacy, Mr. Pare has appeared on major media outlets such as CNN, Fox News, BBC, and various radio programs to discuss issues affecting blind Americans. His efforts to raise awareness and advocate for policy change have helped bring attention to the challenges faced by blind individuals, as well as the solutions needed to ensure greater equality and inclusion.

Mr. Pare holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he developed a strong foundation in the skills that would later support his influential career in advocating for the blind community.

John Pare's personal journey has been one of resilience, passion, and unwavering advocacy for the blind community. Born blind, Mr. Pare’s experiences growing up were marked by the challenges faced by blind individuals in a society that often overlooked their potential. Raised in a family that emphasized the value of education, independence, and community, John learned early on the importance of advocacy and support in overcoming obstacles. His parents, who instilled in him a belief in the power of perseverance, encouraged him to participate in mainstream education and community activities, helping him develop a strong sense of self and purpose.

As a child, John was often one of the few blind students in his school, and he faced many of the misconceptions and challenges that come with being a minority in a typical classroom setting. These formative years shaped his deep understanding of the need for social change and greater acceptance of people with disabilities. He was not content to simply adapt to societal expectations but sought to challenge and change them, advocating for better opportunities for blind individuals, particularly in education and employment. His involvement in advocacy started in his teenage years, participating in local organizations that promoted disability rights and access to resources.

John Pare’s involvement with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) has been one of the most defining aspects of his life and career. He first became involved with the NFB as a young adult, seeking out a community of like-minded individuals who shared his passion for advocating for the rights and opportunities of blind people. At the NFB, John found not only a network of support but also a platform for enacting real change in the lives of blind Americans.

Over the years, John has held a variety of leadership roles within the organization, gradually taking on greater responsibility and influence. His commitment to the NFB’s mission of promoting equality and independence for blind people was evident from the start, and it quickly became clear that John’s leadership skills and personal dedication would be vital to the success of the Federation’s advocacy efforts. He became deeply involved in the NFB’s grassroots efforts, engaging with local chapters and national programs to build a unified voice for the blind community.

As a leader within the NFB, John contributed to the development and expansion of several key initiatives that are still critical to the blind community today, including the NFB-NEWSLINE® program. His work helped to enhance this groundbreaking service, which continues to serve as a lifeline for blind individuals by providing access to newspapers, magazines, and other reading materials in a format that is fully accessible. Additionally, John’s leadership was instrumental in the creation and expansion of other programs aimed at promoting independence, such as the Independence Market, which provides tools and resources to help blind individuals live more autonomous lives.

John's commitment to policy change has also been a central aspect of his work with the NFB. He played a crucial role in advancing the Federation’s advocacy initiatives, particularly in pushing for legislation that improves accessibility, safety, and opportunities for blind individuals. He was an active participant in the efforts that led to the passage of landmark legislation like the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act and the Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act. His efforts in government relations, including testifying before Congressional committees, have helped the NFB gain a prominent voice in national conversations about disability rights and policy.

Throughout his involvement with the NFB, John has been a staunch advocate for the power of collective action. He believes that the strength of the Federation lies in its members and their ability to work together toward common goals. His vision of an inclusive society, in which blind individuals are given the same rights and opportunities as everyone else, has shaped his leadership style and his work in advocacy.

The NFB has provided John Pare with the tools, mentorship, and resources to make lasting contributions to the blind community, and in turn, John has become one of the Federation’s most influential and respected leaders. His ongoing work within the NFB continues to inspire new generations of blind individuals to become involved in advocacy and to pursue their dreams without limits.