[NABS-L] Join Us for the 2025 Midwest Regional Student Seminar in Chicago!

[James Yesel]

Dear NABS Fam,



I hope finals have been going well and that you’re starting to enjoy a
well-deserved winter break! With a new year underway, we’re excited to
welcome blind students to the dynamic city of Chicago, Illinois, for the
2025 Midwest Regional Student Seminar, proudly hosted by the National
Association of Blind Students.



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, where we’ll explore these shared
experiences with students from across the region. It will be an engaging
weekend packed with opportunities to challenge your perceptions and network
with blind peers and mentors alike.



Have you ever wondered how to navigate non-traditional career paths or
build a professional network that truly understands your journey? This
year’s theme focuses on career exploration and planning, offering practical
insights and strategies to help you thrive. Together, we’ll dive into how
to forge meaningful connections, open new doors, and envision possibilities
beyond the expected.



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 from March 7 – March 9, 2025, at the
Holiday Inn Chicago O’Hare Area:



Holiday Inn Chicago O’Hare Area

5615 N. Cumberland Ave.

Chicago, IL 60631



You can register at the link below. Registration closes on February 14,
2025, so don’t delay!



https://nabslink.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=5



Rooms can be booked at the hotel website using the code “NFB”:

www.hiohare.com



Alternatively, you can call (800-465-4329) or (773-693-5800) to reserve a
room by phone using the group name “National Federation of the Blind
Student”. Room rates for a room with two queen beds are $119.00 per night,
and rooms must be booked by February 8, 2025.



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 <https://nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct> and
the Youth Program Participant Protection Policy
<https://nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct/youth-program-participant-protection-policy>
upheld
by the National Federation of the Blind.



Alternative Payment Options:

We in no way want the $100 registration fee to prevent any student from
attending. If the fee poses a challenge, please contact Joshua Olukanni at
678-313-1543 or joshuaolukanni2002 at gmail.com.



Please note that both the $100 registration fee and a completed
registration form must be submitted by February 14, 2025, to secure your
spot for this transformative weekend.



If you have any questions regarding hotel logistics, registration, or
anything else about the Midwest Seminar, feel free to reach out to Joshua
Olukanni at 678-313-1543 or joshuaolukanni2002 at gmail.com.



Best regards,

James Yesel