2025 Annual Convention

Montana Association for the Blind - Annual Convention

"Stepping into the Future"

Friday, September 12th to Sunday, September 14, 2025

At The Comfort Inn – Bozeman, MT

*** Deadline to Mail in Registration Form: August 12, 2025! ***

Read message from Todd Fahlstrom: Click Here for Message from Todd

Download the Registration Form for the Convention: Click Here for Registration Form

See 2025 Convention Agenda and Scheduled Events: Click Here for Convention Agenda

Destination:
Comfort Inn
1370 N. 7th Ave.
Bozeman, MT 59715
Hotel Phone for Reservations: (406) 587-2322.
Blocked hotel room rate: $165.00 plus taxes and fees, hot breakfast included
Theme: "Stepping Into The Future"
Amenities: pool, hot tub, exercise room, laundry facilities, and walking distance from Wal-Mart
Cost to attend convention: $50 -Registration forms will be available by May 1
If you would like to be a vendor for this event, cost is $50 and some exciting news is that we are doing a vendor expo on Friday night.

At this convention our keynote speaker: Bridget Wilkinson

Open the MAB 2025 Annual Convention Flyer: Click Here

Many folks around the state need financial assistance to attend, would you consider giving?

If so, you can make a donation. Send a donation For sponsorship to the Bozeman Chapter, Please make checks payable to BMAB and send it to the PO Box 6797 Bozeman, MT. 59771 or they can fill out The Sponsor Form

We are looking for sponsors! Our vision is to support the youth in MT and what better way to do that than to sponsor a family from The Montana School for the Deaf and Blind. Our goal is to support 10 families in need. If interested, fill out The Sponsor Form, or e-mail bozemanmab@gmail.com for details. Or get in touch with Todd at (406) 600-7548.

Sponsors:

Would you like to be a Sponsor?

Open the MAB 2025 Sponsorship Flyer: Click Here

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Vendors:

Stepping Into The Future Vendor Invitation:

we will be having vendor tables at the convention and there are many spaces available.

Open the MAB 2025 Vendor Invitation: Click Here

1. Vision Matters

https://www.visionmatters.net

2. Guide Dogs for the Blind


E-mail: mcliborn@guidedogs.com
Phone: 1-(800) 295-4050
Address: P.O. Box 151200, San Rafael, CA 94915
www.guidedogs.com

3. Creations Made With Grace


Owner: Marlene Montgomery
Phone: (406) 570-7779
Email: Msmarlene54@gmail.com

4. OverHere Consulting


Ed Worrell – Tech Support/Genral Questions
E-mail: ed@overhereconsulting.net
Phone: (406) 231-6822
Address: 525 Central Ave. Suite M4, Great Falls, MT 59401
www.overhereconsulting.net

5. Blind and Low Vision Services (BLVS)



CONTACT US
877-296-1197 (toll-free consumer line)
Address:
111 N Last Chance Gulch, Suite 4C
PO Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604-4210
https://dphhs.mt.gov/detd/blvs/

6. American Council of the Blind


Cindy Hollis will be representing as membership coordinator.
CONTACT US
E-mail: community@acb.org
Office Address:
225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 660
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.acb.org/

7. iCanConnect


Phone: Toll Free:1 (800)-825-4595

www.icanconnect.org


8. The Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind


The MSDB Transition Program
Contact Us
Phone: Phone: 406-771-6000

Email: info@msdb.k12.mt.us
Address:
3911 Central Ave, Great Falls,
MT 59405
www.msdbmustangs.org/education/high-school-transition/

9. The Bozeman Low Vision Center


Phone: (406) 600-7548

E-mail: bozemanmab@gmail.com
Address: Martel Building
220 W Lamme Basement Suite B9-2,
Bozeman, Montana 59715
Bozeman Low Vision Center
*Come tour the Low Vision Center on Friday, September 12th -from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

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Support from individual/business

We want to give out special thanks to the following that have assisted in many ways. This convention wouldn’t be possible with out the generous support of many.

Would you like to consider donating or contributing to support this convention, please call Todd at (406) 600-7548 or e-mail: bozemanmab@gmail.com

Guest Speaker Bridget Wilkinson

Meet Our Keynote Speaker: Bridget Wilkinson
President & CEO, One Valley Community Foundation

Bridget Wilkinson is a dedicated community leader who believes that meaningful change happens when people come together with care, purpose, and persistence. Hired as the first staff member at One Valley Community Foundation in 2013, Bridget has worked alongside generous donors and local nonprofits to raise over $18 million in support of projects that strengthen the communities of Southwest Montana.

With over 15 years in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector, Bridget has been recognized locally for her collaborative leadership and commitment to building a more connected and inclusive future. She’s a TEDx speaker, Leadership Montana alum, and 21/64 Certified Advisor—experience she draws on to support families and organizations in shaping their giving with intention.

At this year's MAB Annual Convention, "Stepping into the Future", Bridget will share stories and lessons from her journey in community-building—offering ideas for how we can all use our voices, experiences, and tools to foster greater independence, opportunity, and connection for individuals who are blind and low vision.

Her keynote will focus on practical inspiration: how we can grow as leaders, reimagine how we tell our stories, and explore new ways to make an impact—together.

T-shirts

T-shirts will be $20. below is the wording on the back of the t-shirt.

Front T-shirt Description

On the front is the MAB logo and below it says "helping people with vision loss"
The T-shirt will be the blue in color as featured.

Back T-shirt Description

In White Font: How to engage with a blind or visually impaired person.
1. Speak directly to the person, not through others.
2. Do not shout!
3. Always introduce yourself.
4. Announce yourself when you are entering or leaving a room.
5. Using words like "see" and "look" are not offensive.
6. Be specific when providing direction. In relation to the person state left/right, up/down or the hour on a clock (i.e., it's at your "2 o'clock").
7. Pointing, using gestures, or saying "over there" do not provide a reference.
8. Always ask before providing assistance. It may not be needed.
9. Never push, pull, or grab a blind person. Instead, ask to use sighted guide technique.
10. Never pet or speak to guide dogs; communicate with the owner.

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