Apr. 10 – 11 Fargo, ND
***Online Registration***
By mail: Fillable PDF Form or email us the form!
Check out the Brochure!
Learning New Tricks for Family Weekend 2026! is a conference uniting family together with insights on topics that not only help your child but also help families connect and grow together. New this year is the ability to join a virtual session via Zoom for presenters James Michael, Andrea Montano, and Tyler Merren. Registration and an email are required. Any questions about this new program please contact Lanna Slaby 701-840-7939
Special Guests: James Michael, Jennifer Brooks, Andrea Montano, and Tyler Merren
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James Michael
Mr. James Michael is the current Superintendent at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ISBVI). He believes that assistive technology is the key for his students and for leading ISBVI into the future. As a person who is blind himself, he aspires to be a role model for the students at ISBVI too.
Jennifer Brooks
Jennifer Brooks is the APH Regional Outreach Specialist for the Northcentral Region. She has over 20 years of experience, including 5 years in Romania providing vision trainings. Jennifer is passionate about empowering others with knowledge, leadership, and resources from APH.
Tyler Merren
Tyler Merren is a 5-time Paralympic athlete and a 2-time medalist with Team USA. Born with Retinitis Pigmentosa, he grew up with a love of sports and activities and now owns Revision Training LLC. He lives in Michigan with his wife, who is also blind, and their 4 children.
Andrea Montano
Andrea Montano is an instructional lead and provides mentorship at the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NMSBVI). With 28 years of experience, she is passionate about helping families understand sensory processing needs, especially how they interrelate with CVI.
April 10th and 11th in Fargo
April 10th - 6:00 PM
Expressway Suites
4303 17th Ave S
Fargo, ND 58103
April 11th - 8:00 AM
First Lutheran Church
619 Broadway N
Fargo, ND 58102
Conference Location: Fargo
Have a question? Contact Lanna Slaby 701-253-3012 or Email lslaby@nd.gov
Message from Superintendent Paul Olson
Family Weekend is an amazing once a year opportunity to really connect with other families who understand your needs and hopes. NDVS/SB staff and the parent planning team look forward to this weekend all year because of the positive energy and fun that everyone experiences. If you have attended in the past, please come again and share what you have learned. If you are considering coming for the first time, know that this is a fun, informal and supportive setting. You will not be disappointed! Come and let’s get to know each other.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower families so that they may access information on topics relating to their child’s visual impairment, develop an awareness of services and resources available on a regional and national level and become more effective advocates for their child.
What is Family Weekend?
This is an opportunity for families who have a child with vision loss (including those with additional disabilities) to listen to informational speakers, and to meet other families from across North Dakota and staff from North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind.
What is the North Dakota School for the Blind Family Team?
Inspired by the National Association for Parents (and families) of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI), the Family Team’s goal is to assist in connecting families who have children with vision loss across the state of North Dakota. We help to provide emotional support, advocate for the education and independence for children who are blind and visually impaired and provide informational opportunities for families who have children with visual impairments or blindness.