Florida Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
Florida AER Conference Information
2025 FAER Conference - Show us Your FLAER
Dates:
Wednesday 10/22 (pm only)
Thursday 10/23
Friday 10/24 (am only)
Venue and Hotel Information:
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando North
225 Shorecrest Drive
Altamonte Springs, Florida 32701
FAER has reserved a room block at the rate of $154/night, including complimentary parking, hot breakfast and Wi-Fi. A hotel group reservation link is available for you to take advantage of FAER's room block rate prior to the 9/30/25 booking deadline.
Opening Keynote: Dave Wilkinson
Dave Wilkinson is and endurance athlete and adrenaline junkie who pays the bills as a Senior Digital Accessibility Analyst for Hilton Hotels. Prior to his career at Hilton, Dave held sales and management positions at several assistive technology companies including Selvas, HumanWare and Freedom Scientific where he continuously traveled throughout the US, Canada and other parts of the world.
Dave, who has been blind since birth, has completed three Ironman triathlons, over 30 marathons, numerous ultra cycling events, and spent a couple years racing on cross country skis.
Dave was once described by a colleague as a good idea, taken a step too far and considers this to be his mantra. He is married to an incredibly patient wife and became a GranDave this past September. He can’t wait to show his grand daughter some of the magic and wonder in this incredible journey.
Closing Keynote Speaker: Michelle Thompson
Michelle Thompson is a blind biomedical science teacher at a local high school in Orlando. Growing up, Michelle received vision services in Pinellas County, including having TVIs and an O&M instructor all throughout her K-12 experience, and during high school she was a part of the Transition Program at her local Lighthouse. She also participated in the Florida Braille Challenge, Florida Cane Quest, and multiple NFB STEM camps throughout her school years. After high school she attended the University of South Florida and received support from the Division of Blind Services. Having a consistent, supportive team, as well as surrounding herself with positive, enriching experiences with other members of the visually impaired/blind community is what she believes has allowed her to persevere through numerous challenges and has contributed towards building up her confidence and independence.
