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Free Google Sessions in Minneapolis
Google will sponsor four complimentary sessions in Minneapolis during the 2016 American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention.
- Chrome OS Accessibility - Learn about the accessibility features built into every Chromebook and get an early look at the new ChromeVox screen reader.
When - Wednesday, July 6, 4:15 to 5:30 PM
- Google Apps Accessibility - Learn more about the latest accessibility improvements to Google Apps, including Google Docs, Google Drive, Calendar, and more.
When - Wednesday, July 6, 5:45 to 7:00 PM
From the President
Dear Conventioneers:
I want to welcome everyone to the 55th annual conference and convention of the American Council of the Blind, in beautiful Minneapolis, Minnesota. I am looking forward to presiding over my third convention as president of ACB, and to speak with so many members and guests from across the country and, in fact, from around the world.
ACB Boards and Committees
ACB Board of Directors
Saturday, July 2:
9:00 AM: Pre-convention Board Meeting – Minnehaha
Board of Publications, Chair: Denise Colley
Sunday, July 3:
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: BOP Meeting, Minnehaha
Tuesday, July 5:
5:45 PM – 7:00 PM: BOP Candidate Forum, Mirage
Hear from and ask questions of this year’s candidates.
Thursday, July 7:
1:15 PM – 2:30 PM: BOP Editors’ Workshop, Greenway BCD
Constitution and Bylaws Committee
Chair: John Huffman
ACB/ACBES Financial Office Staff
Lane Waters, Controller
Nancy Becker, Chief Accountant
Lori Sarff, Human Resources and Administration
Dee Theien, Reception/Administration
ACB'S GOLDEN YEAR
by Carla Ruschival
Fifty years ago, in 1961, 29 people met in a hotel in Kansas City, Mo., and the American Council of the Blind was born. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of people like Durward McDaniel and countless others, and despite the efforts of those who hoped ACB would succumb to a quick and untimely death, the fledgling organization spread its wings and became the proud leader and beacon of democracy we know today.
Registration Q&A
The ACB/Vanda Pharmaceuticals Registration Desk is located in Pavillion B on the second floor. Registration hours are:
Thursday, July 7 (pre-reg. pick-up only): 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Friday to Sunday, July 8 to 10 - 8:00am to 7:00pm
Monday, July 11 - 8:00am to 4:00pm
Tuesday to Thursday, July 12 to 14 - 8:00am to 3:00pm
Friday, July 15 - 8:00am to 2:00pm
The A T Guys in Minneapolis
J.J. Meddaugh, President of A T Guys, will hold two sessions at the 2016 American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention.
- Product Showcase - Learn about the latest affordable gadgets and accessories from the A T Guys. From the latest mobile accessories for your iPhone or Android device to speakers, headsets, and braille displays, A T Guys probably has something for you. Receive an exclusive discount available to event attendees.
When - Thursday, July 7, 5:45 to 7:00 PM
Abbreviations in this Program
ACB - American Council of the Blind
AABT - American Association of Blind Teachers
AAVL - Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss
AAVIA - American Association of Visually Impaired Attorneys
ACBDA - ACB Diabetics in Action
ACBF - ACB Families
ACBGE - ACB Government Employees
ACBL - ACB Lions
ACBRA - ACB Radio Amateurs
ACBS - ACB Students
ADP - Audio Description Project
AFB - American Foundation for the Blind
APH - American Printing House for the Blind
ACB Committee Meetings
Advocacy Committee
Chair: Jeff Thom
Tuesday, July 5, Mirage
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM: Tools for Tomorrow $6 ($8)
Strategies for affiliates to influence state / local programs and legislation well beyond just rehab. Presenters: Anthony Stephens, ACB Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs, Alexandria, VA; Rebecca Bridges, Chair, Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired State Rehabilitation Council. Co-sponsored by Advocacy Committee and Rehab Issues Task Force.
2016 Convention Coordinating Committee
Janet Dickelman, Chair, St. Paul, MN
Margarine Beaman, Austin, TX
Sally Benjamin, Tallahassee, FL
Vicky Prahin, Columbus, OH
Bruce Radtke, Bellingham, WA
Michael Smitherman, Jackson, MS
Rhonda Trott, Talladega, AL
Carla Ruschival, Officer Liaison, Louisville, KY
Lane Waters, Staff Liaison, Minneapolis, MN
Communication Center Services
The Communication Center is in the Pyramid Room on the lower level and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fri., July 8 through Wed., July 13. This is where you can place ads in the paper, make braille or print copies, or volunteer to help produce the newspaper.
Living Healthy with BPI
Blind Pride International presents three sessions on healthy living during the 2016 ACB Conference and Convention in Minneapolis.
1. Yoga ABC's - New to yoga? Learn the fundamentals of yoga to get started on your personal path. Jessica Rosenberg from Yoga Center Minneapolis will cover the basics of yoga poses and breathwork. She will also provide insight into the various forms of yoga. A fun and interactive introduction to the ABCs of several respected yoga traditions.
When - Tuesday, July 5, 1:15 to 2:30 PM
Medical Information
For medical emergencies, dial 0 on a hotel phone or 911 on any other phone. Stay calm and speak distinctly. Give your name, exact location and a description of the emergency. For medical care, contact:
Emergency Clinic:
Minute Clinic (Located in the Target store)
900 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Walk-in appointments only
0.3 miles
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Closed Sundays
Other ACB Meetings
Audio Description Project
Joel Snyder, President, Audio Description Associates
Sunday, July 3 through Tuesday, July 5, Lakeshore Ballroom A
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Audio Description Conference $149 ($149). Audio description enthusiasts hear presentations on the latest developments in the field. Includes a gala awards luncheon on Day 3 with a guest speaker.
2016 Convention Program Committee
Kim Charlson, Chair, Watertown, MA
Janet Dickelman, St. Paul, MN
Judy Dixon, Arlington, VA
Karen Gourgey, New York, NY
John McCann, Tucson, AZ
Jeff Thom, Sacramento, CA
Eric Bridges, Staff Liaison, Alexandria, VA
2011 Conference and Convention Program
ACB IN THE SILVER STATE
GOLDEN PAST - DIAMOND FUTURE
50th Annual National
Conference and Convention
American Council of the Blind
and
Special-Interest Affiliates
John Ascuaga’s Nugget Resort & Casino
Reno, Nevada
July 8-16, 2011
Mitch Pomerantz, President
Hosted by the
Nevada Council of the Blind
Rick Kuhlmey, President