KALEIDOSCOPE OF OPPORTUNITY
AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
Christopher Gray, President
46TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION
and
Special-Interest Affiliate Meetings
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
JUNE 30 - JULY 7, 2007
Hosted by
ACB of Minnesota
Janet Dickelman, President

Tribute to Jim
From the President
Abbreviations in This Program
Calendar of Events
BASIC INFORMATION
Medical Care/Local Resources
Convention News
Info for Guide Dog Users
Hotel Mini-Guide
Registration Q&A
Communication Center Services
ACB Convention Cafe
ACB Fundraisers
Affiliate Caucuses
Religious Activities
Convention Standing Rules
AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND General Session Agenda
ACB Board and Committee Meetings
ACB Committee Programs and Activities
DKM First-Timers' Reception
Employment Issues Seminar
Information Access Seminar
Membership Seminar
Multicultural Concerns Activities
Rehabilitation Issues Task Force
Sight and Sound Impaired (SASI) Meetings and Events
Scholarship Activities
Women's Concerns Events
Recreation Zone
Other ACB Seminars and Events
SPECIAL-INTEREST AFFILIATE MEETINGS
Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss
American Association of Visually Impaired Attorneys
American Council of Blind Diabetics in Action
American Council of Blind Government Employees
American Council of Blind Human Service Professionals
American Council of Blind Lions
American Council of the Blind Radio Amateurs
Blind Friends of Lesbians and Gays
Blind Information Technology Specialists
Braille Revival League
Council of Citizens with Low Vision International
Council of Families with Visual Impairments
Friends-in-Art of ACB
Guide Dog Users, Inc.
Independent Visually Impaired Enterprisers
Library Users of America
National Alliance of Blind Students
National Association of Blind Teachers
Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America
Visually Impaired Veterans of America
OTHER MEETINGS AND PROGRAMS
Your Opinion Needed
More Special Events
Technology Training and Focus Groups
Guide Dog Events
Kids and Families
TOURS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Youth Activity Center
2007 Convention Tours
More Convention Entertainment
EXHIBITS, SPONSORS AND ADS
2007 Exhibits
Major Convention Sponsors
Minneapolis Gems
In-kind Convention Support
Convention Newspaper Sponsors
ACB Board of Officer/Directors
ACB Board of Publications
ACB Enterprises and Services Board of Directors
ACB National Office Staff
ACB Enterprises and Services Staff
2007 Convention Coordinating Committee
2007 Convention Program Committee
2007 ACBM Host Committee

TRIBUTE TO JIM

This 46th annual convention and its program are dedicated to the memory and spirit of James R. Olsen.

Jim was ACB's first hired financial manager and later ACB's Chief Financial Officer. He also served as one of the founders, Chief Financial Officer, and Executive Director of the American Council of the Blind Enterprises and Services, the most significant financial contributor to ACB each year.

Jim lost his vision due to the childhood onset of Type 1 diabetes. For some time, he became totally blind due to its complications. However, in the mid-1970s, laser surgeries allowed him to recover significant vision, although he remained legally blind. Jim never forgot his period of total blindness and remained sensitive to the needs of all visually impaired people.

With the loss of his vision, Jim also lost his job as an accountant. When he came back to work, it was our great fortune that he came to the American Council of the Blind, first as its volunteer treasurer, and later as our Chief Financial Officer.

Jim served ACB for over 27 years in many capacities and remains the longest-serving employee in our history. His vision of ACB and his belief in what ACB could become remained a hallmark of who Jim was and how he carried himself within our organization. His honesty, integrity and belief never wavered in the good times and the not-so-good.

Throughout his years of distinguished service to us, Jim introduced and involved his family with the organization as well. Ann, Sarah, Martha and Doug became an integral part of ACB's family and will be with us during this week. We might even meet some new family members, too.

Jim, we will miss you personally during this week, a time which many always viewed as a time of tribute and honor for you, but we continue to be blessed with your spirit and your contribution to all of us. You have given us a standard of excellence to meet, one from which I have sought guidance every day of my presidency. Thank you for that, and thank you for helping make the American Council of the Blind what it is today. Let this week be a special tribute to you and your wonderful family.

Christopher Gray, President
American Council of the Blind

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Convention Participants:

I am very pleased to welcome you to the 46th annual convention of the American Council of the Blind. Can you believe this is our first convention ever in the great city of Minneapolis, and the great state of Minnesota? It is exciting to be here, and you can definitely count on a wonderful week of convention activities as well as exciting places to visit and experience. From the Mall of America to a cheese factory, Minnesota has much to see and do.

The annual convention is one of the largest undertakings of the American Council of the Blind each year. Many, many people have participated in making this convention possible, too many to thank here individually. Nevertheless, I would be remiss if I did not at least acknowledge the constant and capable leadership of Carla Ruschival as the overall coordinator of this year's activities, and Brenda Dillon for her work in gathering and organizing convention sponsors for 2007. Carla and Brenda have created the right environment to gain the most recognition, largest dollar amount and greatest number of sponsors in ACB's history. Thanks to both of you! Thanks also to the dedicated ACB staff in Minneapolis who have handled the paperwork, ticketing and registration.

ACB's greatest conventions are marked by outstanding local host committees. By the end of the 2007 convention, I'm sure you will agree that the 2007 host committee and host affiliate have done an outstanding job. Chaired by Ken Rodgers, we couldn't have done this convention without the Minnesota host committee. I also want to acknowledge and thank Janet Dickelman, President of ACB of Minnesota, for her leadership of the affiliate.

Don't forget to tell your friends back home that they, too, can participate in the 2007 annual convention through the live and repeat broadcast coverage on ACB Radio. They may miss the fun in Minneapolis, but they don't have to miss the affairs and activities of the American Council of the Blind.

A warm welcome to all ACB members and friends from your president and from each member of the ACB Board of Directors, Washington, D.C.. staff, and Minneapolis staff. Thank you for helping to make this one of the largest and finest conventions in our history!

Sincerely,
Christopher Gray, President
American Council of the Blind

ABBREVIATIONS IN THIS PROGRAM

ACB - American Council of the Blind

ACBES - American Council of the Blind Enterprises and Services

AAVL - Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss

AAVIA - American Association of Visually Impaired Attorneys

ACBDA - ACB Diabetics in Action

ACBGE - ACB Government Employees

ACBHSP - ACB Human Service Professionals

ACBL - ACB Lions

ACBM - ACB of Minnesota

ACBRA - ACB Radio Amateurs

AFB - American Foundation for the Blind

APH - American Printing House for the Blind

BFLAG - Blind Friends of Lesbians and Gays

BITS - Blind Information Technology Specialists

BOP - Board of Publications

BRL - Braille Revival League

CCLVI - Council of Citizens with Low Vision International

CFVI - Council of Families with Visual Impairments

DKM First-timer - Durward K. McDaniel First-timer

DVS (R) - Descriptive Video Service

FIA - Friends-in-Art of ACB

GDUI - Guide Dog Users, Inc.

IVIE - Independent Visually Impaired Enterprisers

LUA - Library Users of America

MMS - Monthly Monetary Support Program

NABS - National Alliance of Blind Students

NABT - National Association of Blind Teachers

NCI - National Captioning Institute

NELDS - National Education & Legal Defense Service

NIB - National Industries for the Blind

NLS - National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

RSVA - Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America

SASI - Sight and Sound Impaired Committee

VIVA - Visually Impaired Veterans of America

WCC - Women's Concerns Committee

YAC - Youth Activity Center

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, JUNE 28

6:00 pm Pre-registration pick-up until 8:00 pm

FRIDAY, JUNE 29

8:00 am ACB Convention Cafe open until 7:00 pm - near escalators on 1

8:00 am Registration open until 8:00 pm

9:00 am ACB Valleyfair Tour

11:00 am Murphy's Landing Tour

12:30 pm Landmark Centers Tour

4:30 pm St. Croix Dinner Cruise

7:30 pm Convention Committee Meeting - Lake Superior

SATURDAY, JUNE 30

8:00 am Registration open until 7:00 pm

8:00 am ACB Convention Cafe open until 7:00 pm - near escalators on 1

8:45 am Minneapolis City Tour

9:00 am ACB Pre-convention Board of Directors Meeting - Lake Superior

9:00 am Explore the World Through Window-Eyes - Skyway

9:15 am Mall of America Shuttle (outbound)

11:15 am Mall of America Shuttle (outbound)

12:00 noon Cane Capers (hotel orientation) - meet at ACB Cafe

1:00 pm Exhibits open until 5:00 pm - Exhibit 2-3

1:00 am RSVA Subcommittee Meetings - RSVA Suite

1:15 pm Mall of America Shuttle (outbound)

2:00 pm ACB Constitution and Bylaws Committee - Prior Lake

2:00 pm ACB Information Access Committee - Positives and Progress - Greenway I-J

2:00 pm Cane Capers (hotel orientation) - meet at ACB Cafe

2:00 pm Explore the Braille Sense and Voice Sense - Skyway

3:00 pm CCLVI Board Meeting - Lake Superior

3:00 pm RSVA Pre-Convention Board Meeting - Lake Minnetonka

4:00 pm Cane Capers (hotel orientation) - meet at ACB Cafe

4:30 pm BITS Pre-Convention Board Meeting - Lake Calhoun

5:00 pm Keys to the Convention Seminar - Greenway A-B

5:00 pm Catholic Mass - Regency

5:15 pm CCLVI Nominating Committee Meeting - Prior Lake

6:00 pm AAVIA Board Meeting - Cedar Lake

6:00 pm Exhibitors' Reception (by invitation) - ACB Suite

6:30 pm ACB Scholarship Winners' Dinner (by invitation) - Lake Nokomis

6:30 pm NELDS CD Yard Sale - Greenway F

7:00 pm Jewish Service - Lake of the Isles

7:00 pm FIA Board Meeting - FIA Suite

7:15 pm AAVIA Dinner - meet in Hyatt Lobby

8:00 pm Welcome to Minneapolis Party - Greenway F-G

8:00 pm BFLAG Benefit/Sponsor Night - Horizons, Mil.

8:00 pm LUA Board Meeting - Lake Minnetonka

8:30 pm NABS Welcome Party - 2425

9:00 pm ACB Resolutions Committee - Lake Calhoun

9:00 pm ACBL Milly's Place Pin Swap - 2411

SUNDAY, JULY 1

7:30 am NELDS Board Meeting - 2425

8:00 am ACB Convention Cafe open until 7:00 pm - Promenade 2

8:00 am Registration open until 6:00 pm

8:00 am NABT Breakfast - Lake Nokomis

8:00 am AFB Breakfast - Lake Superior

8:45 am Minneapolis City Tour

9:00 am LDS Sacrament Meeting - Lake of the Isles

9:00 am Exhibits open until 5:00 pm

9:00 am CCLVI program - Skyway

9:00 am RSVA Program - Greenway A

9:30 am BOP Meeting - Lake Calhoun

9:45 am NABT Business Meeting - Lake Nokomis

10:00 am Interdenominational Church Service - Regency

10:00 am ACB Legislative Seminar - Greenway D-E

10:00 am BITS/SASI Program - Greenway I-J

10:30 am ACBL Board Meeting - Lake Minnetonka

10:30 am NABT Board Meeting - Lake Nokomis

11:30 am NABS Scholarship Winners' Luncheon - Greenway F

12:00 pm Mystic Lake Casino Tour

12:00 pm GDUI Convention Area Orientation - Mirage

12:30 pm Sports Fanatics' Luncheon - Greenway G

12:30 pm AAVIA Program - Greenway C

1:00 pm ACB Credentials Committee - Lake Calhoun

1:30 pm YAC Sign-in and Pool Party - Hyatt Pool

1:30 pm BITS Technology Vendors' Showcase - Greenway I-J

1:30 pm CCLVI Program - Skyway

1:30 pm RSVA Program - Greenway A

1:45 pm NABS Business Meeting - Greenway B

2:00 pm Keys to the Convention Seminar - Greenway D

2:00 pm ACBDA Diabetes Seminar – Greenway E

2:00 pm BFLAG Welcome Party - Horizons, Mil.

2:00 pm BRL Board Meeting - Lake Minnetonka

2:15 pm GDUI Affiliate Roundup - Regency

3:00 pm ACBGE Mixer - 2411

3:00 pm Seeing Eye Book Signing and Ice Cream Social - Greenway F-G

3:30 pm Newsreelers' Get-together - 2425

4:00 pm CCLVI Mixer - ACB Suite

4:00 pm FIA Mixer/Showcase Sign-up - FIA Suite

4:00 pm GDUI Board Meeting - Regency

5:00 pm GDUI Convention Area Orientation - Mirage

5:30 pm FIA Chorus Rehearsal - FIA Suite

6:30 pm ACB Pre-Convention Entertainment - Nicollet Ballroom

7:00 pm ACB General Session - Nicollet Ballroom

10:00 pm BFLAG Women's Movie Night - 1033, Mil.

10:00 pm CCLVI Welcome Dance - Greenway F

10:00 pm RSVA Mixer - RSVA Suite

11:00 pm (after general session) ACB Resolutions Committee - Lake Calhoun

MONDAY, JULY 2

7:00 am GDUI Breakfast Club - Hyatt lobby

7:00 am IVIE Breakfast and Business Meeting - Lake Nokomis

7:00 am NIB Breakfast - Lake Superior

7:30 am BFLAG Morning Get-together – 1033, Mil.

8:00 am ACB Cafe open until 7:00 pm - Promenade 2

8:00 am Registration open until 4:00 pm - Exhibit 1

8:00 am ACB Pre-Convention Entertainment - Nicollet Ballroom

8:15 am YAC open until 4:30 pm - Loring Ballroom, Mil.

8:30 am ACB General Session - Nicollet Ballroom

8:30 am YAC Dakota Village Tour

11:00 am Exhibits open until 5:00 pm

12:30 pm Metrodome Tour

12:30 pm AAVL Luncheon and Program - Greenway F

12:30 pm Multicultural Luncheon - Lake Nokomis

12:30 pm RSVA Luncheon and meeting - Lake Superior

12:45 pm ACB/NABT Blind Services Tour

1:00 pm AAVIA Program - Greenway C

1:00 pm FIA Art Parlor - Cedar Lake

1:30 pm BFLAG/NABS Program - Horizons, Mil.

1:30 pm BITS Program - Greenway J

1:30 pm FIA Music Arranging Made Easy - FIA Suite

1:30 pm GDUI Program - Regency

1:30 pm LUA Program - Greenway D

2:00 pm MMS Information and Sign-up - Prior Lake

2:45 pm St. Paul Gangster Cave Tour

3:00 pm WCC What Message Are You Getting from Me? - Lake Minnetonka

3:00 pm BFLAG Program - Horizons, Mil.

3:30 pm FIA Showcase Rehearsal - FIA Suite

5:00 pm WCC/Recreation Zone, Pilates - Avenue 3-4-5, Mil.

5:00 pm ACB Constitution and Bylaws Committee - Prior Lake

5:00 pm Braille Bunco - Loring Ballroom, Mil.

5:00 pm NIB Job Talk - Greenway I

5:30 pm ACB Nominating Committee - Greenway A-B

5:30 pm LUA Downloading Books from the Net Seminar - Greenway J

5:30 pm Accessible Signs Workshop - Greenway C

6:00 pm Speakers’ Reception - 2425

6:30 pm RSVA Auction - Greenway F-G-H

7:00 pm Alaska Hospitality - ACB Suite

7:00 pm BFLAG Annual Meeting - Horizons, Mil.

7:00 pm Gospel Sing - Skyway

7:30 pm DVS Movie Night, "Eight Below" (PG) - Forum Ballroom, Mil.

8:00 pm ACB Resolutions Committee - Lake Calhoun

8:00 pm Hospitality Bytes with BITS - 2411

8:00 pm GDUI Evening Stroll Along Nicollet Mall - Hyatt lobby

9:00 pm ACB Rehabilitation Issues Task Force Meeting - Lake Minnetonka

9:00 pm FIA Prose and Poetry Reading - Lake of the Isles

9:00 pm NABS/CFVI Game Night - Loring Ballroom, Mil.

9:00 pm RSVA Karaoke - Greenway F-G-H

9:00 pm Get Social with SASI - 2425

10:00 pm FIA Chorus Rehearsal - FIA Suite

TUESDAY, JULY 3

7:00 am GDUI Breakfast Club - Hyatt lobby

8:00 am ACB Cafe open until 7:00 pm - Promenade 2

7:30 am BFLAG Morning Get-together - 1033, Mil.

8:00 am Registration open until 2:00 pm

8:00 am ACB Pre-Convention Entertainment - Nicollet Ballroom

8:15 am YAC opens until 4:30 pm - Loring Ballroom, Mil.

8:30 am ACB General Session - Nicollet Ballroom

8:40 am YAC Kites and Crafts - Loring Ballroom, Mil.

11:00 am Exhibits open until 5:00 pm

11:15 am YAC Mill City Tour

12:00 noon RSVA Affiliate Presidents' Meeting - RSVA Suite

12:15 pm AAVIA Luncheon and Meeting - Dome, Mil.

12:30 pm Eichtens Hidden Acres Cheese Factory Tour

12:30 pm BITS Luncheon and Program - Greenway F

12:30 pm FIA Luncheon and Meeting - Greenway G

12:30 pm GDUI Program - Regency

12:45 pm Fort Snelling Tour

1:00 pm FIA Art Parlor - Cedar Lake

1:30 pm ACB 21st Century Employment Seminar - Greenway J

1:30 pm SASI Orientation Issues - Lake Minnetonka

1:30 pm Bflag Program - Horizons, Mil.

1:30 pm BRL Program - Greenway C

1:30 pm CCLVI Program - Skyway

1:30 pm IVIE/RSVA Workshop - Greenway A-B

1:30 pm NABS Business Meeting - Lake of the Isles

1:30 pm VIVA Program - Greenway I

2:00 pm MMS Information and Sign-up - Prior Lake

3:00 pm BFLAG Program - Horizons, Mil.

3:00 pm FIA Meet the Artists, Art Parlor - Cedar Lake

4:00 pm ACB Rehabilitation Issues SRC Seminar - Greenway E

4:30 pm IVIE Small Business Expo - Greenway B

5:00 pm Recreation Zone, Water Aerobics - Hyatt Pool

5:00 pm ACB Constitution and Bylaws Committee - Prior Lake

5:00 pm Guiding Eyes for the Blind Wine and Cheese Reception (welcome, all guide dog users) - Greenway F-G-H

5:30 pm Intro to the APH Braille+ Mobile Manager - Greenway D

5:30 pm i.d. Mate Omni Talking Bar Code Scanner - Greenway I

5:30 pm ACB Agency Directors' Reception (by invitation) - 2411

5:30 pm BFLAG Banquet - off-site

5:30 pm International Conversations - Greenway B

6:00 pm ACB Speakers' Reception - 2425

6:30 pm ScripTalk Audible Prescription Reader - Greenway I

6:30 pm Bookshare.org User Group - Greenway C

6:30 pm ACB Scholarship Winners' Reception - ACB Suite

7:00 pm NCI Family Film Night - Forum Ballroom, Mil.

8:00 pm ACB Resolutions Committee - Lake Calhoun

8:00 pm FIA Showcase of the Performing Arts - Nicollet Ballroom

8:00 pm GDUI Auction - F-G

8:00 pm RSVA Casino Night - Greenway A-B

10:00 pm BFLAG movie "Brokeback Mountain" - Forum Ballroom

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

7:00 am GDUI Breakfast Club - meet in lobby

7:00 am California Council of the Blind Breakfast Caucus (members only) - Greenway F

7:00 am RSVA post-convention board meeting - RSVA Suite

7:00 am Guide Dogs for the Blind Breakfast (graduates and prospective students) - Greenway G-H

7:00 am Seeing Eye Breakfast - Lake Superior

7:30 am BFLAG Morning Get-together - 1033, Mil.

8:00 am ACB Cafe open until 7:00 pm - Promenade 2

8:00 am Registration open until 2:00 pm

8:00 am ACB Pre-Convention Entertainment - Nicollet Ballroom

8:15 am YAC open until 4:30 pm - Loring Ballroom, Mil.

8:30 am ACB General Session - Nicollet Ballroom

8:30 am YAC Water Park at the MOA

11:00 am Exhibits open until 5:00 pm

12:00 pm BITS lunch and post-convention board meeting - TBA

12:30 pm Minnesota History Center Tour

12:30 pm GDUI Luncheon - Lake Superior

12:30 pm NABT Luncheon, Food for Thought - From Homeschooling to Homework - Greenway F

12:45 pm Mill City Museum

1:00 pm BFLAG Martini Pool Party - Lobby, Mil.

1:00 pm FIA Art Parlor - Cedar Lake

1:30 pm AAVL program - Greenway E

1:30 pm BITS Program - Greenway J

1:30 pm CCLVI Program - Skyway

1:30 pm FIA Advanced MIDI Workshop - FIA Suite

1:30 pm LUA Program - Greenway H

1:30 pm NABS Career and Leadership Development Seminar - Greenway D

1:30 pm SASI/ACBHSP Chemical Dependency and Deaf-Blindness - Greenway C

2:00 pm MMS Information and Sign-up - Prior Lake

2:00 pm WCC Financial Independence - Lake Minnetonka

2:00 pm Square Association of the Blind (Masons) - Lake of the Isles

2:30 pm FIA Writers' Workshop: Writing with Soul - Greenway A

3:00 pm ACBDA Business Meeting - Lake Nokomis

3:00 pm ACBHSP Program - Greenway B

4:00 pm AAVL Musical Mixer - ACB Suite

4:00 pm BFLAG Business Meeting - 1033, Mil.

5:00 pm ACB Constitution and Bylaws Committee - Prior Lake

5:00 pm ACBDA Mixer - ACBDA Suite

5:00 pm FIA Round Sing - FIA Suite

5:00 pm Midwest Caucus - Greenway I-J

5:00 pm Recreation Zone: Water Aerobics - Hyatt Pool

5:00 pm ACB Email List Mixer - 2411

5:00 pm Kurzweil Users Group - Greenway A-B

5:30 pm GDUI Clicker Training - Regency

6:00 pm ACB Speakers' Reception - 2425

6:30 pm ACB Auction Preview - Forum Ballroom, Mil.

7:30 pm ACB Auction - Forum Ballroom, Mil.

8:00 pm ACB Resolutions Committee - Lake Calhoun

8:00 pm CCLVI Game Night - Greenway F

8:00 pm GDUI Jeopardog - Regency

9:00 pm Multicultural Midweek Jam - 2425

10:00 pm BFLAG Support Group - 1033, Mil.

THURSDAY, JULY 5

7:00 am GDUI Breakfast Club - Hyatt lobby

7:00 am Pennsylvania Council of the Blind Breakfast Caucus (members only) - Greenway G

7:00 am Washington Council of the Blind Breakfast Caucus (members only) - Greenway H

8:00 am ACB Cafe open until 7:00 pm - Promenade 2

7:30 am BFLAG Morning Get-together - 1033, Mil.

7:30 am FIA Board Meeting - FIA Suite

8:00 am Registration open until 2:00 pm

8:00 am ACB Pre-Convention Entertainment - Nicollet Ballroom

8:15 am YAC open until 4:00 pm - Loring Ballroom, Mil.

8:30 am ACB General Session - Nicollet Ballroom

8:30 am YAC Kite-flying and Games

9:00 am Exhibits open until 1:00 pm

12:15 pm BFLAG Valleyfair Tour

12:30 pm James J. Hill Mansion Tour

12:30 pm YAC on the Road (Firefighters Museum and Game Works)

12:30 pm ACBGE Luncheon and Program - Greenway G

12:30 pm ACBL Luncheon and Meeting - Greenway F

12:30 pm GDUI Meeting - Regency

1:00 pm FIA Do Touch the Art Tour

1:00 pm Star Trek Seminar and Mixer - Greenway J

1:30 pm AAVL Program - Greenway E

1:30 pm ACB Radio Amateurs Meeting - Lake of the Isles

1:30 pm BRL Program - Greenway C

1:30 pm CCLVI Program - Skyway

1:30 pm NELDS Workshop: Ask the Lawyers - Greenway D

2:00 pm ACB Membership Seminar - Greenway A-B

2:00 pm MMS Information and Sign-up - Prior Lake

2:00 pm WCC Women's Healthy Heart Issues - Greenway I

2:30 pm CFVI Business Meeting - Greenway H

4:00 pm ACB Presidents' Meeting - Greenway A-B

5:00 pm NCI Hands-on Audio Description Workshop - Greenway F

5:00 pm NLS Music Services Focus Group - Greenway C

5:00 pm DKM First-timers' Reception - ACB Suite

5:00 pm Mid-South Caucus - Greenway D-E

5:00 pm Missouri Caucus - Greenway I-J

5:00 pm Recreation Zone, Power Showdown - Avenue 2, Mil.

6:00 pm ACB Resolutions Committee - Lake Calhoun

6:00 pm ACB Speakers’ Reception - 2425

7:00 pm ACB Candidates' Forum - Nicollet Ballroom

7:00 pm GDUI Canine Good Citizen Test - Regency

9:15 pm ACB Resolutions Committee - Lake Calhoun

10:00 pm NABS Comedy Club - Greenway F-G

10:00 pm BFLAG Support Group - 1033, Mil.

FRIDAY, JULY 6

7:00 am ACB of Ohio Breakfast Caucus (members only) - Lake Nokomis

7:30 am BFLAG Morning Get-together – 1033, Mil.

7:30 am BRL Post-convention Board Meeting - Lake Calhoun

8:00 am ACB Cafe open until 3:00 pm - near escalators on 1

8:00 am Registration open until 11:00 am

8:00 am ACB Pre-Convention Entertainment - Nicollet Ballroom

8:15 am YAC open until 15 minutes after general session - Loring Ballooom, Mil.

8:30 am ACB General Session - Nicollet Ballroom

9:00 am YAC Super Day at the MOA

5:00 pm BFLAG Farewell Party - TBA

5:30 pm ACB Life Members' Reception - Greenway G

6:30 pm Pre-banquet Entertainment - Greenway A-E

6:45 pm YAC Pizza Party - Loring Ballroom, Mil.

7:00 pm ACB Banquet - Greenway A-E

10:00 pm CCLVI Farewell Dance - Greenway F

SATURDAY, JULY 7

9:45 am Mystic Lake Tour

10:00 am ACB Post-convention Board of Directors Meeting - Lake Superior

4:30 pm Guthrie Theater Tour, "1776," audio-described

MEDICAL CARE/LOCAL RESOURCES

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.

HOSPITAL AND CLINIC

Hennepin County Medical Center: 701 Park Ave.; (612) 873-3000

HCMA Urgent Care: 900 S. 8th St.; (612) 873-5555; 9:00 am - 7:00 pm daily; walk-in service providing care for minor illness and injuries

Target Clinic (no emergencies): 900 Nicollet Mall; (612) 338-5215; Mon. - Fri., 8:00 am - 6:00 pm; Sat., 9:00 am - 4:00 pm; closed Sun. Board-certified practitioner professionals diagnose, treat and write prescriptions (when clinically appropriate) for a variety of common family illnesses to patients 18 months and older.

PHARMACIES, GROCERIES

Dahl Pharmacy: 1200 Nicollet Mall; (612) 333-4205

Target Pharmacy: 900 Nicollet Mall; (612) 338-5215; Mon. - Fri., 8:00 am - 7:00 pm; Sat., 9:00 am - 6:00 pm; Sun., 10:00 am - 6:00 pm; closed 1:30 - 2:00 pm daily for lunch

Target (store and small grocery): 900 Nicollet Mall; (612) 338-0085

Walgreen's (store and pharmacy): 815 Nicollet Mall; (612) 339-0363

CONVENTION NEWS

This year there are more ways than ever to keep up with what's happening at the convention.

CONVENTION E-MAIL LIST: A new convention e-mail list keeps you up-to-date on all the news. Whether you are at convention or not, you can receive the "Minneapolis Messenger" and all the other information. This announce list has been up and running since mid-May. To subscribe, go to the ACB web site atwww.acb.org, or send a blank message to [email protected].

CONVENTION EAR: Back by popular demand and made possible by a generous sponsorship from Humanware, the Convention Ear is available from your room phone or cell phone 24 hours a day from Fri., June 29 through Sat., July 7. Listen to the "Minneapolis Messenger," proposed constitution and bylaws amendments, restaurant lists, and other handouts from the Information Desk.

NEW FILE DOWNLOAD SERVICE: Would you like your newspaper, exhibit list, amendments and other handouts in electronic format for your laptop or notetaker? Stop by the ACB GW Micro Information Desk each morning before noon; a volunteer will download all the latest files onto your SD, compact flash card or other preferred electronic media.

INFO FOR GUIDE DOG USERS

Guide dog relief areas are located at both hotels. ACB volunteers and hotel staff will be happy to assist you to locate the areas.

The GDUI Convention Area Orientation (Sun., July 1 at noon and 5:00 pm) will help you learn the best routes in and around the hotels. Meet in the Mirage Room.

For veterinary care during the day, contact Lyndale Animal Hospital, 2544 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis; (612) 872-4674.

For emergency care, contact Golden Valley Emergency Veterinary Service, 4708 Hwy 55, Golden Valley; (763) 529-6560.

HOTEL MINI-GUIDE

THE HYATT

ACB general sessions are held in the Nicollet Ballroom on the first floor. The ACB Registration Desk and the ACB GW Micro Information Desk are just outside the Ballroom in the pre-function space, and exhibits are just across the hall from the side entrances to the Ballroom.

The ACB Convention Cafe is located near the escalators in front of the Nicollet Ballroom on the first floor (both Fridays and Saturdays), and in the Promenade near the escalators on the second floor (Sun. through Thurs.).

Meeting rooms on 2 include Mirage, Regency, Skyway A and B, and the Greenway A through J.

On 5 are the Lake rooms: Lake Superior A and B (across from the elevators), Lake Nokomis, Lake Minnetonka, Cedar Lake, Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles, and Prior Lake.

The pool and health club are located on the 6th floor. The pool is rather shallow, and there is no lifeguard. It is open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm daily. The health club is open from 5:30 am to 10:00 pm weekdays, 8:00 am to 10:00 pm weekends, and the cost is $11 a day for Hyatt guests.

THE MILLENNIUM

The Forum Ballroom is on the first floor. The Loring Ballroom and the Hall of the Avenues, Rooms 1 through 5 are in the lower lobby, and the Dome, Horizons, and the Satellite Rooms are on 14.

The Millennium pool/exercise room is in the lower lobby; hours are 7:00 am - 10:00 pm daily. The laundromat is on 3, accessible 24 hours a day with your room key; machines are coin-operated.

REGISTRATION Q&A

Convention registration is located on the first floor of the Hyatt in the pre-function space just outside the Nicollet Ballroom. Registration hours are as follows:

Thursday, June 28 (pre-reg. pick-up only): 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Friday, June 29: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

Saturday, June 30: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm

Sunday, July 1: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Monday, July 2: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Tuesday - Thursday, July 3 - 5: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Friday, July 6: 8:00 am - 11:00 am

You must register and pay the administrative fee to receive your convention ID badge and a convention program, purchase tickets, receive a convention goody bag filled with information and surprises, and be eligible for some great door prizes. Wear your badge at all times, as it will admit you to the exhibit area, permit you to vote (if you are an ACB member), and assist hotel personnel and volunteers to provide better service.

If you are pre-registered for the convention, your packet will be waiting at the Registration Desk. You may not pick up any packets other than your own. If you have any questions, comments or concerns with regard to your registration packet, or need to purchase additional tickets, go to the Registration Desk.

A one-day pass is available at the Registration Desk for $5; $10 with program. This pass is color-coded by day, and is good for only the day on which it is purchased. With this pass you may attend exhibits and other programs, and purchase tickets for that day only. If you wish to attend additional days at the convention, you must pay the full administrative fee.

No administrative fee will be charged for a voter certification badge.

REFUNDS: ACB will make NO refunds for the convention administrative fee, sweepstakes donation, or tickets that you just don't want. Refunds are not made for events that you miss for any reason other than extreme illness (see below), or for events that you simply do not enjoy.

Refunds will be issued ONLY for affiliate registration fees, meals, events, and tours provided that:

1. An individual has pre-registered; AND

2. The individual requests the refund in writing to the American Council of the Blind, 120 S.. 6th St., Suite 1005, Minneapolis, MN 55402-1839, or calls (612) 332-3242, ON OR BEFORE June 22, 2007; AND

3. The individual DOES NOT ATTEND any part of the convention. In case of illness during the convention which requires you to return home or to be hospitalized, refunds will be issued only for the meals, events, and tours which take place AFTER your absence begins. (If the guarantee has already been given for a meal function or a tour, no refund for that function will be given.)

LOST TICKETS: ACB will NOT replace tickets that are lost during the convention. All ticket packets are checked before they are distributed at the convention, and tickets that are lost or misplaced must be purchased again.

SELLING UNWANTED TICKETS: If you have purchased a ticket that you would like to sell, you may leave it at the convention Registration Desk along with your name and room number. Tickets are resold on a first-come, first-served basis, and ONLY if the event or tour is currently closed or no unsold tickets remain. In general, meal functions and social events at the hotel DO NOT sell out; you may wish to explore other methods of selling these tickets.

EVENTS SOLD OUT: If you are trying to purchase a ticket for an event or tour that is sold out, check daily in person at the Registration Desk for tickets returned for resale. If a tour or event was sold out before your pre-registration form was processed, a refund will be included with your pre-registration packet. ACB is not responsible for notifying you if you have paid for a ticket through pre-registration for an event or tour that is already sold out. Your name will be put on a waiting list in the event of cancellations, or in case additional tickets become available.

COMMUNICATION CENTER SERVICES

The Communication Center, in the Satellite Room on the 14th floor of the Millennium, is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Fri., June 29 through Wed., July 4. This is where you can place ads in the paper, make braille or print copies, or volunteer to help produce the paper.

CONVENTION NEWSPAPER: This year's newspaper is "The Minneapolis Messenger." It is published each day, Saturday through Thursday, in braille and large print; pick up a copy at the ACB GW Micro Information Desk on the first floor of the Hyatt near the Nicollet Ballroom. The paper is also available on the new acbconvention e-mail list, on the Convention Ear, and via download at the Information Desk before noon each day.

The National Alliance of Blind Students (NABS) will deliver the newspaper to your hotel room door. For $5 (pre-registration) or $10 (registration), your paper will be waiting for you each morning when you wake up. After you sign up for delivery of the paper at the registration desk, drop by the ACB GW Micro Information Desk to give us your room number and specify your preference of braille or large print.

Hang onto the Saturday issue of the "Messenger"; it will include important suite numbers, phone numbers, and last-minute program changes.

ADS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Ads and other items for publication must be in the Communication Center by 2:00 pm each day. The Board of Publications allows ads to run for only three days in order to give important convention announcements more space. Ads must be no longer than 100 words. BOP editorial policy prohibits the production or distribution of campaign materials by the Communication Center.

Cost of advertising in the newspaper is as follows: for-profit businesses, agencies, etc. - $35 per day or $100 for three days; small non-profit organizations and ACB affiliates - $10 per day (maximum of three days); individuals - $5 per day (maximum of three days). Ads will appear in all editions of the newspaper and the Convention Ear.

BRAILLING AND PHOTOCOPYING: Photocopying and brailling are available at the Communication Center for 10 cents a page. If your committee or affiliate needs something in braille or large print, bring files early in the day so we can fit your job in during the quiet time between other jobs. We will print a test copy to let you know the number of pages per copy. Be sure to label your computer card or disk, and tell us how many of each format you need and by what time. Please make payment at Registration.

The Saturday, Monday and Wednesday editions of the "Minneapolis Messenger" are sponsored by Maxi-Aids, and the Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday editions are made possible by the Mississippi Council of the Blind. Thanks again this year to Enabling Technologies for donating the use of the braille printers, and to Star Continuous Cards for their generous donation of braille paper.

Please remember that the Communication Center is a working room. While we understand that the convention is a great place to see old friends and new, loud conversations make it difficult to hear the speech synthesizers on the computers which enable us to get the newspaper out to you, the readers. Help us help you get the information you need.

ACB CONVENTION Cafe

Stop by the ACB Convention Cafe to grab a quick cup of coffee, pastry, sandwich, fruit, salad or snack as you rush from one meeting or event to another, or as you head out on a tour. Meet at the Cafe to visit with friends or just rest a while between activities.

The Cafe has expanded hours this year. Open 8:00 am to 7:00 pm Fri., June 29 through Thurs., July 5; open 8:00 am to 3:00 pm on Fri., July 6, and 8:00 am to 1:00 pm on Sat., July 7.

Both Fridays and Saturdays the Cafe is on the first floor of the Hyatt near the escalators, in front of the Nicollet Ballroom. It moves to the second floor in the Greenway Promenade near the escalators on Sunday through Thursday.

Watch the convention newspaper for menu information and Cafe special features.

Monday is Maxi-Aids Day at the Cafe; be sure and stop by to see what's happening.

ACB FUNDRAISERS

Show your support for ACB and its good work in one or more of these ways:

CONVENTION SPONSORSHIPS: Stop by the Registration Desk and become an ACB Convention Sponsor.

Bronze ($25), silver ($50), gold ($100), and platinum ($500) sponsors receive special ribbons to wear on their convention badges. Sponsors at each level will be eligible to win great prizes, such as Victor Readers from HumanWare.

ACB AUCTION: You've heard all about it; now it's here! Get ready to bid and buy! Vacations, a handmade braille quilt, a BrailleNote from HumanWare, great treats and much, much more! Auction preview, Wed. at 6:30 pm, with the auction to follow at 7:30 pm in the Forum Ballroom at the Millennium.

It's not too late to donate items to the auction. Contact Brenda Dillon in the Hyatt for more information.

ACB RAFFLE: Win $5,000 in cold, hard cash! Only 450 tickets available; $50 each. Buy one for yourself or your affiliate, or find up to four friends and split the cost. Contact David Trott, Resource Development Committee Chair, in the Hyatt for more details.

MMS PROGRAM: Help support ACB all year round; it's easy and quick. Find out more about the Monthly Monetary Support Program; Dr. Ronald Milliman, Chair of the MMS Committee, or another committee member will be available to answer your questions and help you complete the paperwork each day, Mon. through Thurs., from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in the Prior Lake Room..

AFFILIATE CAUCUSES

Make reservations for affiliate caucus rooms at the ACB GW Micro Information Desk. Caucus rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis on Wed. and Thurs. from 12:00 noon to 1:15 pm and after 4:30 pm.

The following caucuses are scheduled as of the printing of this program. Refer to the convention newspaper for announcements of additional caucuses, and be sure to listen for announcements each morning in the general session.

SUNDAY, JULY 1

4:00 pm RSVA Caucus - Greenway A-B

TUESDAY, JULY 3

2:45 pm GDUI Caucus - Regency

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

7:00 am California Council of the Blind Breakfast (members only) - Greenway F

1:30 pm SASI "Meet the Candidates" - Greenway C

5:00 pm Midwest States Caucus - Greenway I-J

THURSDAY, JULY 5

7:00 am Pennsylvania Council of the Blind Breakfast (members only) - Greenway G

7:00 am Washington Council of the Blind Breakfast (members only) - Greenway H

5:00 pm Missouri Council of the Blind Caucus - Greenway A-B

5:00 pm Mid-south Caucus - Greenway D-E

FRIDAY, JULY 6

7:00 am ACB of Ohio Breakfast - Lake Nokomis

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

SATURDAY, JUNE 30

5:00 pm Roman Catholic Mass - Regency Father Todd Mlsna, LaCrosse, WI

7:00 pm Jewish Service - Lake of the Isles

SUNDAY, JULY 1

9:00 am Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sacrament Meeting - Lake of the Isles

10:00 am Interdenominational Church Service - Regency Rev. Teresa Taylor, Minneapolis, MN

MONDAY, JULY 2

7:00 pm Gospel Sing - Skyway Music provided by Marian Haselrud, Minneapolis, MN

CONVENTION STANDING RULES
Adopted by the
ACB Board of Directors
May 2007

1. Each debatable issue before the convention shall be limited to approximately twenty (20) minutes with a three-minute time limit per speaker, alternating between affirmative and opposing speakers, unless a majority of the members agrees to extend debate for an additional period of time.

A. Motions to close debate will not be recognized by the chair during the first debate period. After the first debate period, properly moved motions such as "I call for the question" or "I move the previous question," will be handled by the chair and voted on by the assembly.

B. The chair may close debate when no one seeks the floor.

C. Each member is respectfully urged to speak directly to the issue before the assembly and avoid unnecessary and time-consuming dialogue.

D. No member will be recognized a second time to debate until all who wish to debate have been recognized.

E. The parliamentarian will act as timekeeper.

2. Recognition to speak will be given to those members who properly address the chair using the microphones and giving their names. Motions that may interrupt a speaker may be called from your seat, responded to by the chair, and explained by the mover at a microphone. (Point of Order, Point of Information, Parliamentary Inquiry, Question of Privilege, etc.)

3. Registration badges are required to be worn at all convention meetings and only those members with an orange dot are allowed to vote during the business meeting.

4. Changes may be proposed to the membership as deemed necessary by the presiding officer or his appointee. The presiding officer will explain the reason for any such change and inform the assembly of their right to question the recommended modification. After this explanation, if twenty-five (25) or more members object to the proposed change by coming to the microphone and stating their name as placed in objection, the change requires debate and a majority vote to modify the convention program.

5. Nominating and seconding speeches shall be limited to five minutes per candidate with the speaking time to be allocated according to the candidate's wishes. A person nominated for an office more than once shall be limited to one minute per nomination.

6. When no candidate for office receives a majority vote, the election shall be dropped to the top two candidates. Affiliate votes will be given in whole or half numbers.

AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
46TH ANNUAL CONVENTION
GENERAL SESSIONS AGENDA

SUNDAY, JULY 1

6:30 pm Entertainment: Michael and Alison Smitherman, Jackson, MS; piano and vocals, familiar favorites

7:00 pm Call to Order: Christopher Gray, President, American Council of the Blind, San Francisco, CA

Invocation: Rev. Robert Two Bulls, Missioner, Director of Indian Work, Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota

Presentation of the Colors: Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, Cretin-Derham Hall High School, St. Paul, MN

Pledge of Allegiance: David Trott, Member, ACB Board of Directors, Talladega, AL

"The Star-Spangled Banner": Stephanie Dawn, Duluth, MN

Welcome: Mayor R.T. Rybak, Minneapolis, MN (invited)

Welcome: Janet Dickelman, President, American Council of the Blind of Minnesota and Kenneth Rodgers, Chair, 2007 Local Host Committee, Minneapolis, MN

7:15 pm Welcome, World

7:20 pm ACB President's Report: Christopher Gray, San Francisco, CA

7:50 pm HumanWare and ACB: Richard Mander, HumanWare

8:15 pm ACB First-Timers: Carol Ann Ewing, Chair, Durward K. McDaniel Fund Committee, Las Vegas, NV

8:20 pm Life Membership Presentations: Anna Olsen, Richfield, MN and Christopher Gray, ACB President

8:45 pm 1st Credentials Committee Report: Jerry Annunzio, Chair, Credentials Committee, Kansas City, MO

8:55 pm Roll Call of Affiliates: Donna Seliger, ACB Secretary, Des Moines, IA

MONDAY, JULY 2

8:00 am Entertainment: Maureen Pranghofer, Golden Valley, MN; author and composer presents original music

8:30 am Pledge of Allegiance: Michael Garrett, Chair, ACB Enterprises and Services, Missouri City, TX

Invocation: Pastor Glen Wheeler, retired Lutheran minister, Minneapolis, MN

8:35 am ACB Business: Reports, resolutions and amendments

Presiding Officer: MJ Schmitt, ACB First Vice President, Rochester, NY

9:15 am Welcome: Governor Tim Pawlenty (invited), Minneapolis, MN

9:30 am ACB awards presentations Affiliate Growth Award

Robert S. Bray Award: Nola McKinney, Chair, ACB Awards Committee, Bonnerdale, AR

Ned E. Freeman Award: Mike Duke, Chair, Board of Publications, Jackson, MS

10:30 am Break

10:45 am Update from National Council on Disability: John R. Vaughn, Chair, National Council on Disability, Fort Myers, FL

11:15 am New Initiatives from the IRS Office of Stakeholder Partnerships: Education and Communication (SPEC): Richard Keeling, Senior Tax Analyst, Atlanta, GA

11:45 am The 2007 Recreation Zone: Oral O. Miller, Washington, DC

11:50 am Announcements

TUESDAY, JULY 3

8:00 am Entertainment: James Shaw, St. Louis Park, MN; ragtime and big band music

8:30 am Pledge of Allegiance: Children and Teens from the Youth Activity Center, Patti Cox, YAC Coordinator, Louisville, KY

Invocation: Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman, Temple Israel, Minneapolis, MN

8:35 am ACB Business: Reports, resolutions, amendments

Presiding Officer: Mitch Pomerantz, ACB Second Vice President, Pasadena, CA

9:10 am Leos at ISBVI: Al Lavoti, Teacher, Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Indianapolis, IN

9:20 am 2007 American Council of the Blind Scholarship Presentations: Patty Slaby, Chair, ACB Scholarship Committee, Janesville, WI

10:30 am Break

10:45 am News You Can Use from AT&T: Susan P. Mazrui, Director, Federal Regulatory Affairs, Washington, DC

11:00 am New Trends In Employment and Rehabilitation: Gil Johnson, Senior Advisor, Critical Issues, American Foundation for the Blind, San Francisco, CA

11:30 am Making the Most of Your Telephone: Owen Rachal, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Lafayette, LA; and Terry Pacheco, Director of Public Outreach, Silver Spring, MD, Tenacity Inc.

11:45 am Strengthening ACB through the Monthly Monetary Support Program: Dr. Ronald Milliman, Chair, MMS Committee, Bowling Green, KY

11:55 am Announcements

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

8:00 am Entertainment: Bruce Cottrell, Burnsville, MN; patriotic music to celebrate our country's birthday

8:30 am Pledge of Allegiance: Visually Impaired Veterans of America, John Fleming, President, Portland, OR

Invocation: Aron Kramer, Vicar, Gethsemane Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, MN

8:35 am ACB Business: Reports, resolutions, amendments

Presiding Officer: Mike Godino, ACB Treasurer, Malverne, NY

9:15 am The ADA: Its Status and Its Prospects for the Future: Dr. Otis H. Stephens, University of Tennessee College of Law, Alumni Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science and Resident Scholar of Constitutional Law, Knoxville, TN

10:00 am AFB's Senior Site: Priscilla Rogers, National Independent Living Association, American Foundation for the Blind, Center on Vision Loss, Dallas, TX

10:30 am Break

10:45 am News from NLS: Frank Kurt Cylke, Director, and Michael Montoya, Financial Officer, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, Washington, DC

11:15 am Notes from a Talking Book Narrator: Chuck Young, Talking Book Publishers

11:45 am Business and announcements

THURSDAY, JULY 5

8:00 am Entertainment: Matt Arthur, Ellendale, MN; guitar, keyboard and vocals; original music

8:30 am Pledge of Allegiance: Sue L'Esperance, Durward K. McDaniel First-timer, Columbia City, IN

Invocation: Muslim representative (invited)

8:35 am ACB Business: Reports, resolutions, amendments

Presiding Officer: Donna Seliger, ACB Secretary, Des Moines, IA

9:15 am Executive Director's Report: Melanie Brunson, American Council of the Blind, Washington, DC

9:45 am Where's Our Accessible Money?: Jeffrey A. Lovitky, Attorney for ACB, Washington, DC

10:15 am Break

10:30 am Overview of a Private Rehabilitation Center: Kate Gathwol, Community Specialist, Program Manager, Vision Loss Resources, Minneapolis, MN

10:50 am ACB Business: Reports, resolutions, amendments

11:50 am Announcements

FRIDAY, JULY 6

8:00 am Entertainment: Rebecca Kragnes, Minneapolis, MN; original and popular music

8:30 am Pledge of Allegiance: Vernon Daigle, ACB Life Member, Gonzales, LA

Invocation: Rev. Jo Taliaferro, Presbyterian Church USA, Minneapolis, MN

8:35 am ACB Business: Reports, resolutions, amendments

Presiding Officer: Christopher Gray, ACB President, San Francisco, CA

ACB Enterprises and Services Report: Michael Garrett, Chair, ACBES Board of Directors, Missouri City, TX

9:15 am Elections

10:15 am Break

10:30 am ACB Business: Elections, reports, resolutions, amendments

12:00 pm Lunch break

1:15 pm ACB Business: Reports, resolutions, amendments

2:45 pm Break

3:00 pm ACB Business: Reports, resolutions, amendments

5:00 pm Adjourn

6:30 pm Pre-banquet Entertainment - Greenway F-J Great music from Dewayne Hodges, ACB First-timer, Little Rock, AR

7:00 pm AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND ANNUAL BANQUET - Greenway F-J - $35, $38

Invocation: James F. Shaw, Church of Christ, Louisville, KY

Durward K. McDaniel Ambassador and George Card Awards Presentation: Nola McKinney, Chair, ACB Awards Committee, Bonnerdale, AR

Speaker: Sir Colin Low, Royal National Institute for the Blind, London, England

ACB BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Many ACB boards and committees meet during convention week. Check the information below and the Calendar of Events for meeting dates and times.

FRIDAY, JUNE 29

7:30 pm ACB Convention Committee - Lake Superior

SATURDAY, JUNE 30

9:00 am ACB Board of Directors Pre-convention Board Meeting - Lake Superior

2:00 pm Constitution and Bylaws Committee - Prior Lake

9:00 pm Resolutions Committee - Lake Calhoun

SUNDAY, JULY 1

9:30 am Board of Publications - Lake Calhoun

1:00 pm Credentials Committee - Lake Calhoun

11:00 pm (after general session) Resolutions Committee - Lake Calhoun

MONDAY, JULY 2

5:00 pm Constitution and Bylaws Committee - Prior Lake

5:30 pm ACB Nominating Committee - Greenway A

8:00 pm Resolutions Committee - Lake Calhoun

TUESDAY, JULY 3

5:00 pm Constitution and Bylaws Committee - Prior Lake

8:30 pm Resolutions Committee - Lake Calhoun

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

5:00 pm Constitution and Bylaws Committee - Prior Lake

8:00 pm Resolutions Committee - Lake Calhoun

THURSDAY, JULY 5

6:00 pm Resolutions Committee - Lake Calhoun

9:15 pm Resolutions Committee - Lake Calhoun

SATURDAY, JULY 7

10:00 am Board of Directors Post-convention Meeting - Lake Superior

ACB COMMITTEE PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

DKM FIRST-TIMERS' RECEPTION
Chair: Carol Ann Ewing
Durward K. McDaniel First-timers' Committee

THURSDAY, JULY 5

5:00 pm DKM First-timers' Reception - Executive Director's Suite - $10, $12

Wonderful opportunity to meet the 2007 Durward K. McDaniel First-timers while helping raise money to bring more new ACBers to the 2008 convention in Louisville. Milk is Minnesota's official state drink and wild rice is the official state grain. Expect a surprise or two along the refreshment line, be it the milk & cream and/or the wheat & chaff.

EMPLOYMENT ISSUES SEMINAR
21st Century Employment
Chair: Mitch Pomerantz
Employment Issues Committee
Sponsored by Thomson West

TUESDAY, JULY 3

1:30 pm Opportunities and Challenges - Greenway J - $5, $5

Opening Remarks/Introductions: Mitch Pomerantz, Chair, Employment Issues Committee, Pasadena, CA

1:45 pm Disclosure and Other Issues for the Jobseeker to Ponder Facilitator: Naomi Soule, District Supervisor, Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, St. Louis, MO; Presenters: Peter Altschul, Diversity Consultant, Columbia, MO; Mitch Pomerantz, ADA Compliance Officer, City of Los Angeles Department on Disability, Los Angeles, CA

2:30 pm Emerging Employment Trends Catherine Schmitt Whitaker, Ed.D, California Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA

3:15 pm Employment in Today's Public Sector Jim Ramnaraine, ADA Coordinator, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, MN

3:45 pm Wrap-Up and Feedback

INFORMATION ACCESS SEMINAR
Chair: Susan Palmer Mazrui
Information Access Committee
Sponsored by Goldstein, Demchak, Baller,
Borgen and Dardarian/Lainey Feingold

SATURDAY, JUNE 30

2:00 pm "Positives and Progress" - Greenway I-J - $3, $5

Want the latest information on products ranging from home appliances to cell phones? Want to know how you can access the Internet if you aren't a techie or are traveling without your computer? Join ACB's own Marlaina Lieberg as she welcomes guest speakers Darrin Burton from the American Foundation for the Blind, Emdad Khan from Internet Speech, representatives from Code Factory, AT&T, Sprint/Nextel and others. Door prizes will be awarded.

MEMBERSHIP SEMINAR
Chair: Ardis Bazyn
ACB Membership Committee
Sponsored by Accent Signage Systems

THURSDAY, JULY 5

2:00 pm ACB Membership Seminar - Greenway A-B Creative ways to involve students and seniors in your chapter; how state and special-interest affiliates work together to provide diverse conventions; and ideas for inviting blinded veterans to join ACB. Door prizes, too!

MULTICULTURAL CONCERNS ACTIVITIES
Chair: Peggy Chavis Garrett
Multicultural Concerns Committee

SUNDAY, JULY 1

10:00 am Worship Service at Zion Baptist Church No charge; return by 1:30 pm. You must contact Peggy Chavis Garrett in advance to be included in the transportation arrangements. Meet the church bus at the tour pick-up point.

MONDAY, JULY 2

12:30 pm Multicultural Leadership Luncheon: Overcoming Obstacles and Adversities on the Road to Success - Lake Nokomis - $27, $29 Keynote speaker: Thomas Powell, Department of Juvenile Criminal Justice, Minneapolis, MN

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

9:00 pm Multicultural Mid-Week Jam - ACB Suite - $15, $15 Celebrate the 4th of July with food, music and fun; make new friends and visit with those you've already seen. An opportunity for candidates to talk with ACB members before elections.

REHABILITATION ISSUES TASK FORCE
Chair: Patricia M. Beattie

MONDAY, JULY 2

9:00 pm Rehabilitation Task Force Meeting - Lake Minnetonka

TUESDAY, JULY 3

4:00 pm When the Governor Calls on You for Advice and Consent - Greenway E Members of State Rehabilitation Councils (SRCs), boards and commissions are invited to discuss their roles in overseeing, advising and improving state vocational rehabilitation programs. Facilitator: Patricia M. Beattie, Chair, State Rehabilitation Council, Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, and Chair, ACB Rehabilitation Issues Task Force, Alexandria, VA. Presenters: Dr. Pearl Van Zandt, Executive Director, Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and Past President, National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB), Lincoln, NE; Paul Edwards, Past President, American Council of the Blind and principal author, ACB White Paper on Rehabilitation and Training, Miami, FL

SIGHT AND SOUND IMPAIRED
MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Chair: Patty Sarchi
Program Chair: Karyn Campbell
Sight and Sound Impaired Committee

SUNDAY, JULY 1

10:30 am PDA's: The Features - Greenway I-J Co-sponsored with Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS); see BITS agenda for further details.

MONDAY, JULY 2

9:00 pm Get Social with SASI - President's Suite - $10, $12 Here's the place for SASI folks, those who have both a vision and hearing loss, to meet and greet others who are SASI.

TUESDAY, JULY 3

1:30 pm Tackling Orientation Issues as a Person Who Is Deaf-Blind - Lake Minnetonka Are you visually impaired and dealing with a newly diagnosed decrease in hearing? Have you always had a hearing loss and now are finding it harder to get around because of vision problems? Learn about O&M issues, skills and techniques to help people who are deaf-blind get around and receive information about the environment. Presenter: Eugene (Gene) Bourquin, MA, COMS, CI and CT, CLVT, Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults, Sands Point, NY

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

1:30 pm Chemical Dependency and Deaf-Blindness - Greenway C Learn what you can do from someone who has worked with people with a combined vision and hearing loss in a variety of situations. Presenter: Paulette Monthei-Bartelt, Director, Center for Deaf-Blind Persons, Milwaukee, WI; Jessie Rayl, Mental Health Therapist and President, ACB Human Service Providers, Martinsburg, WV. Co-sponsored by ACB Human Service Professionals (ACBHSP).

SCHOLARSHIP ACTIVITIES
Chair: Patty Slaby
ACB Scholarship Committee

SATURDAY, JUNE 30

6:00 pm ACB Scholarship Dinner (invitation only) - Lake Nokomis A chance to get acquainted and learn about the week ahead. Sponsored by the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America.

SUNDAY, JULY 1

11:30 am NABS Scholarship Winners' Luncheon - Lake Nokomis - $28, $32 An official function of the National Alliance of Blind Students (NABS); all scholarship winners invited. Sponsored by the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America.

TUESDAY, JULY 3

9:20 am Presentation of ACB 2007 Scholarships - Nicollet Ballroom Celebrate the accomplishments of this year's scholarship recipients in the morning general session; truly an impressive part of the ACB convention.

6:30 pm ACB Scholarship Winners Reception - ACB Suite Each affiliate is invited to send two representatives to meet the scholarship winners.

7:30 pm ACB Scholarship Committee Meeting - ACB Suite

WOMEN'S CONCERNS EVENTS
Chair: Bernice Kandarian
Women's Concerns Committee

MONDAY, JULY 2

3:00 pm What Message Are You Getting from ME? - Lake Minnetonka Communication through appearance, tone of voice and body language. A time for women to talk candidly. Facilitator: Marlaina Lieberg, Director of Marketing and Outreach, ACB Radio, Burien, WA

5:00 pm Pilates - Avenues 3-4-5, Mil. Joint session with the Recreation Zone. Pilates is an exercise program focusing on the core postural muscles that help keep the body balanced and are essential for providing support to the spine. Learn about the benefits of Pilates; some surprises, too.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

2:00 pm Financial Independence for Women - Lake Minnetonka Presenter: Connie David, author of "It's Your Money, You Keep It," Minneapolis, MN

THURSDAY, JULY 5

2:00 pm Women's Healthy Heart Issues - Greenway I A healthy heart leads to a fuller, more active life. Discussion especially for women. Presenter: Sheli Nelson, Director, Cardiac Rehabilitation Department, Fairview Southdale Hospital, Minneapolis, MN

RECREATION ZONE
Chair: Oral O. Miller

MONDAY, JULY 2

5:00 pm Pilates - Avenues 3-4-5, Mil. Joint session with the Women's Concerns Committee. Pilates is an exercise program focusing on the core postural muscles that help keep the body balanced and are essential for providing support to the spine. Learn about the benefits of Pilates; some surprises, too.

5:00 pm Power Showdown - Avenue 2, Mil. Learn how to play this exciting game: table tennis for the blind. Demonstrated by Dr. Jim Mastro, the game's creator. Open until 8:00 pm Monday through Thursday.

TUESDAY, JULY 3

5:00 pm Water Aerobics - Hyatt Pool Led by Gerry Koors, certified water aerobics instructor, Indianapolis, IN

5:00 pm Power Showdown - Avenues 2, Mil.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

5:00 pm Water Aerobics - Hyatt Pool Led by Gerry Koors, certified water aerobics instructor, Indianapolis, IN

5:00 pm Power Showdown - Avenues 2, Mil.

OTHER ACB SEMINARS & EVENTS

SATURDAY, JUNE 30

5:00 pm Keys to the Convention Seminar - Greenway A-B Unlock your week of information and fun; includes convention overview, tips, and Q&A..

6:00 pm ACB Exhibitors' Reception (by invitation) - ACB Suite

SUNDAY, JULY 1

10:00 am ACB Legislative Seminar - Greenway D-E Get the latest information on how you can help shape tomorrow today. Sponsored by Thomson West

2:00 pm Keys to the Convention Seminar - Greenway D Unlock your week of information and fun; includes convention overview, tips, and Q&A.

MONDAY, JULY 2

6:00 pm Speakers' Reception - President's Suite Each affiliate is invited to send two members per reception. A wonderful opportunity for ACB members to meet and talk personally with the convention presenters of the day.

TUESDAY, JULY 3

5:00 pm Agency Directors' Reception (by invitation) - Executive Director's Suite

5:30 pm International Conversations - Greenway B Meet our international guests! This forum offers a venue for recognizing guests from other parts of the world, gives them an opportunity to make a few remarks about their countries and organizations, and welcomes them warmly to the ACB national convention. If you are one of our foreign guests, or for more information, contact Oral Miller, member of the ACB Board of Directors.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

5:00 pm ACB-L E-mail List Mixer - Executive Director's Suite - $8, $10 You've exchanged e-mails with everyone all year. Come put a voice with that e-mail address.

THURSDAY, JULY 5

4:00 pm Affiliate Presidents' Meeting - Greenway A-B Sponsored by the Vehicle Donation Processing Center

6:00 pm Speakers' Reception - President's Suite

7:00 pm Board of Publications Candidates' Forum - Nicollet Ballroom Candidates answer questions on a wide variety of topics.

FRIDAY, JULY 6

5:30 pm Life Members' Reception - Greenway A-B

6:30 pm Pre-banquet Entertainment - Greenway F-J Great music from Dewayne Hodges, ACB First-timer, Little Rock, AR

7:00 pm Annual Banquet - Greenway F-J - $35, $38 Keynote speaker: Sir Colin Low, Royal National Institute for the Blind, London, England; award presentations, drawings and prizes

SPECIAL-INTEREST AFFILIATE MEETINGS

ALLIANCE ON AGING AND VISION LOSS
President and Program Chair: Nola McKinney
Registration: $8 - $8

MONDAY, JULY 2

12:30 pm AAVL Luncheon - Greenway F - $29, $30 Take a journey through time with familiar and not-so-familiar folk songs; Alan Beatty, Fort Collins, CO. Also learn about the latest technology and resources from APH; Michael McCarty, Fred's Head Coordinator, American Printing House for the Blind, Louisville, KY

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

1:30 pm Who Shall I Marry? - Greenway E

4:00 pm AAVL Musical Wine and Cheese Mixer - ACB Suite - $8, $10 A musical good time provided by George Coorey of Cincinnati, OH

THURSDAY, JULY 5

1:30 pm Fighting the Depression of Aging - Greenway E Sociological and psychological viewpoint of this widespread problem. Presenters: Nola McKinney, Bonnerdale, AR, and Jessie Rayl, Martinsburg, WV

3:00 pm AAVL Business Meeting and Elections

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF
VISUALLY IMPAIRED ATTORNEYS
President: Ellen Telker
Program Chair: Gary Norman, Esq.
Registration: $35 - $40

SATURDAY, JUNE 30

6:00 pm AAVIA Board Meeting - Cedar Lake

7:15 pm Dinner for members and guests - meet in Hyatt lobby

SUNDAY, JULY 1

12:30 pm Opening Remarks - Greenway C Ellen Telker, President & Gary C. Norman, Esq., Program Chair

12:45 pm Update Melanie Brunson, Esq., Executive Director, American Council of the Blind, Washington, DC

1:15 pm Dialogue on Courthouse Accessibility David Yanchulis, U.S. Access Board, & Tracy Justesen, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC

2:05 pm Lessons Learned In Making Courtrooms Accessible Prof. Fred Lederer, Director, Center for Legal and Court Technology & Courtroom 21, Williamsburg, VA

2:45 pm The U.S. Supreme Court - 2007 Term Wrap-up Dr. Otis H. Stephens, University of Tennessee College of Law, Alumni Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science and Resident Scholar of Constitutional Law, Knoxville, TN

3:30 pm Considerations in Providing Accessible Postsecondary Educational Materials Deb Holtz, J.D., Director, Disabilities Services Office, Hamline University, MN

4:10 pm Curing Eye Disease through Stem Cell Research - Policy Pros & Cons Mary Faith Marshall, Co-chair, Ethics Committee, University of Minnesota Medical Center and Director, Center for Bioethics

MONDAY, JULY 2

1:00 pm Opening Remarks - Greenway C Brian Melendez, President-Elect, Minnesota State Bar Association

1:20 pm Legal Clinic: Representing the Visually Impaired - An Overview by a Visually Impaired Jurist; presenter: Nicholas Pomaro, retired Cook County Judge, Director of the Arthur O. Kane Legal Clinic, Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind, Chicago, IL

2:05 pm President Bush - Friend or Foe to the ADA Rebecca Floyd, Esq., Executive Director, Mississippi Protection and Advocacy System for Developmental Disabilities, Inc., Jackson, MS

2:45 pm Dialogue with a Visually Impaired Legislator Hon. Torrey Westrom, House of Representatives, State of Minnesota

3:40 pm Update with West Law Kathleen M. Hauck, Esq., Thomson West Reference Attorney, MN

TUESDAY, JULY 3

12:15 pm AAVIA Annual Luncheon - Dome Room, Mil. - $32, $35 Keynote speaker: Associate Justice Alan C. Page, Minnesota's First African-American Justice & NFL Hall of Fame

2:15 pm Today's Technology

3:00 pm Annual Business Meeting

AMERICAN COUNCIL OF BLIND
DIABETICS IN ACTION
President: Dee Clayton
Program Chair: Carol Edwards
Registration: $8 - $10

SUNDAY, JULY 1

2:00 pm ACBDA Diabetes Seminar - Greenway E - $5, $8 Diabetes: Present to Future: Dr. David Randal, licensed psychologist, certified diabetes educator, Park Nicollet International Diabetes Center, Minneapolis, MN

3:00 pm Trends in Diabetic Technology for the Blind and Visually Impaired Christopher Gray, President, Bay Area Digital, San Francisco, CA

3:30 pm Questions and discussion

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

3:00 pm ACBDA Business Meeting - Lake Nokomis

5:00 pm ACBDA Mixer - ACBDA Suite - $12, $15

AMERICAN COUNCIL OF BLIND
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
President: Billie Jean Keith
Registration: $8 - $10

SUNDAY, JULY 1

3:00 pm ACBGE Wine and Cheese Mixer - Executive Director's Suite - $10, $12

THURSDAY, JULY 5

12:30 pm ACBGE Luncheon - Greenway G - $15, $17

1:30 pm Section 508: Where's the Enforcement? Our speaker, Margie Donovan, has filed three formal Section 508 complaints. Her perseverance and advocacy for access to meaningful employment is ongoing. Why should blind government employees have to fight to make laws work? Margie Donovan, Visual Impairment Services Team Coordinator, Department of Veterans Affairs, San Francisco, CA

3:00 pm Business Meeting

ACB HUMAN SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
President: Jessie Rayl
Registration: $8 - $10

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

1:30 pm Chemical Dependency and Deaf-blindness - Greenway C Learn what you can do from someone who has worked with people with a combined vision and hearing loss in a variety of situations. Presenter: Paulette Monthei-Bartelt, Director, Center for Deaf-Blind Persons, Milwaukee, WI; Jessie Rayl, Mental Health Therapist and President, ACB Human Service Providers, Martinsburg, WV. Co-sponsored with ACB Sight and Sound Impaired Committee (SASI).

3:00 pm Are You Stuck on the Path of Life? - Greenway B Do you need help finding a therapist? ACBHSP shows you how to find one, break the ice, and take the focus from blindness to the problems you want to discuss. Panelists include Andy Baracco, Marleen O'Neill, and Jessie L. Rayl, MA, LPC, Martinsburg, WV..

4:00 pm ACBHSP Business Meeting Let's talk about the future of this affiliate.

AMERICAN COUNCIL OF BLIND LIONS
President: Adam Ruschival
Registration: $10 - $12

SATURDAY, JUNE 30

9:00 pm Milly's Place Pin Swap - Executive Director's Suite - $8, $8 Meet fellow Lions from across the country; great hospitality.

SUNDAY, JULY 1

10:30 am ACBL Board Meeting - Lake Minnetonka

THURSDAY, JULY 5

12:30 pm ACBL Luncheon and Business Meeting - Greenway F - $27, $29 Meet some very special Leos from the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Get involved and help shape the future of ACBL.

ACB RADIO AMATEURS
President and Program Chair: Mike Duke
Registration: $5 - $7

THURSDAY, JULY 5

1:30 pm - ACB Radio Amateurs Program and Business Session - Lake of the Isles An opportunity to share ideas with Pat Tice, Manager, Courage Handi-Ham System; followed by the annual business meeting.

BLIND FRIENDS OF LESBIANS AND GAYS
President: Butch Arnold
Program chair: Mark Hanohano
Registration: $30 - $30

All BFLAG events, unless otherwise noted, are scheduled in the Millennium. BFLAG registration is mandatory for participation in all BFLAG events except the Benefit; NO EXCEPTIONS. Speakers for program sessions are not included in this program at BFLAG's request.

SATURDAY, JUNE 30

8:00 pm Benefit/Sponsor Reception - Horizons, Mil. - $100, $100