2019 National Conference & Convention Program: Volume 1

Conference and Convention Calendar

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ACB Conference Gems

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Many, many thanks to our 2019 corporate sponsors. Their continued generous support of the American Council of the Blind and our conference and convention is sincerely appreciated.

Look for the 2019 corporate sponsors on www.acb.org, in the conference and convention program, in the newspaper, on ACB Radio, on the convention T-shirt, and throughout the week. Be sure to thank them personally for their generous support.

Crown Jewel Sponsors:

• Aira - Reduced Hotel Rates for Convention Attendees

Diamond Sponsors:

• Google - ACB Conference Banquet

• JP Morgan Chase - Off-site ACB Educational & Recreational Events; Reduced Ticket Pricing for all Events

• Microsoft - Conference Participation and Development Training for Future Leaders

• Vanda - Exhibit Hall & ACB Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk

• Verizon/Verizon Media - Audio/Visual Services in General Sessions and all Event Meeting Rooms

• Vispero (VFO) - ACB Radio Streaming

Emerald Sponsors:

• Comcast - Conference Registration

• Sprint - Conference Communication Center & Newspaper

• Uber - ACB Radio Afternoon Broadcasts

Ruby Sponsors:

• Adobe Systems - ACB Scholarship Mentoring Program

• Amazon - Audio Description Program

• AT&T - ACB Workshops and Seminar Programming

• Cisco - Continuing Education Credits

• Facebook - All General Sessions

• HumanWare - ACB Auction

• OrCam - ACB Café

• Spectrum - Interpreter Services for Deaf-Blind Attendees

Onyx Sponsors:

• Buell Fund - Recreation Zone & ACB Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk

• National Association of Broadcasters - General Operating Support

• National Industries for the Blind - ACB Marketplace

• Macular Degeneration - ACB Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk

Topaz Sponsors:

• HIMS - ACB Link

• ACB Lions - Scholarship Travel

Coral Sponsors:

• RSVA - Outstanding Student's Orientation Dinner and Luncheon

• New York State Commission for the Blind - Affiliates Presidents' Seminar

Pearl Sponsors:

• Access Ready sponsored by VOTEC - ACB Café Day Sunday, July 7

• Barclay Damon LLP - General Operating Support

• LUA - Talking Book Narrator at Convention

• The Lighthouse for the Blind Inc. - ACB Café Day; Monday, July 8

• TracFone Wireless - Affiliate and Chapter Development Seminar

President’s Message

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Dear Conventioneers:

I want to welcome everyone to the 58th annual conference and convention of the American Council of the Blind, in beautiful Rochester, New York. I am looking forward to presiding over my sixth convention as president of ACB, yet, it is bittersweet to realize that my time as president of ACB is coming to an end. It has been an amazing time filled with many accomplishments for our organization, progress in a variety of areas, treasured memories, and relationships I will value for years to come.

This year’s theme is “Picture the Future!”. This is a great theme for this year's convention since it challenges us to imagine what is coming in the future. Creating opportunities for the future for people who are blind or visually impaired is what our work in ACB is all about!

You will hear much more about ACB's successes during what should be our busiest and most information-packed convention ever.

Every ACB convention relies on scores of volunteers who work to make this event possible. I want to personally thank the members of the Convention Committee, ably chaired by Janet Dickelman; the Convention Program Committee, and New York Host Committee for their efforts. 

Likewise, let me acknowledge the work of our Alexandria, VA and Minneapolis, MN staff. You are all fabulous!

Finally, a very warm welcome to those of you attending the ACB convention for the first time. Rochester is a very special place that will present you with many new adventures. Whether this is your first trip to upstate New York, or a return visit, I can assure you that you will leave with many new friends and wonderful memories.

I know your time in Rochester at the ACB convention will be an especially memorable and fun experience. Plan on joining us in 2020 and come to Schaumburg, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago for another great ACB convention experience! 

Enjoy a great convention!
Kim Charlson, ACB President

 

Abbreviations in this Program

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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
BITS - Blind Information Technology Specialists
BOP - Board of Publications
BPI - Blind LGBT Pride International 
BRL - Braille Revival League
CCLVI - Council of Citizens with Low Vision International 
DKM - Durward K. McDaniel First-Timer
FIA - Friends-in-Art of ACB 
GDUI - Guide Dog Users, Inc.
IRC - International Relations Committee
IVIE - Independent Visually Impaired Entrepreneurs
KEC - Kids' Explorers Club
LUA - Library Users of America
MCAC - Multicultural Affairs Committee
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

 

ACB Convention Café

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Sponsored by OrCam

Café Coupon Sponsors: 

• Access Ready by Votec – Sunday, July 7
• Lighthouse for the Blind – Monday, July 8

Stop by the ACB Convention Café to grab a quick cup of coffee, pastry, sandwich, salad or snack as you rush from one meeting to another or as you head out on a tour. Meet at the Café to visit with friends or just rest a while between activities. Located on the first floor of the Convention Center across from the Highland rooms; specials will be announced in the newspaper.

 

Registration Information

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Sponsored by Comcast 

Registration Q&A

Registration is in the convention center in Highland B.

Pre-registration packets can be picked up anytime Registration is open, but Thursday evening, July 4th from 6:00PM to 9:00PM and Friday and Saturday from 8:00AM to 11:00AM are reserved exclusively for pre-registration pickup ONLY. Onsite registration will only be done from 11:00AM to 7:00PM on Friday and Saturday.

This will help to better manage the lines during the first days of the convention. We will also have additional staff in registration Thursday through Saturday to help reduce wait times.

Hours are:

• Thursday: July 6:00PM – 9:00PM
• Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6: 8:00AM to 11:00AM (pre-reg pick-up only) and 11:00AM to 7:00PM for pre-reg pick-up and onsite-registrations.
• Sunday, July 7 and Monday, July 8: 8:00AM to 4:00PM
• Tuesday and Wednesday, July 9 and 10: 8:00AM to 3:00PM
• Thursday, July 11: 8:00AM to 2:00PM

When you register, you will receive your convention ID badge, program, and a goody bag filled with information and surprises. You must register to purchase tickets to events and be eligible to win great door prizes. Always wear your badge because it admits you to the exhibit area, lets you vote (if you are an ACB member), and helps hotel personnel and volunteers provide better service.

If you are pre-registered, your packet will be waiting for you. You may not pick up a packet for someone else. If you have any questions about your registration or need to purchase more tickets, go to Registration in Highland B.

A one-day pass is available for $5.00 with no program and $10.00 with a 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.

Refunds: ACB will make no refunds for convention administrative and registration fees, sponsorship donations 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 meals, events, and tours if:

• An individual has pre-registered and requests the refund in writing to the American Council of the Blind, 6300 Shingle Creek Parkway, Suite 195, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430, or calls (612) 332- 3242, on or before June 23rd, 2019; and
• 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.
• Refunds for tour tickets are only made under certain conditions. See tour instructions for more information.

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.

Reselling tickets: Only tour tickets will be accepted for resale. In general, meal functions and social events at the hotel do not sell out. You may wish to explore other methods of selling luncheon, banquet and other such tickets.

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

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Sponsored by Sprint

The Marcia Nigro Dresser Communication Center is in the convention center in Cascade E and is open from 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Friday, July 5 through Wednesday, July 10. This is where you can place ads in the paper, make braille or print copies or volunteer to help produce the newspaper.

Convention Newspaper

This year's newspaper is "The Flower City Press". It is published each day, Friday through Wednesday, in braille and large print; pick up a copy at the Information Desk. The paper is also available on the ACB convention email list and via download at the Information Desk.

ACB Students (ACBS) will deliver the newspaper to your hotel room door. For $9 (pre-registration) or $10 (registration), your paper will be waiting for you each morning when you wake up. After you sign up for newspaper delivery, activate your service by giving your hotel name, room number and your format preference to the Information Desk.

Ads and Announcements

Ads and other items for publication must be in the Communication Center by 2:00PM each day. The BOP allows ads to run for up to three days to give important convention announcements more space. Ads must be no longer than 75 words. BOP editorial policy prohibits the production or distribution of campaign materials by the Communication Center.

Cost of advertising in the newspaper is:

• Individuals, ACB affiliates and blind representatives of MLM companies - $15/day or $40 for 3 days
• Exhibitors - $40/day or $100 for 3 days
• All others - $50/day or $125 for 3 days.

Pay for advertising at Registration; show your receipt at the Communication Center when submitting your ad.

Brailling and Photocopying

Photocopying is available at the Communication Center for 10 cents/page. Brailling services are available as follows:

• Individuals, ACB affiliates, and blind representatives of MLM companies, 10 cents/page
• Small businesses and small nonprofits, 20 cents/page
• All others, 35 cents/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 between other tasks. A test copy will be printed to let you know the number of pages per copy. Be sure to label your computer card or thumb drive and tell us how many of each format you need and by what time. Please make payment at registration.

Thanks to Enabling Technologies for once again donating the use of the braille embossers and to American Printing House for their generous donation of braille paper.

Please remember that the Communication Center is a working room. While the convention is a great place to meet and greet, loud conversations make it difficult to hear the speech synthesizers on the computers. Help us help you get the information you need.

Digital Information & Internet

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ACB Radio

ACB Radio livestreams from all general sessions on the Mainstream channel; sessions are replayed around the clock. Some afternoon committee sessions will be streamed live or recorded for later broadcast. The FIA Performing Arts Showcase, BOP Town Hall meeting, and ACB Banquet are also livestreamed.

Email list

The ACB Convention email list keeps you up- to-date on all the news. Even if you aren't at the convention, you can receive "The Flower City Press” and all the other information. To subscribe, go to the ACB website at www.acb.org, or send a blank message to acbconvention-subscribe@acblists.org.

File Download Service

Would you like your newspaper, exhibit list, delegate list, or amendments in electronic format for your laptop or notetaker? Stop by the ACB Information Desk in Aqueduct A in the convention center; a volunteer will download all the latest files onto your thumb drive, SD card or compact flash card.

Social Media

Follow the latest goings-on at the convention on Facebook and Twitter. www.twitter.com/acbnational or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/americancounciloftheblindofficial

To follow us on Alexa; just tell her “ACB radio from Tune-In,” and the name of the menu you are looking for such as Mainstream, or Live Event.

Follow the convention via ACB Link on your iPhone; just download and install ACB Link from the iOS app store. You can also use ACB link on your android phone, the app is available at Google play.  
Internet access: complimentary wireless internet is available in the guest rooms in both hotels.

ACB Photography

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The official ACB photographer for the 2019 conference and convention will be taking pictures and video in the exhibit hall, on selected tours, and at many social events. He will visit committee and affiliate meetings, workshops, general sessions, and the banquet.

It is understood that all activities and programs scheduled at the 2019 conference and convention are subject to be photographed or videoed. Photos and video are the property of ACB and are for ACB's use.

 

Medical Information

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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:

Urgent Care:

Rochester Regional Health Immediate Care — Wilson Center
800 Carter Street
Rochester NY 14621
(585) 338-1200 
Distance: 3.0 miles

Hospitals:

Highland Hospital
1000 South Avenue
Rochester NY 14620
(585) 473-2200
Distance: 1.5 miles

Strong Memorial Hospital
601 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester NY 14642
(585) 275-2100
Distance:3.3 miles

Guide Dog User Information

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Guide dog relief areas are built and maintained by Scoop Masters and are located near hotel exits. ACB volunteers and hotel staff will be happy to help you locate the areas.

Please keep in mind that the convention can be very stressful for your dog; you may need to relieve your dog more often than usual. Although the relief areas are cleaned at regular intervals, as always, please pick up after your dog. Trash receptacles are located near relief areas. For additional suggestions see "Quick courtesy reminders from Anders the guide dog" in the GDUI program under the special-interest affiliates section of the program.

Should an indoor accident occur, please report it to Scoop Masters at (661) 714-0049. You should remain at the accident location to help alert others while you await assistance. 

If an accident occurs in your room, you may be charged for the clean-up.

A few courtesy reminders from Anders the guide dog of Andrea Giudice, GDUI Convention Coordinator:
"Thanks for reading these, they will make my job, and that of all your guides, so much easier!  Always keep your guide on a short leash when out and about in the hotel. I know my mom gets distracted by people and things so if I am not close to her side, on a short leash, I sometimes forget my best manners and get into mischief. Please give us guides a chance to relieve at least twice as often as at home, because, you know how it is when away from home - different water, lots of excitement and disrupted schedules etc.And, oh yes, please always pick up after us, I am so embarrassed by what my mom says when she steps in poop!! Remember that convention is one of the most stressful working environments for us, your fuzzy eyes, so please give us every opportunity to be successful!”!"

Veterinary Care

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Veterinary Care

Midtown Veterinary Hospital
85 University Avenue
Rochester NY 14605
(585) 546-1550
Distance: 0.7 miles

Animal Hospital of Rochester
1150 University Avenue
Rochester NY 14607
(585) 730-7704
Distance: 2.0 miles

Monroe Veterinary Associates
Emergency Services – Open 24 hours
524 White Spruce Boulevard
Rochester NY 14623
(585) 424-1260
Distance: 4.0 miles

Religious Activities

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Saturday, July 6

4:00PM: Interdenominational Service, Riverside, McQuaid; Reverend Michael Garrett, Missouri City, TX
4:00PM - 5:00PM: Friends of Bill W.; Riverside, Lyons 
7:30PM: Jewish Service, Rabbi David Avrahams; Riverside, Lyon

Sunday, July 7

5:30PM – 6:30PM: Catholic Mass; Riverside, Keating
7:15PM: Gospel Sing; Convention Center, Empire Ballroom North

Wednesday, July 10

7:00 PM: Friends of Bill W.; Riverside, Lyons

Convention Standing Rules

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Adopted by the ACB Board of Directors, May 2009

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 agree 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 and affiliation. 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 if requested by the chair. Examples: Point of Order, Point of Information, Parliamentary Inquiry, Question of Privilege, Call for Orders of the Day, etc.

3. Registration badges are required to be worn at all convention meetings and only those members with the appropriate colored dot may vote during business meetings.

4. Changes to the published convention program may be proposed to the membership as deemed necessary by the presiding officer or his/her appointee. The presiding officer will explain the reason for 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 allocated according to the candidate's wishes. A person nominated for an office more than once shall be limited to one minute.

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

7. Anyone meeting the requirements for voting membership in ACB in accordance with Constitution Article III-A-1 and bylaw 1 is entitled to vote on any matter coming before the convention, provided that:
A. The person's name appears on an affiliate's certified membership list as submitted on March 15th or has been added to that list prior to the established record date for the convention, which date is thirty (30) days prior to the date of the opening session;
B. No challenges to or questions about, a person's membership status will be considered after the close of registration on the day immediately preceding the final day on which convention business is to be conducted;
C. No challenges to or questions about, a person's membership status will be considered during the time a record vote is being conducted.

General Session Agenda  

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Saturday, July 6:

Convention Center Empire Hall North

6:30PM: Entertainment: Dave Trevino, guitar and vocals, Newark, DE 

7:00PM: Call to Order: Kim Charlson, President, American Council of the Blind, Watertown, MA
Invocation: Rev. Michael Garrett, Missouri City, TX
Presentation of Colors: Buffalo Soldiers, VFW Post 9251, Commander Bing C. Reaves, Sr., Rochester, NY 
"The Star-Spangled Banner": Sung by Kerri Regan, Farmingdale, NY
Welcome to Rochester! Lori Scharff, President, American Council of the Blind of New York, Malverne, NY

7:20PM: President's Report: Kim Charlson, Watertown, MA

7:40PM: Crown Jewel Sponsor Presentation: Aira Corporation, Suman Kanuganti, President and CEO, San Diego, CA
 
8:00PM: ACB Award Presentation: Debbie Rozear, Allentown, PA, and Deb Trevino, Newark, DE, ACB Awards Committee Co-Chairs

8:10PM: ACB Life Membership Presentations: Kim Charlson, ACB President, Watertown, MA; and Nancy Becker, ACB Chief Financial Officer, Brooklyn Center, MN

8:25PM: ACB Angels: Dan Spoone, ACB First Vice President, Orlando, FL; and Tom Tobin, ACB Director of Development, Cleveland, OH
ACB Angel Presentations:

• Mary Jane (M.J.) Schmitt (1931-2018), New York;
• LeRoy Saunders (1931-2012), Oklahoma 

8:40PM: ACB First-Timers: Kenneth Semien Sr., Chair, Durward K. McDaniel First-timers' Committee, Beaumont, TX

8:55PM: 2019 ACB/JP Morgan Chase Leadership Fellows: Eric Bridges, ACB Executive Director, Alexandria, VA

9:10PM: First Credentials Committee Report: Ralph Smitherman, Chair, Brandon, MS
 
9:15PM: Roll Call of Affiliates: Ray Campbell, ACB Secretary, Glen Ellyn, IL
 

Sunday, July 7:

Convention Center Empire Hall North

8:00AM: Entertainment: Judy Jackson, Stuarts Draft, VA, and Mike Tindell, Baltimore, MD, piano and vocals
 
8:30AM: Invocation: Mr. Bawany imam, Islamic Center of Rochester, Rochester, NY
Pledge of Allegiance: 2019 ACB/JP Morgan Chase Leadership Fellows: Donna Browning, Alexandria, VA; Amanda Selm, Louisville, KY; and Don Kalman, Medina, OH
   
8:35AM: ACB Business:
ACB Sponsor Recognitions: Margarine Beaman, Advertising and Sponsorship Coordinator, Austin, TX
Diamond Sponsor Presentation: Google Corporation: Sarah Basson, Accessibility Evangelist, New York, NY
Adoption of Standing Rules and Program: Kim Charlson, ACB President, Watertown, MA
Final Credentials Committee Report: Ralph Smitherman, Chair, Brandon, MS
Constitution and Bylaws: John Huffman, Chair, Constitution and Bylaws Committee, Indianapolis, IN
ACB Angel Presentations

• Sue Ammeter (1948-2018), Washington
• Marlaina Lieberg (1949-2018), Washington
• John Dashney (1942-2019), Oregon

Presiding Officer: Dan Spoone, ACB First Vice President, Orlando, FL
 
9:15AM: Wal-Mart and En-Vision America Joint Announcement of National ScripTalk Accessible Prescription Labels to All Wal-Mart and Sam's Club Customers at Over 1100 Locations across the U.S
.
9:40AM: Accessible Games and Educational Tools: Blindfold Games and Objective Ed: Marty Schultz, Founder and CEO, Miami, FL

10:05AM: Presentation of Vernon Henley Media Award: Deb Lewis, ACB Board of Publications, Clarkston, WA
 
10:10AM: “Celebrating 40 years of Achievement and Advocacy”: Council of Citizens with Low Vision International, Sara Conrad, CCLVI President, Madison, WI

10:20AM: Break

10:35AM: My Journey as World Blind Union President: Fredrick Schroeder, WBU President, Vienna, VA

11:00AM: News and Ongoing Progress at NLS: Karen Keninger, Director, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Washington, DC

11:35AM: Resolutions: Mark Richert, Chair, Arlington, VA; and Gabe Griffith, Vice-Chair, Concord, CA

11:45AM: “Celebrating 50 years of Achievement and technology”: Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS), Richard Villa, BITS Treasurer, Austin, TX

11:55AM: Announcements
 

Monday, July 8:

Convention Center Empire Hall North

8:00AM: Entertainment: Carrie Hooper, Elmira, NY, Piano

8:30AM: Invocation: Father Robert Werth, Peace of Christ Parish, Rochester, NY 
Pledge of Allegiance: 2019 Scholarship Winners

8:35AM: ACB Business:
ACB Sponsor Recognitions: Margarine Beaman, Advertising and Sponsorship Coordinator, Austin, TX
Diamond Sponsor Presentation: Microsoft Corporation: Brett Humphrey, Senior Program Manager, Windows Accessibility, Redmond, WA
Emerald Sponsor Presentation: Sprint, Diane Ducharme, Blind and Low Vision Outreach Specialist, Towson, MD
Diamond Sponsor Presentation: JP Morgan Chase, Andrea E. Shkane, Managing Director, Corporate Sector, New York, NY
Nominating Committee Report: Mitch Pomerantz, Chair, Pasadena, CA
Constitution and Bylaws: John Huffman, Chair, Indianapolis, IN
Resolutions: Mark Richert, Chair, Arlington, VA
ACB Angel Presentations

• John (Jack) Barbieur (1940-2018), Oregon
• Edythe Huffman (1951-2019), Indiana

Presiding Officer: John McCann, ACB Second Vice President, Tucson, AZ

9:15AM: 2019 ACB Scholarship Presentations: Denise Colley, Chair, Scholarship Committee, Lacey, WA

10:10AM: Presentation of Affiliate Membership and Growth Awards, Debbie Rozear, Allentown, PA, and Deb Trevino, Newark, DE, ACB Awards Committee Co-Chairs 

10:15AM: Break

10:30AM: When You Can’t Believe Your Eyes: Vision Loss and Personal Recovery: A Journey into Writing and Publishing, Hannah Fairbairn, Santa Cruz, CA

10:40AM: Further Collaborative Strategic Directions at Both the American Foundation for the Blind and the American Printing House for the Blind: Kirk Adams, President and CEO, American Foundation for the Blind, Arlington, VA; and Craig Meador, President, and CEO, American Printing House for the Blind, Louisville, KY

11:10AM: What is VisionServe Alliance? Meet Lee Nasehi: VSA President and CEO, Winter Park, FL

11:35AM: Accessible Cities Initiative Research Findings: Denise Snow Wilson, Technical Communications Specialist, Technology Product Research (TPR) and Elizabeth Schaller, Digital Assets and Metadata Librarian, Resource Services, American Printing House for the Blind, Louisville, KY

11:55AM: Announcements
 

Tuesday, July 9:

Convention Center Empire Hall North

8:00AM: Entertainment: Sandra Ruconich, Piano, Salt Lake City, UT  

8:30AM: Invocation: ACB member Rev. George Gordon, Austin, TX
Pledge of Allegiance: 2019 ACB/JP Morgan Chase Leadership Fellows: Rosemarie Facilla, Muskegon, MI; and Rachel Schroeder, Springfield, IL
 
8:35AM: ACB Business:
ACB Sponsor Recognitions: Margarine Beaman, Advertising and Sponsorship Coordinator, Austin, TX
Diamond Sponsor Presentation: Verizon, Zachary (Zach) Bastian, Manager, Strategic Alliance and Public Policy, Washington, DC
Diamond Sponsor Presentation: Vispero: Matt Ater, Vice-President, Business Development, Manassas, VA 
Diamond Sponsor Presentation: Comcast, Tom Wlodkowski, Vice President of Accessibility, Philadelphia, PA
Constitution and Bylaws: John Huffman, Chair, Indianapolis, IN
Resolutions: Mark Richert, Chair, Arlington, VA
ACB Angel Presentations

• Ann Sims (1938-2018), Georgia
• Alfred (Al) Gil (1932-2016), California

Presiding Officer: Ray Campbell, ACB Secretary, Glen Ellyn, IL

9:15AM: "I Have the Best Words! Talking for a Living,” Gary Telles, Potomac Talking Books, Bethesda, MD
 
9:45AM: Video Description: Accessible TV's, Set-Top Box Controls, Menus, and Program Guides, Will Schell, Attorney Advisor, Disability Rights Office, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission

10:15AM: Break 

10:30AM: Award Presentations and Updates from the ACB Audio Description Project: Joel Snyder, Director, Audio Description Project, Takoma Park, MD; Chris Gray, ADP Awards Chair, St. Louis, MO; and Dan Spoone, Chair, Audio Description Project Steering Committee, Orlando, FL

10:55AM: The ABLE Account: How It Works and How You Can Take Full Advantage of this Program, Mark Richert, Director of Public Policy, National Disability Institute, Washington, DC

11:10AM: Presentation of the Ned E. Freeman Excellence in Writing Award and the Hollis Liggett Braille Free Press Award, Susan Glass, ACB Board of Publications, Sarasota, CA
 
11:20AM: Update from the National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi State University, Sylvia Stinson-Perez, Director, Older Blind Technical Assistance Center, Mississippi State, MS

11:35AM: Progress and Greater Access to Electronic Communications and Emergency Alerts: An Update on ACB and FCC Engagement, Anthony (Tony) Stephens, ACB Representative to the FCC Disability Advisory Committee, Baltimore, MD
 
11:55AM: Announcements
 

Wednesday, July 10:

Convention Center Empire Hall North

8:00AM: Entertainment: Karen Eitel, Houston, TX, Piano

8:30AM: Invocation: Rev. Bob Crystal, Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Rochester, NY
Pledge of Allegiance: David Dowling, Program Chair, Visually Impaired Veterans of America (VIVA), Tulsa, OK
 
8:35AM: ACB Business:
ACB Sponsor Recognitions: Margarine Beaman, Advertising and Sponsorship Coordinator, Austin, TX
Emerald Sponsor Presentation: Uber Technologies, Malcom Glenn, Public Policy, Washington, DC 
Diamond Sponsor Presentation: Vanda Pharmaceutical, Shauna Jatho, Clinical Nurse Educator, Baton Rouge, LA
Constitution and Bylaws: John Huffman, Chair, Indianapolis, IN
Resolutions: Mark Richert, Chair, Arlington, VA
ACB Angel Presentations

• Carolyn Coby (1949-2018), Minnesota
• Barbara McDonald (1945-2018), Arizona
• Edith Carter (1935-2019), Tennessee

Presiding Officer: David Trott, ACB Treasurer, Talladega, AL
 
9:15AM: National Conference and Convention Report: Janet Dickelman, Chair, Convention Committee, Saint Paul, MN

9:35AM: Treasurer's Report: David Trott, Talladega, AL

9:50AM: ACBES Report: Rev. Michael Garrett, Chair, ACB Enterprises and Services, Missouri City, TX

10:00AM: Furry Friends and Flying Skies: An Update on the State of Air Travel for Guide Dog Handlers, Claire Stanley, ACB Advocacy and Outreach Specialist, Alexandria, VA
 
10:15AM: Break

10:30AM: Executive Director's Report: Eric Bridges, Alexandria, VA

10:55AM: The UniDescription Project: Providing Tools, Training, and Mobile Apps to Spread Audio Description Through Our National Parks, Sajja Koirala, Graduate Research Assistant, University of Hawaii, Manoa, HI
 
11:15AM: National Advocacy and Legislative Update: Clark Rachfal, Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Alexandria, VA

11:35AM: Report on the ACB Walk and Auction: Donna Brown, Walk Chair, Romney, WV; Leslie Spoone, Chair, ACB Auction committee, Orlando, FL; Dan Dillon, Hermitage, TN; and Dan Spoone, ACB First Vice President, Orlando, FL Co-chairs, ACB Resource Development Committee 

11:55AM: Announcements
 

Thursday, July 11:

Convention Center Empire Hall North

8:00AM: Entertainment: Vicki Curley, Rotonda West, FL, Piano and Vocals

8:30AM: Invocation: ACB Member
Rev. Peter Hyde, Interim Pastor, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Baraboo, WI 
Pledge of Allegiance: 2019 DKM First-Timers: Ted Bordman, Bloomington, IN; and Steven Salas, Austin, TX 

8:35AM: ACB Business:
ACB Sponsor Recognitions: Margarine Beaman, Advertising and Sponsorship Coordinator, Austin, TX
ACB Angel Presentations:

• James Carter (1931-2007), Tennessee
• James Vernon Daigle (1930-2018), Louisiana
• Mary Katherine Jones (1928-2018), North Carolina
• Frank Casey (1949-2012), New York

8:45AM: Resolutions: Mark Richert, Chair, Arlington, VA

10:00AM: Elections

11:15AM: Break

11:45AM: Elections (continued)

1:00PM: ACB Business

1:15PM: Old/New Business

1:30PM: Adjourn
 

Thursday, July 11

ACB Banquet

6:30PM: Pre-Banquet Entertainment: Deb Cook Lewis, Clarkston, WA
 
7:00PM: ACB Banquet

Invocation: Rev. Deb Trevino, Newark, DE

Emcees: David Trott, ACB Treasurer, Talladega, AL; and Brian Charlson, ACB First Dude, Watertown, MA 

ACB Award Presentations: Debbie Rozear, Allentown, PA, and Deb Trevino, Newark, DE, ACB Awards Committee Co-Chairs

Drawings, Announcements, and Other Doings 

Speaker and Musical Presentation: Ginny Owens, songwriter and performer

Ginny Owens is a multiple award-winning and critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter. She became a household name when she was named the Gospel Music Association’s “New Artist of the Year” in 2000. In a meaningful career that now encompasses nearly two decades of music – including 10 full-length recordings, three extended play recordings, a popular Christmas album, number one radio singles, and numerous film and television placements – Ginny’s heartbeat behind the music remains the same – to inspire others through sharing her own story in song. 

Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, a degenerative eye condition left Ginny completely blind by the age of three. As her vision diminished, her love of music and the piano expanded, and Ginny discovered songwriting as a window to the world. The unique perspectives inspired by her vision impairment have resulted in inspirational lyrics paired with her versatile musicianship to afford her a space on an even more diverse set of stages, including the Sundance Film Festival, Lilith Fair and the White House, and recordings that transcend genre expectations.

In November 2016, she launched the Love Be the Loudest campaign, an initiative in which a portion of album sales are donated to increasing the work of non-profit organizations whose mission is to bring hope to the world. 

In 2017, she was commissioned to write the song, “Fly Away,” for the independent film, Trafficked – a song that found itself among the selections considered for the Academy Awards ballot for Best Original Song in a Motion Picture earlier this year. Ginny is also an author, co-authoring Transcending Mysteries, published by HarperCollins in 2015, and she also hosts a popular video blog entitled, “How I See It,” in which she helps viewers understand the ins-and-outs of living day-to-day life as a blind person.

For more information on Ginny, or her philanthropic work with Love Be the Loudest, visit: GinnyOwens.com and LoveBeTheLoudest.com.”

ACB Boards & Governing Committees

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ACB Board of Directors

Friday, July 5
9:00AM: Convention Board Meeting; Riverside, Eastman

Board of Publications 

Chair: Ron Brooks
Saturday, July 6
10:30AM – 12:00PM: BOP Meeting; Riverside, Eastman

Wednesday, July 10
7:15PM – 8:30PM BOP Town Hall meeting; Convention Center, Lilac Ballroom North
1:15PM – 2:30PM: BOP Workshop: “Highways, Byways and Back Alleys”; $6 ($8)
Personal branding author, consultant and coach, Sheryl Brown, provides strategies you can use to build a powerful brand for yourself or your organization.

Constitution and Bylaws Committee

Chair: John Huffman
Friday, July 5
4:30PM: Hyatt, Strong 

Sunday, July 7
4:15PM: Hyatt, Strong 

Monday, July 8
5:45PM: Hyatt Strong 

Credentials Committee

Chair: Ralph Smitherman 
Saturday, July 6
1:00PM: Hyatt, Strong 

Nominating Committee

Chair: Mitch Pomerantz
Sunday, July 7
5:45PM: Convention Center, Highland A 

Resolutions Committee 

Chair: Mark Richert
Saturday, July 6  
11:00PM: Hyatt, Strong

Sunday, July 7
8:00PM: Hyatt, Strong

Monday, July 8 and Tuesday, July 9
10:00PM: Hyatt, Strong

Wednesday, July 10
9:00PM: Hyatt, Strong

2019 ACB Exhibitors

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ACB Angels Wall
ACB Minimall
ACB of New York
Aira
American Printing House for the Blind
Uni Description Project
Braille Bibles International
Braulio Worldwide
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Computers for the Blind
Duxbury Systems
En-Vision America
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation
Friends in Art (FIA)
Guide Dog Foundation
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Guide Dogs of America
GuideLights and Gadgets 
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
HIMS 
HumanWare
JW.org
Leader Dogs for the Blind
Maxi-Aids
ACB Monthly Monetary Support 
National Braille Press
National Library Service BPH
OrCam
PA Council of the Blind
Polara
Seeing Eye, Inc.
Sprint
Sunu
Tangible Surface Research
Vanda Pharmaceuticals
ViewPlus Technologies
Vispero (VFO)

ACB Marketplace

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Sponsored by National Industries for the Blind

ACB Diabetics in Action
Adelle Moller
Angela Talley
CCLVI
DKM Committee
Environmental Access Committee
Georgia Council of the Blind
Guide Dog Users of Empire State
International Relations Committee
Keri Bishop
Sally Trayer
Uni Description Project
Wooden Aloha

Visit these exciting tables full of jewelry, books, CDs, drawing tickets and gift items. ACB Marketplace is located near the Empire Ballroom in the convention center. Stop by Saturday evening from 4:30 to 7:00PM for IVIE Day! ACB Marketplace is open Sunday through Thursday from 7:30 to 10:30AM.

Marketplace tables are available to individuals, chapters and affiliates, MLM reps, ACB committees and others. It's a low-cost way to share your products or raise money for your chapter or affiliate. For more information, and to find out if any spaces are available, contact Michael Smitherman at (601) 331-7740 or in the Exhibit Hall.

ACB Fundraisers

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You can show your support for ACB in several ways:

Convention Sponsorships:  Stop by ACB/Comcast registration in Highland D in the convention center and become an individual or corporate ACB Conference and Convention Sponsor. Individual sponsorships are bronze ($25), silver ($50), gold ($100), platinum ($250), and titanium ($500); sponsors receive special ribbons to wear on their convention badges, are recognized both in general session and in the newspaper. For information on corporate sponsorships, including pearl, coral, topaz, onyx, ruby, emerald, diamond and crown jewel contact Margarine Beaman by cell phone at (512) 921-1625.

Saturday, July 6 7:00AM 
Brenda Dillon Memorial ACB Walk: Riverside Riverside Ballroom 100-K Photo Finish
Start your convention week with an invigorating early morning walk around the hotel. Come join us for the annual ACB Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk and meet new friends and get re-acquainted with old friends. 

Tuesday, July 9, Hyatt in the Hyatt Grand Ballroom:
"ACB Picture Perfect Auction", Have a meal, find a bargain, and support ACB!  Auction item preview begins at 6PM and bidding at 7PM. A bidder number is required to participate and can be obtained either through pre-registration or at the door. Also, for those not attending the ACB Conference and Convention, you can become a virtual bidder by pre-registering to obtain a bidder number and complying with the virtual bidder process. 

ACB Raffle
Win $5,000 in cold hard cash!  
Limited tickets available; $50 each. Buy one for yourself or your affiliate or find up to four friends and split the cost five ways. Available at the ACB Mini Mall located in the ACB Exhibit Hall and at registration.

MMS Program
Help support ACB all year ‘round; it's easy and quick. Find out more about the Monthly Monetary Support Program; ask questions and complete paperwork at the MMS table at the ACB Mini Mall booth in the Exhibit Hall