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    • Board of Directors
      • 2001 ACB Board Minutes
        • July 7, 2001, Post-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 20, 2001, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 6, 2001, Board Meeting Minutes
        • September 22 & 23, 2001, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2002 ACB Board Minutes
        • April 30, 2002, Board Meeting Minutes
        • February 17, 2002, Board Meeting Minutes
        • JUNE 30, JULY 5, 2002, GENERAL SESSION RECORD, 41ST ANNUAL CONVENTION, HOUSTON, TEXAS
        • July 6, 2002, Post-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • June 29, 2002, Pre-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • March 17, 2002, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 25, 2002, Board Meeting Minutes
        • September 21 & 22, 2002, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2003 ACB Board Minutes
        • April 15, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
        • February 11, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
        • February 16, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
        • February 2, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
        • JULY 5, JULY 11, 2003, GENERAL SESSION RECORD, 42nd ANNUAL CONVENTION, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
        • January 16, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 12, 2003, Post Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 5, 2003, Pre-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • March 4, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 25, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2004 ACB Board Minutes
        • April 1, 2004, Board Meeting Minutes
        • April 22, 2004, Board Meeting Minutes
        • August 11, September 1, October 6 & October 12, 2004, Board Meeting Minutes
        • February 15 & 16, 2004, Board Meeting Minutes
        • JULY 3, JULY 10, 2004, GENERAL SESSION RECORD, 43rd ANNUAL CONVENTION, BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
        • January 14, 2004, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 10, 2004, Post-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 3, 2004, Pre-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • June 22, 2004, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2005 ACB Board Minutes
        • Convention Standing Rules, Adopted July 4, 2005
        • February 14, 2005, Board Meeting Minutes
        • JULY 2 - JULY 9, 2005, GENERAL SESSION RECORD, 44th ANNUAL CONVENTION, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
        • January 22, & 23, 2005, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 2, 2005, Pre-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 9, 2005, Post-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • May 11, 2005, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 22, 2005, Board Meeting Minutes
        • October 1 & 2, 2005, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2006 ACB Board Minutes
        • February 20 & 21, 2006, Board Meeting Minutes
        • JULY 8 - JULY 15, 2006, GENERAL SESSION RECORD, 45th ANNUAL CONVENTION, JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
        • July 15, 2006, Post-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 8, 2006, Pre-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • March 30, 2006, Board Meeting Minutes
        • March 6, 2006, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 6, 2006, Board Meeting Minutes
        • September 23 & 24, 2006, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2007 ACB Board Minutes
        • August 2, 2007, Board Meeting Minutes
        • JUNE 30 – JULY 7, 2007, CONVENTION RECORD, 46th ANNUAL CONVENTION, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
        • January 4, 2007, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 7, 2007, Post-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • June 30, 2007, Pre-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • March 10 – 11, 2007, Board Meeting Minutes
        • May 23, 2007, Board Meeting Minutes
        • October 13, 2007, Board Meeting Minutes
        • October 29, 2007, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2008 ACB Board Minutes
        • Convention Record of the 47th annual Convention of the American Council of the Blind
        • February 8 and 9, 2008, Board Meeting Minutes
        • January 2, 2008, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 12, 2008, Post-convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 5, 2008, Pre-convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • June 4, 2008, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 15 - 16, 2008, Board Meeting Minutes
        • October 1, 2008, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2009 ACB Board Minutes
        • December 15, 2009, Board Meeting Minutes
        • February 20, 2009, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 11, 2009, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 4, 2009, Board Meeting Minutes
        • May 21, 2009, Board Meeting Minutes
        • September 12 - 13, 2009, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2010 ACB Board Minutes
        • December 13,2010 Teleconference Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • February 19, 2010, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 10, 2010, Pre-convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 17, 2010, Post Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • June 9, 2010, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 6, 2010, Board Meeting Minutes
        • September 22, 2010, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2011 ACB Board Minutes
        • December 14, 2011 Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • January 11, 2011 Teleconference Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • Mid Year Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • October 1, 2011 Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • Post Convention Meeting of the American Council of the Blind Board of Directors
        • Pre convention Board of Directors Meeting, American Council of the Blind
        • Teleconference Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors, May 5th 2011
      • 2012 Meeting Minutes
        • December 12, 2012 Teleconference Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
        • February 23-24, 2012 Mid Year Board Of Directors Meeting
        • July 14, 2012 Board of Directors Meeting of the American Council of the Blind
        • July 7, 2012 Pre-Convention Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • June 7, 2012 Teleconference Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • May 9, 2012 Teleconference Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • September 15, 2012 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
      • 2013 Meeting Minutes
        • August 21, 2013 Teleconference Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
        • December 17, 2013 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • February 22, 2013 Mid Year ACB Board of Directors Meeting
        • January 3, 2013 Teleconference Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
        • July 5, 2013 Pre-Convention Board of Directors Meeting
        • Minutes of the American Council of the Blind 2013 Post Convention Board of Directors Meeting
        • October 30, 2013 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • September 28, 2013 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors Minutes
      • 2014 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • December 8th and 9th, 2014 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • February 21, 2014 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • January 30, 2014 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • July 12, 2014 Pre-Convention ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • July 19, 2014 Post-Convention ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • June 9, 2014 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • November 13, 2014 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • October 17 and 18, 2014 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
      • 2015 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • December 3 and 10, 2015 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
        • February 21, 2015, Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
        • July 4, 2015 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
        • October 30-31, 2015 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
      • 2016 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES
        • AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES
        • American Council of the Blind Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • February 27, 2016 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
      • 2017 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • Meeting Minutes Aug 22, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes Feb 25, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes Jun 30, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes Nov 27, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes Oct 27, 2017
      • 2018 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • American Council of the Blind Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • Board of Directors Meeting Minutes June 29, 2018
        • Board of Directors Minutes Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2018
        • Board of Directors Minutes Oct. 5-6, 2018
      • 2019 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • Meeting Minutes August 22, 2019
        • Meeting Minutes Feb. 23, 2019
        • Meeting Minutes July 5, 2019
        • Meeting Minutes Nov 11 and 18, 2019
        • Meeting Minutes: Oct. 18 and 19, 2019
      • 2020 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • Meeting Minutes Apr 23, 2020
        • Meeting Minutes Feb 22, 2020
        • Meeting Minutes Jan 23, 2020
        • Meeting Minutes Mar 30, 2020
      • 2021 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
      • 2022 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
      • John McCann for ACB Board of Directors
    • Board of Publications
      • 2009 Board of Publications Minutes
        • April 6, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • February 20, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • January 5, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • July 5, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • March 2, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • November 2, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • September 14, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • 2010 Board of Publications Minutes
        • April 5, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • August 2, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • December 6, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • February 19, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • January 4, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • July 11, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • June 7, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • March 1, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • May 3, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • November 1, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • October 4, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • September 6, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • 2011 Board of Publications Minutes
        • April 4, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • August 1, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • December 5, 2011, Board of Publications Meeting Minutes October 3, 2011
        • February 25, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • February 7, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • January 3, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • July 10, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • June 6, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • May 2, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • October 3, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • September 5, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • 2012 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • April 2, 2012 BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS MEETING MINUTES
        • August 6, 2012 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • December 10, 2012 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • February 24, 2012 BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS MEETING MINUTES
        • February 6, 2012 BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS MEETING MINUTES
        • January 2, 2012 BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS MEETING MINUTES
        • July 8, 2012 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • May 7, 2012 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
      • 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • April 1, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • August 13, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • December 2, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • February 22, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • February 4, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • January 7, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • May 6, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • November 4, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • October 7, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • September 9, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
      • 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • April 7, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • August 4, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • December 1, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • February 21, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • January 6, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • July 13, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • June 2, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • November 3, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • October 6, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • September 8, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
      • 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • April 6, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • February 2, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • July 5, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • June 1, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • March 2, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • May 4, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • November 9, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
      • 2016 BOP Meeting Minutes
        • BOP Minutes-Apr. 4, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Aug. 2, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Dec. 6, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Feb. 8, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Jan. 4, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-July 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Jun. 6, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Mar. 7, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-May 2, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Nov. 1, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Oct. 4, 2016
        • Board of Publications Meeting Minutes for September 6, 2016
      • 2017 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • Meeting Minutes for April 4, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for August 1, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for December 5, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for February 7, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for January 3, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for July 1, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for June 6, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for March 7, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for November 7, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for September 5, 2017
      • 2018 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • BOP Minutes - Jun. 30, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Apr. 3, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Aug. 7, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Jan. 9, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Jun. 5, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Mar. 7, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - May 1, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Nov. 13, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Oct. 9, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Sept. 4, 2018
      • 2019 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • BOP Minutes - Apr. 2, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Aug. 13, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Dec. 3, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Feb. 5, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Jan. 8, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Jul. 6, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Jun. 4, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Mar. 12, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - May 7, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Nov. 5, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Oct. 1, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Sept. 3, 2019
      • 2020 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • BOP Minutes - Feb 4, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Apr 7, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Aug. 4, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Jan. 7, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Jun. 2, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Mar 3, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - May 5, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Nov 10, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Oct. 6, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Sept. 1, 2020
      • 2021 BOP Meeting Minutes
        • BOP Minutes - Apr 6, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Aug 3, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Feb 2, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Jan 5, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Jun 1, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Mar 2, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - May 4, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Nov. 2, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Oct 12, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Sept 7, 2021
      • 2022 BOP Meeting Minutes
        • BOP Minutes Feb 1, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Apr 5, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Aug 2, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Jun 7, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Mar 1, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - May 3, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Nov 1, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Nov 1, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Oct 4, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Sept. 6, 2022
        • Bop Minutes - Jan 4, 2022
      • April 14, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • August 4, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • BOP Editorial Policy Manual, 2015
      • Board of Publications Hosts Internet Candidates' Page
      • Board of Publications Minutes
      • Charles Hodge for ACB Board of Publications
      • December 1, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of December 1, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • January 30, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • July 6, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • June 2, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • March 3, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • Marcia Dresser for ACB Board of Publications
      • May 5, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • November 3, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • October 6, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • September 1, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • Thomas Mitchell for ACB Board of Publications
    • Committees & Task Forces
      • ACB Radio Management Committee
      • ACB Store-Mini Mall Committee
      • Advocacy Services Committee
      • Audio Description Project (ADP) Committee
      • Audio Description Project Task Force
      • Awards Committee
      • Braille Authority of North America
      • Constitution and Bylaws Committee
      • Convention Coordinating Committee
      • Convention Program Committee
      • Credentials Committee
      • Employment Issues Committee
      • Environmental Access Committee
      • Fitness Equipment Equity Task Force
      • Information Access Committee
      • International Relations Committee
      • Investment Committee
      • Leadership Institute Training Committee
      • McDaniel Fund Committee
        • Recipients of the Durward K. McDaniel First Timer and J.P. Morgan Chase Leadership Fellow Awards Speak Out
      • Membership Committee
      • Monthly Monetary Support Committee
      • Multicultural Affairs Committee
      • National Library Service
      • Next Generation Committee
      • Nominating Committee
      • Other Representatives
      • PR Committee downloads
      • Rehabilitation Issues Task Force
      • Resolutions Committee
      • Resource Development Committee
      • Scholarship Grant Committee
      • Sight and Sound Impaired Committee
      • Special Education/Schools for the Blind Task Force
      • Transportation Committee
      • Voting Task Force
      • Women's Concerns Committee
      • World Blind Union Delegates
    • History
    • ACB Resolutions
      • 2009 Resolutions
      • 2010 Resolutions
      • 2011 Resolutions
      • 2012 Resolutions
      • 2013 Resolutions
      • 2014 Resolutions
      • 2015 Resolutions
      • 2016 Resolutions
      • 2017 Resolutions
      • 2018 Resolutions
      • 2019 Resolutions
      • 2020 Resolutions
      • 2021 Resolutions
      • 2022 Resolutions
      • Index
      • Resolution on Full Funding of Vocational Rehabilitation Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
    • Affiliates
      • Special Interest Affiliates
        • ACB Diabetics in Action
        • ACB Families
        • ACB Government Employees
        • ACB Human Service Professionals
        • ACB Next Generation
        • ACB Radio Amateurs
        • ACB Students
        • Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss
        • American Association of Blind Teachers
        • American Association of Visually Impaired Attorneys
        • American Council of Blind Lions
        • Blind Information Technology Specialists
        • Blind LGBT Pride International
        • Braille Revival League
        • Council of Citizens with Low Vision International
        • Friends In Art of ACB, Inc.
        • Guide Dog Users, Inc.
        • Independent Visually Impaired Enterprisers
        • Library Users of America
        • Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America
        • Visually Impaired Veterans of America
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Events
  • Programs & Services
    • ACB Community Events
      • Recurring Events
      • Weekly Events
    • Scholarships
    • Audio Description Project
    • Advocacy & Governmental Affairs
      • Advocacy
    • ACB Media
    • Convention
    • Membership
  • Resources
    • Jobs
    • ACB Archives
    • Blind / Low Vision Resources
      • Scholarship Program
      • ACB Leadership List Guidelines
      • ACB-Chat List Rules
      • ADA Signage
      • AFB: Be a Better Champion for Specialized Services
      • Banks with Talking ATM Machines
      • Best Practices and Guidelines for Large Print Documents used by the Low Vision Community authored by the Council of Citizens with Low Vision International An Affiliate of the American Council of the Blind Arlington, VA
      • Best Practices for Large Print Documents
      • Braille Resources
        • Braille Business Cards
        • Braille Instruction
        • Braille Paper
        • Braille Writer Repair Services
        • Description and History of Braille
        • Producers of Braille Documents
      • Diabetic Resources for the Blind and Visually Impaired
      • Filing a Video Description Complaint with the FCC
      • General Resources
      • Guide Dog Resources
      • Homes for the Blind
      • Low Vision Resources
      • Medical Information Resources
      • Microsoft Office Accessibility Resources
      • Music Resources
      • Outreach RE Requesting Alternate Formats From SSA
      • Religious Resources
      • Resources for Older Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
      • Resources for Parents and Teachers of Blind and Visually Impaired Children
      • Resources for Persons with Low Vision
      • Section 904
      • Sports, Recreational and Leisure Resources
      • Where Taxpayers With Disabilities Can Find Online Help from the IRS
      • White Cane Laws for States
    • Affiliate Resources
      • Encouraging Affiliates with Techniques to Reach More Members
      • Exploring How Affiliates Can Reach New Members
      • Fundraising for ACB Activities Including the National Convention
      • Gaining and Maintaining Membership
      • Growing a Great Convention
      • How Can We Complete Our Business During Meetings More Efficiently?
      • How Can We Reactivate Past Members and “Wow” Our Current Members to Retain Them?
      • How to Find Blindness Related Resources and Sharing Them
      • Ideas for Affiliates and Chapters
      • Ideas to Interest Students
      • Involving Youth in ACB
      • Leadership Materials
        • Board Member's Manual for State and Special Interest Affiliates
        • Creating a Media Kit for Your ACB Affiliate or Chapter
        • Simplified Parliamentary Procedure
        • The PSA Handbook for ACB Affiliates and Chapters
        • The Press Release Handbook for ACB Affiliates and Chapters
      • Membership Incentives
      • Networking, Communication and Contact
      • Officer’s and Board Member's Manual for State and Special Interest Affiliates
      • President's Manual for State and Special Interest Affiliates
      • Reaching Blind and Visually Impaired Seniors
      • Reaching Out to Your Community to Educate and Inform People About Blindness
      • Secretary's Manual for State and Special Interest Affiliates
      • Strategies for Enhancing Membership
      • Strategies for Member Renewal and Reactivation
      • Tips for Successful Membership Recruitment and Retention
      • Tips to Retain Members
      • Treasurer's Manual for State and Special Interest Affiliates
      • Vice President's Manual for State and Special Interest Affiliates
    • Peer Support
    • Handbooks / Manuals
      • Are You a Senior Citizen Struggling with Vision Loss?
      • Are You the Parents of A Blind Child?
      • Guide to Successful College Experience
      • Pedestrian Safety
      • Pedestrian Safety Handbook
        • "Modern" Signalized Intersections
        • APS
        • Acknowledgements
        • Advocacy
        • Afterword
        • Appendix A: Letter
        • Appendix B: Template
        • Appendix C: Case Studies
        • Appendix D: Glossary
        • Crossing Where No Traffic Control
        • Drivers’ Yielding Behavior
        • Finding Crosswalk: Part 1
        • Finding Crosswalk: Part 2
        • Finding the Crosswalk
        • Mitch's Message
        • Rights-of-Way Regulations
      • Rehabilitation Issues Task Force Revised Rehabilitation White Paper
      • Whitepaper On Rehabilitation and Training
    • Products & Services
      • Accessible Cards and Gifts
      • Computer Products, Publications, Training, and Information Sources
      • Funding Assistive Technology Resources
      • Magnifying Aids - Low Vision Center
      • Technology, Software, Related Resources
      • Travel Resources
      • Useful Products for Blind and Visually Impaired Persons
    • Professional Employment Associations
  • Publications & Media
    • Live Events
    • News
    • Braille Forum
      • 1997 Issues
        • BF Apr 1997
        • BF Aug 1997
        • BF Dec 1997
        • BF Feb 1997
        • BF Jan 1997
        • BF Jul 1997
        • BF Jun 1997
        • BF Mar 1997
        • BF May 1997
        • BF Nov 1997
        • BF Oct 1997
        • BF Sept 1997
      • 1998 Issues
        • BF Apr 1998
        • BF Aug 1998
        • BF Dec 1998
        • BF Feb 1998
        • BF Jan 1998
        • BF Jul 1998
        • BF Jun 1998
        • BF Mar 1998
        • BF May 1998
        • BF Nov 1998
        • BF Oct1998
        • BF Sept 1998
      • 1999 Issues
        • BF Apr 1999
        • BF Aug 1999
        • BF Dec 1999
        • BF Feb 1999
        • BF Jan 1999
        • BF Jul 1999
        • BF Jun 1999
        • BF Mar 1999
        • BF May 1999
        • BF Nov1999
        • BF Oct 1999
        • BF Sept 1999
      • 2000 Issues
        • BF Apr 2000
        • BF Aug 2000
        • BF Convention 2000
        • BF Dec 2000
        • BF Feb 2000
        • BF Jan 2000
        • BF Jul 2000
        • BF Jun 2000
        • BF Mar 2000
        • BF May 2000
        • BF Nov 2000
        • BF Oct 2000
        • BF Sept 2000
      • 2001 Issues
        • BF Apr 2001
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        • BF Jan 2001
        • BF Jul 2001
        • BF Jun 2001
        • BF Mar 2001
        • BF May 2001
        • BF Nov 2001
        • BF Oct 2001
        • BF Sept 2001
      • 2002 Issues
        • BF April 2002
        • BF Feb 2002
        • BF Jan 2002
        • BF Jul-Aug 2002
        • BF Jun 2002
        • BF Mar 2002
        • BF May 2002
        • BF Nov 2002
        • BF Oct 2002
        • BF Sept 2002
      • 2003 Issues
        • BF Apr 2003
        • BF Feb 2003
        • BF July-Aug 2003
        • BF Jun 2003
        • BF Mar 2003
        • BF May 2003
        • BF Nov 2003
        • BF Oct 2003
        • BF Sept 2003
        • BF Winter 2003
      • 2004 Issues
        • BF Apr-May 2004
        • BF Feb 2004
        • BF Jul-Aug 2004
        • BF Jun 2004
        • BF Mar 2004
        • BF Nov 2004
        • BF Sep-Oct 2004
        • BF Winter 2004
      • 2005 Issues
        • BF Apr 2005
        • BF Feb 2005
        • BF Jul-Aug 2005
        • BF Jun 2005
        • BF Mar 2005
        • BF May 2005
        • BF Oct 2005
        • BF Sept 2005
        • BF Winter 2005
        • BF Winter 2006
          • 2006 Convention Preview
          • ACB Scholarships Available to Blind Students
          • Affiliate News
          • Fall Board Meeting Summary
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Hurricane Katrina Check-In
          • IRIS Network
          • John Di Francesco
          • Legislative Seminar
          • Letters to the Editor
          • MMS "Two-for-One" Program
          • Membership Focus
          • Notes on a New Year
          • President's Message
          • Who Do You Admire?
          • Who Is Eligible for Drug Plan Costs?
      • 2006 Issues
        • BF April 2006
        • BF Feb 2006
        • BF Jul-Aug 2006
        • BF Jun 2006
        • BF Mar 2006
        • BF May 2006
        • BF Nov 2006
        • BF Oct 2006
        • BF Sept 2006
      • 2007 Issues
        • BF Apr 2007
        • BF Dec 2007
        • BF Feb 2007
        • BF Jul-Aug 2007
        • BF Jun 2007
        • BF Mar 2007
        • BF May 2007
        • BF Nov 2007
        • BF Oct 2007
        • BF Sept 2007
        • BF Winter 2007
      • 2008 Issues
        • BF Apr 2008
        • BF Aug 2008
        • BF Dec 2008
        • BF Feb 2008
        • BF Jan 2008
        • BF Jul 2008
        • BF Jun 2008
        • BF Mar 2008
        • BF May 2008
        • BF Nov 2008
        • BF Oct 2008
        • BF Sept 2008
      • 2009 Issues
        • BF Apr 2009
        • BF Aug 2009
        • BF Dec 2009
          • Class Action ACB v. SSA
          • President's Message
        • BF Feb 2009
        • BF Jan 2009
        • BF Jul 2009
        • BF Jun 2009
        • BF Mar 2009
        • BF May 2009
        • BF Nov 2009
        • BF Oct 2009
        • BF Sept 2009
      • 2010 Issues
        • BF Apr 2010
        • BF Aug 2010
        • BF Dec 2010
        • BF Feb 2010
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS AWARDS: THIS YEAR IT COULD BE YOU!
          • HERE AND THERE Edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • PASSINGS
          • SECOND ANNUAL ACB WALK by Dan Dillon
          • SPOTLIGHT YOUR AFFILIATE WITH A BOP AWARD!
          • THE MMS PROGRAM MAKES IT EASIER FOR YOU TO HELP ACB by Dena Wilson
          • THE SUNNY SOUTHWEST: ACB CONFERENCE AND CONVENTION 2010 by Carla Ruschival
        • BF Jan 2010
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
          • Here and There
        • BF Jul 2010
        • BF Jun 2010
        • BF Mar 2010
        • BF May 2010
        • BF Nov 2010
        • BF Oct 2010
        • BF Sept 2010
      • 2011 Issues
        • BF Dec 2011
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • Here and There, edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • In Memoriam: Lola Siren
        • The Braille Forum, April 2011
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, February 2011
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
          • YOU CAN SHOP ANYTIME AT THE ACB STORE by Carla Ruschival
        • The Braille Forum, July-August 2011
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, June 2011
          • Affiliate News: Convention Sneak Preview
        • The Braille Forum, March 2011
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
        • The Braille Forum, May 2011
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Library Users of America to Host Book Flea Market, by Peggy R. Garrett
        • The Braille Forum, October-November 2011
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, September 2011
          • Affiliate News
        • The Braille Forum, january 2011
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
      • 2012 Issues
        • Affiliate News
        • Here and There edited by Sue Lichtenfels
        • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, April 2012
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, December 2012
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, February 2012
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
        • The Braille Forum, January 2012
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
        • The Braille Forum, July-August 2012
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
        • The Braille Forum, June 2012
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • BOP with 2012 Candidate's Page
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
        • The Braille Forum, March 2012
          • Affiliate News
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, May 2012
        • The Braille Forum, October-November 2012
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • HERE AND THERE
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
        • The Braille Forum, September 2012
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • HERE AND THERE
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
      • 2013 Issues
        • ACB Braille Forum, February 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • An Update from GDUI
          • DKM First-Timer Program: A Tribute to an ACB Pioneer by Allen J. Casey
          • Here and There by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB Braille Forum, June 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB Braille Forum, March 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB Braille Forum, May 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB Braille Forum, September 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB E-Forum, April 2013
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB E-Forum, August 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB E-Forum, July 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum Nov 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum Dec 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB E-Forum, October 2013
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, January 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
      • 2014 Issues
        • ACB E-Forum, February 2014
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Affiliate News
        • BF January 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Shopping for Health Care: Comparing Hospitals Can Help Consumers Make Good Decisions by Ron Pollack
        • Braille Forum, July 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum, March 2014
          • ACB Braille Forum, March 2014 downloads
          • ACB Leadership Institute 2014
          • ACB's Legislative Priorities for 2014, by Melanie Brunson
          • Affiliate News
          • Board of Publications Awards Your Excellence in 2014
          • Come to Vegas and Hit the Jackpot!
          • Community Outreach Challenge, by Tristen Breitenfeldt
          • Conducting Business with Social Security: What You Should Know and How You Can Help, by Len Burns
          • DKM First-Timer Selection Nears
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • How to Get the Most Out of Rehab, Part III: Available Services, by Doug Powell
          • In Memoriam: Buddy Spivey, Dec. 31, 1941-Jan. 9, 2014
          • Las Vegas: Deal Us In!, by Janet Dickelman
          • Membership Focus: Creative Ways to Meet, Especially in Rural Areas, compiled by Ardis Bazyn
          • President's Message: Be Sure You Are Protected!, by Kim Charlson
          • Summary of the Fall 2013 ACB Board Meeting, by Denise Colley
        • Braille Forum, Sept 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
        • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
        • High Tech Swap Shop
        • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Snowflakes and Birthday Cake: It’s Holiday Auction Time, by Carla Ruschival
        • The ACB Braille Forum, May 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB Braille Forum, November 2014
        • The ACB Braille Forum, November 2014 downloads
        • The ACB E-Forum, April 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB E-Forum, August 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Your Options for Medicare Supplemental Coverage by Ron Pollack
        • The ACB E-Forum, December 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB E-Forum, June 2014
        • The ACB E-Forum, October 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
      • 2015 Issues
        • Braille Forum January 2015
          • Accessing the ACB Forum and E-Forum: Let Me Count the Ways, by Judy Wilkinson
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum July 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum March 2015
          • A Telecommuting Job Could Be Just What You Are Looking For, by Dr. Ronald E. Milliman
          • ACB’s Stars Will Shine Bright in Dallas, by Janet Dickelman
          • Acknowledgement
          • Affiliate News
          • Best Audio Holiday Season Ever, by Susan Glass
          • Board of Publications Again Awards Your Excellence in Media and Writing in 2015
          • Call for Nominees for 2015 ACB Awards!, by Chelle Hart & Chip Hailey
          • Come to the Lone Star Loot Auction!
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • Last Call: The DKM Train Is Leaving the Station, by Allen Casey
          • Let the Stars Shine Bright on the ACB Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk, by Donna Brown
          • President’s Message: More on Accessible Prescription Labels, by Kim Charlson
          • Tax Tips from the IRS, by Melanie Brunson
          • The Importance of Grassroots, by Kathy Brockman
        • Braille Forum May 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Convention Week Sneak Preview, by Janet Dickelman
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum November 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum September 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum April 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum August 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum December 2015
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum June 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum October 2015
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
        • E-Forum, February 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
      • 2016 Issues
        • BF January 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • BF July 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • BF March 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • BF May 2016
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • BF November 2016
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • BF September 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • EF April 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • EF August 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • EF December 2016
          • ACB Fall Board Meeting Report, by Ron Brooks
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • EF February 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • EF June 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • EF October 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
      • 2017 Issues
        • Affiliate News
        • Braille Forum January 2017
          • Affiliate News
            • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum March 2017
          • ACB Commends Access Board on 508 Refresh
          • Affiliate News
          • Awards Committee Seeks Nominees for 2017 ACB Awards
          • Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Durward K. McDaniel Support the DKM FirstTimer Program
          • Easy Fund Raiser for Your Affiliate
          • Helpful Hints for Attending the Convention
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Holiday Auction Thank Yous
          • Ida Schwerzel A Century of Memories Part 2
          • In Memoriam: Otis H. Stephens Jr. Sept. 20, 1936-Dec. 2, 2016
          • Presidents Message Planning for the Future
          • Readers Remembrances of Otis Stephens
          • Spotlight On ACB Students
        • Braille Forum September 2017
        • December 2017
          • Here and There
        • E-Forum June 2017
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Here and There
        • Here and There
        • High Tech Swap Shop
        • High Tech Swap Shop
        • November 2017
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • October 2017
        • The ACB Braille Forum July 2017
        • The ACB Braille Forum May 2017
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB E-Forum April 2017
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB E-Forum August 2017
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB E-Forum February 2017
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
      • 2018 Issues
        • ACB Braille Forum Feb 2018
          • ACB E-Forum February 2018 Downloads
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
        • ACB Braille Forum Jan 2018
          • Affiliate News
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB Braille Forum July 2018
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Passings
        • ACB Braille Forum March 2018
          • Affiliate News
        • ACB Braille Forum May 2018
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
        • ACB Braille Forum Nov 2018
        • ACB Braille Forum Sept 2018
        • ACB E-Forum April 2018
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB E-Forum Aug 2018
          • Here and There
        • ACB E-Forum Dec 2018
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Hot Toys for Holiday Gift-Giving
        • ACB E-Forum June 2018
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
        • ACB E-Forum Oct 2018
      • 2019 Issues
        • ACB E-Forum Aug 2019
        • ACB E-Forum Feb 2019
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB E-Forum Jun 2019
        • Braille Forum Jan 2019
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum July 2019
        • Braille Forum Mar 2019
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum May 2019
          • President’s Message
        • Braille Forum Nov-2019
        • Braille Forum Sept 2019
        • E-Forum Apr 2019
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum Dec 2019
        • E-Forum Oct 2019
          • Rochester Convention Celebrated
      • 2020 Issues
        • BF Jan 2020
          • President’s Message
        • BF July 2020
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Belonging in ACB
          • Commentary
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • How to Access Virtual Convention
          • In Memoriam: Camille Caffarelli
          • Mouse Assisting Inclusive Technology
          • President’s Message: First Virtual Convention
          • Summary of Board of Dir. Meeting, April 23, 2020
          • The ADA at 30
          • The Only Moment
          • Tuesday Topics
        • BF Mar 2020
        • BF May 2020
          • President’s Message
        • BF Nov 2020
          • 2020 Resolutions Summary
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • Honesty
          • In Memoriam: Charlie Crawford
          • Include in Affiliate
          • Lies
          • MMS Future
          • Notice
          • Plans for 2021
          • President’s Message
          • Readers Remember
          • Revision to DKM
        • BF Sept 2020
          • 2020 Awards Winners
          • ACB 2020 Convention Thank-Yous
          • ACB 2020 Virtual Convention: That’s a Wrap!
          • ACB Membership Seminar
          • Here and There
          • Holiday Auction
          • In Memoriam: Berl Lynn Colley
          • Letter to the Editor
          • President’s Message: Finally Baseball!
          • Ski for Light 2021
          • Thank You
          • To Mobility and Beyond
          • Walked Virtual Path to Future
        • EF Apr 2020
        • EF Aug 2020
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Beginning Again
          • Book Review
          • COVID-19 Will Be Beat
          • COVID-19 and Blindness
          • Cavemen
          • Diaphragmatic Breathing
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Kindness of Neighbors
          • Pick a Peck
          • President’s Message
          • Virus or Victim
          • ‘End of Oct.’ Review
        • EF Dec 2020
          • Affiliate News
          • Apply to DKM First-Timers Award
          • BADIE
          • Board Meetings Summary
          • Celebrating CVAA
          • Chaplain’s Corner
          • Flexibility
          • Going Virtual Again
          • Here and There
          • Mini Mall Holiday
          • President’s Message
          • Qualifying for SSD
          • Retaining Members
          • Safe Cooking
          • Senator Markey Celebrates
        • EF Feb 2020
        • EF June 2020
          • ACB Easy Chair Auction
          • ACB –Path to Future
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Backyard Wedding
          • Book Review
          • Continuing Education
          • Conventions
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • MMS Going Virtual!
          • Memories of Lynn Hedl
          • Mini Mall Headlines
          • Passings
          • Performing Marriage Ceremonies
          • President’s Message
          • Walking up a Storm
          • Ways to Listen
          • Wine and Song
          • Wine and Song
        • EF Oct 2020
          • ADA Turns 30
          • ADA at Thirty
          • Affiliate News
          • DARE2TRI
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Involving Special-Interest Affiliates
          • Jeanne Sanders
          • Mini Mall Mega News
          • Passings
          • Perseverance in Martial Arts
          • Pre-Convention Board Meeting
          • President’s Message
          • Swimming Blind & Free
          • Triathlon Dare2tri
          • Vision Loss, Therapy, Weightlifting
      • 2021 Issues
        • BF Jan 2021
          • Apply to 2021 ACB/JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellow
          • BOP to Award Excellence
          • Become a 2021 Recipient of DKM Award
          • Call for 2021 ACB Awards Nominees
          • Convention Dates
          • Help Revive Braille!
          • Here and There
          • In Memoriam: Larry Turnbull
          • Joys of Learning Braille
          • Mother Was a Braille Transcriber
          • Passings
          • President’s Message
          • That Stupid School!
        • BF Jul 2021
          • Accessing the Virtual Convention
          • Beyond
          • Continuing Ed
          • Don’t Forget MMS
          • Here and There
          • It’s Not Too Late
          • Learning
          • Let’s Go Fishing!
          • Meeting Summary
          • Mini Mall Minute
          • President’s Message
        • BF Mar 2021
          • Angels Memorial Program
          • Continuing Ed in 2021
          • Expanding Recruiting
          • Guide Dog If Low Vision?
          • Guide Dog Magnified
          • Here and There
          • Low Vision Story Bites
          • President’s Message
          • Summary - Nov 2020 Board Mtg.
          • Two Big Announcements!
          • Welcome to CCLVI
        • BF May 2021
          • Affiliate - Committee News
          • Book Review
          • Continuing Ed
          • Diamond Jubilee Auction
          • Get Moving Together
          • Here and There
          • In Memoriam
          • Mini Mall Headlines
          • President’s Message
          • Registration Q&A
          • Start a Chapter
          • Verizon Media Announces
          • Victor Reader Tip
          • Voting at Convention
          • Welcome New Employees
          • Your Vote Counts
        • BF Nov 2021
          • A Visit
          • Affiliate News
          • Brief Overview
          • Button Box?
          • Fun Facts about Nebraska
          • Greatest Fears
          • Here and There
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Holiday Shopping at Mini Mall
          • Karaoke Helps
          • Passings
          • President’s Message
          • Vision Loss Thoughts
        • BF Sept 2021
          • 2021 Convention
          • Affiliate News
          • Audio Description Achievement Awards
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Isolation to Inspiration
          • President’s Message
          • This Year’s Award Winners
          • Wrapping Up
        • EF Apr 2021
          • 13th Annual ADP Awards
          • 2021 Talking Book Narrator
          • 421 for ‘21
          • A Place at Table
          • Affiliate News
          • Connected in New Mexico
          • Heart of a Legacy
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • In Memoriam: Doc Bradley
          • Learning and Leading
          • Man Made Difference 
          • New Members Portal
          • People of Color
          • President’s Message
          • Smoke Signal
          • What Color Is the Dream?
          • What is IDC?
        • EF Aug 2021
          • Affiliate News
          • Blindness in United Arab Emirates
          • Bosnia and Herzegovina
          • Describing Diversity
          • Erasmus
          • Eye on USA
          • Furry Lifesaver
          • Get Moving Together
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • India
          • Passings
          • President’s Message
          • World Turned Inside Out
        • EF Dec 2021
          • 2021 Resolutions
          • Board Meeting Summaries
          • Christmas Wishes
          • Convention 2022 Preview
          • Here and There
          • Looking
          • Mother of Fundraisers
          • Notice of Proposed Settlement
          • Passings
          • President’s Message
          • Team Up
          • The New Year
        • EF Feb 2021
          • 2020 Convention Info
          • About ADP Website
          • Apply to 2021 Recipient of DKM Award
          • Audio Description Commercials
          • Audio Description Project
          • Audio Description Snobbery
          • Audio Description What it Means
          • Charlie Crawford on Wall of Angels
          • God’s Audio Description
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • In Memoriam: James Megivern
          • Paradigm Shift
          • President’s Message
        • EF Jun 2021
          • Affiliate News
          • Continuing Ed News
          • Convention Preview
          • Enjoy the Perks
          • Feb Board Meeting
          • Get Exercise
          • Get Up Get Moving
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Massage
          • Never Give Up
          • President’s Message
          • Review of Spark
          • The New $20
          • The Room
        • EF Oct 2021
          • Accessing Transit Services
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • Here and There
          • Letter to Dept of Trans
          • Moving Forward
          • Nearly Roadkill
          • On to Omaha
          • President’s Message
          • Reach People
          • Summary July 2021 Board Meeting
          • What About Paratransit?
          • Why Restructure?
      • 2022 Issues
        • BF Jan 2022
          • 10-9-21 Board Mtg Summary
          • ACB Diabetics in Action
          • Announcing 2022 Tours
          • BOP Awards Excellence
          • Blind LGBT Welcomes You
          • Braille Link to Literacy
          • Call for Nominees
          • Call for Nominees
          • Come One, Come All
          • Guide Dog Users
          • Happy New Year
          • IVIE
          • Not Your Father’s …
          • President’s Message
          • Reach Higher
          • Salutes Award Winners
          • Where Impaired Thrive
        • BF Jul 2022
          • Accessing ACB Info
          • Blind student
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Learning Better Leader
          • Passings
          • Pregnant Nun
          • President’s Message
          • Public Transportation
          • Recipes
          • Thank You
          • Tips for Convention
          • Wild Figs
          • Writers reimagine roles
        • BF Mar 2022
          • Affiliate News
          • Board Makes Virtual
          • Boxes
          • Dance with Cancer
          • Gifts of Mentorship
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • In Memoriam: Bill Spoone
          • Learn Hours
          • MMS March Madness
          • Motherhood
          • Passings
          • President’s Message
          • Removal
          • Time to Plan
          • Walk Here
        • BF May 2022
          • Accessibility for Some
          • Affiliate News
          • Convention Registration
          • Extra, Extra
          • Fix Computer Problems
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Initials Mean More
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  6. ACB 2020 Virtual Convention: That’s a Wrap!

ACB 2020 Virtual Conference and Convention: That’s a Wrap!

by Deb Cook Lewis, Paul Edwards and Zelda Gebhard

 

Sunday, July 5

The opening session of the 59th annual ACB conference and convention began with Dan Spoone, ACB president, welcoming everyone to the first-ever virtual convention of the American Council of the Blind and calling the meeting to order. Via video from the 2019 convention, the Buffalo Soldiers from Rochester, N.Y. presented the colors with audio description by Jo Lynn Bailey-Page. Kim Charlson and Jo Lynn Bailey-Page led conventioners in the Pledge of Allegiance. Jason Castonguay sang the national anthem. Michael Garrett, chair of the ACB Enterprises and Services board, gave the invocation. In her welcoming remarks, Janet Dickelman, convention chair, spoke of transition from the in-person to the virtual convention, “ACB – A Path to the Future.”   

Dan Spoone and ACB executive director Eric Bridges presented the ACB annual address, “State of ACB.” Dan indicated that work of ACB is not done only by the membership, volunteers, and committee chairs, but also by its staff, led by Bridges. The mission statement remains the same as when the organization was founded 59 years ago. Dan highlighted the steering committees focused on the following nine areas: annual convention; advocacy; member services; information, referral and peer support program; scholarship and awards; Audio Description Project; public awareness; management; administration, and fundraising development. “2020 has provided us with a unique opportunity, one we will probably not have again.”

The board unanimously decided to take the health and safety of the membership first and cancel the physical convention. With the six core values of integrity, honesty, respect, collaboration, flexibility, and initiative, ACB started planning that resulted in a virtual convention with over 1,500 registrants, 250 hours of live content, and 108 breakout sessions on 5 ACB Radio channels; audio-described tour channel; 8 hours of exciting exhibits with 35 vendors participating; general sessions every morning and prime time shows each evening live on video, streamed to YouTube on Facebook. Eric said collaboration and flexibility have been put to the test and COVID-19 offered an opportunity to utilize the technology we have acquired over the last few years to its fullest.

In an effort to continue engagement with the members, community calls were started, providing a high level of engagement with members and non-members as well through a great variety of subjects, which has grown from 2 the first week to 50 or more per week. The public awareness steering committee supports all the other committees and will be starting a blog after convention. Eric declared, “Advocacy, that’s the spine of the organization. It’s what we are known for. It’s really what we have made our mark doing.”

COVID-19 presented an opportunity to deal with the issue of voting by mail with ACB working so we, as blind people, can vote independently. It also provided an opportunity to deepen a relationship with Be My Eyes. Staff has provided assistance since late April by taking calls Monday through Friday from noon to 3 p.m. Eastern. A new relationship also developed with Procter and Gamble, who recognized difficulties the blind and visually impaired community has purchasing products during the pandemic. ACB worked with six NIB agencies around the country to pack and deliver items to individuals. Dan said the scholarship committee has partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind to combine resources, which has increased the fund to over $80,000 and enables 21 scholarships to be given each year. Dan thanked the Audio Description Project for everything they have accomplished; the ADP website has 4,300 audio-described titles listed. ACB finances were described as stable thanks to the efforts of many. The two thrift stores were closed in March and reopened in May. We enrolled in the Payroll Protection Program, which enabled us to keep all ACB staff employed during this pandemic.    

Jenny Lay-Flurrie, Chief Accessibility Officer for Microsoft, stressed that accessibility is important to Microsoft and drives continuing growth and improvements. 

Next were the inductions of the 2020 life members: Sarah Harris, Tennessee; Roger Dennis, New York; Rachel Schroeder, Illinois; Paula Wiese, Kentucky; Art Cabanilla, Hawaii; and Jim Jirak, Nebraska.

Durward K. McDaniel (1915-1994), Oklahoma and Cathie Skivers (1925-2019), California were presented as ACB Angels.  

Kenneth Semien Sr., chairman of the DKM Fund Committee, introduced the 2020 First-Timers: Merisa Musemic of Sterling Heights, Mich., and Sara Freeman Smith of Houston, Tex. Eric Bridges presented the 2020 ACB/JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows: Regina M. Brink of Sacramento, Calif.; Sajja Koirala of Honolulu, Hawaii; Meryl Ann Shecter of Windsor Mill, Md.; Koni Sims of Sioux Falls, S.D.; and Wanda Denise Williford, Trenton, N.J. 

Opening session ended with the affiliate presidents answering roll call. Instead of concerns about credentials, affiliates shared a little about their work and accomplishments.

 

Monday, July 6

John Huffman, chair of the constitution and bylaws committee, explained that our virtual convention could not conduct elections or amend the constitution. He reminded us that there is a new resolutions process in place this year. Resolutions can be submitted until the end of convention. The committee will recommend whether the resolutions should pass and will send them on to staff for prioritization and feedback. Final resolutions will be presented to the board on Aug. 27 for consideration and approval.

Today’s Angel presentation celebrated the life of Johnny Granger, who was active in NIB agencies, and was also a tremendous friend and advocate. He worked in Alabama and Mississippi.

Cindy Hollis, ACB’s membership services coordinator, said she began a year ago by sending out a survey which got a 25 percent return, and she spoke to 100 leaders from our 65 affiliates at the leadership meeting. Cindy talked about the 3 “E”s: embrace, engage and empower, to which she added a fourth “E,” effort. After the pandemic started, she began holding a few calls. There were 13 in March, 88 in April, 160 in May, and 223 in June. Altogether 19,000 folks have attended those calls. The connections born with community events were strengthened when the “ACB Community” Facebook page was created three weeks ago. More than 700 people have signed up for this group.

Denise Colley introduced the scholarship committee and explained that through a partnership with the American Foundation for the Blind, ACB is now managing and awarding the scholarships formerly awarded by AFB. This has increased the overall size and scope of awards to $92,300 for 21 students. Each winner was interviewed in advance by a member of the scholarship committee; several interviews were played each day. We encourage you to download and listen to these presentations in the general sessions podcasts to learn about our scholarship recipients.

Penny Reeder presented the Vernon Henley Media Award to “Pick of the Litter,” the movie and the series. Dana Nachman and Mary Celenza, executive producers, accepted the award.

Karen Keninger, director of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, said patrons can now subscribe to any new series on all BARD platforms. When the next installment comes out, you receive an email notification and will find the book in your wish list. Recent legislation allows full implementation of the Marrakesh treaty, changes the NLS name to National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, and clarifies the category that includes people with reading disabilities as people with perceptual disabilities. Regulations implementing Marrakesh should be published in July. Thirty-seven libraries are participating in the books on demand project that distributes customized cartridges with up to 10 books. This allows all users to access digital books not produced originally on cartridge. The e-reader project expects to begin distribution of braille displays as part of a pilot project that will allow patrons to download and read braille books. NLS is also considering deployment of BARD through smart speakers such as Alexa and Google Home. Deb Trevino then presented Karen Keninger with the Robert S. Bray Award.

Martine Abel Williamson, treasurer of the World Blind Union, joined us live at 4:25 a.m. Tuesday morning (her time) from Auckland, New Zealand. Born in Namibia, brought up in South Africa, Martine attended a school for the blind in South Africa and graduated from the University of Pretoria with a degree in psychology and education. She moved to New Zealand in the mid-1990s, and taught braille and computer access. In 2012, Martine became involved in work on accessibility of the built environment and transportation resources. In 2016, she was elected treasurer of the WBU and now coordinates WBU’s response to human rights initiatives for people with disabilities and for women and girls. Among the union’s priorities are quiet cars, shared spaces specifically related to obstacles on sidewalks, autonomous vehicles, and barriers related to international travel for guide dog handlers. She noted that accessible interfaces must be created if the 258 million blind people in the world are not to be left out.

 

Tuesday, July 7

Today’s featured ACB Angels were Joel Bauer (1943–2018), Missouri, and Dee Wilmot Youngblut Clayton (1937–2020), North Carolina. Both individuals worked tirelessly for ACB and for their affiliates.

Claire Stanley, ACB’s advocacy and outreach specialist, told us all about the Information, Referral and Peer Support (IRPS) program. The information and referral component is just that — helping people connect with information and resources they need. ACB receives thousands of calls each month, and is gradually building a database to respond more quickly and efficiently. One challenge is keeping the information current and relevant. The peer support component connects callers with other people who can be resources and role models. As with the I&R, there is a need to identify the most commonly requested types of peer support. Claire invited people to contact her via email, [email protected], with resources for IRPS or to suggest resource categories that should be included.

Dan Spoone and Ray Campbell took a moment to talk about the resolutions task force formed at the board meeting on July 3. Ray hopes to review the process for submitting resolutions, how to ensure they are relevant and understandable, and how to deliver the resolutions throughout the convention rather than all at once near the end. Send your suggestions to [email protected].

Kirk Adams, president and CEO, American Foundation for the Blind, said AFB’s values are learning, impact, excellence and collaboration. Maintaining the Helen Keller Archives in collaboration with APH and working with ACB to expand the reach of AFB’s scholarship program are examples. AFB worked with ACB and 20 other organizations to research the impact of COVID-19 on the lives of blind people. They have also issued a study on the effects of distance learning on the K-12 education of blind children. AFB held a virtual leadership conference this year, which was pre-recorded and is available online. AFB has also started a leadership development program with 16 candidates and blind mentors. AFB plans to hold a centennial celebration next year.

Kim Charlson, ACB’s immediate past president, provided background information prior to the video presentation by Sen. Edward J. Markey. Sen. Markey introduced and co-authored the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA), which was signed into law by President Obama in 2010. Markey commented on the progress made to date and expectations for the future as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the CVAA. Kim then introduced Jeff Thom, chair of the ADP achievement awards subcommittee, who announced the winners. (For a list of the audio description award winners, go to https://acb.org/2020-AD-awards.) Finally, Joel Snyder, ADP’s director, summarized the project’s accomplishments over the past year.

Benjamin Shaberman, Senior Director of Scientific Outreach, Foundation Fighting Blindness, explained that the Foundation is the leading private funder of research for inherited retinal degenerative diseases such as RP, Usher syndrome, and age-related macular degeneration. Recently, many therapies have moved into clinical trials, and the Foundation’s portfolio has about 80 projects running worldwide. The first gene therapy related to degenerative retinal disease has been approved, which paves the way for further developments. Genetic testing is very important for people with inherited retinal disease and can often change the diagnosis. Physicians can go to www.blueprintgenetics.com to order a comprehensive screening panel at no cost. Genetic counseling at no cost is also available for those who have received their genetic results. The FFB maintains a patient registry at www.MyRetinaTracker.org, where individuals can upload data which is used for research and information. A benefit of the registry is being notified of clinical trials that are relevant to your situation.

 

Wednesday, July 8

Today’s Angel presentation featured Dick Seifert from Arkansas, who served on the ACB board and was active in Arkansas.

Janet Dickelman thanked the members of the convention committee and others, including ACB staff, who were indispensable in putting this extravaganza together. In 2021 we will be in Phoenix at the Hyatt July 23-30; in 2022 it’s Omaha, July 1-8; in 2023 we will go to Schaumburg at the Renaissance from June 30 to July 7.

Erin Jones, talking book narrator, American Printing House for the Blind, talked about words and pronunciation. She said how much use she made of various resources available to her at the printing house and praised the editors, who were of immense help in sorting out pronunciations. Erin indicated she really liked the variety of books she has been able to read. There were a lot of examples of pronunciation foibles that narrators must learn to control. Erin asked how you manage to laugh naturally while giving precisely the right number of “ha’s.” No singing is the rule, but have you ever tried just saying the words of “Happy Birthday?” “Being an NLS narrator has definitely shaped me and my language, and I would not change the experience for anything in the world.” Erin indicated that she started at NLS in 2001 and that Mitzi Friedlander was her mentor. She noted that among her favorite books were a biography of Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie and “A Sense of Wonder” by Anne Padget.

Julie Tye, president, Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired, stated that Hadley had just launched its new distance learning platform. “The old system was too pedagogical. We don’t teach kids; we help adults.” In particular, they found that older people were not coming to Hadley as they lost vision later in life. Now there are discussion groups and podcasts on daily living, technology, working and braille. Hadley offers a new approach to braille teaching with a series for visual learners of braille and a course for reading and writing. The old course took six to nine months and was seldom completed. Now people learn basic braille in a weekend. There are also more than 100 technology podcasts. Visit www.hadley.edu for more information.

Paul Edwards and Christopher Bell reflected on the impact of the ADA after 30 years. They contrasted the medical model with one based on social context; society has made choices, but people with disabilities can insist that others be made. The preamble of the ADA clearly identifies the many ways that society has intentionally discriminated against people with disabilities, and the law spells out how people with disabilities can gain inclusion. Training is important in narrowing the distance between people with and without disabilities. The ADA built upon earlier legislation that created mainstreaming. Because of these efforts, people with disabilities could no longer be separate and unequal. Most court decisions and amendments have extended the reach of the law and clarified its meaning. It is important for all of us to demand our rights by filing complaints.

Gabriel Lopez Kafati, president, noted that Blind Pride International is celebrating their 20th anniversary as an affiliate of ACB. Blind Pride is proud of its collaboration with ACB and looks forward to many years of effort together. Look for them online at www.blindlgbtpride.org.

 

Thursday, July 9

Marilyn Lutter (1938–2018) and James W. Peaco Jr. (1943–2016), both from the District of Columbia, were featured in today’s Angel presentations. Both were dynamic, dedicated members of ACB and their local affiliate in D.C.

Tony Stephens, ACB’s director of development, spoke about how giving to ACB is an investment in the future. The work that ACB does has a ripple effect around the world. Despite the year’s challenges, ACB has over $250,000 in corporate sponsorships and $150,000 raised by members and friends. The walk has raised over $80,000, the Forum raffle raised $21,000, the auction raised $33,000. ACB continues to build community, conduct advocacy activities, and expand its diversity. ACB’s corporate sponsors are invested in their relationship with us as well as their financial investment. ACB needs to find a touch point with the 4 million Americans who have significant vision loss, and is establishing a long-range communications plan to help with this. ACBVoices.org will be a new blog where we can share our experience with the world. The strategy is to expand corporate relationships and grants and to expand our footprint and relationships.

Elizabeth Leifel Ash, Senior Legal Counsel, CVS, announced the availability of Spoken Rx in the CVS app. This app reads an RFID sticker located on the bottom of the bottle, and will be fully implemented by end of 2021. The CVS application can also be accessed using Siri or Google Voice and is free of charge to CVS customers. Visit www.cvs.com/SpokenRX to learn which stores have it available.

David Trott gave the treasurer’s report. ACB’s 2019 audit indicated that ACB met all applicable requirements of generally accepted accounting practices. David gave a full report regarding ACB’s income and expenditures. Reports from Michael Garrett, chair of the ACBES board, and Dan Dillon, chair of the resource development committee, completed the day’s agenda.

 

Friday, July 10

Dan Spoone, Kim Charlson and Eric Bridges discussed the entrepreneurial operating system commonly called Traction. ACB is using this process to identify a common set of nomenclature and measurement to evaluate meetings and approaches to goals. Eric Bridges listed the eight members of the leadership team and indicated that ACB is currently working on six major projects. The team measures progress on each of those and consciously creates milestones toward which each project must move. Kim indicated that this system allows our limited staff resources to prioritize their efforts. This model can be used with ACB steering committees and other leaders as the team becomes more comfortable with it.

The two Angels for Friday were Carol McCarl from Oregon, former chair of the board of publications and editor of “Dialogue” magazine, and Patricia LaFrance Wolf from California, who was active in the state affiliate and Diabetics in Action.

Kelly Gasque, Katie Frederick and Deb Cook Lewis gave an update on ACB public awareness activities. Kelly described actions taken to communicate ACB’s response to the pandemic, the partnership with Be My Eyes, the new ACB Community Facebook page, Facebook Live to host specific events, and an update to ACB Link. A blog called ACB Voices will be launched where stories from ACB members will be posted. Anthony Corona has been a big part of this effort. Katie highlighted the number of podcasts now emerging that allow others to see what ACB is doing and that provide information for our members. Deb indicated that we are sensitive to the diverse skill levels and communication preferences of our members and try to meet the challenge of communicating using many modalities.

Lee Nasehi, president and CEO, VisionServe Alliance, explained that this alliance consists of non-profit organizations nationwide that deliver services to people who are blind and has recently expanded to include for-profit organizations with interest in the needs of our constituency. When it became clear that more effort was needed at the public policy level, Paul Schroeder was hired as a consultant to help the Alliance determine how best to navigate this arena. The group has also taken the lead in creating a monthly call of many national organizations and, since the pandemic started, a weekly call to focus on ideas for effective service delivery in this new environment. Lee urged people to check for information on their website, http://visionservealliance.org, and to send email to [email protected]ance.org.

Eric Bridges and Dan Spoone updated the convention on ACB’s advisory board. Its members bring a range of specific expertise to ACB. There is the head of a management consulting firm, a fund-raising expert, a technology person, an expert on non-profits, an attorney, and a business development vice president for a large blindness-related company. The group is expected to meet again in October, but individuals from the advisory board work with ACB throughout the year.

Attendees then got to take a brief video tour of Rick Morin’s setup in Boston, where he has managed the general sessions and prime-time shows of the virtual convention.

Craig Meador, CEO, American Printing House for the Blind, reported that the Helen Keller Archive was transferred from AFB to APH last July. Construction is under way to create a permanent place for the exhibit. In partnership with Microsoft, APH worked on Code Jumper, a system to allow blind children to do coding for computer programs. The Connect Center will house all the web elements transferred from AFB in a single area. A new strategic plan was launched this year which changes the balance between services and products, with much higher emphasis on services. At the heart of the shift is the creation of “the Hive,” a new learning and teaching platform which launched earlier than expected because of the pandemic. In cooperation with other agencies in the field, daily virtual lessons were launched and a myriad of content was put online. A podcast called “Changemakers” was also launched. It became clear that people in other countries were using what APH created. When the school year ended, APH began a virtual summer camp, which is going on now. APH’s annual conference will be held virtually later this year.

Theresia Hout, owner operator of TL Vending from Caldwell, Idaho, described how difficult it was for her as a child to convince her parents and professionals that she was going blind. As a teenager she barrel-raced until people told her it wasn’t safe. She married at 17, graduated from high school, and had her first child at the age of 20. At 28 she found herself with no hearing but, luckily, she qualified for a cochlear implant. She is a Randolph-Sheppard vendor who has run a variety of facilities in the Caldwell area. Theresia entered college at age 48 and, in three years, earned her bachelor’s degree. About two months before graduation she was offered a scholarship toward a master’s degree in entrepreneurship, which she completed with a 4.0 average in 2015. Theresia is working on a memoir about living life with dual disabilities. She ended with a message from her grandmother: “There’s no mountain too high to climb, no cliff too hard to reach. Reach for the stars and follow your dreams and be the best that you can be!”

What a fitting wrap-up to a fabulous and unusually situated ACB convention!

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