2022 AABT Convention Roundup
by Carla Hayes
Before you know it, it will be time for the ACB national conference and convention. Here is a summary of the events that the American Association of Blind Teachers will be offering during the 2022 convention. (All times listed are in Central time.)
We start things off on Thursday, June 23rd from 5:30 to 6:45 with our annual AABT business meeting, which will take place on Zoom. All are welcome to come and learn about our dynamic affiliate. Additionally, AABT members will have the opportunity to vote in our elections and on AABT policy issues. You must be an AABT member to vote.
Our annual AABT breakfast and program will take place on Saturday, July 2nd from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. Unfortunately, we cannot stream the delicious food that we will have, but our program will be hybrid so that you can enjoy it wherever you are. The title of our program will be “The Fascinating History of the Statue of Liberty.” Darrel W. Draper, the most requested historical speaker in Nebraska, will entertain us with a humorous and insightful presentation.
On Tuesday, July 5th, we will join forces with LUA and other ACB affiliates from 1:30 to 4:00, where we will meet an NLS talking book narrator and discuss an interesting book. (See the ACB convention pre-registration form for more information.)
Our final program is scheduled for Wednesday, July 6th from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. The topic will be “It Takes a Village: Working Together to Support Students in Transition.” Nancy Flearl from the Nebraska Foundation for Visually Impaired Children will share how a simple non-profit is working in partnership with school districts and vocational rehabilitation to support students in transition.
As you can see, AABT has several interesting events planned for this year’s convention. We hope you will join us for some or all of our program. If you have any questions about our convention offerings, please call Carla Hayes at (724) 941-8184.
Wine Tastings and More with BPI!
Blind LGBT Pride International invites all to experience the phenomenal convention offerings. This year, as we embark on our first true hybrid endeavor, BPI sought to bring programming to our convention that will educate, engage and bring on the fun. Here is a sample of what those fun BPI folks are offering.
Let’s get the big question answered first. Yes, there will be three wine tastings led by our unofficial sommelier extraordinaire, Gabriel Lopez Kafati.
In the mind/body arena, we will be using breath and sound to relax our bodies and minds, and taking a look at dating from the mature view, plus a second panel built on questions from our members to a panel of sighted people who will share their impressions on visual cues, non-verbal communication and flirting.
“Making Gay” historian Eric Marcus is back to discuss how the HIV epidemic forever changed the trajectory of LGBTQ activism and what other marginalized groups learned from our experience.
BPI board member and audio description guru Chris Snyder not only takes us through a day in the life of producing AD, but is building us another fabulous 3-D audio excursion.
The human side of the importance of proper pronoun usage and what it means to be an ally are other important conversations on the menu.
A “Rocky Horror” experience party will have us all doing the time warp.
This year our dare-to-share will be virtual and by invitation. (Information for invites will be furnished to the lists closer to convention.)
This year BPI is proud to offer an open mic night after our annual mixer, and we are excited to hear from not only our members and allies but from all the talented folks in ACB.
So, as you peruse the convention offerings this year, remember that BPI has something for everyone.
Want to Win a Plush Guide Dog?
This year GDUI is holding a drawing for 4 plush pups in harness thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Hava. These pups measure 12 inches from tip of nose to tip of tail and are 10 inches tall.
What kinds of dogs are available? They are:
- Rascal, a yellow lab in a beautiful Guide Dogs of America harness. He is the youngest and loves to play. However, when he is in harness, he is laser-focused on his job. He looks up to the other guides and is eager to please.
- Cocoa, a chocolate lab in a Leader Dogs harness. She is a sweet little pixie with a heart of gold who eagerly greets each new day. After work and playtime, she’s a little cuddle bug.
- Banner, a black and tan German shepherd in a Fidelco harness. Able to multi-task. While working, playing, or even at rest, he is vigilant and taking care of his “pack.” Very loyal.
- Bella, a golden in a Seeing Eye harness. Gentle and nurturing. She has such a beautiful face. She is an excellent worker and a calm and relaxing companion.
Ticket sales will end at noon Central time on Wednesday, July 6. Winners will be announced during the GDUI wrap-up and awards session, which begins at 5:30 p.m. Central time on Wednesday, July 6.
Tickets for individual pups are 3 for $5 or 7 for $10. You may purchase tickets via PayPal from the GDUI website at https://guidedogusersinc.org/2022-plush-pups-drawing/, or contact GDUI’s office manager, Lynn Merrill, by phone, 1-866-799-8436 in the U.S.
IVIE 2022 Convention Happenings
by Carla Hayes
Before you know it, the 2022 ACB convention will be here! IVIE has a packed agenda for this year’s convention.
We start things off on Saturday, June 25th with our annual business meeting. It will take place from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. Central on Zoom. IVIE members will be sent a Zoom invitation.
On Friday, July 1st at 9 p.m., RSVA has invited IVIE to join them in a combined in-person mixer in Omaha. Come and catch up with old friends and make some new ones.
Saturday, July 2nd brings the first of three opportunities for IVIE members to exhibit their products and services. IVIE can have up to five tables at ACB Marketplace from 4 to 7 p.m., which can be purchased from IVIE at a cost of $10 a table for IVIE members and $25 a table for non-members. Watch the IVIE list for more details.
Monday, July 4th is IVIE Day at the ACB convention. We begin the day’s festivities at 12:15 with our annual luncheon, followed by our program at 1:00, which will be streamed. IVIE will team up with ACB Next Generation and the ACB Employment Committee for a panel presentation titled, “Selling Yourself: How to Put Your Best Foot Forward in the Evolving Employment World.” Join Sara Freeman Smith, an HR professional on the ACB Employment Committee, Kaila Allen, recent new hire and ACB Next Generation member, and entrepreneur Pam Shaw, who will share their experience with written, verbal and visual aspects of positioning yourself as the best job candidate and maximizing those networking opportunities. The panel will tackle these three aspects in each of their facets of the employment/networking processes.
Immediately after this presentation is the IVIE Business Expo, which runs from 2:30-5:15 p.m. Blind and visually impaired business owners will showcase their products and services. This will be your second exhibiting opportunity of the convention. Tables will cost $10 for IVIE members and $25 for non-members, with the option of joining IVIE and applying $15 of the expo booth cost to IVIE annual dues.
If there’s enough interest, IVIE will also purchase a table in the exhibit hall, and members will pay IVIE for exhibit hours at the table. This will only happen if we get enough people who are willing to pay for exhibit hours and share the cost of the table. If you are interested in any of these exhibiting opportunities, please contact Ardis Bazyn, [email protected].
This would also be an excellent time to pay your IVIE annual dues of $15 if you haven’t already done so. You can pay electronically on IVIE’s secure website, https://ivie-acb.org/, or by submitting your check along with the membership form which can be printed from the website.
We have a busy convention planned for you! We hope you will join us for some or all of our activities.