AAVL Convention Plans
Come and join the Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss in Schaumburg, Ill. this summer. We’ll play a trivia game with Next Gen, learn the warning signs of Alzheimer’s, and learn about the new normal.
Match Wits with Next Gen and the Boomers
Friday, June 23, 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.
AAVL and Next Gen members are facing off. Trivia questions will cross generations as we try to stump each other’s knowledge of the eras. Come join the fun — even if you aren’t a member of either group yet. Smirks to laughter are mandatory!
AAVL Lunch
Sunday, July 2, 12:15 - 1:00 p.m.
Break bread and socialize with AAVL members. No agenda, just eat, talk, and enjoy.
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Sunday, July 2, 1:00 - 2:15 p.m.
A volunteer from the Alzheimer’s Association of Illinois will help us:
- Describe typical age-related memory, thinking or behavior changes,
- Recognize common warning signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia,
- Discuss the tips for approaching someone about memory concerns,
- Explain the importance of early detection and benefits of diagnosis,
- Identify possible tests and assessments for the diagnostic process, and
- Name the resources available through the Alzheimer’s Association.
Sponsored by the Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss (AAVL) and the Mental Health and Wellness Committee (MHWC).
Defining the New Normal
Sunday, July 2, 2:30 - 3:45 p.m.
In this post-pandemic era, it seems as if everything has changed. This interactive workshop will enable you to design and implement your personal version of the New Normal.
Presenter: Pam Shaw, Philadelphia, Pa.
Sponsored by the Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss (AAVL) and the Mental Health and Wellness Committee (MHWC)
Teachers’ Features for the 2023 Convention
As usual, the American Association of Blind Teachers (AABT) has an exciting schedule of activities planned for you at the annual ACB convention! Even if you will not be traveling to Schaumburg, plan on joining us from the comfort of your armchair. Read on for more details.
AABT members, mark your calendars for Thursday, June 22nd from 5:30-6:45 p.m. Central time. Why? That’s when the annual members-only business meeting will take place. If you are an AABT member, you will receive a Zoom invitation for this meeting. Please come, take part in the elections, and help make important decisions for our affiliate.
Do you love radio? Do you enjoy delicious breakfast food? If so, be sure to join us on Saturday, July 1st from 7:30-9:00 a.m. Central time for our annual AABT breakfast and program. For this year’s program, a representative from the Museum of Broadcasting Communication in Chicago will speak to us on the fascinating topic “Broadcasting: Past, Present And Future.” Learn about the history of broadcasting, today’s trends in broadcasting, and what’s in store for the future. The program portion of the breakfast will be available for those of you not attending in person. If only technology would permit us to stream the food to you as well.
Our next program offering this year will be a presentation on Monday, July 3rd from 1:00-2:30 p.m. Central time titled “What’s New At Hadley.” Marc Arneson, Director of Community from Hadley, will inform us about all the changes that have taken place at Hadley, and how they can help people who are blind or visually impaired discover new ways to do things.
Finally, on Tuesday, July 4th from 1:00-2:30 p.m., we will be co-sponsoring a program with LUA and BRL. It will be a visit with Jason Yasnar, Deputy Director of the National Library Service.
Although it is not an official part of our program, AABT is recommending the tour of Horizons for the Blind, which is scheduled for Wednesday, July 5th.
We have a packed agenda for you at this year’s ACB convention. Whether you are in Schaumburg or somewhere else, we hope you will join us for some or all of our activities.
Make IVIE Your Business at the 2023 Convention!
As you know, IVIE always means business! This year, the Independent Visually Impaired Entrepreneurs (IVIE) has an exciting convention program planned for you. Whether you come to Schaumburg or participate from home, you will find something in our program of interest to you.
If you are an IVIE member, don’t forget to attend our (members only) business meeting, which will take place on Zoom from 5:30-6:45 p.m. Central time on Friday, June 23rd. Come with ideas and suggestions to make IVIE the best affiliate that it can be. Members will receive a Zoom invitation for this meeting.
If you are going to Schaumburg, plan to party with us on Friday evening, June 30th. RSVA has invited us to their mixer again this year. Come and enjoy refreshments, connect with old friends, and make new friends.
Celebrate Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4th, with the IVIE. We have exciting activities planned for the entire afternoon! First, our annual luncheon will take place at 12:15 p.m. Central time, with our program immediately afterward. Our first program segment, at 1 p.m., will be “Learning About IRS Accessibility Services.” You will find out about all the ways that the Internal Revenue Service is improving access to information for people with print disabilities and how you can request access to notices in your preferred alternate format, as well as how to get accessible tax forms and publications. Our presenter will be Kim Carmichael, Senior Distribution Analyst from IRS. At 1:30 p.m., we will have our second program topic: “Link Up with the All New APH CareerConnect: Inform, Empower, Impact.” You will hear from Richard Rueda, Digital Content Manager and Lori Scharff, CareerConnect Lead Content Contractor. They will tell us about all the new tools and resources that are available for job seekers and entrepreneurs. Our program will be recorded, made available as a podcast and possibly streamed in real time. Consult your convention schedule for more details.
Finally, if you will be in Schaumburg, plan to participate in the IVIE Business Expo, which will take place from 2:45-5:15 p.m., after our luncheon and program. Here, blind and visually impaired business owners will showcase their products and services and answer your questions. Browsing at the expo is free, but if you would like to have a booth, the cost will be $10 for IVIE members and $25 for non-members, with the option of applying $15 of the booth fee to annual IVIE dues if you choose to join our affiliate. You can pay dues, reserve and pay for a booth, or find out more about IVIE by visiting our website, www.ivie-acb.org. Alternatively, you can call IVIE president Ardis Bazyn at (818) 238-9321
Wouldn’t you agree that IVIE has plenty of fun and informative activities planned for this year’s convention? Please plan to spend some time with us.
RSVA’s Plans for the ACB National Convention
Why not plan to attend the upcoming RSVA® conference and convention? RSVA is planning the following events:
Saturday, June 24, 1 to 3:45 p.m.: RSVA business meeting. All members will receive the Zoom info in your inbox. If you don’t have email, call (818) 238-9321 for phone-in Zoom info.
The RSVA convention registration fee is $20, which includes $5 worth of raffle tickets.
Friday, June 30, 9 p.m.-12 midnight: RSVA sponsored (IVIE invited) mixer (all ACB members invited)
Saturday, July 1: RSVA Programming 1:00 - 5:15 p.m.
1 p.m.: “All about the Illinois Business Enterprise Program.” Guest speakers: Kim Borowicz, Esq., Bureau Chief, Bureau of Customer & Community Blind Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services, Illinois Department of Human Services. This session will highlight Illinois’ Business Enterprise Program. Participants will learn how they train vendors, the types of facilities they have in the program, and some statistics of relevance: gross sales, number of facilities, number of vendors, etc. They will also learn how blind persons can become a vendor in the state.
2:30 p.m.: “Tech it out!” Moderator: Scott Eggen, RSVA president, Maplewood, Minn. This session will feature speakers telling about gadgets and tech used by blind people. We’ll ask the audience for their favorites.
4 p.m.: “Tips and Tricks for the iPhone and Mac,” with Diane Scalzi, Blind Information Technology Specialists treasurer, Saint Clair Shores, Mich. Listeners will hear about using the iPhone more easily. Some great apps for the phone will also be discussed. You’ll also learn about programs on the MAC.
Sunday, July 2
12:15 p.m.: RSVA Awards Luncheon: Celebrating Over 50 Years of Achievement and Advocacy.
The Cooking Without Looking TV Show: How We Can ALL Change the Way We See Blindness Together. Speakers: Renee Rentmeester, Creator/Executive Producer, Albany, Ga.; Allen Preston, Host, West Palm Beach, Fla.; Annette Watkins, Host, Plantation, Florida
2:30 p.m.: Speed Networking: The Vendor Game! In this session, we’ll explore career options, including Randolph-Sheppard opportunities available. Facilitators: Scott Eggen, RSVA President, Maplewood, Minn.; Ardis Bazyn, RSVA First Vice President, Burbank, Calif. (Sponsored by RSVA, Next Generation, and ACB Students)
7:30 p.m. to midnight: Comedian and Karaoke
7:30 p.m.: First Act. Enjoy some laughs with RSVA comedian.
9 p.m.: Second Act. Show your talent with RSVA Karaoke!
Monday, July 3
6:15-midnight: RSVA casino trip. Take a break and visit Rivers Casino! With over $1.8 billion in jackpots paid out, Rivers Casino has the most jackpots in Chicagoland. Plus, you can now find your favorite games and the newest slot machines on the main gaming floor as well as in the expanded downstairs and the new upstairs gaming areas. Table games: poker (6 games); baccarat, roulette, craps. There are multiple dining options: steakhouse, Marketplace (4 options), coffee bar, fast food, and Asian food.
Annual ACB-Ohio Scholarships
The American Council of the Blind of Ohio will offer scholarships for academic year 2023-2024. Visit www.acbohio.org for the submission guidelines and application materials. Complete applications are due by July 15. If you would like assistance, or have questions, call the ACB-Ohio office at (614) 261-3561. Scholarships are available for entering freshmen, undergraduates and graduate students. Previous winners are welcome to reapply. An applicant must be an Ohio resident or attend an Ohio school in a two-year or more post-secondary degree program, be legally blind, have a 3.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale, and willing to attend the 2023 ACB-Ohio conference and convention Nov. 10-12 in Columbus. Send the completed application packet to ACB-Ohio Scholarship Committee, 3805 N. High Street, Suite 305, Columbus, OH 43214, or via e-mail to [email protected] with “Scholarship Application” in the subject field. Applications are due July 15.
The scholarships are as follows:
- $1,000 Friends of Freshman Scholarship — Presented to a blind or visually impaired entering freshman in any field of study.
- $4,000 Max Edelman-David Newmeyer Scholarship — Presented to a legally blind undergraduate student in any field of study.
$5,000 Joann Fischer-Linwood Walker Scholarship — Available to a legally blind graduate student in any field of study.