Focus on Technology: the 2003 VIDPI Convention
by Frank Welte
Visually Impaired Data Processors International (VIDPI), a special-interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, has as its mission to foster the career development of blind computer professionals, promote the use of computers by blind people to improve the quality of their professional and personal lives, and advocate for improved information access for all blind people. To that end, we will present a series of program sessions which will address the varied technology concerns of ACB members, both consumers and professionals.
2003 VIDPI Convention Program Schedule
Saturday, July 5
4:30- 6 p.m.: VIDPI pre-convention board meeting
Sunday, July 6
9:30 a.m.-12 noon: VIDPI program
1:30- 4:30 p.m.: VIDPI Technology Vendor Showcase. Avoid the noise and crowds in the exhibit hall, and get the news on all the hottest blindness products from over a dozen of the top assistive technology providers.
Monday, July 7
9 p.m. - midnight: VIDPI Mixer
Tuesday, July 8
1:30- 4:30 p.m.: Programmer's Forum and Computer Trainer's Forum. These two concurrent sessions offer information technology professionals and assistive technology professionals the opportunity to learn about and discuss topics specific to their respective professions.
Wednesday, July 9
1:30- 3 p.m.: VIDPI Microsoft Forum
Thursday, July 10
12:30- 1:45 p.m.: VIDPI luncheon, Speaker: Joyce Bender, CEO, Bender Consulting Services
1:45 p.m.: break
2- 4:30 p.m.: VIDPI business meeting
5- 6 p.m.: VIDPI post-convention board meeting
For more information about VIDPI, visit www.acb.org/vidpi/. For more information about the VIDPI convention program, contact Frank Welte at (650) 508-8329 or by e-mail, [email protected].
News from LUA
Gordon Gould, this year's talking book narrator, will be speaking at the LUA meeting on Monday (NOT Wednesday, as announced in the LUA and Braille Revival League newsletters). You can hear him at the general session, then come to the meeting from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., where he'll be speaking, or come to the wine and cheese reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m. to meet and greet people. Hope to see you there!
VAB Does It Again!
Once again VAB has extended its reach out across the state of Virginia in an attempt to help those who are blind and visually impaired.
In March, Alice Malbone and Ken Lovern went to one of the westernmost points in the state to locate, inform and assist people who are blind. And two new satellites were born in southwest Virginia!
These new satellites, born March 13 and March 14, respectively, are near the Tennessee, Kentucky and West Virginia state lines and are: the Virginia Association of the Blind Mountain Vision Planning District 1, President Roger Vanzent, in Duffbill (near Norton, Va.) and the Virginia Association of the Blind Mountain Vision Planning District 2 (Ray Justus, President) in Claypool Hill (near Lebanon, Va.).
Alice did a great job as she filled in the new members on how VAB was launched in 1981 by her late husband Nelson Malbone, who left us July 7, 2001 to be with the Lord. Nelson and C. Lydon Harrell, an attorney with a caring heart for people with disabilities, along with many other blind people in the south Hampton Roads area of Virginia, incorporated VAB in August 1981. The group's mission has always been "to locate, inform and assist blind people throughout the state of Virginia." The VAB board is helping each satellite with $2,000 in startup funding.
Ray Justus, President of PD 2 and the organizer of both groups, said, "This check could have been for $100 and we would have been pleased to receive it. This is very thoughtful of your group. Thank you very much for your generosity!" Ray, who is a member of both groups, went on to explain how they chose to be called Mountain Vision 1 and 2. It came from the Bible, Proverbs 29:18: "Where there is no vision, the people perish!" Alice and Ken are looking forward to returning there to visit, for the new members made such a fine impression upon them both.
In addition to these two groups, the Virginia Association of the Blind includes the Peninsula Council of the Blind, President Rick Barry; Chesapeake Bay Council of the Blind, President Mary Durbin; the Virginia Association of Deaf-Blind, President Jenny McKenzie; and the Virginia Association of the Blind, Shenandoah Valley in Roanoke, President John Elliott.
VAB is looking forward to launching more satellites across the state, especially in the northern and southern areas. If you are interested in forming a satellite, contact Alice Malbone at 1-800-426-2144.
Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss
President's Message and Convention Update
by Carl Foley
We have four great events planned for you during the ACB convention in Pittsburgh!
First is the annual luncheon with entertainment; then there's a mixer that is free to members. (You can become a new annual member at the door for $15.) There's also an informative advocacy seminar presented by AFB. Finally, number four is the drawing for three great prizes: an afghan created by Milly Lillibridge, Louisiana spices donated by Paula Marshall, and a $100 cash award.
There's still time for you to register for the AAVL meetings. If you can't come, you can still participate in the AAVL drawing. Buy some tickets for yourself, family, and friends. Tickets cost $2 each or three for $5. To get tickets, phone me at (937) 369- 3470. Give your name, address, and the number of tickets you'd like to buy. Or, send an e-mail to [email protected]. I will mail you the tickets, and enclose a pre-addressed return envelope. You need to send back a check made out to AAVL and the completed stubs to arrive before July 3rd.
I look forward to seeing you at the meetings or receiving a check made out to AAVL or both.
News from California
by Jeff Thom
I am extremely pleased to announce that Ardis Bazyn was appointed by the California Secretary of State to the Help America Vote Task Force. She will be an able representative for our viewpoints and for the citizens of California. She not only received my recommendation, but also that of the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters, high praise indeed for one of our state and national leaders.