Independence Through Empowerment
The Pennsylvania Council of the Blind will hold its state convention Oct. 31 through Nov. 2, 2008 at the Holiday Inn Downtown in Johnstown, Pa. The theme of the convention is "Independence Through Empowerment." There will be sessions on the overprotection of disabled people, working effectively with the local media, an update on the transition to digital talking books, an in-depth presentation on living with low vision, and tips from the Red Cross on preparing for a disaster.
To reserve your room, call the hotel at (814) 361-2602. The room rate is $79.99 plus tax per night. For more information, call the Pennsylvania Council of the Blind office at (717) 920-9999 or 1-877-617-7407. Or you may contact the office by e-mail at [email protected].
Charleston Chapter Member Attends National Braille Competition
Brianna Murray, an honors student and violinist at a Charleston high school, attended the National Braille Competition in California in June. She was selected to represent the entire southeast region in the braille contest by the Charleston County School Board.
South Carolina's annual convention will be held Nov. 7-9 in Charleston. For more information, or to be a convention sponsor, send a note to: Charleston c/o 313 Seewee Circle, Mount Pleasant, S.C. 29464.
Mark Your Calendar and Save Nov. 21-23
That's the weekend for the second annual Mid-Atlantic ACB Affiliate Convention! If you were there last year, you know how informative and engaging the convention was, and if you missed it in 2007, you can stop regretting the fun you didn't have, and get ready to attend this year's regional convention, where you'll experience informative seminars, fabulous speakers, vendors from all over the D.C. metropolitan area selling and demonstrating products and services to fit every blindness need, a banquet where the former national ACB president and current board of publications chairperson, Paul Edwards, will be the featured speaker. Renew old friendships, meet new people who understand, like you, the meaning of blindness and visual impairment, and share your experiences with others. This year's theme is "Short on Sight, Long on Vision," so you will certainly have ample opportunity to renew your commitment to living a full and fulfilling life, no matter how much you see.
The Mid-Atlantic ACB Affiliate Convention will take place at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Bridge, located at 1900 N. Ft. Myer Drive in Arlington, Va. Room rates are $99 per night, single or double occupancy. To book a room, phone the Holiday Inn Rosslyn at (703) 807-2000, or 1-800- 368-3408, and mention "ACB" for the convention group rate.