WCC Breast Cancer Support Group Call
In honor of October being breast cancer awareness month, the women's concerns committee reminds everyone that we host a monthly teleconference for blind and visually impaired women who are or who have experienced breast cancer. The group is facilitated by two social workers and is 90 minutes in duration. Whether you are newly diagnosed or in treatment, or a 5-years-plus survivor, you are welcome to join the discussion. As blind women with breast cancer, we share a unique experience and can help our fellow sisters as well as receive support. Meetings are the first Tuesday of each month and start at 8 p.m. Eastern. The dial-in number is (218) 548-7688 and the access code is 25463. Long-distance charges will apply to this call. For more information, contact Lori Scharff at [email protected] or (516) 695-6370.
BITS on Twitter
Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS) is now on Twitter! To follow them, go to www.twitter.com/BITS_ACB/. This is just one of the exciting developments we expect to be reporting in the coming year as we strive to bring BITS into the forefront as both a resource and advocate for the technology needs of blind and visually impaired people.
Washington Council Convention
The Washington Council of the Blind will hold its convention Nov. 7-9 at the Red Lion at the Park, 303 W. North River Dr., Spokane, WA 99201; phone (509) 326-8000. Room rates are $89 per night plus tax. Register by Oct. 15 to get the convention rate, and be sure to mention the WCB convention (code Wash1106).
For those in Washington state, WCB offers to those living in Kitsap, Pierce, King and other surrounding counties or along the route to Spokane, two buses, free of charge and with no membership requirement. The Seattle bus will depart from the Hotel Max, 620 Stewart St., at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7. It will return on Sunday, Nov. 10, leaving Spokane at 10 a.m. The Bremerton bus will depart from the Baymont Inn and Suites, 5640 Kitsap Way, at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, picking up in Tacoma at Loves Travel Stop, 1501 33rd Ave. E. about 10:30 a.m. This bus will return on Sunday, Nov. 10, departing Spokane at 9:30 a.m. To make your reservations on either bus, or to inquire if we could add a stop, call Shirley Taylor at (206) 362-3118.
Guest speakers will include Jeff Thom, ACB's first vice president. Friday's program will include WCB business, presentations on transportation concerns in our communities, accessible prescription labeling, competitive sports for the blind, and hosting a foreign exchange student. Friday afternoon's breakout session will include: in-person shopping and using e-commerce, show and tell technology, independent living tips and tricks, interviewing techniques for the job seeker, and a session on yoga and meditation. During the luncheon, the awards committee will present this year's awards. There will be a tour of the Inland Northwest Lighthouse at 1:30 p.m. The exhibit hall will be open throughout the day. Don't forget the talent showcase and sing-along Friday evening!
On Saturday morning we will hear a report on ACB's activities, hear about the services offered by the Lilac Foundation and Inland Northwest Lighthouse, be inspired by those on the ever-popular employment panel, and hear from the directors of our three agencies serving the blind. And, oh yes, on Saturday afternoon we will hold the annual business meeting with elections, resolutions, amendments to the constitution and bylaws, our annual budget and much more. On Saturday evening, we will hold the scholarship reception, followed by the banquet. The banquet will kick off with the final hour of the annual silent auction, and include the scholarship presentations, among other things.
You may register electronically at www.wcbinfo.org or over the phone by calling Meka at (360) 689-1678. Each person must register individually. Registration will not be complete until payment is received in full. Forms must be submitted by Oct. 15. On-site registrations will be accepted at the convention beginning on Nov. 8.
For up-to-date convention information, call the WCB info line at 1-800-255-1147 and press 6, or go to www.wcbinfo.org.