by Janet Dickelman
It is not too late! Convention registration will remain open until 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Monday, June 17th. Register online at https://members.acb.org/, or call (651) 428-5059 for assistance.
The 2024 American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention features many sessions from our special-interest affiliates and ACB committees. However, in this article we’ll take a look at what our business partners and others are doing during the convention. Full descriptions, and applicable pricing and information on how to RSVP to sessions with limited space, will be posted on the convention registration form and in the conference program.
Breakfasts and Receptions
Join Guide Dogs for the Blind for a breakfast on Sunday, July 7.
National Industries for the Blind (NIB) will host a breakfast on Tuesday, July 9, and American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) will host a breakfast on Wednesday.
Seeing Eye will host a reception for graduates on Monday, July 8.
Technology Sessions
Thursday, June 27 (Zoom only): Amazon will hold two sessions: Amazon Devices Accessibility Overview and Audio Description at Prime Video
On Sunday, July 7, we have a plethora of technology sessions.
HIMS is holding a session on their new Braille eMotion, and Vispero, a session on JAWS, ZoomText and the latest news about AI.
There will also be four sessions on Sunday from LVI America:
- Voice reading machine and Vision video magnifier;
- You’ve got mail, where you’ll explore various solutions that individuals with vision loss can use to read their mail with easy-to-use assistive technologies;
- “The Exciting World of Portability,” where you will discover unique productivity tools that provide portable solutions for end users on the go;
- Searching for the Holy Braille: Hear from a lifelong braille user, Mike Tindall, about what is new in the braille device world and learn if we are any closer to finding “The Holy Braille.”
Monday, July 8
AIRA has a session titled “How Do We Put the AI in Aira” and another called “A Braille Display with Speech — Intelligence You Can Feel and Hear from HumanWare.”
Tuesday, July 9
You’ll have another opportunity to join HumanWare for “Need An Audio Assistant — We Have a Product for That.”
Transportation
Monday, July 8
Also on Monday, you’ll have two opportunities to learn about alternative transportation options with “Get to Know UZURV – The Adaptive TNC.”
Education and Family Fun
Monday, July 8
Bricks for the Blind
Hear about them in a session sponsored by AABT and ACB Families, and then join them in small group sessions for some hands-on fun with their free text-based instructions to help you build LEGO sets on your own! Learn about us, and get building! We’ll also be giving away free LEGO sets.
Financial Information
Monday, July 8
Unlock the power of financial freedom with Penny Forward! Master the art of financial management while navigating government benefits and employment challenges.
Hotel Details
The hotel is the Hyatt Regency Riverfront, 225 E. Coastline Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32202. Room rates are $99 per night (single or double occupancy), $124 (triple), $149 (quadruple). The cost of a king room is $109 per night. Room tax is 14.64%.
To ensure you receive the convention rate, you must make your reservations prior to June 14, 2024. Upon check-in, a charge of $40 per night for incidentals will be charged to your credit or debit card.
To make reservations online, go to https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/JAXRJ/G-ACOB. If you prefer to make reservations by phone, call 1-800-233-1234, and use Code G-ACOB.
Staying in Touch
The convention announce list will be filled with information. If you received updates for the 2023 convention, you do not need to re-subscribe to the list. If you are not subscribed to the list, send a blank e-mail to [email protected].