by Terry Pacheco
Though much has changed in Washington since September 11th, the American Council of the Blind will continue to lead our nation's visually impaired community to guaranteed equal rights and full participation in society. The right to an education that gives blind and visually impaired students the same opportunities as their sighted classmates continues to be absolutely essential. The ability to participate as voting members of our democracy, including the right to independently access a secret ballot, must be afforded to ALL of America's citizens. Ensuring our opportunities to work, play, and participate FULLY in the activities of daily life continues to be at the top of our national agenda.
These are a few of the issues you will learn more about at this year's ACB legislative seminar to be held March 3, 4, & 5, 2002 at the Holiday Inn Capitol, 550 C Street SW, Washington, DC.
Hotel reservations may be made by calling (202) 479-4000. Be certain to mention the American Council of the Blind Legislative Seminar to be assured our special rate of $139 (plus tax) per night per room. We have blocked some rooms for Saturday evening, March 2, for those who may be arriving early.
Our session will begin on Sunday at 1 p.m. and will wrap up with a cocktail reception that night (cash bar). Meetings will continue throughout the day on Monday. We will hold our annual banquet with guest speaker Monday evening. Tuesday will be devoted to Congressional visits on Capitol Hill.
Increased security considerations have necessitated the following changes on Tuesday.
- You will be able to enjoy breakfast at your own pace that morning. Dining facilities at the hotel open at 6:30 a.m., so you will still have plenty of time to fit a good breakfast into your schedule.
- The hotel is located about six blocks from the Capitol, so you will be able to take a taxi from the front of the hotel or walk. If the weather cooperates, it could be a pleasant brisk start to your busy day.
- We will be making arrangements with the hotel for you to leave your luggage at the bellstand, as you will not be allowed through the security checkpoints at the House and Senate office buildings with luggage. Keep this in mind when planning your return flight, as you will need to go by the hotel to pick up your bags before heading for the airport.
- At this time it appears that you will be able to go between the Senate office buildings that are open using the underground tunnel system, and you will be able to go between the House office buildings using their underground; but you will NOT be able to go between the House and Senate sides of the Hill underground. Keep this in mind when making your appointments. Try to get all of your House appointments scheduled together and do the same with your Senate ones so you have to traverse the Hill only once. If you should have an appointment in the Capitol Building itself, you must get prior security clearance. That process should be available from the office you are visiting. Also, be sure to check with your senator's staff as to their exact location since your senator may have been moved because of the Hart Building's being closed. You may wish to check with your affiliate president to coordinate your appointments.
Registration forms are available from either the national office or on our web site. They must be submitted with your $50 registration fee by February 20, 2002.
At this time we are planning an optional special evening of fun on Saturday, March 2. Please contact Terry Pacheco for more details.