AAVL Offers 2017 Conference and Convention Stipend
Those age 55 and older comprise more than half of the vision impaired population, and the number of such seniors is dramatically increasing every year. Thus, it is incumbent upon ACB that the Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss (AAVL), its special-interest affiliate created specifically for that population, be as strong as possible. Toward that effort AAVL is offering a $500 stipend to an individual who has suffered recent vision loss and who will be attending the 2017 conference and convention in Reno.
To be considered for the stipend, you must meet the following criteria:
· Be age 55 or older.
· You must have been diagnosed as legally blind or experienced significant vision loss within the last five years.
· You must complete the application below and include a reference letter from your eye care specialist or a community professional who is aware of your vision loss.
· If you are awarded the stipend, you must register to attend the ACB convention. The stipend will be applied to reimburse convention expenses when you arrive at the convention.
· If selected to receive the stipend, you must register to attend all AAVL activities.
Current AAVL members are not eligible to apply.
Applications should be submitted electronically or printed; handwritten applications will not be accepted. You may submit your application via e-mail to [email protected] or mail to AAVL, c/o Oral Miller, 3701 Connecticut Ave. NW Apt. 236, Washington, DC 20008. All applications and reference letters must be received by March 15, 2017 to be considered.
Application for Stipend
Name:
Age:
Mailing address:
Telephone number:
E-mail address:
Are you a member of ACB?
How did you hear about AAVL?
How do you think you will benefit from participating in AAVL activities?
Were you diagnosed as legally blind or with significant vision loss within the last 5 years?
How is your vision loss affecting your activities of daily living?
What are your major concerns about your loss of sight?
Give a brief description of your community involvement:
AABT Offers Marcia Nigro-Dresser Memorial Scholarship
The American Association of Blind Teachers has created a scholarship in memory of Marcia Dresser, long-time active member of ACB. In accordance with the wishes of her husband, Steve, the scholarship is intended for an undergraduate or graduate student who is visually impaired and studying for a career in teaching at any level, and will be administered by the ACB scholarship committee.
We know that Marcia was active and had friends in many other affiliates, and so we’re offering this opportunity for all of you to honor her memory by contributing to the scholarship. The scholarship was awarded for the first time in 2016. We would like to continue it, but we need your help. AABT will match the first $700 of contributions. Checks should be made payable to AABT and sent to John Buckley, 1025 Ree Way, Knoxville, TN 37909.
ACBDA Listserv Up and Running
Happy New Year! We had great meetings at ACB’s 2016 annual convention. One speaker gave a talk on his islet cell transplant; that was a miracle, to say the least.
Have you renewed your dues? If not, consider joining or renewing your membership for 2017! Dues are $10 a year. To join, send a check or money order to Donna Seliger at 915 Ashworth Rd. Apt. 208, West Des Moines, IA 50265-3669.
In conversations with blind people who have diabetes, there has been much talk about the lack of accessible continuous glucose monitoring meters and pumps. Having people post ideas or updates on the listserv would make for an interesting discussion. What is your experience?
Advocacy is a top priority this year, and there is more work for all of us to do. Reno will be here before you know it. To keep up to date, join the listserv. Go to www.acblists.org/mailman/listinfo, then scroll down and look for American Council of the Blind Diabetics in Action. Hope to see you posting soon.
CCLVI Scholarships Available
The Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI) will award three scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each to one full-time entering freshman, undergraduate and graduate college students who are low vision, maintain a strong GPA and are involved in their school/local community.
Application materials must be received by March 1. Scholarship monies will be awarded for the 2017-2018 academic year.
To read the scholarship guidelines and complete an online application, visit www.cclvi.org and click on the CCLVI Scholarship Programs link. You may submit your application online from Jan. 1 through March 1; the cutoff is 11:59 p.m. Eastern on March 1. If you have questions, contact CCLVI at 1-800-733-2258 or send a message to [email protected].