Bridges to Opportunity - American Council of the Blind

Christopher Gray, President

45TH Annual National Convention and Special-Interest Affiliate Meetings

Jacksonville, Florida

July 8-15, 2006

Hosted by Florida Council of the Blind

Debbie Grubb, President

Table of Contents

From the President
Abbreviations Used in this Program
Medical Care and Grocery
Info for Guide Dog Users
HOTEL MINI-GUIDE
Registration Q&A
Communication Center Services
ACB Cafe
Youth Activities Center
Affiliate Caucuses
Religious Activities
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
CONVENTION STANDING RULES
AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND 45TH ANNUAL CONVENTION General Sessions Agenda
ACB Board and Committee Meetings
ACB Committee Programs and Activities
Durward K. McDaniel First-Timers' Committee
Employment Issues Seminar
Information Access Committee
Membership Committee
Multicultural Concerns Committee
Sight and Sound Impaired (SASI) Committee Scholarship Committee
Women's Concerns Committee
Other ACB Seminars and Events, ACB Roadmaps, First-Timers' Seminars, Speakers' Receptions, Recreation Zone, International Conversations
SPECIAL-INTEREST AFFILIATE MEETINGS
Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss
American Association of Visually Impaired Attorneys
ACB Diabetics in Action
ACB Government Employees
ACB Human Service Professionals
ACB Lions
ACB Radio Amateurs
Blind Friends of Lesbians and Gays
Blind Information Technology Specialists
Braille Revival League
Council of Citizens with Low Vision International
Council of Families with Visual Impairments
Friends-in-Art of ACB
Guide Dog Users, Inc.
Independent Visually Impaired Enterprisers
Library Users of America
National Alliance of Blind Students
National Association of Blind Teachers
Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America
Visually Impaired Veterans of America
MORE SPECIAL EVENTS
Careers, Employment and Rehabilitation: AFB and NIB
Technology Training and Focus Groups
Guide Dog Events
Families and Parenting
ACB CONVENTION TOURS
MORE CONVENTION ENTERTAINMENT
2006 EXHIBITS
MAJOR CONVENTION SPONSORS
Jacksonville Gems
Sapphire Sponsor
Opal Sponsors
Pearl Sponsors
2005-2006 ACB Officers
ACB Board of Directors
Board of Publications
ACB Enterprises and Services Board of Directors
ACB National Office Staff
ACB Enterprises and Services Staff
ACB Convention Committees
2006 Convention Coordinating Committee
2006 Convention Program Committee
2006 FCB Host Committee

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Conventioneers:

Welcome to the 45th annual convention of the American Council of the Blind and to the beautiful city of Jacksonville! We're meeting this week in a city famous for its rivers and bridges. The St. John's River is one of only three rivers in the world that naturally flows north. (The second one is the Nile.) Jacksonville is connected across this river by water taxis and a series of bridges. The theme of the 2006 convention focuses on building bridges of understanding and for future opportunities for the membership of ACB.

The convention committee, convention program committee and the many hard workers from the Florida Council of the Blind all deserve thanks for the many hundreds of hours spent in making this a memorable experience for all of us. I wish each of you a great convention on behalf of myself and the entire ACB board of directors. We hope to offer fun, information and education during this next week. Through ACB Radio, the education and information will be shared around the world. Finally, I could not close this welcome without thanking our staff in Washington, D.C. and Minneapolis, Minn., for all they have done and will continue to do in Jacksonville.

Best Wishes,
Christopher Gray, ACB President

ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THIS PROGRAM

ACB - American Council of the Blind

ACBES - American Council of the Blind Enterprises and Services

AAVL - Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss

AAVIA - American Association of Visually Impaired Attorneys

ACBDA - ACB Diabetics in Action

ACBGE - ACB Government Employees

ACBHSP - ACB Human Service Professionals

ACBL - ACB Lions

ACBRA - ACB Radio Amateurs

AFB - American Foundation for the Blind

BFLAG - Blind Friends of Lesbians and Gays

BITS - Blind Information Technology Specialists

BRL - Braille Revival League

CCLVI - Council of Citizens with Low Vision

CFVI - Council of Families with Visual Impairments

DVS(R) - Descriptive Video Service

FCB - Florida Council of the Blind

FIA - Friends-in-Art of ACB

GDUI - Guide Dog Users, Inc.

IVIE - Independent Visually Impaired Enterprisers

LUA - Library Users of America

NABS - National Alliance of Blind Students

NABT - National Association of Blind Teachers

NAPVI - National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments

NCI - National Captioning Institute

NELDS - National Education & Legal Defense Service

NIB - National Industries for the Blind

RSVA - Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America

SASI - Sight and Sound Impaired Committee

VIVA - Visually Impaired Veterans of America

WCC - Women's Concerns Committee

YAC - Youth Activities Center

FOR MEDICAL CARE AND GROCERY

For medical emergencies, dial 0 on a hotel phone or 911 on any other phone. Stay calm and speak distinctly. Give your name, exact location and a description of the emergency.

TRAUMA HOSPITAL

Shands Jacksonville Hospital - 655 W. 8th St.; (904) 244-0411

NEARBY HOSPITAL

Baptist Hospital - 800 Prudential Dr.; (904) 202-2000

GROCERY AND PHARMACY

Winn Dixie (about 6 blocks from the hotel) - 777 Market St. Grocery (6:00am to 10:00pm) - (904) 353-6810 Pharmacy (8:00am - 8:00pm Mon.-Fri.; 9:00am - 6:00pm Sat.; 1:00pm - 6:00pm Sun) - (904) 632-0844

Walgreen's (open 24 hours; 15 to 20 minutes from hotel) - 6006 Beach Blvd.; (904) 727-3553

INFO FOR GUIDE DOG USERS

Guide dog relief areas are located on the ground, second and third levels. ACB volunteers and hotel staff will be happy to assist you to locate the areas.

The GDUI Convention Area Orientation (Sunday, July 9 at noon and 5:00 p.m.) will also help you learn the best routes in and around the hotel. Meet in River Terrace 2.

If you need daytime veterinary care, contact Dr. Phillip Hightman at Brentwood Animal Clinic, 4605 Brentwood Avenue; (904) 354-0547.

Another option for daytime care is Drs. Rossi and Esser at Riverside Animal Hospital, 2641 Park Street at Kings; (904) 388-3494.

For emergency veterinary care between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., call Central Veterinary Emergency Clinic, 1546 San Marco Boulevard; (904) 399-8800.

HOTEL MINI-GUIDE

The following information is intended to serve only as a sketch of the lobby and meeting spaces.

Trellis's Restaurant and the Plaza III Kansas City Steakhouse are located on the first floor in the lobby. A gift shop, Jaxx sports bar, Current's (Starbuck's coffee and desserts), and escalators to the second and third floor meeting areas are also found there.

ACB general sessions will be held in the Grand Ballroom on the second floor. The ACB registration desk and the ACB Thompson West Information Desk are also on 2.

Exhibits, the ACB Cafe, the Communication Center, and most meetings, focus groups, seminars and other events will be on the third floor. The Daytona, Orlando, St. Johns, and Clearwater rooms, as well as Board Rooms 1 through 4, are located on the hotel side with the elevators and escalators. Exhibits are across the breezeway in the Terrace Pavillion. Hallways lead around the outside of the Exhibit Hall. As you face exhibits, go around to the left to find River Terrace 1, 2 and 3; go right to find City Terrace 4 through 12.

Three hospitality rooms, numbered 4104, 4106 and 4108, are located across the pedway on 4. Many mixers and some workshops will be held there.

The pool, health center and sauna are located on the 19th floor. The pool is rather shallow, and there is no lifeguard. It is open between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. daily. The health center is available 24 hours a day; use your room key for access.

The laundromat is on 4, across the pedway near the hospitality rooms. It is available 24 hours a day; use your room key for access.

REGISTRATION Q&A

Convention registration is located on the second floor. Registration hours are as follows:

Thursday, July 6 (pre-reg. pick-up only): 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Friday, July 7: 11:00am - 8:00pm

Saturday, July 8: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 9: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Monday - Thursday, July 10 - 13: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Friday, July 14: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

You must register and pay the administrative fee to receive your convention ID badge and a convention program, purchase tickets, receive a convention goody bag filled with information and surprises, and be eligible for some great door prizes. Wear your badge at all times, as it will admit you to the exhibit area, permit you to vote (if you are an ACB member), and assist hotel personnel and volunteers to provide better service.

If you are pre-registered for the convention, your packet will be waiting at the Registration Office. You may not pick up any packets other than your own. If you have any questions, comments or concerns with regard to your registration packet, or need to purchase additional tickets, go to the Registration Office.

No administrative fee will be charged for a name badge and voter certification. A daily visitor's badge is available at the Exhibit Hall entrance.

REFUNDS - ACB will make NO refunds for the convention administrative fee, sweepstakes donation, or tickets that you just don't want. Refunds will be issued ONLY for affiliate registration fees, meals, events, and tours provided that:

1. An individual has pre-registered; AND

2. The individual requests the refund in writing to the American Council of the Blind, 120 South 6th Street, Suite 1005, Minneapolis, MN 55402-1839, or calls (612) 332-3242, ON OR BEFORE June 23, 2006; AND

3. The individual DOES NOT ATTEND any part of the convention. In case of illness during the convention which requires you to return home or to be hospitalized, refunds will be issued only for the meals, events, and tours which take place AFTER your absence begins. (If the guarantee has already been given for a meal function or a tour, no refund for that function will be given.)

LOST TICKETS - ACB will NOT replace tickets that are lost during the convention. All ticket packets are checked before they are distributed at the convention, and tickets that are lost or misplaced must be purchased again.

SELLING UNWANTED TICKETS - If you have purchased a ticket that you would like to sell, you may leave it at the convention Registration Desk along with your name and room number. Tickets are resold on a first-come, first-serve basis, and ONLY if the event or tour is currently closed or no unsold tickets remain. In general, meal functions and social events at the hotel DO NOT sell out.

EVENTS SOLD OUT: If you are trying to purchase a ticket for an event or tour that is sold out, check daily in person at the Registration Desk for tickets returned for resale. If a tour or event was sold out before your pre-registration form was processed, a refund will be included with your pre-registration packet. ACB is not responsible for notifying you if you have paid for a ticket through pre-registration for an event or tour that is already sold out. Your name will be put on a waiting list in the event of cancellations, or in case additional tickets become available.

COMMUNICATION CENTER SERVICES

The Communication Center, in the Clearwater Room on the third floor, is open from 8:00am to 5:00pm Friday, July 7 through Wednesday, July 12. This is the place to sign up for "home delivery" of the convention newspaper, place ads in the paper, make copies, convert disks to braille, or volunteer to help produce the paper.

CONVENTION NEWSPAPER - This year's newspaper is "The Jacksonville Sun." It will be published each day, Saturday through Thursday, in braille, large print, and on cassette. Pick up a copy at the ACB Thompson West Information Desk on the second floor.

The National Alliance of Blind Students (NABS) will deliver the newspaper to your hotel room door. For $5.00 (pre-registration) or $10.00 (registration), your paper will be waiting for you each morning when you wake up. After you sign up for delivery of the paper at the registration office, you must drop by the Communication Center to give us your room number and specify your preference of braille, large print or cassette.

Hang onto the Saturday issue of the "Sun"; it will include important suite numbers, phone numbers, and last-minute program changes.

ADS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Ads and other items for publication must be in the Communication Center by 2:00pm each day. The Board of Publications allows ads to run for only three days in order to give important convention announcements more space. Ads must be no longer than 100 words. Board of Publications editorial policy prohibits the production or distribution of campaign materials by the Communication Center.

Cost of advertising in the newspaper is as follows: for-profit businesses - $35 per day or $100 for three days; non-profit organizations and ACB affiliates - $10 per day (maximum of three days); individuals - $5 per day (maximum of three days). Ads will appear in all three editions of the newspaper.

BRAILLING AND PHOTOCOPYING: Photocopying is available at the Communication Center for 10 cents a copy. Please pay the registration office.

If your committee or affiliate needs something in braille or large print, bring disks with your files to us early in the day so we can fit your job in during the quiet time between other jobs. Make certain to label your disk(s), and tell us how many of each format you need, and by what time.

THANKS to Enabling Technologies for donating the use of the braille printers, and to Star Continuous Cards for their generous donation of braille paper.

Please remember that the Communication Center is a working room. While we understand that convention is a great place to see old friends and new, loud conversations make it difficult to hear the speech synthesizers on the computers which enable us to get the newspaper out to you, the readers. Help us help you get the information you need.

ACB CAFE

Look for the ACB Cafe on the third floor breezeway from Saturday, July 8 through Friday, July 14. Watch the convention newspaper for hours and menu information.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES CENTER (YAC)

Kids 6 to 17 can enjoy a great week of fun and activities in the YAC.

The YAC Ticket includes a whole week of activities. The YAC goes to Adventure Landing on Tuesday; a full day of fun featuring a water park, miniature golf, laser tag, go-carts, and an arcade. Sponsored by the Council of Families with Visual Impairments (CFVI).

YAC rides the monorail to fun places around town on Wednesday, and rides the water taxi to the interactive science museum on Thursday morning. There's plenty of swimming, crafts, games, and movies, and a special party is planned for Friday evening during the banquet.

To make it easier for parents to purchase tickets for their children to other events, each child must complete his or her own convention registration form. The YAC ticket has been reduced to $5 (pre-registration) and $10 (registration), and the remainder of the cost is covered in the administrative fee.

Open from 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; closed for lunch from 12:15 to 1:30 (except on Tuesday and Wednesday, when kids bring lunch money).

Attention, teens 14 and up! Want to be more than just a YACster? Be a YAC counselor! Stop by the YAC for more details; requires YAC registration and signed parental consent forms.

Parents must accompany children to the YAC the first time in order to sign permission slips, waivers, etc. Children may not participate in any YAC activities or events if forms are not completed and signed in advance.

Children must be picked up on time. While the YAC volunteers love children, they need breaks for lunch and have other commitments after the YAC ends each day. Please be respectful of their time and other obligations.

For more information, or to find out how you or your affiliate can become a YAC sponsor, contact Patti Cox, YAC Coordinator.

AFFILIATE CAUCUSES

Make reservations for affiliate caucus rooms at the ACB Thompson West Information Desk on the second floor. Caucus rooms are available on a first-come basis on Wednesday and Thursday from 12:00 noon to 1:15pm and after 4:00pm.

The following caucuses are scheduled as of the printing of this program. Refer to the convention newspaper for announcements of additional caucuses, and be sure to listen for announcements each morning in the general session.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

7:00 a.m. - California Council of the Blind Breakfast - City 4

1:30 p.m. - SASI "Meet the Candidates" - City 11

5:00 p.m. - Midwest States Caucus - Orlando

THURSDAY, JULY 13

7:00 a.m. - Pennsylvania Council of the Blind Breakfast - City 6

7:00 a.m. - Washington Council of the Blind Breakfast - City 5

2:15 p.m. - GDUI caucus - River 2

5:00 p.m. - Missouri Council of the Blind Caucus - City 4

5:00 p.m. - Mid-south Caucus - Orlando

FRIDAY, JULY 14

7:00 a.m. - ACB of Ohio Breakfast - City 5

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

SATURDAY, JULY 8

5:00 p.m. - Jewish Service - City 8

5:00 p.m. - Roman Catholic Mass - City 11

SUNDAY, JULY 9

9:30 a.m. - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sacrament Meeting - City 8

10:00 a.m. - Interdenominational Church Service - Orlando

MONDAY, JULY 10

7:00 p.m. - Gospel Sing - City 4

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, JULY 6

6:00 p.m. Pre-registration pick-up until 8:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 7

7:15 a.m. St. Augustine Tour

11:00 a.m. Registration open until 8:00 p.m.

6:15 p.m. Baseball Game Tour

7:00 p.m. Convention Committee Meeting -Orlando

SATURDAY, JULY 8

8:00 a.m. Registration open until 7:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m. ACB Caf‚ open until 3:30 p.m.

8:30 a.m. ACB Pre-convention Board of Directors Meeting - Orlando

8:45 a.m. Jacksonville City Tour

9:00 a.m. RSVA Subcommittee Meetings - RSVA Suite

9:45 a.m. Sun Cruise Casino Tour

1:00 p.m. ACB Credentials Committee - Board 1

1:00 p.m. Exhibits open until 5:00 p.m. - Terrace Pavillion

2:00 p.m. ACB Constitution and Bylaws Committee - Board 2

2:00 p.m. ACB Information Access Committee - Positives and Progress - City 7

3:00 p.m. RSVA Pre-Convention Board Meeting - Orlando

4:00 p.m. CCLVI Board Meeting - City 6

4:30 p.m. BITS Pre-Convention Board Meeting - Board 1

5:00 p.m. First-Timers' Seminar - City 7

5:00 p.m. Jewish Service - City 8

5:00 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass - City 11

6:00 p.m. AAVIA Board Meeting - City 10

6:00 p.m. BFLAG Board Meeting and Dinner - off-site

6:00 p.m. Exhibitors' Reception (by invitation) - 4104

6:30 p.m. ACB Tracfone Scholarship Winners' Dinner (by invitation) - City 5

7:00 p.m. CCLVI Nominating Committee - City 6

7:00 p.m. FIA Board Meeting - 4108

8:00 p.m. FCB Welcome to Jacksonville Party - River 1

8:00 p.m. LUA Board Meeting - Board 1

8:00 p.m. NABS Welcome Party - 1840

9:00 p.m. ACB Resolutions Committee - Board 2

9:00 p.m. RSVA Mixer - RSVA Suite

9:00 p.m. ACBL Milly's Place Pin Swap - 4106

SUNDAY, JULY 9

7:30 a.m. NELDS Board Meeting - 1840

7:30 a.m. ACB Cafe open until 3:30 p.m.

8:00 a.m. Registration open until 5:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m. NABT Breakfast: "Don't Sit; Be Fit" - City 5

8:45 a.m. Jacksonville City Tour

9:00 a.m. Exhibits open until 5:00 p.m. - Terrace Pavillion

9:00 a.m. ACBES Managers' Meeting - City 11

9:00 a.m. RSVA Program - City 7

9:30 a.m. BOP Meeting - Board 2

9:30 a.m. LDS Sacrament Meeting - City 8

9:45 a.m. NABT Business Meeting - City 5

10:00 a.m. Interdenominational Church Service - Orlando

10:00 a.m. ACB Legislative Seminar - Daytona

10:00 a.m. BFLAG/CCLVI Program - City 9

10:00 a.m. BITS Program - City 10

10:30 a.m. ACBL Board Meeting - Board 1

10:30 a.m. NABT Board Meeting -City 5

11:15 a.m. Ocean Fishing Tour

12:00 p.m. GDUI Convention Area Orientation - River 3

12:00 p.m. NABS Scholarship Winners Luncheon - City 6

12:30 p.m. Sports Fanatics Luncheon - St. Johns

1:00 p.m. ACB Credentials Committee - Board 2

1:00 p.m. Focus Group: JAWS for Windows 3.x - City 4

1:30 p.m. AAVIA Program - City 10

1:30 p.m. BITS Technology Vendors' Showcase - City 9

1:30 p.m. CCLVI Program - City 12

1:30 p.m. NAPVI Parents' Workshop - Orlando

1:30 p.m. RSVA Program - City 7

2:00 p.m. ACBDA Diabetes Seminar - Daytona

2:00 p.m. WCC Program - City 8

2:15 p.m. GDUI Affiliate Roundup - River 2

3:00 p.m. ACBGE Mixer - 1840

3:00 p.m. BFLAG Welcome Party - 4106

3:00 p.m. BRL Board Meeting - Board 1

3:00 p.m. Seeing Eye Ice Cream Social - River 1

3:30 p.m. Newsreelers' Get-together - Executive Director's Suite

4:00 p.m. CCLVI Mixer - 4104

4:00 p.m FIA Mixer/Showcase Sign-up - 4108

4:00 p.m. First Timers' Seminar - City 4

4:00 p.m. GDUI Board Meeting - River 2

5:00 p.m. GDUI Convention Area Orientation - River 3

5:00 p.m. NAPVI Family Pool Party and Ice Cream Social - Pool

5:30 p.m. FIA Chorus Rehearsal - 4108

6:30 p.m. ACB Pre-Convention Entertainment - Grand Ballroom

7:00 p.m. ACB General Session - Grand Ballroom

10:00 p.m. CCLVI Welcome Dance - River 1

10:00 p.m. RSVA Mixer - RSVA Suite

10:30 p.m. BFLAG President's Reception - 4106

11:00 p.m. ACB Resolutions Committee - Board 2

MONDAY, JULY 10

7:00 a.m. GDUI Breakfast Club; meet in lobby

7:00 a.m. IVIE Breakfast and Business Meeting - City 5

7:00 a.m. NIB Breakfast - Daytona

7:30 a.m. ACB Cafe open until 3:30 p.m.

7:30 a.m. BFLAG Morning Get-together - BFLAG Suite

8:00 a.m. Registration open until 2:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m. ACB Pre-Convention Entertainment - Grand Ballroom

8:15 a.m. YAC open until 4:00pm - 4104

8:30 a.m. ACB General Session - Grand Ballroom

11:00 a.m. Exhibits open until 5:00 p.m. - Terrace Pavillion

12:30 p.m. Martin Coffee Company Tour

12:30 p.m. AAVL Luncheon and Program - St. Johns

12:30 p.m. Multicultural Luncheon - City 5

12:30 p.m. RSVA Luncheon and meeting - Daytona

1:00 p.m. Focus Group: New Features of MAGic 10.0 - City 11

1:30 p.m. AAVIA Program - City 10

1:30 p.m. BFLAG/CCLVI Program - Disaster Preparedness -- City 7

1:30 p.m. BITS/IVIE Program - City 9

1:30 p.m. FIA Music Arranging Made Easy - 4108

1:30 p.m. GDUI Program - River 2

1:45 p.m. LUA Program - Orlando

2:00 p.m. GDUI/NABS Program - City 12

2:30 p.m. Busch Brewery Tour

3:15 p.m. LUA/NABT Program - Accessible Textbooks -- Orlando

3:30 p.m. BITS - What's New in Windows VISTA? -- City 9

3:30 p.m. FIA Showcase Rehearsal - 4108

3:45 p.m. IVIE - To Market We Go -- City 8

4:00 p.m. ACB Roadmap - City 4

4:00 p.m. WCC/Recreation Zone - Pilates - City 12

5:00 p.m. ACB Constitution and Bylaws Committee - Board 2

5:00 p.m. Braille Bunco - River 1

5:00 p.m. Kurzweil Users Group - City 7

5:30 p.m. ACB Nominating Committee - City 12

6:00 p.m. Speaker's Reception - Executive Director's Suite

6:00 p.m. RSVA Auction Preview - Daytona

7:00 p.m. Alaska Hospitality - 4104

7:00 p.m. BFLAG Annual Meeting - 4106

7:00 p.m. Gospel Sing-a-long - Orlando

7:00 p.m. RSVA Auction - Daytona

7:30 p.m. DVS Movie Night - Cheaper by the Dozen 2 -- Orlando

8:00 p.m. ACB Resolutions Committee - Board 2

8:00 p.m. Hospitality Bytes with BITS - 1840

8:00 p.m. GDUI "Dogs on the Street" Reception - River 1

9:00 p.m. BFLAG Pizza Party - 4106

9:00 p.m. FIA Prose and Poetry Reading - City 8

9:00 p.m. RSVA Karaoke - Daytona

10:00 p.m. FIA Chorus Rehearsal - 4108

TUESDAY, JULY 11

7:00 a.m. GDUI Breakfast Club; meet in lobby

7:00 a.m. AFB Breakfast - Daytona

7:00 a.m. Guide Dogs for the Blind Breakfast (graduates and prospective students) - St. Johns

7:00 a.m. Seeing Eye Breakfast - City 9

7:30 a.m. ACB Cafe open until 3:30 p.m.

7:30 a.m. BFLAG Morning Get-together - BFLAG Suite

8:00 a.m. Registration open until 2:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m. ACB Pre-Convention Entertainment; Grand Ballroom

8:15 a.m. CFVI Day at the YAC; meet at ACB Cafe for Adventure Landing

8:30 a.m. ACB General Session; Grand Ballroom

11:00 a.m. Exhibits open until 5:00p.m. - Terrace Pavillion

12:30 p.m. Okefenokee Swamp Tour

12:30 p.m. Blind Services Tour

12:30 p.m. AAVIA Luncheon and Meeting - City 10

12:30 p.m. ACBL Luncheon and Meeting - City 5

12:30 p.m. BITS Luncheon and Program - St. Johns

12:30 p.m. FIA Luncheon and Meeting - City 6

12:30 p.m. GDUI Program - River 2

1:30 p.m. ACB Employer Tips for Success Seminar - Daytona

1:30 p.m. CCLVI Program - City 9

1:30 p.m. NABS/NABT program - City 7

1:30 p.m. VIVA Program - 4104

1:45 p.m. BRL Program - City 8

2:00 p.m. BFLAG Program - City 11

2:00 p.m. i.d. mate OMNI Focus Group - Orlando

3:00 p.m. FIA Designer Choice: Hands-on Flower Arranging - 4106

3:15 p.m. NABS Business Meeting - City 6

3:15 p.m. NABT Using Powerpoint with Access Technology - City 7

3:30 p.m. i.d. mate OMNI Focus Group - Orlando

4:00 p.m. ACB Roadmap - City 5

4:00 p.m. IVIE/RSVA Business Card Exchange/25th Anniversary Party - RSVA Suite

4:00 p.m. Recreation Zone - City 12

4:30 p.m. BFLAG Spaghetti Dinner - off-site

5:00 p.m. ACB Constitution and Bylaws Committee - Board 2

5:00p.m. ACB Agency Directors' Reception (by invitation) - 1840

5:00 p.m. Guiding Eyes for the Blind Wine and Cheese Reception (welcome all guide dog users) - St. Johns

5:00 p.m. International Conversations - City 8

6:00 p.m. ACB Speakers' Reception - Executive Director's Suite

6:30 p.m. ACB Scholarship Winners Reception - 4104

7:00 p.m. NCI Family Film Night - Orlando

7:00 p.m. Southeastern Guide Dogs Ice Cream Social - River 1

8:00 p.m. FIA Showcase of the Performing Arts - Grand Ballroom

8:00 p.m. GDUI River Walk - TBA

8:00 p.m. RSVA Casino Night - Daytona

8:30 p.m. ACB Resolutions Committee - Board 2

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

7:00 a.m. GDUI Breakfast Club; meet in lobby

7:00 a.m. California Council of the Blind Breakfast Caucus (members only) - City 4

7:30 a.m. ACB Cafe open until 3:30 p.m.

7:30 a.m. BFLAG Morning Get-together - BFLAG Suite

8:00 a.m. Registration open until 2:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m. ACB Pre-Convention Entertainment - Grand Ballroom

8:15 a.m. Regal Cinemas Day at the YAC open until 4:00 p.m. - 4106

8:30 a.m. ACB General Session - Grand Ballroom

11:00 a.m. Exhibits open until 5:00p.m. - Terrace Pavillion

12:30 p.m. Martin Coffee Company Tour

12:30 p.m. GDUI Luncheon - Daytona

12:30 p.m. WCC Red Hat Luncheon - City 4

1:00 p.m. Museum of Science and History Tour

1:30 p.m. AAVL/ACBDA program - City 12

1:30 p.m. CCLVI Program - City 7

1:30 p.m. FIA Advanced MIDI Workshop - 4108

1:30 p.m. SASI Program - City 11

1:45 p.m. LUA Program - City 9

2:15 p.m. GDUI Auction - Daytona

2:30 p.m. Busch Brewery Tour

3:00 p.m. ACBDA Business Meeting - City 12

3:00 p.m. ACBHSP Program - City 10

3:00 p.m. FIA/NABT "Chopping Off the Chaff" Editors' Workshop - City 8

4:00 p.m. AAVL Musical Mixer - 4104

4:30 p.m. BFLAG Club 616 Social

5:00 p.m. ACB Constitution and Bylaws Committee - Board 2

5:00 p.m. ACBDA Mixer - City 5

5:00 p.m. FIA Round Sing - 4108

5:00 p.m. Midwest Caucus - Orlando

5:00 p.m. Recreation Zone: Water Aerobics - Pool

5:45 p.m. Hanna Beach Party Tour

6:00 p.m. ACB Speakers' Reception - Executive Director's Suite

7:00 p.m. SASI Rap - City 12

8:00 p.m. ACB Resolutions Committee - Board 2

8:00 p.m. GDUI "Waggable Tales" - River 2

8:30 p.m. CCLVI Game Night - River 1

9:00 p.m. Multicultural Mid-week Jam - 1840

10:30 p.m. BFLAG Men's Discussion Group - BFLAG Suite

10:30 p.m. BFLAG Women's Discussion Group - TBA

THURSDAY, JULY 13

7:00 a.m. GDUI Breakfast Club; meet in lobby

7:00 a.m. Pennsylvania Council of the Blind Breakfast Caucus (members only) - City 6

7:00 a.m. Washington Council of the Blind Breakfast Caucus (members only) - City 5

7:30 a.m. ACB Cafe open until 3:30 p.m.

7:30 a.m. BFLAG Morning Get-together - BFLAG Suite

8:00 a.m. Registration open until 2:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m. ACB Pre-Convention Entertainment - Grand Ballroom

8:15 a.m. YAC open until 4:00 p.m. - 4106

8:30 a.m. ACB General Session - Grand Ballroom

9:00 a.m. Exhibits open until 1:00 p.m. - Terrace Pavillion

12:00 p.m. ACBL Local Club Visit and Lunch - meet in lobby

12:00 p.m. BFLAG Beach Party - meet in lobby

12:15 p.m. St. Augustine Ghost Tour

12:30 p.m. ACBGE Luncheon and Program - City 5

12:30 p.m. GDUI Meeting - River 2

12:45 p.m. Cummer Museum Art and Garden Tour

1:30 p.m. AAVL Program - City 10

1:30 p.m. NELDS Workshop: Social Security ABC's - City 9

1:30 p.m. Star Trek Seminar and Mixer - City 7

1:30 p.m. SASI - Purchasing Hearing Aids: The Real Scoop - City 11

1:45 p.m. BRL Program - City 8

2:00 p.m. ACB Membership Seminar - Orlando

2:00 p.m. ACB Radio Amateurs Meeting - Board 1

2:00 p.m. CFVI Business Meeting - City 6

2:00 p.m. WCC Program - City 12

4:00 p.m. ACB Presidents' Meeting - Daytona

4:30 p.m. Ski for Light Mixer - 1840

5:00 p.m. Mid-South Caucus - Orlando

5:00 p.m. Missouri Caucus - City 4

5:00 p.m. Recreation Zone: Water Aerobics - Pool

6:00 p.m. ACB Resolutions Committee - Board 2

6:00 p.m. DKM Orange Blossom Festival - 4104

7:00 p.m. ACB Candidates' Forum - Grand Ballroom

8:00 p.m. GDUI "Downward Dog" - River 2

9:00 p.m. NABS Comedy Club - River 1

9:30 p.m. ACB Resolutions Committee - Board 2

FRIDAY, JULY 14

7:00 a.m. ACB of Ohio Breakfast/Caucus (members only) - City 5

7:30 a.m. ACB Caf‚ open until 2:00 p.m.

7:30 a.m. BFLAG Morning Get-together - BFLAG Suite

8:00 a.m. Registration open until 11:00 a.m.

8:00 a.m. ACB Pre-Convention Entertainment - Grand Ballroom

8:15 a.m. YAC open until 5:00 p.m. - 4106

8:30 a.m. ACB General Session - Grand Ballroom

5:30 p.m. ACB Life Members Reception - 4104

6:30 p.m. Doors open for ACB Banquet - Terrace Pavillion

6:45 p.m. YAC Party - 4106/Pool

7:00 p.m. ACB Banquet - Terrace Pavillion

10:30 p.m. BFLAG/CCLVI Farewell Dance - River 1

SATURDAY, JULY 15

9:45 a.m. Sun Cruise Casino Tour

10:00 a.m. ACB Post-convention Board of Directors Meeting - Orlando

5:45 p.m. Alhambra Dinner Theater Tour - "Beauty and the Beast"

CONVENTION STANDING RULES
Adopted July 4, 2005

1. Each debatable issue before the convention shall be limited to approximately twenty (20) minutes with a three minute time limit per speaker alternating between affirmative and opposing speakers unless a majority of the members agree to extend debate for an additional period of time.

A. Motions to close debate will not be recognized by the chair during the first debate period. After the first debate period, properly moved motions such as "I call for the question" or "I move the previous question," will be handled by the chair and voted on by the assembly.

B. The chair may close debate when no one seeks the floor.

C. Each member is respectfully urged to speak directly to the issue before the assembly and avoid unnecessary and time consuming dialogue.

D. No member will be recognized a second time to debate until all who wish to debate have been recognized.

E. The Parliamentarian will act as time keeper.

2. Recognition to speak will be given to those members who properly address the chair using the microphones and giving their names. Motions that may interrupt a speaker may be called from your seat, responded to by the chair, and explained by the mover at a microphone. (Point of Order, Point of Information, Parliamentary Inquiry, Question of Privilege, etc.)

3. Registration badges are required to be worn at all convention meetings and only those members with an orange dot are allowed to vote during the business meeting.

4. Convention Program changes may be made as deemed necessary by the chair or his appointee unless objected to by a member.

5. Nominating and seconding speeches shall be limited to five minutes per candidate with the speaking time to be allocated according to the candidates wishes. A person nominated for an office for a second time shall be limited to two minutes.

6. When no candidate for office receives a majority vote, the election shall be dropped to the top two candidates. Affiliate votes will be given in whole or half numbers.

AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
45TH ANNUAL CONVENTION
GENERAL SESSIONS AGENDA

SUNDAY, JULY 9

6:30 p.m. Entertainment: TBA

7:00 p.m. Call to Order: Christopher Gray, President, American Council of the Blind, San Francisco, CA

Invocation: Rev. Carmen Johns, Beaches United Methodist Church, Jacksonville Beach, FL

Presentation of the Colors

Pledge of Allegiance: Michael Taylor, member of the FCB Host Committee, Orange Park, FL

"The Star-Spangled Banner:" Sarah Alawami, Las Vegas, NV

Welcome: Jack Gillrup, Chief, Disabled Services Division, City of Jacksonville

Welcome: Debbie Grubb, President, Florida Council of the Blind, Bradenton, FL

7:20 p.m. ACB President's Report, Christopher Gray

7:45 p.m. Presentation of M.C. Migel Lay Volunteer Award Medal: Carl Augusto, President and CEO, American Foundation for the Blind, New York, NY

7:55 p.m. Charter Presentation: Sue Ammeter, ACB Membership Committee Chair, Port Hadlock, WA

8:15 p.m. ACB First-Timers: Carol Ann Ewing, Chair, Durward K. McDaniel Fund Committee, Las Vegas, NV

8:20 p.m. Life Membership Presentations

8:45 p.m. Credentials Committee Report: Jerry Annunzio, Chair, Kansas City, MO

8:55 p.m. Roll Call of Affiliates, Donna Seliger, ACB Secretary, Des Moines, IA

MONDAY, JULY 10

8:00 a.m. Entertainment: Brenda and Dan Dillon, Nashville, TN

8:30 a.m. Pledge of Allegiance: Paul Kaminski, Treasurer, Blinded Veterans of America and member, FCB Host Committee, Middleburg, FL

Invocation: Pastor Douglas Axtell, Murray Hill Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL

8:35 a.m. ACB Business including Final Credentials Report Presiding Officer: MJ Schmitt, ACB First Vice President, Rochester, NY

Awards Presentations:

Affiliate Growth Award

Robert S. Bray Award, Nola McKinney, Chair, Awards Committee, Bonnerdale, AR

Ned E. Freeman Award and Vernon Henley Media Award, Mike Duke, Chair, Board of Publications, Jackson, MS

10:15 a.m. Break

10:30 a.m. Striving to Be a Model Workplace for People with Disabilities -- CDCs New Initiative: Ruth M. Martin, Chief Management Officer for Environmental Health and Injury Prevention, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA

11:00 a.m. Medicare Part D: What You Need to Know About Prescription Drug Coverage, representative of Northeast Florida Area Agency on Aging, SHINE Program

11:30 a.m. NIB Update: Jim Gibbons, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Industries for the Blind, Alexandria, VA

11:40 a.m. Making Tomorrow Look Brighter Today: A Report from the Monthly Monetary Support Committee, Ron Milliman, Chair, Bowling Green, KY

11:50 a.m. Recreation Zone Update: Oral O. Miller, Washington, DC

11:55 a.m. Announcements

TUESDAY, JULY 11

8:00 a.m. Entertainment: Nancy Pendegraph, Huntsville, AL

8:30 a.m. Pledge of Allegiance: John Fleming, President, Visually Impaired Veterans of America, Portland, OR

Invocation: Rev. William Hamilton, St. John's Lutheran Church, Jacksonville, FL

8:35 a.m. ACB Business Presiding Officer: Mitch Pomerantz, ACB Second Vice President, Pasadena, CA

9:15 a.m. 2006 American Council of the Blind Scholarship Presentations: Patty Slaby, Chair, ACB Scholarship Committee, River Falls, WI

10:15 a.m. Break

10:30 a.m. Emergency Preparedness Panel Moderator: Day Al-Mohamed, ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Washington, DC The Role of the American Red Cross - Victoria Melvin, American Red Cross, Washington, DC Access Alerts Project - Mary Watkins, Outreach Director, WGBH's Media Access Group, Boston, MA

11:15 a.m. Congresswoman Corrine Brown, Third District, Jacksonville, FL

11:35 a.m. The U.N. Treaty on Rights of People with Disabilities: Kathy Martinez, Executive Director, World Institute on Disability

11:50 a.m. Announcements

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

8:00 a.m. Entertainment: Deanna Scoggins, Louisville, KY

8:30 a.m. Pledge of Allegiance: Children and Teens from the Youth Activities Center, Patti Cox , YAC Coordinator, Louisville, KY

Invocation: TBA

8:35 a.m. ACB Business Presiding Officer: Mike Godino, ACB Treasurer, Malverne, NY

9:15 a.m. Implementing the Help America Vote Act: The State of the States A panel discussion moderated by Day Al-Mohamed, ACB's Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Washington, DC; Ardis Bazyn, member of the California Secretary of State Voting Systems and Procedures Panel, Burbank, CA; Paul Edwards, Miami, FL; Pat Sheehan, Silver Spring, MD; and Mike Godino, New York State Independent Living Council Vice Chair, Malverne, NY

10:15 a.m. Break

10:30 a.m. News from NLS: A Library of Congress Digital Overview; Frank Kurt Cylke, Director, and Alice Baker, Digital Contract Coordinator, NLS, Washington, DC

11:00 a.m. Louis Braille: A Touch of Genius, Michael Mellor, Brooklyn, NY

11:30 a.m. Notes from a Talking Book Narrator: Jim Zeiger, Talking Book Publishers, Denver, CO

11:55 a.m. Announcements

THURSDAY, JULY 13

8:00 a.m. Entertainment: Janiece Petersen Kent, Washington, DC

8:30 a.m. Pledge of Allegiance: Darren Hatch, Louisville, KY

Invocation: Apostle C.D. Martin, The Church of the Living God and Unity, Jacksonville, FL

8:35 a.m. ACB Business Presiding Officer: Donna Seliger, ACB Secretary, Des Moines, IA

9:15 a.m. "Don't Toss Out Your Cell Phone & TV Yet! News You Can Use," Jenifer Simpson, Senior Director, Telecommunications & Technology Policy, American Association of People with Disabilities, Washington, DC

10:00 a.m. Ralph Neas, President, People for the American Way, Washington, DC (invited)

10:15 a.m. Break

10:30 a.m. ACB Business

Executive Director's Report: Melanie Brunson, ACB Executive Director, Washington, DC

ACB Treasurer's Report: Mike Godino, ACB Treasurer, Malverne, NY

National Convention Report: Carla Ruschival, Chair, National Convention Committee, Louisville, KY

FRIDAY, JULY 14

8:00 a.m. Entertainment : TBA

8:30 a.m. Pledge of Allegiance: Charles S.P. Hodge, ACB Life Member, Arlington, VA

Invocation: TBA

8:35 a.m. ACB Business Presiding Officer: Christopher Gray, ACB President, San Francisco, CA

ACB Radio Report: Chrissie Cochran, United Kingdom

ACB Enterprises and Services Report: Michael Garrett, Chair, ACBES Board of Directors

9:15 a.m. Elections

10:15 a.m. Break

10:30 a.m. ACB Business

12:00 p.m. Lunch Break

1:15 p.m. ACB Business

2:45 p.m. Break

3:00 p.m. ACB Business

5:00 p.m. Adjourn

7:00 p.m. AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND ANNUAL BANQUET -- Terrace Pavillion

Durward K. McDaniel Ambassador Award Presentation

George Card Award Presentation

Program TBA

ACB BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Many ACB boards and committees meet during convention week. Check the information below and the Calendar of Events for meeting dates and times.

FRIDAY, JULY 7

7:00 p.m. Convention Committee - Orlando

SATURDAY, JULY 8

8:30 a.m. Board of Directors Pre-convention Board Meeting - Board 1

1:00 p.m. Credentials Committee - Board 1

2:00 p.m. Constitution and Bylaws Committee - Board 2

9:00 p.m. Resolutions Committee - Board 2

SUNDAY, JULY 9

9:30 a.m. Board of Publications - Board 2

1:00 p.m. Credentials Committee - Board 2

11:00 p.m. Resolutions Committee - Board 2

MONDAY, JULY 10

5:00 p.m. Constitution and Bylaws Committee - Board 2

5:30 p.m. ACB Nominating Committee - City 12

8:00 p.m. Resolutions Committee - Board 2

TUESDAY, JULY11

5:00 p.m. Constitution and Bylaws Committee - Board 2

8:30 p.m. Resolutions Committee - Board 2

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

5:00 p.m. Constitution and Bylaws Committee - Board 2

8:00 p.m. Resolutions Committee - Board 2

THURSDAY, JULY 13

6:00 p.m. Resolutions Committee - Board 2

9:30 p.m. Resolutions Committee - Board 2

SATURDAY, JULY 15

10:00 a.m. Board of Directors Post-convention Meeting - Orlando

ACB COMMITTEE PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

DKM FIRST-TIMERS' COMMITTEE
Chair: Carol Ann Ewing

THURSDAY, JULY 13

6:00 p.m. DKM Orange Blossom Festival - 4104 Wonderful opportunity to meet the 2006 Durward K. McDaniel First-timers while helping raise money to bring more new ACBers to the 2007 convention in Minneapolis. $10 - $12

EMPLOYMENT ISSUES COMMITTEE SEMINAR
Chair: Mitch Pomerantz

TUESDAY, JULY 11

1:30 p.m. ACB Employment Issues Seminar - Daytona "What Do Employers Look For in an Applicant and Other Tips for Success in the Job Market". See schedule below for more details. $10 - $10

1:30 p.m. Opening Remarks/Introductions - Mitch Pomerantz, ADA Compliance Officer, City of Los Angeles Department on Disability, Los Angeles, CA

1:45 p.m. Activity/Preparing Your Questions - Peter Altschul, Senior Consultant, Organization Develop.m.ent, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, Washington, DC

2:15 p.m. Employer Panel - Facilitator, M.J. Schmitt, Retired Programmer, Rochester, NY; Panel Members - Hillery Cunningham, Manager of Internship and Co-Op Programs, CSX Transportation; Casee Wegehoft, Assistant Vice President, Recruiting, Merrill Lynch; Nina Richter, Director of Human Resources, Freedom Scientific

3:30 p.m. Starting and Running Your Own Business - Carla Hayes, CEO, Lengua-Learn Communications, Pittsburgh, Pa

4:00 p.m. A Career Option to Consider, National Industries for the Blind, Business Leaders Program - Karen Pal, Manager, Business Leaders Program, National Industries for the Blind, Alexandria, VA

4:30 p.m. Wrap-Up and Feedback - Mitch Pomerantz

INFORMATION ACCESS COMMITTEE
Chair: Susan Palmer Mazrui

SATURDAY, JULY 8

2:00 p.m. "Positives and Progress" - City 7 Good news for Bloggers and Googlers! PLUS resources for accessible appliances and cell phones.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Chair: Sue Ammeter

THURSDAY, JULY 13

2:00 p.m. ACB Membership Seminar - Orlando Great tips and ideas to help your chapter or affiliate all through the year. The benefits of membership in ACB, and how to run a successful meeting. Door prizes, too.

MULTICULTURAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE
Committee Chair: Peggy Chavis

MONDAY, JULY 10

12:30 p.m. Multicultural Concerns Luncheon - City 5 Join us for lunch as we continue the topic "Diversity in Leadership in ACB". An international guest will lead discussion as they share how they overcame barriers to become leaders. $25 - $27

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

9:00 p.m. Multicultural Midweek Jam - 1840 The perfect time to relax and enjoy music and socializing with special friends. Also an opportunity for all candidates to mingle and get to know other ACB members prior to elections on Friday. Stop by Suite 1840 and join us for music, refreshments and fun!!! $15 - $15

SIGHT AND SOUND IMPAIRED COMMITTEE
Committee Chair: Patty Sarchi
Program Chair: Karyn Campbell

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

1:30 p.m. Meet the Candidates - City 11

1:55 p.m. MSU Update - City 10 News about research into the needs of seniors with both a vision and hearing loss. Presenter: B.J. LeJeune, Mississippi State University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center

2:45 p.m. SSP National Pilot Project Update and the AADB Learn about the national pilot project for Support Service Providers (SSPs) and what you can do to get a program in your area. Also news from the American Association of the Deaf-blind (AADB).

3:30 p.m. World of Independence through Technology Assistive Listening Devices, amplified telephones, smoke detectors and alert systems, and other communication ideas for the hearing-impaired.

7:00 p.m. SASI Rap - City 12 Share your challenges with other SASI folks and get advice on how to cope. Facilitator: Jessie Rayl, President, ACB Human Service Providers, Martinsburg, WV

THURSDAY, JULY 13

1:30 p.m. Purchasing Hearing Aids: The Real Scoop - City 11 Answers to questions such as what to consider when choosing hearing aids and how trial periods work. Janet Shelfer, Audiologist, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL

2:30 p.m. Break

2:45 p.m. Beyond Hearing Aids Make your home more accessible; live independently or with minimal assistance. George Elwell (invited), President, Silent Call

4:00 p.m. Closing and Wrap up

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
Chair: Patty Slaby

SATURDAY, JULY 8

6:00 p.m. ACB Tracfone Scholarship Dinner (invitation only) - City 5

TUESDAY, JULY 11

6:30 p.m. ACB Scholarship Winners Reception - 4104 Each affiliate is invited to send two representatives to meet the scholarship winners.

WOMEN'S CONCERNS COMMITTEE
Chair: Bernice Kandarian

SUNDAY, JULY 9

2:00 p.m. Mammacare - City 8 Discussion of national breast cancer screening trends for women with disabilities. Identify barriers to breast health services for women who are blind or visually impaired and methods to remove these barriers. Demonstration of the Adaptive MammaCare (R) Personal Learning System, developed with the support of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in response to the need for an accessible and effective breast self-examination (BSE) program for women who are blind or visually impaired. Presenter: Mary Ann Mehn, Ph.D., Director of Education, MammaCare

MONDAY, JULY 10

4:00 p.m. Pilates - City 12 Joint session with the Recreation Zone. Pilates is an exercise program focusing on the core postural muscles that help keep the body balanced and are essential for providing support to the spine. Learn about the benefits of Pilates; some surprises, too.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

12:30 p.m. WCC Red Hat Luncheon - City 4 Poems, songs, games, door prizes, good food and good times to be had by all! Wear your red hat and purple dress, or your pink hat and lavender dress if you haven't reached your "birthatude" (age 50) yet! $28 - $29

2:00 p.m. "What Message Are You Getting from ME?" Communication through appearance, tone of voice and body language. Panel and audience participation. Panelists: Marlaina Lieberg, Director of Marketing and Outreach, ACB Radio, Burien, WA; Lori Scharff, LMSW, Malverne, NY; Debbie Hazelton, ED.S, MA

THURSDAY, JULY 13

2:00 p.m. "Puzzle Pieces That Keep Us in Balance" - City 8 Presentation by Debbie Hazelton, ED.S; state licensed in mental health counseling and nationally certified in massage therapy. Also presentation by Reiki Master, practitioner of magnified healing, certified in level one Bach Flower and Emotional Freedom technique; ordained minister and author of "Solving the Self-Esteem Puzzle," Margate, FL. Bach Flowers, aromatherapy, emotional freedom technique, aid in stress reduction and joyously support well-being.

OTHER ACB SEMINARS & EVENTS

SATURDAY, JULY 8

5:00 p.m. ACB First-Timers' Seminar - City 7 Get an overview of what to expect at an ACB convention and how to get the most out of the week's activities.

6:00 p.m. ACB Exhibitors' Reception (by invitation) - 4104

SUNDAY, JULY 9

4:00 p.m. ACB First-Timers' Seminar - City 4 Get an overview of what to expect at an ACB convention and how to get the most out of the week's activities.

MONDAY, JULY 10

4:00 p.m. ACB Roadmap - City 4 Members of our leadership facilitate these conversations and listen to your thoughts and ideas.

4:00 p.m. Recreation Zone: Pilates - City 12 Joint session with the Women's Concerns Committee. Pilates is an exercise program focusing on the core postural muscles that help keep the body balanced and are essential for providing support to the spine. Learn about the benefits of Pilates; some surprises, too.

6:00 p.m. Speakers' Reception - Executive Director's Suite Each affiliate is invited to send two members per reception. A wonderful opportunity for ACB members to meet and talk personally with the convention presenters of the day.

TUESDAY, JULY 11

4:00 p.m. ACB Roadmap - City 5 Members of our leadership facilitate these conversations and listen to your thoughts and ideas.

4:00 p.m. Recreation Zone - City 12

5:00 p.m. Agency Directors' Reception (by invitation) - 1840

5:30 p.m. International Conversations - City 8 Meet our international guests! This forum offers a venue for recognizing guests from other parts of the world, gives them an opportunity to make a few remarks about their countries and organizations, and welcomes them warmly to the ACB national convention. If you are one of our foreign guests, or for more information, contact Oral Miller, member of the ACB Board of Directors.

6:30 p.m. Scholarship Winners' Reception - 4104

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

5:00 p.m. Recreation Zone: Water Aerobics - Pool Led by Gerry Koors, certified water aerobics instructor, Indianapolis, IN

THURSDAY, JULY 13

4:00 p.m. Affiliate Presidents' Meeting - City 9

5:00 p.m. Recreation Zone: Water Aerobics - Pool Led by Gerry Koors, certified water aerobics instructor, Indianapolis, IN

7:00 p.m. Board of Publications Candidates' Forum - Grand Ballroom Candidates answer questions on a wide variety of topics.

FRIDAY, JULY 14

5:30 p.m. Life Members' Reception - 4104

7:00 p.m. Annual Banquet - Terrace Pavillion Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

SPECIAL-INTEREST AFFILIATE MEETINGS

ALLIANCE ON AGING AND VISION LOSS
President and Program Chair: Nola McKinney
Registration: $8 - $8

MONDAY, JULY 10

12:30 p.m. AAVL Luncheon - St. Johns Laugh about the funny side of life as you enjoy the parodies and songs of Michael Byington, President, Kansas Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Topekk, KS. $29 - $30

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

1:30 p.m. "Recognizing the Signs of Senior Diabetes" - City 12 Co-sponsored by ACB Diabetics in Action.

4:00 p.m. AAVL Musical Mixer - 4104 A musical good time provided by George Coorey of Cincinnati, OH. $8 - $10

THURSDAY, JULY 13

1:30 p.m. "Finding Hope in Today's World" - City 10 Roundtable and audience participation; a great time for sharing.

3:00 p.m. AAVL Business Meeting

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF
VISUALLY IMPAIRED ATTORNEYS
President: Gary Austin
Program Chair: James Kracht
Registration: $35 - $40

SATURDAY, JULY 8

6:00 p.m. AAVIA Board Meeting - City 10

7:30 p.m. Dinner for members and guests - location TBA

SUNDAY, JULY 9

1:30 p.m. Welcome - City 10 Opening remarks, roll call and introduction of attendees

1:40 p.m. "Challenges and Opportunities: Building and rebuilding A Criminal Practice from a Blind Solo Practitioner's Perspective" John Edward Eagen, Esq., Tallahassee, FL

2:20 P.M. "Westlaw Update: What's New with Westlaw and Accessibility" Katie Hauck

3:05 p.m. Break

3:15 p.m. "Involving Lawyers with Disabilities in Identifying Issues and Developing Solutions for Problems Faced by Individuals with Disabilities in the Legal System" Danielle Strickman, Coordinator, The Disability Independence Group and the Disability-Diversity Initiative

3:55 p.m. "Practicing with the Internal Revenue Service: The Review of a Successful Career of a Blind Tax Practitioner" Stephen R. Doroghazi, Esq., Senior Attorney, Internal Revenue Service, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

4:30 p.m. "Consumer Law, the Yeas and Nays of Visually Impaired Consumers Signing Documents They Have Not Read" Professor Christopher Peterson, Esq., University of Florida Law School, Gainsville, FL

5:10 p.m. "Update on USABA" Jim Neppl, Esq., Rock Island, IL and Oral O. Miller, Esq., Washington, DC

MONDAY, JULY 10

1:30 p.m. Announcements and Introduction of Attendees - City 10

1:40 p.m. "What's New with Our Supreme Court" A review and discussion of the Court's recent decisions. Dr. Otis Stephens, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN

2:35 p.m. "Sensitivity Training for Coworkers v. Disability Based Accommodations" When should the lawyer with visual disabilities ask his employer for accommodations and when should he/she be entitled to sensitivity training for coworkers. A panel discussion and interaction with the audience of common problems and experiences faced by practitioners. Panel participants: Danielle Strickman, James Kracht, and Pshon Barrett

3:30 p.m. Break

3:40 p.m. "Pro Bono Involvement of Lawyers in Our Community" Florida's experience with the delivery of legal services to the poor. Kimberly Rodgers, Esq., Director, Community Law Program, St. Petersburg, FL

4:20 p.m. "Employment Opportunities with the Antitrust Division and Diversity Efforts of The Department of Justice" Frederick Parmenter, Esq., Senior Trial Attorney, Department of Justice

4:45 p.m. "Reopening the ADA to Achieve Consensus: New Efforts, Ideas and Hopes" Day Al-Mohamed, Esq., Director of Governmental Affairs, American Council of the Blind, Washington, DC

TUESDAY, JULY 11

12:15 p.m. AAVIA Annual Luncheon - City 10 Henry M. Coxe III, President, Florida Bar Association. $30 - $33

2:15 p.m. Keynote: "Climbing to the Top - Practicing Law with the Federal Department of Justice in Berlin, Germany" Experiences of and opportunities for blind lawyers in Germany. Dr. Alexander Dorrbecker, Esq., Berlin, Germany

3:15 p.m. Break

3:30 p.m. Annual Business Meeting

AMERICAN COUNCIL OF BLIND
DIABETICS IN ACTION
President: Dee Clayton
Program Chair: Carol Edwards
Registration: $8 - $10

SUNDAY, JULY 9

2:00 p.m. ACBDA Diabetes Seminar - Daytona The latest news you can use and a great chance to share ideas and tips. $3 - $5

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

1:30 p.m. "Recognizing the Signs of Senior Diabetes" - City 12 Co-sponsored with Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

3:00 p.m. ACBDA Business Meeting - City 12

5:00 p.m. ACBDA Mixer - City 5 $12 - $15

AMERICAN COUNCIL OF BLIND
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
President: Catherine Skivers
Program Chair: Billie Jean Keith
Registration: $8 - $10

SUNDAY, JULY 9

3:00 p.m. ACBGE Wine and Cheese Mixer - 1840 $10 - $12

THURSDAY, JULY 13

12:30 p.m. ACBGE Luncheon and business meeting - City 5 $20 - $22

1:15 p.m. "The Changing Government Career" Government employment is no longer a stable career. Downsizing, office closures and outsourcing are creating hardships for state, local and federal workers, particularly for people with disabilities. Ralph G. Neas, President, People for the American Way, will address the issues that foster this uncertain climate.

2:00 p.m. "Section 508 Revised" Doug Wakefield, author of the implementing regulations for Section 508, suggests what might be included in revisions to give more definitive guidance to employees who are blind.

3:00 p.m. Business Meeting

ACB HUMAN SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
President: Jessie Rayl

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

3:00 p.m. "What Color Is Your Personality?" - City 10 Did you know personalities have colors? In this workshop, you will discover the color of your personality and of those around you, and how each color enhances the others and can clash in teamwork and relationships. Presenter: Jessie L. Rayl, MA, LPC, Martinsburg, WV

4:00 p.m. ACBHSP Business Meeting Let's talk about the future of this affiliate.

AMERICAN COUNCIL OF BLIND LIONS
President: Adam Ruschival
Registration: $10 - $12

SATURDAY, JULY 8

9:00 p.m. Milly's Place Pin Swap - 4106 Meet fellow Lions from across the country; great hospitality. $8 - $8

SUNDAY, JULY 9

10:30 a.m. ACBL Board Meeting - Board 1

TUESDAY, JULY 11

12:30 p.m. ACBL Luncheon and Business Meeting - City 5 Get involved and help shape the future of ACBL. $27 - $29

THURSDAY, JULY 13

12:00 noon Local Club Visit - meet in lobby Meet some Jacksonville Lions over lunch. Ticket includes transportation. Contact Adam Ruschival for details. $26 - $28

ACB RADIO AMATEURS
President: John Glass
Program Chair: Mike Duke
Registration: $5 - $7

THURSDAY, JULY 13

1:30 p.m. ACB Radio Amateurs Program and Business Session - Board 1 A discussion of small antennas, followed by the annual business meeting.

BLIND FRIENDS OF LESBIANS AND GAYS
President and Program Chair: Butch Arnold
Registration: $35 - $35

SATURDAY, JULY 8

6:00 p.m. Board Meeting (Dinner) - Off site, TBA

SUNDAY, JULY 9

10:00 a.m. "It Ain't Easy Being Green" - City 9

10:00 a.m. "It Ain't Easy Being Green" As Kermit the Frog says, "It ain't easy being green." Our panelists will tell how they dealt with their low vision and other identity issues. Introduction: Coletta Davis, Program Chair and Second Vice President, Anaheim, CA; Moderator: Dr. Edwin Druding, Psychologist, Board Member, CCLVI, Glendale, AZ Panelists: Barbara Milleville, President, National Capitol Citizens with Low Vision and Board Member, CCLVI, Vienna, VA; Butch Arnold, licensed real estate broker and President, BFLAG, Baltimore, MD; Dr. James Nolan, Director of Special Projects and Research, Envision, Wichita, KS; Pam Shaw, MSW, Philadelphia, PA. Co-sponsored with Council of Citizens with Low Vision International

3:00 p.m. Welcome Party - 4106 $16 - $16

10:30 p.m. President's Reception - 4106