5
ACB
Where the Stars Shine Bright
54th Annual National
Conference & Convention
American Council of the Blind
and
Special-Interest Affiliates
Sheraton Dallas Hotel, Dallas, TX
July 3 — 11, 2015
Kim Charlson, President
Hosted by ACB of Texas
Kenneth Semien Sr., President
6
***
Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Vanda Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to raising awareness
of Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (Non-24) and
supporting the blindness community. Non-24 is a rare
circadian rhythm disorder affecting up to 70% of people
who are totally blind. People living with Non-24 experience
excessive daytime sleepiness and nighttime
sleeplessness, which leads to impaired social and
occupational functioning. This is due to the misalignment
between the internal master body clock and the 24-hour
day.
Come visit us at our booth to learn about Non-24 and sign
up for additional information!
Call a health educator toll-free at 1-855-856-2424. 24 hours
a day, every day.
Non-24
a circadian rhythm disorder
Visit us online at www.Non-24.com.
7
***
A Commitment to Access
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
We proudly support the American Council of the Blind in
their mission to increase the independence, security,
equality of opportunity and quality of life for all blind and
visually impaired people.
***
The American Council of the Blind would like to sincerely
thank Google for their support of the 2015 Conference and
Convention as a Diamond Sponsor.
***
Comcast’s Accessibility Customer Support Center
XFINITY® customers who rely on key services – including
closed captioning, video description and voice guidance –
now have direct access to a specially trained customer
8
support team dedicated to resolving issues of importance
to our customers with disabilities.
Customers can reach the center between the hours of 7
a.m. and 12 a.m. (Eastern time), seven days a week.
Phone: 855-270-0379
E-mail: accessibility@comcast.com
Web: Comcast.com/accessibilitysupport
Accessibility.
Comcast.
***
American Thermoform Corporation
Get Braille Paper, Braille Labels and more!
* 10% off on your first order!
Get the best Braille Paper, Braille Labels, tactile graphic
paper and more with products from American Thermoform
Corporation.
9
With endless size, weight and format options you can be
assured to find just what you need! If not, contact
American Thermoform and they will be happy to make it
for you!
 Braille Paper – continuous tractor, cut-sheet and roll
formats
 Braille Labels – continuous tractor and cut-sheet
formats
 Thermoform (Brailon) and Swell-Touch paper
 PolyCovers – clear, rigid, pre-punched plastic for
book covers
Braille Paper:
American Thermoform Corporation teamed up with paper
specialists to develop a high-quality Braille paper in
continuous, cut-sheet and roll formats that can hold up to
the heavy demands of Braille productions. The paper is
sourced from a single mill so the quality never varies and
it is acid free and generates minimal paper dust making it
ideal for extended Braille embossing.
Braille Labels:
Developed specifically for Braille production, these labels
are perfectly clear and designed with a special adhesive
10
that will not clog the printing pins and doesn’t generate
static electricity, which can ultimately lead to embossing
issues. The Braille is embossed onto the label, cut to size
by the user, and will adhere to nearly every surface. This
material is ideal for book titles, labeling shelves, canned
goods, and identifying objects at home, school or office.
Contact:
Email: sales@americanthermoform.com
Phone: (909) 593-6711, (800) 331-3676
Fax: (909) 593-8001
www.americanthermoform.com
***
We are proud to now offer the Sony Entertainment Access
System at Regal Theatres nationwide.
Regal Entertainment Group
Regal Cinemas
United Artists Theatres
Edwards Theatres
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***
AccessNote©
The Revolution Continues!
NOW available for Android
NOW available for iPad
NEW features & improvements
NOW completely FREE!
AccessNote© is the popular notetaker app from the
American Foundation for the Blind. It’s optimized for use
with a wireless keyboard and today’s wireless braille
displays.
Download on the App Store
Android app on Google play
AFB
American Foundation for the Blind®
Expanding possibilities for people with vision loss
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***
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Over 50 Years of Service to the Blind and Visually
Impaired
When I walk down the street with my Guiding Eyes dog, I
am blind, yet I am safe.
I am free.
 Residential Training
 Home Training
 Special Needs Training
 ACTION (Accelerated Client Training Option)
 & M Seminars
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
611 Granite Spring Rd.
Yorktown Heights, New York 10598
Phone: 914.245.4024, 800.942.0149
Email: info@guidingeyes.org
Web: www.guidingeyes.org
*
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Table of Contents:
ACB Conference Gems .............................................. 16
From the President ..................................................... 18
Abbreviations in this Program .................................. 21
Program Formatting Notes ........................................ 23
ACB Photography....................................................... 23
Medical Information.................................................... 24
Digital Information and Internet ................................ 25
Info for Guide Dog Users ........................................... 27
Veterinary Care ........................................................... 29
Hotel Information ........................................................ 30
Registration Q&A........................................................ 33
Communication Center Services .............................. 37
ACB Convention Café ................................................ 40
14
ACB Fundraisers ........................................................ 40
Affiliate Caucuses ...................................................... 43
Religious Activities .................................................... 44
Macular Degeneration Indoor Navigation ................ 45
Convention Standing Rules ...................................... 46
General Session Agenda ........................................... 50
ACB Boards and Committees ................................... 64
ACB Committee Meetings ......................................... 66
Other ACB Meetings................................................... 82
Special-Interest Affiliate Meetings ............................ 83
Other Meetings and Programs ................................ 131
Kids and Families: Kids’ Explorers Club: ............. 140
2015 Tours................................................................. 144
Recreation Zone ....................................................... 157
15
More Convention Entertainment ............................. 159
2015 Exhibits............................................................. 161
ACB Marketplace ...................................................... 165
ACB Board of Directors ........................................... 165
ACB Board of Publications ..................................... 166
ACB Enterprises and Services Board of Directors 167
ACB National Office Staff ........................................ 167
ACB/ACBES Financial Office Staff ......................... 168
2015 Convention Coordinating Committee ........... 168
2015 Convention Program Committee ................... 169
2015 Local Host Committee .................................... 169
ACB Hero................................................................... 170
Conference and Convention Calendar ................... 175
Ad Pages ................................................................... 195
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ACB Conference Gems
Many, many thanks to our 2015 corporate sponsors. Their
continued generous support of the American Council of
the Blind and our conference and convention is sincerely
appreciated.
Look for the 2015 corporate sponsors on www.acb.org, in
the conference and convention program and newspaper,
on ACB Radio, on the convention T-shirt, and throughout
the week. Be sure to thank them personally for their
generous support.
Double Diamond Sponsor:

Vanda Pharmaceuticals – Crown Jewel Sponsor
Diamond Sponsor:

Google – Future Leaders
Emerald Sponsors:

JPMorgan Chase & Co. – Information Desk & the
Lone Star Auction

Verizon – Conference Registration
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Ruby Sponsors:

Comcast – General Sessions

HumanWare – ACB Radio

Regal Cinemas – Kids’ Explorers Club

Sprint – Conference Volunteer Service
Onyx Sponsors:

Adobe – Performing Arts Showcase

AT&T – ACB Café

Buell Fund – Recreation Zone

Facebook – Interpreter Services

Freedom Scientific – ACB Newspaper

National Industries for the Blind – Exhibit Hall
Topaz Sponsors:

ACB Lions – ACB Students

Hawaii Association of the Blind – Travel for
International Guest
Coral Sponsors:

Cigna HealthSpring – One day of General Session
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
Law Office of Lainey Feingold/Linda Dardarian,
Goldstein, Borgen, Dardarian & Ho – Scholarship
Reception

Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America –
Scholarship Winners’ Dinner and Luncheon
Pearl Sponsors:

ACB Families – Monday at Kids’ Explorers Club

Dallas Convention & Visitor’s Bureau – Braille
Menus / Local Restaurants

HIMS, Inc. – ACB Café, Sunday

Lighthouse for the Blind Seattle – Career
Development Workshop

LUA – NLS Talking Book Narrator

Maxi-Aids – ACB Café, Monday
From the President
Dear Conventioneers:
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I want to welcome everyone to the 54th annual conference
and convention of the American Council of the Blind here
in exciting Dallas, Texas. I am looking forward to
presiding over my second convention as president of
ACB, and to speak with so many members and guests
from across the country and, in fact, from around the
world.
The theme of the 2015 convention is "ACB: Where the
Stars Shine Bright.”
This is a great theme for this year's convention since we
are in the state where all the stars shine brighter than
anywhere else – including the thousands of ACB stars!
You will hear much more about ACB’s successes during
what should be our busiest and most information-packed
convention ever.
Every ACB convention relies on scores of volunteers who
work to make this event possible. I want to personally
thank the members of the Convention Committee, ably
chaired by Janet Dickelman; the Convention Program
Committee, and the Dallas Host Committee for their
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efforts. I know my fellow ACB board members also wish
to express their appreciation to everyone who assisted in
putting together this convention. Likewise, let me
acknowledge the work of our Arlington, VA and
Minneapolis, MN staff. You are all fabulous!
Finally, a very warm welcome to those of you attending
the ACB convention for the first time. Texas is a place
that leaves a special spot in your heart. Thirty years ago, I
attended graduate school for my master’s degree in library
science at the University of North Texas in Denton, TX
(about forty miles north of Dallas). Whether this is your
first trip to Texas, or a return visit, I can assure you that
you will leave with many new friends and treasured
memories.
I know your time in Dallas at the ACB convention will be
an especially memorable and fun experience. We want
you to come back in 2016 and join us in Minneapolis!
From Brian and me, have a great convention and stop and
say "Hello" when you see us dashing by during the week.
Best Wishes,
Kim Charlson, ACB President
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Abbreviations in this Program
ACB - American Council of the Blind
AABT - American Association of Blind Teachers
AAVL - Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss
AAVIA - American Association of Visually Impaired
Attorneys
ACBDA - ACB Diabetics in Action
ACBF - ACB Families
ACBGE - ACB Government Employees
ACBHSP - ACB Human Service Professionals
ACBL - ACB Lions
ACBRA - ACB Radio Amateurs
ACBS - ACB Students
ADP - Audio Description Project
AFB - American Foundation for the Blind
APH - American Printing House for the Blind
BITS - Blind Information Technology Specialists
BOP - Board of Publications
BPI - Blind LGBT Pride International
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BRL - Braille Revival League
CCLVI - Council of Citizens with Low Vision International
DKM - Durward K. McDaniel First-Timer
FIA - Friends-in-Art of ACB
GDUI - Guide Dog Users, Inc.
IRC - International Relations Committee
IVIE - Independent Visually Impaired Entrepreneurs
KEC - Kids’ Explorers Club
LUA - Library Users of America
MCAC - Multicultural Affairs Committee
NELDS - National Education & Legal Defense Service
NIB - National Industries for the Blind
NLS - National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped
RSVA - Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America
SASI - Sight and Sound Impaired Committee
VIVA - Visually Impaired Veterans of America
WCC - Women's Concerns Committee
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Program Formatting Notes
Entries in this program give day, time, and location for
each event. Descriptions, presenters, and ticket prices are
shown when applicable. If a group is holding all of its
events in the same room on a given day, that room name
appears on the line beside the day and date. If a group is
holding more than one event on a given day, and those
events are in different rooms, the location for the first
event is shown beside the day and date. Subsequent
rooms are shown beside the events.
ACB Photography
The official ACB photographer for the 2015 conference
and convention will be taking pictures in the exhibit hall,
on selected tours, and at many social events. He will visit
committee and affiliate meetings, workshops, general
sessions, and the banquet.
It is understood that all activities and programs scheduled
24
at the 2015 conference and convention are subject to be
photographed. Photos are the property of ACB, and are
for ACB's use.
Be sure your committee, affiliate or other group event is
photographed. Contact the ACB/JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Information Desk to request that the photographer visit
your event. Be sure to specify date and time, and provide
contact information so we can reach you if necessary.
Medical Information
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. For medical care, contact:
Emergency Clinic:
CityDoc Urgent Care
2909 McKinney Ave., Dallas, TX 75204
Walk-in hours: Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM,
Sunday 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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Phone: 214-871-7000
2.2 miles
Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas
3501 Junius St., Dallas, TX 75246
Open 24 hours with full emergency room.
Phone: 214-820-0111
1.4 miles
CVS Pharmacy:
1407 Main St., Dallas, TX 75202
Phone: 214-749-4092
Open daily 7:00 AM 12:00 AM,
Pharmacy 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, M-F
0.5 miles
Digital Information and Internet
ACB Radio - ACB Radio livestreams from all general
sessions on the Mainstream channel; sessions are
26
replayed around the clock. Some afternoon committee
sessions will be streamed live or recorded for later
broadcast. The FIA Performing Arts Showcase, BOP
Candidates' Forum, and ACB Banquet are also
livestreamed.
Email list - The ACB Convention email list keeps you upto-date on all the news. Even if you aren't at convention,
you can receive "The Lone Star Gazette" and all the other
information. To subscribe, go to the ACB website at
www.acb.org, or send a blank message to acbconventionsubscribe@acblists.org.
File Download Service -Would you like your
newspaper, exhibit list, delegate list, and amendments in
electronic format for your laptop or notetaker? Stop by
the ACB/JPMorgan Chase & Co. Information Desk each
morning before 10:00 AM; a volunteer will download all the
latest files onto your thumb drive, SD card or compact
flash card.
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Complimentary wireless Internet is available
throughout the hotel.
Info for Guide Dog Users
Guide dog relief areas are built and maintained by Scoop
Masters, and are located near hotel exits. ACB volunteers
and hotel staff will be happy to help you locate the areas.
It is your responsibility to relieve your dog at regular
intervals. You are expected to pick up after your dog;
trash receptacles are located near relief areas.
Should an indoor accident occur, please report it to the
front desk. Do not just walk away from or ignore an
accident. If an accident occurs in your room, you will be
charged for the clean-up.
The GDUI Convention Area Orientation (Sun., July 5 at
8:00 AM and Mon., July 6 at 7:30 AM) will help you learn
the best routes in and around the hotel; meet in the GDUI
Suite.
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Suite hours are:
 Sunday, July 5, noon to 5:00 PM
 Monday & Tuesday, July 6 & 7, 10:00 AM to 5:00PM
 Wednesday, July 8, 9:00 AM to 12 noon.
Socialize, take a break, and learn all about GDUI's
products from our very own Connie Jacomini. Give your
dog the luxury of a 10-15 minute tension relieving and
restorative canine massage by Carla Campbell, a
professional canine massage therapist, for $20;
appointments preferred, walk-ins if available during suite
hours.
Don’t miss our "Silent Auction" where you can bid on a
multitude of goodies; tech gadgets, digital books, jewelry
and a tasty treat from Penny's kitchen. Purchase raffle
tickets for “Dallas,” a beautiful plush black lab, and
chances for numerous prizes, grand prize $1,000.
Note: Jenine Stanley has recruited a cadre of dedicated
volunteers who will be available all week to answer your
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questions and assist you with solving doggie "pick-up"
and other relief-area concerns.
Doggie Play Area is located in San Antonio Ballroom B.
Lots of unleashed fun for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Metro Paws Animal Hospital
1021 Fort Worth Ave., Dallas, TX 75208
3.0 Miles
Phone: 214-939-1600
Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 6 PM
Wednesdays: 8 AM – 7 PM
Saturday: 8 AM – 12 PM
Emergency Animal Clinic - Uptown (Emergency & Critical
Care, nights, weekends, and holidays)
3337 N. Fitzhugh, Dallas, TX 75204
Phone: 214-520-8388
3.0 Miles
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Hotel Information
The Sheraton has 3 room towers; north, center and south.
Convention attendees will be housed in all three towers
depending on room type.
Suites holding events will be located in the center or north
towers.
Room numbers in each tower end in different numbers.
 South: room numbers that end in 1 thru 23
 Center: room numbers that end in 31 thru 55
 North: room numbers that end in 61 thru 87
There are several elevator bays going to various sleeping
room floors in each tower. This will make elevator travel
to your room much faster; just make certain to check
which elevator bay leads to your floor. All elevator bays
will have signs in braille and large print for easy
identification.
31
The Sheraton lobby area is quite large but can be easily
traveled by following a series of carpeted and tiled
pathways leading to restaurants, business link, gift shop
and other amenities.
When heading to the front desk there are 3 shallow steps
to be aware of. The steps are not along the main corridor
and you won't need to be concerned with them unless you
are visiting the front desk. The hotel will put non-skid
brightly colored tape at the top of the steps.
Meeting rooms are on the 2nd and 4th floors of the hotel
and the second and 3rd floor of the conference center. The
conference center is accessed from the hotel through a
set of double doors so it is a seamless transition from
hotel to conference center.
Meeting rooms can be accessed from the second floor of
all sleeping towers and from the fourth floor of the hotel
from the center and north towers.
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The three hotel restaurants – Peet's Coffee, The Kitchen
Table and Draft's Media Sports Bar – are all located on the
first floor of the Sheraton.
Below is a list of the meeting rooms we will be using and
their floor location.
Hotel Second Floor:
 Austin Ballrooms (Registration will be located in
Austin Ballroom 3).
 Pearl Rooms 1 through 5
 Live Oak
 Press Club
 Atrium
Conference Center Second Floor:
 Lone Star Ballrooms (general sessions and exhibits)
 Lone Star Foyer (Marketplace and ACB Café)
Conference Center Third Floor:
 Houston Ballroom
 San Antonio Ballrooms
 State Rooms 1 through 4
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Hotel Fourth Floor:
 City View Rooms 1 through 8
 Remington
Registration Q&A
Sponsored by Verizon
Registration is located in Austin Ballroom 3 on the second
floor of the Sheraton. Hours are:
 Thursday, July 2 (pre-reg p/u only): 5:00PM - 9:00 PM
 Friday to Sunday, July 3 to 5: 8:00 AM to Noon and
1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
 Monday, July 6: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
 Tuesday to Thursday, July 7 to 9: 8:00AM to 3:00PM
 Friday, July 10: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
When you register, you will receive your convention ID
badge, program, and goody bag filled with information and
surprises. You must register to purchase tickets to events
34
and be eligible to win great door prizes. Wear your badge
at all times; it admits you to the exhibit area, lets you vote
(if you are an ACB member), and helps hotel personnel
and volunteers provide better service.
If you are pre-registered, your packet will be waiting for
you. You may not pick up a packet for someone else. If
you have any questions about your registration or need to
purchase more tickets, go to Registration in Austin
Ballroom 3.
A one-day pass is available for $5.00; $10.00 with program.
This pass is color-coded by day, and is good for only the
day on which it is purchased. With this pass you may
attend exhibits and other programs and purchase tickets
for that day only. If you wish to attend additional days at
the convention, you must pay the full administrative fee.
No administrative fee will be charged for a voter
certification badge.
Refunds: ACB will make no refunds for convention
administrative and registration fees, sponsorship
35
donations, or tickets that you just don't want. Refunds are
not made for events that you miss for any reason other
than extreme illness (see below), or for events that you
simply do not enjoy.
Refunds will be issued only for meals, events, and tours
provided that:
 An individual has pre-registered and requests the
refund in writing to the American Council of the Blind,
6300 Shingle Creek Parkway, Suite 195, Brooklyn
Center, MN 55430, or calls (612) 332-3242, on or before
June 30, 2015; and
 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
36
given.
 Refunds for tour tickets are only made under certain
conditions. See tour instructions for more
information.
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.
Reselling tickets: Only tour tickets will be accepted for
resale. In general, meal functions and social events at the
hotel do not sell out. You may wish to explore other
methods of selling luncheon, banquet and other such
tickets.
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.
37
Communication Center Services
The Communication Center is located in Atrium on the
second floor of the Sheraton and is open from 8:00 AM to
5:00 PM, Saturday, July 4 through Thursday, July 9. This
is where you can place ads in the paper, make braille or
print copies, or volunteer to help produce the newspaper.
Convention Newspaper: This year's newspaper is "The
Lone Star Gazette." It is published each day, Saturday
through Thursday, in braille and large print; pick up a
copy at the Information Desk. The paper is also available
on the acbconvention email list and via download at the
Information Desk before 10:00 AM.
ACB Students (ACBS) will deliver the newspaper to your
hotel room door. For $7 (pre-registration) or $10
(registration), your paper will be waiting for you each
morning when you wake up. After you sign up for
newspaper delivery, activate your service by giving your
room number and your format preference to the
Information Desk.
38
Ads and Announcements: Ads and other items for
publication must be in the Communication Center by 2:00
PM each day. The BOP allows ads to run up to three days
in order to give important convention announcements
more space. Ads must be no longer than 75 words. BOP
editorial policy prohibits the production or distribution of
campaign materials by the Communication Center.
Cost of advertising in the newspaper is:
 Individuals, ACB affiliates and blind representatives of
MLM companies - $15/day or $40 for 3 days
 Exhibitors - $40/day or $100 for 3 days
 All others - $50/day or $125 for 3 days.
Pay for advertising at Registration; show your receipt at
Communication Center when submitting your ad.
Brailling and Photocopying: Photocopying is available
at the Communication Center for 10 cents/page. Brailling
services are available as follows:
39
 individuals, ACB affiliates, and blind representatives
of MLM companies, 10 cents/page
 small businesses and small nonprofits, 20 cents/page
 all others, 35 cents/page
If your committee or affiliate needs something in braille or
large print, bring files early in the day so we can fit your
job between other tasks. A test copy will be printed to let
you know the number of pages per copy. Be sure to label
your computer card or thumb drive, and tell us how many
of each format you need and by what time. Please make
payment at Registration.
Thanks to Enabling Technologies for once again donating
the use of the braille embossers and to American Printing
House for the Blind and American Thermoform
Corporation for their generous donation of braille paper.
Please remember that the Communication Center is a
working room. While the convention is a great place to
meet and greet, loud conversations make it difficult to
hear the speech synthesizers on the computers. Help us
40
help you get the information you need.
ACB Convention Café
Sponsored by AT&T.
Café Coupon Sponsors: Sunday, July 5, HIMS, Inc.
Monday, July 6, Maxi-Aids
Stop by the ACB Convention Café to grab a quick cup of
coffee, pastry, sandwich, salad or snack as you rush from
one meeting to another or as you head out on a tour. Meet
at the Café to visit with friends or just rest a while between
activities. Located outside of the Lone Star Ballroom,
hours and specials to be announced in the newspaper.
ACB Fundraisers
You can show your support for ACB in several ways:
41
Convention Sponsorships: Stop by ACB / Verizon
Registration in Austin Ballroom 3 and become an
individual or corporate ACB Convention Sponsor.
Individual sponsorships are bronze ($25), silver ($50), gold
($100), platinum ($250), and titanium ($500); sponsors
receive special ribbons to wear on their convention
badges, and are recognized both in general session and in
the newspaper.
For information on corporate sponsorships, including
pearl, coral, topaz, onyx, ruby, emerald, diamond and
double diamond, contact Margarine Beaman in the hotel or
by cell phone at (512) 921-1625.
Brenda Dillon Memorial ACB Walk: Go the extra mile
for ACB by bringing in donations and by participating in
the walk. Meet in Pearl 5 on Sunday, July 5 and walk
across the skyway to Plaza of the Americas. Sincere
thanks to Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Regal Entertainment,
the Macular Degeneration Foundation, and the Buell Fund
for their sponsorship of the 2015 Brenda Dillon Memorial
ACB Walk.
42
ACB Auction: Get ready to bid and buy! Vacations,
technology, jewelry, memorabilia and many more
treasures. Auction preview, Wed., 6:00 PM; auction to
follow at 7:00 PM in Houston Ballroom. Don't be late; grab
a bite from the cash-and-carry line at the auction so you
won't miss any of the bidding fun. This years auction is
sponsored by JP Morgan Chase & Co.
ACB Raffle: Win $5,000 in cold hard cash! Limited
tickets available; $50 each. Buy one for yourself or your
affiliate, or find up to four friends and split the cost five
ways. Available at the ACB Store in the ACB / NIB Exhibit
Hall and at registration.
MMS Program: Help support ACB all year ‘round; it's
easy and quick. Find out more about the Monthly
Monetary Support Program; ask questions and complete
paperwork at the MMS table at the ACB Store booth in the
Exhibit Hall. The MMS table is open Sunday through
Wednesday afternoon.
43
Affiliate Caucuses
Tuesday, July 7
5:45 PM: California Caucus, City View 6
5:45 PM: Four Corners Caucus, (Arizona, Colorado, New
Mexico and Utah), State Room 1
Wednesday, July 8
2:45 PM: GDUI Caucus, San Antonio Ballroom A
4:15 PM: Midsouth Caucus, City View 7
5:45 PM: New England, Maryland, Florida Caucus, City
View 8
5:45 PM: Midwest Caucus, City View 7
Thursday, July 9
7:00 AM: Washington State Breakfast (WCB members
only), City View 7
5:45 PM: Missouri Caucus, City View 6
44
Religious Activities
Saturday, July 4
5:00 PM: Roman Catholic Mass, State Room 4
Priest TBA
Sunday, July 5
9:00 AM: Jewish Service, City View 1
Rabbi Sherri Stohl, Dallas, TX
10:00 AM: Interdenominational Service, State Room 4
Pastor Chuck Hubbard, Gloria Day Lutheran Church,
Garland, TX
11:00 AM: LDS Sacrament Service, City View 1
Bishop Zachary Lind, Dallas, TX
Monday, July 6, State Room 1
7:00 PM: Gospel Sing
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Macular Degeneration Indoor Navigation
Thanks to a generous donation from MD Support and their
partner MD Foundation, indoor navigation technology will
be available for the first time to attendees at this year's
ACB conference and convention in Dallas. The guidance
system works by sending audible instructions and
location descriptions to iDevices (iPhone 4S or later and
iPad 4 or later). The information is electronically
transmitted by beacons placed at meeting rooms,
restrooms, elevators, and other venues.
If you are planning to use MD Support's new LowViz
Guide at this year's convention, you'll need to know your
Apple Store ID and password in order to download the
LowViz Guide. You may download it ahead of time if you
wish, but remember, it will operate only in the convention
environment. To download the app, receive additional
information or step-by-step instructions, visit
www.mdsupport.org/audioguide.
Dan Roberts, director, MD Support, will discuss the
wayfinding system during Monday morning's general
46
session. You can also hear from Dan on Sunday
afternoon at 2:00 PM at the GPS and Paratransit seminar
presented by EAC and the transportation committee; cost
$6.
Convention Standing Rules
Adopted by the ACB Board of Directors, May 2009
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.
47
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 timekeeper.
2. Recognition to speak will be given to those members
who properly address the chair using the microphones
and giving their names and affiliation. 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 if requested by the chair. Examples:
Point of Order, Point of Information, Parliamentary
Inquiry, Question of Privilege, Call for Orders of the
Day, etc.
3. Registration badges are required to be worn at all
48
convention meetings, and only those members with the
appropriate colored dot may vote during business
meetings.
4. Changes to the published convention program may be
proposed to the membership as deemed necessary by
the presiding officer or his/her appointee. The
presiding officer will explain the reason for such
change and inform the assembly of their right to
question the recommended modification. After this
explanation, if twenty-five (25) or more members object
to the proposed change by coming to the microphone
and stating their name as placed in objection, the
change requires debate and a majority vote to modify
the convention program.
5. Nominating and seconding speeches shall be limited to
five minutes per candidate with the speaking time
allocated according to the candidate's wishes. A
person nominated for an office more than once shall be
limited to one minute.
49
6. When no candidate for office receives a majority vote,
the election shall be among the top two candidates.
Affiliate votes will be reported in whole or half
numbers.
7. Anyone meeting the requirements for voting
membership in ACB in accordance with Constitution
Article III-A-1 and bylaw 1 is entitled to vote on any
matter coming before the convention, provided that:
A. The person's name appears on an affiliate's certified
membership list as submitted on March 15th or has
been added to that list prior to the established
record date for the convention, which date is thirty
(30) days prior to the date of the opening session;
B. no challenges to, or questions about, a person's
membership status will be considered after the
close of registration on the day immediately
preceeding the final day on which convention
business is to be conducted;
C. no challenges to, or questions about, a person's
membership status will be considered during the
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time a record vote is being conducted.
General Session Agenda
American Council of the Blind
54th Annual Conference and Convention
Theme: ACB: Where the Stars Shine Bright
Sunday, July 5: Lone Star Ballroom A
6:30 PM: Entertainment: Jan Gray, Saginaw, TX
7:00 PM: Call to Order: Kim Charlson, President, American
Council of the Blind, Watertown, MA
Invocation: Rev. Michael Garrett, New Faith Baptist
Church, Houston, TX
Presentation of Colors: Buffalo Soldiers, Dallas, TX
"The Star-Spangled Banner": Kenneth Semien Sr.,
Beaumont, TX
“Texas, Our Texas”: Jan Gray, Saginaw, TX
Welcome to Texas, Kenneth Semien Sr., President,
ACB of Texas, Beaumont, TX
51
7:25 PM: President's Report: Kim Charlson, Watertown,
MA
7:55 PM: Welcome to Dallas: Stuart Swartz, Chair, Local
Host Committee, Plano, TX
8:00 PM: Double Diamond Sponsor Presentation: Tom
Gibbs, Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial
Officer, Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Washington, D.C.
8:15 PM: ACB Life Membership Presentations: Kim
Charlson, ACB President, Watertown, MA; and Lane
Waters, ACB Controller, Brooklyn Center, MN
8:30 PM: Film Premiere: ACB Employment Possibilities
Video, Eric Bridges, Director of External Relations and
Policy, Arlington, VA
8:45 PM: ACB First-Timers: Allen Casey, Chair, Durward K.
McDaniel First-timers' Committee, Graham, NC
8:55 PM: First Credentials Committee Report: Jean Mann,
Chair, Albany, NY
9:00 PM: Tribute and Appreciation for ACB Angels: Dan
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Spoone, ACB Board of Directors, Orlando, FL
“Remembering our ACB Angels”: Original Song
Written by Dan Dillon, Hermitage, TN and Recorded by
"Some Assembly Required," a quartet from the Metro
Nashville Chorus, Sweet Adelines International,
Nashville, TN
9:15 PM: Roll Call of Affiliates: Ray Campbell, ACB
Secretary, Glen Ellyn, IL
Monday, July 6, Lone Star Ballroom A
8:00 AM: Entertainment: Patrick Higgins, guitar and vocal,
Dallas, TX
8:30 AM: Invocation: Pastor Larry Thacker, Bartimaeus
Baptist Temple, Dallas, TX
Pledge of Allegiance: Becky Collier, 2015 Host
Committee, Garland, TX
8:35 AM: ACB Business:
ACB Sponsor Recognitions: Margarine Beaman,
Advertising and Sponsorship Coordinator, Austin,
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TX
Adoption of Standing Rules and Program: Kim
Charlson, ACB President, Watertown, MA
Final Credentials Committee Report: Jean Mann,
Chair, Albany, NY
Constitution and Bylaws: John Huffman, Chair,
Constitution and Bylaws Committee, Indianapolis,
IN
Presiding Officer, Jeff Thom, ACB First Vice
President, Sacramento, CA
9:15 AM: Presentation of Affiliate Membership Growth,
Affiliate Outreach, and George Card Awards:
Rochelle Hart, Sioux Falls, SD, and Chip Hailey,
Joplin, MO, Co-Chairs, ACB Awards Committee;
Presentation of Ned E. Freeman, Vernon Henley and
Hollis Liggett Awards: Denise Colley, Chair, ACB
Board of Publications, Lacey, WA
9:40 AM: Big Thoughts About the “Big D” Dallas!, Dr.
Rose-Mary Rumbley, Historian, Dallas, TX
54
10:00 AM: Break
10:15 AM: Audio Guide: Indoor Navigation For The
Visually Impaired: A Public Service of Macular
Degeneration Support, Dan Roberts, Director,
Grandview, MO
10:30 AM: Access Comes to Netflix: Tracy Wright,
Director, Content Operations, Los Angeles, CA
11:00 AM: Developments and Progress at NLS: Karen
Keninger, Director, National Library Service for the
Blind and Physically Handicapped, Washington, DC
11:35 AM: Innovation and Inspiration: Shubham Banerjee,
Braigo Labs Inc., Palo Alto, CA
11:50 AM: ACB Recreation Zone: Oral Miller, ACB Past
President, Washington, DC
11:55 AM: Announcements
Tuesday, July 7, Lone Star Ballroom A
55
8:00 AM: Entertainment: Kimberly Engle, Flutist, Dallas, TX
8:30 AM: Invocation: Pastor Chuck Hubbard, Gloria Day
Lutheran Church, Garland, TX
Pledge of Allegiance: 2015 Scholarship Winners
8:35 AM: ACB Business:
ACB Sponsor Recognitions: Margarine Beaman,
Advertising and Sponsorship Coordinator, Austin,
TX
Ruby Sponsor Presentation: HumanWare: Patrick
Wallace, Vice President, Global Sales, Montreal,
Quebec, Canada
Constitution and Bylaws: John Huffman, Chair,
Indianapolis, IN
Resolutions: Mark Richert, Chair, Arlington, VA
Presiding Officer: Marlaina Lieberg, ACB Second Vice
President, Burien, WA
9:15 AM: 2015 ACB Scholarship Presentations: Rev.
Michael Garrett, Chair, Scholarship Committee,
Missouri City, TX
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10:25 AM: Break
10:40 AM: The Americans with Disabilities Act 25th
Anniversary: Thoughts Along the Journey: Stuart
Ishimaru, Director, Equal Opportunity and Fairness
Division, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau,
Washington, DC
11:15 AM: Braille Authority of North America Update:
Sandra Ruconich, ACB BANA Representative, Salt
Lake City, UT
11:35 AM: Award Presentation and Update from the ACB
Audio Description Project: Joel Snyder, Director,
Audio Description Project, Takoma Park, MD; Chris
Gray, ADP Awards Chair, St. Louis, MO; and Dan
Spoone, Chair, Audio Description Project Steering
Committee, Orlando, FL
11:55 AM: Announcements
Wednesday, July 8, Lone Star Ballroom A
8:00 AM: Entertainment: Chris Prentice, Guitar and Vocal,
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Del Valle, TX
8:30 AM: Invocation: Rev. Jan Davis, First Rowlett United
Methodist Church, Rowlett, TX
Pledge of Allegiance: Visually Impaired Veterans of
America
8:35 AM: ACB Business:
ACB Sponsor Recognitions: Margarine Beaman,
Advertising and Sponsorship Coordinator, Austin,
TX
Emerald Sponsor Presentation: Amy R. Furash,
JPMorgan Chase, National ADA Coordinator,
Columbus, OH
Ruby Sponsor Presentation: Tom Wlodkowski, Vice
President, Comcast Accessibility, Philadelphia, PA
Constitution and Bylaws: John Huffman, Chair,
Indianapolis, IN
Resolutions: Mark Richert, Chair, Arlington, VA
Presiding Officer: Ray Campbell, ACB Secretary, Glen
Ellyn, IL
58
9:15 AM: “From Stage to Page; the Making of a GunSlinging Narrator”: Joe Wilson, Talking Book
Publishers, Inc., Denver, CO
9:45 AM: Executive Director's Report: Melanie Brunson,
Arlington, VA
Special Tribute Ceremony to Recognize the
Retirement of Melanie Brunson as Executive
Director
10:15 AM: Break
10:30 AM: National Conference and Convention Report:
Janet Dickelman, Chair, Convention Committee, Saint
Paul, MN
10:45 AM: Radio Reading Services and Their Role in the
21st Century: Melanie Brunson, ACB Executive
Director, Arlington, VA; Mike Duke, Director,
Mississippi Radio Reading Service, Mississippi Public
Broadcasting, Jackson, MS; and Steve Cumming,
Former Station Manager, North Texas Radio for the
Blind and Austin Information Radio, Dallas, TX
59
11:15 AM: Twenty-First Century Jobs for People who are
Blind: Kevin Lynch, President and CEO, National
Industries for the Blind, Alexandria, VA
11:35 AM: Update on Governmental Affairs and Policy
Issues: Eric Bridges, Director of External Relations
and Policy, Arlington, VA
11:55 AM: Announcements
Thursday, July 9, Lone Star Ballroom A
8:00 AM: Entertainment: Annie Wallace, Piano and Vocal,
Plano, TX
8:30 AM: Invocation: Bishop Alan Aanerud, Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Dallas, TX
Pledge of Allegiance: Shirley Stivers, Bellevue, KY,
and Todd Fahlstrom, Moorhead, ND
8:35 AM: ACB Business:
ACB Sponsor Recognitions: Margarine Beaman,
Advertising and Sponsorship Coordinator, Austin,
60
TX
Diamond Sponsor Presentation: Google: Eve
Andersson, Engineering and Product Manager,
Core Team, Google Accessibility
Emerald Sponsor Presentation: Verizon, Jeffrey A.
Kramer, Executive Director, Public Policy,
Strategic Alliance, Washington, DC
Ruby Sponsor Presentation: Sprint, Kelly Egan,
Blindness and Low Vision Outreach Specialist,
Denver, CO
Constitution and Bylaws: John Huffman, Chair,
Indianapolis, IN
Resolutions: Mark Richert, Chair, Arlington, VA
Presiding Officer: Carla Ruschival, ACB Treasurer,
Louisville, KY
9:15 AM: “The Barefoot Lawyer: Chen Guangcheng”: His
imprisonment, escape from China, journey to the U.S.,
and where he is now! Washington, DC, and Danica
Mills, Interpreter, New York, NY
10:00 AM: Break
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10:15 AM: Bureau of Engraving and Printing Update:
Currency Readers, Tactile Markings and More: Sidney
Rocke, Chief Counsel, Bureau of Engraving and
Printing, Washington, DC
10:40 AM: Report on the ACB Walk and Auction: Dan
Spoone, ACB Board of Directors, Orlando, FL; Dan
Dillon, Hermitage, TN, Co-chairs, ACB Resource
Development Committee; Donna Brown, Walk Chair,
Romney, WV; and Leslie Spoone, Chair, ACB Auction
Subcommittee, Orlando, FL
11:15 AM: Treasurer's Report: Carla Ruschival, Louisville,
KY
11:30 AM: ACBES Report: Rev. Michael Garrett, Chair,
ACB Enterprises and Services, Missouri City, TX
11:40 AM: ACB Business
11:55 AM: Announcements
Friday, July 10, Lone Star Ballroom A
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8:00 AM: Entertainment: Piano, Karen Eitel, Kingwood, TX
8:30 AM: Invocation: Prophetess Charleszetta Franklin,
Shabach Sanctuary, Dallas, TX
Pledge of Allegiance: George Holliday, ACB Board of
Directors, Philadelphia, PA
8:35 AM: ACB Business:
ACB Sponsor Recognitions: Margarine Beaman,
Advertising and Sponsorship Coordinator, Austin,
TX
9:00 AM: Resolutions: Mark Richert, Chair, Arlington, VA
10:00 AM: Elections
10:30 AM: Break
10:45 AM: Elections (continued)
12:00 Noon: Lunch Break
1:15 PM: ACB Business
2:45 PM: Break
63
3:00 PM: Old/New Business
5:00 PM: Adjourn
5:30 PM: ACB Life Member Reception, Houston Ballroom A
6:30 PM: Pre-banquet entertainment: Karen Eitel, piano,
Kingwood, TX
7:00 PM: ACB Banquet: Austin Ballroom 1
Master of Ceremonies: Jeff Thom, ACB First Vice
President, Sacramento, CA
Invocation: Stuart Schwartz, Ordained Baptist
Minister, Plano, TX
Banquet Speaker: Christine Ha, Master Chef U.S.
season 3 winner on FOX, New York Times bestselling author of “Recipes from My Home
Kitchen” (2013)
Presentation of Awards: Rochelle Hart, Sioux Falls,
SD, and Chip Hailey, Joplin, MO, Co-Chairs, ACB
Awards Committee
64
ACB Boards and Committees
ACB Board of Directors
Saturday, July 4
9:00 AM: Pre-convention Board Meeting – State Rm 2
Board of Publications
Chair: Denise Colley
Sunday, July 5
10:30 AM: BOP Meeting, State Room 2
Thursday, July 9
1:15 PM – 2:30 PM: BOP Editors’ Workshop, Austin
Ballroom 1
7:00 PM: BOP Candidate Forum, Lone Star Ballroom A
Hear from and ask questions of this year’s candidates.
65
Constitution and Bylaws Committee
Chair: John Huffman
Saturday, July 4, 4:30 PM, Pearl 5
Monday, July 6, 4:15 PM, Pearl 5
Tuesday, July 7, 5:45 PM, Pearl 5
Credentials Committee
Chair: Jean Mann
Sunday, July 5, 1:00 PM, Pearl 5
Nominating Committee
Chair: Mike Godino
Monday, July 6, 5:45 PM, Austin Ballroom 1
66
Resolutions Committee
Chair: Mark Richert
Sunday, July 5, 11:00 PM, or after general session, Pearl 5
Monday, July 6, 8:00 PM, Pearl 5
Tuesday/Wednesday, July 7/8, 10:00 PM, or at the
conclusion of the FIA showcase, Pearl 5
Thursday, July 9, 6:00 PM and 9:30 PM, Pearl 5
ACB Committee Meetings
Advocacy Committee
Chair: Jeff Thom
Wednesday, July 8, Austin Ballroom 1
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: Social Security Seminar $6 ($8)
Does the Social Security system make you feel like you
are rowing upstream without any oars? Learn all you need
to know about your rights and responsibilities under the
Social Security's programs. Presenters: Roberta Roque,
67
Advocate Supervisor, Disability Rights Texas, Austin, TX;
Tony Stevens, Public Policy Advocacy Manager, National
Industries for the Blind, Alexandria, VA; and Michael
Byington, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and
former Social Security Advocate, Topeka, KS.
DKM First-Timers Committee
Chair: Allen Casey
Thursday, July 9, President's Suite
5:00 PM — 7:00 PM: First-Timers Reception $15 ($18)
Join the celebration of the 100th birthday of Durward K.
McDaniel, Father of ACB. Meet and greet 2015 DKM FirstTimers Shirley Stivers of Kentucky and Todd Fahlstrom of
North Dakota. Test your knowledge of ACB history.
Environmental Access Committee
Chair: Christopher Bell
68
Sunday, July 5, Austin Ballroom 1
2:00 PM — 4:00 PM: GPS and Paratransit $6 ($8)
2:00 PM Highlights of the internal GPS way-finding
system, introduced at the convention in Dallas and
sponsored by the Macular Degeneration Network.
This way-finding system will be available as an app on
your iPhone/iDevice and will help you find the way to
meeting rooms, restrooms, elevators and other
locations in the Sheraton. Presenter: Dan Roberts,
Director
Macular Degeneration Support, Grandview, MO.
3:00 PM "Lessons Learned from the Trenches."
A discussion of issues concerning paratransit
eligibility, certification and re-certification.
Presenter: Kristi McLaughlin, Training and Technical
Assistance Specialist II, Easter Seals Project ACTION
Consulting, Washington, DC.
Co-sponsored by EAC and Transportation Committee.
69
Information Access Committee
Chair: Brian Charlson
Saturday, July 4, Austin Ballroom 1
1:15 PM — 4:00 PM: 411 from the IAC $6 ($8)
Following a report on the activities of the IAC,
we will demonstrate two new Apple iOS devices, one for
your wrist, the other for your back. We will then have a
panel discussion: "How Do I Complain and Make It
Count?" When technologies, hardware, software and
services fail to meet our needs, how to make your voice
heard.
Sunday, July 5, Austin Ballroom 2
4:00 PM — 5:00 PM: iOS App Swap $6 ($8)
Share useful apps and learn about new ones.
5:00 PM — 6:00 PM: Podcasts From Both Sides
of the Mic $12 ($15)
Share your favorite podcasts, learn about the best podcast
catchers. Cash bar and snacks.
70
Monday, July 6, State Room 3
5:45 PM: Scanning: New Ways / New Devices $6 ($8)
LUA and IAC with special guests explore the KNFB Reader
and two new scanning products from HIMS Inc. to see if
portable scanning is ready for prime time.
International Relations Committee
Chair: Sandra Sermons
Monday, July 6, State Room 3
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: ACB Passport $6 ($8)
Explore the benefits and opportunities of studying or
traveling abroad. Co-sponsored by ACBS and IRC.
Tuesday, July 7, Houston Ballroom A
7:00 AM — 8:15 AM: International Breakfast $25 ($30)
71
Learn about the innovative way braille is being used
around the world. Moderator: Sandra Sermons, Rockville,
MD. Co-sponsored by BRL and IRC.
12:15 PM — 2:30 PM: Voices From Around the World
Luncheon $25 ($27)
Join IRC in welcoming our international guests both
returning and new. Presentation: the Marrakesh Treaty,
Learn how the Marrakesh Treaty will improve our book
lists! Melanie Brunson, ACB Executive Director,
Arlington, VA.
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: Rehab Around the World $6 ($8)
A panel of international guests discuss what we can learn
from each other to improve outcomes for b/vi people.
Presenter: Fikru Gebrekidan, Professor, St. Thomas
University, Ontario, Canada. Co-sponsored by IRC and
Rehab Issues Task Force.
Membership Committee
Chair: Ardis Bazyn
72
Sunday, July 5, State Room 3
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Keys to the Convention
For anyone wishing to learn more about convention week.
Presented by the ACB Membership Committee.
Thursday, July 9, Houston Ballroom 1
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM: 2015 Membership Seminar
Theme: "How to use your convention as a tool for
membership."
2:45 PM: Welcome and introductions
2:55 PM: Panel: “Best Practices for Successful
Conventions." Peggy Garrett, ACB of Texas, Missouri
City, TX; Allan Peterson, North Dakota Association of
the Blind, Horace, ND; Donna Seliger, Iowa Council of
the United Blind, West Des Moines, IA.
3:20 PM: Panel: "Building Attendance Through
Outreach and Communication." Sally Benjamin,
Florida Council of the Blind, Tallahassee, FL; Dan
Sippl, Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, Eau
73
Claire, WI; George Holliday, Pennsylvania Council of
the Blind, Philadelphia, PA; Brian Charlson, Library
Users of America, Watertown, MA.
3:45 PM: Affiliate Growth Awards, hand-outs and door
prizes. We encourage each affiliate to send at least
one representative to attend the seminar.
Multicultural Affairs Committee
Chair: Peggy Garrett
Monday, July 6, City View 8
12:15 PM — 2:30 PM: MCAC Luncheon and Program $30
($30)
Wednesday, July 8, President's Suite
5:00 PM — 6:30 PM: Mid-Week Social $18 ($20)
Join MCAC for fun, food, music and door prizes!
74
Public Relations Committee
Chair: Nolan Crabb
Tuesday, July 7, Austin Ballroom 1
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: PR Basics $6 ($8)
Learn how to craft press releases that get attention;
become an expert your local media will look to for
information, and learn how to mend fences when things
go wrong and get media attention. Presenters: Mike Duke,
Jackson, MS; Brian Charlson, Watertown, MA; Nolan
Crabb, Hilliard, OH; Katie Frederick, Worthington, OH.
Rehab Issues Task Force
Chair: Doug Powell
Monday, July 6, Austin Ballroom 1
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: Structured Discovery: Why Not?
What is "Structured Discovery"? How is it different from
conventional rehab? Who thrives under which system
and how to advocate for services. Presenters: Michael
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Byington, Certified O & M Instructor, Wichita, KS and Mark
Bulger, Executive Director, ACB of Nebraska, Omaha, NE.
Co-sponsors: CCLVI & Rehab Issues Task Force.
Tuesday, July 7, Houston Ballroom A
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: Rehab Around the World $6 ($8)
A panel of international guests discuss what we can learn
from each other to improve outcomes for b/vi people.
Presenter: Fikru Gebrekidan, Professor, St. Thomas
University, Ontario, Canada. Co-sponsored by IRC and
Rehab Issues Task Force.
Resource Development Committee
Co-chairs: Dan Dillon and Dan Spoone
Saturday, July 4, State Room 3
4:30 PM — 6:00 PM: Grant Writin' Roundup $8 ($8)
Ever wanted to apply for a grant for your affiliate, but
didn't know where to begin? Now is your chance to learn
the ins and outs of grant writing. Presenter: Thomas L.
76
Tobin, ACB Director of Development, Cleveland Heights,
OH.
Scholarship Committee
Chair: Michael Garrett
Saturday, July 4, City View 7
6:30 PM — 8:00 PM: ACB Scholarship Dinner (by invitation
only)
Sunday, July 5, Houston Ballroom A
12:15 — 2:30 PM: ACBS Scholarship Lunch $28 ($30)
Join ACBS and RSVA to celebrate the accomplishments of
the 2015 scholarship winners.
Tuesday, July 7, Lone Star Ballroom A
9:15 AM: 2015 ACB Scholarship Presentations
6:30 PM — 7:30 PM: ACB Scholarship Winners' Reception,
President's Suite
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Sponsored by RSVA. Each affiliate is invited to send two
representatives to meet the 2015 scholarship winners.
Sight and Sound Impaired Committee
Chair: Karyn Campbell
Monday, July 6, President's Suite
8:00 PM — 10:00 PM: Get Social with SASI $13 ($15)
Meet people who share your unique issues and learn
about various ways to communicate in a relaxed
atmosphere.
Wednesday, July 8, State Room 4
2:45PM — 4:00 PM: Being SASI in Social Situations? $8
($10)
Large group discussion about being Sight and Sound
Impaired (SASI) and coping in social situations.
Facilitator: Lori Scharff, Licensed Master Social Worker
and SASI member, Malverne, NY. Co-sponsors AAVL and
SASI.
78
Special Education/Schools for the Blind Task
Force
Chair: Debbie Grubb
Tuesday, July 7, State Room 2
2:45 PM — 5:30 PM: A panel of experts will provide
information enabling you to be a resource for parents,
educators and all who are interested in advocating for
equal education for children who are blind and visually
impaired. Panelists: Brenda Lee, M. Ed. Educational
Consultant for BVI Teachers, Abilene, TX; Cyral Miller,
Director of Outreach at the Texas School for the Blind and
Visually Impaired, Austin, TX; Kristin Smedley, Parent
Advocate, Bucks County, PA; Lori Scharff, Master Social
Worker and President, ACBNY, Malverne, NY; Mark
Richert, Director, Public Policy, American Foundation for
the Blind, Arlington, VA.
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Transportation Committee
Chair: Alice Ritchhart
Sunday, July 5, Austin Ballroom 1
2:00 PM — 4:00 PM: GPS and Paratransit $6 ($8)
2:00 PM: Highlights of the internal GPS way-finding
system introduced at the convention in Dallas,
sponsored by the Macular Degeneration Network. This
way-finding system will be available as an app on your
iPhone/iDevice and will help you find the way to
meeting rooms, restrooms, elevators and other
locations in the Sheraton. Presenter: Dan Roberts,
Director, Macular Degeneration Support, Grandview,
MO.
3:00 PM 3:00 PM: "Lessons Learned from the
Trenches." A discussion of issues concerning
paratransit eligibility, certification and re-certification.
Presenter: Kristi McLaughlin, Training and Technical
Assistance Specialist II,
80
Easter Seals Project ACTION Consulting, Washington,
DC. Co-sponsored by EAC and Transportation
Committee.
Women's Concerns Committee
Chair: Lori Scharff
Monday, July 6, State Room 4
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: Feeling Your Fashion $8 ($10)
Tips on dressing and fashion from simple to sensational.
5:45 PM — 7:00 PM: Yogalates with Leslie Spoone, State
Room 2
Stay fit with a yoga and Pilates workout. Open to all levels
of experience. Presenter: Leslie Spoone, Certified
Aerobics Instructor and Personal Trainer, Orlando, FL.
Sponsored by WCC and Recreation Zone
Thursday, July 9, State Room 2
5:45 PM — 7:00 PM: Yogalates with Leslie Spoone
81
Stay fit with a yoga and Pilates workout. Open to all levels
of experience. Presenter: Leslie Spoone, Certified
Aerobics Instructor and Personal Trainer, Orlando, FL.
Sponsored by WCC and Recreation Zone
Friday, July 10, City View 7
7:00 AM — 8:15 AM: Sister Power Breakfast $25 ($30)
Peggy Garrett, TX and Zelda Gebhard, ND provide a look
at their lives as women who are blind/visually impaired.
Audio Description Conference
Joel Snyder, President, Audio Description Associates
Tuesday, July 7, City View 1
2:45PM – 4:00PM: AD: the Latest and Greatest $5 ($7)
Learn about Audio Description: Updates in media (TV,
film, technology), Telecommunications Act, Dept. of
Justice Hearings, arts, and Audio Description Project
activities.
82
4:15PM – 5:30PM: AD: Make It Work For You. $5 ($7)
Navigate the Audio Description Project website and ADP
listserv; advocate for AD in your community; connect
consumers and describers via ADP's mentorship program.
5:45PM – 7:00PM: ADP Mixer $15 ($18)
Enjoy a beverage and a snack while sharing more
information about audio description with colleagues and
friends. A prominent, surprise guest may join us.
July 8 - 10, City View 1
9:00AM – 5:00PM Audio Description Institute $495
Interactive sessions to build skills for the audio describer;
information on the use of audio description for
consumers. Experienced users of description will provide
perspective on audio description in a range of formats.
Other ACB Meetings
Saturday, July 4
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5:30 PM: ACB Exhibitors Reception (by invitation only),
President's Suite
Sunday, July 5, State Room 3
11:00 AM: ACB Committee Chairs Meeting
An important meeting with ACB President Kim Charlson.
Every committee should be represented, either by its chair
or a designated committee member.
Thursday, July 9, Austin Ballroom 2
4:15 PM: Affiliate Presidents' Meeting
Special-Interest Affiliate Meetings
American Association of Blind Teachers
President: Marcia Dresser
Program Chair: Carla Hayes
Registration: $10 ($12)
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Sunday, July 5, City View 7
8:00-11:00 AM: AABT Breakfast/Program/Meeting $25 ($27)
8:00 AM — 8:45 AM: Breakfast
8:45 AM: "Eggs In Your Stomach And Egg On Your
Face"
Share your amusing stories about life's little
embarrassing moments that only a visual impairment
can bring.
9:30 AM: Break
9:45 AM: AABT business meeting and elections.
Monday, July 6, City View 6
1:15 PM — 4:00 PM AABT Program
1:15 PM: "Accessible Distance Learning."
Learn about the latest accessibility features in
Blackboard Learning and MyMathLab®.
2:30 PM: Break.
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2:45 PM: "Teachers' Round Table On Classroom
Technology: Pros, Cons and Questions." A discussion
about the use of classroom technology by students
and educators; the advantages and challenges this
technology brings to the education process.
Panelists: Kate Crohan, Teacher of the Visually
Impaired, Perkins School For The Blind, Watertown,
MA; Sue Mangis, Retired Teacher of the Visually
Impaired, Carmichael, CA; Carla Hayes, Foreign
Language Teacher, Central Christian Academy,
Houston, PA and Lengua-Learn Communications,
McMurray, PA.
Wednesday, July 8, FIA Suite
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: Writers' Workshop $8 ($10)
"From Family Lore To Life Story." Join us as we share
activities that will help us transform our families' oral
stories into written memoirs. Presenter: Susan Glass,
Author, Saratoga, CA.
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American Association of Visually Impaired
Attorneys
President: Charles Nabarrete
Registration: $30 ($32)
Saturday, July 4, City View 4
5:30 PM — 7:00 PM: AAVIA Board Meeting
Sunday, July 5, City View 1
1:15 PM — 5:30 PM: AAVIA Program
1:15 PM: First general meeting
1:30 PM: Technology update
Brian Charlson, Director of Technology, Carroll
Center, Newton, MA; Bobby Druesedow, Program
Specialist, Texas Department of Assistive &
Rehabilitative Services, Division for Blind Services,
Fort Worth, TX
2:30 PM: Break
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2:45 PM: "Legal Developments Affecting the Lives of
People with Disabilities." Presenter: Steven
Mendelsohn, Esq., attorney, consultant, author, San
Leandro, CA
3:45 PM: Break
4:00 PM: Legal Careers for Visually Impaired
Attorneys. Presenters: Chris D. Prentice, Esq.,
Assistant General Counsel, Texas Department of
Assistive & Rehabilitative Services, and AAVIA
immediate past president, Austin, TX; George Abbott,
Esq., Attorney, Waiver Determination Official, U.S.
Department of Education, Springfield, VA.
Monday, July 6, City View 1
1:15 PM — 5:30 PM: AAVIA Program
1:15 PM: Call to Order
1:30 PM: "Working with a U.S. District Court as a
visually impaired attorney." Sandhya Rao, Esq., Pro
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Se Law Clerk, U.S. District Court, Southern District of
Texas, Houston Division, Houston, TX.
2:30 PM: Break
2:45 PM: "Recent Decisions of the U.S. Supreme
Court." Robert William "Bill" Piatt, Professor of Law,
St. Mary's School of Law, San Antonio, TX.
3:45 PM: Break
4:00 PM: "Technology for the Office"
Bobby Druesedow, Program Specialist, Texas
Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services,
Division for Blind Services, Fort Worth, TX.
Tuesday, July 7, Live Oak
12:15 PM — 5:30 PM: AAVIA Luncheon & Program
$27 ($29)
12:15 PM "The wide range of interests of a law
professor." Presenter: Robert William "Bill" Piatt,
Professor of Law, St. Mary's School of Law, San
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Antonio, TX, Former Law School Dean and current
President, Catholic Lawyers' Guild of San Antonio, TX.
2:00 PM: "An update on the Americans with
Disabilities Act." Presenter: Diego DeMayo, Executive
Director, Southwest ADA Center, Houston, TX.
3:00 PM: AAVIA Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, July 8, Austin Ballroom 1
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: Social Security Seminar $6 ($8)
Does the Social Security system make you feel like you
are rowing upstream without any oars? Learn what need
to know about your rights / responsibilities under Social
Security's programs. Presenters: Roberta Roque,
Advocate Supervisor, Disability Rights Texas, Austin, TX;
Tony Stevens, Public Policy Advocacy Manager, National
Industries for the Blind, Alexandria, VA; Michael Byington,
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and former
Social Security Advocate, Topeka, KS.
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Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss
President: John Huffman
Registration: $10 ($10)
Monday, July 6, City View 7
12:15 PM — 4:00 PM: AAVL Lunch and Business Meeting
$25 ($28)
12:15 PM: Introductions and luncheon
1:00 PM: An interactive program on emergency
preparedness designed to address special concerns
of people who are blind or visually impaired.
Presenter: Landa Phelan, Certified Emergency
Preparedness Host Trainer, Honolulu, HI.
2:30 PM: Business Meeting
Wednesday, July 8, State Room 4
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: Being SASI in Social Situations? $8
($10)
Large group discussion about being Sight and Sound
Impaired (SASI) and coping in social situations.
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Facilitator: Lori Scharff, Licensed Master Social Worker
and SASI member, Malverne, NY. Co-sponsors AAVL and
SASI.
4:15 PM — 5:45 PM: AAVL Musical Mixer $10 ($12)
Executive Director's Suite
Music, refreshments, conversation and raffles for all!
ACB Diabetics in Action
President: Dee Clayton
Registration: $12 ($15)
Sunday, July 5, State Room 4
1:15 PM — 4:00 PM: ACBDA Seminar $8 ($10)
1:15 PM: "What do the Numbers Mean?"
Everyone knows a diabetic needs to check their blood
sugar, but do you know why? Learn what it means if
your blood sugar is too high, hyperglycemia, or too
low, hypoglycemia, and what to do when you get the
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"number" from the meter. Presenters: Sabrina Ross,
BSN, RN, Diabetes Educator, Dallas, TX.
2:15 PM: "How diabetes affects your O&M Skills"
Developing efficient & effective travel skills can be a
challenge for people with visual impairments. Adding
diabetes to the mix can make things even more
problematic. Learn about the effect of blood sugar on
your mobility. Presenter: Lori Ann Graham, M. Ed.,
BSN, RNEACOMS, Tyler, TX.
3:00 PM: "What's New in Diabetes Management?"
There has been much innovation in diabetes
management in recent years. Learn about the newest
diabetes technology; there are more tools,
medications and techniques available to people with
diabetes than ever before. Presenter: Lisa Golden,
Diabetes Specialist, Division for Blind Services, Fort
Worth, TX.
Wednesday, July 8, City View 7
12:15 PM — 2:30 PM: ACBDA Lunch and Meeting $28 ($30)
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Thursday, July 9, Executive Director's Suite
9:00 PM — 11:00 PM: ACBDA Mixer $15 ($17)
Meet and mingle with other diabetics. Light refreshments
included.
American Council of Blind Families
President: Ron Brooks
Registration: $8 ($8)
Monday, July 6 Austin Ballroom 2
7:15 PM — 9:00 PM: ACB Families Bingo $5 ($8)
Fun for all ages! See how many different ways there are to
win at Bingo! Lots of winners; lots of prizes!
Wednesday, July 8, City View 8
7:00 AM — 8:15AM: Families Breakfast & Meeting $15
($15). The House that Tech Built. Turn your house into an
accessible home filled with talking appliances,
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thermostats, home security and more. Presenter: Neva
Fairchild, National Independent Living Specialist,
American Foundation for the Blind, Dallas, TX.
Thursday, July 9, Pearl 4
4:15 PM – 5:30 PM AFB Discussion Group
Join AFB's Pris Rogers for a discussion of a new app AFB
has developed to help people find resources and services
they need. Provide input on how best to market this app
to health care professionals. Also you will be asked to
provide ideas on how to improve AFB's web site
VisionAware to increase its usefulness to people new to
vision loss. Space is limited. To RSVP, email Pris at
progers@afb.net.
ACB Government Employees
President: Renee Zelickson
Registration: $10 ($10)
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Sunday, July 5, President's Suite
3:00 PM — 5:00 PM: ACBGE Mixer $12 ($14)
Past, present & future government employees network
and socialize.
Thursday, July 9, City View 7
12:15 PM — 2:30 PM: ACBGE Luncheon and Business
Meeting $30 ($32)
12:15 PM: Introductions and luncheon
1:15 PM: Discussion of issues pertinent to
government employees; get the latest information
from Melanie Brunson, ACB Executive Director,
Arlington, VA, and a local union representative
(invited).
2:15 PM: Business meeting
American Council of Blind Lions
President: Kenneth Semien Sr.
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Registration: $10 ($12)
Saturday, July 4, President's Suite
9:00 PM — 11:00 PM: ACB Lions Milly's Place, $12 ($15).
Share news from your local club; trade pins; fun and
snacks.
Sunday, July 5, City View 5
9:30 AM — 11:00 AM: ACB Lions Board Meeting
Wednesday, July 8
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Lions Local Club Visit $25 ($28)
Enjoy lunch and a local meeting with the Oak Cliff Lions
Club, one of the oldest and most active clubs in the Dallas
area.
Thursday, July 9, City View 8
12:15 PM — 2:30 PM: Lions Luncheon $32 ($35)
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ACB Radio Amateurs
President: John Glass
Registration: $5 ($7)
Tuesday, July 7, City View 8
1:15 PM — 4:00 PM: Digital Mobile Radio for the Blind
Amateur. DMR is coming to amateur radio! Will blind
amateurs be able to participate in this newest frontier?
Learn what two blind hams with experience in this new
environment have to say! Presenters: Betsey Doane
(K1EIC), Shelton, CT and Barbara Lombardi (K1EIR),
Shelton, CT. Co-sponsored by BITS and ACBRA.
Thursday, July 9, State Room 3
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: ACB Radio Amateurs Annual Program
and Business Meeting
American Council of Blind Students
President: Jim Debus
Program Chair: Leslie Weilbacher
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Registration: $5 ($7)
Saturday, July 4, Executive Director's Suite
8:00 PM: ACB Students Welcome Party $8 ($10)
Food, fun and friendship! Meet new people and get
reacquainted with old friends.
Sunday, July 5, Houston Ballroom A
12:15 PM — 1:45 PM: ACBS Scholarship Winners'
Luncheon $28 ($30)
Celebrate the accomplishments of this year's national
scholarship winners, the newest shining stars in ACB.
Sponsored by ACBS and RSVA.
1:45 PM — 2:45 PM: ACBS Business Meeting
Monday, July 6, State Room 3
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: ACB Passport $6 ($8)
Explore the benefits and opportunities of studying or
traveling abroad. Co-sponsored by ACBS and IRC.
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: Your College Tool Kit $6 ($8)
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Surviving in school, using your resources and navigating
Disability Support Services.
Thursday, July 9, Houston Ballroom A
9:00 PM — 11:00 PM: ACBS Comedy Night $10 ($12)
End your week in Dallas on a high note. Enjoy a great
comedian, cash bar and raffle prizes.
Blind Information Tech Specialists
President: John McCann
Program Chair: Andrea Pitsenbarger
Registration: $15 ($17)
or BITS Package (all BITS events, $56, $58)
Saturday, July 4, BITS Suite
7:30 PM — 9:30 PM: BITS Board Meeting
Sunday, July 5, City View 6
10:00 AM — 12:00 PM: Windows, is it the perfect ten?
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1:30 PM — 4:00 PM: BITS Vendor Showcase
An overview of new products our Assistive Technology
vendors are highlighting in the exhibit hall.
Monday, July 6
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: Social Media on iOS devices $8 ($10),
State Room 1
Learn how social media spreads information about affiliate
activities and how members can stay in the loop all year.
Presenters: Lynn Hedl, Birmingham, AL; Wayne Pearcy,
Boston, MA; Andrea Pitsenbarger, Orange, CA.
Sponsored by BITS and FIA.
8:30 PM — 11:00 PM: Bytes with BITS (in pkg) $15 ($15),
BITS Suite
Meet up with old friends and make some new ones,
snacks included.
Tuesday, July 7, City View 8
12:15PM — 1:15PM: BITS Luncheon (in pkg) $28 ($30)
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Speaker, Paul W. Schroeder, Vice President, Programs
and Policy, American Foundation for the Blind; followed
by business meeting
1:15PM — 4:00PM: Digital Mobile Radio for the Blind
Amateur. DMR is coming to amateur radio! Will blind
amateurs be able to participate in this newest frontier?
Learn what two blind hams with experience in this new
environment have to say! Presenters: Betsey Doane
(K1EIC), Shelton, CT and
Barbara Lombardi (K1EIR), Shelton, CT. Co-sponsored by
BITS and ACBRA.
Blind LGBT Pride international
President: Will Burley
Program Chair: Don Brown
Registration: $20 ($20)
Or BPI Package (all BPI events including one wine
tasting): $110 ($115)
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Multi-Session Event:
Monday, July 6, 2:45 PM — 4:00 PM, BPI Suite
Tuesday, July 7, 4:15 PM — 5:30 PM, BPI Suite
Wednesday, July 8, 4:15 PM — 5:30 PM, BPI Suite
Let the Wine Tasting Begin $20 ($20), (in BPI pkg)
Led by a wine consultant, learn about and experience
exclusive California artisan wines. Food pairings
included. (Limit of 16 each session.)
Sunday, July 5, BPI Suite
3:00 PM — 5:00 PM: BPI's Texas sized mixer (in BPI pkg)
$25 ($27)
Everything is bigger in Texas, including BPI's mixer. Start
convention week with a Texas-sized blast! Don't be
surprised to meet up with some of your exes. Head on
over for a boot stomping good time!
Monday, July 6, State Room 2
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1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: Intro to Laughter Yoga (in BPI pkg)
$10 ($12)
Get healthy while laughing your butt off! This BPI
workshop combines traditional deep centering yoga
breathing with interactive laughter exercises and calming
movements. A hysterical, exhausting & fun cardio
workout! Presenter: Mandie Crowley Navarro, Owner,
Universal Laughter Yoga, Certified Laughter Yoga Leader
& Teacher, Dallas, TX.
Tuesday, July 7
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: Memory Fitness Workout,
(in BPI pkg) $10 ($12), City View 6
Fun interactive group exercises. Techniques to sharpen
your memory, and cognitive and concentration skills.
Practiced regularly, these techniques can potentially
prevent and reverse age-related brain decline. Presenter:
Marcie Hunter, LCSW, Richardson, TX.
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: How To Be An LGBT Ally, BPI Suite
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This supportive workshop is an invitation and opportunity
for people who want to stand up for LGBT equality but are
not sure how. The LGBT community cannot achieve
equality without support from compassionate and
dedicated straight allies. Break down barriers that may
keep people from getting involved. Presenter: Sharon
Olson, PFLAG Dallas, Dallas, TX.
10:30 PM — 12:00 AM: BPI's 15th Year Celebration (in BPI
pkg) $10 ($12),BPI Suite
Celebrate BPI's 15 years of providing support, service, and
advocacy. Crystal is symbolic for the 15th year and it also
symbolizes a bright future for BPI.
Wednesday, July 8
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
(in BPI pkg) $10 ($12), State Room 2
Meditation techniques to cope with a stressed-out digital
world. Learn ways to handle difficult life situations while
remaining present and fully engaged.
Presenter: Sue Yeo, Certified BreathWorks Trainer,
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San Antonio, TX.
8:00 PM — 10:00 PM BPI Movie: The Imitation Game
(Audio Described) $5 ($7), (in BPI pkg), San Antonio
Ballroom A
In 1952, British authorities arrested war hero,
mathematician, cryptanalyst Alan Turing. Little did they
know, they were actually incriminating the pioneer of
modern-day computing.
Thursday, July 9, BPI Suite
1:15 PM: Dallas Resource Center, Leading the Way
Learn about the array of services and activities offered by
the Resource Center, one of the largest LGBT centers of
its kind in the country. Presenter: Rafael McDonnell,
Director of Communication and Advocacy, Resource
Center, Dallas, TX.
10:00PM: This Ain't Your Parents’ Party (in BPI pkg) $10
($12). Y'all come on over for an evening of "adult"
entertainment, refreshments and crazy door prizes.
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Friday, July 10, BPI Suite
10:00 PM: BPI Last Call (in BPI pkg) $10 ($12)
Bid a fond adieu to Dallas and look toward Minneapolis.
Braille Revival League
President: Paul Edwards
Registration: $10 ($12)
Sunday, July 5, Live Oak
1:00 PM — 3:00 PM: BRL Orienteering $5 ($7)
Fun for all, find clues as we wander around the hotel.
When we think of yesteryear, we give a cheer because a
scavenger hunt is here!
3:30 PM: BRL Pre-convention Board Meeting
Tuesday, July 7, Houston Ballroom A
7:00 AM — 8:15 AM: BRL International Breakfast $25 ($30)
Learn how braille is incorporated into the lives of people
who are blind worldwide. Co-sponsored by BRL and IRC.
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1:15 PM — 4:00 PM: BRL program, State Room 1
1:15 PM: Welcome and introductions: Paul Edwards,
BRL President, Miami, FL.
1:30: Braille for School the Texas Way: This session
describes how braille is produced for Texas school
children. Presenter: Melissa Klepper, Executive
Director for Visual Aid Volunteers, Dallas, TX.
2:30: Break
2:45: UEB Games: Play games to become familiar with
UEB! Facilitator: Judy Jackson, Miami FL
3:15: BRL Business Meeting
4:15: Games with Ralph $6 ($8), State Room 1
Use braille to play a number of games; prizes will be
awarded to the winners. Come and see just how good you
are at braille and words.
Wednesday, July 8, State Room 3
1:15 PM — 4:00 PM: LUA/BRL Joint Program
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1:15 Welcome and Introductions: Brian Charlson,
President, Library Users of America, Watertown, MA;
Paul Edwards, President, Braille Revival League,
Miami, FL.
1:30 PM: Meet the Talking Book Narrator: Joe Wilson,
Denver, CO. Get up close and personal with the
narrator who presented during the morning’s ACB
general session. LUA offers a great opportunity to
ask all the questions there is never enough time for in
the morning.
2:30 PM: Break
2:45 PM: For the Birds: The Adventures of a Library
Bird Song Collector; Susan Glass, Saratoga, CA.
Susan is camping to train as a recorder of bird sounds
for library collections in the Tahoe forest of California
this June and she will tell us just how a totally blind
person and her dog learn to be a collection developer.
3:05 PM: Wishing and Hoping: A Braille Display from
NLS? NLS will consider providing a braille display to
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allow patrons to read books stored digitally. What
would such a device be like? This panel will explore
the important components such a device should have.
Panel: Sandy Ruconich, ACB's representative to the
Braille Authority of North America, Salt Lake City, UT;
Dr. Judith M. Dixon, author and braille activist,
Arlington, VA; and Paul Edwards, President, Braille
Revival League, Miami, FL.
Council of Citizens with Low Vision International
Come See What We're Up To!
President: Charles Glaser
Program Chair: Jim Jirak
Registration: $20 ($22)
Saturday, July 4, City View 4
3:00 PM — 6:00 PM: Pre-Convention Board Meeting &
Nominating Committee Meeting
Sunday, July 5, State Room 1
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9:00 AM — 12:00 PM: CCLVI Business Meeting and Vendor
Showcase
9:00 AM: Introductions, first reading of proposed
constitutional amendments and bylaws; committee
reports
10:30 AM: Break
10:45 AM: Low Vision Showcase
See the latest in low vision technology as several
vendors display their products.
4:00 PM — 6:00 PM: CCLVI Mixer, $15 ($18), Executive
Director's Suite
Mix & mingle; food and fun!
Monday, July 6, Austin Ballroom 1
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: Structured Discovery: Why Not?
What is "Structured Discovery"? How is it different from
conventional rehab? Who thrives under which system
and how to advocate for services. Presenters: Michael
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Byington, Certified O & M Instructor, Wichita, KS and
Mark Bulger, Executive Director, ACB of Nebraska,
Omaha, NE. Co-sponsors: CCLVI & Rehab Issues Task
Force.
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: O ‘Appy Days:
Fun and low vision friendly apps for your iDevice.
Presenters: Katie Frederick, co-founder of ACB Next
Generation, Worthington, OH, and Dan Smith, 1st VicePresident CCLVI, San Lorenzo, CA. Co-sponsors: CCLVI
and ACB Next Generation.
8:00 PM — 11:00 PM: CCLVI Game Night, $25 ($30),
Houston Ballroom B
Unwind and have some fun while reliving the game shows
of the past as Michael Byington resurrects Peter Marshall
and Gene Rayburn and play Hollywood Squares and
Match Game. The price of admission includes two
beverages from the available cash bar.
Tuesday, July 7, State Room 3
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1:15 PM — 4:00 PM: Annual Membership Meeting
Elections and adoption of proposed constitutional
amendments and bylaws.
Wednesday, July 8, State Room 1
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM Television Independence:
Thomas J. Wlodkowski, Vice President of Accessibility
Comcast Cable, Philadelphia, PA will discuss low vision
friendly accessibility features contained within the X1
Platform.
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM Effectively Using Uber: Leandre Jo,
General Manager Uber Dallas, Dallas, TX, discusses how
Uber can help visually impaired non-drivers.
Friends-In-Art
President: Lynn Hedl
Program Chair: Dwayne Estes
Registration: $12 ($15)
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Saturday, July 4, FIA Suite
7:00 PM: FIA Board Meeting
Sunday, July 5, FIA Suite
4:00 PM — 5:30 PM: FIA Mixer/Showcase sign-up $18
($20). Meet friends, and learn how to audition for this
year's Showcase.
Monday, July 6
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: Social Media on iOS devices $8 ($10),
State Room 1
Learn how social media spreads information about affiliate
activities and how members can stay in the loop all year.
Presenters: Lynn Hedl, Birmingham, AL; Wayne Pearcy,
Boston, MA; Andrea Pitsenbarger, Orange, CA.
Sponsored by BITS and FIA.
2:45 PM — 5:30 PM: Showcase Audition and Rehearsal,
FIA Suite
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No specific time slot needed. Visit the FIA Suite during
the audition time to rehearse your number for the FIA
Showcase.
9:00 PM: Prose & Poetry Reading, $4 ($5), City View 7
Writers are invited to read their original works to a
receptive audience. Moderator: Carla Hayes, McMurray,
PA.
Tuesday, July 7
12:15 PM: FIA Luncheon and Business Meeting, $28 ($30),
City View 7
Dr. Harvey Miller, music professor and author of "Recuiel
de Morceaux d'Orgue" discusses a braille book of organ
music donated to the APH Museum.
8:00 PM: Performing Arts Showcase, $20 ($25), Austin
Ballroom 1. Talented ACB members entertain you playing
their own instruments, or accompanied by top notch
professional musicians. Cash bar available. Sponsored
by Adobe.
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Wednesday, July 8, FIA Suite
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: Writers Workshop, $8 ($10)
"From Family Lore to Life Story" — Transform our
families' oral stories into written memoirs. Co-sponsored
by FIA & AABT
2:45 PM — 4:00PM Songwriters Workshop, $8 ($10)
Want to write your own songs? Join the fun and learn
about creating melody and rhyme. It's easier than you
think! Presenter: Karen Karsh, Denver, CO.
4:15 PM — 5:30 PM: Round and Harmony Sing, $4 ($5)
Take a break from a busy convention and learn simple
rounds and songs. Presenters: Lynn Hedl, Birmingham,
AL; Nancy Pendegraph, Huntsville, AL; Susan Glass,
Saratoga, CA; Karen Karsh, Denver, CO. Co-sponsored by
FIA & AABT.
Guide Dog Users, Inc.
“GDUI Deep in the Hearts of Guide Dogs 2015”
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President: Penny Reeder
Program Chair: Lillian Scaife
Registration: $15 ($15)
Sunday, July 5
8:00 AM — 9:00 AM: GDUI Hotel Orientation, meet in GDUI
Suite
Learn your way around the hotel, zip through convention
crowds and arrive at your destination relaxed and on time!
Orientation provided by seasoned guide dog trainers and
volunteers.
11:00 AM — 12:00 PM: Life in the Fast Lane, GDUI Suite
The convention environment is a challenge for us and our
dogs. The chaos can be overwhelming for our dogs!
Make convention week easier for both you and your dog!
Presenter: Becky Barnes Davidson, Manager of Consumer
Outreach and Graduate Support, Guiding Eyes for the
Blind, Yorktown Heights, NY.
2:00 PM — 4:00 PM: Affiliate Round-up, City View 4
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Affiliate representatives should introduce themselves to
Debbie Grubb, GDUI's Affiliates' Liaison, to assure that
each affiliate’s votes count during the GDUI Caucus and
business meeting.
4:00 PM — 5:00 PM: GDUI Board Meeting, City View 4
Board meeting and presentation of annual report: Penny
Reeder, GDUI President
Monday, July 6
6:45 AM — 8:15 AM: GDUI Breakfast Club (Meet in lobby).
The Mad Hatter Café: Treat your dog to a short two-block
walk, treat yourself to Southern breakfast fare, visit with
GDUI friends and their dog guides.
7:30 AM — 8:30 AM: GDUI Hotel Orientation, Meet in GDUI
Suite
Learn your way around the hotel, zip through convention
crowds and arrive at your destination relaxed and on time!
Orientation provided by seasoned guide dog trainers and
volunteers.
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1:15 PM — 5:30 PM: GDUI Opening Session, San Antonio
Ballroom A
1:15 PM: Introductions, and preview of the convention
program
2:45 PM: Self-familiarization to new environments: you
and your guide dog can become oriented quickly and
safely to a new location or unusual situation. Learn
the basics from a seasoned trainer! Presenter: David
Locklin, Class Coordinator - Leader Dogs for the
Blind, Rochester Heights, MI.
4:15 PM: Guide Dog School Updates
What's going on at the guide dog schools? Recent
changes, plans for the future, coming innovations,
student qualifications. Always a highlight at the GDUI
convention, the round-up lets us hear from the people
who know the most about our schools.
7:15 PM — 10:00 PM: Guide Dog Schools Appreciation
Reception, $15 ($17), Houston Ballroom C
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We all know our schools' investments in personnel,
breeding, dog acquisition and training are to create
excellent matches for each of us. We want to recognize
and thank all of the guide dog schools for the time, energy
and dollars they pour into our partnerships. The 2015
GDUI Program Committee is pleased to host our Deep in
the Hearts of Guide Dogs, Guide Dog Schools
Appreciation Reception. Come and express your gratitude
to the professionals who make it possible for us to
achieve greater independence through our partnerships
with our guide dogs. Cash bar and snacks.
Tuesday, July 7
6:45 AM — 8:15 AM: GDUI Breakfast Club (meet in lobby).
The Mad Hatter Café: Treat your dog to a short two-block
walk, treat yourself to Southern breakfast fare, visit with
GDUI friends and their dog guides.
1:15 PM — 5:30 PM: GDUI Program, San Antonio Ballroom A
1:15 PM: Past, Present & Future of Guide Dog
Harnesses. The first guide dog users didn't even have
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a handle to hold onto. Learn how harnesses have
evolved over time, and what we might expect from the
"space-age materials" of the future. Presenter: Lukas
Franck, Senior Consultant, Special Projects, The
Seeing Eye, Morristown, NJ.
2:45 PM: Dual Purpose Service Dogs. Sometimes
blindness is not the most challenging of our
disabilities. Learn about guide dogs who are trained
to meet the needs of people with additional
disabilities. Presenters: Robert Wendler, Director of
Canine Operations, Guide Dogs of the Desert, Palm
Springs, CA; Nicole Meadowcroft, President, Custom
Canines Service Dog Academy, Madison, WI.
4:15 PM: Emergency Preparedness
Prepare yourself and your guide dog for an
emergency. Do you have an emergency preparedness
kit? Where you and your dog can find shelter in an
emergency. Presenter: Landa Phelan, Certified
Emergency Preparedness Instructor, Hawaii
Association of the Blind, Honolulu, HI.
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7:15 PM — 8:30 PM: Guided Massage for the Working
Guide: A Hands-On Workshop $6 ($8), State Room 2
Learn simple massage techniques designed to help
reduce the long-term impact guide work may have on your
dog's physical & mental well-being. Also a brief
discussion on guide dog "wear and tear" and how to
mitigate those effects. Presenter: Carla Campbell,
Professional Canine Massage Therapist, Quadrussage,
Menlo Park, CA. (Limited to 20.)
Wednesday, July 8
6:45 AM — 8:15 AM: GDUI Breakfast Club (Meet in lobby).
The Mad Hatter Café: Treat your dog to a short two-block
walk, treat yourself to Southern breakfast fare, visit with
GDUI friends and their dog guides.
12:15 PM — 2:30 PM: GDUI Luncheon & Presentation, $28
($30), San Antonio Ballroom A
How dogs communicate and interact with each other. We
will discuss visual, auditory, olfactory and other ways that
dogs communicate with one another, how service dogs
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may be more limited in these options while working, and
how this could impact other dogs’ responses to them.
Presenter: Dr. Amanda Florsheim DVM, Dallas, TX.
Drawing for Dallas and raffle.
2:45 PM: GDUI Business Meeting & Caucus
4:15 PM — 5:30 PM: Guided Massage for the Working
Guide: A Hands-On Workshop, $6 ($8), State Room 2
Learn simple massage techniques designed to help
reduce the long-term impact guide work may have on your
dog's physical & mental well-being. Also a brief
discussion on guide dog "wear and tear" and how to
mitigate those effects. Presenter: Carla Campbell,
Professional Canine Massage Therapist, Quadrussage,
Menlo Park, CA. (Limited to 20.)
Independent Visually Impaired Entrepreneurs
President and Program Chair: Carla Hayes
Registration: $6 ($8)
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Sunday, July 5, RSVA Suite
10:00 PM -12:00 AM: RSVA / IVIE Mixer (in pkg) $15 ($20)
Join RSVA & IVIE for fun and refreshments; all are
welcome.
Monday, July 6, City View 7
7:00 AM — 8:15 AM: IVIE Breakfast and Business Meeting
$24 ($26). Breakfast will be followed by the annual IVIE
business meeting and election of officers.
Wednesday, July 8, City View 8
12:15 PM: IVIE Luncheon and Program, $27 ($30)
12:55 PM: Welcome and Introductions, Carla Hayes,
IVIE President and CEO, Lengua-Learn
Communications, McMurray, PA
1:00 PM: "Pitching Your Products and Selling Your
Services." What goes into an effective sales pitch?
Come and learn about sales strategies that work.
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Presented by the Service Corps of Retired Executives
(SCORE), Dallas, TX.
Thursday, July 9, State Room 1
12:30 PM — 2:30 PM: IVIE Business Expo
Blind and visually impaired business owners will
showcase their products and services and answer your
questions.
Library Users of America
President: Brian Charlson
Registration: $10 ($12)
Saturday, July 4, City View 5
5:00 PM: Pre-convention Board Meeting
Monday, July 6
1:15 PM — 4:00 PM: LUA Program, City View 5
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1:15 PM: Welcome and Introductions: Brian Charlson,
President, Library Users of America, Watertown, MA.
1:25 PM: Initiatives and Issues at NLS: Karen
Keninger, Director, National Library Service for the
Blind and Physically Handicapped, Washington, DC.
2:30 PM: Break
2:45 PM: New Initiatives from our regional library in
Texas: Heather Bailey, Outreach Director, Austin, TX.
3:15 PM: Business Meeting and Elections
5:45 PM: Scanning in New Ways with New Devices, $6 ($8),
State Room 3
LUA, IAC & special guests explore the KNFB Reader and
the two new scanning products from HIMS Inc. to see if
truly portable scanning is ready for prime time.
Wednesday, July 8, State Room 3
1:15 PM — 4:00 PM: LUA/BRL joint program
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1:15 PM: Welcome and Introductions: Brian Charlson,
President, Library Users of America, Watertown, MA;
Paul Edwards, President, Braille Revival League,
Miami, FL.
1:30 PM: Meet the Talking Book Narrator: Joe Wilson,
Denver, CO. Get up close and personal with the
narrator who presented during the morning’s ACB
general session. LUA offers a great opportunity to
ask all the questions there is never enough time for in
the morning.
2:30 PM: Break
2:45 PM: For the Birds: The Adventures of a Library
Bird Song Collector; Susan Glass, Saratoga, CA.
Susan is camping to train as a recorder of bird sounds
for library collections in the Tahoe forest of California
this June and she will tell us just how a totally blind
person and her dog learn to be a collection developer.
3:05 PM: Wishing and Hoping: A Braille Display from
NLS? NLS indicated that they would consider
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providing a braille display to allow patrons to read
books stored digitally. What would such a device be
like? This panel will explore the important
components such a device should have. Panel:
Sandy Ruconich, ACB's representative to the Braille
Authority of North America, Salt Lake City, UT; Dr.
Judith M. Dixon, author and braille activist, Arlington,
VA; and Paul Edwards, President, Braille Revival
League, Miami, FL.
4:00 PM: LUA Post-convention Board Meeting (if
necessary).
Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America
President: Dan Sippl
Program Chair: Ardis Bazyn
Registration $20 ($20)
Or RSVA Package (all RSVA events) $110 ($110)
Sunday, July 5
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10:00 AM — 12:00 PM: RSVA Board Meeting, Pearl 5
1:30 PM — 5:30 PM: RSVA Program, State Room 1
1:30 PM: Welcome: Dan Sippl, RSVA President, Eau
Claire, WI
1:35 PM: Roll call: Donna Seliger, RSVA Secretary,
West Des Moines, IA
1:40 PM: "What's happening in the Texas Business
Enterprise Program?" Texas BEP Staff.
2:10 PM: Highlights from Texas vendors
2:40 PM: Resolutions/Constitution and Bylaws (first
reading): Ardis Bazyn, Constitution and Resolution
Chair, Burbank, CA
3:00 PM: Break
3:15 PM: "Merchandising Your Healthy Products"
Roundtable discussion.
3:45 PM: "Advocating for your state RS BEP
Program." Presenters: Jeff Thom, American
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Association of Visually Impaired Attorneys,
Sacramento, CA; Rocky Marchiano, RSVA Legislative
Chair, New Orleans, LA.
4:30 PM: "Online and credit card payment options for
RS locations." Presenter: Lanny Davidson,
Independent Agent, Ignite Payments Today.
5:00 PM: Nominating Committee — delegates only
10:00 PM — 12:00 AM: RSVA / IVIE Mixer (in pkg) $15
($20), RSVA Suite
Join RSVA & IVIE for fun and refreshments. All are
welcome.
Monday, July 6, Houston Ballroom A
12:15 PM — 5:30 PM: RSVA Lunch (in pkg) $35 ($40)
"The Importance of a Positive Attitude." Speaker: Robert
Acosta, GDUI Public Relations Chair, Chatsworth, CA.
RSVA Annual Awards presentations.
2:15 PM: Break
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2:30 PM: RSVA Business meeting
4:30 PM: RSVA Caucus
7:30 PM — 9:00 PM: RSVA Comedy Night (in pkg) $15
($20). Enjoy some laughs with comedian Tony Stone!
9:00 PM — 12:00 AM RSVA Karaoke (in pkg) $15 ($20)
Show your talent with RSVA.
Tuesday, July 7, RSVA Suite
12:15 PM – 4:00 PM: Tour of food service facilities. Join
RSVA in a walking tour of food service facilities in
downtown Dallas. To reserve a space, contact Ardis
Bazyn at abazyn@bazyncommunications.com.
6:00 PM — 12:00 AM: RSVA Casino Trip (in RSVA pkg),
$30 ($35). Enjoy a trivia contest and snacks on the way to
Winstar Casino. Windstar has several restaurants and
three sites for entertainment.
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Visually Impaired Veterans of America
President: John Fleming
Registration: $10 ($10)
Tuesday, July 7, City View 4
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: VIVA Business Meeting
Other Meetings and Programs
Career Development
Wednesday, July 8, Houston Ballroom A
7:00 AM: NIB Breakfast $10 ($15)
Join National Industries for the Blind for a discussion
about employment and the AbilityOne program.
Guide Dogs
Tuesday, July 7, Houston Ballroom A
7:00 AM: Guide Dogs for the Blind Alumni Breakfast
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GDB grads connect with friends and staff; those
considering the guide dog lifestyle welcome.
Advocacy Issues
Monday, July 6, Houston Ballroom A
7:00 AM — 8:15 AM: AFB Breakfast $10 ($12)
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) cordially
invites you to attend its annual breakfast meeting, hosted
by Carl Augusto, AFB President. Learn what's new at
AFB; questions answered by AFB staff.
Wednesday, July 8
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: Social Security Seminar, $6 ($8),
Austin Ballroom 1
Does the Social Security system make you feel like you
are rowing upstream without any oars? Learn what need
to know about your rights / responsibilities under Social
Security's programs. Presenters: Roberta Roque,
Advocate Supervisor, Disability Rights Texas, Austin, TX;
Tony Stevens, Public Policy Advocacy Manager, National
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Industries for the Blind, Alexandria, VA; Michael Byington,
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and former
Social Security Advocate, Topeka, KS. Co-sponsored by
NELDS, Advocacy Committee and AAVIA.
4:15 PM: ACB Legislative Seminar, $5 ($7), Austin
Ballroom 1. The latest information regarding pending and
recently implemented legislative issues. Eric Bridges,
Director of External Affairs and Policy, American Council
of the Blind, Arlington, VA.
Technology
Multiple Sessions on Monday, July 6 and Tuesday, July 7:
JPMorgan Chase & Co. is committed to meeting the
banking and financial services needs of all our customers.
Members of our Digital team will be on site to show you
how we make digital products accessible and usable by
all.
Stop by our booth and register to participate in small
research style interviews on either the afternoon of July 6
or 7. Tell us what you think and receive a thank you gift
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for your time. You can also visit us at our booth on July 57 to try out the products and give us your feedback.
Saturday, July 4
10:00 AM – 11:15 AM: iOS for the iPhone/iPad, $12 ($15),
Pearl 4
Hands-on training from assistive technology firm Fedora
Outlier, LLC, providing "Better Than Excellent" teaching,
consulting & support for all of Apple's accessible
products.
1:00 PM – 2:15 PM: Get Closer to Your Mac, $12 ($15),
Pearl 4
Hands-on training from assistive technology firm Fedora
Outlier, LLC, providing "Better Than Excellent" teaching,
consulting & support for all of Apple's accessible
products.
Sunday, July 5
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM: Window-Eyes, City View 2
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Window-Eyes Offer for MS Office users and paid for
version of Window-Eyes. Presented by Ai Squared.
10:00 AM Braille is "Trending" HIMS, Pearl 4
Session by Andy Leach. U2 with Macro Manager,
Password protection, Bookshare download, Nemeth and
UEB support. HIMS Braille products, the personal Smart
Beetle, allows you to connect up to 6 devices
simultaneously. Smart Beetle will also let your write in
contracted Braille in platforms that don’t support it. The
Braille EDGE, 40-cell Braille display with notepad,
appointment calendar, alarm, count down timer and so
much more!
1:30 PM – 2:45 PM: ZoomText, City View 2
ZoomText Mac, ImageReader and CamReader. Presented
by AI Squared.
2:00 PM: E-bot: Tablets and Video Magnifiers and CANDY
5 HD II Wins Red Dot Design Award, Pearl 4.
Session by Rick Sellers / James McCarthy, the only iPad
compatible new and distance video magnifier with OCR.
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E-bot can be connected to virtually any Mac, PC, or tablet
device. This lets you choose your own screen. CANDY 5
HD II is the only handheld video magnifier with a selfviewing mode – great for a person’s self-grooming.
Monday, July 6
5:45 PM – 7:00 PM: Why I love my Victor Reader Stream!,
City View 3. Join HumanWare to share your reading and
listening experiences with the Stream’s wifi features,
including Internet radio, online podcasts and direct
browsing and download from NLS BARD. Talk with our
experts and learn how to get the most from the Victor
Reader Stream.
5:45 PM - 7:00 PM: Get Closer to Your Mac, $12 ($15), Pearl
4. Hands-on training from assistive technology firm
Fedora Outlier, LLC, providing "Better Than Excellent"
teaching, consulting & support for all of Apple's
accessible products.
5:45 PM - 7:45 PM: Vanda Pharmaceuticals Reception, City
View 7. Learn about a treatment option for Non-24-Hour
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Sleep-Wake Disorder. Have your questions answered by a
medical expert, and one living with Non-24.
5:45 PM – 7:30 PM: Bookshare Office Hours, City View 8
Bookshare Members: Take advantage of Bookshare's
"Office Hours" at ACB! Stop by to say hello, pick-up a
special members-only gift, and get answers to your
Bookshare-related questions.
7:15 PM – 8:30 PM: iOS for the iPhone/iPad, $12 ($15),
Pearl 4. Hands-on training from assistive technology firm
Fedora Outlier, LLC, providing "Better Than Excellent"
teaching, consulting & support for all of Apple's
accessible products.
Tuesday, July 7
5:45 PM – 7:00 PM: HumanWare Breeze+ Talking GPS
System, City View 3. Learn all about the new Breeze+
talking GPS system and hear how the updated GPS
technology makes it a Breeze traveling around Dallas.
Join us for a short walk around town and explore all that’s
around!
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Wednesday, July 8
4:15 PM – 5:30 PM: All About Android Lollipop, Remington
The Android Operating System, demonstrating built-in
accessibility features and highlighting the newest release,
Android Lollipop. Presented by Google.
5:45 PM – 7:00 PM: Docs & Drive for Power Users,
Remington. Google Docs is a powerful tool for sharing
content and engaging teams to produce information.
Make use of this tool to disseminate information and
collaboratively create content. Google has been working
to improve the Docs accessibility experience for
individuals with disabilities, including vision loss. This
session will help those who want to go beyond the basics.
Presented by Google.
Thursday, July 9
1:15 PM – 2:30 PM: Google Chrome & Chrome OS,
Remington. Learn about Google Chrome's built-in
accessibility features like ChromeVox, High Contrast and
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Magnifier. How to make your Chrome browser or
Chromebook screen easier to see, have web pages read
out loud, and make your keyboard easier to use.
2:45 PM – 4:45 PM: Google Open House, Remington
Demos of latest Google's hardware and software. Get
your Google Apps and hardware questions answered.
Self-Improvement
Monday, July 6, and Tuesday, July 7, City View 5
5:45 PM – 7:45 PM
8:30 PM – 10:30 PM
1Touch Self Defense. $12 ($15)
1Touch is a self-defense course designed specifically for
the blind and addresses real life situations with practical
applications. Hands-on workshop is open to all. (Limit
20.)
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Kids and Families: Kids’ Explorers Club:
Bring the kids (ages 6 to 12) for a great week of tours and
fun in the Kids’ Explorer Club. Games, crafts, swimming,
and trips; every day is packed with fun. Breakfast, lunch
and snack included. Open Sunday from 6:30 PM until 9:00
PM, Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM,
and on Friday from 7:00 AM until after the banquet.
Participants must register and pay the convention
administrative fee before attending any events.
Discounted tickets for events may be purchased on the
pre-registration form.
The Rules, Please Read: Parents must accompany kids to
their first Kids’ Explorer Club event to sign required
permission forms. Necessary medications must be
supplied each day. Kids’ Explorer Club cannot accept
participants who are medically fragile. Parents will be
expected to remove children who exhibit uncontrollable or
highly inappropriate behavior.
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Have questions? Contact Janet Dickelman, ACB
Convention Chair, at 651-428-5059.
Kids’ Explorers Club Activities
Sunday, July 5, Press Club
Meet Kids’ Club leaders and play games. Snacks
included.
Monday, July 6, Press Club
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Kids’ Explorers Club $15 ($20)
"Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!" The widely
recognized Dallas Zoo is the largest zoo in Texas. See the
Giants of the Savanna, the Children's Zoo, the Wilds of
Africa and the Gorilla Conservation Research Center. You
can get up close and personal with many animals,
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including giraffes! Includes breakfast, lunch, swimming
and games.
Tuesday, July 7, Press Club
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Kids’ Explorers Club $15 ($20)
Galleria Ice Skating! Indoor ice skating to music videos.
Shops, food and fun! A truly "cool" experience! Includes
breakfast, lunch, swimming and games.
Wednesday, July 8, Press Club
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Kids’ Explorers Club $15 ($20)
SMG Theaters feature the latest digital projection and
sound for an unmatched cinema experience. We'll pick a
fun movie for everyone and have lunch at the grill!
Includes breakfast, lunch, swimming and games.
Thursday, July 9, Press Club
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7:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Kids’ Explorers Club $15 ($20)
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a "world of
wonder" and described as "groundbreaking, breathtaking
and mind shaping." 12 permanent exhibit halls and
traveling exhibitions inspire curiosity in all ages! Amaze
your brain with hands-on learning experiences. Includes
breakfast, lunch, swimming and games.
Friday, July 9, Press Club
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Kids’ Explorers Club $15 ($20)
What could be more fun than ending your week at Kids’
Club playing arcade games, bowling and eating great
food! The Main Event has it all! Includes breakfast, lunch,
swimming and games.
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Kids’ Explorers Club Party
Last chance to have fun with Kids’ Club friends while
eating pizza and playing games.
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2015 Tours
Important Tour Information: Please read the following
information completely. It will answer many of your tourrelated questions and will help you have a more enjoyable
tour experience.
1.
All tours buses will load and drop off at the entrance
outside Draft Media Sports Lounge. Exit the doors
across from the Front Desk, down the steps, and turn
left. Follow the sidewalk approximately 125 feet to
board the buses. If you are exiting from the Royale
Pavilion, go down the steps, turn right, and down the
sidewalk approximately 75 feet.
2.
Bus departure times for each tour are listed in this
program. Please be at the bus departure area and
ready to board the bus 15 minutes prior to the listed
departure times. Arrival times back to the hotel are
approximate.
3.
The first two rows of seats on both sides of the bus
are reserved for the tour coordinators, volunteers and
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people with mobility difficulties. If you sit in those
seats, you will be asked to move.
4.
All buses are fully ADA-equipped. If you have mobility
difficulties, or use a wheelchair that requires the lift to
access the bus, you MUST check the appropriate
boxes on the pre-registration form in order for us to
plan the necessary accommodations. If you are able
to transfer from a wheelchair into a bus seat, your
chair will be placed under the bus for the duration of
the ride.
5.
Indoor facilities are air-conditioned unless indicated,
but many tours include significant outdoor time.
Dress appropriately and bring sunscreen, insect
repellent, hat, and water bottle for your comfort and
safety.
6.
Space is limited on all tours. ACB reserves the right
to cancel a tour should ticket sales fall below required
minimums. Tickets will be collected at the bus.
Buses will not be delayed while forgotten tickets are
retrieved.
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7.
All return times are approximate. If you have dietary
scheduling concerns, bring a light snack in case we
are unavoidably delayed. We ask that you board the
bus quickly and safely to avoid delays. We plan 15
minutes to load and unload the bus. Please do not
schedule back-to-back events based upon the return
time of the tour, as we cannot plan for traffic and road
condition delays.
8.
A limited number of volunteers will accompany each
tour. While they will help as much as possible, ACB
volunteers are not personal guides or personal care
attendants. If you need individual help, plan to attend
the tour with a friend who can provide the assistance
you need.
9.
Most tour destinations are ADA-accessible. Some
tours that are NOT ADA-accessible may include long
walks, steps, and steep grades. Please communicate
your questions or concerns ahead of time.
10. Some tours may involve strenuous activities. If you
have a medical condition that may limit your
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involvement or participation, please let us know ahead
of time and use common sense when making your
selections.
11. The tour leader will have a list of all paid attendees
and the waiting list for each tour. The leader will be
stationed at the door of the bus to take your ticket and
record your attendance. Please do not board the bus
until the tour leader has completed this task.
12. If registration for a tour exceeds its capacity, a waiting
list is created based on the date and time your order
was placed. If you are on a waiting list, you will be
asked to stand in a designated area to wait for your
name to be called. If you are not present when your
name is called, the next person on the waiting list will
be called to fill that seat. You may not give your place
on the waiting list to another person.
13. If you arrive late with a ticket, or your name has
already been called from the waiting list, your ability
to secure a seat will be entirely dependent on the
number of vacant seats remaining on the bus. No one
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who has a ticket or has answered the call from the
waiting list will be asked to give up their seat.
14. If there is no waiting list, or if the waiting list has been
satisfied, any remaining vacant seats will be sold to
walk-up traffic. Such vacant seats will be sold for
cash only – a ticket will not be issued. To purchase,
you must have a valid name badge, a day pass for the
current day, or other proof of registration.
15. If you have paid for and are issued a tour ticket and do
not appear at the designated time and place, no
refund will be made. If you are on a waiting list and
are not able to get on the bus, the tour leader will
report this to the registration office and you will be
able to secure a refund the next day after the tour.
Should you not be present at the convention the day
after the tour, or if the convention has ended, please
call the Minneapolis office by July 31st to arrange for
a refund via check or credit card.
Friday, July 3
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10:00 AM – 3:30 PM: AT&T Stadium Tour $63 ($65)
Home of the Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium has a
retractable roof and a natural grass field that can be rolled
into the parking lot. This VIP tour includes visits to a
private suite, the press box, the Miller Lite Club, the postgame interview room, the Cowboys’ and the Cheerleaders’
locker rooms, and the Texas-sized gift shop. Lunch will
be pre-ordered from the stadium snack bar.
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner-Texas Style! $47 ($50) Hoffbrau
is considered the best steakhouse in Dallas!
We’ll have dinner in the private "no bull" dining room.
Begin with "Brau Chips," a Hoffbrau Original of thin sliced
homemade fried potatoes served with ranch dressing.
Dinner includes hot wheat rolls, salad, steak fries and
banana pudding. Dinner entrees are:
Dr. Pepper Chicken (Grilled in Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce);
New York Strip (8 ounces & Hand-Cut); and Grilled
Shrimp.
Saturday, July 4
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10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: City Bus Tour 1: $18 ($22) Climb on
board and enjoy a descriptive tour of the rich history of
"Big D." You will hear about Dallas’ rich history spanning
200 years and learn about the famous people and places
of interest in this robust city. No stopping.
11:30 AM – 6:00 PM: Stockyard Station $25 ($28) In Fort
Worth’s National Historic District, the Stockyards is the
history book of the livestock industry in Texas. Enjoy
shopping, lunch, and visits to any of a long list of shops,
restaurants, and entertainment attractions.
12:45 PM – 4:45 PM: Zero Gravity Thrill Park $53 ($55)
The home of big thrills in North Texas! Experience three
of the five most extreme rides in Texas: glide over 100 ft.
off the ground on the Skycoaster, rocket straight up at 70
mph on the Texas Blastoff, and hit 4 G’s on the
Skyscraper.
Sunday, July 5
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: City Bus Tour 2. $18 ($22)
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Climb on board and enjoy a descriptive tour of the rich
history of "Big D." You will hear about Dallas’ rich history
spanning 200 years and learn about the famous people
and places of interest in this robust city. No stopping.
11:30 AM – 3:30 PM: Dallas Heritage Village $23 ($25)
Dallas Heritage Village is 20 acres of the finest collection
of 19th century buildings and homes in Texas. Stroll the
grounds and discover what life was like over 100 years
ago. Learn the village history during this guided docent
tour.
12:15 PM – 2:15 PM: City Bus Tour 3. $18 ($22)
Climb on board and enjoy a descriptive tour of the rich
history of "Big D." You will hear about Dallas’ rich history
spanning 200 years and learn about the famous people
and places of interest in this robust city. No stopping.
2:45 PM – 4:45 PM: City Bus Tour 4. $18 ($22)
Climb on board and enjoy a descriptive tour of the rich
history of "Big D." You will hear about Dallas’ rich history
spanning 200 years and learn about the famous people
and places of interest in this robust city. No stopping.
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Monday, July 6
12:30 PM – 5:30 PM: George W. Bush Presidential Library
and Museum $32 ($35)
The repository for Presidential gifts and donated artifacts
relating to the life of President and Mrs. George W. Bush.
This is a white glove tour – touch artifacts in the 9/11
exhibit, the replica of the Oval Office, and much more.
Docents and audio description are available – this is a
special tour!
12:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Frontiers of Flight $32 ($35)
Higher, faster, farther! Explore the history of aviation from
the Wright Bros to today in this modern 100,000-squarefoot museum. Flight simulators, a Boeing 737, the “Flying
Pancake,” and the Apollo 7 capsule await.
Tuesday, July 7
12:15 PM - 4:15 PM: AFB and Esther's Place. $28 ($30)
See a fully furnished model apartment designed with
accommodations for vision loss. Over 500 adaptive
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products are available for hands-on demonstrations. The
environmental design includes: lighting, color, contrast,
texture, and physical arrangement to enhance safety and
independence. To enhance your experience, the tour will
be divided into groups of totally blind, limited sight and
low vision. Lunch included.
12:15 PM - 5:00 PM: Bureau of Engraving $22 ($25)
Over half of the nation’s currency is produced right here in
Fort Worth! Join us for a private tour of our state-of-theart facility and see billions of dollars being printed! A
quarter-mile long elevated walkway overlooks the
production floor where you will have a close-up view of
the latest in new technology printing. Also enjoy the
informative theater movie, two floors of exhibits and
purchase uncut currency and souvenirs in the gift shop.
A unique and memorable experience for all!
5:15 PM - 11:00 PM: Texas Rangers Game $55 ($60)
Take me out to the ballgame! Enjoy an evening at the
beautiful Globe Life Park as the Texas Rangers take on the
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Arizona Diamondbacks. Listen to play by play radio on
The Fan, 105.3 or 1540am. A $10 food coupon is included.
6:00 PM - 12:00 AM: Winstar Casino (in RSVA pkg) $30
($35). Play slots, poker, and bingo, or relax in one of the
casino lounges. The casino features 3 entertainment
venues and several restaurants. Play trivia and enjoy
snacks while riding the bus. Sponsored by RSVA. All are
welcome.
Wednesday, July 8
12:15 PM – 4:15 PM: AFB and Esther's Place. $28 ($30)
See a fully furnished model apartment designed with
accommodations for vision loss. Over 500 adaptive
products are available for hands-on demonstrations. The
environmental design includes: lighting, color, contrast,
texture, and physical arrangement to enhance safety and
independence. To enhance your experience, the tour will
be divided into groups of totally blind, limited sight and
low vision. Lunch included.
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12:15 PM – 5:45 PM: Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch. $40 ($45).
Rare and endangered exotic wildlife in an up-close and
hands-on setting. Pet a kangaroo, camel, lemur and more
on this private tour designed for ACB. Lunch will be
provided by Sonic Drive-in.
12:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Candy Lovers Tour 1, $18 ($22)
A shopper's paradise – two candy stores to indulge your
sweet tooth! You'll feel like you are in Europe with Kate
Weiser Chocolates – shop for bonbons, and chocolate
bars or sip a cup of coffee or tea from the café. Then
we’re off to Dude Sweets for more candy shopping –
fudge, truffles, toffees, nuts and artisan chocolates. Both
will have sample trays.
1:30 PM – 5:15 PM: Candy Lovers Tour 2, $18 ($22)
A shopper's paradise – two candy stores to indulge your
sweet tooth! You'll feel like you are in Europe with Kate
Weiser Chocolates – bonbons, chocolate bars or sip a cup
of coffee or tea from the café. Then we’re off to Dude
Sweets for more candy shopping – fudge, truffles, toffees,
nuts and artisan chocolates. Both will have sample trays.
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Thursday, July 9
12:15 PM – 4:15 PM: Dallas Holocaust Museum, $32 ($35).
This “white glove” tour will allow us to touch artifacts
from the Holocaust. Docents will describe in detail the
exhibits. A Holocaust survivor will also speak to our
group.
1:00 PM – 5:15 PM Meadows Museum, $32 ($35)
A Passage to Spain: experience an inclusive gallery visit
that highlights works from the Meadows Museum’s
permanent collection. Docents will demonstrate a
multisensory, interdisciplinary approach – incorporating
description and tactile graphics – that enables blind or low
vision visitors to engage with original works of art. Wine
and cheese reception included. Limited to 30 participants.
Saturday, July 11
8:45 AM – 3:15 PM: Southfork Ranch, $68 ($70)
If you loved the TV show “Dallas,” this tour is for you!
Visit Southfork Ranch and tour “the house” where you can
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touch and learn about the show. Walk out by the famous
swimming pool. The tour guides are informative and there
are two huge gift shops with everything from Southfork
souvenirs to exclusive jewelry and cowboy boots. The
tour includes a down home lunch of chicken fried steak
and all the trimmings.
4:30 PM – 11:00 PM: Mesquite Rodeo, $73 ($75)
Start your evening off with a Texas style dinner of BBQ
pork ribs, fried chicken, cowboy beans, potato salad,
apple pie and beverages (including beer & wine)! Then sit
back and enjoy Joel Snyder audio describe all the bucking
bronco riding, barrel racing, calf roping and much, much
more. This is a professional rodeo where contenders will
be earning points towards the championship rodeo this
fall.
Recreation Zone
Chair: Oral Miller
Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 10
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7:00 AM – 8:00AM: Early Birds Exercise, State Room 2
Wake up with gentle stretching (seated in chairs) & low
cardio along with Fitness & Health Q&A, a great way to
start your day! Limited seating; hosted by two athletes,
Victor is sighted and Anthony is blind.
Monday, July 6, State Room 2
5:45 PM — 7:00 PM: Yogalates with Leslie Spoone. Stay fit
with a yoga and Pilates workout. Open to all levels of
experience. Presenter: Leslie Spoone, Certified Aerobics
Instructor and Personal Trainer, Orlando, FL. Sponsored
by WCC and Recreation Zone.
5:45 PM — 7:00 PM: Water Aerobics, Hotel Pool. Led by
Gerry Koors.
Thursday, July 9, State Room 2
5:45 PM — 7:00 PM Yogalates with Leslie Spoone
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Stay fit with a yoga and Pilates workout. Open to all levels
of experience. Presenter: Leslie Spoone, Certified
Aerobics Instructor and Personal Trainer, Orlando, FL.
Sponsored by WCC and Recreation Zone.
5:45 PM — 7:00 PM Water Aerobics, Hotel Pool. Led by
Gerry Koors.
More Convention Entertainment
You will be ready for a break and a little fun after all those
workshops, seminars and business meetings. Below are
some activities and events that take place at the hotel. For
more fun ideas, see 2015 Convention Tours, the
Recreation Zone, and the agendas of the many affiliates
and groups for more mixers, luncheons and parties.
Saturday, July 4
4:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Star Trek Old West Movie Party. $22
($24), Kathryn Johnson’s Suite
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Hitch a ride on the Wagon Train to the stars: Strap on your
Phaser; join Kirk, Spock, and McCoy at the OK Corral.
Help Worf and Data save Deadwood from outlaws. Watch
episodes, enjoy cowboy food, games and prizes.
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Deep in the Heart of Texas, $12 ($15),
Houston Ballroom A
Come one, come all to the Dallas Welcome Party! Country
western music, dancing, cash bar, snacks and door prizes.
Sponsored by the Dallas host committee.
Sunday, July 5
12:15 PM: Sports Fanatics' Luncheon $16 ($18), City View 8
Take a break from the serious work of the convention and
indulge yourself in the world of sports. Just about
anything might happen in the wilds of Texas!
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Newsreelers Get Together. $10 ($12),
City View 5
Thursday, July 9, San Antonio Ballroom 1
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Birdman, Audio Described! $5 ($5)
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2015 Academy Award winner for best film, Best Directing
and Best Original Screen play. A washed-up actor who
once played an iconic superhero battles his ego and
attempts to recover his family, his career and himself in
the days leading up to the opening of his Broadway play.
2015 Exhibits
Sponsored by National Industries for the Blind
The 2015 ACB / NIB Exhibit Hall is filled with everything
from jewelry to information resources to the latest in
appliances and technologies designed especially for
people who are blind and visually impaired. Lone Star
Ballroom C.
2015 ACB / NIB Exhibit Hall hours are as follows:
Saturday, July 4, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sunday, July 5, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday & Tuesday, July 6 – 7, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday, July 8, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
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The following exhibitors were registered for the
convention at the time the program went to press. The
Show-Stopper Directory containing a complete list of
exhibitors is available in braille or large print at the front of
the Exhibit Hall; electronic copies available from the ACB /
JPMorgan Chase & Co. Information Desk before 10:00 AM
each day.
ACB Mini Mall
ACB Monthly Monetary Support Program
Affiliated Blind of Louisiana
AI Squared
Alyssa’s Beads for Life
American Printing House for the Blind
Bartimaeus Bible Institute
BAUM USA
Bold Lead Designs LLC
Braille Bibles International
Braille Design
Braulio Worldwide
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
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Christian Record Services for the Blind
Computers for the Blind
Duxbury Systems, Inc.
Enabling Technologies
En-Vision America
Freedom Scientific
Friends-in-Art
Gospel Light Foundation for the Blind
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Guide Dogs of America
Guide Lights and Gadgets
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
HIMS Inc.
HumanWare
Irie-AT
JP Morgan Chase & Co
JW.org
Keen Adaptive Technology Inc.
Kurzweil Education
Leader Dogs for the Blind
Library of Congress
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Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
Logan Tech
Lutheran Braille Workers
Magical Moments Vacations
Maxi-Aids
National Braille Press Inc.
Optelec
Perkins Solutions/Perkins School for the Blind
Polara
Regions Bank
Social Security Administration
Southeastern Guide Dogs
Texas State Library & Archives Commission
The Hadley School for the Blind
The Seeing Eye, Inc.
Travel One
Triumph Technology LLC
Vanda Pharmaceuticals
Verizon
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ACB Marketplace
Visit these exciting tables full of jewelry, books, CDs,
drawing tickets, and gift items. ACB Marketplace is
located outside Lone Star Ballroom. It is open Sunday
evening from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday
from 7:30 to 10:30 AM.
Marketplace tables are available to individuals, chapters
and affiliates, MLM reps, ACB committees and others. It's
a low-cost way to share your products or raise money for
your chapter or affiliate. For more information, and to find
out if any spaces are available, contact Michael
Smitherman at (601) 331-7740 or in the Exhibit Hall.
ACB Board of Directors
President: Kim Charlson, Watertown, MA
First Vice President: Jeff Thom, Sacramento, CA
Second Vice President: Marlaina Lieberg, Burien, WA
Secretary: Ray Campbell, Glen Ellyn, IL
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Treasurer: Carla Ruschival, Louisville, KY
Immediate Past President: Mitch Pomerantz, Pasadena, CA
Directors:
Berl Colley, Lacey, WA
Sara Conrad, Stevensville, MI
Katie Frederick, Worthington, OH
Michael Garrett, Missouri City, TX
George Holliday, Philadelphia, PA
John McCann, Tucson, AZ
Allan Peterson, Horace, ND
Patrick Sheehan, Silver Spring, MD
Dan Spoone, Orlando, FL
David Trott, Talladega, AL
ACB Board of Publications
Denise Colley, Chair, Lacey, WA
Ron Brooks, Phoenix, AZ
Tom Mitchell, Salt Lake City, UT
Doug Powell, Falls Church, VA
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Judy Wilkinson, San Leandro, CA
ACB Enterprises and Services Board of
Directors
Michael Garrett, Chair, Missouri City, TX
Mike Godino, Malverne, NY
George Holliday, Philadelphia, PA
Carla Ruschival, Louisville, KY
Dan Spoone, Orlando, FL
Jeff Thom, Sacramento, CA
David Trott, Talladega, AL
ACB National Office Staff
Melanie Brunson, Executive Director
Eric Bridges, Director of External Relations and Policy
Kelly Gasque, Executive Assistant
Sharon Lovering, Editor, ACB Braille Forum
Tom Tobin, Director of Development
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ACB/ACBES Financial Office Staff
Lane Waters, Controller
Lori Sarff, Accountant
Nancy Becker, Administrator
Dee Theien, Reception/Administration
2015 Convention Coordinating Committee
Janet Dickelman, Chair, St. Paul, MN
Margarine Beaman, Austin, TX
Sally Benjamin, Tallahassee, FL
Michael Fulghum, Hermitage, TN
Vicky Prahin, Columbus, OH
Bruce Radtke, Bellingham, WA
Michael Smitherman, Jackson, MS
Carla Ruschival, Officer Liaison, Louisville, KY
Lane Waters, Staff Liaison, Minneapolis, MN
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2015 Convention Program Committee
Kim Charlson, Chair, Watertown, MA
Becky Collier, Garland, TX
Janet Dickelman, St. Paul, MN
Marlaina Lieberg, Burien, WA
Jeff Thom, Sacramento, CA
Cindy Van Winkle, Bremerton, WA
Melanie Brunson, Staff Liaison, Arlington, VA
2015 Local Host Committee
Stuart Swartz, Chair, Plano, TX
Pat Canty, Dallas, TX
Becky Collier, Garland, TX
Allen Dunbar, Desoto, TX
Sheila Derrick, Fort Worth, TX
Marci Duty, Dallas, TX (Des Moines, IA)
Ted Harper, Dallas, TX
Anna Russo, Dallas, TX
Joyce Smith, Dallas, TX
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ACB Hero
Tony McKinney
Statler Center, a program of the
Olmsted Center for Sight located in
Buffalo, NY, would like to recognize
Tony McKinney, one of our own heroes in Dallas, TX. We
would also like to recognize the three organizations that
played a role in his success - Criss Cole, The Dallas office
of DARS, and the Statler Center.
My name is Tony McKinney. I live in Dallas, TX and am a
recent graduate of the National Statler Center. I was
unemployed for a year in a half, but always wanted an
opportunity to serve others in the hospitality or customer
service industries.
I learned about the National Statler Center while attending
the Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center for the Blind in
Austin, TX. I am now the living definition of rehabilitation,
because I have gained so much confidence toward
accomplishing my goals in employment and independent
living. I am a more qualified applicant for employment.
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CCRC gave me the tools to open doors for my future. The
Dallas office of the Department of Assistive and
Rehabilitation Services provided me with the exciting
opportunity to attend the National Statler Center, which
specializes in careers in customer service for people who
are blind and visually impaired or physically disabled. I
selected this specialized vocational training program
because the mission statement was in line with my
vocational goal. I committed myself to the program, and
felt that it would be a worthwhile investment in my future.
I assured my supporters that I would be a successful,
gainfully employed professional, and live the lifestyle that
I dreamed of.
I graduated from the Statler Center in 2014 and I truly hit
the ground running when I returned to Texas. I put in over
60 applications; going to 16 interviews from Dallas to
Austin, and within four months accepted a position as a
switchboard operator with Hilton Anatole in Dallas, TX.
It took self-confidence, motivation, hope and the
willingness to work hard to be successful. I thank
everyone who helped me get on the road to success.
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***
Trekker™ Breeze+
More Accurate for More Informed Travel
The Trekker Breeze+ is the next generation of
HumanWare’s popular Trekker Breeze navigation system.
The Breeze+ uses the latest in GPS technology to provide
you with the fastest, most accurate travel information
when you need it.
Victor Reader® Stream
Expanding the limits of wireless access
The Victor Reader Stream brings even more exciting new
wireless features including internet radio, wireless access
to Bookshare and Wikipedia, wireless access to NLS
BARD and the ability to enjoy online podcasts.
Humanware™
see things. differently.
1-800-723-7273
www.humanware.com
173
***
Sprint Relay
Celebrating 25 Years of Service
1990-2015
Sprint Accessibility Store
Available for blind and visually impaired customers.
Buy now: sprint.com/accessnow
Sprint Support for Customers with Disabilities:
1-855-885-7568
sprintaccessibility@sprint.com
CapTel® 880i
Ideal for people with low vision or who have difficulty
reading the standard caption sizes. CapTel 880i allows
users to customize the font sizes, styles, and colors on an
174
extremely large display. For more information, visit
sprintcaptel.com/880i.
Restrictions apply. © 2015 Sprint. Sprint and the logo are
trademarks of Sprint. Other marks are the property of their
respective owners. CapTel is a registered trademark of
Ultratec, Inc.
***
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Conference and Convention Calendar
Thursday, July 2
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Registration, Austin Ballroom 3
Friday, July 3
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM: Registration, Austin Ballroom 3
10:00 AM — 3:30 PM: AT&T Stadium
5:00 PM — 8:00 PM: Dinner-Texas Style!
Saturday, July 4
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM: Registration, Austin Ballroom 3
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM: ACB Pre-convention Board Meeting,
State Room 2
10:00 AM — 12:00 PM: City Bus Tour 1
10:00AM — 11:15AM: iOS for the iPhone/iPad4, Pearl 4
11:30 AM — 6:00 PM: Stockyard Station
12:45 PM — 4:45 PM: Zero Gravity Thrill Park
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1:00 PM — 5:00 PM: ACB Exhibit Hall is open, Lone Star
Ballroom C
1:00 PM — 2:15 PM: Get Closer to Your Mac, Pearl 4
1:15 PM — 4:00 PM: 411 from the IAC, Austin Ballroom 1
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM: CCLVI Board Meeting, City View 4
4:00 PM — 7:30 PM: Star Trek Old West Movie Party,
Kathryn Johnson's Suite
4:30PM – 6:00PM: Grant Writin' Roundup, State Room 3
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Constitution & Bylaws, Pearl 5
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Roman Catholic Mass, State Room 4
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: LUA Board Meeting, City View 6
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: AAVIA Board Meeting, City View 4
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: FIA Board Meeting, FIA Suite
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM: BITS Board Meeting, BITS Suite
8:00 PM — 10:00 PM: ACB Students Welcome Party,
Executive Director’s Suite
8:00 PM — 11:00 PM: Dallas Welcome Party, “Deep in the
Heart of Texas”, Houston Ballroom A
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9:00PM — 11:00 PM: ACB Lions Milly's Place, President’s
Suite
Sunday, July 5
7:00 AM — 8:30 AM: Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk, Pearl 5
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM: Registration, Austin Ballroom 3
8:00 AM — 11:00 AM: AABT Breakfast, City View 7
8:00AM — 9:00AM: GDUI Hotel Orientation, GDUI Suite
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: CCLVI Business Meeting, State Room 1
9:00 AM — 10:15 AM: Window Eyes, City View 2
9:00 AM — 5:00 PM: ACB Exhibit Hall is open, Lone Star
Ballroom C
9:00 AM — 10:00 AM: Jewish Service, City View 1
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Lions Board Meeting, City View 5
10:00 AM — 11:00 AM: Interdenominational Church
Service, State Room 4
10:00 AM — 12:00 PM: City Bus Tour 2
10:00 AM — 12:00 PM: BITS — Windows, City View 6
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10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: RSVA Board Meeting, Pearl 5
10:00 AM — 12:00 PM: HIMS — Braille is "Trending," Pearl 4
10:30 AM — 12:00 PM: BOP Meeting, State Room 2.
10:30 AM — 11:45 AM: Spoiler Alert! ZoomText and
Window-Eyes are Getting Married!, City View 2
11:00 AM — 12:00 PM: LDS Sacrament Meeting, City View
1, Bishop Zachary Lind, Dallas, TX.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: ACB Committees Chairs Meeting,
State Room 3
11:00 AM — 12:00 PM: GDUI — "Life in the Fast Lane,"
GDUI Suite
11:30 AM — 3:30 PM: Dallas Heritage Village
12:15 PM — 2:15 PM: City Bus Tour 3
12:15 PM — 2:30 PM: Scholarship Luncheon, Houston
Ballroom A
12:15 PM — 1:45 PM: Sports Fanatics' Luncheon, City
View 8
1:00 PM — 3:00 PM: BRL Orienteering, Live Oak
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1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Credentials Committee, Pearl 5
1:15 PM — 5:15 PM: AAVIA Program, City View 1
1:15 PM — 4:00 PM: ACBDA Seminar, State Room 4
1:30 PM — 4:00 PM: BITS Vendor Showcase, City View 6
1:30 PM — 5:30 PM: RSVA Program,.City View 1
1:30 PM — 2:45 PM: ZoomText, ZoomText Mac,
ImageReader and CamReader, City View 2
2:00 PM — 4:00 PM: GPS and Paratransit, Austin Ballroom 1
2:00 PM — 4:00 PM: HIMS — E-bot, City View 2
2:45 PM — 4:45 PM: City Bus Tour 4
3:00 PM — 5:00 PM: ACBGE Mixer, President’s Suite
3:00PM — 5:00PM: BPI's Texas Sized Mixer, BPI Suite
3:30 PM — 5:00 PM: Newsreelers Get Together, City View 5
3:30 PM — 4:30 PM: ZoomText University and the Window
Eyes Training Class, City View 2
4:00 PM — 5:30 PM: FIA Mixer/Showcase sign-up, FIA
Suite
4:00PM — 5:00PM: iOS App Swap, Austin Ballroom 2
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4:00 PM — 5:00 PM: Giving Society Recognition Reception
(by invitation only), Houston Ballroom
4:00 PM — 6:00 PM: CCLVI Mixer, Executive Director’s
Suite
4:30 PM — 5:30 PM: Keys to the Convention, State Room 3
5:00 PM — 6:00 PM: Podcasts: Both Sides of the Mic,
Austin Ballroom 2
5:30 PM — 7:00 PM: ACB Marketplace, Lone Star Ballroom
Foyer
6:30 PM — 9:00 PM: Kids' Explorers Club, Press Club
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM: 54th Annual ACB Conference &
Convention, Lone Star Ballroom A
10:00 PM — 12:00 AM: RSVA/IVIE Mixer, RSVA Suite
Monday, July 6
6:45 AM: GDUI Breakfast Club, meet in lobby
7:00 AM — 8:15 AM: IVIE Breakfast, City View 7
7:00 AM — 8:15 AM: AFB Breakfast, Houston Ballroom A
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7:00AM — 8:00AM: Early Birds Exercise, State Room 2
7:00 AM — 5:00 PM: Kids' Explorers Club, Press Club
7:30 AM — 8:30 AM: ACB Marketplace, Lone Star Ballroom
Foyer
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM: ACB Registration, Austin Ballroom 3
8:30 AM — 12:00 PM: ACB General Session, Lone Star
Ballroom A
11:00 AM — 5:00 PM: ACB Exhibit Hall is open, Lone Star
Ballroom C
12:15 PM — 2:45 PM: AAVL Luncheon, City View 7
12:15 PM — 2:30 PM: MCAC Luncheon, City View 8
12:15 PM — 5:30 PM: RSVA Awards Luncheon, Houston
Ballroom A
12:30 PM — 5:30PM: George W. Bush Presidential Library
and Museum
12:30 PM — 5:30 PM: Frontiers of Flight
1:15 PM — 4:00 PM: AABT Program, City View 6
1:15 PM — 5:30 PM: AAVIA Program, City View 1
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1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: ACB Passport, State Room 3
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: Social Media on iOS devices, State
Room 1
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: Intro to Laughter Yoga, State Room 2
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: Structured Discovery, Austin
Ballroom 1
1:15 PM — 5:30 PM: GDUI Program, San Antonio Ballroom 1
1:15 PM — 4:00 PM: LUA Program, City View 3
2:45PM — 4:00PM: Your College Tool Kit, State Room 3
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: O 'Appy Days, Austin Ballroom 1
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: BPI: Let the Wine Tasting Begin, BPI
Suite
2:45PM — 5:30PM: FIA Showcase Rehearsal, FIA suite
2:45PM — 5:30PM: Feeling Your Fashion, State Room 4
4:15 PM – 6:00 PM: Constitution & Bylaws, Pearl 5
5:45 PM — 7:00 PM: Scanning new ways / new devices,
State Room 3
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5:45 PM — 7:45 PM: Vanda Pharmaceuticals Reception,
Remington
5:45 PM – 8:00 PM: ACB Nominating Committee, Austin
Ballroom 1
5:45 PM — 7:00 PM: Yogalates with Leslie Spoone, State
Room 2
5:45 PM — 7:00 PM: Water Aerobics, Hotel Pool
5:45 PM — 7:00 PM: Why I love my Victor Reader Stream,
City View 3
5:45 PM — 7:00 PM: Get Closer to Your Mac, Pearl 4
5:45PM — 7:45PM: 1Touch Self Defense, City View 5
7:15 PM — 9:00 PM: ACB Families Bingo, Austin Ballroom 2
7:15 PM — 10:15 PM: GDUI Guide Dog School
Appreciation Reception, San Antonio Ballroom A
7:15 PM — 8:30 PM: Gospel Sing, State Room 1
7:15 PM — 8:30 PM: iOS for the iPhone/iPad, Pearl 4
7:30 PM — 9:00 PM: RSVA Comedy Night, Houston
Ballroom A
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8:00 PM - 11:00 PM: CCLVI Game Night, Houston Ballroom B
8:00 PM — 10:00 PM: Get Social with SAS, President’s
Suite
8:00 PM: Resolutions Committee, Pearl 5
8:30 PM — 11:00 PM: BITS Mixer, BITS suite
8:30 PM — 10:30 PM: 1Touch Self Defense, City View 5
9:00 PM — 11:00 PM: FIA Prose and Poetry Reading, City
View 7
9:00PM — 12:00 AM: RSVA Karaoke, Houston Ballroom A
Tuesday, July 7
6:45 AM: GDUI Breakfast Club, Meet in lobby
7:00 AM — 8:15 AM: BRL International Breakfast, Houston
Ballroom A
7:00 AM — 8:15 AM: Guide Dogs for the Blind Breakfast,
Houston Ballroom B
7:00AM — 8:00AM: Early Birds Exercise, State Room 2
7:00 AM — 5:00 PM: Kids' Explorers Club, Press Club
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7:30 AM — 8:30 AM: ACB Marketplace, Lone Star Ballroom
Foyer
8:00AM – 3:00PM: ACB Registration, Austin Ballroom 3
8:30 AM — 12:00 PM: ACB General Session, Lone Star
Ballroom A
11:00 AM — 5:00 PM: Exhibit Hall is open, Lone Star
Ballroom C
12:15 PM — 4:15 PM: AFB and Esther's Place
12:15 PM — 5:00 PM: Bureau of Engraving
12:15 PM — 5:30 PM: AAVIA Luncheon, Live Oak
12:15 PM — 1:15 PM: BITS Luncheon, City View 8
12:15 PM — 2:30 PM: FIA Luncheon, City View 7
12:15 PM – 4:00 PM: Tour of food service facilities.
12:15 PM — 2:30 PM: Voices From Around the World
Luncheon, Houston Ballroom A
1:15 PM — 4:00 PM: Digital Mobile Radio, City View 8
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: Memory Fitness Workout, City View 6
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: BRL Program, State Room 1
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1:15 PM – 2:30 PM: VIVA Business Meeting, City View 4
1:15 PM — 4:00 PM: CCLVI Annual Membership Meeting,
State Room 3
1:15 PM - 5:30 PM: GDUI Program, San Antonio Ballroom A
2:45 PM — 5:30 PM: Equal Access to Equal Education,
State Room 2
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: AD: the Latest and Greatest, City View 1
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: Rehab Around the World, Houston
Ballroom A
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: Public Relations Basics, Austin
Ballroom A
4:15 PM — 5:30 PM: BPI: Let the Wine Tasting Begin, BPI
Suite
4:15 PM — 5:30 PM: AD: Make It Work For You, City View 1
4:15 PM — 5:30 PM:BRL Games with Ralph, State Room 1
5:15 PM — 11:00 PM: Texas Rangers Game
6:00 PM — 12:00 AM: Winstar Casino
5:45 PM — 7:00 PM: ADP Mixer, Executive Director’s Suite
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5:45 PM — 7:00 PM: Bookshare Members Event, City View 8
5:45 PM — 7:00 PM: California Caucus, City View 6
5:45PM — 7:00PM: Four Corners Caucus, State Room 1
5:45 PM — 7:00 PM: HumanWare Breeze+ Talking GPS
System, City View 3
5:45 PM – 7:30 PM: Resolutions, Pearl 5
5:45 PM — 7:45 PM: 1Touch Self Defense , City View 5
6:30 PM — 7:30 PM Scholarship Winners' Reception, City
View 3
7:15 PM — 8:30 PM: Canine Massage Techniques, State
Room 2
8:00 PM — 11:00 PM: FIA Performing Arts Showcase,
Austin Ballroom 1
8:30 PM — 10:30 PM: 1Touch Self Defense, City View 5
10:00 PM – 2:00 AM: Resolutions, Pearl 5
10:30 PM — 12:00 AM: BPI's 15th Year Celebration, BPI
Suite
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Wednesday, July 8
6:45 AM: GDUI Breakfast Club, Meet in lobby
7:00 AM — 8:15 AM: ACBF Breakfast, City View 8
7:00 AM — 8:15 AM: NIB Annual Breakfast, Houston
Ballroom A
7:00AM — 8:00AM: Early Birds Exercise, State Room 2
7:00 AM — 5:00 PM: Kids' Explorers Club, Press Club
7:30 AM — 8:30 AM: ACB Marketplace, Lone Star Ballroom
Foyer
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM: ACB Registration, Austin Ballroom 3
8:30AM — 12:00PM: ACB General Session, Lone Star A
9:00 AM — 1:00 PM: ACB Exhibit Hall is Open, Lone Star
Ballroom C
9:00 AM — 5:00 PM: Audio Description Institute, City View 1
12:00 PM — 2:00 PM: Lions Local Club Visit
12:15 PM — 5:45 PM: Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch
12:15 PM — 4:00 PM: Candy Lovers Tour 1
189
12:15 PM — 2:30 PM: ACBDA Luncheon Meeting, City
View 7
12:15 PM — 2:30 PM: GDUI Luncheon, San Antonio
Ballroom A
12:15 PM — 2:30 PM: IVIE Luncheon, City View 8
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: CCLVI Program, Television
Independence, State Room 1
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: Writers Workshop, FIA Suite
1:15 PM — 4:00 PM: LUA/BRAILLE Program, State Room 3
1:30 PM — 5:15 PM: Candy Lovers Tour 2
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: Being SASI in Social Situations, State
Room 4
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction,
State Room 2
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: CCLVI Program "Effectively Using
Uber," State Room 1
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: Songwriters Workshop, FIA Suite
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: GDUI Business Meeting & Caucus,
San Antonio Ballroom 1
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2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: Social Security Seminar, Austin
Ballroom 1
4:15 PM — 5:30 PM: All About Android Lollipop,
Remington
4:15 PM — 5:30 PM: BPI: Let the Wine Tasting Begin, BPI
Suite
4:15 PM — 5:30 PM: Round and Harmony Sing, FIA Suite
4:15 PM — 5:30 PM: Canine Massage Techniques, State
Room 2
4:15 PM — 5:30 PM: Legislative Seminar, Austin Ballroom 1
4:15 PM — 5:30 PM: Mid-South Caucus, City View 7
4:15 PM — 5:45 PM: AAVL Musical Mixer, Executive
Director’s Suite
5:00 PM — 6:30 PM: MCAC Mid-Week Social, President’s
Suite
5:45 PM — 7:00 PM: Docs & Drive for Power Users,
Remington
5:45 PM — 7:00 PM: Maryland/New England/Florida
Caucus, City View 8
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5:45 PM — 7:00 PM: Midwest Caucus, City View 7
6:00 PM: Lone Star Loot Auction, Houston Ballroom
8:00 PM — 10:00 PM: BPI Movie: The Imitation Game, San
Antonio Ballroom A
10:00 PM – 2:00 AM: Resolutions, Pearl 5
Thursday, July 9
7:00 AM — 8:15 AM: Washington State Breakfast
(members only), City View 7
7:00AM — 8:00AM: Early Birds Exercise, State Room 2
7:00 AM — 5:00 PM: Kids' Explorers Club, Press Club
7:30 AM — 8:30 AM: ACB Marketplace, Lone Star Ballroom
Foyer
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM: ACB Registration, Austin Ballroom 3
8:30 AM — 12:00 PM: ACB General Session, Lone Star
Ballroom A
9:00 AM — 5:00 PM: Audio Description Institute, City View 1
12:15 PM — 4:15 PM: Dallas Holocaust Museum
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12:15 PM — 2:30 PM: ACBGE Lunch & Meeting, City View 7
12:15 PM — 2:00 PM: Lions Lunch, City View 8
12:30 PM — 2:30 PM: IVIE Business Expo, State Room 1
1:00 PM — 5:15 PM: Meadows Museum
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: ACB Radio Amateurs Program, State
Room 3
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: BOP Editor's Workshop, Austin
Ballroom 1
1:15 PM — 2:30 PM: Google Chrome & Chrome OS,
Remington
2:45 PM — 4:45 PM: Google Open House, Remington
2:45 PM — 4:00 PM: 2015 ACB Membership Seminar,
Austin Ballroom 1
4:15 PM — 5:30 PM: Affiliate President’s' Meeting, Austin
Ballroom 2
4:15 PM — 5:30 PM AFB Discussion Group
5:00 PM — 7:00 PM: DKM First-Timers Reception,
President’s Suite
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5:45 PM — 7:00 PM: Yogalates with Leslie Spoone, State
Room 2
5:45 PM — 7:00 PM: Missouri Caucus, City View 6
5:45 PM — 7:00 PM: Water Aerobics, Hotel Pool
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Resolutions, Pearl 5
7:00 PM — 9:00 PM BOP Candidates' Forum,
Lone Star Ballroom A
7:00 PM — 9:00 PM: Birdman! (Audio Described), San
Antonio Ballroom 1
9:00 PM — 11:00 PM: ACBDA Mixer, Executive Director’s
Suite
9:00 PM — 11:00 PM: ACBS Comedy Night, Houston
Ballroom A
10:00 PM: This Ain't Your Parents' Party, BPI Suite
9:30 PM – 5:00 AM: Resolutions, Pearl 5
Friday, July 10
7:00AM — 8:15AM: Sister Power Breakfast, City View 7
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7:00AM — 8:00AM: Early Birds Exercise, State Room 2
7:00 AM — 5:00 PM: Kids' Explorers Club, Press Club
7:30 AM — 8:30 AM: ACB Marketplace, Lone Star Ballroom
Foyer
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM: ACB Registration, Austin Ballroom 3
8:30 AM — 5:00 PM: ACB General Session, Lone Star
Ballroom A
9:00 AM — 4:00 PM: Audio Description Institute, City View 1
5:30 PM — 6:30 PM: ACB Life Member Reception, Houston
Ballroom A
6:30 PM — 9:00 PM: Kids' Explorers Party, Press Club
7:00 PM — 10:00 PM: ACB Banquet, Austin Ballroom 1
10:00 PM: BPI Last Call, BPI Suite
Saturday, July 11
8:45 AM — 3:15 PM: Southfork Ranch
4:30 PM — 11:00 PM: Mesquite Rodeo
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Ad Pages
***
AFB
American Foundation for the Blind®
Expanding possibilities for people with vision loss
AFB: A Place for Answers
AFB Center for Vision Loss
At the AFB Center on Vision Loss in Dallas, people with
vision loss and those who work with them find the tools
they need to ensure independence. Visit the center in
person or online at www.afb.org/cvl for a wealth of
information on living independently with vision loss. Call
or e-mail for an appointment: 214-352-7222,
dallas@afb.net.
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***
Designed for greater independence in lifestyles and
learning.
The “Pocket” Portable Digital Book Player with recording
A crossover media player/recorder the PLEXTALK®
Pocket with features like wireless web radio and
podcasting capabilities support the visually impaired or
learning disabled. It truly lets you enjoy your favorite
media wherever you go.
PTN2 DAISY Player with Real Book Navigation
Now enjoy your favorite audio title, such as DAISY*1
Digital Talking Books, music CDs, MP3 or WMA*2 CDs, or
audio books on CD.
Plextalk ™ Assistive Technology Devices
www.plextalk.com
A Division of Shinano Kenshi Corporation
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***
The American Council of the Blind would like to sincerely
thank Adobe for their support of the 2015 Conference and
Convention as an Onyx Sponsor.
***
Careers without limits.
At the core of AT&T, you’ll find diversity. After all,
diversity has a real power. It’s an investment in our
present and our future. That is why we celebrate and
respect the rich culture and differences of our employees,
customers, business partners, and communities in which
we do business. That is why we are proud to support the
American Council of the Blind’s efforts on behalf of all
people that are blind or have low vision.
Learn more and search for jobs at: att.jobs/nolimits
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***
The American Council of the Blind would like to sincerely
thank Facebook for their support of the 2015 Conference
and Convention as an Onyx Sponsor.
***
So much more than just products.
Perkins Products is now Perkins Solutions.
Learn about the tools to help you maintain your
independence and keep doing the things you love.
Perkins Solutions
www.PerkinsSolutions.com
***
The American Council of the Blind would like to sincerely
thank Freedom Scientific for their support of the 2015
Conference and Convention as an Onyx Sponsor.
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***
Talking Thermostats.com welcomes all delegates to the
2015 ACB National Convention in Dallas, TX. Please
contact us to learn how you can precisely and easily
manage your indoor comfort using the new VIP 3000
Talking Thermostat that was specifically designed for
persons who are blind or visually impaired.
Harry Cohen
Toll-free 1-800-838-8860
Talking Thermostats.com
www.talkingthermostats.com
***
Think BIG.
For more than five decades, National Industries for the
Blind and the American Council of the Blind have proudly
shared a common mission of increasing the independence
of people who are blind.
Learn more at NIB.org.
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***
Puggles Pieces
Unique braille gifts
www.pugglespieces.com.au
Each piece is created with love. We showcase a collection
of unique braille gifts to be treasured (T-shirts, chocolate
moulds, jewelry, scented books and smencils). Tactile
treasures to delight the senses.
***
The American Council of the Blind wishes to express our
sincere thanks and gratitude to Enabling Technologies for
the many years in which they have provided Braille
Embossers used to produce the Braille newspaper at the
annual ACB Conference and Convention.
***
Congratulations to ACB!
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From the Law Office of Lainey Feingold and Linda
Dardarian,
Goldstein, Borgen, Dardarian & Ho
***
The American Council of Blind Lions
A proud Topaz ACB Convention sponsor, assisting
outstanding scholarship winners to attend ACB National
Convention. ACBL is creating meaningful opportunities
for these young people, helping them to learn about our
outstanding organization. Want to know more? Contact
June Lenk, President, at 314-351-2814 or Adam Ruschival,
Treasurer, at 502-897-1472.
***
Working together, we can help more older adults and
people with disabilities lead healthier lives.
We are proud to support the American Council of the
Blind.
202
Cigna HealthSpring®
All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively
by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna
Corporation, including HealthSpring Life & Health
Insurance Company, Inc. The Cigna name, logos, and
other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual
Property, Inc.
***
Hawaii Association of the Blind
“Advocating independence, equality and opportunity for
the blind”
The Hawaii Association of the Blind welcomes our guest
speaker to the land of freedom and opportunity. We wish
him success both personally and professionally. Hawaii is
very proud to bring him in as our guest speaker for the
2015 Convention.
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***
Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America (RSVA) promotes
the expansion of Randolph-Sheppard opportunities and
the welfare of blind vendors nationwide who are engaged
in the operation of vending machine facilities, cafeterias,
military dining contracts, snack bars, and other retail
businesses. RSVA is proud to sponsor the ACB
Scholarship Dinner and ACBS Scholarship Luncheon.
***
Statler Center
National Statler Center for Careers in Hospitality Service
Elizabeth Hassett Schmidt, M.S.
eschmidt@statlercenter.org
Admissions Coordinator
Olmsted Center for Sight
1160 Main Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 14209
716-888-4638, fax 716-878-0540
www.statlercenter.org
www.olmstedcenter.org
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***
Verizon
Empowering Success in Healthcare.
Verizon Foundation is exploring new ways to use the
power of technology to improve the delivery of healthcare
in rural and underserved areas. We’re sharing our
resources and passion so that together, we can be even
more successful.
See how we’re making an impact at
Verizon.com/responsibility. Share yours @VerizonGiving.
***
VisioBook®
Portable Electronic Magnifier and Distance Viewer
First in its class, the VisioBook® is a high quality, fullcolor reading device for visually impaired users of all
ages.
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A Few Features:
 Compact and light
 12-inch HD widescreen monitor
 Several viewing modes
 Intuitive operation
 Smart folding mechanism
 HD camera for magnification and distance viewing
 Battery with 5+ hours of operation
Folds for carrying!
http://shop.aph.org
APH®
American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
800.223.1839
info@aph.org
www.aph.org