Mid-Atlantic
ACB Affiliate Convention
November
21-23, 2008
“Short
on Sight, Long on Vision”
Tentative
Program and Schedule
(as
of September 21, 2008)
Friday,
November 21, 2008
Saturday,
November 22, 2008
J.
J. Quinn, experienced Perkins Brailler technician, will provide free
on-site cleaning and minor repairs.
Braillers will be returned at the end of the afternoon.
Saturday only. Must
pre-register for this service.
8:30
– 9:00 a.m. Welcome, Misc. Announcements and Introductions
General
Sessions
Learn
about ACB’s philosophy and position on important issues you face such as
democracy in action, mobility, reading and rehabilitation services.
Brief update on currency lawsuit. Panel:
Paul Edwards, Miami, FL, ACB past president and three ACB Board Members -
Billie Jean Keith, Arlington, VA, Cammie Vloedman, Arlington, VA and Pat
Sheehan, Silver Spring, MD
9:30
– 9:50 a.m. Hybrid Cars and
Pedestrian Safety
Learn
about those gas-electric cars which are good for the environment but maybe not
so good for us. Issues, possible
solutions, future trends and more will be discussed.
In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to see the best selling
hybrid, the Toyota Prius in action. You’ll
experience its sound - or lack of - for yourself in a safe environment.
Lukas Franck, Supervisor of New
Initiatives, Seeing Eye Inc., Morristown, NJ
9:50
– 10:40 a.m. Accessible Home
Appliances
Learn
what you need to know before you buy. New
strategies for shopping and learning about your appliance.
Learn alternative techniques for using the appliances you have, specific
model recommendations. Brad Hodges,
American Foundation for the Blind, Huntington, WV
10:40
– 11:00 a.m. Break
11:00
– 11:20 a.m. Books
Guru
Paul Edwards from Miami, FL
shares new and different ways to access electronic books.
Brief
update on the NLS digital download and players
11:20
– 12:00 p.m. Handling Finances
Smartly in Today’s Environment Learn about identity theft and how to prevent
it, safe on-line bill paying, accessible credit reports, how to save money when
shopping and more.
12:00
– 12:45 p.m. Lunch and Luncheon
Speaker
Go
for the Gold!
An
inspirational talk from Paralympian Joe Aukward, Bethesda, MD. Joe, a sprinter who is visually impaired, competed in the
Athens Paralympics in 2004 and the World Championships in 2003 and 2005.
Learn what sports and exercise can do for you.
12:45
– 1:00 Break
Breakout
Sessions 1:00 – 5:30
p.m.; duration: 1 hour each
Group
1 1:00
- 2:00 p.m.
A:
New Developments in Lighting and Low Vision
There
is a dizzying array of choices - full spectrum, Chromalux, daylight bulbs,
fluorescent, halogen…Learn the facts about different types of lighting and
tips on how to select good lighting to reduce eye fatigue and glare.
Elaine Kitchel, Research Scientist, American Printing House for the
Blind, Louisville, KY (to be
delivered remotely)
B:
Accessible GPS’s
Learn
what are they as well as what
they can and can’t do for you.
Panel of consumers share their thoughts.
C:
Follow your Passion
Guidance
for transition to a new job after layoff, burn-out or retirement.
Explore ways to mix and match your greatest gifts and passions with work
you love. Sheridan Gates, Coach and
Organizational Consultant, Falls
Church, VA
Group
2 2:10
– 3:10 p.m.
A:
Your Eyes - Stem Cells, Implants, Genetics
Testing – Hope or Hype?
Hear
the latest from a medical professional at Wilmer Eye Institute
at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD.
B:
New and Mid - High
Priced Assistive Technology - Some Cutting Edge
Options
Vendor
presentations and demos.
C:
From Good to Great: Strengthening our Organization through Leveraging Resources
and Talent
Speaker:
Becky Barnes, President, Guide Dog
Users, Inc., Mount Kisco, NY. Program is sponsored by Maryland Area Guide
Dog Users.
D:
Accessible GPS Demo
Take
a 45-minute stroll outside with a vendor and see for yourself why everyone is
excited about GPS’s. Must
pre-register for this by calling 703-645-8716.
Limited to five participants.
Group
3 3:20
– 4:20 p.m.
A:
Vision Changes Got You Down?
Learn
how to regain emotional strength and self-esteem as well as overcome feelings of
hopelessness. Jessie Rayl, licensed
professional counselor, Martinsburg, WV
B:
New and Inexpensive Assistive Technology –
Some Cutting-Edge Options
Vendor
presentations and demos.
C:
Accessible GPS Demo
Take
a 45-minute stroll outside with a vendor and see for yourself why everyone is
excited about GPS’s. Must
pre-register for this by calling 703-645-8716.
Limited to five participants.
Group
4 4:30
– 5:30 p.m.
A:
Flying the Unfriendly Skies: Airline Travel for Folks with Vision Loss
Learn
regulations that pertain to folks with visual
impairments and complaint resolution overview. Tips
on how to successfully manage flight delays and cancellations, check-in
requirements, charges for baggage and assistive technology as
well as oversales and “air rage”.
B:
Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) Public Meeting
DBVI
will obtain input from blind and visually impaired consumers who live in
Virginia, vendors of services, and other interested parties.
Comments may be made regarding vocational rehabilitation and other
services provided by DBVI. Come and
make your voice heard! Susan Davis
Payne, Vocational Rehabilitation Director and James Taylor, Chief Deputy
Director. Both are with the
Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired and live in the Richmond,
VA area.
C:
Maryland Office of Blindness and Vision Services 2008
An
update on the services that OBVS has provided for their patrons in 2008 and what
is expected for 2009. Susan
Schaffer, Director, Maryland Office of Blindness and Vision Services, Maryland
Division of Rehabilitation Services, Baltimore, MD
D:
District of Columbia
Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
Meeting (invited)
***Remember
to pick up your Perkins Brailler.***
5:30
– 6:30 p.m. Networking and Hospitality Room
6:30
– 9:30 p.m. Cash Bar in Banquet Room
7:00
– 10:00 p.m. Banquet
Keynote
Speaker – Paul Edwards, Miami, FL, a past President of American Council of the
Blind
Awards
Auction
Sunday,
November 23, 2008
9:00
– 10:00 a.m. On the Phone, On the Hill and in the Courts
Legislative
Update with Eric Bridges, Director of Governmental Affairs, American Council of
the Blind, Arlington, VA
Where
We are and Where We’re Going
Explore
other regional events and activities.
Convention
Wrap-Up
10:00
– 2:00 p.m. Affiliate Business
Meetings
2:00
p.m. Depart for Home
Program subject to change