The Nominating Committee room will open at 7:30PM. The doors will be locked at 8:00PM.

In this presentation, Karthik dives into some of the features of the Envision glasses as well as new and exciting features that will be coming to the Envision glasses very soon. There will be time for questions from the audience. Presenter: Karthik Kannan, Envision - Chief Technology Officer/Co-Founder The Hague, Netherlands

• What is web accessibility and why is it important
• Share real-life testimonies of the lack of accessibility and the immpact on people's lives
• What has ACB done for web accessibility and why are we truly here?
• Understanding the digital divide of web accessibility from a legal and end user perspective

This workshop will give statistics from the Anti-Defamation League. Solutions will be offered and events on college campuses will be discussed.  Everyone is welcome.

AI is rapidly transforming the digital world. We aim to build inclusively by focusing on three principles; build accessibly, include data sets that repesent disability, and innovate. Join us to learn about our approach and AI's usage within our products.

In partnership with the United Nations in Vienna, the Zero Project, an initiative of Essl Foundation, finds and shares innovative solutions worldwide that improve the daily lives and legal rights of all persons with disabilities. Learn about theirexciting work and how you can get involved! Presenters: Robin Tim Weis, Director, International Affairs, Zero Project, Vienna, Austria; Sumita Kunashakaran, Manager, Civil Society, Zero Project, Vienna, Austria; Michael Fembek, CEO, Zero Project, Vienna, Austria; and a Zero Project awardee.

In this seminar, we will explore career opportunities in fundraising for blind and low vision individuals. The seminar will address basic fundraising skills; training for a fundraising career; accessible fundraising training materials; and fundraising 101 for volunteers and staff.

• Introduction to WCAG - What is it?
• Define the basics of WCAG principles (P.O.U.R)
• Define common web accessibility gaps on web sites and how to identify them
• How do we speak to developers and companies as it relates to WCAG if we are not an engineer
• Resources and additional information on WCAG

How and What do dogs see? Do humans and dogs share some eye diseases? Do breeds commonly used as guide dogs have a predisposition to certain eye conditions? Learn the answer to these and many other questions.

• How do I get out of here?
• Where did my teddy bear go?
• Who let the dogs out?
• Where's my mommy?

Are you someone who has vision loss and is now experiencing hearing loss? If so come, listen and learn as Jenee Alleman-Goodman, Older Adult Program Coordinator for the Helen Keller National Center (HKNC), Fort Leavenworth, KS shares information and tips for how to cope with and move forward on this journey.

It has been said that Mental Health is a journey, not a destination, and each of us has a unique story when it comes to our experience. Join us as three people share their stories of strength, courage and hope. Each panelist will end their presentations with a song that inspires them.

Listen and learn from Carol Hamer, audiologist with the Helen Keller National Center, Sands Point, NY and Carl Richardson, ADA Coordinator and consumer, Brighten, MA about over the counter vs. prescribed hearing aids. Session facilitated by Lori Scharff, VRT and advocate, Waynesboro, VA.

MS product engineers gather to answer questions based on user experience scenarios across industry. Learn best practices and resources from the product experts including Windows, Teams, Cloud & AI and Seeing AI.

There have never been so many ways to identify yourself, or for others to identify themelves as right now. But which words do you use to refer to others and how do you know you're using the right words? This panel explores self-identifiers and their effect on disability, GLBTQIA+ and other communities/cultures.

The purpose of this panel is not to provide definitive answers, but rather to lay the foundation for attendees to start exploring these ideas. Whether you are deeply involved with these communities or are looking to learn how to be a good ally, this panel will give you something to think about.

• Define common pitfalls seen on the web when using a screen reader with potential solutions
• Making sense of web accessibility problems from an end-user perspective
  • Review free tools to provide data to companies
  • Summarizing the problem - tell real-world stories to companies
  • Sharing data and follow-up, including resources
• Follow-up training and engagement

Learn about artificial intelligence's impact on future career searches, and how best to prepare for these changes. Facilitator: Peter Altschul, Creating Common Ground Consultant, Columbia MO. Panelists: Melanie Sinohui, Senior Process Engineer, Wells Fargo, Phoenix, AZ. John Robinson, President and CEO, Our Ability, Inc., Albany, NY.

A presentation discussing the unique matching process and things to consider while matching a Leader Dog to a client. Also covered will be how instructors go about this complex process. Alyssa Otis, GDMI/Outreach Specialist, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Rochester Hills, MI.

Have you been looking for a job or seeking out a promotion and were unsure of how to negotiate for the accommodations you require to be successful? Have you felt like you deserved a promotion but didn't know what to do next? Whether it's figuring out what accommodations are needed, how to take those brave steps to move yourself up in your company, or how to set yourself up for a successful career, come join a Retail Technology Sales Representative seeking out her next promotion, a newly hired Account Support Specialist working with her employer to make her job accessible, and a Tax Examiner at the US Treasury Department who has now settled into his new role.

Children's author Feather Chelle will take us through her creative process and what motivates her to write for children, followed by a question and answer period.

No onsite tickets available for this tour. Go down in a coal mine and see what life was like for miners. Perform hands on experiments, learn the science behind taste, learn about sound waves and walk through a replica of a human heart. There's so much to experience plus lunch and an amazing gift shop!

No onsite tickets available for this tour. Learn about the players, hear the clues and figure out whodunit after enjoying a great meal! Cash bar available.

Come one, come all to the Welcome to Schaumburg Party hosted by the Illinois Council of the Blind (ICB)! Soloist Jeff Trudell with his guitar is sure to entertain us for an interactive evening of singing, dancing and socializing.

Learn about the fascinating history of broadcasting, explore the current state of broadcasting, and speculate about future trends and changes in the field. Andrea Darlas, Board member of the Museum Of Broadcast Communications, Chicago IL and Senior Director Of Constituent Engagement, University Of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, IL.

Learn about the fascinating history of broadcasting, explore the current state of broadcasting, and speculate about future trends and changes in the field. Andrea Darlas, Board member of the Museum Of Broadcast Communications, Chicago IL and Senior Director Of Constituent Engagement, University Of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, IL.

Janssen, (a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson) invites you to join them for breakfast and a listening session on life experiences with retina degenerative diseases such as age-related Macular Degeneration, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Stargardt, and Leber Congenital Amaurosis.

Representatives from Janssen will be present to hear from you and our moderators Dan Spoone, ACB Interim Executive Director, Orlando, FL; Clark Rachfal, Director of Advocacy, Alexandria, VA

None of us want to think about this horrendous but important time in history. This museum focuses on life in Poland and talks about not just the Jewish people who were persecuted, interned and murdered but also those with disabilities and other ethnicities. Lunch from a local deli will be provided as part of this tour. Our box lunch will include three mini sandwiches, plus a fruit cup cookie and a bottle of water.

We, the members of the Difficult Council of the Blind, request the honor of your presence at our chapter meeting. Be prepared  for a unique experience.  After the meeting, there will be time for discussion that will focus on conducting effective meetings.

Come learn what public policy makers in health care are focusing on and how your advocacy team can utilize these objectives to their own advantage, including creating a culture of accessibility in the pharmacy industry! Healthy People 2030, published by the DHSS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, is a set of data driven national objectives to improve the health and well-being for our nation over the next decade.  Health People 2030 has nearly 300 objectives including 14 vision related objectives as well as health literacy, health equity and social determinants as key priorities. 

Swim, sit on the beach, enjoy lunch and play beach games. We'll do it all at Bangs Lake. There will be lifeguards and a gazebo for anyone who wishes to be out of the sun. Guide dogs are not allowed in the water and the sand will be very hot so it is advised that you consider leaving your dog with a friend at the hotel. Lunch will include a sandwich, chips and cookie.

What were the challenges as the Pandemic took hold?  How did leaders respond to them?  What changes that were made during the Pandemic have continued as we emerge from it?  Dr. Janet Szlyk, President and CEO of the Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired will talk with us about how the Lighthouse adapted to the Pandemic and what they are doing as we move forward.  She'll also discuss what they learned from the Pandemic and how it is helping.

Assistive technology has often been behind technology available for the public, with people with vision loss having to choose from bulky and expensive products. Come learn how Seleste is changing things and get hands-on with the glasses!

Meet Lions from Illinois and discover how blind Lions are making a difference all across America. Open to active Lions, former Lions, and anyone interested in learning more about becoming a Lion.

This session will highlight the Business Enterprise Program in Illinois so participants will learn how they train vendors, the types of facilities they have in the program, and some statistics of relevance: gross sales, number of facilities, number of vendors, etc. They will also learn how blind persons can become a vendor in the state.

As anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is introduced and passed around the United States we will examine how this affects our community and the larger implications for all of our bodily autonomy rights, our individual freedoms and how the slippery side will make it easier to come for Disability rights.

Life as a student can be stressful, let's take some time to talk about it and practice mindful solutions. At this event, students will be encouraged to take a breath, acknowledge their current accomplishments, and  learn practices to protect their peace.

Here's your opportunity to meet up with those you've only met virtually or to see friends you haven't been with for a few years or more. Drop in for a few minutes or the entire time. You're sure to find some midday convention cheer here.

Back by popular demand, come with Tristan Snyder as he takes you on another 3D audio excursion to places real and fantastic. Put on your headphones and tune in to ACB Media to get the full, 3D sound experience, sit back and journey with us as we go from the ordinary to the unbelievable. We'd tell you what to expect, but where would be the fun in that? Life is an adventure, and this is one you won't want to miss!

Listeners will hear about using the iPhone more easily. Some great apps for the phone will also be discussed. You'll also learn about programs on the MAC. Presenter: Diane Scalzi, Blind Information Technology Specialists Treasurer, Saint Clair Shores, MI

Amazon obsesses about customer delight, and that includes customers with disabilities. In this session, we will discuss the latest accessibility features for Fire TV, Fire tablet, Echo Show, Echo Frames, and more. We will share more about Prime Video's journey to make audio descriptions as common as captions, as well as text-to-speech voice improvements. We will also review the suite of award-winning Fire OS accessibility features that have been delighting Amazon's customers with disabilities for years.

Join the Get Up and Get Moving and the Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk committees for some fun, prizes, tasty snacks and a cash bar.  The tailgate party starts before the Brenda Dillon Walk and will remain open during the walk and for a time after the walk concludes. This will be a great time to socialize with members of Get Up and Get Moving and Brenda Dillon Walk organizers and friends.

Open to anyone who registered for the ACB Walk. After you have paid for your convention registration, the confirmation page will have a link that will take you to the walk site where you are able to register for the walk.

GDB grads connect with friends and staff; those considering the guide dog lifestyle are welcome. If you'd like to join GDB for breakfast, please email Jane at jflower@guidedogs.com to RSVP.

Travel to Winamac Indiana where you will spend 3 hours floating down the river. Several tubes will be joined together so that everyone will be safe. Life Jackets will be provided. You must wear rubber soled closed toe shoes such as old tennis shoes or water shoes on the river. If you don't have footwear you will be required to pay rental for water shoes from the venue for $15.00. Please bring a towel, a change of clothes and sunscreen. Other suggested items are a hat, a cover-up and snacks and water in airtight containers. Do not take anything you do not want lost like phones, valuable or costly items and keys. The bus will be locked so you may leave those items on the bus. Guide dogs may not accompany you on this tour you will need to make arrangements to leave your dog at the hotel with a friend. Lunch will be provided.

We will receive updates on advocacy efforts in New York City and Chicago as well as perspectives on advocacy from a major provider of Accessible Pedestrian signals. Presenters: Karen Gourgey, Ray Campbell, and Chris Holloway, Polara Enterprises

Join a panel of legal experts who will update us on a wide range of recent legal decisions impacting the lives of people who are blind or have low vision.

Cigna and Express Scripts will be conducting a usability study focused on improving digital accessibility during the 2023 American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention. They are looking for volunteers who regularly use a screen reader on their computer and/or mobile phone. Participants will walk through a number of tasks and provide feedback regarding the experience. The study will take place Sunday July 2^nd and Monday July 3^rd. Individual sessions are by appointment only and will last about an hour. Participants will be compensated with a $100 electronic gift card for completing a session. To sign up or learn more about the study, please contact accessibility@express-scripts.com.

Several ACB members will describe the policy and service changes that a number of transit agencies have made to improve the equity and service outcomes of their paratransit systems. Speakers will also make recommendations for how individuals and ACB chapters can advocate for similar paratransit improvements in their home communities. Moderator: Ron Brooks, Founder and CEO, Accessible Avenue, Phoenix, AZ.

A panel of legal experts discusses whether current legal settlements and decisions are providing people who are blind or low vision with appropriate legal redress and whether it is possible to seek changes in the way we approach our civil rights litigation.

Break bread and socialize with AAVL members. No agenda, just eat, talk, and enjoy.

Celebrating over fifty years of achievement and advocacy.

Unsure how to navigate business dinner environments or banquets? Join ACB Students as we learn to educate practices to maintain professionalism as a blind consumer. We will show you some tips and tricks to indulge in goods while engaging in conversations that can further your professional development.

The Museum's collection of more than 23 million objects, images, and documents records the evolution of Chicago, one of the nation's most significant cities, from fur-trading outpost to modern metropolis. Lunch is not included in this tour, consider getting food from the ACB cafe to eat on the bus.

How we can ALL change theWayWeSeeBlindness Together. Speakers: Renee Rentmeester, Creator/Executive Producer, Albany, Georgia; Allen Preston, Host, West Palm Beach, FL; Annette Watkins, Host, Plantation, Florida

• Describe typical age-related memory, thinking or behavior changes
• Recognize common warning signs of Alzheimer's and Dementia
• Discuss the tips for approaching someone about memory concerns
• Explain the importance of early detection and benefits of diagnosis
• Identify possible tests and assessments for the diagnostic process
• Name the resources available through the Alzheimer's Association

Rural areas make up only 3 percent of the entire land area of the country but are home to more than 80 percent of the population. Conversely, 97 percent of the country's land mass is rural but only 19.3 percent of the population lives there. This program will highlight challenges in 3 areas, climate, navigating in the winter when snow, snowplows, and drifts bring along a whole new landscape. How does one navigate with low vision or deafblindness when sidewalks are non-existent and other landmarks are obliterated? There is urban, rural, and very rural. What does very rural consist of, what happens when you only have one street light in your entire neighborhood, who do you talk to when advocating for crosswalks and APS when no infrastructure exists? Sometimes it is about access, or improving safety other times in very rural areas all you have are portable stop signs that are move from site to site to affect traffic. How do you speak to MUTCD when there are no traffic engineers or traffic control devices? Possible solutions: In rural areas a group like the new Sioux Falls Active Transportation Board (ATB) which is is charged with coordinating and de-conflicting the recommendation from the overarching Pedestrian Master Plan, Bicycle Master Plan, Vision Zero, Safe Routes to School, and Safe Streets. Is there an entity like the ATB in your area, are they looking for candidates? Who do you talk to in very rural areas when an ATB does not exist? Are there ways to "follow the money" to see if any projects can be funded to promote better access or increased safety for pedestrians? Learn about National Rural Transit Assistance Programs. What can National RTAP do for you? Plus you will learn much more.

Can't wait to experience new tech at the exhibit hall? Wet your appetite for accessibility as vendors demonstrate new assistive technology. Play with gadgets, ask questions, and plan your time in the exhibit hall.

Jeremy Millard will discuss his job seeking experiences and his job with Disability Rights New York.

This session will Focus on journey's with healing pain from the past, which will include various modalities, such as Reiki, myofascial release, tapping, yoga, talk therapy, medication, meditation, and EMDR therapy.

Join Ryan Jones from Vispero for the annual User Group meeting. All skill levels are welcome. We'll demonstrate and discuss the recent developments and look at what's coming in 2024. We will also discuss how you can help shape the future of our products. Bring your questions and join the fun as we kick off the 2023 Convention!

Two attorneys will discuss making court appearances and the remote practice of law.

How can you effectively advocate for your mental health needs? Who do you approach to help with your certain situation? Com join us as we have a discussion on how  advocating for your mental health really works. Our guest will share valuable information that may help you in your day to day life. We can't expect  others to know what we need. We have to find the way to be proactive in advocating for ourselves. 

Free Drink from the Cash Bar

Share some of your original work or just come listen. Material must be family friendly.

Jeff and Leslie Thom have hosted 18 foreign exchange students over the years. Learn about the amazing world of being a foreign exchange family as they share some of their prize stories and tell us how to become part of this wonderful program. Presenters: Jeff Thom, Member, ACb Board of Directors and Leslie Thom, Vice President, ACB Families, Sacramento, CA

Cigna and Express Scripts will be conducting a usability study focused on improving digital accessibility during the 2023 American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention. They are looking for volunteers who regularly use a screen reader on their computer and/or mobile phone. Participants will walk through a number of tasks and provide feedback regarding the experience. The study will take place Sunday July 2^nd and Monday July 3^rd. Individual sessions are by appointment only and will last about an hour. Participants will be compensated with a $100 electronic gift card for completing a session. To sign up or learn more about the study, please contact accessibility@express-scripts.com.

This tour is sold out as of 5/18/23. If you purchase this tour you will be placed on a waiting list.  If you are waiting at the bus and are not called from the waiting list on the day of the tour, you will receive a refund.

Taste the flavors of Chicago and learn about the most notorious era the Windy City is known for, Prohibition! This is a city bus tour with a twist! You'll get a chance to literally eat your way through Chicago by sampling slices of its world-famous pizza at three culturally significant pizzerias. Along the way we'll educate the group about all thing's pizza and since one of the pizzerias used to be an Al Capone controlled speakeasy, we'll discuss that history as well.

Founded in 1982, we represent the Mexican community from our own point of view and our own voice. To stimulate knowledge and appreciation of Mexican art and culture from both sides of the border through a significant permanent collection of Mexican art, rich visual and performing arts programs, high quality arts education programs and resources and professional development of Mexican artists. The Museum welcomes all people and strives to foster a world where all are included. During this tour we will see some 3-D renderings of paintings, and our docents will describe the exhibits for us in vivid detail. We will also take a two block walk to learn about the murals painted in the neighborhood. Lunch will be catered from a local Mexican restaurant and will be served family style and include chips and guacamole, beef barbacoa, grilled chicken, a medley of roasted vegetables, rice, refried beans, and dessert.

From the early days of the Stonewall Riots to the HIV/Aids Crisis; Marriage equality to Trans Rights we will discuss the successes of the LGBTQ+ Community and how we can apply certain lessons to our advocacy. We will also touch on how reaching across marginalized communities and presenting united fronts can boost all of our causes and visibility.

Ollie Cantos a blind City Council person, will speak on his experiences in the political field and his legal career.

Join Gabriel Lopez Kafati, Wine Consultant, Miami FL. We'll pop the cork, you be ready to sip! Gabriel will walk us through the vineyard so to speak as we sip Red's, Whites and some bubbly  ones. While you sip and learn there will be fabulous pairings and as always with Gabriel a few laughs to compliment your learning experience.

Take a break and visit Rivers Casino. With over $1.8 Billion in jackpots paid out, Rivers Casino has the most jackpots in Chicagoland. Plus, you can now find your favorite games and the newest slot machines on the main gaming floor as well as in the expanded downstairs and the new upstairs gaming areas. Table Games: Poker (6 Games) Bacarat, Roulette, Craps. 9 Dining Options, Steak House, Market Place (4 Options) Coffee Bar, Fast Food, and Asian.

Braille cards, large print cards, and lots of great prizes! Bring yourself, bring a friend, bring the kids - fun for all!

Another outstanding panoply of performances from musicians, poets, and others. The pinnacle of diversity, creativity, and professionalism. Cash bar available.

Speaker: Jason Castonguay, performer, composer, and tech geek. Manchester, CT.

Speaker: Jason Castonguay, performer, composer, and tech geek. Manchester, CT.

Join the American Foundation for the Blind at its annual breakfast, where guests will learn what's on the horizon for AFB and have an opportunity to meet with its new President & CEO Eric Bridges. 

Travel to Milton WI to visit two wineries, one of which also includes beer tasting. Sit outside and sip, learn about wine production, purchase wine for shipping (if your home state allows) and visit great gift shops with numerous wine related items. Lunch will be provided.

Come join us for a discussion about all of the ways that the IRS is improving access to information for people with print disabilities. We will tell you how to request access to notices in your preferred alternate format as well as how to get accessible tax forms and publications. Kim Carmichael, Senior Distribution Analyst, IRS, Talladega, AL. For nearly three decades, CareerConnect has been a reliable go to source for career education, enrichment and trusted knowledge on all things employment. Hear from staff of the APH ConnectCenter on recent offerings available through APH CareerConnect. CareerConversations, Employment Connections, our TransitionHub and the all new Job Seekers Toolkit are just a few of our latest interactive tools and resources for career curious job seekers and entrepreneurs. Richard Rueda, Digital Content Manager, APH CareerConnect, Sacramento, CA.

We've all likely had both positive and challenging experiences when traveling by air. Come hear the perspective of a blind airline executive with over 30 years of experience with various international airlines. Presenter: Michael Swiatek, Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, Avianca, and Chairman, Working Group on Accessibility, International Air Transport Association, Miami Beach, FL.

Join National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled as Deputy Director Jason Yasner, and other NLS staff members share the latest information on the NLS e-reader.  This is your chance to hear from the experts and have your questions answered.

Hawaii is blessed in so many, many ways. Being the only state in our nation that does not have rabies is one of them. It aims to keep it that way with strict animal admittance procedures administered by its Department of Agriculture. At first blush, the process may appear quite daunting. But, Vickie Kennedy knows how to smoothly navigate those waters, whether you're traveling by jet or by cruise ship. A resident of Hawaii for many years, she loves sharing her experience, helping to ensure that your trip to paradise is nothing but the delightful experience it should be!

Blind and visually impaired business owners will showcase their products and services and answer your questions.

This is your chance for an in-depth look at the new BARD application with NLS deputy director Jason Yasner and other library staff. Find out the most updated information on how to access library services from your smart device.

Join representatives from Uber to learn how they are improving the rideshare experience for passengers with disabilities, including service dog handlers. Moderated by Clark Rachfal, ACBs, Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs.

Watch the White Sox play the Toronto Blue Jays at Guaranteed Rate Stadium.

Join Gabriel Lopez Kafati, Wine Consultant, Miami FL. We'll pop the cork, you be ready to sip! Gabriel will walk us through the vineyard so to speak as we sip Red's, Whites and some bubbly  ones. While you sip and learn there will be fabulous pairings and as always with Gabriel a few laughs to compliment your learning experience.

Take a breather from your full convention schedule. Join MCAC's Afternoon Mixer. Catch up with friends, meet new ACBers, relax and enjoy a few nibbles and libations.

Pull out your flapper dresses, hats, and dancing shoes and a cut a rug into the 20's. Bring a partner or friend for a dance, sip themed cocktails, and win prizes. Along with door prizes, we will award the best dressed individual, best dressed couple, best dancer, and more!

Special guest, Martine Abel-Williamson, President, World Blind Union, Auckland, New Zealand.

Special guest, Martine Abel-Williamson, President, World Blind Union, Auckland, New Zealand.

Everything in the building is labeled in large print and braille. Visit the production area where everything from utility bills to menus are embossed. Horizons phenomenal store with numerous gadgets and braille books. Enjoy lunch with the Horizons staff and learn of their history.

This tour is sold out as of 5/19/23. If you purchase this tour you will be placed on a waiting list.  If you are waiting at the bus and are not called from the waiting list on the day of the tour, you will receive a refund.

You've probably had these marvelous treats before, Long Grove Confections are sold under many other labels. Learn about how their candy is hand-made, try some samples and do lots of shopping! They have everything from monster peanut butter cups to candied roasted pecans! Lunch is not included in this tour, consider getting food from the ACB cafe to eat on the bus.

Learn about new devices that, for the first time will allow us to use braille to show graphics and pictures.

Chicago is a city shaped by the migration of people from around the world and across the nation. Join us for a discussion of how race, class and ethnicity influenced the development of the city and its neighborhoods.

This tour is sold out as of 5/21/23. If you purchase this tour you will be placed on a waiting list.  If you are waiting at the bus and are not called from the waiting list on the day of the tour, you will receive a refund.  

You've probably had these marvelous treats before, Long Grove Confections are sold under many other labels. Learn about how their candy is hand-made, try some samples and do lots of shopping! They have everything from monster peanut butter cups to candied roasted pecans! Lunch is not included in this tour, consider getting food from the ACB cafe to eat on the bus.

Join a panel as they explore the impact and consequences of removing different stories and experiences from our classes and libraries.

How braille printers can enable people who are sighted or blind to produce printed tactile graphics.

It ain't easy gettin' old and it sure ain't pretty either, but in this session we will explore resources for Aging with grace and vitality. Come one and all because no one can escape Father Time or Mother Nature as they drag us towards the finish line.

Jade alexander has patented a set of stencils designed to teach Blind and Low vision folks how to enjoy the ancient art of Origami. In this session learn to craft an Origami Rainbow and one of the following: Hummingbird, Rose or Model T using these stencils. We will discuss how to modify and personalize our creations all while enjoying the relaxing benefits of crafting. We will also discuss the history of the art of Origami.

Facilitator: Ardis Bazyn, ACB Membership Committee Chair, Burbank, CA

Panel 1: “How to Find and Establish Partnerships” ACB membership committee members will share their best practices. Panel 2:”What You can learn from  Current Chapter and Affiliate Partnerships”

Theresa D. Thomas, Executive Director, Bluegrass Council of the Blind, Inc. Lexington, KY: Alan Peterson, ACB Membership Committee Member, Fargo, ND; Casey Dutmer, President Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Wyoming, MI.

This will be a night centered around a healing experience through sounds and vibrations. Enjoy this immersive blend of Himalayan singing bowls, gongs, and crystal bowls, as we will guide you on a journey to shift your mindset and help diminish any mental blocks along with individualized reiki! This month is a good time to focus and take care of our health, start routines, and feel a little more productive. We will set the intention for strong emotional boundaries to cultivate good vibes.

Please wear comfortable clothing, bring yoga mats, pillows, and/or blankets if desired – and be ready for a transformational journey.

Join Gabriel Lopez Kafati, Wine Consultant, Miami FL. We'll pop the cork, you be ready to sip! Gabriel will walk us through the vineyard so to speak as we sip Red's, Whites and some bubbly  ones. While you sip and learn there will be fabulous pairings and as always with Gabriel a few laughs to compliment your learning experience.

CODA (2021): As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family's fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her love of music and her fear of abandoning her parents.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022): With her laundromat teetering on the brink of failure and her marriage to wimpy husband, Waymond, on the rocks, overworked, Evelyn Wang, struggles to cope with everything, including tattered relationships with her judgmental father, Gong Gong and her daughter, Joy. She must also brace herself for an unpleasant meeting with an impersonal bureaucrat: Deirdre, the shabbily-dressed IRS auditor. However, as the stern agent loses patience, an inexplicable multiverse rift becomes an eye-opening exploration of parallel realities. Will Evelyn jump down the rabbit hole? How many stars are in the universe? Can weary Evelyn fathom the irrepressible force of possibilities, tap into newfound powers, and prevent an evil entity from destroying the thin, countless layers of the unseen world?

This is a meet and greet you won't want to miss. You've heard each other on ACB Media, in Zoom or in Clubhouse, now you can visit with these friends in person over a drink, handshake, or hug. And yes, join in even if you've never taken part in community events previously. All are welcomed!

NSITE one year later: The progress of National Industries for the Blind’s national workforce enterprise in growing its professional development portfolio and increasing job placements.

Attend an audio described performance of Tommy. Prior to the performance go on-stage to meet the cast, see the costumes and scenery. Lunch is not included in this tour, consider getting food from the ACB cafe to eat on the bus. (Note: you will leave after affiliate roll call and be back in time for the banquet)

This tour is sold out as of 5/25/23. If you purchase this tour you will be placed on a waiting list.  If you are waiting at the bus and are not called from the waiting list on the day of the tour, you will receive a refund.

San Filippo "Place de la Musique" is known worldwide for its magnificent collections of beautifully restored antique music machines, phonographs, arcade and gambling machines, chandeliers, art glass, the world's largest restored theater pipe organ, the most spectacular European salon carousel in existence, street and tower clocks, steam engines and other functional mechanical antiques, displayed within a breathtaking French Second Empire setting." If you enjoy music, trains, or antiques you don't want to miss this tour!

San Filippo "Place de la Musique" is known worldwide for its magnificent collections of beautifully restored antique music machines, phonographs, arcade and gambling machines, chandeliers, art glass, the world's largest restored theater pipe organ, the most spectacular European salon carousel in existence, street and tower clocks, steam engines and other functional mechanical antiques, displayed within a breathtaking French Second Empire setting." If you enjoy music, trains, or antiques you don't want to miss this tour!

No onsite tickets available for this tour. Take a gourmet dinner cruise on a high-end luxury yacht with the stunning skyline of Chicago serving as your backdrop. Climb aboard your recently renovated vessel, featuring a sumptuously-appointed rooftop lounge and stylish interior design, for your cruise along Lake Michigan. Then sit down for a 3-course dinner. After dinner, enjoy coffee and tea, captivating views of Chicago landmarks like the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower and Navy Pier, plus musical entertainment provided by the onboard DJ. You will select your meal on the boat. Choice of Apple Brined Pan-Seared Chicken Breast or Za'Atar Flat Iron Steak, Season Potato Gnocchi.