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Arizona Council of the Blind
40th Annual Convention
Celebrating Our Past and Launching Our Future
Official Convention Program
Thursday, April 14 through Saturday, April 16
Phoenix International Airport Crown Plaza Hotel
4300 East Washington Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85034
(602) 273-7778
Mr. Ron Brooks , President
Ms. Sharon Carpenter, Convention Coordinator
At a Glance
Welcome from the AzCB President . . . . . . . .. . . . 5
A Note from the Convention Coordinator . . . . . . . 7
Hotel Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Meals and Breaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Convention Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Thursday, April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Convention Registration. 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Hotel Foyer.
Committee meetings. Boardroom
Resolutions, Constitution and Bylaws 3:00 pm
Membership 6:00 pm
Nominations 7:00 pm
Hospitality Suite Open Room 907 Papago Suite
join us from 8:00 – 10:00 pm
Friday, April 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Convention Registration. 7:00 am – 9:30 am
Hotel Foyer.
Continental Breakfast 7:30 am – 9:00 am
Hotel Foyer.
General Session 1 – 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Desert Ballrooms 2 and 3
General Session 2 – 10:45 am to Noon -
Desert Ballroom 2 and 3
Youth and Career Development Workshop –
Part 1 – 10:45 am – 12:00 pm – Desert Ballroom 1
Lunch 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm Desert Ballroom
4 and 5
General Session 3– 1:30 pm– 4:00 pm Desert Ballrooms 2 and 3
Youth and Career Development Workshop
Part 2 – 11:30 pm – 3:45 pm – Ballroom 1
GDUA Meeting 4:00 pm– 5:30 pm -
Desert Ballroom 1)
Pre-Banquet Mixer – 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm –
Hotel Foyer.
2011 AzCB Scholarship and Awards Banquet –7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Oasis Room.
Post-Convention Party –9:00 pm – Midnight –
AzCB Hospitality Suite 907
Saturday, April 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Convention Registration. 7:30 am – 9:30 am
Hotel Foyer.
Open Discussion Workshop - How can we
serve you the AzCB membership? 8:3 am - 9:45 am – Desert Ballrooms 4 & 5.
AzCB Business Meeting –10:00 am – Noon
Desert Ballrooms 4 & 5. (Agenda on Page 19.)
AzCB Post-Convention Board Meeting – Noon – 1:30 pm Mandatory for all current and
new Board members. Board Room.
2011 Business Meeting Agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Exhibitor Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
AzCB Officers and Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Welcome from the AzCB President
On behalf of the Arizona Council of the Blind Officers, Directors, and Members, I welcome you to the 40th Annual State Convention. Our convention committee chair, Sharon Carpenter, and the committee members have worked hard to plan this exciting event. It is their hope and mine that you will become better informed about issues that are impacting people who are blind or visually impaired, and that you will take advantage of the opportunity to become familiar with your counsel and the board members and committee chairpersons.
The theme this year is: “Celebrating Our Past and
Launching Our Future". One thing you can count on is change. In
2010 the AzCB Board worked to change our budgeting process and simplify our
tracking of expenditures. Our new 2011 Approved Budget is our first step in
finding balance between Income and Expense. Our challenges for the future are
to provide aid in areas that have reduced services due to economic conditions.
Our hope is that the speakers we have chosen will prove to be a good resource to
you in bridging any gaps that affect you personally.
In our program we have several dynamic speakers, including Pratik Patel, who is
ACB's Telecommunications Chairman and Dr. Sharam Danesh, M.D., Arizona Retinal Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, who will provide the latest in Retinal research results. In between, we have updates on
job training services, library services, and radio services. Of course, you
will want to take time to visit our many exhibitors in the exhibit area, and
there will be several times for socializing.
If you have any questions or needs during the convention, please stop by the registration desk or contact Sharon Carpenter or me.
Ron Brooks
AzCB
President
A Note from the
Convention Coordinator
Hello and welcome to Phoenix for the 40th Annual Convention of the Arizona Council of the Blind! Each year, we like to say that the event will be bigger and better than ever, and despite the ongoing economic recession, this year is no exception. In fact, take a look at what you can expect during this year’s event.
· A full two days of informative meetings, workshops and sessions which will include discussions of legislative advocacy, technology, travel, the arts and even a practical demonstration of yoga by a blind instructor who is also an AzCB member.
· An Exhibits Hall which will feature 16 agencies, organizations and businesses which offer products, programs and services which are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of people who are blind or visually impaired. You can check out the latest adaptive technologies, register for the best radio reading service in the country—if not the world, or you can find out more about how changes in transit and paratransit affect you.
· The 2011 Annual AzCB Scholarship and Awards Banquet will be the biggest and best ever. In addition to the awarding of scholarship to two truly deserving candidates who represent the future our community and our movement for positive and lasting change we will have a keynote speaker who will entertain you.
· A number of important meetings where you can shape the direction of our organization, both now and for the future. Committee meetings take place on Thursday, and you will not want to miss our 2011 Annual Business Meeting which is scheduled for Saturday. The Agenda is included in the Program Guide for your convenience.
· A number of opportunities to meet mingle and make friends. Check out the Convention Schedule for details about the AzCB Hospitality Suite as well as our Pre-Banquet Mixer.
I want to close by thanking the entire AzCB Convention Planning Committee as well as our Board of Directors, all of whom have worked hard to make this year’s convention an event you will not want to miss. Mostly, I want to thank each of you for being here. This is your convention, and the AzCB is your organization, and our success depends on each and every one of you.
So have fun; learn a lot; and if you need anything, come see us at the Convention Registration Table or at the AzCB Booth in the Exhibits Hall. You can also contact me directly for any questions or needs you may have during your stay in Phoenix. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you.
Sharon Carpenter
AzCB
Convention Coordinator
Hotel Information
Phoenix International Airport Crown Plaza Hotel
4300 East Washington Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85034
Phone (602) 273-7778
Hotel Overview
The Crown Plaza Phoenix International Airport Hotel is the closest hotel to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) with 24-hour airport shuttle transportation and now you can take advantage of a new METRO Light Rail system, connecting you directly to Downtown Phoenix, Phoenix Convention Center, Downtown Tempe, Mill Ave with shopping and dining, and Arizona State University. As the only hotel with a stop directly on the new Light Rail, the Crown Plaza Phoenix International Airport Hotel gives you seamless access to the city.
Make yourself at home in the 100% smoke free atmosphere as you enjoy our Sleep Advantage program featuring plush comfortable bedding, complimentary Ruckus wireless Internet, Cafe She restaurant and lounge, and Cafe She Express featuring Starbucks coffee and pastries for that early morning snack. Business travelers will find the Crown Plaza Phoenix International Airport Hotel an excellent place to meet with a 24 hour business center, 24 hour fitness room and meeting space that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests.
The Crown Plaza is also the perfect location for those looking to relax, with a heated outdoor pool and whirlpool. Chase Field, US Airways Center and Sun Devil Stadium are all just 10 minutes away via the Light Rail and if you are planning a trip to catch some Spring Training, many stadiums are within a 10 minute drive. So if you are traveling for either business or an escape, be prepared to be pampered at the Crown Plaza Phoenix Interhational Airport hotel
Information Source
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hotel/phxea/welcome/media/pt?start=1
Meals and Breaks:
Lunch – “Eat, Learn and Shop” - 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Pick up your box lunch and join us in the Exhibits Hall where you can visit, eat and check out what our exhibitors have to offer in terms of products, services and technologies adapted for people who are blind or visually impaired. Desert Ballrooms 4 and 5
Coffee, tea, and water will be provided in meeting rooms throughout the convention. The afternoon break at 2:45 pm will include soda and cookies offered in the foyer.
40th Annual AzCB Awards Banquet
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Pre-Banquet Mixer – 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Hotel Foyer
Come join us for a no Host bar cocktail social.
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – 2011 AzCB Banquet – Master of Ceremonies – TBD - Oasis Room.
1. Introductions of Special Guests
2. Keynote Address
3. Presentation of 2011 Scholarships and Awards
John Van Landingham Scholarship
Frank Kells Scholarship
4. Announcements
Convention Schedule
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Registration – Hotel Foyer
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Meeting of the AzCB Resolutions, Constitution and Bylaws Committee - David Steinmetz, Chairman. Boardroom
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Meeting of the AzCB Membership Committee – Tom Belsan, Chairman. Boardroom
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Meeting of the AzCB Nominations Committee – Larry Wanger, Chairman. Boardroom
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Hospitality Suite open for all members and guests – Papago Suite (Room 907)
Friday, April 15
7:30 am – 9:00 am – Continental Breakfast – Hotel Foyer – Free for all Convention registrants
7:30 am – 12:00 pm – Convention Registration – Hotel Foyer
8:00 am – 5:00 pm – Exhibits Hall open to all Convention Registrants – Desert Ballrooms 4 & 5
9:00 am – 10:30 am - General Session 1 – Desert Ballrooms 2 & 3
9:00 – Call to Order/ Introductions – Ron Brooks, AzCB President
9:05 – Keynote Address – His Honor Phil Gordon, Mayor of Phoenix
9:20 - Historical Perspective on AzCB - Panelists: Bob
Williams, Dan Martinez, Barbara McDonald.
Moderator: Ron Brooks.
9:35 – Update from the Rehabilitation Services Administration – Kathy Levandowsky, Commissioner, Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration, Phoenix.
9:50 – National Updates – 21st Century Telecommunications Act, Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act and Other News from the ACB National Office, Pratik Patel, Chairman , ACB Technology Committee, New York City , NY.
10:20 – “Celebrating Vision Impairment Awareness with the Diamondbacks” - Elaina Stone, Group Sales and Marketing, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix.
10:30 General Session 1 Adjourns
10:45 – Noon General Session 2
10:45 – First Reading of Proposed Changes to AzCB Constitution and Bylaws – David Steinmetz, Committee Chairman.
10:55 – Report from the AzCB Nominating Committee – Larry Wanger, Committee Chairman.
11:00 am – Don't Take "No" for an Answer - Strategies for Getting What You Need despite Waiting Lists, Budget Cuts and Professionals Who Tell You "No" - Where to turn when the system fails you! Moderator: Sharon Carpenter
11:30 am “New Ways to Read in Arizona: Updates from Sun Sounds and the Arizona Braille and Talking Book Library” Speakers: TBD.
12:00 General Session 2 Adjourns
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm – “Eat, Learn and Shop” Pick up your box lunch and join us in the Exhibits Hall where you can visit, eat and check out what our exhibitors have to offer in terms of products, services and technologies adapted for people who are blind or visually impaired. Desert Ballrooms 4 and 5
1:30 pm– 4:00 pm General Session 3– Desert Ballrooms 2 and 3
1:30 – 2:45 – “Newest Advances in Retinal Research”
Emcee: Barbara McDonald; Speaker: Dr. Sharam Danesh, M.D. Arizona Retinal Institute; Dr. Danesh is an experienced retinal surgeon. He will discuss the latest retinal advances and research, as well as, all the newest developments including AMD and the intraocular telescope.
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2:45 pm – Break
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm – “Triumphs and Challenges of Personal Mobility: Updates on Getting Around in Arizona” Moderator: TBD. Speakers: TBD
4:00 General Session 3 Adjourns
4:00 pm– 5:30 pm GDUA Meeting
-Desert Ballroom 1)
Youth and Career Development Workshops
10:45 am – Noon – Youth and Career Development Workshop - Part 1 – Desert Ballroom 1
10:45 – Welcome and Introductions – Ron Brooks, AzCB President
11:00 am– Overview of AzCB, Who We Are, What We Do, and Why Organizations Matter for Young People: Moderator: Ron Brooks, AzCB President. Speakers: TBD
11:40 am – Introducing 2011 AzCB Scholarship Recipients - Moderator: Lisa Brooks, Scholarship Committee Chairperson.
Lunch – Noon to 1:30 pm Desert Ballroom 4&5
1:30 pm – 3:45 pm – Youth and Career
Development Workshop Part 2 – Desert Ballroom 1
1:30 – “Using Technology to Get Ahead on Campus/in Professional Life: How Smart Phones, I Phone Apps and Other Tools Are Helping Blind and Visually Impaired Students Succeed” Moderator: TBD. Speakers, TBD. (This panel would have people talking about everything from phones, to phone apps, to GPS technologies and other adaptive technologies. Focus is on how these devices can be used and how they can be obtained.)
2:45 – Break
3:00 pm – 3:45 pm “Choosing the correct Career path, what is practical in our times. Moderator: Larry Wanger. Speakers: TBD.
3:45 pm – Youth & Career Session Adjourns.
2011 AzCB Scholarship and Awards Banquet
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Pre-Banquet Mixer – Hotel Foyer.
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – 2011 AzCB Banquet – Master of Ceremonies – TBD - Oasis Room.
5. Introductions of Special Guests
6. Keynote Address
7. Presentation of 2011 Scholarships and Awards
John Van Landingham Scholarship
Frank Kells Scholarship
8. Announcements
9:00 pm – Midnight – Post-Convention Party – AzCB Hospitality Suite 907
Saturday, April 16
7:30 am – 9:30 am – Breakfast Buffet – Free to all Convention registrants. Hotel Foyer.
7:30 am – 9:30 am – Convention Registration. Hotel Foyer.
Voting members who have not previously registered must check in at the registration desk.
8:30 am – 9:45 am – How can we serve you the
AzCB membership? Open discussion with ACB Rep (Pratik Patel), Membership Chair (Tom Belsan) & Convention Chair & Secretary (Sharon Carpenter). Bring your Breakfast & give us your feedback. – Desert Ballrooms 4 & 5.
10:00 am – 12:00 pm - AzCB Business Meeting – Desert Ballrooms 4 & 5. (See page 19.)
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm – AzCB Post-Convention Board Meeting – Mandatory for all current and new Board members. Board Room.
AzCB 40th Annual Business Meeting
Location – Phoenix International Airport Crown Plaza Hotel
Date – Saturday, April 16
Time – 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
Agenda
1. Call to Order – President Ron Brooks
2. Approval of Minutes from 2010 Annual Business Meeting – Secretary Sharon Carpenter
3. Approval of Minutes from September 2010 Special Business Meeting – Secretary Sharon Carpenter
4. Report from the AzCB Treasurer – Treasurer Tim Connell
5. Report from the AzCB President – President Ron Brooks
6. Committee Reports
7. Old Business
8. New Business
a. 2011 AzCB Board Elections
i. Treasurer
ii. First Vice-President
iii. Director Positions (2)
b. Consideration of Proposed Amendments to the AzCB Constitution and Bylaws
c. Consideration of 2011 AzCB Resolutions
d. Discussion and Feedback Regarding 2011 AzCB Convention and Ideas for the 2012 AzCB Convention
e. Discussion of Strategies for Increasing Membership
9. Announcements
10. Adjournment
Exhibitor Spotlight
One of the highlights of our annual convention is our Exhibits Hall, and this year, the Exhibits Hall will be better than ever and we have set aside more free time so you can visit the exhibitor of your choice.
When – Friday, April 15 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where – Desert Ballrooms 4 & 5
This year, our exhibitors will include a total of sixteen agencies, organizations and companies whose products and services are geared to meet the unique needs of people who are blind or visually impaired. All of these exhibitors will be present to meet with you, your friends, your coworkers, your family members and anyone else who want more information about products and services which will enhance the quality of work, school and play for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Ø Achilles International
Ø Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Ø Arizona Council of the Blind, Inc.
Ø Arizona Braille and Talking Book Library
Ø En-Vision
Ø Guide Dogs For the Blind
Ø Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Ø Low Vision Plus
Ø Phoenix Veterans Administration Health Care System
Ø Sun Sounds of Arizona
Ø Valley Metro
Ø Blinded Veterans Association
Ø Foundation for Blind Children
Ø Maricopa Association of Governments
Ø Next Level Assistive Technology
Ø Desert low Vision Services
ARIZONA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
April 2010
Officers
President (Term Expires May 2012)
Ron Brooks (Blind/Email/LP)
1st Vice President (Term Expires May 2011)
Sharon Booker (Blind/Email/Braille)
2nd Vice President
Ruth Druding (Blind/Mail/LP) (Term Expires May 2012)
Secretary (Term expires May 2012)
Sharon Carpenter (Blind/Email/LP)
Treasurer (Term expires May 2011)
Timothy Connell (Blind/Email/Braille)
Directors (Four Positions)
Vacant Position (Blind/Email/LP) (Term expires May 2011)
Larry Wanger (Blind/Email/LP) (Term expires May 2011)
Barbara McDonald(Blind/Email/LP) (Term expires 2012)
David Steinmetz (Blind/Email/LP) (Term expires 2012)
AzCB Committee Contacts
Brief Fund – Daniel Martinez
Budget – Larry Wanger
Credentials- Tom Belsan,
Constitution and By-laws – David Steinmetz
Fund Raising – Kelly Perry-Connell
Advocacy/Legislative – Barbara McDonald
Membership – Tom Belsan
News Letter (Fore-Sight) – Dan Martinez, dmar@qwest.com
Public Relations/Leadership – Unfilled
State Convention – Sharon Carpenter
Website – Tom Belsan
Chapter Presidents
Phoenix Chapter – Vicky Pettit, vickypettit@msn.com
Southern Arizona Chapter – Mitzi Tharin, mitzitharin@q.com
Affiliate Presidents
Guide Dog Users of Arizona (GUDA)
Larry Wanger Phone: (480) 307-3229
E-Mail: lsw999@me.net
Maricopa County Club of the Blind – Ruth Druding, (623) 937-1211, rdruding@cox.net
Updated 4/18/10 SAC
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