[acb-hsp] ACB-HSP Conference and Convention Program minutes for July 13, 2011

[Marleen O'Neill]

ACB-HSP Conference and Convention program minutes for July 13, 2011

The ACB-HSP business meeting and program were held on July 13, 2011 during
the ACB conference and convention, which was held at the John Ascuaga Nugget
Hotel resort Casino in Reno Nevada. The business meeting was called to order
by ACB-HSP President Darian Slayton Flemming at 2:45 pm. on July 13, 2011.
Marleen O'Neill read the minutes from the meeting held on July 13, 2010. A
motion was made, seconded, and carried that the minutes of the 2010 business
meeting be accepted as read. Marleen O'Neill read the Treasurer's report,
since Deanna Austin was unable to attend the convention. It stated that, as
of July 1, 2010, ACB-HSP had a balance of $507.15 in its checking account,
and that balance was $516.73 on June 30, 2011. It also stated that, on July
1, 2010, ACB-HSP had $50.29 in its savings account, and $50.41 on June 30,
2011. A motion was made, seconded, and carried that the Treasurer's report
be accepted as read. Those wishing to join ACB-HSP can do so by sending a
check payable to ACB-HSP in the amount of $10 to our Treasurer, Deanna
Austin at the following address:
Deanna Austin
5248 Spring Creek Court
Indianapolis, Indiana 46254
After the business meeting was concluded, a panel discussion was held. The
topic was networking, and how to work a room. Darian Slayton Flemming was
the moderator, and she stated that she always tries to do work, either paid
or volunteer, for organizations to which she belongs. This keeps her
involved, and allows her to network freely at events or functions. Linda
Porelle spoke about networking when one is totally blind. She spoke of her
frustration in not being successful at networking, and the devastation she
felt when her husband stated that people didn't know what to make of her
because she was unable to make eye contact. After much thought, Linda
realized that the problem was not that she couldn't make eye contact with
others, but that others couldn't make eye contact with her. She also
realized that dealing with the public in this manner was a lifelong
endeavor, because, as she put it, If everyone miraculously completely
understood vision loss, she would need to educate a new set of people in
future years. This helped her cope with the frustration that sometimes
occurs when she is working a room. Sarita Kimble-Holiday stated that it was
imperative that we not let others put us in a chair, and forget about us.
She stressed the importance of getting to know everything about your
surroundings in advance, from the layout of the room to the people in
attendance. She also stated that, in the course of working a room, people
would be apt to assume that we need help. Instead of being discouraged by
this reaction, she invited all of us to use it as an opportunity to find out
everything possible about the layout of the room, where the speakers were
located, etc. She also strongly recommended going to an event with some one
as a dry run to gather information about the surroundings, as well as
speaking with presenters prior to an event. Finally, she emphasized the
necessity of walking with confidence and assertiveness when working a room.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 pm. At 5:45 pm., a mixer was held, during
which fruit, cheese, crackers, vegetables and non-alcoholic beverages were
served, and people were encouraged to utilize skills they had picked up from
the afternoon session. Both the panel discussion, and the mixer were well
attended, and all had a wonderful time. We hope that the success of this
year's program and mixer will act as a springboard to even greater success
in future years.

Respectfully Submitted,
Marleen O'Neill
Secretary
ACB-HSP
American Council of the Blind
Human Service Professionals