[mountainstate] FW: ACB-Metro Annual Convention 2011

[Vicki Ratcliffe]

     Here is the program for the Maryland convention. The banquet speaker
sounds fabulous.

Vicki


-----Original Message-----
From: Cindy LaBon [mailto:cindylabon at gmail.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2011 8:10 PM
To: indylabon"
Subject: ACB-Metro Annual Convention 2011

ACB-Metro Annual Convention 2011

National Capitol Area-Central Maryland-Metro Guide Dog Users, Inc

November 11-13, 2011

BWI Marriott Conference Center

www.regonline.com/acbmd2011

Join the contemporary blind community for a spirited convention
weekend. Our regional event provides an opportunity to learn new
skills, participate in hands-on workshops, and try new technologies.
This family friendly convention is located at the highly accessible
BWI Marriott Conference Center.



The registration fee is a rock-bottom bargain! The $80 fee is valid
until October 10, 2011. After October 10, the fee increases to $95.
The registration fee includes:
Admission to the exhibit hall on Friday and Saturday
'Canes, Canines, and Cocktails,' reception on Friday evening
General sessions on Saturday morning
Gourmet breakfast, lunch, and banquet supper on Saturday
Starbucks coffee or Tazo teas
Access to tech gurus of the blind community
Your choice of afternoon breakout sessions
Access to the hospitality suite
Convention Program, handouts, and swag-bag

We have negotiated a bargain rate of $122/ night at the BWI Marriott
Conference Center. The hotel includes restaurants, indoor swimming
pool, spacious sleeping rooms with Wi-fi, business center, free
shuttle, and lovely grounds. The hotel is on the light rail, so family
can easily trek to sightsee in Baltimore. Make reservations directly
at 410-859-8300. Be certain to tell the clerk that you are with the
ACB convention to receive the discounted rate.  You must reserve your
Marriott room by October 27, 2011 to enjoy the bargain rate.



Space is limited and popular sessions fill quickly. Reserve your seat
today by registering at www.regonline.com/acbmd2011



The following is a summary of the program.



Friday, November 11, 2011



1:30 PM                Exclusive Tour of the renowned Walters Art
Museum in Baltimore. Docents

will lead small groups of 5 on an exciting tactile and described tour of

museum exhibits. Space is limited to 20 registrants. Register now
online to secure your spot. Pre-registration is required for this
optional tour. Meet in the hotel lobby at 1:30 PM. The group
transportation will have you back to the Marriott in plenty of time
for the reception. Fee of $17.00 covers round trip transportation,
gratuities, and tour. For additional information, please contact
Jeanne Dunnington at 301-593-3619



4:30 - 7:00           Registration Open



5:00 - 8:00           Exhibits Open



6:00 - 8:00           "Canes, Canines, and Cocktails"

Join a lively group for appetizers, cash bar, and open exhibits



Saturday, November 12, 2011



7:30-8:30A                   Plated Breakfast (Group)



8:30A-10:45A     General Sessions

                             Welcome and Introductions

                             Patrick Sheehan, President

                             ACB-Maryland



Status Report: Emerging Issues on the Horizon

9A                         Melanie Brunson

Executive Director

American Council of the Blind



9:30A                   Media, Movies, and More: Just the Facts on the
21st Century Video & Communications Act

Mr. Mark Richert, Esq.

Director, Public Policy

American Foundation for the Blind



10:30 A                ACB in Cyberspace: What the BOP is doing to
create a rich internet presence

                             Jenine Stanley, Columbus, Ohio.



11A-Noon            Breakout Sessions



                              A Sneak Peak at Windows 8 - New
Frontiers in Accessibility

Learn what to expect in the next edition of Windows. New features in
accessibility will be discussed.

 Ed Leary

Windows Client, HPC, & Accessibility Specialist

Microsoft Federal



"Work Smarter, Not Harder" Productivity and Utilities Apps

Want to know how to get more mileage out of your iPhone? Utilities are
the unsung heros of multi-taskers everywhere...find out how to make
them work for you.

Zuhair Mahmoud

Lead Information Technology Specialist

Technology Assessment Group
 Library of Congress



"Life is Better Behind Bars"

Bars, or more accurately, bar codes, can be found on just about everything
these days. In this fun hands-on workshop we will display and discuss two
bar code reading systems, BCScan from AT Guys and the ID Mate from
Envision America. How do these products work? Can you really take them
to the grocery store and read labels?  Exactly what information can
they tell you? Can you really get directions for your frozen dinner or
find out just how many calories those potato chips have?  How can you
customize bar codes and scanners to meet your needs. We'll play with
all sorts of products and talk about your experiences with bar code
scanners and how they can increase your independence at home, work,
school and just about anywhere.

 Jenine Stanley





                             "I love gadgets!"

A Pampered Chef Leader/Trainer lets you test drive a wide variety of
fun gadgets that are efficient and durable. Try gadgets that chop,
chisel, peel, press, and more. Cooking tools that are new to the
market, as well as old favorites, are featured.

Michele Baker

Pampered Chef Trainer



Noon-1:15P         Boxed Lunch and visit the exhibits



1:15-2:15P                    Breakout Sessions



Facebook the Way You Want It

Preety Kumar

Deque Systems



How Many Ways to Read Books on your iPhone/iPad?

Let me show you the ways.

There has been an explosion of reading apps in the past year. How do
you choose the best one for you? A technology professional did the
hard work and testing to select the most accessible apps to get more
from your iphone/ipad.

JuleAnn Lieberman

Executive Director

EZ2C Foundation



No More Crash Landings

Eager to know the latest on Maryland's effort to install audible
pedestrian signals? Who should you contact if an APS needs to be
repaired? Do creative traffic patterns make you concerned for your
safety? Don't miss this session with two traffic engineers.

 Linda Singer

ADA Title II Compliance Coordinator

Maryland SHA



2:30-3:30P          Breakout Sessions



"Productivity on the Go: Notetakers, Netbooks, and everything in between"

Do you feel tethered to your desk? Does the concept of a virtual
office intrigue you? You can get work done while commuting, waiting,
flying, etc. Squeeze more productivity out of your day. You just need
the right tools.

Brad Hodges

National Technology Associate

American Foundation for the Blind



                             "Transitioning from the PC to MAC"

Daunted by the thought of giving up your PC? Can you expect a seamless
transition to a Mac? What should you consider before taking the leap?
Professional technology educator and tester JuleAnn Lieberman has
walked this path before you. Find out if you can peacefully coexist
using a Mac in a PC world.

JuleAnn Lieberman

Executive Director

EZ2C Foundation



                             Maximize Your Earning Potential

Are you 16 to 64 years old and receiving SSI or SSDI? Are you
currently working or wish to work? Are you 16 to 22, a current
student, or interested in returning to school to learn a new skill?
Confused about the various benefits programs and eligibility
requirements like work incentives, ticket to work, EID, etc. What
other programs may be available to you. Benefits counselors decipher
the programs and prerequisites to help you choose the best path. This
session will not provide individual benefits counseling, but will
address the format, procedures, and programs in Maryland. People who
feel they are candidates for confidential, no cost benefits counseling
can arrange for private appointments. This session is appropriate for
individuals who are not eligible, but may know of a friend, family, or
colleague who is eligible.

Cindy LaBon

Cindy LaBon Benefits Counseling Services, LLC



3:45-4:45P                    Breakout Sessions



"Got Game? Want Skills? Volunteer with the Coast Guard Auxiliary"

What does public service mean to you? Are you uninspired by garden
variety volunteer jobs? Consider the strength of USCGAUX: With 32,000
volunteers, they receive training, uniforms, support, and benefits.
Want to know more and speak with local USCGAUX volunteers? Don't miss
this up-to-the-minute presentation.

 Kent Stanley, SFO-PA



Raising the Bar: Executing the 508 Accessibility Standard

Want to know more about the grass roots movement seeking to
dramatically improve the delivery of Section 508 accessibility
standards? If you are a government employee or related service
provider, and are frustrated by incompatible technology, join us. We
are focused on solutions, not chatter!

Facilitator: Susan Crawford



Status Report on Cell Phone Accessibility

The competing phone companies offer differing menus of accessible
products and services. How do they compare to each other? Attend this
session to learn everything you need to be a smarter cell phone
consumer.

Brad Hodges

National Technology Associate

American Foundation for the Blind



Who Needs Rachel Ray? Budget Friendly Meals in 29 Minutes or Less

Don't miss this popular hands-on cooking session. Limited number of
seats, so register today!

Michelle Baker

Pampered Chef Trainer

6P                          Cocktails in banquet ballroom



6:30                     Annual Banquet
Emcee, Patrick Sheehan, ACB of Maryland President

Keynote Address

"Born to Fly: Blind Eye for the Big Skies"

                             Barry Hyde, MSA

Aviation Safety Analyst

                             Federal Aviation Administration



Barry Hyde's love of aviation began at an early age in North Carolina.
 By the age of 26, Hyde logged over 1,600 flight hours, was a flight
instructor and about to embark on an airline career.  Hyde's entire
life changed in June 1998 when Hyde was in a horrific aircraft
accident while flying as a passenger.  He emerged from a 20-day coma
with the loss of his sight and smell, taste, collapsed lungs, and over
a dozen broken bones. For over 2 years Hyde's focus was on recovery
and rehabilitation -he applied the same determination he used to
become a pilot to learn the new skills he would need for his newly
altered life.  Hyde's new life includes his best friends: his guide
dogs, Lincoln (now retired) and Jet, black Labrador Retrievers. Hyde
resumed his vocation in aviation in 2000 by becoming the world's first
and only blind Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) and Instrument Ground
Instructor (IGI).  Hyde is the first and only blind student to ever
attend Embry-Riddle since the university opened in 1925.  Hyde
obtained his Master of Science degree (Aeronautics with Aviation
Safety and Aviation Operations specializations) With Distinction in
the spring of 2007. Currently, Hyde is employed by the Federal
Aviation Administration's Flight Standards Service as an Aviation
Safety Analyst in Washington D.C. Hyde hopes that he will be able to
open avenues for blind individuals in the aviation industry that have
never been pursued before by utilizing his education and experience.
While it was Hyde's dream to become an airline pilot, it is now to
prevent accidents -- like the one that altered his life-- from ever
happening again.

8:15 PM                Live Auction

Bring your best bids to a dazzling array of food, wine, baskets, and
so much more! Auctioneer Becky Barnes will keep you hopping, so bring
your cash and credit cards.

Becky Barnes, Auctioneer