For Immediate Release

Contact:

Dr. Ronald E. Milliman, Chair, American Council of the Blind Public Relations Committee

(270) 782-9325 or (270) 996-7356 (cell)

E-mail: rmilliman@insightbb.com

OVER 2,000 BLIND & LOW-VISION PEOPLE TO CONVENE IN ORLANDO

ORLANDO, June 17, 2009 -- More than 2,000 blind and visually impaired people will gather here at the Rosen Centre Hotel (407-996-9840), from July 3-11 for the 48th annual national convention of the American Council of the Blind (ACB). According to the Orlando & Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau, an estimated $2,960,300 will be injected into the greater Orlando economy thanks to the ACB conventioneers.

Mitch Pomerantz, ACB's president, "invites anyone who is blind or with low vision, or who is losing their eyesight, or with a friend or family member who is experiencing vision loss to come to the Rosen Centre during our national convention and find out about what we have to offer. This ACB convention will be our largest and busiest ever."

Among the many attractions, there will be a large trade show in which visitors can see state-of-the-art devices designed to make life easier for blind and low-vision people. The exhibit area will feature a wide variety of products including mobility devices such as white canes and even talking GPS navigation units, all types of magnification devices, talking watches and clocks, and special computer equipment that translates print books and magazines into braille or artificial speech, and much, much more.

Carla Ruschival, chair of ACB's convention committee, said, "Throughout the week, convention attendees will participate in a variety of meetings and seminars offering the most up-to-date information on topics ranging from the latest technology to assist blind and low-vision people to sessions on career and employment opportunities."

ACB's executive director, Melanie Brunson, said, "Our convention provides blind and visually impaired people with a chance to see the latest technology, become informed on current legislation that affects their lives, and keeps them abreast of the implementation of programs for their benefit. Recent court rulings requiring the federal government to make our paper money accessible to blind and low-vision people will be discussed. Also, the problem posed by hybrid automobiles not making any sound that blind people can hear will be discussed."

Oral O. Miller, a former board member, stated, "The convention gives people an opportunity to share ideas and strategies which enhance their quality of life. The convention provides blind and visually impaired people with information which is unavailable in any other forum." Miller said convention sessions and the exhibit area are open to the general public for a modest registration fee.

"Local Orlando residents will see several men and women carrying canes or accompanied by guide dogs touring various regional attractions," said Dr. Ron Milliman, chair of ACB's public relations committee. "Orlando has much to offer, and it is an especially friendly city for blind and low-vision individuals to visit."

The American Council of the Blind is a national membership organization. Its members are blind, visually impaired, and fully sighted individuals who are concerned about the dignity and well-being of blind people throughout the nation.

Formed in 1961, the ACB is one of the largest organizations of blind people in the world, with more than 70 state and special-interest affiliates and a nationwide network of chapters and members spanning the globe.

For more information about the American Council of the Blind or the ACB National Convention, contact: Melanie Brunson, Executive Director, American Council of the Blind, 2200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 650, Arlington, VA 22201; phone (202) 467-5081 or (800) 424-8666; or visit the web site, www.acb.org.