Teachers’ Features for the 2025 Convention
by Carla Hayes
Even though school will be out before the opening of the ACB national convention, a teacher’s work is never done, and the American Association of Blind Teachers has been working hard to plan a fantastic convention program for you! Here is what AABT has to offer at this year’s convention.
Before we even get to Dallas, on Saturday, June 28, from 2:30-3:45 p.m., we will join forces with the Braille Revival League and the ACB Employment Committee for a Zoom-only session titled Using Braille In The Workplace. Come learn from a panel of braille users about how they are using braille every day as a vital part of their job. How important is it in improving job productivity? Explore how braille is being used now versus 40 years ago.
On Saturday, July 5th, from 7:30-9:00 a.m., the AABT Annual Breakfast and Program will take place. Even if you are not going to be in Dallas, be sure to join us for the program portion of our breakfast on Zoom. The title of our timely presentation is “From Smart Devices to Chatbots: How AI Is Helpful For Blind Students.” AI is not here to replace teachers — it’s a tool that can support learning in new ways. From reading text aloud to providing descriptions of images. AI helps blind students access information, work creatively, and engage in the classroom. Learn how AI can make education easier, not harder. Our presenter will be Shawn Keen, AI Guru, AI for the Blind, Fort Worth, Tex.
On Monday, July 7th, from 1:00 to 3:45 p.m., we will have an interactive hands-on workshop entitled “Math Manipulatives for All Learners at All Levels.” In this double session, Jim Franklin, President and Founder of Slide-A-Round Math Manipulatives, special education teacher and inventor of several math manipulatives, will begin by demonstrating some of his products and speaking about how they are used in the classroom. After his formal presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to examine the manipulatives and ask questions. Some of these products include a number line; other math manipulatives address fractions, decimals, money, elapsed time, weight and capacity standards. These products are also available for low vision and blind students. (Because of the hands-on nature of this workshop, it will not be hybrid, but it will be recorded and will be made available later as a podcast.)
On Tuesday, July 8th, we will continue our annual tradition of co-sponsoring the Meet the Talking Book Narrator and the NLS update sessions with BRL and LUA. From 1:00 to 2:15 p.m., we will have the opportunity to meet Talking Book Narrator Gary Tipton, a long-time narrator at the American Printing House for the Blind, who has read an amazing 789 books in all genres, from cookbooks to fantasy. Then, from 2:30-3:45 p.m., Jason Broughton will update us with all the latest news from NLS. (Both of these sessions will be hybrid; anyone can attend, no matter where you are.)
As usual, our convention lineup contains a variety of offerings for a variety of interests. We hope you will join us either in-person or online for whichever sessions that you can.
BITS at the 2025 ACB Convention
Blind Information Technology Specialist (BITS) has an exciting slate of events scheduled for the 2025 ACB convention. Beginning with the virtual convention and continuing through the in-person convention in Dallas, BITS will be there to satisfy your craving for technology and fellowship among like-minded ACB members.
Virtual Convention Sessions
Starting with the virtual convention, BITS has a total of 6 presentations covering a variety of topics including social media and artificial intelligence. Highlights include a presentation from Brian Hartgen, covering efficient use of WhatsApp on your PC, and apps for mastering artificial intelligence on your iOS device from iBugToday.
BITS Reception
On Wednesday, July 9, from 5 to 7 p.m., join all your BITS friends for the 2nd annual BITS reception, at the in-person portion of the convention in Dallas. There will be a cash bar, and snacks will be provided. Tickets will be available during convention registration for $15, and include a drink coupon, redeemable at the bar.
In-Person Training
Mastering AI for Unmatched Accessibility Productivity and Affiliate Transformation:
A 3-day in-person training program offered at the ACB convention in Dallas. Dates: Wednesday, July 9 and Thursday, July 10 from 1 to 5 p.m., and Friday, July 11, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Step into the forefront of digital innovation at the BITS AI & Technology Training! Over three transformative days, you'll experience live AI demonstrations, hands-on sessions with cutting-edge assistive technology, and master the art of effective prompt engineering.
Discover how to automate everyday tasks, enhance digital workflows, and boost productivity with the latest AI tools.
Attendees will:
- Master Essential Tools: Learn to harness AI across platforms like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot.
- Elevate Your Communication: Develop impactful prompting techniques to enhance research, content creation, and affiliate communications.
- Transform Virtual Meetings: Optimize Zoom interactions to drive effective and engaging meetings.
- Expand Content Distribution: Generate newsletters, articles, business documents, and meeting minutes in versatile formats, including phone-based systems and podcasts.
- Transform your affiliate with groundbreaking technologies designed to increase engagement, expand outreach, and drive effectiveness.
Our expert-led workshops and interactive exercises deliver actionable insights to revolutionize your operations and create a lasting impact in your community.
The optional post-convention session will further empower you to build personalized and optimized solutions for your professional goals and affiliate interactions.
For JAWS users, students will be provided access to Brian Hartgen’s Leasey product throughout the course, to assist in AI training.
Pre-convention workshops will be scheduled to set expectations and tailor the experience to attendees’ needs.
Sign-up for this 3-day training during convention registration. Cost is $75, and is open to all convention registrants.
IVIE and RSVA 2025 Convention Events
by Ardis Bazyn and Carla Hayes
Before you know it, the ACB Convention will be here! Since Independent Visually Impaired Entrepreneurs (IVIE) and Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America (RSVA) will be co-sponsoring many of our events, it made sense to combine information about our convention program offerings in one article. Here is what we have planned for the convention this year.
IVIE kicks things off on Friday, June 27 from 1:00-2:15 p.m. with The Coaching Roundtable. Join ACB Women and IVIE for a conversation with three women coaches. You will learn about their training, their coaching philosophies, and their experience as coaching entrepreneurs. One of them might be the perfect coach for you.
On Saturday, July 5, from 12:15-1:00 p.m., we will hold the IVIE/RSVA luncheon. Enjoy good food, catch up with old friends and make new ones. Immediately after the luncheon, from 1:00-2:15 p.m., we will have our first seminar of the afternoon, Bringing Meaning to Your Business. Our speaker, Dan Lococo, PhD, of Affinity By Design, Inc., in Milwaukee, Wis., will use personal experiences to highlight how using the mission and goals of the business will help it thrive. The main focus is on bringing meaning into your business to ensure the passion for the business continues. Then from 2:30-3:45 p.m., we will have a very timely panel presentation, Tips For Preventing Identity Theft. Speakers will give participants ways to prevent identity theft. You will also learn about recent scams and how to identify them so you don’t get scammed. Our panelists will be Deborah Joyce, Author, Honolulu, Hawaii, and Chris Peterson, Founder and CEO, Penny Forward, Richfield, Minn. (Both of these presentations will be co-sponsored by IVIE and RSVA.)
Sunday, July 6 will be another very busy day! From 1:00-2:15 p.m., we will have a panel presentation entitled “Discover the World of Entrepreneurship.” Join us as dynamic entrepreneurs Kevin Fortune, Owner, The Fortune Agency, CEO, National BVI Chamber of Commerce, Cincinnati, OH; Hayley Agers, DoTERRA Wellness Advocate, Marysville, WA; Ardis Bazyn, Bazyn Communications, Thornton, CO; Linda Allison, President, Tennessee Council of the Blind and Tennessee Vendor, Knoxville, TN; and Conrad Bennett, Lots of Smiles, Romney, W.Va., share their journeys, including opportunities within the Randolph-Sheppard Program. Hear firsthand how they chose the path of entrepreneurship and what drives their success. (This event is co-sponsored by RSVA, IVIE, ACB Next Generation, the ACB Employment Committee, and the Rehabilitation Issues Task Force.)
At 2:30 p.m., we will hear “All about the Texas BEP Program.” Featured speakers include Karla Martinez, Training and Development Specialist, Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center, Austin, Tex., Crawford J. Odom, BET Business Consultant – District 2, Business Enterprise of Texas - Texas Workforce Commission, Fort Worth, Tex., and others. Our speakers will highlight the Business Enterprise Program in Texas 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.
Our convention offerings are not all work and no play! On Monday evening, July 7, from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m., come and enjoy this year’s comedian at Laugh with RSVA. Following this event, from 9 p.m. to midnight, you can share your talent or simply relax and enjoy others’ performances at RSVA Karaoke. (Note that both of these evening events are in-person only.)
Finally, on Wednesday, July 9th from 1:00-3:45 p.m., the annual IVIE Business Expo will take place. Here, blind and visually impaired business owners will showcase their products and services and answer your questions. Come and do some early Christmas shopping and support blind and visually impaired business owners! Browsing the Expo is free, but if you would like to have a booth at the expo, the cost is $10 for IVIE members and $25 for non-members, with the option of designating $15 of this fee for IVIE annual dues. You can pay for IVIE dues and/or an Expo booth on IVIE’s secure website, www.ivie-acb.org. If you have any questions about the expo or IVIE membership, you can call IVIE President Ardis Bazyn at (303) 963-5153.
As you can see, IVIE and RSVA have a variety of fun and informative events planned for you at this year’s convention! We hope you will join us for some or all of our events.
Talking Books, Digital Players, and a Talking Book Narrator
Library Users of America has lots of fun and informative sessions planned for this year’s convention. You’ll get to check out the new DA2 talking book player, learn about the My Talking Books smart speaker skill, hear about how a book becomes available as a talking book on BARD, and much more. There’s something to interest everyone!
Thursday, June 26
1:00 - 2:15 p.m.: LUA Presents the New DA2 Player and the NLS My Talking Books Smart Speaker Skill (Zoom only)
Don Olson, customer service specialist and Zhe Huang, Patron Education and Training Specialist will familiarize us with the new DA2 talking book player which will shortly be available and will allow an NLS patron to download books directly from BARD. We will also learn about the My Talking Books smart speaker skill which gives a patron hands-free access to BARD through the Amazon Alexa devices.
2:30 - 3:45 p.m.: LUA Presents the Journey from Print Book to Talking Book (Zoom only)
Presenters from NLS detail the process a book goes through in its journey to becoming available as an audiobook on BARD.
Friday, June 27
1:00 - 2:15 p.m.: LUA Presents an Author Talk by a Survivor of the World War II Nazi Atrocities (Zoom only)
Simone Arnold Liebster has been a lifelong advocate to ensure that future generations never forget past religious atrocities. She is active in promoting an environment where peace, tolerance and human dignity can flourish. The condensed version of Simone’s book, “Facing the Lion: Memoirs of a Young Girl in Nazi Europe,” is available from Audible, narrated by the author. The full version is available on Bookshare. This promises to be a very moving and meaningful author presentation.
2:30 - 5:15 p.m.: LUA Business Meeting (Zoom only)
Tuesday, July 8
1:00 - 2:15 p.m.: LUA Presents Up Close and Personal with Talking Book Narrator Gary Tipton (hybrid)
Gary Tipton is a long-time narrator at the American Printing House for the Blind, and has read an amazing 789 books in all genres, from cookbooks to fantasy. Co-sponsored by BRL, AABT and LUA.
2:30 - 3:45 p.m.: LUA Presents A Q&A with the NLS Director (hybrid)
NLS Director Jason Broughton will bring us up to speed with happenings at NLS, and answer our questions about this most important service.