Dear Conference/Convention Attendees:

Let me welcome you to the 50th annual national conference and convention of the American Council of the Blind here in Reno, Nevada. This historic gathering of ACB members and friends is taking place at John Ascuaga's Nugget, a thoroughly modern facility with all the amenities one would expect from an up-to-date Nevada hotel and casino.

The theme of the 2011 conference and convention is "ACB in the Silver State: Golden Past, Diamond Future," a theme which highlights both our geographic location and the golden anniversary of the founding…

Many, many thanks to the 2011 corporate sponsors, our Nevada gems. Your continued generous support of the American Council of the Blind and our conference and convention is much appreciated.

Look for the 2011 corporate sponsors in the conference and convention program and newspaper, on ACB Radio, on the convention T-shirt, and throughout the week. Be sure to thank them personally for their generous support.

Ruby Sponsors

Deque Systems
Google - ACB Tour Transportation
Humanware - ACB Radio Mainstream
Vanda Pharmaceuticals - ACB Registration

…

ACB IN THE SILVER STATE
GOLDEN PAST - DIAMOND FUTURE

50th Annual National
Conference and Convention
American Council of the Blind
and
Special-Interest Affiliates

John Ascuaga’s Nugget Resort & Casino
Reno, Nevada
July 8-16, 2011

Mitch Pomerantz, President

Hosted by the
Nevada Council of the Blind
Rick Kuhlmey, President

This software helps your student:
- Virtually explore streets…

• Sunday, July 11
• Monday, July 12
• Tuesday, July 13
• Wednesday, July 14
• Thursday, July 15
• …

by Carla Ruschival

Fifty years ago, in 1961, 29 people met in a hotel in Kansas City, Mo., and the American Council of the Blind was born. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of people like Durward McDaniel and countless others, and despite the efforts of those who hoped ACB would succumb to a quick and untimely death, the fledgling organization spread its wings and became the proud leader and beacon of democracy we know today.

ACB celebrates its 50th anniversary July 8-16 in Reno, Nev. The 2011 ACB conference and convention is overflowing with informative programs,…

by Carla Ruschival

Come to Reno, Nev., and celebrate gold at the 50th annual conference and convention of the American Council of the Blind.

Our fantastic week of programs, exhibits, tours, and fun gets under way on Friday, July 8. Choose a narrated cruise on a paddlewheeler of Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay with its crystal blue waters and towering peaks. As Mark Twain said in 1862 upon seeing Lake Tahoe for the first time, "It must surely be the fairest picture the whole world affords." Or visit the Fallon Naval Air Station (yes, it's in the middle of the desert) for a hands-…

by Carla Ruschival

We're making plans. Excitement is building. The 2011 conference and convention of the American Council of the Blind is happening in Reno, Nevada, July 8-16. Plan now to be there to celebrate ACB's 50th birthday -- our golden past, our diamond future.

It is the end of January as I write this article. Already the national office and I are receiving lots of conference-related calls. Read on for answers to the most frequently asked questions from individuals, agencies and others.

** PROGRAM: Speakers and presenters at general sessions and break-out…

by Carla Ruschival

ACB's golden anniversary conference and convention will be one of the best ever. Make plans now to be in Reno July 8 to 16 for all the special activities, information, exhibits, fun and friends.

The fun-filled John Ascuaga Nugget Resort Hotel Casino is home to ACB for convention week. General session and exhibits will be on the second floor, and special-interest group meetings, workshops and social events will be on 2 and 3. After a busy day in exhibits and meetings, you and your friends may want to dine in one of the hotel's many restaurants, have fun…

by Carla Ruschival

It's mid-November as I write this article, and serious planning is already under way for ACB's golden anniversary at the 50th annual conference and convention in Reno, Nev.

Some members of the national convention committee just spent a hectic few days in Reno. We visited potential tour sites, talked with transportation contractors, and met with hotel catering, audio/visual and accounting personnel. We began conversations with the airport, discussed accessibility issues with conference venues, and got to know members of the local host committee. We began…

by Carla Ruschival

It's already November, and ACB is getting closer and closer to going gold. The 2011 ACB conference and convention is set for July 8-16 in Reno, Nev., and you will want to be there to help us celebrate ACB's 50th anniversary.

The conference hotel is the fabulous John Ascuaga Nugget Hotel Resort Casino. It features two 29-story towers with over 1,500 rooms, eight restaurants, six bars, pool, fitness center, and of course a casino.

This month's featured restaurant in the hotel is the Noodle Hut. Enjoy quick and tasty Asian specialities like won ton…