Google will sponsor four complimentary sessions in Minneapolis during the 2016 American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention.

1. Chrome OS Accessibility - Learn about the accessibility features built into every Chromebook and get an early look at the new ChromeVox screen reader.

   When - Wednesday, July 6, 4:15 to 5:30 PM

2. Google Apps Accessibility - Learn more about the latest accessibility improvements to Google Apps, including Google Docs, Google Drive, Calendar, and more.

   When - Wednesday, July 6, 5:45 to 7:00 PM

3. Google Play and…

Microsoft will conduct a usability study at the 2016 ACB Conference and Convention to evaluate and enhance the accessibility of their Office 365 products (Word, Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive, Skype, OneNote etc.). Participate in this session to help Microsoft better understand your needs and refine these productivity experiences to work seamlessly with assistive technologies.

A very big thank-you to Microsoft for their Emerald sponsorship at the 2016 American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention.

When - Tuesday, July 5, 2:45 to 5:30 PM

Convention dates -…

Sponsored by:

                         
Pre-register and save time and money. Your badge and tickets will be waiting for you when you arrive in Minneapolis, and most fees and ticket prices are lower when you pre-register.  Below is the link to download the PDF Pre registration…

25 years as an NLS Narrator

Wednesday, July 6, talking book narrator Martha Harmon-Pardee will speak at the 55th annual American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention in Minneapolis, MN.

Martha Harmon-Pardee has recorded well over 3000 books since beginning her career in 1993. The vast majority of her narration has been for the NLS program, but she has also recorded commercial audio books.  A graduate of Northwestern University, Martha is also an actress and voiceover talent. When Martha is not hunkered down in her recording booth, she gets to…

Visit the largest mall in the United States at the 55th annual Conference and Convention of the American Council of the Blind in Minneapolis, MN.

The Mall of America, located in Bloomington, MN, features an amusement park, aquarium, movie theater, and four levels of shops and restaurants.

Two tours are offered - one on Saturday, July 2 from 10:15 AM to 5:30 PM and another on Monday, July 4 from 1:00 to 6:30 PM. There will be very limited volunteer assistance at the mall, so consider bringing a shopping "buddy".

Cost: $15 pre-registration, $18 on site.

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How to Say More with Less

ACB Board of Publications Workshop at the 55th annual Conference and Convention of the American Council of the Blind in Minneapolis, MN.

The Information Superhighway has been around for decades, but traffic has become heavier and faster than ever. The 24-hour news cycle, abundance of online information sources, 140-character limits on Twitter, and use of emoticons mean we have to make our point quickly and powerfully.

During the Board of Publications Editor's Workshop, learn strategies you can use to sharpen your message;…

Go up, up and away with ACB at our 55th annual conference and convention in Minneapolis, MN.

Float over the beautiful Saint Croix River Valley in a hot-air balloon as the sun rises over Minnesota.  When the balloon burner is off, it is so quiet that you can hear dogs barking and people talking!

This tour is subject to weather conditions and wind speeds. It is
possible we may arrive to learn that we are unable to launch.  If this happens, there will be a partial refund.

Space on this tour is limited and subject to weight limitations;
please, no…

The early bird catches the worm at the 55th annual Conference and Convention of the American Council of the Blind in Minneapolis, MN!

Fish on Lake Minnetonka, one of Minnesota's largest and most famous lakes, in a 4-person boat with an experienced fishing guide. There will be fishing contests with prizes and bragging rights.

Upon your arrival enjoy pastries and coffee; a box lunch will be provided for munching as you fish.

Space is limited in the boats so guide dogs are not recommended.  This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

If you catch a lunker you'…

An evening filled with a delicious dinner, horse racing, and even poker at Canterbury Park.  Friday, July 1, at the 55th annual Conference and Convention of the American Council of the Blind in Minneapolis, MN.

Begin the evening with a dinner buffet, including crab legs, shrimp scampi, seafood boil, chef's choice of fish, peel and eat shrimp and Chef carved New York strip loin with chef's choice of accompaniments. There's also assorted greens, dressings, salad toppings, assorted fresh salads and fruit. Fresh baked rolls and desserts.

Eat your fill and then it's off to…

Are you facing hearing loss after having dealt with vision loss?  Are you a family member or friend of someone facing this journey?

The Sight and Sound Impaired (SASI) Committee presents Ruth Silver, former Executive Director and founder of the Center for Deaf-Blind Persons in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Ms. Silver will speak on her journey with combined vision and hearing loss.  She is the author of the book "Invisible: My Journey through Vision and Hearing Loss", available on Bookshare. Come prepared to learn and ask questions.

When: Monday, July 4, 2:45 to 4:00…