by Dan Spoone
Wow, we have done it. Hip, hip, hooray! I want to welcome everyone to the 59th annual conference and convention of the American Council of the Blind, for our first virtual gathering broadcast across ACB Radio and the Zoom platform. We are in unique times, and the efforts of our members to pull together to present an outstanding event is a testimony to the passion and tenacity of our ACB family.
The theme of the 2020 convention is “A Path to the Future!” This is a great theme for this year’s convention since today’s obstacles represent tomorrow’s opportunities. Making opportunities turn into successes for people who are blind or visually impaired is what our work in ACB is all about!
You will hear much more about ACB’s successes during what should be our busiest and most information-packed convention ever.
Every ACB convention relies on scores of volunteers who work to make this event possible. I want to personally thank the members of the convention committee, ably chaired by Janet Dickelman; the convention program committee, and the ACB Radio team for their efforts.
Likewise, let me acknowledge the work of our Alexandria and Minneapolis staff. You are all fabulous!
Finally, a very warm welcome to those of you attending the ACB convention for the first time. This virtual event will offer our members and friends a wonderful chance to experience a truly exceptional program in the comfort of your own home. There will be 16 hours of audio-described tours, a robust vendor exhibit hall, and eight days of outstanding workshops with prime time shows each evening and daily general sessions with knowledgeable presenters across the full range of issues that impact our community. This unique experience will shape our organization for years to come. We will take the best parts from this year’s situation and build it into next year’s convention. We can’t wait to get together in person next year.
Enjoy a great convention!