by Janet Dickelman
The ACB conference and convention is fast approaching. Many of you will be reading this article as you are packing for Omaha, and others will be getting ready to join us via Zoom or ACB Media. Read on for information for convention attendees and those of you who will be staying connected from home.
Attending Tours
All tours will depart from the main lobby door of the Hilton. If you arrive Thursday evening, June 30, after registration closes at 9 p.m. and are on the Friday morning tour, don’t worry. Your name will be on the tour list.
Conference and Convention Program
The program is available in large print, braille, NLS cartridge (deposit required), or emailed directly to you. You can also download the program from our website, www.acbconvention.org. You can also listen to the program on NFB-Newsline (subscription required). The program will also be available during the convention for download at the information desk, located in the Hilton in what is called the registration room, located just off the sky bridge to the convention center.
If you plan to join us in Omaha but have not registered, there’s still time! On-site convention registration is just $45, or $60 for non-ACB members. Registration will be located in the Hilton in Blackstone A.
Joining the Conference from Home
For those of you who will be unable to attend this year, there are many ways to be a part of all the action! All convention registrants will receive Zoom links each evening for the next day’s sessions. ACB Media has provided the following information to listen to the ACB convention using the ACB Media platform.
Ways to Connect to ACB Media Programming
Amazon Alexa-enabled device (RECOMMENDED)
Alexa, “Ask ACB Media to play Media n”. (n = stream number). For example, to listen to general session during national convention, say, “Alexa, ask ACB Media to play Media 1.”
PC/Browser Access (RECOMMENDED):
Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/n (n= stream number). The site has a built-in media player. There is no need to install or use a media player on your device. Hit the play button and the stream will begin playing immediately.
Smart Device Access (RECOMMENDED):
Download “ACB Link” from your app store. Find “Radio” along the bottom of the screen, then “Menu” in the top left corner. Select “Streams” and then choose the stream you wish to listen to. Double tap the play button.
Victor Reader Stream Access:
Navigate to “Internet radio library” in the “online bookshelf.” Locate the HumanWare playlist. From the playlist, select ACB Media n (n = stream number) and hit play.
Dial-In Access for programming originating in Zoom:
Dial the Zoom access number provided with the schedule information for the session. When prompted, enter the meeting/webinar ID followed by #. You will hear the exact same program that is being streamed on ACB Media.
Alternate Dial-In Access (not recommended)
Dial 1-518-906-1820. Listen to the menu prompts and press the number for the stream you want. Please note that this is a free service provided by Zeno Media. This service is limited in terms of simultaneous listeners, and ACB does not warrant this service. If dial-in is your only option, and the program is originating in Zoom, we recommend that you dial in to the Zoom meeting/webinar directly (see above).
Important Note: The ACB Radio Tuner is no longer supported. If you used the tuner in the past, you may access all ACB Media streams from acbmedia.org (see above). If you are using alternate ways to access ACB Media streams than those above (such as TuneIn or Winamp using acbradio.org URLs), we kindly ask that you use one of the methods above.
Convention Announce List
The conference and convention announce list will be filled with information. To subscribe to the list, send a blank e-mail to [email protected]. If you received updates for the 2021 convention, you do not need to subscribe to the list.
Whether you are joining us in person in Omaha or attending virtually, I hope you enjoy your 2022 American Council of the Blind conference and convention experience. For any convention-related questions, contact Janet Dickelman, convention chair, at (651) 428-5059, or via email, [email protected].