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  • Bay State Council of the Blind2024 Spring Conference and Convention Agenda Grousbeck Center, Perkins School for the Blind, Watertown, MA

    Morning Session

    Welcome From Our Host, Perkins School for the Blind

    Opening Remarks David Kingsbury, President, BSCB

    Overview of Massachusetts Commission for the Blind ActivitiesJohn Oliveira , Commissioner, MCB

    Participant Introductions

    State Government Initiatives to Improve AccessibilityAshley Bloom, Chief Information Technology Accessibility Officer, Executive Office of Technology Services and Security

    Updates from Two of Our CommitteesAmbassador Program: Pam Loch, Membership Committee chairHealthcare Resources web page: Nona Haroyan and Jerry Berrier, Advocacy Committee co-chairs

    First Reading of Proposed BSCB Code of Conduct PolicyBrian Charlson and Jennifer Harnish

    lection of BSCB OfficersBrian Charlson (to explain voting procedures)Mary Haroyan( to announce slate of nominees recommended by the Nominations Committee)Sharon Strzalkowski to chair election of PresidentDavid Kingsbury to chair election of other officers

    Afternoon Session

    Announcement of Election ResultsDavid KingsburyShort comments by newly elected Officers

    Debate and Adoption of Proposed Code of Conduct PolicyBrian Charlson

    Experience as a Book AuthorAndrew Leland, author of “The Country of the Blind,” interviewed by Kim Charlson

    Announcement of BSCB AwardsAwards Committee: Kim Charlson (chair), Pam Loch, and Jerry Berrier

    Tips for Getting a Handle on Your Personal FinancesMoe Carpenter, Penny Forward

    News from the Tech WorldJeff Bishop, ACB Blind Information Technology Specialists affiliate President: Overview of BITS training activities and other member benefitsDavid Kingsbury, Demo of the new JAWS PictureSmart with Generative AI feature for describing digital images

    Overview of Recent Perkins Library ActivitiesKim Charlson

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  • Re-experience the April 8, 2024 total eclipse of the sun through sound.

    Harvard University’s Astronomy Department welcomes those who are blind or have low vision to experience the total eclipse of the sun, through use of the LightSound device which uses a technique called sonification, the process of converting data, in this case light intensity into sound.

    The American Council of the Blind and ACB Media are proud to partner with Harvard to broadcast this amazing event where you experience and track through sound the eclipse as it reaches totality at different times from Texas through Vermont. Folks from many different organizations around the country connected their LightSound devices to Zoom as the eclipse reached totality at their location.

    The podcast opens with an interview of Allyson Bieryla, Science Center Astronomy Lab and Telescope Manager, Harvard University Astronomer, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory who describes the LightSound Project, and demonstrates and explains the LighhtSound device.

    For more information about the LightSound Project, go to The LightSound Project (harvard.edu)

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  • 20240407-1 Illinois Council of the Blind20240407-1 Morning Sessions

    ICB Businesso Electionso Treasurer's Updateo Resolutionso Affiliate Reportso Convention 2025 Discussiono Old Business & New Business

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  • 20240406-3 Illinois Council of the Blind20240406-3 Banquet

    ICB Banquet:o guest speaker Kolby Garrisono Presentation of Awards & 50/50 Raffle Winner Presentedo Memorial Service - Remembering ICB members, friends and guide dogs who have passed since our last convention.Note: Memorial service started shortly after the conclusion of banquet

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  • 20240406-2 Illinois Council of the Blind20240406-2 Afternoon Sessions

    Railroad Relocation Project History:o Kevin Seal - Hansen Engineering

    Accessible Pharmacy:o Andy Burstein

    Audio Description Project:o Samantha Gould

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  • 20240405-2 Illinois Council of the Blind20240405-2 Afternoon Sessions

    ISVI:o Michelle Clark

    Illinois State Library Talking Book and Braille Service:o Director, Stephen McMinn

    Candidates Forum

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  • 20240405-1 Illinois Council of the Blind20240405-1 Business Meeting

    ICB Business:o Credentials Reporto First Reading of Nominationso Nominations from the Flooro First Reading of Constitution and Bylaws Amendments

    Blind Mice Mart:o Dale Campbell

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  • 20240224-3 Auction

    Explore Today, Discover Tomorrow

    ACBM Auction. Join in our lively auction, a fun-filled convention conclusion to support ACBMo Facilitator: Gary Legateso Auctioneer: Rev. Ray Raysor

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  • 20240224-2 American Council of the Blind of Maryland (ACBM) 20240224-2 Banquet

    Explore Today, Discover Tomorrow

    Banquet o Facilitator: Gary Legateso Banquet Speaker: Tom Kaufman, Musician and native-born Marylander

    More Door Prizes!o Sandra Sermons

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  • 20240224-1 American Council of the Blind of Maryland (ACBM)20240224-1 Daily Session

    Explore Today, Discover Tomorrow

    Welcome and Attendee Introductionso Facilitator: Susan Crawford, Convention Planning Chairo Presenter: Sandra Sermons, ACBM President

    What's New at Maryland's Office of Blindness and Visual Impairment Services (OBVS)o Facilitator: Penny Reedero Presenters:

    Tony March, Director of OBVS

    Tandra Hunter-Payne, Program Manager, Division of Rehabilitation Services

    Assistive Technology Services in Marylando Facilitator: Ninette Legateso Presenter: Nora Walker, Maryland Technical Assistance Project (MD TAP)

    An Update from the ACB National Office in the Advocacy World. o Facilitator: Liz Bottnero Presenter: Claire Stanley, ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs

    Door Prizes:

    Sandra Sermons, Chair, Door Prizes

    ACBM Leadership Reportso Facilitator: Peggy Ann Clark, ACBM Second Vice-President

    President's Report: Sandra Sermonso Chapter Reports:

    Cindy LaBon, President, Capital Area Guide Dog Users

    Steve Hairsine, President, Central Maryland Council of the BlindPenny Reeder, President, National Capital Area Chapter of ACB

    Library Services and Resourceso Facilitator: Francie Gilmano Presenters:

    Jerry Price, Assistive Technology Education Program Coordinator Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

    "Online Books, Music, Movies and More at your Library: Libby and Hoopla." Erin Kelly Accessibility Coordinator, Office of Equity and Fair Practice, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore

    Are you Game for Games? Maryland Fun Facts Triviao Facilitator: Liz Bottner

    Door Prizeso Sandra Sermons

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  • 20240215-1 RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD VENDORS OF AMERICA(r)20240215-1 Morning Sessions

    CELEBRATING OVER FIFTY YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENT AND ADVOCACYTeaming up to Tackle the ins and outs of Randolph-Sheppard business

    Moderator: Jerry House (TX), OIT Limited, Sagebrush Committee Member

    iPhone Updates and Apps:o Brad Snyder (TX), Vice-President, Blind Information Technology Specialist: Sandhya Rao (TX), Vice-President, iBugToday

    Questions and Answers

    Different ways to implement Chat GPT 4 into everyday business practices:o Enrique Mejia (IA), Rehabilitation Technology Specialist, Iowa Department for the Blindo Robert Serian, Head of Business Development & Territory Management- North America, Envision Technologies B.V.Participants learned how to use AI to enhance their business. Attendees also heard about a feature called "Ask Envision" which uses Chat GPT and AI technology to guide the user.

    Questions and Answers

    How to reach students and newly blind persons to enter the RS Program:o Bill Findley (FL), Bureau Chief Business Enterprise, FLDOE/Division of Blind Services. o Maureen Fink (FL), Operations Manager Business Enterprise, FLDOE/Division of Blind Serviceso Randall Crosby (FL), Crosby's Café, Sagebrush committee

    Questions and Answers

    Experiences with theft in the facility and ways to prevent it:o Round Table Discussion

    Social Security and Medicare Questions Answered:o Annie Walters (NV), SSA Public Affairs Specialist Participants learned about the latest updates and changes in Social Security and Medicare. Attendees also learned how vendors can use deductions differently for SSA. Get information on retirement.

    Questions and Answers

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  • 20240214-2 RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD VENDORS OF AMERICA(r)20240214-2 Afternoon Sessions

    CELEBRATING OVER FIFTY YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENT AND ADVOCACYTeaming up to Tackle the ins and outs of Randolph-Sheppard business

    <pre> Moderator: Scott Eggen (MN), RSVA(r) President</pre>

    Luncheon speaker - Teaming up to Tackle the ins and outs of Randolph-Sheppard business:o Dan Spoone (FL), Executive Director, American Council of the Blind

    Presenting Terry Camardelle and Charlie Carroll Advocacy Scholarship Award: and Warren Toyama and George Arsnow Scholarship Award: o Scott Eggen (MN), RSVA(r) President

    American Council of the Blind Updates and activities:o Dan Spoone (FL), ACB Executive DirectorACB programs and services were shared and conference information for upcoming conferences. Educational opportunities were also explained.

    Questions and Answers

    When and how to advocate about the Randolph-Sheppard Program?:o Jeff Thom (CA), RSVA(r) Advocate and retired attorneyo Randall Crosby (FL), Crosby's Café, Sagebrush committee membero Paul Patche (CA), PT FoodsParticipants learned the best ways to share experiences about the importance of the program, the necessity of working together to foster change, and when and how to move issues forward.

    Questions and Answers

    What's happening with food trucks?:o Jim Hemmen (WA), Business Enterprise Program Manager, WA State Department of Services for the Blindo Ben Ploch (MI), Michigan EOC ChairAttendees heard updates on the progress with food trucks collaborating with local vendor managers and starting food trucks for vendors.

    Questions and answers

    Sagebrush Auction

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  • 20240214-1 RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD VENDORS OF AMERICA(r)20240214-1 Morning Sessions

    CELEBRATING OVER FIFTY YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENT AND ADVOCACYTeaming up to Tackle the ins and outs of Randolph-Sheppard business

    Moderator: Ardis Bazyn (CO), Bazyn Communications, RSVA(r) First Vice President, Sagebrush Committee

    Technologies benefiting BEP operators and VI staff:o Michael Babcock (OR) Payown Media, LLC.o Jessica Hipp (NH), Chief Operating Officer, Way Around Technologyo Ladesa Santos (FL), National Account Executive, Patriot Vision Industrieso Waseem Salamah, Key Account Manager, AVS Connecto Bob Roehm (TX), Sales Manager, Envision Technologies BVMany technologies assist vendors while they are managing a facility. These speakers highlighted how their products/service will improve the business owner's abilities to manage the business.

    Questions and answers

    What's new in using the backend for Micro Markets and Vending Management:o Waseem Salamah, Key Account Manager, AVS Connect.*** ZEBRA SPONSOR***Participants learned about back-end services in vending and micro market management including credit card processing.

    Questions and Answers

    Advantages of Teaming Partners:o Alton Palmore (FL)o Jerry R. Gann (CA), OIC Limitedo Walt Berry, Southern Food Management. Vendor managers and teaming partners highlight how they work together to enhance their business.

    Questions and Answers

    What can you learn from Blind Abilities podcasts?:o Jeff Thomson (MN), Blind Abilities

    Questions and Answers

    Pan Optyc for Micro Markets:o Patrick Martin (FL), Live Better Inc.Participants discovered a camera system for micro markets. It has some built-in AI features.

    Questions and Answers

    RSVA(r) Sagebrush Awards luncheon:Sponsor: AVS Connect (AVS Companies)

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  • 20240213-2 RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD VENDORS OF AMERICA(r)20240213-2 Afternoon Sessions

    CELEBRATING OVER FIFTY YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENT AND ADVOCACYTeaming up to Tackle the ins and outs of Randolph-Sheppard business

    Moderator: Jim Jirak (NE), Jirak Enterprises, RSVA(r) Board Member

    Are you listening to your machines?:o Kieth Severson (MN), Vending Technician MinnesotaThis session discussed how vendors can know when a machine isn't acting correctly and how to fix and repair it. Also, participants learned how the machine will alert you when you need to call an expert.

    Questions and Answers

    Are you up to date on the IRS requirements for payroll documents? What are ABLE accounts and how can they be part of your financial plan?: o Chris Peterson AFC (MN), President and CEO, Penny Forwardo Kane Brolin, CFP(r) ChSNC(r)MBA (IN) CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(tm)o Cody Bair (CO), CPA Participants learned about updates to IRS tax forms for your business and what forms have changed. Attendees also learned about other financial considerations as well as using ABLE accounts.

    Questions and Answers

    What new products have you tried in your facility?:o Round Table discussion

    Questions and Answers

    Breakout Session 1: State Administrators:o Co-Moderators

    John Hulet (MN), Director Minnesota BEP Program

    Jim Hemmen (WA), Business Enterprise Program Manager, WA State Department of Services for the Blind

    Breakout Session 2:o State Committee Chairperson Meeting Co-Moderators:

    Randall Crosby (FL), Crosby's Café, Sagebrush Committee member

    Jerry House (TX), OIT Limited, Sagebrush Committee Member

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  • 20240213-1 RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD VENDORS OF AMERICA(r)20240213-1 Morning Sessions

    CELEBRATING OVER FIFTY YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENT AND ADVOCACYTeaming up to Tackle the ins and outs of Randolph-Sheppard business

    Moderator: Randal Crosby (FL), Crosby's Café, Inc., Sagebrush Committee Member, RSVA(r) Board

    Welcome to Sagebrush:o Scott Eggen (MN), SVS Vending, RSVA(r) Presidento Samantha Hadden, General Manager, National Vending gave a short presentation.

    Welcome from Nevada:o Ryan Barnard (NV), Business Enterprise Officer, Business Enterprises of Nevadao Trudy Boissonneau (NV), President, Nevada Council of the Blindo Ivan Delgado (NV), Nevada State Committee of Blind Vendors

    Introductions:o Scott Eggen (MN), RSVA(r) President

    NAMA News and Trends in the Industry:o Robert Jackson, Director Government Affairs, National Automatic Merchandising AssociationParticipants found out news and laws affecting vending managers and learned about the ongoing training offered by NAMA including the healthy vending program.

    Questions and Answers

    Southern Teaming Partners Update:o Walt Berry (AL), President Southern Teaming PartnersLEOPARD SPONSOR

    Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) News and Updates:o Christine Grassman (DC), Service Programs Unit, Rehabilitation Services Administrationo James McCarthy (DC), Arbitration Coordinator, Rehabilitation Services Administrationo Jesse Hartle (DC), Specialist, Rehabilitation Services AdministrationParticipants learned about the conflict resolution process, tips for successful outcomes for complaints, and updates to RSA circulars. They received tips on how vendors and staff can find the information they need.

    Questions and Answers

    Report from the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind and Randolph-Sheppard:o Catriona Macdonald (DC), President Linchpin Strategies, LLC. and NCSAB Policy Advisor for Randolph-Sheppard Participants learned about new strategies in the Randolph-Sheppard Program. They received updates on NCSAB activities and the latest NCSAB news on Randolph-Sheppard. Attendees also received updates on legislation and regulations affecting the RS Program.

    Questions and Answers

    What's the latest in Intuit's Products?:o Theodore C. Drake (CA), Global Accessibility Leader, Intuit Inc. ZEBRA SPONSOR

    Questions and Answers

    NOTE: Jeff Thom (CA), RSVA(r) retired attorney and advocate was available all afternoon for one-on-one Randolph-Sheppard questions.

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  • Bay State Council of the BlindFall Conference Agenda, November 18, 2023

    Morning Session

    – Welcoming Remarks, David Kingsbury, BSCB President

    – The Disability Tech Space, Sandy Lacey, Executive Director, Howe Innovation Center, Perkins School for the Blind

    Attendee introductions

    – Overview of MCB Happenings, John Oliveira, Commissioner, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

    3-D Printing: A Viable Hobby for Blind and Low Vision Persons, Judy Dixon, author; Erin Fragola, Outreach Coordinator, Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library

    Get Up and Move, Door prizes, Jeanette Kutash with Leslie Spoone: Elizabeth Ann Johnson with door prizes,

    Afternoon Session

    Deciphering What Sighted People Are Trying to Say with Body Language, Judy Dixon, author, Brian Charlson

    The New BSCB Code of Conduct Policy, Jennifer Harnish, Board Director

    Be My AI, Brian Charlson, BSCB Past President and Tech Guru

    A Sampling of ACB Special Interest Affiliates, Jeff Thom - Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss (AAVL); Paul Edwards, Past President, Library Users of America (LUA), Larry Gassman, Vice President, Diabetics in Action

    Get Up and Move Continued! Jeanette Kutash and Leslie Spoone

    A Little Afternoon Diversion

    Closing Remarks

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  • 20231111 American Council of the Blind of Maine Convention20231111 Afternoon Session

    Afternoon Session

    Scholarship recipients announced. History of ACB Maine Business meeting. Jeff Thom - ACB National. Wrap up and closing.

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  • 20231111 American Council of the Blind of Maine Convention20231111 Morning Session

    Morning Session

    Ground rules, attendance, and icebreaker. Linda will read proposed bylaw amendments.Blindness agencies panel – the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Catholic Charities Maine and the Iris Network.Disability Rights Maine - Jennifer Battis.Lotus Labs – Natalie Shearer.Remembrance of Leona McKenna.

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  • 20230520-3 Bay State Council of the Blind-2023 Spring Conference and Convention 20230520-3 Evening

    BSCB Auctiono Brian Charlsono Jeanette Kutasho Nona Haroyan

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