Arizona Council of the Blind41ST Annual Conference and Convention

From a Century of Effort to a Future of Growth

Official Convention Program

Thursday, April 19th - Saturday, April 21st, 2012

Doubletree by Hilton Tucson – Reid Park445 South Alvernon WayTucson, Arizona 85711

(520) 323-5202

Mr. Ron Brooks, President

Ms. Sharon Carpenter, Convention Coordinator

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Thanks to Our SponsorsAs a tax-exempt charitable organization, the majority of whose members are blind or visually impaired, the AzCB depends on the generosity of our sponsors to help fund the programs and services we offer to blind and visually impaired Arizonans. The following organizations and businesses have contributed significantly to make the 2012 AzCB Conference and Convention interesting and informative.

Centennial Sponsors

The following organizations have contributed at least $1,000 of cash or in-kind services for this event. We thank them for their generosity.

Tucson Regional Transit Authority – http://www.rtamobility.com

VIP Taxi of Phoenix and Tucson – http://www.viptaxi.com

Gold Sponsors

The following organizations have contributed at least $500 of cash or in-kind services to fund this event. We thank them for their generosity.

A-Z Bus Sales, Inc. – http://www.a-zbus.com Plastic Safety Systems –

http://www.plasticsafety.comProgram Guide at a Glance

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Welcome from the AzCB President...................................1Note from the AzCB Convention Coordinator....................2Hotel Overview.................................................................4Important Phone Numbers................................................6Official Conference Program and Schedule.......................7

Thursday, April 19..........................................................7Friday, April 20...............................................................8Saturday, April 21.........................................................12

Exhibitor Spotlight..........................................................15AzCB Officers and Board Members.................................16

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Welcome from the AzCB President

I want to welcome you to the 41st Annual Conference and Convention of the Arizona Council of the Blind. I am excited to be in Tucson, and I want to thank the Convention Committee and the Southern Arizona Chapter for their hard work and hospitality. They have all contributed a great deal of time, effort and energy to ensure that you will enjoy an interesting, informative and fun time here in Tucson. Whether you’re interested in a night at the Gaslight Theater, a turn or two at our Game Night, learning about what’s new in the world of technology or just curious about what the AzCB has to offer, I know there will be much for you to do and learn.The AzCB is a membership organization, and our success depends on your involvement and on the involvement of each of our members and friends. Therefore, I urge you to take advantage of the programs we have to offer, the exciting Exhibits Area, the fun events that have been planned, our Business Meeting and Chapter Elections set for Saturday and all the rest. If you do, we will all come away stronger, better connected and ready to meet the challenges that face us all.

Ron BrooksAzCB President

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Note from the AzCB Convention Coordinator

Hello and welcome to Tucson!

This year, the AzCB Conference and Convention is bigger and better than ever! Check out these highlights!

Two full days of informative presentations and workshops covering a wide range of interesting and informative topics, including the status of blindness-related programs and services in Arizona, tips and tricks for growing your social media empire, and the story of how puppies grow into guide dogs.

An Exhibits Area featuring the latest in technologies products and services specifically adapted for the benefit of people who are blind or visually impaired

The AzCB’s Annual Awards and Scholarship Banquet, featuring ACB Member and former First VP, Brian Charlson, an inspiring presentation from Tucson native Dan Green, and the presentation of our scholarships for 2012.

The Annual AzCB Business Meeting, where you can participate in annual Board elections and the chance to impact the future direction of the organization.

A number of events where you can have fun as you reconnect with old friends and make new ones.

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I want to close by thanking the entire AzCB Convention Planning Committee as well as our Board of Directors, all of whom have worked hard to make this year’s convention an event you will not want to miss. Mostly, I want to thank each of you for being here. This is your convention, and the AzCB is your organization, and our success depends on each and every one of you.

So have fun; learn a lot; and if you need anything, come see us at the Convention Registration Table, or give me a call.

I look forward to meeting each and every one of you.

Sharon CarpenterAzCB Convention Coordinator

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Hotel Overview

With gorgeous weather and beautiful Sonoran Desert surroundings, you couldn’t choose a better spot. The landmark Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Tucson-Reid Park is conveniently located just four miles from downtown Tucson and minutes from all Tucson has to offer, including the University of Arizona, Tucson Desert golf and much more. If you want to take advantage of world-class shopping, award-winning dining, Tucson’s vibrant nightlife and prized attractions, there’s no better place to stay.

Our guestrooms and suites boast a contemporary, comfortable decor with luxurious, Sweet Dreams® bedding, 42” flat screen televisions featuring HD channels, high-speed internet access, refrigerators, coffee and tea by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, CITRON Honey & Coriander by Crabtree & Evelyn bath products and generous work spaces. Many guestrooms offer patios overlooking our lush citrus lined courtyard or dramatic views of the Tucson Mountains and Santa Catalina Mountains.

After a day of sight-seeing, shopping or meetings enjoy a workout in our Precor® Fitness facility or relax by our sparkling pool and whirlpool. Wind down with family and friends in our atrium Lobby Bar or dine in at the Cactus Rose Steakhouse or Javelina Cantina.

Features and Highlights

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8 spacious suites, 1 presidential suite and 3 casitas Cactus Rose Steakhouse with patio fireside dining

serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch, voted Best Sunday Brunch in Tucson

Javelina Cantina serving contemporary Southwestern cuisine in a casual setting for lunch and dinner

Fitness center with Precor® fitness equipment Three tennis courts Massage therapy provided by Peaceful Spirit Complimentary shuttle service within a 3-mile radius Gift shop featuring unique southwest jewelry, fun

clothing and accessories 22,000 square feet of flexible event space plus

stunning outdoor venues Expansive resort setting with heated pool and

whirlpool Across the street from Reid Park, featuring 25 tennis

courts, 2 LPGA golf courses, and the Reid Park Zoo.

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Important Phone Numbers

Hotel Main – (520) 881-4200Hotel Extensions

Front Desk – 5364 Careline for all your hotel requests - 3 Concierge Desk - 5360 Bell Stand - 5360 Housekeeping – 5320 Hotel Maintenance/Engineering – 5214 Room Service – 5372 Cactus Rose Steakhouse – 5370 Javelina Cantina - 5373 Hotel Gift Shop – 5252 Peaceful Spirit (for professional massage services) –

4201 High-speed Internet/WIFI technical support – 1-877-

474-2411 Hotel Operator - 0

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Official Conference Program and Schedule

Thursday, April 19 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Conference and Convention Registration – Hotel Lobby – All Convention attendees, including members, guests, exhibitors and speakers must register. There is no fee for exhibitors or speakers who do not plan to attend Convention programs, other than their own booth or workshop.

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Meeting of the AzCB Resolutions, Constitution and Bylaws Committee – Ted Chittenden, Chairman – Board Room

5:00 pm – 9:30 pm – Dinner at the Gas Light Theater – Transportation will depart from the Hotel Lobby. (This event requires pre-registration; check at the Convention Registration Desk for more details.)

8:00 pm – 11:00 pm – AzCB Hospitality Suite – Presidential Suite 915 -Reconnect with old friends and make new ones. We’ll have light snacks, refreshments and conversation.

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Friday, April 20

7:30 am – 9:00 am – Continental Breakfast – Boojum Foyer – Free for all Convention registrants

7:30 am – 12:00 pm – Conference and Convention Registration – Boojum Foyer – All Convention attendees, including members, guests, exhibitors and speakers must register. There is no fee for exhibitors or speakers who do not plan to attend Convention programs, other than their own booth or workshop.

8:00 am – 5:00 pm – Bonsai - Exhibits Hall open to all Convention Registrants – For more information about our 2012 Exhibits Area, see the Exhibits Showcase section of the program.

9:00 am – 12:00 pm – Boojum - 2012 General Session

9:00 – Call to Order, Introductions and Pledge of Allegiance – Ron Brooks, AzCB President.

9:05 – Welcome from the 2012 AzCB Conference and Convention Coordinator –Sharon Carpenter, AzCB Secretary and Conference and Convention Coordinator.

9:10 – Welcome from the Session Sponsor – Plastic Safety Systems, Inc.

9:15 – President’s Address - “From a Century of Effort to a Future of Growth” – Ron Brooks, AzCB President.

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9:25 – Keynote Address - David Fitzsimmons, Editorial Cartoonist, Arizona Daily Star, Tucson – Mr. Fitzsimmons has been awarded the Lee Spirit Award which “recognizes outstanding citizenship and personal commitment to the community. In the past year, he made 118 personal appearances, before crowds as small as two dozen and as large as 1,500, inspiring young people, entertaining senior citizens and helping raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for good causes

9:55 – “Report from the ACB Representative” – Kim Charlson, First Vice-President, American Council of the Blind, Watertown, MA.

10:10 - “Update from the Arizona RSA” – Ms. Katherine M Levandowsky, Administrator, Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration, Phoenix.

10:30 – Break

10:45 – Welcome from the Session Sponsor – A-Z Bus Sales, Inc.

10:50 - “EMvia: Who We Are and What We Do” – Danielle Callahan, Development Director, EMvia, Tucson.

11:00 “Update from Sun Sounds of Arizona” – Mitzi Tharin, Tucson Station Manager, Sun Sounds of Arizona, Tucson.

11:15 – Update from the Arizona Braille and Talking Book Library – Christine Tuttle, Outreach Librarian / Special Services Supervisor, Arizona State Braille & Talking Book Library, Phoenix.

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11:30 – Overview of Disability Resources at Pima Community College – Barry Richards, Disability Resources Center, Pima Community College, Tucson.

11:45 – Report from the AzCB Constitution, Bylaws and Resolutions Committee – Ted Chittenden, Chairman, Phoenix.

11:55 – Report from the AzCB Nominating Committee – Dan Martinez, Chairman, Phoenix.

12:00 pm – Break for Lunch - Pick up your box lunch and either catch some sun on the hotel patio or join us in the Exhibits Hall where you can visit, eat and check out the technologies, products and services our vendors have to offer for people who are blind or visually impaired.

1:30 – Workshop - “Friends, Followers and Connections: How Groups and Individuals Can Use Social Media to Connect, to Inform and to Build Influence” – Presenters: Lisa Brooks, AzCB Social Media and Website Administrator, Phoenix; Daniel Green, Computer Instructor, Pima Community College, Tucson; Brian Charlson, Director of Computer Training Services, Carroll Center for the Blind, Newton, MA.

2:30 – Break

2:45 - ”From Little Puppies do Big Guide Dogs Grow” – Learn about the journey puppies take to become candidates for training as a guide dog. Lori Murphy, Volunteer Puppy Raiser Coordinator, Guide Dogs of the Desert, Palm Springs, CA.

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3:45 – General Session Concludes

4:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Guide Dog Users of Arizona Business Meeting – GDUA was formed to provide a community for Arizona guide dog users and other individuals concerned about the specific issues facing guide dog users who live, work and travel in Arizona. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the future direction and goals of the affiliate, to hold elections for officers and to plan upcoming activities for the group. 2012 AzCB Scholarship and Awards Banquet

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Boojum Foyer - Pre-Banquet Mixer – Join us for refreshments and a cash bar as you mix, mingle and prepare for a night of fun and celebration.

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Boojum - 2012 AzCB Banquet – Master of Ceremonies – Brian Charlson, American Council of the Blind, Watertown, MA.

Banquet Program

Introduction of Special Guests Keynote Address: “Transforming Present Effort into

Future Success” – Dan Green, President, National Beepball Association, Tucson.

Introduction of 2012 John Vanlandingham and Dr. Frank H. Kells Memorial Scholarship Recipients – Gail Wilte, Chairperson, Scholarship Committee, Phoenix and Janet Kells, AzCB Member, Tucson.

Announcements

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9:00 pm – Midnight – Presidential Suite 915 - Post-Convention Party – Game Night –Join us for an evening of refreshments, beverages, games and conversation in the AzCB Hospitality Suite. This will be a time of fun, relaxation and friendly competition.

Saturday, April 21

7:30 am – 9:00 am – Continental Breakfast – Boojum Foyer – Free for all Convention registrants

7:30 am – 9:30 am - Conference and Convention Registration - Boojum Foyer – All Convention attendees, including members, guests, exhibitors and speakers must register. Voting members who have not previously registered must check in at the registration desk.

8:30 am – 9:15 am – Membership Forum – This is an open forum where members can share thoughts, questions and concerns about the AzCB. Conversation Moderator - Ron Brooks, AzCB President.

9:30 am – 12:00 pm – 2012 AzCB Business Meeting – All members are urged to attend our 2012 Annual Business Meeting. This is your chance to hear what’s happening, to give your input to our policies, programs and future activities. We will also hold elections at this meeting. The tentative agenda is as follows:

1. Call to Order/Introductions2. Approval of Minutes from 2011 AzCB Business

Meeting3. 2012 Treasurer’s Report4. 2012 President’s Report5. Committee Reports, including:

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a. Membershipb. Public Relationsc. Advocacy and Legislationd. Fundraisinge. Scholarshipsf. BRIEFg. Resolutions, Constitution and Bylawsh. Nominationsi. Convention

6. Old Business7. New Business

a. Election of Officers and Directorsb. Proposed Amendments to the AzCB Constitution

and Bylawsc. Proposed Resolutions for Adoption by the AzCB

8. Other Business9. Chapter Updates

a. Guide Dog Users of Arizonab. Maricopa Club of the Blindc. Phoenix Chapter of the AzCBd. Southern Arizona Chapter of the AzCB

10. Announcements11. Adjournment

12:00 pm – Hotel Checkout

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Palo Verde - Post-Convention Board Meeting – Required for All outgoing and incoming Board Members.

1:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Tour to the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind – On February 14, 2012, the State of Arizona celebrated its Centennial Birthday, but no less importantly, the AzSDB is also turning 100 years old. Join

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in the celebration by visiting the school and learning about the vital role it has played and which it will continue to play in the lives of so many blind and visually impaired Arizonans. Transportation will leave from the Hotel Lobby at 1:00 pm. (This event requires pre-registration; check at the Convention Registration Desk for more details.)

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Exhibitor Spotlight

One of the most informative and interesting aspects of our Annual Conference and Convention is the Annual Product Showcase where our exhibitors introduce visitors to the latest and greatest blindness and low-vision technologies, products and services available in Arizona. We deeply appreciate the dedication and support which our exhibitors show—many have been with us for years.

Arizona Braille and Talking Book Library – http://www.lib.az.us/braille

Desert Low Vision Services – Http://www.desertlowvisionservices.com

Digital Apex, LLC – http://www.mydigitalapex.com Dots and Dogs – http://www.dotsanddogs.com Guide Dogs for the Blind – http://www.guidedogs.com Next Level and Freedom Scientific –

http://www.lowvisionsolutions.com Plastic Safety Systems –

http://www.plasticsafety.com SunSounds of Arizona – http://www.sunsounds.org The Seeing Eye – http://www.seeingeye.org

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AzCB Officers and Board Members

President – Ron Brooks First Vice-President – Daniel Martinez Second Vice-President – Ruth Druding Secretary – Sharon Carpenter Treasurer – Timothy S. Connell Board Member – Barbara McDonald Board Member – Jessica Arnold Board Member – Ted Chittenden Board Member – David Steinmetz

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