Another Great ACB Convention is History

Again this year, we had another great American Council of the
Blind convention. The convention committee and everyone else
involved did their usual very good job.

What are some convention highlights? Well for me, I was proud
that we had four first time attendees from Illinois. All had a
very good experience as far as I can tell. Two of these people
were scholarship winners. Two of the four were not members
before convention, they are no!

The first ever ACB walk was a rousing success. I think it was
projected to raise somewhere around $10,000, it raised nearly
$23,000. I have learned never to doubt what a project can
achieve.

Hearing about people who are blind in South Africa. I always
look forward to hearing what our international guest speaker has
to tell us. It gives one a good perspective on how people who
are blind are treated in the rest of the world, and for me,
reminds me how good we have things here in the United States.
While we're not perfect by any stretch, we're a lot better off
than some parts of the world.

The presentation by Kareem Dale at The Thursday general session.
It's no secret I didn't vote for President Obama, and I
passionately dislike many of his programs and initiatives. I
have to say, though, it gives me hope having someone who is blind
raising the profile of people with disabilities in the White
House. I was really impressed with what seem; like Mr. Dale's
entrees to high ranking administration officials, and his
proactive work on such matters as the Reading Rights Coalition.

The panel on what needs to be done to keep residential schools
for the blind viable going forward. While I think we all agree
that these schools are an essential part of the continuum of
placement options as required under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act, these schools must adapt to changing
times as has happened in places like Texas.

The honor bestowed upon me to accept the Robert S. Bray award
posthumously on behalf of the recipient's family. This was both
sad and exhilarating at the same time if that makes sense.

The presentation of ACB scholarships. What bright people we were
able to honor and help in their educational pursuits. The future
of the world and of ACB is bright.

The demonstration of the new, accessible iPhone. Apple
corporation was roundly criticized by ACB a couple years ago,
deservedly so. Yet, they have come forward and its nice to know
that we have one option for a phone which we can take right out
of the box and use. The interface has to be the more ingenious
way to make a touch screen accessible I've ever seen.

At the convention, we learned about important legislation like
HR734, the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2009, and HR3101,
the 21st Century Telecommunications and Video Accessibility Act.
We've talked about schools for the blind, many of which are in
trouble. It's time for all of us to return home with a renewed
sense of purpose, roll up our sleeves and work for ACB, our state
and special interest affiliates, and our local chapters. By
doing that, we will be improving the quality of life for all
people who are blind, across the United States and around the
world.