American Council of the Blind (ACB) of Maine Convention
Held virtually this year – October 16, 2021
Program
10:30 – 11:00 Welcome: Sherry Belka, President
11:00 – 12:00 Key Note Speaker: Michael Hingson
Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author and international lecturer. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Hingson gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children’s Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. Hingson is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association’s 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com
In countless TV and radio appearances, feature articles, and speaking engagements, Hingson does much more than simply tell his own 9/11 story; he continuously explores the broader lessons of his life and experiences inspiring and motivating audiences with topics such as:
Trust & Teamwork
Human-Animal Bond
Inclusion vs. Diversity
Strategies for the Future
Adapting in Challenging Times
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00-2:30 Business Meeting
Approval of minutes and treasurers report
Endowment
Scholarship Announcements
Election of officers and board members
2:30-3:30 Technology: Steve Sawczyn
Steve Sawczyn has been in the accessibility and assistive technology field for 20+ years. Some of you may remember him from when he provided computer and assistive technology training throughout Maine. Steve also hosted the Assistive Technology Show, an online forum to enable people to learn and develop new technology skills from one another. After leaving Maine, Steve has worked for a number of companies, including Target, Deque Systems, Optum/UnitedHealthCare, and most recently, HealthPartners where he has helped to develop and implement numerous accessibility programs and initiatives. Steve firmly believes that accessibility is really a form of empowerment: A way to enable all people to better interact with our ever-growing digital world. Steve lives in Minnesota with his wife, Jenn, and their two children, Markus and Gabby who are not so little anymore.
3:30 Open Discussion
Door and Membership Prizes
Eight $100 Visa Card door prizes will be drawn throughout the meeting. You can only win if you are an ACB member and you can only win once. Also, there will be a $100 Visa gift card door prize for new members and $100 Visa gift card door prize for renewing member. For all drawings, one needs to be present to win.
Registration/Membership Instructions
The Registration/Membership form is attached. Once the registration/membership form is received, you will be added to the list to receive the Zoom link for the Convention. You will receive the Zoom invitation a few days before the convention. You may participate by Zoom or by the Zoom phone number.
We are so looking forward to meeting together and to have this incredible opportunity to meet with Michael Hingson and Steve Sawczyn. A reunion for us and the speakers in many ways!
Any questions, please email Cheryl Peabody at epeabody@roadrunner.com
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