The 47th annual convention of the American Council of the Blind will be held from July 4 through 12 at the beautiful Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville. Professionals, families, and individuals of all ages can select from over 350 programs and events.

EXHIBITS Discover which video magnifier, braille device or speech program best meets your needs. Examine tutorials, print/braille books, canes, watches, and an endless variety of products for work, school and daily living. Collect materials to take home to others in your office, organization or family. The ACB exhibit area is a mall for the blind and visually impaired; you will want to spend hours and hours browsing the aisles.

WORKSHOPS AND FOCUS GROUPS You'll find opportunities to learn new skills, plus tips and techniques on a wide range of topics. Watch for seminars on diabetes, career planning, transportation, legislative issues, off-the-shelf technology, and adaptive technology such as screen readers, braille notetakers, and low-vision products.

PROGRAMS AND DISCUSSIONS General sessions address major issues such as education, rehabilitation, employment, Social Security, voter access, and health-related issues. An endless variety of break-outs and small-group discussions offer informative programming for parents, teachers, rehabilitation counselors, government employees, blind vendors and private entrepreneurs, attorneys, and information technology specialists. Students can explore careers and network with others working in their areas of interest. Special programming targets individuals with low vision, guide dog users, braille readers and the deaf-blind.

NETWORKING Whether you are a teacher or student, rehabilitation counselor or administrator, parent or caregiver, employer or job-seeker, you will network with others in your field and who share similar concerns.

YOUTH ACTIVITY CENTER Bring the whole family for an incredible week of education and fun. Kids develop lasting friendships as they participate in games, crafts, and an impressive line-up of field trips.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Great service opportunities available for Scouts, school groups, churches, and civic organizations. Assist at the hotel, airport, and on tours. Sign up individually or as part of a group. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult (parent or group leader); no volunteers under 13, please.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION - Visit the ACB website or call the ACB National Office at (800)424-8666.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES - For more information and sign-up sheets, email Adam Ruschival or call (502)897-1472.

EXHIBITS - Email Michael Smitherman or call (601)968-4164 for information on how to reserve exhibit space.

SPONSORSHIPS AND ADVERTISING - Learn about the many opportunities to tell convention attendees about your products and show support for ACB's good work. Email Brenda Dillon or call (615)874-1223.

SPECIAL CONCERNS - Have more questions? Email Carla Ruschival, ACB Convention Chair, or call (502)897-1472.