“Navigating the Future Together”

Location: Zoom and streamed on ACB Media

Gabe Griffith, President
California Council of the Blind
2143 Hurley Way, Suite 250
Sacramento, CA 95825
916-441-2100, 800-221-6359

president's Message

Please join the California Council of the Blind as we navigate the Future Together. The past couple of years have been a bit trying to say the least. It is time to look forward and reimagine what this world has to offer Californians who are Blind or have low vision and what we have to offer it. Many things may have changed, but the passion for advocacy, connection, and equity that the members of CCB possess never will.

This year’s virtual convention will include Pre and Post Convention activities that will include Business Meetings, Programs, and Workshops hosted by our many Special Interest Affiliates and Committees.

Gabe Griffith, President
California Council of the Blind

Calendar of Events

Pre-Convention Activities

The Main Event

Thursday, May 12

6:00-9:30 pm: 1st General Session

6:00 pm: Welcome
6:05 pm: Pledge of Allegiance
6:10 pm: National Anthem
6:15 pm: Chapter and Affiliate Roll Call
6:30 pm: Convention Rules
6:35 pm: Navigating the Future Together
ACB: Present and Future
CCB President’s Report
8:00 pm: Governmental Affairs Report
9:00 pm: Credentials Committee Report
9:05 pm: Nominating Committee Report
9:10 pm: Bylaws Committee Report

Friday, May 13

9:00-10:00 am: Healthcare Advocacy: Navigating Healthcare in the Dark

10:00-11:00 am: Kiosk Access: Past, Present, and Future

11:30 am-1:00 pm: I have left, Now what?”: Life after Domestic Violence
(By registration only, space is limited)

1:00-4:30 pm: 2nd General Session

1:00 pm: Welcome
1:10 pm: Dreaming Big, A new World for People with Disabilities
2:00 pm: A Blind Man’s Perspective on the Future of Life with Vision Loss
3:00 pm: Target Practice: Determining Which Transportation Issues are Local,
Which are Federal, and How to Hit Where You’re Aiming

6:00-9:30 pm: 3rd General Session

6:00 pm: Welcome Back
6:10 pm: Remembrances
7:00 pm: Elections

Saturday, May 14

9:00 am-12:30 pm: 4th General Session

9:00 am: Welcome Back
9:15 am: ACB Get Up and Get Moving Campaign
10:00 am: Mental Health Challenges for People with Vision Loss
11:00 am: Help! Independent Travel Keeps Getting Harder

2:00-4:00 pm: 5th General Session

2:00 pm: Welcome Back!
2:05 pm: Susan Glass: The Wild Language of Deer
3:00 pm: Storytime with Kelly Brakenhoff

6:00-8:00 pm: CCB Banquet

Sunday May 15

9:00 am-12:30 pm: 6th General Session

Convention Business Meeting
Agenda to be Provided by CCB President

Post-Convention Activities

Tuesday, May 17

7:30-9:00 pm: Country of the Blind

Wednesday, May 18

7:30-9:00 pm: Scholarship Committee

Description of Events

Pre-Convention Activities

Monday, April 18

7:00-7:30 pm Convention Kickoff

Join the Convention Planning Committee as we kick off the 2022 CCB Virtual Conference and Convention.
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7:30-9:00 pm: Bylaws Committee Open Meeting

Steve Bauer, Committee Chair
Join the CCB Bylaws Committee as we discuss needed changes to our governing documents. This open meeting is where interested members are encouraged to offer their ideas as the committee crafts amendments and prepares to present them for a vote to the membership at future conventions.
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Tuesday, April 19

7:30-9:30 pm Resolutions Committee Open Meeting
Jeff Thom and Sarah Harris, Co-Chairs
Join the Resolutions Committee as they work on the backbone of CCB’s work.
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Thursday, April 21

7:30-9:30 pm: Braille Revival League of California, BRLC
Frank Welte, President
BRLC Annual business meeting.
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Friday, April 22

7:30-9:30 pm: California Council of Blind Students, CCBS
Aaron Espinoza, President
Join the California Council of Blind Students (CCBS) affiliate for our annual business meeting. We will elect a new board and hear from our National Student Representative First Vice President of the American Council of Blind Students (ACBS) Bhavya Shah. He will update us on the ACBS as well as tell his story on overcoming his blindness. We will also have a representative from three different residential adjustment to blindness centers from across the country speaking about the programs. They will let us know how their program can help you gain your independence back in all areas of life. There will be a Q&A at the end of the panel discussion for the audience.
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Saturday, April 23

10:00-11:30 am: CCB Women

Join our circle of CCB-Women for a candid conversation about our unique experiences working and/or volunteering for groups/organizations outside of the vision loss community. What are you doing or have you done for that organization? How do you work with people who are sighted as a team to accomplish goals? What challenges have you faced and how were they remedied? How do you get to that feeling of belonging?
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1:00-3:00 pm: CCB Partners TBA

Come and hear from Partners of CCB. Participating Partners to be announced.
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3:30-5:30 pm: Golden State Guide Dog Handlers Inc, GSGDHI

Susan Glass, President
Join GSGDHI for their annual business meeting and program. This year’s program is “Things I wish I knew before getting a Guide Dog!”.
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6:00-9:00 pm: California Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, CAAVL

Frank Welte, President
CAAVL Annual Business Meeting and program session.
Program speaker: Larry Wanger, Executive Director, Dale Macintosh Center
Topic: Services for older blind adults in Orange County and Los Angeles County.
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Sunday, April 24

1:00-3:00 pm California Library Users of America, CLUA

Pam Metz, President
Join the California Library Users of America for their annual business meeting and Program. During the Business meeting they will be holding elections, and reviewing affiliate action items. Directly following the meeting, hear from CLUA Member Judy Wilkinson about LUA’s interview of Jason Broughton, Director of the National Library Service for the Print Disabled and enjoy a special return appearance by author Kelly Brakenhoff.
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6:00-8:00 pm: CCB Game Night

Join the Hostesses with the Mostesses, Regina Brink and Sarah Harris, along with their game moderator Andrea DeKlotz for a night of Scattergories.
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Monday, April 25

7:30-9:30 pm: Meet the Presidents of CCB
This is a special President's meeting and everyone is invited. Come learn who the Presidents of our CCB Chapters and Affiliates are and have an opportunity to ask them questions.
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Wednesday, April 27

7:30-8:30 pm: Credentials
Chapters/special interest affiliates representatives only need to attend if their information has changed after submitting their credentials form.
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Saturday, April 30

10:00 am-12:00 pm: CCB Partners-TBA

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3:00-5:00 pm: Candidates Forum

Come listen to the candidates for the CCB Board of Directors answer tough questions and tell the CCB membership why they should be chosen to serve.
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6:00-8:00 pm: Inclusive Diversity of California, IDC

Inclusive Diversity of California (IDC) Annual Business Meeting, Maturing our Mission
Come find out what IDC has been doing, revisit our Constitution, refine our mission, and reconnect with our vision. Find out how IDC has grown, what we have accomplished, and help decide where we are going. IDC is for anyone who believes we are stronger when we stand in unity and mutual respect!
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Sunday, May 1

11:00 am-1:00 pm: Resolutions Committee

Open Meeting (if needed)
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2:00-4:00 pm: Technical Operations Group, TOG

Vita Zavoli and Phill Obregon Co-Chairs
Join the CCB Technical Operations Group to learn more about all the resources available to members and friends on our Council web site: ccbnet.org.
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5:00-7:00 pm: California Diabetics in Action, CDA

Christy Crespin, Interim President
Attend this meeting to get to know the California Diabetics in Action.
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Monday, May 2

7:30-9:00 pm: Publications Committee presents A Writers Workshop
Linda Porelle, Chair
“How does CCB Intersect with your Life?”
The CCB Publications Committee invites everyone to our Spring Convention writing workshop. We will focus on how CCB intersects with your life, and on how such intersections can be shaped into articles for the Blind Californian.
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Wednesday, May 4

7:30-9:30 pm: Nominating Committee
Frank Welte, Chair
Appointed committee members only. Zoom information will be sent by Committee Chair.
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Thursday, May 5

7:30-9:30 pm: pre-convention board meeting
Gabe Griffith, President
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Monday, May 9

7:30-9:00 pm: California Council of Citizens with Low Vision, CCCLV
Cathy Schmitt Whitaker, Interim President
CCCLV Business Meeting
Supporting the low vision community is at the heart of CCCLV. We are enhancing and revisioning our structure, programs and services. We want you to join our synergy moving forward.
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The Main Event

Thursday, May 12

6:00-9:30 pm: 1st General Session

Gabe Griffith, President, Concord, Ca Presiding

6:00 pm: Welcome
6:05 pm: Pledge of Allegiance Jeff Thom, Board Member, Sacramento, Ca Frank Welte, Board Member, San Leandro, Ca
6:10 pm: National Anthem
Angel City Chorale, Los Angeles, Ca
6:15 pm: Chapter and Affiliate Roll Call
6:30 pm: Convention Rules
6:35 pm: Navigating the Future Together
ACB: Present and Future Dan Spoone, ACB President, Winter Park, Fl
CCB President’s Report
Gabe Griffith, CCB President
8:00 pm: Governmental Affairs Report
Jeff Thom, Director of Governmental Affairs
Ardis Bazyn, Governmental Affairs Co-Chair, Burbank, Ca
Alice Turner, Governmental Affairs Co-Chair, Sunnyvale, Ca
Regina Brink, Deputy Director of
Governmental Affairs, Sacramento, Ca
9:00 pm: Credentials Committee Report
Frank Welte, Chair
9:05 pm: Nominating Committee Report
Frank Welte, Chair
9:10 pm: Bylaws Committee Report
Steve Bauer, Chair, Culver City, Ca

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Friday, May 13

9:00-10:00 am: Healthcare Advocacy: Navigating Healthcare in the Dark

Steven Mendelson, San Leandro, Ca
Pam Metz, Chatsworth, Ca
Navigating the Healthcare System is an adventure in itself. Navigating the Healthcare System as a person who is blind or has low vision can be an episode of the reality game show Survivor. Come and learn how you can be your own advocate in your journey to manage your health.
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10:00-11:00 am: Kiosk Access:
Past, Present, and Future

Stuart Seaborne, Managing Director-Litigation, Disability Rights Advocates, Berkley, Ca
what is going on with those kiosk on restaurant tables, fast food lobbies, and medical facilities? Are they accessible yet? Come hear about the history of kiosk access, the current landscape of what is happening and where things are headed in the future.
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11:30 am-1:00 pm: I have left, Now what?”: Life after Domestic Violence

(By registration only, to be held on alternative zoom line, space is limited)
Shari Roeseler, Executive Director, Society for the Blind, Sacramento, Ca
Beth Hassett, CEO WEAVE, Sacramento, Ca
You or someone you care about has taken the step to leave an unhealthy or abusive relationship. What might the rest of that journey look like? Join a discussion about what to expect during the calm after the storm of domestic violence and how to support someone who is living this experience. This will be a small, intimate discussion by registration only. Space is limited. Registration link will be distributed on CCB lists or by requesting it from convention.ccb@gmail.com
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1:00-4:30 pm 2nd General Session

Sarah Harris, First Vice-President, Fresno, Ca Presiding

1:00 pm: Welcome
1:10 pm: Dreaming Big, A new World for People with Disabilities
Andy, Imparato, Executive Director,
Disability Rights California, Sacramento, Ca
Discussing vision for the disability community in California and specifically for Disability Rights California, with an emphasis on concerns impacting people with vision loss
2:00 pm: A Blind Man’s Perspective on the Future of Life with Vision Loss
Joe Xavier, Director, Department of Rehabilitation, Sacramento, Ca
The “new normal” is upon us. How can people with vision loss leverage their adaptability skills in it. Hear Mr. Xavier’s perspective on this and so much more.
3:00 pm: Target Practice: Determining Which Transportation Issues are Local, Which are Federal, and How to Hit Where You’re Aiming
Ron Brooks, CEO and Founder of Accessible Avenue, Phoenix, AZ
Join Ron Brooks on a ride that is sure to be within your pick-up window, and won’t keep you on longer than 90 minutes. By the time you reach your destination, you will be informed, entertained, and inspired.

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6:00-9:30 pm: 3rd General Session

Lisa Presley-Thomas, Treasurer, Fresno, Ca Presiding

6:00 pm: Welcome Back
6:10 pm: Remembrances
At this time, we will recognize CCB Members who have passed during this last year.
7:00 pm: Elections
At this time the CCB membership will be electing new officers and board members. Voting instructions and information will be distributed widely.

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Saturday, May 14

9:00 am-12:30 pm: 4th General Session

Rob Turner, Second Vice-President, Sunnyvale, Ca Presiding

9:00 am: Welcome Back
9:15 am: ACB Get Up and Get Moving Campaign
Tom Tobin, Chairman, Get Up and Get Moving Campaign, Cleveland Heights, OH
Come learn about the ACB Get Up and Get Moving Campaign, it’s mission/goals, timeline, past achievements, future activities, and best of all, how you can get up and get moving too!
10:00 am: Mental Health Challenges for People with Vision Loss
Lynda Johnson, San Mateo, Ca
Roque Alas Bucton, Duarte, Ca
This panel will help us to gain an understanding of the severity of the problem, the challenges we face, and the solutions that we need to pursue.
11:00 am: Help! Independent Travel
Keeps Getting Harder.
Billie Louise “Beezy” Bentzen,
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, PhD, Director of Research,
Accessible Design for the Blind, Fairbanks, AK
“I can’t find the crosswalk. There’s no traffic I can align with, or I think I’m aligned to cross, but I sure don’t end up where I want to. The streets are so darned wide that I’m sure to veer, and sometimes there’s no parallel traffic to help me keep going straight. And now I have to cross bike lanes everywhere, even to get to bus stops.”
This presentation will give you some strategies that you can use in these challenging situations. There aren’t really good strategies for many of them. You’ll learn about some new environmental modifications that have been shown to help—but your informed advocacy is needed to get them implemented.

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2:00-4:00 pm: 5th General Session

Linda Porelle, Secretary, San Francisco, Ca Presiding

2:00 pm: Welcome Back!
2:05 pm: Susan Glass: The Wild Language of Deer
Susan Glass, Sunnyvale, Ca
Alice Turner, Sunnyvale, Ca
Connecting How Braille Literacy Influenced the Publishing of a Book of Poetry – “The Wild Language of Deer” authored by Susan Glass
Please join us for a lively interview with Susan Glass, author of a newly published book of poetry, “The Wild Language of Deer”, and learn how her life-long mastery of braille and love of nature influenced her as a teacher, writer and published author. The discussion will include how Susan connected with a cooperative publishing group to collaborate to select poems and designed the book, resulting in a beautiful selection of Susan’s poetry. You will hear Susan read selected poems and learn the background story for each selection, and helpful tips for best practices for writers.
3:00 pm: Storytime with Kelly Brakenhoff
Kelly Brakenhoff, Author, Lincoln, Ne
Who doesn’t love a good story time? Let’s all sit in a virtual circle and listen in as Kelly Brakenhoff reads her Childrens Book from the “Duke the Deaf Dog” series, “Farts Make Noise”. Duke the Deaf Dog learns that some noises are loud and that some are quiet. Whether it's a tapping crayon, a beeping fire drill, or a crinkly candy wrapper, both parents and children alike will understand the need to know the difference between noises. A fun, engaging way to teach children that some noises are not polite.

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6:00-8:00 pm: CCB Banquet

Larry Gassman, Master of Ceremonies, Fullerton, Ca
Come celebrate CCB at our Banquet. We will be

announcing our annual award winners,
listening to a fun panel presentation from CCB’s Children of Blind Parents,
and back by popular demand will be entertainer extraordinaire Jason Castenguay.

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Sunday, May 15

9:00 am-12:00 pm: 6th General Session

Gabe Griffith, President, Presiding
To close the 2022 virtual convention, we will conclude with our convention business meeting. This meeting will include

the 2021 Convention Minutes,
Treasurer’s Report,
Newell Perry Report,
and may include voting on proposed Resolutions and Bylaw Amendments.

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Post-Convention

Tuesday, May 17

7:30-9:00 pm: Country of the Blind
ACB Capitol Chapter
This is based on a short story by H. G. Wells. It has been adapted for radio many times, but the ACB Capital Chapter of CCB decided to form a writer’s collaborative to modernize the script and bring a blind perspective to it. All the script writers, actors, and the director are people who are blind or have low vision and members of the Chapter. The sound editors and studio recordings were done in collaboration with Eplus Studios, staffed by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is both a commentary on blind VS sighted perspectives as well as humanity in general. This drama will make you laugh, cry, and think outside the box.
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Wednesday, May 18

7:30-9:00 pm: Scholarship Committee
Christy Crespin, Chair
Presenters will hold a forum to address the various types of scholarships, application process, and have scholarship winners talk about their scholarships, and what they are doing today.
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From the Convention Planning Committee Chair

Here's to many more years of CCB…may we never stop “Navigating the Future Together”! Thank you to the Convention Planning Committee, our Partners and Exhibitors, ACB Media, our many Speakers and Panelist, the CCB Board of Directors, and most of all thank you to all of our superb Members of the Council.

Sincerely,
Sarah Harris
Convention Planning Committee Chair

president's Message

Calendar of Events

Pre-Convention Activities

Monday, April 18

Tuesday, April 19

Thursday, April 21

Friday, April 22

Saturday, April 23

Sunday, April 24

Monday, April 25

Wednesday, April 27

Saturday, April 30

Sunday, May 1

Monday, May 2

Wednesday, May 4

Thursday, May 5

Monday, May 9

The Main Event

Thursday, May 12

Friday, May 13

Saturday, May 14

Sunday May 15

Post-Convention Activities

Tuesday, May 17

Wednesday, May 18

Description of Events

Monday, April 18

Tuesday, April 19

Thursday, April 21

Friday, April 22

Saturday, April 23

Sunday, April 24

Monday, April 25

Wednesday, April 27

Saturday, April 30

Sunday, May 1

Monday, May 2

Wednesday, May 4

Thursday, May 5

Monday, May 9

Thursday, May 12

Friday, May 13

Saturday, May 14

Sunday, May 15

Tuesday, May 17

Wednesday, May 18

From the Convention Planning Committee Chair

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