Pre-Post Convention Activity
Friday, March 3, 2023
2023 Convention Kickoff
Join the membership committee for a great start to our 2023 CCB convention. Get to know your board members by playing Two Truths and a Lie! Fun and surprises await you!
Membership Committee Chair, Joe Green
Click here to listen to the 2023 Convention Kickoff session.
Monday, March 6, 2023
Emergency Preparedness 101 with the blind and those with low vision in mind.
Emergency Preparedness 101 with the blind and those with low vision in mind.
Whether one is just beginning, or is a grizzled veteran of emergency preparedness planning, this presentation, especially tailored to people with blindness and vision loss, will focus on what we need, to be ready. Furry friends, accessible copies of documents and other disability ideas will also be featured.
Presented by: Sheela Gunn-Cushman,
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Center for Independent Living, Berkeley, CA, And member of the San Francisco Chapter of CCB.
Click here to listen to the emergency preparedness presentation.
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
APH CareerConnect: From Empowerment to Employment
Presented by Richard Rueda, Digital Content Manager CareerConnect
Click here to listen to the APH CareerConnect presentation
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Housing Committee Listening Session
All are invited to a listening session to share your concerns about housing in California.
CCB Housing Committee Chair, Frank Welte
Click here to listen to the Housing Committee listening session.
Saturday, March 11, 2023
What does accessible transportation look like for you?
Whether you live in a rural, suburban or urban area, transportation services are essential to independence for people who are blind or have low vision. Come have a peer discussion about what your ideal access to transportation services looks like.
Presented by Daveed Mandell, CCB Member and member of the Transportation Committee for the American Council of the Blind
Click here to listen to the accessible transportation discussion.
California Diabetics In Action Springing Forward
While many of us recognize the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, some of us may already be living with diabetes or receiving a diagnosis of pre-diabetes or type II diabetes. We are an affiliate that is supportive, educational, and advocating for inclusion, accessibility, and better medical staff knowledge and representation . Come and join us for a short business meeting, some supportive conversation, and a short presentation.
President, Christy Crespin
- Click here to listen to the complete California Diabetics In Action session.
- Click here to listen to part 1 of the California Diabetics In Action session.
- Click here to listen to part 2 of the California Diabetics In Action session.
CCBS Business Meeting
Join the California Council of Blind Students (CCBS) for our yearly Business Meeting as we elect new officers, hear the Presidential Report, and hear from our special student speaker. We will also be hearing from four different residential adjustment to blindness centers from across the country. These centers help people gain back their independence as a blind or visually in paired person. The four centers are the Helen Keller Center, *, The Carroll Center For The Blind, and someone that attended a National Federation of the Blind (NFB) center.
President, Aaron Espinoza
Click here to listen to the CCBS Business Meeting and program.
Sunday, March 12, 2023
Golden State Guide Dog Handlers Inc., GSGDHI Business Meeting and Program
Meeting: Approval of most recent minutes; election of officers and directors
Program: The Triumphs and Tribulations of Puppy Raising
Learn firsthand from long-time puppy raisers about their experiences with their pups! Hear what questions they have for handlers!
President, Susan Glass
- Click here to listen to the complete Golden State Guide Dog Handlers Inc., GSGDHI Business Meeting and Program.
- Click here to listen to part 1 of the Golden State Guide Dog Handlers Inc., GSGDHI Business Meeting and Program.
- Click here to listen to part 2 of the Golden State Guide Dog Handlers Inc., GSGDHI Business Meeting and Program.
Monday, March 13, 2023
California Council of Citizens with Low Vision, CCCLV Program Intersectional Low Vision: Navigating Low Vision and Identity
Join us for an insightful and empowering discussion on the intersection of low vision and identity! We explore how low vision intersects with social identities, such as race, gender, class, sexuality, and ability, to create unique and compounded lived experiences.
Using Kimberlé Crenshaw's theory of intersectionality as a framework, we delve deeper into our own experiences involving low vision and oppression to center on building resilience, community, and empowerment.
This discussion promises a supportive and inclusive space for people with low vision to explore their experiences, connect with others, and learn practical strategies for navigating low vision and identity.
Presented by:
Rise Diamond M.A.
President, Cathy Schmitt Whitaker, Ed.D., CPC, ELI-MP
Click here to listen to the CCCVL discussion on the intersection of low vision and identity.
Saturday, March 18, 2023
Inclusive Diversity of California, IDC Program
Increasing Compassion, Listening, empathy, and self-care
Join Inclusive Diversity of California (IDC) to learn through interaction and stories of real people who increase compassion, exercise empathy, and practice self-care to guard against burn-out. Learn practical ways to respond to another's trauma, whether it is sudden sight loss, results of a hate crime, a natural disaster, or news of oppression and discrimination. With violence on the rise, IDC seeks to revive kindness and understanding between one another.
President, Regina Brink
Click here to listen to the Inclusive Diversity of California, IDC Program.
California Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, CAAVL Program
Nursing Homes and Older Blind and Visually Impaired Adults
You are invited to a panel discussion addressing the specific concerns of blind and visually impaired adults with respect to receiving nursing home services.
President, Frank Welte
- Click here to listen to the complete California Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, (CAAVL) Program
- Click here to listen to part 1 of the California Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, (CAAVL) Program
- Click here to listen to part 2 of the California Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, (CAAVL) Program
Sunday, March 19, 2023
California Library Users of America, CLUA Business Meeting
Come learn more about the California Library Users of America CCB Affiliate at its annual business meeting. There will be the election of Officers and the discussion of future activities.
President, Pam Metz
Click here to listen to the California Library Users of America (CLUA), Business Meeting
California Library Users of America, CLUA Program
Do you like to read? Well then, you're in luck! The California Library Users of America will be having an up close and personal discussion with librarians Mike Marlin from the Sacramento Talking Book Library and Lisa Lepore from the Las Angeles Braille Institute followed by a discussion about book groups. Don't miss this opportunity!
President, Pam Metz
Click here to listen to the California Library Users of America (CLUA), Program
Monday, March 20, 2023>
California Council of Citizens with Low Vision, CCCLV Business meeting & Program
All are welcome to the California Council of Citizens with Low Vision (CCCLV) annual membership meeting. In addition to sharing highlights over the past year, members will vote on the new CCCLV constitution and bylaws, and officer and board of director elections. Members will discuss recommendations for activities, activism and building community.
President, Cathy Schmitt Whitaker, Ed.D., CPC, ELI-MP
Click here to listen to the California Council of Citizens with Low Vision (CCCLV), Business meeting
Thursday, March 23, 2023
Inclusive Diversity of California, IDC Business Meeting
Elections, directions, and check-ins, be a part of Inclusive Diversity of California (IDC). Time to elect officers and board members and hear from our committee chairs. Tell the leaders what you would like to see in IDC. Suggest seminars, activities, and resources for the upcoming year. Support one another! Celebrate unity while honoring diversity!
President, Regina Brink
Click here to listen to the Inclusive Diversity of California (IDC), Business Meeting
Post Convention
Saturday, April 15, 2023
California Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, CAAVL Annual Business Meeting
Join with the members of CAAVL as we hold elections, plan our efforts in behalf of older Californians who are blind or visually impaired and conduct other important business.
President, Frank Welte
Main Convention Activity
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
virtual First General Session
President Gabe Griffith presiding
It’s time to get the main event started. We will adopt our Convention Rules, hear from Credentials and Nominating Committee Chair, Frank Welte, Hear proposed Bylaw amendments from Bylaws Committee Chair Steve Bauer, and maybe a few surprises.
Click here to listen to the Virtual First General Session
This session includes the following recordings:
- Introduction, President Gabe Griffith Presiding
- Adopting Convention Rules
- CCB history game
- Credentials Report from Committee Chair, Frank Welte
- Nominating Committee Report from Committee Chair, Frank Welte
- Continuing CCB History Game
- Proposed Bylaw Amendments from Bylaws Committee Chair Steve Bauer
- Continuing CCB History Game and Meeting Adjournment
Friday, March 31, 2023
Second General session
President, Gabe Griffith Presiding
During this session we will hear from Deb Cook-Louis, ACB President, Gabe’s President’s Report, and the Governmental Affairs Committee will share the latest happenings in advocacy and legislation. We will remember our friends who have passed away over the last year and pay respect to their life and our fond memories.
Elections will follow.
Click here to listen to the complete Second General Session as well as the 2023 Elections
This session contains the following recordings:
- Introduction and Pledge of Allegiance
- Deb Cook-Louis, ACB President
- Gabe Griffith’s President’s Report
- Governmental Affairs Committee will share the latest happenings in advocacy and legislation
- Invocation and Remembering our friends who have passed during the last year
- Elections
Saturday, April 1 2023
Cup of Joe with Joe!
Membership Committee Breakfast
Come have a “Cup of Joe” with Joe Green, Membership Committee Chair and discuss the lifeline of our organization; you, the members. All are encouraged to attend this important discussion.
Click here for a Cup of Joe with Joe! Membership Committee Breakfast
Department of Rehabilitation, DOR Employment Services and Updates
Hear from key Blind Field Services staff including: Laura Rasmussen District Administrator, Peter Dawson Regional Director, and Nancy Ybarra Regional Business Specialist about DOR Employment Services including benefits, opportunities, and behind the scenes work being done to help people who are blind or have low vision have successful employment outcomes. We will also hear from Jamie Gibson-Barrows employment Specialist for Valley Center for the Blind about their employment services model and how it has been successful.
Stick around for the latest updates from DOR from Joe Xavier Director of DOR, Sue Pelbath Deputy Director Specialized Services Division, and Ana Acton Deputy Director Independent Living Services.
Click here to hear about the Department of Rehabilitation, DOR Employment Services and Updates
Technology Committee Lunch
Are you excited for the new Victor Stream? Well, you’re in luck. Join the Technology Committee to hear all about it and other cool gizmos and gadgets that increase our independence and quality of life.
Click here to listen to the Technology Committee lunch
California Library Users of America, CLUA lunch
Do you like to read? Well then, you're in luck! Join CLUA President Pam Metz for an up close and personal discussion with librarians Mike Marlin from the Sacramento Talking Book Library and Lisa Lepore from the Las Angeles Braille Institute followed by a discussion about book groups. Don't miss this opportunity!
Click here to listen to the California Library Users of America, (CLUA) lunch
Third General Session
Second Vice-President Rob Turner & Secretary Steve Bauer Presiding
This general session is jam packed with great speakers and valuable information. Meet the new CEO of the San Francisco Lighthouse Sharon Giovinazzo, be amused and inspired with a “Tale of Two Presidents” with CCB President Gabe Griffith and NFBC President Tim Elder, hear from California Department of Aging Director Susan Demarois, and we will finish up with a presentation from the newly formed California Agencies for Blind and Visually Impaired Inc. with Anita Aaron Executive Director and Shellena Heber Executive Director Valley Center for the Blind and CABVI Board Member.
Click here to listen to the complete Third General Session
This session includes the following recordings:
- California Department of Aging, Director Susan Demarois
- CEO of the San Francisco Lighthouse, Sharon Giovinazzo
- Agencies for Blind and Visually Impaired Inc. Anita Aaron Executive Director
- CCB President Gabe Griffith and NFBC President Tim Elder
CCB Banquet
MCs: Larry Gassman and Regina Brink
Get ready for just the start of a special and celebratory night. We will hear about the importance of mentorship and peer support in our community and how it impacts independence, employment, and quality of life from ACB Board Member Kenneth Semien Sr., presentation of CCB Awards, and a performance by ACB Capitol Chapter member and local Jazz and R&B vocalist Sabrina Hocker.
Please note that due to copyright laws Sabrina’s performance was limited to in person and was not streamed.
Click here to listen to the CCB banquet
- Introduction and participant sharing
- mentorship and peer support in our community - ACB Board Member Kenneth Semien Sr.
- presentation of CCB Awards
- thank you and closing
Sunday, April 2
Annual Business Meeting
President Gabe Griffith Presiding
To close the 2023 Hybrid convention, we will conclude with our convention business meeting. This meeting will include the 2022 Convention Minutes, Treasurer’s Report, Newell Perry Report, and may include voting on proposed Resolutions and Bylaw Amendments.
Click here to listen to the Annual Business Meeting
This session includes the following recordings:
