Tuesday, June 29, 2010

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Dr. Ronald E. Milliman, Chair, American Council of the Blind Public Relations Committee

270) 782-9325 or 270-996-7356 (cell)

E-mail: rmilliman@insightbb.com

PHOENIX (June 28) -- More than 1,500 blind and visually impaired people will gather at the Phoenix Downtown Sheraton Hotel, from July 9 to July 17 for the 49th annual national conference and convention of the American Council of the Blind (ACB). According to the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau, a welcomed amount exceeding $2.65 million will be injected into the greater Phoenix economy thanks to the ACB conference and convention attendees.

Mitch Pomerantz, ACB's President, "invites anyone who is blind or with low-vision, or who is losing their eyesight, or with a friend or family member who is experiencing vision loss to come to the 49th ACB conference and convention and find out about what we have to offer. This year's ACB conference and convention will certainly be one of our largest and busiest ever."  

Among the many attractions, there will be a large trade show in which visitors can see state-of-the-art devices designed to make life easier for blind and low-vision people. The exhibit area will feature a wide variety of products including mobility devices such as white canes and even talking GPS navigation units, all types of magnification devices, talking watches and clocks, and special computer equipment that translates print books and magazines into braille or artificial speech, and much, much more.

Carla Ruschival, chair of ACB's convention planning committee, said, "Throughout the week, our conference and convention attendees will participate in a variety of meetings and seminars offering the most up-to-date information on topics ranging from the latest technology to assist blind and low vision people to sessions on career and employment opportunities." 

ACB's Executive Director, Melanie Brunson, stated, "Our conference and convention provides blind and visually impaired people with a chance to see the latest technology, become informed on current legislation that affects their lives, and keeps them abreast of the implementation of programs for their benefit, including the most recent court rulings that impact the everyday lives of blind and low-vision people." 

"Local residents will see several men and women carrying canes or accompanied by guide dogs touring various regional attractions," said Dr. Ron Milliman, Chair of the ACB Public Relations Committee. "Phoenix has much to offer, and it is an especially friendly city for blind and low-vision individuals to visit."

The American Council of the Blind is a national membership organization. Its members are blind, visually impaired, and fully sighted individuals who are concerned about the dignity and well being of blind people throughout the nation.

Formed in 1961, the ACB is one of the largest organizations of blind people in the world, with more than 70 state and special interest affiliates and a nationwide network of chapters and members spanning the globe.

For more information about the American Council of the Blind or the ACB National Convention, contact: Melanie Brunson, Executive Director, American Council of the Blind, 2200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 650, Arlington, VA 22201; phone (202) 467-5081 or (800) 424-8666; http://www.acb.org