Wednesday, November 24, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Council of the Blind (ACB) Contact:

Pamela Shaw, Project Liaison, ACB International Relations Committee

 (215) 753-1527

pam@newvistapro.com

Elderhostel/Road Scholar Contact:

Despina Gakopoulos

 (617) 457-5502

newsmedia@roadscholar.org

BOSTON (November 24, 2010) — Elderhostel/Road Scholar and the American Council of the Blind (ACB) are teaming up to offer unique international educational learning opportunities for those who are blind or visually impaired.

A series of new programs will kick off with a "pioneer" Road Scholar adventure in April 2011 developed in association with ONCE, ACB's sister organization The Spanish National Organization for the Blind. ACB members will journey to Madrid on a week-long program to discover the famed Spanish capital's culture and history. The program experience sets a precedent for international educational travel opportunities for ACB members. Special highlights will include hands-on workshops, sampling of local culinary and cultural flavors, visits to the ONCE School for the Blind and opportunities to explore Museo Tiflologico de la Once, which is home to scale models of national and international monuments, rooms devoted to artistic works made by blind people, and instruments used by the blind for the past 200 years.

"We are excited to begin this relationship with ACB and extend our learning adventures to its members," says Elderhostel/Road Scholar President James Moses. "As part of our commitment to serving the lifelong learning needs of all adults, our collaboration with ACB emphasizes the goal of both organizations to empower adults to explore the world. "

ACB President Mitch Pomerantz says: "As someone who enjoys the chance to travel, I am especially pleased to enter into partnership with Elderhostel/Road Scholar. I look forward to taking advantage of this new and exciting relationship. "

"Road Scholar adventures are designed for those who share a desire for ongoing stimulation, challenge and experience and — most importantly — a love of learning," Moses says. "We look forward to welcoming ACB members on our programs. "

About American Council of the Blind

The American Council of the Blind is the nation's leading membership organization for people who are blind and those with low vision. Founded in 1961, ACB is a national organization of people who are blind, those with low vision and sighted individuals whose purpose is to work toward independence, security, equality of opportunity, and improved quality of life for all people who are blind and those with low vision.

About Road Scholar and Elderhostel

Road Scholar is the name for the programs developed and offered by Elderhostel, Inc., the not-for-profit world leader in lifelong learning since 1975. Our mission is to empower adults to explore the world's places, peoples, cultures and ideas, and in so doing to discover more about themselves. A fellowship of learning and the joy of discovery are the hallmarks of the Road Scholar experience.

Elderhostel's mission includes making Road Scholar learning adventures accessible to all adults and accommodating individuals who face physical challenges such as vision, hearing and mobility issues.

For more information about this special program to Madrid, please call Pam Shaw of the American Council of the Blind at (215) 753-1527.