2023 Washington Council of the Blind Convention
WCB, PUTTING OUR BEST FOOT FORWARD!
Hosted by Snohomish County Council of the Blind
PROGRAM
October 26, 27, and 28, 2023
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport
SeaTac, Washington
Welcome to the 2023 annual convention of Washington Council of the Blind!
All WCB sessions are open to everyone registered with this convention. WCB is pleased to offer this program to assist you in locating all activities of this convention along with times and room assignments.
The Grand Ballroom which will hold general sessions and selected breakout sessions, main meals, exhibits, Showcase of Talent, and banquet are on the main floor in the conferencing area. The registration desk and volunteer table are in the foyer of the conferencing area.
The Cascade rooms are on the second floor, accessed by the tower elevators and will hold smaller meal functions, breakout sessions, GDUWS lunch, Youth Track activities, and hospitality.
For the security of this event, conventioneers are required to wear their convention name tag at all convention functions, including hospitality.
Throughout the general sessions, the Friday luncheon, business meeting and banquet, door prizes may be given to those registered in person for the convention and in attendance at the time their name is drawn. Registered virtual attendees are eligible for door prize drawings and may participate in sessions by using the Zoom links they received.
Unless otherwise indicated, most events will be streamed on ACB Media 9. Listen online at www.acbmedia.org/9. You may also use an Alexa device to listen: say the wake word, then “Open ACB Media” then “Play ACB Media 9.” If already enabled, use the shortcut – “Ask ACB Media to Play 9.” ACB Media streams are also available on the Victor Stream by choosing the Internet Radio bookshelf and searching for ACB.
WCB strives to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all of our event participants. Attendees are expected to govern themselves appropriately, acceptably, respectfully, and sociably. Purposeful behavior which causes another attendee, their companion(s), or their service animal personal injury or harassment may result in WCB person(s) in authority taking immediate appropriate action. Additionally a written review of the given situation for our records may result.
To ensure safe passage in crowded areas, each participant must remain vigilant of others’ safety. Caution and consideration should be practiced while negotiating aisles, halls and other pathways.
We provide tools to assist our blind attendees, such as: advanced training to hotel staff, published hotel descriptions, braille menus, and when possible minimal volunteer assistance throughout the event.
Volunteers are available to provide only limited assistance with navigating the public areas of our events. When volunteers are available, they may escort attendees to and from sleeping rooms only upon initial check-in, and then, only to the hotel room door. WCB and its representatives are not responsible for personal care or ongoing individual assistance. Volunteers or WCB representatives are not responsible for handling or administering medication, packing luggage, ongoing escort to and from sleeping rooms, feeding, dressing or toileting, and/or walking service animals.
THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS!
You help make this convention experience a great one!
THANK YOU to our Main Convention Sponsors,
SPECTRUM and DEMOCRACY LIVE
& Thanks to all convention sponsors …
PLATINUM
Anonymous
Andy Arvidson
Girmay Micael
Cindy Fleck-Tedrow
Sheri Richardson
Randy Tedrow
GOLD
Anonymous, Colette Arvidson, Terry Atwater, Viola Bentson, Tim Breitenfeldt, Alco Canfield, Glenn McCully, Ursula McCully, Penny Forward, and Stuart Russell
SILVER
Judy Brown, Northwest Pro Wrestling, and Steven Welch
BRONZE
Anonymous (11), Michael Alvarez, Ardis Bazyn, Kevin Berkery, Dorene Cornwell, Rita Dilek, Danette Dixon, Holly Edwards, Sandy Gilliard, Chris Gray, Darlene Hilling, Nancy Lind, Scott Malyszka, Debby Phillips, Bruce Radtke, and Marilee Richards
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023
The pre-convention Board meeting in Grand 2 will be streamed on ACB Media 9
3:00 to 6:00 PM
GRAND FOYER
Registration/Information desk open for pre-registered conventioneers only.
4:00 to 6:30 PM
CASCADE 9 and 10
WCB Welcome Lounge
Gather with old and new friends and plan your weekend’s activities. Sponsored by Snohomish County Council of the Blind and the WCB Membership Committee. Pre-registered conventioneers only.
4:00 to 6:30 PM
GRAND 3
Exhibit Hall
Here’s your first opportunity to find out about products and services intended for people who are blind or have low vision without choosing between the convention sessions and exhibits! See the detailed listing of exhibitors near the end of this program.
Pre-registered conventioneers only.
Exhibits Coordinator: Darryl Roberts
7:00 PM GRAND 2
Pre-convention WCB Board meeting
9:30 PM GRAND 2
Constitution & Bylaws Committee meeting
9:30 PM CASCADE 1
Resolutions Committee meeting
9:30 to 11:00 PM CASCADE 9 and 10
Hospitality
Mingle with friends over snacks and beverages. Cash bar provided by the DoubleTree with set $8 drink pricing. Complimentary soft drinks and snacks provided by our host chapter SCCB.
Pre-registered conventioneers only.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023
All Events in Grand 2 will be streamed on ACB Media 9, available to virtual attendees on Zoom, and recorded.
7:00 AM and throughout the day
GRAND FOYER
Registration/Info desk & Volunteer desk open (pick up packets, buy $10 raffle tickets, check in)
EXHIBITS
GRAND 3
The Exhibit Hall will be open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, closed during the noon hour for lunch. Here’s your opportunity to find out about products and services intended for people who are blind or have low vision. See the complete exhibitor listing near the end of this program. Free for registered attendees; others can buy a one-day Exhibits pass for $20 at the registration desk.
A.T. Guys
Audiobook Ministries
Boundless Assistive Technology
Budworks
Dan’s Woodworking
Democracy Live
Guide Dogs for the Blind
GuideLights And Gadgets
Hope Vision Foundation
Irie Low Vision and Braille
Leading Edge Vision
MD19 Lions Knights of the Blind
Museum of Glass
Non-24 / Vanda Pharmaceuticals
Northwest Pro Wrestling
OneCourt Technologies Inc
Pacific West Music of the Blind
Penny Forward
South King Council of the Blind
Themis Games
Tobi’s Turquoise & Co
ViewPlus Technologies Inc
Vision Matters
WCB History Committee
Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB)
Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL)
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM By Appointment Only
TRAINING
PRESIDENT’S SUITE
One-On-One Technology Training with Al Yardley, Assistive Technology Specialist.
BREAKFAST SERVICE BEGINS AT 7:30 AM
General Attendees Breakfast
GRAND 1
First Timers Breakfast
CASCADE 9 and 10
For first-time WCB convention attendees. Hosted by the WCB Awards Committee.
Chapter Presidents Breakfast
CASCADE 7 and 8
By invitation only from Julie Brannon, for chapter and affiliate presidents.
GENERAL SESSIONS ARE HELD IN GRAND 2 AND WILL BE STREAMED AND RECORDED
Breakout sessions held in other locations as noted will not be streamed, but may be available on Zoom and/or recorded.
Awards Luncheon will be in GRAND 1.
WCB General Sessions
GRAND 2
Presiding Officer: Julie Brannon, WCB President
8:45 AM Opening Ceremonies
Presentation of the Colors
Welcome to SeaTac
Host Chapter Welcome: Marilee Richards, President, Snohomish County Council of the Blind
9:05 AM President’s Report
Julie Brannon, President, Washington Council of the Blind
9:25 AM Report of the Nominating Committee
Denise Colley, Committee Chair
9:35 AM Report of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee
Frank Cuta, Committee Chair
9:50 AM WCB, Putting Our Best Foot Forward!
Presenter: Abby Griffith
Abby Griffith was born in Areka, a city in the Wolaita Sodo region of Ethiopia. In 2008, at the age of fourteen, she moved to the United States. Abby speaks three languages — Amharic, Wolaita, and English — and is the first college graduate in her biological family. She graduated Clark College in 2018 with an associate’s degree and earned her bachelor’s degree in 2021 in human development with a Certificate in Human Services Case Management and Administration from Washington State University, Vancouver.
In 2020, Abby became involved in advocating for transportation through Disability Rights Washington, where she was interviewed as part of a Transportation Access for Everyone story map project.
In 2022, Abby won the Holman Prize grant to implement a technology program for blind and visually impaired students in her hometown in Ethiopia. She enjoys advocating for non-drivers. Currently, Abby is the Bus Riders Unite! Community Organizer at OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon.
10:20 to 10:30 AM Break
Presiding Officer: Danette Dixon, WCB Secretary
10:30 AM Exhibitors Showcase
11:05 AM Art in a Disabled World
Museum of Glass (MOG) opened its doors in 2002 in Tacoma, Washington along the historic Thea Foss Waterway, founded by George F. Russell, Jr., Dr. Phillip M. Phibbs and Dale Chihuly. Over the past 20 years, MOG has brought 750 artists from 23 countries to Tacoma, taught nearly 100,000 K-12 students about glass as an art form, and welcomed over 2 million visitors to experience MOG exhibitions and programming.
Panelists:
Elisabeth Emerson, Education Program Manager, Museum of Glass, Tacoma
John Holliday, local artist
Jabari Owens-Bailey, Education Program Manager, Museum of Glass, Tacoma
Susan Warner, Curator of Education, Museum of Glass, Tacoma
WCB Awards Luncheon at noon in GRAND 1
It’s time for special awards to be presented. Meet some of this year’s first-time attendees. There will be a special door prize drawing you won’t want to miss!
Hosted by Cathy Wilson, Convention Committee co-chair.
WCB GENERAL SESSIONS RESUME IN GRAND 2
Presiding Officer: Beth Greenberg, WCB Board Director
1:15 PM DEI in Technology, the Workforce and Healthcare
A panel of WCB Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee members will discuss ways in which the issues around DEI impact all our lives through technology, the workplace and in healthcare. Each member has a unique perspective and lived experience which strengthens WCB’s commitment to the issues that impact all of us.
Facilitator & Panelist: Sheri Richardson, DEI Committee Chair
Panelists:
Judy Brown, RN, BSN
Cheryl Cumings, Workforce Development Manager, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
Dr. Lynne Koral, DEI Committee Vice Chair
Yvonne Thomas-Miller, Community Outreach Counselor, Lummi Vocational Rehabilitation Program
2:05 to 2:15 PM Transition to Breakouts
2:15 to 3:15 PM
GRAND 2
Exploring Underutilized Media Resources for Empowerment and Entertainment
Many of us just pass the time with our normal TV, radio and talking book content. In this stimulating presentation, we will expand your horizons a bit by introducing you to Bookshare, Audio Vault, Applevise, ACB Media and all manner of streams and audio archives specific to blind and visually impaired listeners.
Facilitator & Panelist: Frank Cuta, WCB Board Director
Panelists:
David Edick, principal sound man for WCB & internet jockey
Reginald George CATIS, Assistive Technology Specialist, Department of Services for the Blind
Cindy Hollis, Manager of Member Engagement, American Council of the Blind
After this session, you can visit the Exhibit Hall before it closes at 4 p.m.
2:40 to 3:30 PM
Two Concurrent Breakout Sessions
CASCADE 7 & 8
This session is available in person only, but may be recorded.
Essential Oils and Guide Dogs
This hands-on class is limited to those who pre-registered and paid the class fee in advance. Are you confused by all of the conflicting information out there regarding the use of essential oils with your beloved four-legged friends? Join Hayley as she shares some important essential oil safety tips, ways in which she uses essential oils daily with her guide dog Neruda, and even get a hands-on experience with one of her favorite oils.
Presenter: Hayley Agers
GRAND 1
This session is available in person and virtually via Zoom, but will not be streamed.
Cruising and Traveling
As a blind or visually impaired person, have you enjoyed traveling or have you been concerned about traveling? Either way, please come and hear from our experienced travelers, who will share their stories and answer questions from the audience.
Facilitator & Panelist: Dr. Wendy David, author of Sites Unseen
Panelists:
Andy Arvidson, seasoned cruiser
Julie Brannon, cruiser and solo traveler
3:30 to 4:00 PM Break
Now is your last chance to visit the Exhibit Hall!
4:00 to 5:00 PM
Three Concurrent Breakout Sessions
GRAND 2
Cracking Open the Past – Exploring our Organizational History and the Associated Services that We Depend On
Denise will take us back to a time when we wove baskets and made brooms for a living and the School for the Blind was named the School for Defective Youth. We have come a long way, baby!
Facilitator: Cindy Hollis
Presenter: Denise Colley, WCB Immediate Past President
CASCADE 1 and 2
This session is available in person only, but may be recorded.
Technology 2-in-1: Spectrum Communications and Blindshell Phone
This is sure to be a very informative session. Spectrum provides accessible internet, cable, and mobile services. The Blindshell is a touchscreen mobile phone for blind and visually impaired people.
Facilitator: Danette Dixon, WCB Secretary
Presenters:
Petr Kucheryavyy, Senior Accessibility Manager, Spectrum
Michael Babcock, AT Guys
CASCADE 7 and 8
This session is available in person only, but may be recorded.
Acupuncture without the needles
Discover the power you have in your own hands to help yourself. The body has its own innate wisdom to correct disharmony and this ability lies within your own hands. Come explore where and how to begin. Jin Shin Jyutsu is a Physio Philosophy from Japan, with teachings on how we can help ourselves, just by applying touch techniques.
Presenters:
Julie Harlow, MA, NBC-HWC, Jin Shin Jyutsu Practitioner & herbalist
Laura Auckland, Jin Shin Jyutsu Practitioner & herbalist
5:00 PM End of Breakout Sessions
6:00 to 7:30 PM
GRAND 1
Life Members Reception
By invitation from our President, Julie Brannon, WCB life members are invited to this reception.
8:00 to 11:00 PM
CASCADE 9 and 10
Hospitality
Relax and enjoy the live music from Steve Stefanowicz, followed by karaoke. Cash bar (set $8 drink pricing). Complimentary soft drinks and snacks provided by our host chapter SCCB. Registered conventioneers only.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023
All Events in Grand 2 will be streamed on ACB Media 9, available to virtual attendees on Zoom, and recorded.
BREAKFAST SERVICE BEGINS AT 7:30 AM
General Attendees Breakfast
GRAND 1
“WCB is in Your Future” Breakfast
CASCADE 9 and 10
By invitation only, this breakfast is for youth, parents, scholarship winners, and selected committee chairs.
WCB General Sessions
GRAND 2
Presiding Officer: Tim Breitenfeldt, WCB Board Director
8:45 AM Announcements
8:50 AM We Are ACB
Kenneth Simien, Sr., Board Director, American Council of the Blind
9:20 AM Lighthouse for the Blind Low Vision Services
The Lighthouse for the Blind Inc. is headquartered in Seattle and offers programs and resources to enhance services for the Low Vision community in the Puget Sound region. Programs include: Low Vision Rehabilitation Services, Lighthouse Low Vision Clinic, and Lighthouse Low Vision Store.
Presenter: Dr. Anna Shagas, O.D.
9:50 to 10:00 AM Break
Presiding Officer: Nathan Brannon, WCB Board Director
10:00 AM The Journey to the Job: Three people who are blind share their journey to employment
Learn of the challenges and successes encountered along the way. This panel is sure to leave you with lots of good feels!
Facilitator: Cindy Hollis, Manager of Membership Engagement, ACB
Panelists:
Shawn Berg, Certification System Engineer, The Boeing Company, Everett, WA
Elizabeth (Liz) Bottner, CATIS, CVRT, Assistive Technology Specialist, National Library Services for the Blind and Print Disabled,
Washington DC
Tim Cumings, Customer Service Representative, Perkins School for the Blind, Watertown, MA
10:50 to 11:00 AM Break
11:00 AM State of the State
Let’s learn what’s happening with our three state agencies serving the blind.
Panelists:
Michael MacKillop, Executive Director, Department of Services for the Blind (DSB)
Scott McCallum, Superintendent, Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB)
Danielle Miller, Director and Regional Librarian, Washington Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL)
LUNCHEON SERVICE BEGINS AT NOON
General Attendees
GRAND 1
Guide Dog Users of Washington State
CASCADE 1 and 2
1:30 PM
WCB Annual Business Meeting
GRAND 2
The annual business meeting of Washington Council of the Blind will include agenda items such as:
In Memoriam
Elections of Officers (President, 1st Vice President, and Treasurer) and Board Directors (3 two-year term positions)
Proposed 2024 Operating Budget
Proposed Amendments to the WCB Constitution and Bylaws
Resolutions
Old business
New business
Virtual attendees have received Zoom links; WCB members eligible to vote are asked to enter the Zoom webinar in advance of the call to order to facilitate the determination of a quorum.
4:30 PM Business Meeting is Adjourned
6:00 PM
Banquet
GRAND 3
Mistress of Ceremonies: Cindy Hollis
Presentation of WCB Scholarships: Kim Moberg, Scholarship Committee Chair
Presentation of WCB Awards: Jessamyn Landby, Awards Committee Chair
Recognition of WCB Life Members: Julie Brannon, WCB President
Banquet address: Kenneth Semien, Sr., ACB Board Director
WCB Fundraising Raffle winners will be drawn at the conclusion of the banquet and need not be present to win
8:00 PM
GRAND 3
Showcase of Talent
Emcees Frank Cuta and James Kinnison will host. Please respect our artists and their performances during this concert-style event.
9:00 to 11:00 PM
CASCADE 9 and 10
Hospitality and Karaoke
Cash bar provided by the DoubleTree with set $8 drink pricing. Complimentary soft drinks and snacks provided by our host chapter SCCB. Registered conventioneers only.
WCB Convention schedule at a glance
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023
Pre-convention WCB Board meeting in Grand 2 will be streamed on ACB MEDIA 9
3:00 to 6:00 PM
GRAND FOYER
Registration/Information desk open for pre-registered conventioneers only.
4:00 to 6:30 PM
CASCADE 9 and 10
WCB Welcome Lounge
GRAND 3
Exhibit Hall
7:00 PM
GRAND 2
Pre-convention WCB Board meeting
9:30 PM
GRAND 2
Constitution & Bylaws Committee meeting
CASCADE 1
Resolutions Committee meeting
9:30 to 11:00 PM
CASCADE 9 and 10
Hospitality
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023
BREAKFAST SERVICE BEGINS AT 7:30 AM
General Attendees Breakfast
GRAND 1
First Timers Breakfast
CASCADE 9 and 10
Chapter Presidents Breakfast
CASCADE 7 and 8
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed noon to 1 p.m.)
Exhibit Hall
GRAND 3
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM – By Appointment Only
PRESIDENT’S SUITE
One-on-One Technology Training
All sessions in Grand 2 will be streamed on ACB MEDIA 9
8:45 AM Opening Ceremonies
9:05 AM President’s Report
9:25 AM Report of the Nominating Committee
9:35 AM Report of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee
9:50 AM WCB, Putting Our Best Foot Forward!
10:30 AM Exhibitors Showcase
11:05 AM Art in a Disabled World
NOON
WCB Awards Luncheon
GRAND 1
WCB GENERAL SESSIONS RESUME IN GRAND 2
1:15 PM DEI in Technology, the Workforce and Healthcare
2:15 to 3:15 PM
GRAND 2
Exploring Underutilized Media Resources for Empowerment and Entertainment panel
2:40 to 3:30 PM Two Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Essential Oils and Guide Dogs
CASCADE 7 & 8
This session is available in person only, but may be recorded.
Cruising and Traveling panel
GRAND 1
This session is available in person and virtually via Zoom, but will not be streamed.
4:00 to 5:00 PM Three Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Cracking Open the Past – Exploring our Organizational History and the Associated Services that We Depend On
GRAND 2
Technology 2-in-1: Spectrum Communications and Blindshell Phone
CASCADE 1 and 2
This session is available in person only, but may be recorded.
CASCADE 7 and 8
Acupuncture without the needles
This session is available in person only, but may be recorded.
5:00 PM End of Breakout Sessions
6:00 to 7:30 PM
Life Members Reception
GRAND 1
8:00 to 11:00 PM
Hospitality
CASCADE 9 and 10
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023
BREAKFAST SERVICE BEGINS AT 7:30 AM
General Attendees Breakfast
GRAND 1
“WCB is in Your Future” Breakfast
CASCADE 9 and 10
All sessions in Grand 2 will be streamed on ACB MEDIA 9
8:45 AM Announcements
8:50 AM We Are ACB
9:20 AM Lighthouse for the Blind Low Vision Services
9:50 to 10:00 AM Break
10:00 AM The Journey to the Job: Three people who are blind share their journey to employment
10:50 to 11:00 AM Break
11:00 AM State of the State
LUNCHEON SERVICE BEGINS AT NOON
General Attendees
GRAND 1
Guide Dog Users of Washington State
CASCADE 1 and 2
1:30 to 4:30 PM
WCB Annual Business Meeting
GRAND 2
6:00 PM
Banquet
GRAND 3
8:00 PM
Showcase of Talent
GRAND 3
9:00 to 11:00 PM
Hospitality and Karaoke
CASCADE 9 and 10
Hotel Description
Welcome to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport!
The main entrance of the hotel is at the West end of the building. Upon entering, the Coffee Garden restaurant will be to your right. Turn left, heading North and soon after you walk on carpeting, the front desk will be to your right with the concierge desk directly across to your left.
By continuing North on the carpeting, you will come to the gift shop in front of you. Making a right and heading East here, you will find yourself on tile, at the beginning of which is the entrance to the Seaport Dining Room to your right, followed by the coffee bar and then the entrance to the Seaport Lounge. Just before reaching the end of the tile, accessible public restrooms will be to the right.
Continuing East, you will now be on carpeting. The Grand Foyer will be to your right. This is a large, very open area where the registration desk and volunteer table will be set up. There are two hallways beyond this foyer leading to two ballrooms. We will be using the East hallway along the left when facing the foyer (the Grand hallway), which access Grand 1, 2, and 3.
Heading back to the main walkway and continuing East, with the Grand foyer to your right, there is a staircase directly across from the foyer and just before you reach tile. These stairs lead to the second floor where the Cascade meeting rooms are located. About five feet before the tile, you can turn left to go to those stairs, or right to head toward the Grand hallway. Continuing onto the tiled area, there will be an opening to the left which houses a bank of elevators leading to the Tower; these are the Tower elevators.
As mentioned, the Cascade meeting rooms can be found on the second floor and most of our group sleeping rooms will also be in this Tower. Continuing past the elevators, still heading East, you will find automatic doors out the East entrance. This will lead to the relieving area.
Directions to our meeting space from the Tower elevators (which are four elevators set in an octagon shaped area). The buttons can be found straight in, between the middle elevators.
Once on the main floor and going to the right when leaving the Tower elevators, you will be on tile. Once you step on carpet, the stairs heading to the second floor will be to your right. Just past the stairs you can turn left to head toward the Grand hallway.
Turning left, you will be facing South and keeping a wall along your left there will be the Grand Foyer to your right. Once you’re in the hallway, you will pass Grand 1, then Grand 2 and 3. The registration desk and volunteer table will be along the right in the center of the foyer.
Grand 1 will hold general meal functions on Friday and Saturday.
Grand 2 is where Thursday’s pre-convention board meeting, all general sessions, the Saturday business meeting will be held.
Grand 3 will hold exhibits on Thursday and Friday, and the Banquet and Showcase of Talent on Saturday night.
Past the second entrance to Grand 2, and just before Grand 3, there’s an adjoining hallway that runs West toward the Northwest Ballrooms. It is along this connecting hallway where you find the public restrooms. As you walk West, you will find public restrooms to your left, men’s and then women’s. To your right is an outside courtyard which separates the two long hallways. The restrooms in this connecting hallway are not wheelchair accessible.
To locate the accessible restrooms, make a right at the Northwest hallway, which will have you facing North and lead you back to the Grand foyer. Upon exiting the Northwest hallway, make a left and you will soon be on tile, which alerts you that the restrooms are to your left. If you are locating these restrooms from the main walkway, with the Grand Foyer to your left, heading West, upon reaching the tile, turn left.
If you desire to go to the coffee bar, gift shop, restaurants, front desk, etc. while in meetings, head to the right when leaving the Grand Ballroom, through the foyer which will be on the left and a wall will be along your right, and once the wall ends, turn left. Or, you may find it easiest to take the Northwest hallway back out to the foyer and make a left to head toward those locations, bypassing the Grand Foyer.
The Cascade rooms are on the second floor. Making a right when leaving the elevator bank, go about three feet (you may find it helpful to trail the wall to your right) and then turn left to head South down a long hallway. Please be aware that if you do not make the turn as planned, a set of stairs are about twenty feet West of the elevators which lead down to the main floor. Cascade 1-10 are along the right (West) side of the hallway and are the rooms we will be using for our event. Accessible public restrooms are just around the corner from Cascade 1. If coming from the elevators, you would turn right, just before the wall begins on the right to the long hallway, and if heading North from one of the Cascade rooms, you would turn left once the wall ends along your left. You will then turn to the left to enter the entryway of the restrooms.
Relieving Area
Exiting the elevator bank on the main floor but going to your left will lead you out the automatic doors.
You will then turn left to get outside. Turn right, keeping the building on your right and walk about ten feet. Turn left and walk another twenty feet or so to get to the relieving area. There will be three choices of surfaces to use and receptacles placed nearby.
Other information
All three public restrooms are set with Men’s being to the left and Women’s to the right.
There are ice machines and pop vending machines on all sleeping floors in the Tower which can be found at the beginning of the hallway to the right.
In the Tower, odd numbered sleeping rooms are along the left side of the hall and even numbered rooms are along the right.
Braille and large print menus are available upon request.
Guest Room information:
When entering the room, you will have the bathroom. The hotel has switched from single use containers to large pump containers attached to the walls. The hotel is currently in the process of updating the fixtures to add a third bottle for bodywash to the shampoo and conditioner. In the shower you will find one to three bottles attached to the wall in the shower. Unfortunately, they are not all in the same order. So, you may need to ask someone or use one of your apps to assist you on learning what order they are in before you take a shower or bath. There should still be lotion on the counter by the sink or there could be a pump bottle attached to the wall by the mirror.
As you go back into the little hall leading to the room where the bed is, you have the closet, and the thermostat is on the wall. It is a square box with a little window that displays the temperature. There are three buttons below the display window and three buttons to the right of the display window. The three buttons below are on the left off/auto, middle fan, and right display. The three buttons to the right are the up arrow at the top, middle button to switch between heat and air, and down arrow at the bottom.
Accessing the internet in your room:
Choose the network connection of the Honors network. When you try to go to an internet page it will bring up a login page which will ask you for your last name and room number. You can have up to two devices logged in per guest room. If you have a roommate the room may be listed under their last name instead.
Getting some assistance from the hotel:
If you have added your Hilton Honors number or signed up for the program, you can text the hotel through your Hilton Honors app. When you check in at the desk be sure to give them your cell phone number so they can text you or you can also text them. Using the texting system will get you a faster response then trying to dial 0.
Check in is 3 p.m.
Check out time is 12 noon.
The hotel’s phone number is 206-246-8600.
EXHIBITORS
Here are the contact details for all of the awesome businesses found in the Exhibit Hall at our 2023 WCB convention. Special thanks to those who donated to our fundraising auction!
A.T. Guys
Michael Babcock
Kalamazoo, MI
Your access technology experts. Affordable and useful technology gadgets and tools for work, school, and play. headsets, keyboards, braille displays, cell phones, slates, and more. Customized training and accessibility consulting also available.
Visit our website: www.atguys.com
THANK YOU, MICHAEL, FOR DONATING TO OUR AUCTION!
Audiobook Ministries
Laurie van der Roest
Seattle, WA
Audiobook Ministries strives to make Christian literature accessible to all by providing a free lending library for persons who are visually impaired or disabled nationwide. We are the nation’s largest Christian, non-denominational audio lending library offering over 3,200 titles including books on Christian Living, Missionary Stories, Christian Fiction, Biographies, Basic Christianity and theology, and more. Books can be checked out via digital cartridge.
Visit our website: https://audiobookministries.org
Boundless Assistive Technology
Robert Waldie
Portland, OR
Boundless Assistive Technology is a northwest distributor of the best low vision and blindness solutions available. With hundreds of innovative devices from premier brands like Freedom Scientific, Humanware, and Orcam, we are able to provide a consultative approach that honors your preferences and goals. To ensure a good fit, we’re here to support you long after your purchase.
Visit our website: https://www.boundlessat.com/
Budworks
Ivan Weich
Bremerton, WA
Hand crafted leatherwork and jewelry. Items include: coasters, belts, sheaths, pouches holsters, wrist bands, bracelets, bolo ties, necklaces, key fobs, and hat bands.
Visit our website: http://budworks.net
Dan’s Woodworking
Dan Lovell
Morehead, KY
Make pens, perfume atomizers, compact mirrors, jewelry boxes, bowls, vases and other items out of wood or stone. Make kitchen knives, coffee grinders, and kitchen cutting boards.
THANK YOU, DAN, FOR DONATING TO OUR AUCTION!
Democracy Live
Bryan Finney
Seattle, WA
Serving voters in over 2,500 jurisdictions, Democracy Live is the largest provider of remote electronic balloting in the United States. Our OmniBallot cloud & tablet balloting tools have been deployed in over 5,000 U.S. elections and used by voters in over 96 countries. Democracy Live has been selected by the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. State Department to assist voters around the world access their electronic ballots. Democracy Live serves jurisdictions in over 31 states in the U.S.
Visit our website: https://democracylive.com
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Jake Koch
San Rafael, CA
With exceptional client services including our Orientation and Mobility Immersion, Guide Dog training, and Canine Buddy programs, Guide Dogs for the Blind matches highly qualified guide dogs with people who are blind or visually impaired.
Visit our website: http://www.guidedogs.com
GuideLights And Gadgets
Barry Scheur
Myrtle Beach, SC
GuideLights And Gadgets is a blind-owned company opened in 2013. We think that the way to help customers is to figure out what works for them.
Products include:
- Titanium telescopic locking non-collapsing canes
- Wide variety of leather products
- Highly accurate medical-grade talking products
- Products for guide dogs and their handlers
- Specialized electronic products we use ourselves
- Orbit Research products
- Victor Stream 3, SensePlayer, and Evo Players
Visit our website: https://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us
Hope Vision Foundation
Erin Seefeldt
Tacoma, WA
Hope Vision Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers individuals with low vision and blindness. By improving access to caregiver education, low vision resources, and adaptive aids, we help people regain their independence and improve their quality of life.
Visit our website: www.hopevisionfoundation.org
Irie Low Vision and Braille
Justin Wesson
Corvallis, OR
Irie Low Vision and Braille is a distributor of braille and low vision products; specializing in video magnifiers, refreshable braille, braille embossers and tactile graphics. We also offer our own line of braille embossers. Irie-AT is the national distributor and service center for Eurobraille, ViewPlus, Rehan, SightCare, VisionAid International, Thinkable and more.
Visit our website: www.irie-at.com
THANK YOU, JUSTIN, FOR DONATING TO OUR AUCTION!
King County Elections
Snezhana Zavgorodnaya
Renton, WA
Demonstrate Accessible Voting Units (AVUs) to assist sight impaired voters.
Leading Edge Vision
Aileen Zaken
Rathdrum, ID
Leading Edge Vision is an independent distributor for the Pacific Northwest. We provide an array of products and software for people with visual impairment. We are authorized representatives for Freedom Scientific, Optelec, Irie and a variety of others. Products include the Cloverbook and the Clover line of products, JAWS, Fusion, ZoomText, ClearView, Topaz, Ruby, Compact, and so much more! Please join us at our table to discuss your needs and products that would serve you best!
Visit our website: www.leadingedgevision.com
THANK YOU, AILEEN, FOR DONATING TO OUR AUCTION!
MD19 Lions Knights of the Blind
Colette Arvidson
statewide
KOTB: Multiple District 19 Lions Knights Of The Blind Committee, serves Washington State, Northern Idaho and British Columbia. Our Mission is to accept and act upon Helen Keller’s challenge made to Lions to become “Knights of the Blind,” which includes the improvement of the quality of life for people who are blind and visually impaired. Continuing Helen Keller’s Challenge – Lions Empowering Blind Abilities through Access, Inclusiveness and Technology! Consider joining us!
Visit our website: http://md19kotb.org
Museum of Glass
Elisabeth Emerson
Tacoma, WA
Museum of Glass (MOG) opened its doors in 2002 along the historic Thea Foss Waterway in Tacoma. Museum of Glass is the fulfillment of a dream of Tacoma community leaders who envisioned the city as an ideal location for the American Studio Glass movement to be documented and celebrated. Over the past 20 years, MOG has brought in 750 artists from 23 countries and taught nearly 100,000 K-12 students about glass.
Visit our website: https://www.museumofglass.org
Non-24/Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc
Jennifer Lyman, R.N.
Washington, DC
Non-24 Nurse Educators help to raise awareness of Non-24 hour sleep wake disorder by providing education sessions on the cause and the symptoms of this circadian rhythm disorder. It disproportionately affects the blind and visually impaired and causes sleep struggles.
Northwest Pro Wrestling
Lucas Henson
Vaughn, WA
Northwest Pro is the longest running professional wrestling organization in Washington state. Celebrating ten years in business in 2023 We deliver family friendly and inclusive entertainment to a wide range of audiences with the goal of excellent shows and excellent quality. With a combination of local regional and national level talent NWP is quickly growing into a regional staple of professional wrestling.
Visit our website: https://www.facebook.com/NWPWrestling
OneCourt Technologies Inc
Jerred Mace
Seattle, WA
OneCourt Technologies, Inc. is an assistive technology startup on a mission to make live sports more accessible for fans with blindness or low vision. Today, many fans are excluded due to inaccessible broadcasts and spectator environments. The most common entry point is the radio, but it often fails to communicate spatial details in real time. Our handheld device uses haptics (vibration) to communicate live gameplay, so people can watch sports with their fingertips.
Visit our website: https://www.onecourt.io/
Pacific West Music of the Blind
Brent Boon
statewide
Vision:
Be aspirational as the leading organization to sustain and grow musical competency for visually impaired and blind talent to perform with confidence
Mission:
Provide musical leadership for opportunities where visually impaired and blind musicians
- Can learn music with music teachers who are willing to teach them (Competency) and
- Can perform at public venues (Confidence)
Visit our website: https://www.pwmotb.com
Penny Forward
Moe Carpenter
Owatonna, MN
We are blind individuals helping the blind learn the complicated landscape of personal finance. We do this through educational content, mentoring, and mutual support.
Visit our website: https://www.pennyforward.com
South King Council of the Blind
Gaylen Floy
Federal Way, WA
Got questions about dealing with vision loss? Our mission is connecting people who are low vision and blind with resources, education, and communities in a meaningful and life-enriching way. Everyone is welcome to join us. We meet twice a month: by Zoom and at a local restaurant. Together, we challenge the way society views blindness in South King County and beyond. Formed in 2005, we are a proud affiliate of Washington Council of the Blind and American Council of the Blind.
Carpe Diem!
Visit our website: http://www.skbinfo.org
Themis Games
Benjamin Ritter
Spokane Valley, WA
We make Wordvoyance, a scrabble app that supports screen readers and braille displays.
Visit our website: https://www.themisgames.com/wordvoyance
Tobi’s Turquoise & Co
Tobi Halliday
Steilacoom, WA
Native American silver and turquoise jewelry.
ViewPlus Technologies Inc
Lloyd Waggener
Corvallis, OR
For over 25 years, ViewPlus has pioneered to produce innovative braille and tactile graphics hardware and software solutions, striving to improve opportunities in education and employment for blind and visually impaired students and professionals.ViewPlus Technologies has been a pioneer in technology that benefits individuals with visual impairments. Our Mission drives us to provide solutions fostering inclusive environments, opening the world for blind and visually impaired students in science, technology, engineering, art & math (STEAM) worldwide. Through our role as an industry leader, we strive to provide equal access to information through advanced embossing technology, software applications & touchpad solutions.
Visit our website: https://viewplus.com
Vision Matters
Nick May
Bonney Lake, WA
Vision Matters helps people living with low vision by demonstrating a wide variety of video magnifier options. They are primarily shown during a no-obligation, in-home visit. We provide quality service with a gentle touch, so our clients can make clear, informed decisions in selecting tools that will have a life-changing impact. We offer a wide selection of devices that will help you read books, mail, newspaper, restaurant menus, can labels, and more.
Visit our website: https://visionmatters.net
WCB History Committee
Nathan Brannon, Chair
The WCB History Committee plans to run individual interview sessions for interested convention attendees to come and share their favorite past WCB or national conference highlights. Please come, take a moment, and share your experiences. We want to hear from you.
Recording equipment will be set up to document these interviews for future podcasts, web posts or WCB Newsline articles. Our hope in doing this is to capture some of your fascinating stories and promote the idea that attending WCB and ACB conventions is life changing.
Washington State Department of Services for the Blind
LaDell Lockwood
statewide
Washington State Department of Services for the Blind provides Washington residents who are blind, low vision, or deaf blind a wide variety of services and support to assist them pursue employment, education, and independent living. Our mission is Inclusion, Independence, and Economic Vitality for people with visual disabilities.
Visit our website: www.dsb.wa.gov
Washington Talking Book & Braille Library
Danielle Miller
statewide
The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) provides free, comprehensive, statewide library service for Washington residents unable to read standard print. Books and magazines are available in audio and braille by mail or BARD mobile app. For physical books by mail, all playback and accessories are provided, including digital talking book player or refreshable braille display. WTBBL also provides readers’ advisory, library programs, instruction and training, and locally produced books.
Visit our website: www.wtbbl.org
FUNDRAISING AUCTION
THANKS to the generous donors listed below, we were able to hold our Zoom Live Auction on October 1. Winning bidders made it a success, but if you missed it, you still have a chance to raise funds for WCB by purchasing Raffle tickets at the registration/info desk at the convention. The WCB public raffle costs $10 per chance. Winners need not be present to win; live drawing will be held at the conclusion of the banquet and 16 cash prizes awarded!
AT Guys
Dan’s Woodworking
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport
Guide Dog Users of Washington State
Irie Low Vision and Braille
Leading Edge Vision
Pierce County Association of the Blind
Snohomish County Council of the Blind
South King Council of the Blind
WCB Diabetics
Viola Bentson
Alco Canfield
Frank Cuta
Lisa & Reg George
Cindy Hollis
Steven McCray (Spokane Council of the Blind)
Anisa Proda
Harold Quantrille
Bruce Radtke
Leslie Spoone
2023 CONVENTION COMMITTEE
Beth Greenberg, Co-Chair, Vancouver, WA
Cathy Wilson, Co-Chair, Tacoma, WA
Jenny Anderson, Lynnwood, WA
Julie Brannon, Program, Puyallup, WA
Frank Cuta, Program, Benton City, WA
Danette Dixon, Program, Mill Creek, WA
David Edick, Program, Tacoma, WA
Cindy Hollis, Program, Flat Rock, MI
James Kinnison, Program, Bremerton, WA
Vanessa Pruitt, Kennewick, WA
Darryl Roberts, Exhibits Coordinator, Seattle, WA
2023 BEHIND-THE-SCENES COMMITTEE
Julie Brannon, Puyallup, WA
Frank Cuta, Benton City, WA
David Edick, Tacoma, WA
Lisa George, Yakima, WA
Beth Greenberg, Vancouver, WA
Cathy Wilson, Tacoma, WA
2023 FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE
Lisa George, Chair, Yakima, WA
David Edick, Vice Chair, Tacoma, WA
Sarah Edick, Tacoma, WA
Glenn McCully, Seattle, WA
Kim L Moberg, Silverdale, WA