WCB, Putting Our Best Foot Forward!
Here’s the convention information you’ve all been waiting for! Join us October 26 through 28, 2023, for the annual Washington Council of the Blind convention. This year’s theme is WCB, Putting Our Best Foot Forward! The weekend event will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport and will be hybrid. We are delighted to share this program information with you and hope it will assist in your decision to attend, either in person or virtually through Zoom.
We have awesome speakers lined up, including:
- Abby Griffith, a WCB member and Clark County Council of the Blind chapter treasurer in Vancouver, WA. 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 and is the Bus Riders Unite! Community Organizer at OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon.
- Denise Colley, a longtime WCB member who now resides in Texas. The immediate past president of WCB, Denise currently serves as the American Council of the Blind (ACB) secretary.
- Kenneth Semien, currently serving on the ACB Board of Directors. Kenneth will be sharing the latest on ACB activities.
For breakout sessions, we have technology, essential oils with guide dogs, integrated health, travel after COVID, and foot health, just to name a few. For the first time, we’ve scheduled open hours for our exhibit hall on Thursday night, as well as the usual Friday afternoon hours. Now you won’t have to choose between that general session that captured your interest and checking out the latest technology.
REGISTRATION RATES
Convention registration only, in person or virtual: $50. WCB members get a $15 discount, so they pay only $35.
Add-on Meal options:
- All 5 meals will be an additional $140, which includes Friday breakfast and lunch, Saturday breakfast and lunch, and Saturday’s banquet.
- NEW THIS YEAR — Friday only breakfast and lunch is an additional $100.
- Banquet is an additional $65.
So, to recap for WCB members: it’s $35 registration only (no meals), $175 for in person registration and the complete 5 meal package, $135 for in person registration and 2 Friday meals, or $100 for in person registration and Banquet.
HOTEL
With a guest room rate of $115 (plus taxes and fees) based on single or double occupancy, the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport is ready to take reservations now. The Online Reservation Link is https://book.passkey.com/go/WCB23. You can also call the DoubleTree’s toll-free reservation number at (800) 222 TREE, or (800) 222-8733 and reference the group code WBL or the group name Washington Council of the Blind. Room reservations must be made no later than October 9, 2023 to get the guaranteed room rate. Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi is included and convention attendees get a reduced rate for self-parking of $12 per day.
Make your plans now to join other blind and visually impaired Washingtonians and friends from throughout the U.S. and Canada for what is sure to be a fun-filled, informative weekend! Please share this info with your friends … we certainly don’t want to leave anyone out.
There will be an informative zoom call a week or two before the convention if you still have questions and the snippets on the listserv are not answering them for you.
Cathy Wilson, Beth Greenberg, and your 2023 WCB Convention Committee
Showcase of Talent
Saturday, October 28, following the WCB Banquet
This event is always a highlight at our annual convention and this year should be no different. Of course such a diverse organization will have some incredible talents across the board! Remember that all acts must be family friendly and at or under 4 minutes. First come, first served, but it is limited to 15 acts at the discretion of the coordinators. There will be a piano available at the hotel for anyone to utilize. Preference may be given for those who perform their talent live — playing piano or guitar, singing, dancing, etc. — rather than with a pre-recorded track.
If you want one of the limited number of spots for the Showcase, please sign up early! Final deadline will be Sunday, October 15, unless spaces fill up earlier.
To sign up, send an email:
1. addressed to Frank Cuta frank@cuta.net AND David Edick mdedick@yahoo.com
2. listing SHOWCASE in the subject line
3. including your name, the title of the piece you’ll be performing, what instruments you’ll use (guitar, voice, etc.), and any additional instructions/requests
NOTE: if you’re using a pre-recorded track, you must also attach the pre-recorded file in the appropriate .mp3 or .wav format — NOT A LINK!
Frank or David will reply to your email that it has been received; if you don’t get a confirmation within 2 days, please call Frank directly at (509) 967-2658 to ensure your place in line, since it’s first come, first served.
One-on-One Technology Training
Friday, October 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Al Yardley will once again be providing one-on-one technology training at the convention. You have questions; he’ll have answers! If you wish to join him for a session, you must sign up with him directly via email at accesstechnology@q.com or by calling him at (253) 223 2069.
WCB Member Benefits
Members receive a $15 discount on the cost of convention registration, and those in good standing may be eligible for a $100 travel stipend and/or a 10-month loan for convention expenses up to $500. Deadline to request a loan is October 1; deadline to request a travel stipend is October 9. Email treasurerWCB@gmail.com to request either or both.