WASHINGTON
COUNCIL
OF THE BLIND
Virtual Convention 2020
WCB, STRENGTH UNVEILED
Hosted by
WCB Board of Directors
PROGRAM
October 29, 30, and 31, 2020
Online via Zoom all over the Great State of Washington and across the country
Welcome to the 2020 annual convention of Washington Council of the Blind! Registered virtual convention attendees are eligible for door prize drawings and may participate in sessions by using the dedicated webinar or Zoom rooms.
Verified WCB members eligible to vote and/or run for office will receive personalized voting instructions, including Zoom connection information for assigned voting stations, which should not be shared with others.
Unless otherwise indicated, most events at our convention will be streamed on ACB Radio Live Event. Listen online at www.acbradio.org/live. Friends of WCB may also use their Alexa devices to listen to streamed events by saying “Enable ACB Radio Live skill.”
THANKS to our Convention Sponsors:
(listed in the order received)
TITANIUM LEVEL: Sheri Richardson, Andy Arvidson
STEEL LEVEL: Julie Brannon, Gaylen Floy, Rhonda Nelson, Anonymous, JR Kinnison & Kat Woofter in honor of PCB, Northwest Access Fund, Darryl Roberts
IRON LEVEL: Cindy Hollis, Michael Edwards, Maria Buczynska, Michael Alvarez, Beth Marsau, Holly Kaczmarski, Byron Kaczmarski, Stuart Russell, John Ross, Rita Dilek, Danette Dixon
COPPER LEVEL: Anonymous (3), Zack Hurtz, William Belina, Yvonne Thomas-Miller, Colette Arvidson, Dorene Cornwell, Michelle Denzer, Darlene Hilling
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020
Events streamed on ACB Radio are indicated in BOLD.
5 p.m. First Timers Orientation: ZOOM ONLY
Hosted by WCB First Timers Committee
Only those attendees who indicated that this convention is their first when registering have been invited to this session.
6 p.m. WCB Welcome Lounge: ZOOM ONLY
Hosted by WCB Membership Committee
Drop by the Zoom room to meet old and new friends and learn about the convention, including how to access all aspects of this fun weekend.
7 p.m. Pre-convention WCB Board Meeting
9 p.m. Constitution & Bylaws Committee meeting, immediately followed by Resolutions Committee meeting: ZOOM ONLY
9 p.m. Hospitality
Join us! Tonight: Stage II trivia
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2020
Events streamed on ACB Radio are indicated in BOLD.
Presiding Officer: Julie Brannon, WCB President
9:00 a.m. Opening Ceremonies
Invocation
Pastor Dave Ness, North Seattle Church of the Nazarene
Leading us in the flag salute
Andy Arvidson, President, Skagit & Island Counties Council of the Blind
Singing our National Anthem
Meka White, WCB First Vice President
Welcome from the WCB Board of Directors
9:10 a.m. President’s Report
Julie Brannon, President, Washington Council of the Blind
9:30 a.m. Report of the Nominating Committee
Denise Colley, Chair, WCB Nominating Committee
9:40 a.m. Report of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee
Frank Cuta, Chair, WCB Constitution and Bylaws Committee
Reading of proposed amendments to our governing documents
10:00 a.m. Being a Legislative Advocate
Clark Rachfal, Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs American Council of the Blind
Presiding Officer: Jeff Bishop, WCB Second Vice President
10:30 a.m. Grocery Shopping from a Distance: The Online Experience
Panelists: Satauna Howery, Clifton Park, NY
Malissa Hudson, Burien, WA
Beth Manning, Vancouver, WA
11:00 a.m. Give Yourself Some Credit About Your Credit
Cindy Hollis, Membership Services Coordinator
American Council of the Blind
11:30 a.m. An Education about Continuing Education
This panel will share how to traverse the many facets of the higher education process.
Facilitated by Holly Turri
Panelists: Debbie Brown, Supervisor of Youth Services
Department of Services for the Blind
Angel John Dailey, current college student
2020 WCB Scholarship recipient
Chris Higley, nontraditional student
Valerie Marsh, Manager, Disability Support Services
Eastern Washington University
12:15 p.m. Vendors on Parade
Presiding Officer: Heather Meares, WCB Board Director
1:15 p.m. Your Home is Getting Smarter – Are You Ready?
Panelists: Frank Cuta (moderator), WCB Secretary and retired Engineer at Battelle
Jeff Bishop, WCB Second Vice President and Accessibility Manager at Microsoft
Annee Hartzell, parental advocacy trainer and Deaf/Blind Technical Consultant
Matt Vollbrecht, certified Apple teacher and owner of The Tech Juggernaut
2:00 p.m. Legislative Advocacy: How to Take Action
Role Play Presenters:
Dorene Cornwell
Vice Chair, WCB Advocacy Committee and transportation and pedestrian advocate
Judy Brown, RN, DSN
Outpatient RN Care Coordinator for UW Medicine-NW and strong advocate for nursing labor rights
2:45 p.m. iPhone Q&A
Facilitated by Frank Cuta
Presiding Officer: Denise Colley, WCB Immediate Past President
3:30 p.m. Turn Your Memories into a Memoir
Learn how to write your own memoir in a few simple steps so they can become treasured memories for future generations to enjoy!
Heather Meares, Content Editor, WCB Newsline
Reginald George, Technical Editor, WCB Newsline
4:15 p.m. Cutting the Cord
Take control of your TV viewing and save money in the process.
Panelists: Nathan Brannon, Puyallup, WA
Chris Coulter, Centralia, WA
Jim Turri, Bellingham, WA
5:00 p.m. Blind Parents Speak Out
Parenting is an adventure whether the parent or the child is blind or sighted; this panel will share their challenges and successes, joys and heartaches and maybe even some tips and tricks.
Facilitated by Hayley Edick, WCB Families Committee member
Panelists: Alta Dailey
Janet George
Rebecca Otten
5:45 p.m. Break
6:00 p.m. WCB Fundraising Live Auction
This is your chance to join the bidding frenzy to score some great items … just in time for your holiday shopping!
NOTE: You must be connected to Zoom in order to bid.
6:00 p.m. Vibe Session ice breaker: ZOOM ONLY
Youth Track participants only (students and families)
9:00 p.m. Hospitality
Join us! Tonight: The Newlywed Game, with contestants Julie and Nathan Brannon, Keri and Jeff Bishop, and Holly and Jim Turri.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2020
Events streamed on ACB Radio are indicated in BOLD.
7:30 a.m. Guide Dog Users of Washington State Business Meeting: ZOOM ONLY
Presiding Officer: Lisa George, WCB Treasurer
9:00 a.m. Welcome Back
9:00 a.m. Now for the Rest of the Story
Learn what’s happening on a national level with American Council of the Blind
Dan Spoone, ACB President
9:30 a.m. The Jobs People Do
Facilitated by Cindy Hollis
Panelists: Rebekah Cross, Special Gifts Officer
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Ray Campbell, Senior Accessibility Analyst
United Airlines
Gabe Griffith, Technical Support Advisor
HumanWare
Presiding Officer: Sheri Richardson, WCB Board Director
10:15 a.m. Staying Active Outdoors
Lance Mathena, President
North American Association of Blind Sportsmen
10:45 a.m. “Flying Blind”
A unique multidimensional experience of visual impairment presented by Anything Is Possible Theatre, Seattle, WA
Ellen Cooper, Director
11:00 a.m. NWABA session on fitness: ZOOM ONLY
Youth Track participants only (students and families)
NOTE: a recording of this session will be streamed Sunday at 10 a.m.
11:15 a.m. The Big Three
Let’s learn what’s happening with our agencies serving the blind.
Panelists:
Scott McCallum
Superintendent
Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB)
Danielle Miller
Director and Regional Librarian
Washington Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL)
Michael MacKillop
Acting Executive Director
Department of Services for the Blind (DSB)
12:15 p.m. Guide Dog Users Program
Sarah Calhoun, President, Guide Dog Users, Inc.
12:30 p.m. Parent Chat with Janet G.: ZOOM ONLY
Youth Track participants only (parents)
NOTE: a recording of this session will be streamed Sunday at 11 a.m.
1:00 p.m. ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
Agenda items include In Memoriam, election of officers and board directors, operations budget for 2021, constitution and bylaw amendments, resolutions, old business, and new business.
2:00 p.m. Express Yourself art project: ZOOM ONLY
Youth Track participants only (students and families)
3:15 p.m. Orientation & Mobility panel: ZOOM ONLY
Youth Track participants only (students and families)
NOTE: a recording of this session will be streamed Sunday at 12:15 p.m.
5:00 p.m. Vendors on Parade
6:00 p.m. Ask a College Student (panel)
Facilitated by Hayley Agers, Chair, WCB Families Committee
Panelists: Angel John Dailey, 2020 WCB Scholarship recipient
Kathleen DeNicola, Accommodation Counselor
Disability Access Center at Western Washington University
Isaac Heiman, 2020 WCB Scholarship recipient
Lane Pearson, 2020 WCB Scholarship recipient
7:00 p.m. Banquet
Mistress of Ceremonies
Denise Colley, WCB Immediate Past President
Invocation
Hayley Agers, WCB Board Director
Presentation of scholarships
Kim Moberg, Chair, WCB Scholarship Committee
Presentation of awards
Jessamyn Landby, Chair, WCB Awards Committee
Introduction of Youth Track participants
Hayley Agers, Chair, WCB Families Committee
Recognition of WCB Life Members
Julie Brannon, President, Washington Council of the Blind
Banquet address
Dan Spoone, President, American Council of the Blind
9:00 p.m. Hospitality
Join us! Tonight: Karaoke
VENDOR EXHIBITS
All of this year’s vendors have been recorded and will be “on parade” throughout the convention. Browse this listing for contact details and thank them for participating in our virtual convention.
Bazyn Communications (Burbank, CA)
Ardis Bazyn
818-238-9321
Besides offering inspirational speaking, business coaching, or books, products available are Large Print 2021 daily calendar planners, thumb drives with or without books, Braille print greeting cards, and large multi-pocketed tote bags. Order or see description and photos online or by phone. No mailing fees.
Dan’s Wood Working (Olympia, WA)
Dan Lovell
360-485-3346
I make bowls, containers, boxes, jewelry boxes, and goblets out of wood. I make perfume atomizers, compact mirrors, and pens out of different types of wood or stone. My work has been shown in art galleries. Two boxes I have made have gone to The White House. One box I made was for holding an American flag from the Gulf War. Pictures of some of my work can be seen on my Facebook page.
NOTE: Look for this vendor’s donations in the Live Auction
Hayley’s Scentsational Vision by Scentsy (Tacoma,WA)
Hayley Edick
253-219-4817
Products to make your life smell as you wish, whether body products, laundry, wax melts or cleaning products and more!
NOTE: Look for this vendor’s donations in the Live Auction
Irie-AT, Inc. (Corvallis, OR)
Cody Mitchell
888-308-0059
Irie-AT, Inc. provides assistive technology/services for the blind and visually impaired.
NOTE: Look for this vendor’s donations in the Live Auction
Leading Edge Vision (Rathdrum, ID)
Aileen Zaken
208-818-1553
Leading Edge Vision provides products for people with low vision and blindness. The product line ranges from desktop video magnifiers to head-mounted displays to handhelds to computer software to Braille displays, and everything in-between. We specialize in listening to your needs and goals and work with you to find a product that suits you best.
Northwest Access Fund (Seattle, WA)
Emerson Sekins
206-328-5116
We offer people with disabilities customized loans, financial coaching, and other resources to promote access to assistive technology, independence, financial resilience, and life opportunities. We have a loan program specifically for affordable financing of assistive technology devices. WCB members in good standing for at least 6 months are eligible for an assistive technology loan at 0% interest.
THANK YOU, NAF, FOR BEING A STEEL SPONSOR!
Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (Vancouver, WA)
Tara Rogowsky
360-787-7335
Our mission is to provide life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. We provide in-person programming in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. We also provide audio-described virtual programming weekly for individuals to join from their phone or computer! Our programs are provided at no cost to our athletes. Register as an athlete to join our events!
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. (Seattle, WA)
Shawn Dobbs
206-436-2224
We empower people who are blind, Deaf/Blind, and blind with other disabilities by creating diverse, sustainable, and meaningful employment opportunities.
Vanda Pharmaceuticals (Washington, DC)
Shauna Jatho, RN
202-538-0396
Non-24: Without enough or any light cues, people living with Non-24 may experience the following symptoms—
- Trouble falling asleep and/or staying asleep during the night
- A strong urge to sleep during the day or a tendency to fall asleep unexpectedly
- Periods of good sleep followed by periods of poor sleep
If you would like to learn more about Non-24 and/or host a Non-24 presentation with your local support group, please contact Shauna Jatho, RN clinical nurse educator.
Vision for Independence Center (Yakima, WA)
Lisa Raap
509-452-8301
Vision for Independence Center is Central Washington’s local resource for aids, devices, and information targeted to those who have vision impairments. VIC is a nonprofit and our programs and services include Low Vision Clinics, Kids Clinics, Equipment Loan program, and a Retail Store.
When you or a loved one don’t know where to go or whom to ask about your vision loss, we can help!
NOTE: Look for this vendor’s donations in the Live Auction
Washington State
Department of Services for the Blind (Seattle, WA)
LaDell Lockwood
206-906-5529
Department of Services for the Blind is Washington State’s Vocational Rehabilitation provider for people who are blind or visually impaired, providing training, counseling, and support to pursue employment, education, and independence.
Participants receive training, accommodations, Job Counseling, Skills of Blindness instruction, and Assistive Technology training to succeed in their careers. We serve youth with workshops and summer programs focused on career development, training, and internships. Independent Living empowers people with confidence, skills, and the ability to choose their lifestyle based on knowledge, not perceived limitations.
Our goal is Inclusion, Independence, and Economic Vitality for People with Visual Disabilities.
Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (Seattle, WA)
Danielle Miller
206-615-1588
WTBBL provides comprehensive library service to Washington residents who are blind, visually impaired, deaf-blind, physically disabled (can’t hold a book or turn a page), or reading disabled. Materials available include audio books, playback equipment and accessories for reading, braille books, youth large print, and print-braille books. Audio and electronic braille books and magazines are also available for download or via an app for mobile devices, both in iOS and Android platforms. WTBBL also provides readers advisory and youth services programming. WTBBL services are free, including books by mail utilizing the USPS postal designation of Free Matter for the Blind.
ACB RADIO LIVE EVENT CHANNEL
Thursday, October 29
7:00 p.m. Pre-convention WCB Board Meeting
9:00 p.m. Hospitality: Stage II trivia game
Friday, October 30
7:30 a.m. Vendors on Parade
9:00 a.m. Opening Ceremonies
9:10 a.m. President’s Report
9:30 a.m. Nominating Committee Report
9:40 a.m. Constitution & Bylaws Committee Report
10:00 a.m. Being a Legislative Advocate
10:30 a.m. Grocery Shopping from a Distance: The Online Experience (panel)
11:00 a.m. Give Yourself Some Credit About Your Credit
11:30 a.m. An Education About Continuing Education (panel)
12:15 p.m. Vendors on Parade
1:15 p.m. Your Home is Getting Smarter – Are You Ready? (panel)
2:00 p.m. Legislative Advocacy: How to Take Action
2:45 p.m. iPhone Q&A
3:30 p.m. Turn Your Memories into a Memoir
4:15 p.m. Cutting the Cord (panel)
5:00 p.m. Blind Parents Speak Out (panel)
6:00 p.m. WCB Fundraising Live Auction
9:00 p.m. Hospitality: The Newlywed Game
Saturday, October 31
7:30 a.m. Vendors on Parade
9:00 a.m. Welcome Back
9:00 a.m. Now for the Rest of the Story
9:30 a.m. The Jobs People Do (panel)
10:15 a.m. Staying Active Outdoors
10:45 a.m. “Flying Blind”
11:15 a.m. The Big Three (panel)
12:15 p.m. Guide Dog Users Program
1:00 p.m. ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
5:00 p.m. Vendors on Parade
6:00 p.m. Ask a College Student (panel)
7:00 p.m. Banquet
9:00 p.m. Hospitality: Karaoke
Sunday, November 1
(Previously recorded during the WCB Convention Youth Track)
10:00 a.m. NWABA session on fitness
11:00 a.m. Parent Chat with Janet G.
12:15 p.m. Orientation & Mobility panel
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR
LIVE AUCTION & DOOR PRIZE DONORS!
(and bidders and winners, too)
8Greens, Hayley Agers, Anacortes Soo Bahk Do, Andy Arvidson, Colette Arvidson, Big Foot Music in Arlington, Keri Bishop, Anne Hardy Biswell, Julie Brannon, Brighton at Alderwood Mall, Alco Canfield
Doubletree Hotel SeaTac, Fred Meyer in Marysville, Lisa & Reg George, Cindy Glidden, Guide Dog Users of Washington State, Hayley’s Scentsational Vision by Scentsy, Irie-AT Inc.
Josette Kernaghan, Dan Lovell, Heather Meares, Rhonda Nelson, Peninsula Council of the Blind, Pierce County Association of the Blind
Marilee Richards, Pam Schwindt, Seattle Mariners, Snohomish County Council of the Blind, South King Council of the Blind, Leslie Spoone, Swinomish Casino & Lodge in Anacortes, Trader Joe’s in Everett
United Blind of Tri-Cities, United Blind of Walla Walla, United Blind of Whatcom County, Valdemar Estates in Walla Walla, Vision for Independence Center in Yakima
WCB Diabetics, members of WCB Families Committee, Yakima Valley Council of the Blind
2020 CONVENTION COMMITTEE
Cindy Hollis, Chair, Flat Rock, MI
Holly Turri, Vice Chair, Bellingham, WA
Cathy Wilson, Exhibits Coordinator, Tacoma, WA
Hayley Agers, Auction Coordinator, Marysville, WA
Frank Cuta, Benton City, WA
Hayley Edick, Tacoma, WA
Beth Greenberg, Vancouver, WA
Mike Magures, Bremerton, WA
Jodie O’Flaherty, Puyallup, WA
Darryl Roberts, Seattle, WA
Meka White, Federal Way, WA
2020 BEHIND-THE-SCENES
Jeff Bishop, Kirkland, WA
Julie Brannon, Puyallup, WA
Deb Cook Lewis, Clarkston, WA
Lisa George, Registrar & Auction Checkout, Yakima, WA
2020 WCB OFFICERS
AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Julie Brannon, President, Puyallup, WA
Meka White, First Vice President, Federal Way, WA
Jeff Bishop, Second Vice President, Kirkland, WA
Frank Cuta, Secretary, Benton City, WA
Lisa George, Treasurer, Yakima, WA
Denise Colley, Immediate Past President, Olympia, WA
Hayley Agers, Board Director, Marysville, WA
Lori Allison, Board Director, Tacoma, WA
Nathan Brannon, Board Director, Puyallup, WA
Reg George, Board Director, Yakima, WA
Heather Meares, Board Director, Walla Walla, WA
Sheri Richardson, Board Director, Seattle, WA