Georgia Council of the Blind 55th State Conference/Convention

“GCB Community, Keeping the Unity”

Welcome to the Georgia Council of the Blind (GCB) State Conference/Convention. It is our intent to provide you with a fun filled informative three (3) daysof events and activities. Our theme “GCB Community, Keeping the Unity” is very appropriate for the Georgia Council of the Blind 55th State Conference/Convention.

The host chapter for this year Is the Savannah Council of the Blind which was chartered 10 years ago and remains one of the strongest Chapters advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities. This 2012 State Convention gives our participants an opportunity to build unity among individuals with disabilities in our communities.

Our goal is to continue striving to elevate the social, economic, and cultural levels of the blind. For over 40 years, GCB has been working toward providing a forum for views of the blind, improving education and rehabilitation, and broadening vocational opportunities for the visually impaired. This year GCB convention events and programs include: educational programs, legislative action, scholarships, peer support, technology, exhibits, and social activities.

Program and Activities At-A-Glance

Thursday, August2, 2012
2:00 PM-5:00 PM Registration

Various Tours and Activities are available in Savannah. Please check with Hotel Front Desk.

FridayAugust 3, 2012

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Registration

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Hospitality Room Open

6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

  • Awards Reception: sponsored by Georgia Lions Council of Governors, Speaker Pat Powell, District Governor 18B
  • Presentation of Chapter Awards – Chapter Representatives

Announcements

  • GCB Basket Auction
  • GCB Scholarship Ticket Raffle

8:30 PM - !0:30 PM Hospitality Room Open

9:00 PM – Until

  • GCB Quiz Bowl – Hosted by Marion Badie and Guest MC Kimberly Smith

Saturday August 4, 2012

8:30 AM Opening Session

Welcome: Savannah Council of the Blind, President Kim Harrison.

  • Proclamation -Savannah Public Official

Information Session

  • Paul Raymond, Director of Blind Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Services
  • Kay McGill, Project Independence, Program Manager, Vocational Rehabilitation Services
  • Beverly Hunter, NFB News Line

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Exhibitor Hall Opens with the following list of vendors

Visual Enhancements, Inc.

GaRRS

SunBright Web Designs & More/Buhter Up

Board of Regents

VISTAS Center

Life Cil

Gospel Light Foundation for the Blind

Jamie's Beads By Design/Georgia Hand Made Boxes

9:00 AM – Plenary Session

Introduction of Conference/Convention Theme: “GCB Community, Keeping the Unity” and panelist.

William K. HolleyJr., President, Georgia Council of the Blind

Panelist

  • John Sanford, Director of Disability Rights, Lansing Michigan
  • Robin Blount, Education Director Parent to Parent Georgia, Inc.
  • Rik Opstelten, Training and Technology Assistant Specialist, Easter Seal, Project Action.
  • Charles Schrauth CPC President, Management Search and Consulting LLC

10:00 AM- Break

10:15 AM - 12:00AM Work shops

  • Disability/Employment
  • Disability/Advocacy
  • Disability/Transportation

12:00 PM-1:45 PM Luncheon Events and Activities

  • Georgia Council of Blind Lions
  • Georgia iPhone Users

12:00 PM -1:46 PM Hospitality Room Open

2:00 PM- 2:45 PM Work Shop Reports

2:45 PM- 3:00 P.M Break

3:00 PM- 4:30 PM

  • Elections
  • Business Meeting

5:00 Suspend Convention prepare for Banquet

6:30

Final PM – 9:00 PM GCB Banquet

  • Introduction of Keynote Speaker- GCB President, Bill Holley
  • Keynote Address- Mr. John Thomas Sanford III
  • Presentation of GCB Scholarship Award- Debbie William
  • Presentation of Special and Outstanding Recognition Awards- Judy Presley and Awards Committee Members
  • Special Awards Presentations – GCB President, Bill Holley

9:00 PM- Until

  • GCB Talent Show- Hosted by Marion F. Badie and Guest MC Ryan Roberson

9:00- Until Hospitality Room Open

Sunday August 5, 2012

8:30-9:30 AM

  • GCB Necrology Service- Hosted by Jimmie Burke

Remembering Wanda Martin, Diane Healy and Al Camp

9:30 -10:30

  • Board of Directors Meeting