The American Council of the Blind of Texas (Acbt)

Figure 1 AVIT logo - white star on blue, with white & red Figure 2 ACB logo - man stripes walking with cane, woman with guide dog, over Texas map outline

THE ALLIANCE OF AND FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED TEXANS (AVIT) and THE AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND OF TEXAS (ACBT) Invite you to attend a free BLINDNESS SUMMIT State Capitol Auditorium 1100 Congress Avenue Austin, Texas 78701 Tuesday, February 12, 2013 8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.

Working together we can do more to

overcome barriers to EMPLOYMENT EDUCATION AND INDEPENDENT LIVING for Texans who are blind and visually impaired

The opportunities offered at the Blindness Summit will include:  Exchanging information  Sharing innovative ideas and programs  Exploring effective strategies and solutions  Visiting legislators (with your own message)

This event is free. There is NO cost for attendance. For more information, please contact Larry Johnson at [email protected] or Nadine Safell at [email protected] Legislative visits in groups: Linda Litzinger- [email protected] cell: 512 922 3810 The Alliance of and for Visually The American Council of the Impaired Texans (AVIT) Blind of Texas (ACBT) PO BOX 301165 Austin, TX 78703 Larry Johnson AVIT Phone: (512) 630-AVIT [email protected] http://alliancevitexans.org/ http://www.acbtexas.org BLINDNESS SUMMIT CONFERENCE PROGRAM

8:30-9:30 AM and 3:30-4:30 PM – EMPLOYMENT TRACK Focusing on programs and initiatives reducing chronic high unemployment among working-age adults who are visually impaired TOPICS TO BE COVERED:  Developing call center jobs for visually impaired customer service agents

 Creating student job internships that lead to regular employment

 Conquering assistive technology compatibility problems to work with technology used in the workplace

 Recruiting qualified employees who are visually impaired for government contracts

10:30-11:30AM and 2:30-3:30 PM – SENIOR TRACK Focusing on independent living services for the growing number of older persons coping with the loss of their vision TOPICS TO BE COVERED:  Understanding the senior population - who are they and what do they need?

 Assisting seniors with vision loss to understand their eye condition and find alternate ways to accomplish daily tasks

 Accessing appropriate services from the moment of diagnosis of a visual impairment

 Facilitating transportation options such as one-call centers and assistance with orientation and mobility needs of seniors

9:30-10:30 AM and 1:30-2:30 PM – CHILDREN’S TRACK Focusing on innovative services to increase independence and educational success of children with visual impairment of all ages TOPICS TO BE COVERED:  Increasing opportunities to learn the Expanded Core Curriculum including orientation and mobility, assistive technology, career readiness, and braille

 Expanding career and technology options at the Lighthouses of Texas  Innovating for quality statewide services from the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Division of Blind Services

 Supporting educational programming by consumer organizations for the blind Figure 3 ACB logo and Texas family organizations Figure 4 AVIT logo