ACBVA 2026 State Convention
November 6–8, 2026
Preliminary Agenda
Theme: The Future Is Ours! Shaping What’s Next.

Friday, November 6

3:00 PM – Registration Opens

5:00 PM – Hospitality Hour

6:30 PM – Icebreaker

7:00 PM – “Discovering Unlimited Possibilities Together: Cultivate Your Vision, Your Leadership, Our Future”

Facilitators: Doug Powell, President, ACBVA; Kenneth Semien Sr., Second Vice-President, ACB

◆ Envision yourself wearing an “ACBVA’s Got Enthusiasm” T-shirt and cap as you show up to the seminar to learn proven and simplified strategies to identify and stimulate thoughts of ways to give back that you never imagined. Gain insight and inspiration into the power within you beyond concerns of limitations.

8:15 PM – Building ACBVA Together: Your Voice Matters

Facilitators: RoseAnn Ashby, Vice-President, ACBVA; Theresa Breeden, Treasurer, ACBVA

◆ This is your chance to help shape ACBVA’s future. Share what’s working, what could be better, and what you’d like to see next. Your ideas and feedback will help us build a stronger ACBVA together.

9:00 PM – Trivia & Gaming

Saturday, November 7

Early Morning – Water Aerobics

8:00 AM – Exhibits Open

9:00 AM – Opening Ceremony

◆ Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem, introductions, and review of the agenda.

9:30 AM – Session 1: Cruising the Commonwealth – Getting Smart and Going Faster…

Presenter: Ron Brooks, Senior Director – Policy and Partnership, UZURV, Richmond, VA

◆ Transportation is changing across Virginia, creating new opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision. Join Ron Brooks to explore microtransit, dial-a-ride, expanded paratransit, and other emerging options, along with resources and an advocacy toolkit to help you speak up for accessible transportation.

Then join RoseAnn Ashby for an update on ACBVA’s advocacy initiatives and be ready for an energetic discussion!

10:45 AM – Break

11:00 AM – Session 2: The Sighted Screen: An Interactive AI Co-Pilot Workshop…

Presenter: Rajiv Shah, Shah Access Services

◆ Experience the future of accessibility as AI comes to life. Through live demonstrations and audience participation, discover how tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and other emerging AI technologies can help navigate inaccessible apps, improve documents, identify surroundings, and solve everyday challenges.

12:00 PM – Pick Up Your Box Lunch, Check Out Exhibits, and Bid on Silent Auction Items

2:00 PM – Session 3: The Unseen Barriers: Equity and Access in Healthcare

Presenter: Kimberly Avila, PhD, COMS, Associate Professor, George Mason University

◆ Healthcare should be accessible to everyone—but too often, people who are blind or have low vision face unnecessary barriers. Join Kim for an eye-opening discussion on patient rights, accessibility, and practical solutions that can help create a more equitable healthcare experience. Learn how to advocate for yourself and help shape a future where access to quality care is truly within reach.

2:45 PM – Break

3:00 PM – Session 4: Hear from Blind and Low Vision Athletes

Facilitators: April Allen and Donna Clarke

Invited Athletes: Jillian Bante, Kevin Brown, Lisa Calhoun, Doug Goist, Marcia Harvey, Andrea Ortiz-Jimenez, and Meredith Tyree

◆ Hear from blind and low vision athletes and discover exciting accessible sports. You might even find a new sport you’re ready to try!

4:30 PM – Break

4:45 PM – Session 5: Latest in Vision Research

Presenter: Chad R. Jackson Ph.D, Foundation Fighting Blindness Senior Director, Preclinical Translational Research Program

◆ Discover what’s new in vision research and learn about emerging studies, treatments, and discoveries that could shape the future of vision care and vision loss.

4:30 PM – Breakout Session: Creative Card-Making Workshop

Facilitator: Laura Rae

◆ Join award-winning artist and published poet Laura Rae for a fun, hands-on workshop. Hear about her creative journey and techniques, then create your own fall, birthday, or holiday greeting card.

6:00 PM – Banquet

7:00 PM – Keynote – The Future Is Yours: Shaping What Happens Next

Keynote Speaker: Elizabeth Oleksa

◆ Elizabeth shares a personal journey of resilience and transformation, showing how life’s unexpected turns can awaken our greatest strength. Discover how our choices, perspective, and mindset can help us shape the future from the inside out.

7:45 PM – Get Your Latest Bids in on the Wonderful Silent Auction Items

8:30 PM – Auction Bidding Ends and Winners Are Announced!

9:00 PM – Karaoke & Gaming

Sunday, November 8

Early Morning – Water Aerobics

9:15 AM – Rick Mitchell, Commissioner, DBVI (Invited)

◆ Hear the latest news, updates, and developments from DBVI’s Rick Mitchell.

10:00 AM – Business Meeting

12:00 PM – Adjourn