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

Please note: This is a preliminary agenda and subject to updates. Final details will be shared closer to the event.

Friday, November 6: Welcome & Connect

3:00 PM – Registration and Exhibits Open

5:00 PM – Hospitality Hour

6:30 PM – Opening Ceremony

• Welcome – RoseAnn Ashby
• Pledge of Allegiance – Michaun Harrison
• Singing of the National Anthem – Lisa Calhoun
• Welcome from Mayor of Fredericksburg – Kerry P. Devine
• Attendee Introductions

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

Facilitator: 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, Acting 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 – Friday Night Fun, Laughs & Surprises!

Including our Trivia Game “Men vs. Women”. Bragging Rights Are on the Line!

Saturday, November 7: Learn, Explore & Celebrate

8:00 AM – Exhibits Open

9:00 AM – Opening Ceremony

9:00 AM – Review of the Agenda & Introductions

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 options for blind and low vision Virginians vary widely, with those living in small towns and rural areas facing greater challenges. Discover innovative transportation options helping blind and low vision Virginians get where they need to go. Explore microtransit, dial–a-ride services, and on-demand paratransit programs expanding accessibility across the Commonwealth. Learn about UZURV’s free online advocacy toolkit and how you can help shape the future of accessible transportation in Virginia.

RoseAnn Ashby will then describe our advocacy initiatives to prepare us for our visit to the General Assembly in January.

10:45 AM – Break

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

Presenter: Rajiv Shah, Shah Access Services

Artificial Intelligence has evolved far beyond simple voice assistants; today’s AI can act as a real-time co-pilot for both your digital workspace and your physical environment. In this interactive session, we will explore practical applications of today’s top AI tools—including ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, and new action-oriented agents like Guide. Rather than a standard presentation, this session will be driven by audience participation. Together, we will use live demonstrations to decode inaccessible apps, refine documents, and use camera AI to navigate our surroundings. We will also discuss the potential perils of AI—such as “hallucinations” and data privacy—and share best practices for protecting your personal information while safely leveraging this technology.

12:00 PM – Pick Up Your Box Lunch, Check Out Exhibits, and Start Bidding on our Fabulous Silent Auction Items

2:00 PM – Session 3:

Gaming Accessibility: From Player to Advocate

Presenter: Chris O’Meally, Accessible Gaming Advocate

Discover how gaming is becoming more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. Chris O’Meally shares his journey from struggling to play video games alongside family and friends as a child to working with major game studios to improve accessibility. Along the way, he’ll explore how advocacy, technology, relationship-building, and a passion for gaming can open doors—and how others can get involved in accessible gaming and the industry.

2:45 PM – Break

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

Facilitators: April Allen and Donna Clarke
Athletes Presenting: Jillian Bante, Kevin Brown, Lisa Calhoun, Doug Goist, Marcia Harvey, and Ed Sales

Hear from blind and low vision athletes and discover exciting accessible sports. Hear about team sports such as blind soccer or blind hockey, and individual sports such as kayaking, tennis, and horseback riding. These dedicated and competitive athletes will make you want to try something new!

4:30 PM – Break

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

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

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

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

Facilitator: Theresa Breeden

Join Theresa for a fun, hands-on workshop creating your own personalized greeting card! Explore your creativity using a variety of materials and decorations. All skill levels are welcome, and no experience is necessary. just come ready to have fun!

6:00 PM – Banquet

6:45 PM – Keynote: From Showing up to Stepping up: Our stories, Our Voice, Our Future

Keynote Speaker: Katie Frederick, Secretary, ACB

Every step forward begins when we reflect on our personal journeys and see the value in our lived experiences. We’ll examine how taking ownership of our individual stories turns presence into active impact. Take a moment to reflect on your strengths, elevate your voice, and find your role in designing what comes next.

7:45 PM – Going Once, Going Twice… Get Those Bids In!

Don’t miss your chance to snag some fabulous silent auction treasures!

8:30 PM – Bidding Is CLOSED! We’ll Announce Our Lucky Winners!

9:00 PM – Karaoke Time! Grab the Mic and Let Loose!

Whether you’re a superstar singer or just love to sing along, it’s time to turn up the fun!

9:00 PM – Accessible Gaming Demo Station

Ready to play? Stop by Chris’s gaming station for a hands-on demonstration of Stardew Valley, an accessible farming and life simulation game. Designed to be playable by people who are blind while still offering graphics for players with some usable vision, it’s an easy and fun introduction to accessible gaming.

No gaming experience required—come explore, listen, play, and see what accessible gaming is all about!

Sunday, November 8: Wrap-Up & Reflect

9:00 AM – Rick Mitchell, CRC, Commissioner of the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired

This is your opportunity to ask questions and bring up issues that are important to you.

10:00 AM – Business Meeting

All members are encouraged to attend. We’ll elect Board members and hear from our officers and committees.

• Call to Order – RoseAnn Ashby, Acting President
• Roll Call of Members – In-person and on Zoom
• Approval of Meting Agenda – RoseAnn Ashby
• Approval of 2025 annual business membership meetign Minutes – Sue Bowmaster, Secretary
• Approval of 2025-2026 Treasurer’s Report – Theresa Breeden, Treasurer
• Approval of 2025-2026 Audit Report – Jonathan Avila
• Approval of 2026-2027 Budget – RoseAnn Ashby and Theresa Breeden
• Election of Board Members – Donna Clarke and RoseAnn Ashby
• President’s Report
  • Talk about the past year of transition and future plans
  • Vote on disposition of NOVA Council funds
• Committee Reports
  • Advocacy – RoseAnn Ashby
  • Communications – Theresa Breeden
  • Fundraising – Tina Egge & Lisa Calhoun
  • Membership and Outreach – RoseAnn Ashby & Theresa Breeden
  • Program Planning – Sue Bowmaster & Davida Luehrs
  • Technology and Training Fund – Peter Brown and Don Barrett
• Other Business

12:00 PM – Adjourn