Save the date!

 

Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired

 

51st ANNUAL State CONVENTION

 

“Inspire, Innovate, Ignite: Charting the Future Together.”

Thursday, October 10, 2024-Sunday, October 13, 2024

 

Located at the DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Rapids Airport hotel:

4747 28th St SE

Grand Rapids Michigan 49512

This year, we are thrilled to announce that our 51st annual state convention will be held in person for the first time in five years! After a long period of virtual gatherings, we can’t wait to reunite with our members, share experiences, and celebrate being together at an in person MCBVI State Convention.

 

The Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI) would like to express our thanks and appreciation to our convention sponsors and exhibitors.

 

MCBVI is pleased to hold our 51st annual State convention from Thursday October 10-Sunday October 13, 2024, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Rapids Airport hotel located at:

4747 28th ST SE

Grand Rapids Michigan 49512

Phone: 616-957-0100.

 

Hotel reservation information:

 

Hotel reservations can be made by calling 616-957-0100 this is the direct line to the hotel. When making reservations, use Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired to insure our group rate. Please be advised that using our acronym MCBVI will not secure your reservation at our convention rate. Reservations need to be made no later than Thursday September 19. Cancelations must be made 48 hours prior to date of check in to avoid a no show fee. On the day of arrival check in time will be 4 p.m. and check out time is noon on the day of departure.

The room rate is $110 per night plus 15% tax. All reservations must be guaranteed with a first night’s deposit, or a debit card or major credit card. MCBVI is not responsible for making room reservations or paying for room incidentals.

There will be a guide dog relief area available for those with guide dogs. Please be sure to clean up after your guide dog. It is not the responsibility of the hotel staff, MCBVI, or convention volunteers to provide clean up service.

 

Sponsorship information:

 

You too can participate in the 2024 convention. If you, your organization, or your business would like to be a convention sponsor or vendor, we have opportunities available!

Contact: Malaina VanderWal, Convention Vice Chair

Phone: 616-308-9644

 

Door Prizes:

 

We are seeking door prize donations as an added perk for convention attendees who register. Donors are responsible for bringing their items to the Convention.

For more information on how you can donate a door prize contact Lindsey LaVere at 810-488-9795 or at lindsey.lavere@gmail.com.

 

Meet the Keynote Speaker!

 

Join us in welcoming Kenneth Semien Sr. as our Keynote Speaker! We are pleased to have him participate in our convention. Here is his bio for more information.

Bio for Mr. Kenneth Semien, Sr.

 

Mr. Kenneth Semien, Sr. is a native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, currently resides in Beaumont, Texas, and is a proud father and grandfather. As an individual who experienced significant vision and hearing loss as an adult, he now dedicates most of his time advocating for positive change, while striving to make a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities.

Mr. Semien finds his greatest fulfillment in mentoring youth and young adults to assist in empowering them to live their best life. His passion extends to offering inspiration, leadership development, and peer support. He sits on the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind (ACB), serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD), and is a Past President of the American Council of the Blind of Texas (ACBT).

Following retirement as a Telecommunications Manager with AT&T, Mr. Semien works as an independent contractor and consultant with various organizations, and is a certified suicide prevention instructor with the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Within the American Council of the Blind (ACB), Mr. Semien is known for his commitment to assisting in sustaining the organization through his leadership on the ACB INSPIRE Mentoring Program and the Durward K. McDaniel (DKM) Fund Committee.

 

Convention Sessions include:

 

Thursday night:

 

  • Welcome reception and pizza Sponsored by the MCBVI Convention Committee.

Friday:

 

  • Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL): Scott Norris, Manager
  • Presentation with Renee Echols, Disability Network Washtenaw, Monroe, Livingston, and Kelly Blackwell, Michigan Disability Rights Coalition
  • Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP): Lisa Kisiel, Field Services Division Director
  • Exhibit Hall opens: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Afternoon presentations include:

  • the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Tim Tuthill, President and CEO and the Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind, Cathy McAdam, MSW, and Board Member
  • Meta Smart Glasses, Cindy Hollis, Manager of Membership Engagement American Council of the Blind
  • artificial Intelligence (AI): Ather Jammoa, Assistive Technology Instructor
  • Friday evening: MCBVI Auction: Kyle Austin, Esteemed Auctioneer returns to MC our auction. It is always a great time with fun and laughter. Bring your money and the Treasurers will be happy to take it!

 

MCBVI Auction Donation Information:

 

This has been a great fundraiser for us in years past. The donations of auction items are greatly appreciated. For more information on how to donate and for shipping information if unable to attend the convention contact Joe Todd at 616-951-2142

 

Saturday sessions:

 

  • What Does the Convention Theme Mean to you: Kenneth Semien Sr.
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility: Kenneth Semien Sr.
  • Membership Recruitment: Kenneth Semien Sr.
  • MCBVI Resolutions
  • Exhibit Hall is open from 9 a.m. to noon
  • MCBVI officer elections: noon-2 p.m.
  • MCBVI Annual Business Meeting
  • Scholarship award presentations
  • Banquet: Kenneth Semien Sr., Keynote Speaker,
  • Awards

 

Sunday:

 

  • MCBVI Memorial Service, remembering those we have lost since our last convention.

 

Registration is now open!

 

The registration fee this year is $40, and the deadline to register is September 19. The registration fee does not include meals, those are sold separately, and menu choices will be available on the registration form. Registration is available by email, phone or online. Go to www.michigancounciloftheblind.org/convention to register online. To register by phone contact Joe Todd at 616-951-2142.

Send electronic registration forms to Joe Todd at joet1226@gmail.com.

To register by mail, send registration forms and payment to Rebecca Kooistra, Treasurer

521 Lafayette St

Lowell, MI 49331-1124

To pay by check:

Checks need to be payable to Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired.

To pay by credit card or PayPal contact Dakota Burch at 989-327-4233. When paying by card or PayPal a $3 processing fee will be included.

 

We are excited to reconnect with everyone and hope to see you in October!E

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