Unique Trade Show Attracts Blind and Low-Vision People And More Than 65 Vendors
Washington, DC 20005
July 1 2008
Contact: Michael Smitherman(601) 331-7740LOUISVILLE, July 1, 2008 -- Imagine what it would be like to move a cell phone camera above a printed page, and hear the words spoken clearly by a synthetic voice; imagine being able to shop independently for braille books, low-vision reading aids, special household items and gifts all under one roof.Over 2,000 people who are blind or vision-impaired will experience these real-life scenarios as they visit the trade show affiliated with the 47th annual national convention of the American Council of the Blind.The convention will run July 5-12 at the Galt House in Louisville. Exhibits will be open July 5-10."This trade show is very unique both in terms of what's on display, and the clientele who will be perusing the aisles," said Michael Smitherman, ACB’s exhibit coordinator. “Among the products on display are computers that verbalize information appearing on the screen, the latest in special software for blind and partially sighted computer users, and special talking global positioning systems that enhance a blind traveler’s knowledge of his/her location.”Other exhibits include such products as talking clocks, Braille novelties, and white canes. Many guide dog schools and special service providers will also be among the more than 65 vendors present in the exhibit hall.Mitch Pomerantz, president of the American Council of the Blind, said: "The convention exhibits allow blind and visually impaired people from throughout the nation to learn about simple products as well as the latest technology that will improve their quality of life. Knowing what's available and how it can be used makes a positive difference for blind job seekers, students, and especially for the parents of blind children."The exhibits associated with the convention are open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on July 5; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 6; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 7-9; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 10.Members of the public and of the media may obtain a one-day exhibit pass from the convention registration desk.The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is the largest consumer-based organization of blind and visually impaired Americans advocating for the rights of blind Americans. Comprised of more than 70 affiliates across the entire United States, the organization is dedicated to making it possible for blind and visually impaired Americans to participate fully in every aspect of American society. For more information about the American Council of the Blind, and the issues it supports, visit www.acb.org or contact Melanie Brunson, executive director, American Council of the Blind, 1155 15th St. NW, Suite 1004, Washington, DC 20005 or phone (202) 467-5081 or toll-free, 1-800-424-8666.
Sharon Lovering (slovering@acb.org) Editor American Council of the Blind 1155 15th St. NW Washington, DC 20005 Phone : 202-467-5081 ext. 15 Fax : 202-467-5085
Washington, DC 20005
July 1 2008
Contact: Michael Smitherman(601) 331-7740LOUISVILLE, July 1, 2008 -- Imagine what it would be like to move a cell phone camera above a printed page, and hear the words spoken clearly by a synthetic voice; imagine being able to shop independently for braille books, low-vision reading aids, special household items and gifts all under one roof.Over 2,000 people who are blind or vision-impaired will experience these real-life scenarios as they visit the trade show affiliated with the 47th annual national convention of the American Council of the Blind.The convention will run July 5-12 at the Galt House in Louisville. Exhibits will be open July 5-10."This trade show is very unique both in terms of what's on display, and the clientele who will be perusing the aisles," said Michael Smitherman, ACB’s exhibit coordinator. “Among the products on display are computers that verbalize information appearing on the screen, the latest in special software for blind and partially sighted computer users, and special talking global positioning systems that enhance a blind traveler’s knowledge of his/her location.”Other exhibits include such products as talking clocks, Braille novelties, and white canes. Many guide dog schools and special service providers will also be among the more than 65 vendors present in the exhibit hall.Mitch Pomerantz, president of the American Council of the Blind, said: "The convention exhibits allow blind and visually impaired people from throughout the nation to learn about simple products as well as the latest technology that will improve their quality of life. Knowing what's available and how it can be used makes a positive difference for blind job seekers, students, and especially for the parents of blind children."The exhibits associated with the convention are open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on July 5; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 6; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 7-9; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 10.Members of the public and of the media may obtain a one-day exhibit pass from the convention registration desk.The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is the largest consumer-based organization of blind and visually impaired Americans advocating for the rights of blind Americans. Comprised of more than 70 affiliates across the entire United States, the organization is dedicated to making it possible for blind and visually impaired Americans to participate fully in every aspect of American society. For more information about the American Council of the Blind, and the issues it supports, visit www.acb.org or contact Melanie Brunson, executive director, American Council of the Blind, 1155 15th St. NW, Suite 1004, Washington, DC 20005 or phone (202) 467-5081 or toll-free, 1-800-424-8666.
Sharon Lovering (slovering@acb.org) Editor American Council of the Blind 1155 15th St. NW Washington, DC 20005 Phone : 202-467-5081 ext. 15 Fax : 202-467-5085
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