AFFILIATED BLIND OF LOUISIANA, INC.

2010 STATE CONVENTION

WHERE EVERYONE IS A WINNER!

Don't gamble with success!  Affiliated Blind of Louisiana presents a convention filled with winning resources for the blind, visually impaired, and deaf/blind of Louisiana!

This year, the odds are in your favor.  Come and help us celebrate the mission of the ABL Organization!  When we educate our communities about blindness, Support the ABL Training Center, and serve as Mentors for others who are blind, visually impaired, and deaf/blind, we all have a winning hand.

Don't Gamble with Success! 

Here are some WINNING RESOURCES that will be presented:

CONVENTION REGISTRATION

$10.00 per person if paid before September 30, 2010.

$20.00 per person if paid at the door.

TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Affiliated Blind of Louisiana  Training Center           

Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Louisiana Association for the Blind        

Louisiana Center for the Blind

Louisiana Rehabilitation Services 

Randolph Sheppard Vendors of Louisiana

Training, Resources, and Assistive Technology Center (TRAC)

This session highlights services available to blind and visually impaired citizens of our State.  A panel discussion will overview programs and survey needs.  Question and answer time will be provided.

DEAF/BLIND SERVICES

Affiliated Blind of Louisiana Training Center

Support Service Providers Program

Louisiana Career and Development Center

Louisiana Commission for the Deaf

Helen Keller National Center - South Central Office

This convention session highlights the services for the Deaf/Blind citizens of our State.  A panel discussion will overview programs and survey needs.  Question and answer time will be provided.

EYECARE AND LOW VISION

Retinal Specialists and Low Vision Experts will explain new treatments and technology that enhance and/or improve your low vision.

TOURS

Enjoy fun and educational tours of the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired and the Louisiana State Library section for the blind and physically handicapped.

VENDORS AND EXHIBITORS

An exciting mix of vendors and exhibitors will be on hand this year.  Everything from low vision products and technology to t-shirts and jewelry will be available to browse.

AER LUNCHEON

The Louisiana Chapter of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired will meet to discuss upcoming AER events. 

BINGO GAMES

The ABL State Convention will host our annual bingo games.  Come and play with Braille and large print cards.  You can WIN lots of great prizes!

SATURDAY NIGHT BANQUET

Renowned speaker Glenn Langston will entertain you with witty and inspirational stories about his world travels and experiences with blindness.  The Banquet Meal is free for paid members of Affiliated Blind of Louisiana.

These are some of the exciting and educational sessions included in the 2010 ABL State Convention program. 

We are looking forward to seeing all of you there!

AFFILIATED BLIND OF LOUISIANA, INC.

 2010 STATE CONVENTION

OCTOBER 7- 10, 2010

Crowne Plaza - Baton Rouge

(225) 925-2244

Low Rates, Large Comfortable Rooms

Flatscreen LCD TV and iPod docking station/clock radio

 Restaurant, Bar, and Room Service

Full Service Fitness Center and massage by appointment

Wireless Internet

Guest Laundry

Mini Refrigerators available upon request

Room Rates:  $85 per night (singles, doubles, triples, etc.), plus tax.  Please make your reservations directly with Crowne Plaza - Baton Rouge by calling the Reservation Desk at (225) 925-2244 or 1 (800) 678-4065.  Be sure to mention that you plan to attend the ABL State Convention to receive the convention rates.  Rates and availability cannot be guaranteed after September 7, 2010.

*Affiliated Blind of Louisiana, Inc. is offering a $50.00 cash stipend to any paid ABL member who is staying at least one night at the Crowne Plaza - Baton Rouge for the ABL 2010 State Convention.  If you qualify, please indicate on attached application*.

COME EARLY AND ENJOY!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2010

WELCOME SOCIAL - 6:00pm to 7:00pm

This social gives our pre-convention participants an opportunity to visit other ABL members, enjoy a buffet meal, and make plans for a day at LSVI and State Library on Friday.

HITTING IT AT THE HOLLYWOOD CASINO - 7:00pm to 10:30pm

We will be providing a shuttle to the Hollywood Casino at 7:00pm.  Take your chances and WIN BIG at the Hollywood Casino.  The shuttle will be returning to the hotel at 10:30pm.

BREAKFAST - 7:00am to 8:00am

Come and enjoy breakfast before your educational day of tours.

TOURS - 8:30am to 4:00pm

Learn more about the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired and the Louisiana State Library Section for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.  Shuttles will be leaving the front entrance to the hotel.  Shuttle service will be provided to and from all tours.

Tour of LSVI Campus - 9:00am to 11:30am

Lunch and shopping Downtown - 11:30am to 1:00pm

Downtown Baton Rouge offers many quaint

Stores and eatery choices.

Tour of State Library - 1:30pm to 4:00pm

ABL Convention Registration - 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Cost to Register is $20.00, or you can pre-register for $10.00 by filling out the enclosed application and mailing payment before September 30, 2010.