Arizona Council of the Blind 2025 Convention

Arizona Council of the Blind 2025 Conference and Business Meeting

(last updated April 10, 2025)

Event Information

When: Friday and Saturday, April 11-12, 2025
Where: Zoom
Who: Everyone is welcome!
Cost: Free!

Schedule of Events

Friday, April 11

7:00pm – 8:30pm: Game Night and social time to kick-off this year’s events

Saturday, April 12

9:00am – 10:00am: Advocacy Begins at Home

Standing up for what you need, also known as “advocacy,” occurs at all levels. This presentation will provide you with information, tips, and tricks for speaking up and getting your needs met in three areas: with governmental agencies, in healthcare settings, and throughout the world of retail. Presenters: Ron Brooks, President, Central Chapter and founder of Accessible Avenue, LLC, Phoenix. Deborah Kendrick, author of “Navigating Healthcare when All They can See is that You Can’t,” and “When Your Ears Can’t Help You See,” Cincinnati, OH. Genine Stanley, Aira, Columbus, OH.

10:00am – 11:00am: All About Us

Facilitator: Jeff Bishop
Panelists:
Ron Brooks and Michael Groff, Central Chapter
Wesley Derbyshire and Brianna McDowell, Southern Chapter
Kaila Allan, Arizona Council of the Blind
Gabriel Lopez-Kafati, ACB Board of Directors
Claire Stanley, ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs

We celebrate the strength and impact of our local community—especially the vital role played by our state affiliate and local chapters in transforming lives right here in Arizona. Together, we empower blind and low vision individuals to thrive.

Local Chapters: The Heart of Our Community: Our local chapters are where passion meets action. They offer tailored programs, hands-on support, and community outreach initiatives that directly benefit our members. From educational workshops and support groups to advocacy events, these chapters create safe spaces for connection, growth, and empowerment.

State Affiliate: Driving Local Change: Our state affiliate is the bridge between grassroots efforts and broader advocacy. By collaborating with community partners, local agencies, and policymakers, they ensure that local needs and voices are front and center. Their work is a testament to how focused, local leadership can make a significant impact on the lives of blind and low vision individuals across Arizona.

National Organization: Strategic Support and Guidance: Supporting these local efforts is our national organization. The ACB Board of Directors provides strategic direction that shapes our mission and aligns our initiatives with our core values. Our dedicated national staff works tirelessly behind the scenes, offering resources, expertise, and unwavering support to empower our state affiliate and local chapters. This cohesive network ensures every layer of our organization contributes to building a stronger, more effective community.

Together, Making a Difference: The synergy between our local chapters, state affiliate, and national organization amplifies our collective impact. By uniting our efforts, we create a dynamic and inclusive community where every member’s voice is heard and valued.

Come learn more about how all these pieces come together for the betterment of all of us, and discover how you can actively engage in the efforts of AZCB and beyond. Whether through local volunteer opportunities, advocacy initiatives, or connecting with our broader network, your involvement is crucial in driving our shared mission forward.

11:00am – 11:30am: Break

11:30am – 1:00pm: Annual Business Meeting and elections with additional speakers TBD

  1. Call to Order and Welcome: Melanie Sinohui
  2. Roll Call: Lisa Brooks
  3. Approval of Agenda: Melanie Sinohui
  4. Guest Speakers
    1. AZ Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA): Dr. Brian Dulude 
    2. AZ Talking Book Library: Christine Tuttle
  5. Secretary’s Report: Lisa Brooks
  6. Treasurer’s Report: John McCann
  7. President’s Report: Melanie Sinohui
  8. Committee and Chapter Reports
    1. Constitution and Bylaws: John McCann
    2. Membership: Karen Hughes
    3. Programs: Kaila Allen
    4. Public Relations: Jeff Bishop
    5. Central AZ Chapter Report: Jeffry Ricker
    6. Southern AZ Chapter Report: Wesley Derbyshire
  9. Elections
    1. Nominating Committee Report and Elections: Ron Brooks
  10. Announcements
  11. Adjourn

Contact Us

All AzCB members will be sent the Zoom information the week of the convention.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at convention@azcb.org

Skip to content