American Council of the Blind
National Convention – 2026
Soaring to New Heights
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) and Special-Interest Affiliates assembled at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch for their annual convention July 13 through July 31, 2026. The theme of this year’s convention was Soaring to New Hights. The format included in-person events coupled with virtual events broadcasted on the ACB Media Network. The theme is a reflection of the organization’s mission to create opportunities and success for people who are blind or have low vision.
During the convention Low Vision Alliance (LVA) hosted four Special Interest Affiliate Meetings.
Thursday July 16
Importance of Low Vision Evaluation
During this session Carlos L. Grandela, OD, FAAO Optometrist from Mesa Arizona facilitated an informative session on the importance of a low vision evaluation. He shared information about what it is, and why you should have one. There was plenty of time for questions and answers after the presentation was finished.
Saturday, July 18
Low Vision Alliance Business Meeting
During the conference, the LVA board hosted a virtual business meeting. During this session they addressed important business of the organization. Two Amendments were reviewed. One was adopted and one was referred back to committee. One Bylaw Amendment was reviewed and was adopted. The updated LVA Constitution and Bylaws can be found HERE.
Monday, July 27
How Do You Do That Hobby with Low Vision
Panelists Josh Schneider, Theresa Breeden, and Lindsey Tilden invited the audience into the world of playing sports, crafting, and enjoying tabletop games. The panelists shared their experiences about the ways they each adapted their activities for low vision. The session was a hybrid session with some participants in the room and others online.
Monday, July 27
LVA Big Bash
The LVA Big Bash lived up to the hype of being an exciting night! Participants took fun photos in front of a photo spots and also enjoyed winning various door prizes. For the first two the group enjoyed playing Outburst, and starting at 9pm the Big Bash Dance got underway. Attendees dressed to impress for their favorite decade. We celebrated our organization name change throughout the evening.
WINNER
Hollis Ligget Braille Free Press Award
The Hollis Ligget Braille Free Press Award certificate was presented to LVA at the Convention Banquet held during the 2026 ACB Conference and Convention in St. Louis, Missouri. Learn more about the very special award HERE.
Walk to St. Louis Contest
In-Person Winner Anthony Akamine
Virtual Winner Jeanette Kutash
During our Leadership Conference the Get Up and Get Moving Committee (GUGM) announced a contest, asking people to write about their journey to get to St. Lewis. Learn more about the contest and our winners HERE.
2026 Durward K. McDaniel First Timer
Timothy Hill
Timothy Hill from West Virginia is our DKM First-Timer representing the East. He is a dedicated advocate, community leader, and proud member of ACB since 2021. A 69-year-old widower and former Randolph-Sheppard vendor, Tim serves on the Board of Directors and multiple committees of the Mountain State Council of the Blind, where he is known for his reliability, service, and strong advocacy for the blindness community. He actively engages with legislators on issues affecting accessibility and opportunity and recently attended the 2026 ACB Leadership Conference in Washington, DC. Tim is also an Explorer in the INSPIRE Mentoring Program where he is strengthening his leadership skills for the future. A passionate musician, he plays drums and is learning bass guitar. He enjoys audiobooks, movies with audio description, and fellowship through his church and community organizations.
2026 ACB Leadership Fellow
Marja Byers
Marja Byers of Salem, Oregon, is a passionate advocate, community leader, and longtime supporter of the blind and low vision community. After losing her sight again in 2010 following a 30-year career in hospital obstetrics, Marja found renewed purpose through support groups, American Council of the Blind, and her work with Blindskills. She served as Executive Director of Blindskills and now leads efforts to create social meet-up opportunities and peer support programs across Oregon. Marja has held numerous leadership roles in transportation advocacy, accessibility initiatives, and state affiliate service in ACB of Oregon. Marja also faithfully serves on the Fred Scheigert Scholarship Committee for the Low Vision Alliance. Known for her powerful advocacy and mentorship, she is committed to reducing isolation, strengthening leadership, and building inclusive communities for blind and visually impaired individuals statewide. Marja lives with Lucy, her demonic cat, and in her downtime, she loves listening to music, going down rabbit holes (researching), and reading.
There were many special moments during the 2026 ACB Convention and Conference. Members snapped some wonderful photos that captured the fun and excitement experienced by everyone.
Debbie Persons, Samantha Hubbard, Melanie Sinohui, Dianna Leonard, and Zelda Gebhard pose with the Hollis Liggett Braille Free Press Award LVA was presented with at the ACB Banquet Thursday night. Photo by Terri Lynn Higashi Akamine.
One of several teams playing Outburst at the LVA Big Bash Monday night. Debbie Persons, Becky Dunkerson, Linda Byers, Zelda Gebhard, and Alan Peterson sit around a table, while Patti Cox hosts. Photo by Samantha Hubbard.
LVA members and friends dance the YMCA during the LVA Big Bash. Photo by Dianna Leonard.
Debbie Persons and Zelda Gebhard man the marketplace table outside General Session Monday and Tuesday morning, share who LVA is. Attendees at the ACB Convention, saw our LVA swag all over the place. We had black drawstring bags, green keychains with our white logo, and yellow jar grippers with our black logo. Our marketplace table was a show-stopper with our new gigantic banner with our logo on one side and a step and repeat logo on the back like at awards ceremonies. It was also very exciting to meet new people in St. Louis who were unfamiliar with our organization and when we said we were “Low Vision Alliance” they immediately had an idea of who we are, who we support, and what we do. Whether we were at the marketplace table, in a breakout room, or just wearing our shirt around the hotel, they understood. Photos by unknown.
LVA Sponsors at Convention
LVA thanks the following sponsors for their donations and support of our organization during the 2026 ACB Conference and Convention.
