The 47th annual Conference/Convention of the American Council of the Blind of Texas is scheduled to be held in El Paso at the El Paso Marriott, located at 1600 Airway Boulevard, El Paso, TX 79950. The hotel offers complimentary parking, complimentary internet service in guest rooms and meeting space, complimentary business center, fitness center, outdoor pool and on-site restaurant. The hotel offers an airport shuttle and there is a courtesy phone at the airport that connects directly to the shuttle stand. When available, the hotel shuttle can also transport attendees to shopping/restaurants within a two-mile radius of the hotel.
The Committee chose: “ACBT: Shining in the Sun City:” as this year’s theme. The Conference/Convention Planning Committee is scheduling sessions including advocacy, leadership, employment, the exhibit hall featuring the latest technology and much more. A guide dog relief area will also be in place.
The Conference/Convention dates are August 21-24, 2025 with the Board meeting scheduled for Thursday, August 21. Sessions will be on Friday and Saturday, August 22 and 23.
There are two tours scheduled on Friday morning with one going to both the Socorro Mission and the Ysleta Mission and the second one a city tour. Watch your email for more details on both tours and other activities!
Friday evening entertainment will be “La Casa” (a tactile bingo game) from 8:00-10:00 PM. The cost is $15.00.
Saturday will feature the annual luncheon and banquet. A silent auction will be held on Saturday afternoon with the winners being announced during the banquet.
Drawings will be held for two packages: A meat package valued at $300.00 and a drawing for Meta Smart glasses valued at $325.00. Tickets are $10.00 each and you are eligible for both items! Tickets will be available on the pre-registration form and at the Conference/Convention. Winners will be drawn during the banquet, but you do not have to be present to win!
Saturday evening concludes with entertainment by Valle del Sol Ballet Folklorico including native dress, music and dance! We will be encouraged to touch and feel the elaborate costumes. The entertainment is included with your banquet payment, however anyone not attending the banquet can purchase a ticket for an additional $15.00.
The awards breakfast will be on Sunday morning and will be followed by the business meeting including elections.
The Conference/Convention registration fee is $160.00. The fee includes all sessions, the exhibit hall on both days, the luncheon, banquet and the Sunday morning awards breakfast.
If you aren’t registering for the entire Conference/Convention, single day passes are available for Friday and Saturday at $20.00 per day. You may also purchase individual meals for the luncheon, banquet or the awards breakfast at $40.00 per meal.
***Paper registration forms will only be mailed upon request. Call or email Sheila Derrick at 817 507-3964 or sjderrick212@hotmail.com
You may make hotel reservations online at:
Book your group rate for American Council of the Blind of Texas Conference
or by calling the hotel at (915) 779-3300. Remember to tell the reservationist that you are with the American Council of the Blind of Texas to ensure that you get the group rate. The room rate is $119.00 plus tax, ($140.56) per night for up to 2 people per room). The deadline to make your reservation to get the group rate is August 18, 2025.
If you have questions or for more information, contact the following persons:
- General information (including hotel reservations):
Alfredo Perez, Conference/Convention Coordinator
- Program Ads
Peggy Garrett
Phone: 832-242-4941
Email: prcgarrett@sbcglobal.net
- Sponsorships:
Kenneth Semien Sr.
Email: semien.k@outlook.com
Phone: 409-866-5838
- Auction:
Gayle Metoyer, Auction Co-chair
Email: metoyer903@comcast.net
Phone: 281-794-2012
Sara Freeman Smith, Auction Co-chair
Email: sarafreemansmith@gmail.com
Phone: 713-882-3000
- Exhibits: Ava Carruth
Email: avacarruth3@outlook.com
Phone:404-663-8004
- Registration:
Sheila Derrick
Email: sjderrick212@hotmail.com
Phone: 817-507-3964
- Volunteers:
Eleanor Coldwell
Email: ecoldwell1914@gmail.com
Phone: 915-479-4338
We look forward to greeting you in El Paso in August!
ACBT 2025 Conference/Convention Sessions
Sessions Friday August 22nd, 2025
Finger Crochet 101 1:00-2:00pm Mockingbird room
Hosted by Neva Fairchild
A hands-on experience. Learn how to finger crochet an item and connect with blind and VI crafters. A skein of jumbo #7 yarn will be included. Get here early for best selection.
Adaptive Cyclers Plus 1:00-2:00pm Bluebonnet Room
Hosted by Mike Osburn
An introduction to adaptive sports such as tandem bike riding. An insight as to how recreational & competitive adaptive sports can enrich our lives.
Braille Revival League of Texas Business & Tech Meeting 2:15-3:15pm Mockingbird Room
Hosted by Neva Fairchild
Interested in Braille? Join BRLT for our annual meeting, weather you are a member or not. Learn about what we have achieved as well as our future goals.
Your Rights-Disability & Voting 2:15-3:15pm Bluebonnet Room
Hosted by Sashi Nisankarao
A workshop informing attendees about their rights as they cast ballots in Texas. Learn about the rights that the VI & blind community have in local, state, & federal elections. Explore different methods of voting & what safeguards are in place to ensure equal access & participation. Visit the voting booth.
Navigate the Wild Wild West- Guide Dog Users of Texas 3:30-4:30pm Mockingbird Room
Hosted by Barry Stafford Certified Orientation & Mobility Instructor, Regional Field Representative-Leader Dogs for the Blind
Chelsea White, Outreach Specialist-The Seeing Eye
The service animal laws of Texas. Discussion on the laws affecting guide dog teams in Texas.
Technology 3:30-4:30 Bluebonnet Room
Hosted by George Zavala
A discussion focusing on the various ways of AI through the use of Appel applications & the Meta-Ray Ban glasses. A look into how these breakthroughs have enabled blind & VI individuals to live more independently.
Come in & Dance 4:45-5:45pm Mockingbird Room
Hosted by Mando Rodriguez of Saundo Ballroom Dance Studio
An interactive session to have you moving to salsa, cha-cha, & maybe even ballroom dancing.
Artist Workshop 4:45-5:45 Bluebonnet Room
Hosted by Joey Hernandez @joeyhernandezart.com
Learn about adaptive strategies for creating & enjoying visual & tactile art. Award winning artist Joey Hernandez promotes advocating for blind & VI accessible art spaces.
Sessions Saturday August 23rd 2025
Older Individuals Who Are Blind Program 9:00-10:00am Mockingbird Room
Hosted by Jesus Donacio, Program Specialist VI
An overview of the Texas Workforce Commission OIB program & services.
Library Users of America -Texas 9:00-10:00am Bluebonnet Room
Hosted by Jacqlyn Owusu
Join our business meeting & NLS updates.
Unlock Your Self Advocacy Super Power! 10:15-11:15am Bluebonnet Room
Hosted by Kenneth Semien Sr. Chair-Advocacy Services/Legislation Committee (supported by resources from Disability Rights Texas)
Join the conversation for better results when operating in self-advocating mode. Stop by to grab winning tips for greater results.
What Can Help Make Living Easier with My Vision Loss 10:15-11:15am Bluebonnet Room
Hosted by Dr. Angela C. Kopas, O.D., IACMM, Owner & Sole Provider. Orthokeratologist, Myopia Mgmt, Pediatric Optometrist, Binocular Vision/Stroke/Concussion Neuro-optometry
Information on vision therapy, myopia management, neuro-optometry.
Learn new treatments that improve vision at the brain level for mild vision loss. How to improve your circadian, brain function, & in some cases reduce further vision e. Review main eye conditions, aids, nutritional concerns, & helpful supplements.
Games With BRLT 1:30-2:30pm Mockingbird Room
Hosted by Neva Fairchild
Join the Braille Revival League of Texas for fun & games. Come win a prize!
Making For Accessibly 1:30-2:30pm Bluebonnet Room
Hosted by Michael Nelson, Director of Operations Fab Lab
In a fabrication laboratory one can utilize digital design & 3D printing to prototype solutions to everyday issues. Join us for a showcase of initiatives to make public spaces more accessible for blind & VI individuals. Ask about tactile maps & museum art replicas.
Android Technology 2:45-3:45pm Mockingbird Room
Hosted by Ava Carruth, Foster Brown, & Kevin Ratliff
An open discussion on android uses. A demonstration of useful applications with a question & answer session.
First Timers Session 2:45-3:45 Bluebonnet Room
Hosted by ACBT representatives
Learn about American Council of the Blind of Texas. Meet this year’s First Timers award winner. Share some of your first time experiences with us.
Candidates Forum 5:00-6:00pm Mockingbird Room
Come by and meet your candidates. What motivates them? How can you become more involved?