Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors!
Diamond Sponsor
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Diamond Sponsor
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Diamond Sponsor
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Diamond Sponsor
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Silver Sponsor
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Silver Sponsor
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Silver Sponsor
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Bronze Sponsor
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Bronze Sponsor
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American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Since 1858, The American Printing House for the Blind has operated in Louisville, Kentucky as the world’s largest nonprofit organization creating accessible learning experiences through educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are blind and low vision.
Eschenbach Optik of America, Inc
Eschenbach Optik of America, Inc. was founded in 1983 as the North American subsidiary of Eschenbach Optik GmbH of Nuremberg, Germany a company that was established in 1913 and is the world leader in the manufacture and distribution of high quality magnification solutions including low vision aids, reading glasses and binoculars. Eschenbach offers these 3 product groups to channel partners who then provide the products to consumers. The company focuses most of its efforts on helping the channel partners that carry the low vision aid and reading glasses products so that they can help their end-users. These partners include eye care and vision rehabilitation professionals who care for those with vision loss due to to macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases and vision problems. Eschenbach helps these professionals help their patients and clients by providing diagnostic tools, training and support so that successful outcomes can be obtained with the magnification devices they deem most appropriate for the visually impaired people for whom they care. www.eschenbach-optik.com
Georgia AER
The Georgia Chapter of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) is a state chapter of AER International, a membership organization dedicated to providing support and assistance to professionals such as rehabilitation teachers, counselors, orientation and mobility specialists, and technology specialists who work in all phases of education and rehabilitation of blind and visually impaired children and adults. www.gaaer.org
Georgia Blind Sports Association
The mission of the Board of Directors of the Georgia Lions Camp will be to utilize the property in Waycross, Ga. entrusted to them by the State of Georgia in 1975 to provide a unique recreational experience to the visually impaired of this state and surrounding states. The Georgia Lions Camp's properties will be used for other purposes at other times of the year in a manner that directly or indirectly serves the visually impaired community and supports the primary mission of providing recreation to the visually impaired.
https://gablindsports.org/
https://gablindsports.org/
Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS) (formerly known as GLASS) is Georgia’s free talking book and braille library, tailored to the needs of Georgians of all ages who cannot use standard print materials and require alternative, accessible formats. GLS.georgialibraries.org
Georgia Lions Camp
The mission of the Board of Directors of the Georgia Lions Camp will be to utilize the property in Waycross, Ga. entrusted to them by the State of Georgia in 1975 to provide a unique recreational experience to the visually impaired of this state and surrounding states. The Georgia Lions Camp's properties will be used for other purposes at other times of the year in a manner that directly or indirectly serves the visually impaired community and supports the primary mission of providing recreation to the visually impaired. https://glcb.org/
Guiding Eyes
Since 1954, Guiding Eyes has managed to thrive on goodness, even in the most difficult of times. We relied on the goodness of our loyal base of generous supporters, passionate staff and dedicated volunteers to come together to meet the growing needs of our diverse community of people with vision loss. Through this unwavering support and dedication, Guiding Eyes has graduated more than 10,000 guide dog teams. We believe in the powerful, meaningful change that our beautiful dogs bring to the lives of people facing the daily challenges that blindness and vision loss present. https://www.guidingeyes.org/
Irie AT
IRIE isn’t just a company; it’s a way of being. IRIE essentially means “happy”, which is how we approach every day. Call and find happy people who answer the phone. Find knowledgeable people who care about what they are doing and are thrilled to talk to you. At IRIE, we don’t sell boxes. We sell solutions and service, with over a quarter of our staff dedicated entirely to Customer Support. Aren’t getting what you need from one of the conglomerates? IRIE gives you a choice of independent brands that are all top of class in their respective product categories.
LVI America
Kimberly Cline has 30 years of experience in the assistive technology industry. She has contributed to the success of individuals who use assistive technology for their careers, education, and personal growth. Kimberly is the Director of Sales for North America for LVI America. She is passionate to make a difference in the lives of individuals by introducing them to the incredible low vison technology that LVI develops and manufactures. Kimberly has shared her expertise with a variety of audiences through speaking engagements and training sessions at national conferences such as CSUN, ATIA, ACB, NFB, and many local state conferences.
Low Vision Supply
At Low Vision Supply we strive to provide the highest level of expertise, products, and service to help the blind and visually impaired regain independence. From low-tech tools like canes and pocket magnifiers, to the latest AI driven wearable smart tech; we have what you need to lead an independent life. https://www.lowvisionsupply.com/pages/about-us
Mountainview Low Vision Services
Cheryl Saucier created Mountain View Low Vision Services in the spring of 2019 to offer a wide variety of high quality low vision products to people with vision loss in our area. Cheryl has the clinical experience, assistive technology knowledge, professional connections, and integrity to help you discover what devices, services, technology and resources are available. Cheryl works with individuals, families, agencies, medical providers, and facilities. Whether it is through our low vision products, workshops, or rehabilitation and contract services, Cheryl can help improve the quality for people living with vision loss.
Palmer Vision
Palmer Vision LLC's mission is to provide the visually impaired community with a professional, ethical, and informative experience through the use of assistive technology sales and services. https://www.palmervision.com/
Perkins School for the Blind Transition Center
We are the worldwide leader in education services for children and young adults who are blind and visually impaired with multiple disabilities. An international NGO, we are infinitely innovating to solve longstanding and emerging problems facing our communities, our students and our families. https://www.perkins.org/ www.perkins.org/
Tracy Fitch, LLC
Author of the children's book, "The Unstoppable Kitty Madison" about a fictional girl who is blind. Book Summary: Kitty is confident that she can do anything and doesn’t want anyone to feel sorry for her. Then, one day she finds out that she has been chosen to speak at the National Association of the Blind’s national convention. How can she possibly speak for her entire generation of kids who are blind? Suddenly, she feels unsure of herself and afraid of the possible outcome. Is she really as unstoppable as she has always believed? Will she find the strength and courage to speak from the heart?
ViewPlus
By working collaboratively around the world, ViewPlus is asserting itself to improve opportunities in education and employment for blind and visually impaired students and professionals. While there is still much work to be done, the successful management transition to a second generation means ViewPlus can continue helping make information accessible to all. https://viewplus.com/
Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, (Diamond Sponsor)
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The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation and service program serving individuals of all ages who are deaf, blind, deafblind and multi-disabled. Founded in 1858 by a young medical doctor who wanted to educate his deaf brother, AIDB now serves more than 36,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults and seniors with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year. https://www.aidb.org
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Diamond Sponsor
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Ability 2 Access (Bronze Sponsor)
A2A is proud to be a distributor of Low Vision and Blindness Products that include desktop video magnifiers, portable video magnifiers, handheld video magnifiers, software, braille embossers, braille displays and more. ability2access.com
Allied Instructional (Silver Sponsor)
Allied Instructional Services is an education management company providing schools and government agencies with the professional staff and programs needed for supporting the growth, development, and life skills of individuals with special needs. alliedinstructional.com/
Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation (CIDI) (Silver Sponsor)
CIDI is recognized as a leader for services and research in accessibility. We are dedicated to an inclusive society through innovations in assistive and universally designed technologies, with a goal of addressing the full range of needs for accessibility. We are committed to the promotion of technological innovation and development of user-centered research, products, and services for individuals with disabilities. https://cidi.gatech.edu/
Florida Vision Technology (Bronze Sponsor)
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Florida Vision Technology is a certified woman-owned small business based out of Fort Lauderdale. Lesa Kretschmer, Founder, and CEO, have worked in the blindness and low vision industry for more than 29 years. She is committed to placing the best assistive technology solutions available today within reach of blind and visually challenged people of all ages and walks of life. floridareading.com/
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Georgia Academy for the Blind (GAB) (Honorary Sponsor)
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The Georgia Academy for the Blind provides quality education services to Georgia’s students with visual impairments and/or visual impairments in conjunction with other disabilities to prepare them to achieve their highest level of independence in transition to college and career readiness. https://www.gabmacon.org/gab
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Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Bronze Sponsor)
A statewide nonprofit organization that provides interpreting, community, and employment services for the deaf and hard of hearing, their family members, friends, local state and federal agencies. www.gcdhh.org/
GA Pines (Silver Sponsor)
Georgia Parent Infant Network for Educational Services (Georgia PINES) is a statewide early intervention program for families of children birth to five years of age with a diagnosed hearing loss and/or visual impairment. Families receive information and training to assist their children to develop to their potential across all areas of development. All services are provided in the home or other appropriate natural environment. All services are free to Georgia PINES families. Georgia Pines
Georgia Sensory Assistance Project (Diamond Sponsor)
The Georgia Sensory Assistance Project provides technical assistance, training, and sponsors events — including Sibshops and teen events — that support children and youth with deaf-blindness and their family members, school personnel, and other service providers. https://coe.uga.edu/outreach/programs/georgia-sensory-assistance-project
Smokey Powell Center (Diamond Sponsor)
The Georgia Academy for the Blind is pleased to offer outreach services through the Smokey Powell Center. The center is housed on the Academy’s campus and provides services to any student throughout the state of Georgia who is blind or visually impaired. Services are provided at no cost to the student. https://www.gabmacon.org/
Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, (Diamond Sponsor)
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The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation and service program serving individuals of all ages who are deaf, blind, deafblind and multi-disabled. Founded in 1858 by a young medical doctor who wanted to educate his deaf brother, AIDB now serves more than 36,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults and seniors with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year. https://www.aidb.org
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Diamond Sponsor
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Ability 2 Access (Bronze Sponsor)
A2A is proud to be a distributor of Low Vision and Blindness Products that include desktop video magnifiers, portable video magnifiers, handheld video magnifiers, software, braille embossers, braille displays and more. ability2access.com
Allied Instructional (Silver Sponsor)
Allied Instructional Services is an education management company providing schools and government agencies with the professional staff and programs needed for supporting the growth, development, and life skills of individuals with special needs. alliedinstructional.com/
Florida Vision Technology (Bronze Sponsor)
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Florida Vision Technology is a certified woman-owned small business based out of Fort Lauderdale. Lesa Kretschmer, Founder, and CEO, have worked in the blindness and low vision industry for more than 29 years. She is committed to placing the best assistive technology solutions available today within reach of blind and visually challenged people of all ages and walks of life. floridareading.com/
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Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Bronze Sponsor)
A statewide nonprofit organization that provides interpreting, community, and employment services for the deaf and hard of hearing, their family members, friends, local state and federal agencies. www.gcdhh.org/
GA Pines (Silver Sponsor)
Georgia Parent Infant Network for Educational Services (Georgia PINES) is a statewide early intervention program for families of children birth to five years of age with a diagnosed hearing loss and/or visual impairment. Families receive information and training to assist their children to develop to their potential across all areas of development. All services are provided in the home or other appropriate natural environment. All services are free to Georgia PINES families. Georgia Pines
Georgia Sensory Assistance Project (Diamond Sponsor)
The Georgia Sensory Assistance Project provides technical assistance, training, and sponsors events — including Sibshops and teen events — that support children and youth with deaf-blindness and their family members, school personnel, and other service providers. https://coe.uga.edu/outreach/programs/georgia-sensory-assistance-project
Smokey Powell Center (Diamond Sponsor)
The Georgia Academy for the Blind is pleased to offer outreach services through the Smokey Powell Center. The center is housed on the Academy’s campus and provides services to any student throughout the state of Georgia who is blind or visually impaired. Services are provided at no cost to the student. https://www.gabmacon.org/
Conference Overview with Session Options |
Attendance Verification FormPlease complete the Attendance Verification form for each session you attend if you will need ACVREP or CRC credits. Thank you!
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We have created a session overview chart that is located in a Google Drive. Remember to download the Sched app where you can view session details and build your own schedule!
Download the Sched App
Time |
Session |
Location |
8:00 - 8:30 |
Sign In and Registration |
Conference Center Lobby |
8:30 - 9:30 |
60-minute Concurrent Session |
detailed agenda on Sched app |
9:35 - 10:35 |
60-minute Concurrent Session |
detailed agenda on Sched app |
10:35-10:45 |
Morning Break, Snacks and Networking |
Conference Center Lobby |
10:45 - 12:00 |
GaDOE Updates, Closing and Prizes |
Banquet Hall |
Title |
Session |
Location |
7:30 - 8:00 |
Sign In and Registration |
Conference Center Lobby |
8:00 - 5:00 |
Exhibit Hall |
Conference Center Lobby |
8:00 - 8:25 |
General Session |
Banquet Hall |
8:30 - 9:30 |
60-minute Concurrent Sessions |
detailed agenda on Sched app |
9:40 - 10:40 |
60-minute Concurrent Sessions |
detailed agenda on Sched app |
10:45 - 11:45 |
60-minute Concurrent Sessons |
detailed agenda on Sched app |
11:45 - 1:15 |
Lunch & Learn |
Banquet Hall & Lobby |
1:15 - 2:15 |
60-minute Concurrent Sessions |
detailed agenda on Sched app |
2:30 - 3:30 |
60-minute Concurrent Sessions |
detailed agenda on Sched app |
3:45 - 4:45 |
60-minute Roundtable Discussions |
detailed agenda on Sched app |
5:30 pm |
GVEST Night Out on the Town |
See Below |
Time |
Session |
Location |
9:00 - 10:00 |
Sign In and Registration |
Conference Center Lobby |
9:00 - 5:00 |
Exhibit Hall |
Conference Center Lobby |
10:00 - 11:00 |
General Session: Welcome and Keynote |
Banquet Hall |
11:15 - 12:15 |
60-minute Concurrent Sessions |
detailed agenda on Sched app |
12:15 - 1:20 |
Luncheon |
Conference Center Lobby |
1:20 - 2:20 |
60-minute Concurrent Sessions |
detailed agenda on Sched app |
2:30 - 3:30 |
60-minute Concurrent Sessions |
detailed agenda on Sched app |
3:30 - 3:45 |
Afternoon break, networking, & snacks |
Conference Center Lobby |
3:45 - 4:45 |
60-minute Hands-On Sessions |
detailed agenda on Sched app |
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Tracy Fitch TVI, Marietta City Schools; GaAER President |
Chris Maniscalco TVI Coordinator Gilmer County |
Call for Presentations
We are still accepting proposals for presentations. If you are interested in presenting at the GVEST 2023 Conference, please complete the 2023 GVEST Presentation Google form.
We are particularly interested in the following topics focused on content:
Expanded Core Curriculum, O&M, Early Intervention, Complex Disabilities, CVI, Assistive Technology (including AAC), Literacy (Braille/UEB Math), Assessment, Low Vision Tools & Strategies, Successful Transition and Adult Rehabilitation
Expanded Core Curriculum, O&M, Early Intervention, Complex Disabilities, CVI, Assistive Technology (including AAC), Literacy (Braille/UEB Math), Assessment, Low Vision Tools & Strategies, Successful Transition and Adult Rehabilitation
5000 Harrison Road, Macon, GA, 31206, US
(478) 238-9292
Comfort Inn website
Comfort Inn has a limited number of rooms at the state rate of $109 plus tax. To receive this rate, you must speak directly with the manager and reserve under GVEST.
Email [email protected] Attn: Raj/GVEST 2022
Within the email provide your: Name, phone number, and address.
Raj will call you directly to obtain your credit card information and email your confirmation.
(478) 238-9292
Comfort Inn website
Comfort Inn has a limited number of rooms at the state rate of $109 plus tax. To receive this rate, you must speak directly with the manager and reserve under GVEST.
Email [email protected] Attn: Raj/GVEST 2022
Within the email provide your: Name, phone number, and address.
Raj will call you directly to obtain your credit card information and email your confirmation.
Call for Presenters
We are continuing to accept proposals for presentations. If you are interested in presenting at the GVEST 2023 Conference, please complete the 2023 GVEST Presentation Google form.
We are particularly interested in content presentations (e.g. methodology, instructional practice) in the following areas:
- Expanded Core Curriculum
- Orientation & Mobility
- Early Intervention
- Complex Disabilities
- Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment
- Assistive Technology (including AAC)
- Literacy (Braille/UEB Math)
- Assessment
- Low Vision Tools & Strategies
- Successful Transition and Adult Rehabilitation
Call for Presentations
We are now accepting proposals for presentations. If you are interested in presenting at the GVEST 2023 Conference, please complete the 2023 GVEST Presentation Google form.
We are particularly interested in the following topics:
Expanded Core Curriculum, O&M, Early Intervention, Complex Disabilities, CVI, Assistive Technology (including AAC), Literacy (Braille/UEB Math), Assessment, Low Vision Tools & Strategies, Successful Transition and Adult Rehabilitation
Expanded Core Curriculum, O&M, Early Intervention, Complex Disabilities, CVI, Assistive Technology (including AAC), Literacy (Braille/UEB Math), Assessment, Low Vision Tools & Strategies, Successful Transition and Adult Rehabilitation
Georgia VI Services Interactive Map
Please complete the Georgia Vision Teams survey to be added to the Interactive Georgia VI service Map.
Follow us on Facebook to See Conference Pictures!
If you would like to share your conference experience on Facebook, use the official meeting hashtag: #GVEST2022
Follow us on Facebook to See Conference Pictures!
If you would like to share your conference experience on Facebook, use the official meeting hashtag: #GVEST2022
Find us on Instagram by searching our handle @gvest_conference
Find us on Instagram by searching our handle @gvest_conference
Thank you to our 2022 Sponsors!
Diamond Sponsor
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Silver Sponsor
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Diamond Sponsor
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Silver Sponsor
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Diamond Sponsor
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Diamond Sponsor
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Diamond Sponsor
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Bronze Sponsor
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Bronze Sponsor
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Be sure to visit each exhibitor throughout the day on Wednesday and Thursday and obtain the initials of representatives from each booth. During Friday’s General Session, each person submitting a completed form will be entered into a drawing for the prize. Must be present to win.
Continuing Education
Certificates of attendance reflecting contact hours will be available for participants. At the end of the conference, please complete the conference Google Form to document your attendance. This Google Form contains all the information necessary for ACVREP to award your continuing education credit hours. The session moderator will announce the opening and closing session codes during the session. Write down both codes and enter them on the Google Form. GVEST will compile your CE hours and provide you with a certificate of attendance at the close of the conference. We also ask that you complete the session evaluation and conference feedback.
In an effort to enhance security during the conference, GVEST requires that attendees wear their GVEST Conference badges at all times during the conference. Badges must be worn to gain admission to the sessions and luncheons. Your badge not only indicates that you are fully registered for the conference, but also serves as a courtesy to other registrants.
Advanced registration is required to attend. The Conference Center manages the registration sign in area right inside the doors at the Robert F. Hatcher building. GVEST committee members will be there to assist you as you arrive. Sign-In hours are as follows:
Wednesday, October 12 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Thursday, October 13 7:30 am – 8:00 am
Friday, October 14 7:30 am – 8:00 am
Wednesday, October 12 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Thursday, October 13 7:30 am – 8:00 am
Friday, October 14 7:30 am – 8:00 am
Central Perk Friends Café Hangout
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Be sure to stop by our Central Perk Friends Café to relax, socialize and catch up with friends and play accessible games including Checkers, Bananagram, UNO, cornhole, cards, web chase, and Treks.
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We are getting closer to our GVEST 2022 Conference!!!!!! There are a few signups to be aware of:
- To make GVEST GREAT, we will need conference helpers/volunteers. If you are interested (as a registered guest) in being a GVEST volunteer, please fill out this GVEST Volunteer Form and receive a FREE GVEST T-shirt.
- One of the sessions this year will be a GAB TOUR, this requires an advance sign-up form because we only have 28 slots. Please click on the GAB TOUR advance sign-up form to “Get on the Bus”. You’ll love this tour!
Purchase Your Conference SWAG!
You can support ongoing professional development from GVEST by purchasing GVEST swag! Our fundraiser gives you a choice of different shirts! You can choose a short sleeve crew neck or v-neck t-shirt or a hoodie. All have the GVEST logo on the front and the text "stronger together" on the back. The phrase "stronger together" is also in braille. Be sure to get your conference SWAG! Those who have made purchases from this fundraiser will be entered into a raffle at the end of the first conference day on Friday, October 15! We appreciate your support! Thank you!
Please continue to support our 2020-2021 conference sponsors!
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