American Council of the Blind of Maine

Improving the lives of Maine citizens who are blind and visually impaired since1903

We are a grass roots consumer group affiliated with the National American Council of the Blind. Our purpose is to promote the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and quality of life for all the people of Maine who are blind and visually impaired.

ACB of Maine fulfills its purpose in several ways. We have an annual convention each October. Beginning in 1999 we have had a purely fun weekend each July. This weekend is held at a YWCA camp and attendance has been growing steadily in its brief history. This year we had close to 100 participants.

ACB of Maine offers a scholarship to a Maine resident who is blind or visually impaired and who is seeking a post-secondary education.

Members of ACB of Maine had a conspicuous presence this past year at legislative hearings on several bills which promise to have a great impact on folks all over Maine who have visual impairments.

If you would like more information about the National ACB organization you may call 1-800-424-8666.

For more information about ACB of Maine call (207) 564 -0036 or send e-mail to: ACB Maine President

Up Coming Events:

 The Jack & Linda Beveridge Camp Out Week End

Below is the new informational notice on the changes for the 2010 Jack & Linda Beveridge Camp Out Week End.  Also, please note that due to a hacker having invaded my email, I have change our email address to jlbv1948@aol.com.  The old email address LBeveridge @ aol.com will be terminated shortly.  Please change your address books accordingly.  Thanks!

NEW LOCATION ANNOUNCEMENT

12^TH ANNUAL AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND FUN WEEK-END

JULY 16, 17, 18, 2010

JACK & LINDA BEVERIDGE CAMP OUT WEEKEND HELD @

CAMP CAPELLA ON PHILLIPS LAKE IN LUCERNE, MAINE

WHAT IS THE TIME SCHEDULE?

ARRIVAL TIME:  FRIDAY, 7/16/10 ANY TIME AFTER 5:00 P.M.

DEPARTURE TIME:  SUNDAY, 7/18/10 EARLY AFTERNOON.  YOU CAN COME FOR THE WEEK END OR JUST FOR THE DAY.

WHO IS INVITED?

ANY VISUALLY IMPAIRED/BLIND INDIVIDUAL, THEIR FAMILY & FRIENDS.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

FUN & GAMES, FREE FOOD, SNACKS & BEVERAGES FOR THE WHOLE WEEK END, ENJOYING THE BEAUTIFUL SANDY BEACH AREA,  SWIMMING, WATER ACTIVITIES, FISHING, CANOEING, KAYAKING, BONFIRES, STORY TELLING, NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT & DOOR PRIZES FOR EVERYONE IN ATTENDANCE ON SATURDAY NIGHT AFTER SUPPER.  THE COOKING IS ALL DONE BY VOLUNTEERS, SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO COOK OR DO DISHES; JUST COME TO RELAX, SOCIALIZE & HAVE FUN.  IF YOU HAVE ANY GAMES YOU WISH TO BRING, PLEASE DO SO.  IF YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL EVENTS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST, CONTACT JACK BEVERIDGE. 

WHAT TO BRING?

IF STAYING OVERNIGHT; CAMPSIGHTS & AN INSIDE BUNK HOUSE THAT SLEEPS UP TO 25 PEOPLE IS AVAILABLE (NO PRIVATE ROOMS…DORM TYPE SETTING ONLY!).  BRING TENTS, SLEEPING BAG(S), PILLOWS, BEDDING, PERSONAL ITEMS, I.E. TOOTHBRUSH, SOAP, MEDICATIONS, TOWELS, BATHING SUITS & ANYTHING FOR YOUR OWN PERSONAL COMFORT.  REMEMBER, THIS IS A CAMPING-OUT EXPERIENCE, SO DON’T EXPECT LUXURIOUS FURNISHED ROOMS.  HOWEVER, BATHROOMS WITH SHOWERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR USE.  ALL FOOD & REFRESHMENTS ARE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE.  IF YOU ARE ON ANY SPECIAL DIET, YOU MAY WANT TO BRING SOME OF YOUR “SPECIAL” FOOD IN CASE WE CAN NOT ACCOMMODATE YOUR DIETARY NEEDS.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

STARTING FROM BREWER, PROCEED ON ROUTE 1A HEADING TOWARDS ELLSWORTH.  CAMP CAPELLA IS LOCATED ON PHILLIPS LAKE IN LUCERNE, MAINE, 12 MILES FROM BANGOR AND 13 MILES FROM ELLSWORTH.  TURN ON FIRST RIGHT PASSED LUCERNE INN.  SIGNS WILL INDICATE WHICH WAY TO GO.  FOLLOW THE SIGNS APPROXIMATELY ½ MILE ON A GOOD PAVED ROAD.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

IF YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO IS BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED, PLEASE PASS THIS INFO. ON TO THEM, SO THEY CAN BE MADE AWARE OF THIS WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY.  ANY ASSISTANCE, MONETARY OR DOOR PRIZE ITEMS WILL BE MORE THAN WELCOME.

FOR FURTHER QUESTIONS OR INFORMATION, CONTACT

JACK BEVERIDGE @ 942-3389

White Cane Walk on October 16,2010 Bangor and Portland

American Council of the Blind of Maine 2010 Convention in Bangor -October 23.

The New Public Service Announcement!

In the last few years, due to  the increasing popularity and use, of electronic devices, driver distraction has become a steadily increasing danger to all people using our road systems. This danger is multiplied for pedestrians , especially blind and visually impaired pedestrians. Our lives depend on motorists to be fully engaged in driving, paying close attention to their surroundings.

As a joint effort, ACB of Maine and, The Iris Network created a 30 second public service  announcement emphasizing the importance of drivers to "See Me".

ACB of Maine

110 Marginal Way

P .O. Box9715 - 121

Portland, ME.04101