Conference Schedule

Tentative - Subject to change

LINK TO  CONFERENCE PROGRAM




Getting In Touch with Literacy 2025

Pre-Conference, Field Trip Options, Evening Welcome Reception

Wednesday, November 5, 2025


Registration Open 8:00 am - 5:30 pm  - Embassy Suites Lobby

PRE-CONFERENCE MORNING OPTIONS


On-Site Workshops 

Embassy Suites (ES)


AM Option 1- $25

(9:00- 12:00)





ES -Madison - 2nd Floor (40 in Rounds)

Tactile Graphics Workshop, Amanda Thompson 

Many TVIs do not know we can make high quality tactile graphics using Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Canva, and other mainstream apps, or they just feel overwhelmed at the entire process and don’t even try. We know we need to produce high quality tactile graphics, in accordance with BANA guidelines, and that these graphics support literacy, including reading comprehension and foundational literacy concepts. Students need access to high quality graphics as best practice, and to prepare them for standardized testing, college entry exams, college, and the workforce.

This workshop will demo using Word, Docs, and Canva. The brief presentation portion will also cover differences in embossed, swell, and thermoform braille tactiles, as well as share fonts for creating the files. The presenter will also share tips for embossing or printing the graphics to problem-solve common user errors. After a brief demo, participants will create tactile graphics together! Please bring your computer to this session!!


AM Option 2 

(9:00-12:00)


ES - Monte Sano -2nd Floor (40 in rounds)

CATT

potential additional am onsite pre-conference session rooms


Red Stone - Second Floor 40 (rounds)

Orion - First Floor - 60 people (rounds)

Saturn  - First Floor - 30 people (rounds)



Pre-ConferenceMorning Field Trips


AM Option 3 - $25

8:30-12:30 


Bus to  Ivy Green - Tour of Birthplace of Helen Keller 

REGISTER EARLY - SPACE IS LIMITED 

Includes bus to Tuscumbia, AL from Embassy Suites, entry fee and tour

AM Option 4 - $25

9:00 - 12:00  


The (SCIVIS) Experience - Behind the scenes Tour of Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students Experience at the US Space and Rocket Center.  

Tours Facilitated by Dan Oates  and Trina Britcher

REGISTER EARLY - SPACE IS LIMITED 

Includes Van Shuttle to US Space and Rocket Center from Embassy Suites


Lunch Break (on your own) 12:00-1:30 pm

On-Site Pre-Conference Afternoon Workshops

Embassy Suites (ES)

PM Option 1 - $25

1:30 - 4:30 






ES -Madison - 2nd Floor (40 in Rounds)

3D Modeling Workshop - Amanda Thompson 

Sometimes ordering materials with quota funds can take eons. Sometimes an item is too expensive to purchase, but you could adapt it and print it yourself. And sometimes you have a great idea to solve a simple problem for a student and wish you had the skills to model your own materials.

This session will support participants and empower them to learn the basics of 3D modeling, learn the lingo, explore different printers on the market, see some examples and then make their own models (with help!). Participants will use Tinkercad (free, web-based software) to model items. They will upload a pre-created file to adjust and tinker with and then create their own model from the start. Please bring your computer to this session!!

 1:31:30 - 5:30

1:30 - 4:30


ES - Monte Sano - 2nd Floor

CATT

potential additional pm onsite pre-conference session rooms


Saturn  - First Floor - 30 people (rounds)

Orion - First Floor - 60 people (rounds)

Red Stone - Second Floor 40 (rounds)

Pre-Conference Afternoon Field Trips

PM Option 3 - $25

1:30 - 5:30 

 Pre-Conference  Trip to Ivy Green - Birthplace of Helen Keller 

REGISTER EARLY - SPACE IS LIMITED 

Includes Van Shuttle to US Space and Rocket Center from Embassy Suites

PM Option 4 - $25

1:30 - 4:30

Pre-Conference The (SCIVIS) Experience - Behind the scenes Tour of Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students Experience at the US Space and Rocket Center. 

Facilitated by Dan Oates and Trina Britcher

REGISTER EARLY - SPACE IS LIMITED 

Van Shuttle to US Space and Rocket Center from Embassy Suites


 5:30 - 7:30 PM WELCOME RECEPTION

 Embassy Suites Atrium and Big Springs Ballroom

 with OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER, SINGER/SONGWRITER, BLESSING OFFOR

and students from Alabama School for the Blind

Live music, Drinks, Hors d'oeuvres

Opening General Session; Concurrent Sessions I, II, III, IV, V, Lunch, Field Trips options

Thursday, November 6, 2025


Exhibit Set Up 7:30 am - 9:15 am

Registration Open  -  8:00am - 4:00pm  

Von Braun Center - South Hall Entrance

 Exhibits Open 9:15am - 4:30pm   Von Braun Center South Hall Pre-function Area

Silent Auction open 12:15pm - 4:30pm Von Braun Center South Hall Rear Pre-function Area

8:30 - 9:30 pm

Opening General Session   

Welcome 

Opening Remarks

Sponsor Introductions

Gold Sponsor talks

Von Braun Center - South Hall (1-2-3)


9:30 - 12:30 (morning trip - $25)

The (SCIVIS) Experience -Behind the scenes Tour of Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students Experience at the US Space and Rocket Center. 

REGISTER EARLY - SPACE IS LIMITED 

Van Shuttle to US Space and Rocket Center from Embassy Suites/Von Braun Ctr

Dan Oates and Trina Britcher

 Break with  Exhibitors/Transition 9:30 am - 10:00 

with Snacks/Drinks at Skybridge

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Concurrent Session I  - Embassy Suites and Von Braun Center

Embassy Suites

Big Springs Ballroom AB First Floor ES (140 rounds))

Big Springs Ballroom CD - First floor  ES (140 rounds)

Saturn  - First Floor  (30 rounds)

Orion  - First Floor (60 rounds)

Madison - Second Floor (40 rounds)

Red Stone - Second Floor (40 rounds, 60 theater)

Monte Sano - Second Floor (40 rounds)


Von Braun Center

South Hall 1, (200)

South Hall 2 (200)

South Hall 3 (200)

Meeting Room 1 (80 rounds)

Meeting Room 2 (80 rounds)

 Break/Transition  11:00 - 11:15 am

11:15 am - 12:15 pm

Concurrent Session II - Embassy Suites and Von Braun Center

Embassy Suites

Big Springs Ballroom AB First Floor ES (140 rounds))

Big Springs Ballroom CD - First floor  ES (140 rounds)

Saturn  - First Floor  (30 rounds)

Orion  - First Floor (60 rounds)

Madison - Second Floor (40 rounds)

Red Stone - Second Floor (40 rounds, 60 theater)

Monte Sano - Second Floor (40 rounds)


Von Braun Center

South Hall 1, (200)

South Hall 2 (200)

South Hall 3 (200)

Meeting Room 1 (80 rounds)

Meeting Room 2 (80 rounds)

12:15 - 1:45 Lunch on Your Own

Silent Auction Opens At Von Braun Center South Hall


1:30 - 4:30 pm   (afternoon trip - $25)

The (SCIVIS) Experience - Behind the scenes Tour of Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students Experience at the US Space and Rocket Center. 

REGISTER EARLY - SPACE IS LIMITED 

Van Shuttle to US Space and Rocket Center from Embassy Suites

Dan Oates and Trina Britcher

1:30 - 5:30  (afternoon trip - $25)

Trip to Ivy Green - Birthplace of Helen Keller

REGISTER EARLY - SPACE IS LIMITED 

Bus to Ivy Green - Tuscumbia, AL from Embassy Suites


1:45 pm - 2:45 pm

Concurrent Session III - Embassy Suites and Von Braun Center

Embassy Suites

Orion  - First Floor (60 rounds)

Madison - Second Floor (40 rounds)

Red Stone - Second Floor (40 rounds, 60 theater)

Monte Sano - Second Floor (40 rounds)

Big Springs Ballroom AB First Floor ES (140 rounds))

Big Springs Ballroom CD - First floor  ES (140 rounds)

Saturn  - First Floor  (30 rounds)


Von Braun Center

South Hall 1, (200)

South Hall 2 (200)

South Hall 3 (200)

Meeting Room 1 (80 rounds)

Meeting Room 2 (80 rounds)

  Break/Transition 2:45 - 3:15

   Dessert Break at Skybridge

Silent Auction Continues

 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm

Concurrent Session IV - Embassy Suites and Von Braun Center

Embassy Suites

Orion  - First Floor (60 rounds)

Madison - Second Floor (40 rounds)

Red Stone - Second Floor (40 rounds, 60 theater)

Monte Sano - Second Floor (40 rounds)

Big Springs Ballroom AB First Floor ES (140 rounds))

Big Springs Ballroom CD - First floor  ES (140 rounds)

Saturn  - First Floor  (30 rounds)


Von Braun Center

South Hall 1, (200)

South Hall 2 (200)

South Hall 3 (200)

Meeting Room 1 (80 rounds)

Meeting Room 2 (80 rounds)

  Break/Transition 4:15 - 4:30

4:30- 5:30 pm

Concurrent Session V - Embassy Suites and Von Braun Center

Embassy Suites

Orion  - First Floor (60 rounds)

Madison - Second Floor (40 rounds)

Red Stone - Second Floor (40 rounds, 60 theater)

Monte Sano - Second Floor (40 rounds)

Big Springs Ballroom AB First Floor ES (140 rounds))

Big Springs Ballroom CD - First floor  ES (140 rounds)

Saturn  - First Floor  (30 rounds)


Von Braun Center

Meeting Room 1 (80 rounds)

Meeting Room 2 (80 rounds)

South Hall 1, (200)

South Hall 2 (200)

South Hall 3 (200)

 Embassy Suites Hotel Sponsored Social in Atrium 5:30-7:00

Evening Activity - Let's go to school!!!  A Night out at CAMPUS 805!

Join us at the old school that has been transformed into the South's Premier Brewery & Entertainment Venue

 Showcase Session, Poster Sessions, Awards Luncheon, Concurrent Sessions VI, VII, VIII, IX

Friday, November 7, 2025

8:45 am - 5:15 pm

 Registration 8:00am - 2:00pm 

Von Braun Center - South Hall Entrance

 Exhibits  open 9:15 am -  1:30 pm - Von Braun Center South Hall - Pre-Function Area


8:00 AM - Poster Session Set-Up

8:45 am - 9:45 am

Concurrent Session VI - Embassy Suites and Von Braun Center

Embassy Suites

Big Springs Ballroom AB First Floor ES (140 rounds))

Big Springs Ballroom CD - First floor  ES (140 rounds)

Orion  - First Floor (60 rounds)

Madison - Second Floor (40 rounds)

Red Stone - Second Floor (40 rounds, 60 theater)

Monte Sano - Second Floor (40 rounds)

Saturn  - First Floor  (30 rounds)


Von Braun Center

South Hall 1, 2,3 (600)

Meeting Room 1 (80 rounds)

Meeting Room 2 (80 rounds)


  Break/Transition 9:45 am-10:00 am 

Coffee/Drinks/Snacks on Skybridge

10:00am - 11:00 am

GENERAL CONFERENCE KEYNOTE

Dr. Sheri Wells Jensen

Von Braun Center - South Hall (1-2-3)

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Exhibits /Poster Sessions  

 Von Braun Center South Hall - Pre-Function Area

Silent Auction Ends at Noon


12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Awards Luncheon

Silent Auction Winners Announced

Von Braun Center - South Hall (1-2-3)

  1:30 - 2:30 pm 

Concurrent Session VII  - Embassy Suites and Von Braun Center

Embassy Suites

Big Springs Ballroom AB First Floor ES (140 rounds))

Big Springs Ballroom CD - First floor  ES (140 rounds)

Orion  - First Floor (60 rounds)

Madison - Second Floor (40 rounds)

Red Stone - Second Floor (40 rounds, 60 theater)

Monte Sano - Second Floor (40 rounds)

Saturn  - First Floor  (30 rounds)


Von Braun Center

South Hall 1, 2,3 (600 rounds)

Meeting Room 1 (80 rounds)

Meeting Room 2 (80 rounds)

  Break/Transition 2:30 - 3:00

Dessert Break at Skybridge to Embassy Suites

3:00- 4:00 pm 

Concurrent Session VIII - Embassy Suites and Von Braun Center

Big Springs Ballroom AB First Floor ES (140 rounds))

Big Springs Ballroom CD - First floor  ES (140 rounds)

Orion  - First Floor (60 rounds)

Madison - Second Floor (40 rounds)

Red Stone - Second Floor (40 rounds, 60 theater)

Monte Sano - Second Floor (40 rounds)

Saturn  - First Floor  (30 rounds)


Von Braun Center

South Hall 1, 2,3 (600)

Meeting Room 1 (80 rounds)

Meeting Room 2 (80 rounds)

  Break/Transition  4:00 - 4:15

4:15 pm - 5:15 pm

Concurrent Session IX - Embassy Suites and Von Braun Center

Embassy Suites

Big Springs Ballroom AB First Floor ES (140 rounds))

Big Springs Ballroom CD - First floor  ES (140 rounds)

Orion  - First Floor (60 rounds)

Madison - Second Floor (40 rounds)

Red Stone - Second Floor (40 rounds, 60 theater)

Monte Sano - Second Floor (40 rounds)

Saturn  - First Floor  (30 rounds)


Von Braun Center

South Hall 1, 2,3 (600)

Meeting Room 1 (80 rounds)

Meeting Room 2 (80 rounds)

        Social - Embassy Suites Hotel Sponsored in Atrium 5:30-7:00


Concurrent Sessions X, XI, Closing Remarks/Wrap-up

Saturday, November 8, 2025

9:00 am - Noon

 9:00 am - 10:00 am 

Concurrent Session X - Embassy Suites 

Embassy Suites

Big Springs Ballroom AB - First Floor

Big Springs Ballroom CD - First floor

Saturn  - First Floor

Orion  - First Floor

Madison - Second Floor

Red Stone - Second Floor

MonteCarlo - Second Floor


Break/Check Out - 10:00 am  - 10:15 am

Snack/Drinks at Skybridge to Embassy Suites

10:15 am - 11:15 am 

Concurrent Session XI  - Embassy Suites 

Embassy Suites

ROUND TABLE INTEREST GROUPS

Big Springs Ballroom AB - First Floor

Big Springs Ballroom CD - First floor

Saturn  - First Floor

Orion  - First Floor

Madison - Second Floor

Red Stone - Second Floor

MonteCarlo - Second Floor


 Break/Transition  11:15 - 11:30

11:30 am - 12:00 pm

Closing Wrap-Up - Embassy Suites


If you have any questions - please email us at gitwlconference@gmail.com