The Utah Council of The Blind

Statewide Training Conference

September 11-12, 2026 – Statewide Training Conference, Logan
VISION BEYOND SIGHT: UNLOCKING YOUR POTENTIAL
The Utah Council of the Blind is excited to announce its upcoming State Training Conference, scheduled for September 11–12 in Logan, Utah. This year's event will take place at the Beautiful Riverwoods Conference Center, 635 Riverwood Parkway Logan Utah.

What You Can Look Forward To:
The conference will include an informational update from the Utah State Library for the Blind, along with an entertaining author trivia game where attendees can compete for prizes.

If you choose to opt out of reserving a hotel room, good news we are offering van services both Friday and Saturday from the Blind Center to the conference. Friday's Vans will leave at 7am from the blind center. Friday's van will leave Logan at 5:30 pm returning to the blind center. Saturday's van will Leave the blind center at 7:30 am and return after the banquet leaving around 7-7:30 pm back to the blind center. The cost is $5.00 each way to help with funds.

Vision Beyond Sight: Unlocking Your Potential

Utah Council of the Blind
2026 State Training Conference
September 11–12, 2026
Riverwoods Conference Center
615 Riverwoods Parkway, Logan, Utah

The countdown is on! The Utah Council of the Blind is thrilled to invite you to our 2026 State Training Conference, where you'll discover new ideas, explore innovative technology, connect with friends old and new, and unlock new possibilities for independence and personal growth. Whether you're attending your first conference or you're a longtime member, this year's conference promises something for everyone.

Conference Highlights

Throughout the conference you'll enjoy a variety of educational, interactive, and inspiring presentations,
including:
An update from the Utah State Library for the Blind, featuring the latest programs and services available. As well as an author trivia game.
An update from the American Council of the Blind (ACB) to keep you informed about national advocacy efforts, resources, and exciting initiatives.
Blind Information Technology Solutions will demonstrate innovative technology and practical solutions designed to make everyday life easier and more accessible.
Guide Dogs for the Blind will share exciting news about their new campus and expanded orientation and mobility training opportunities. Guide dog users and those interested in learning more will also have time to ask questions and connect with one another.
Unlocking Your Potential Through Service, an inspiring presentation exploring how serving others can strengthen our communities while enriching our own lives.
Experience the power of music and movement during our Rhythmic Sensory Circle an engaging session designed to awaken the senses, encourage participation, and simply have fun.

Ogden Association of the Blind OAB Sponsored Resource and Technology Fair

Resources and technology continue to change the way we live, work, and connect. Visit our hands-on Resource and Technology Fair to meet vendors, explore the latest assistive technology, ask questions, and try out new devices firsthand.

Outdoor Adventure

We're excited to continue our partnership with Common Ground Outdoor Adventures, who will provide accessible outdoor experiences designed for everyone. Participants will have the opportunity to try accessible archery along with another exciting hands-on activity to be announced soon.

Wild Encounters

Get ready for an unforgettable presentation from Scales and Tails! This interactive reptile zoo will introduce fascinating animals in a safe, educational, and hands-on experience that's sure to be one of the conference favorites.

Friday Night Fun

Staying Friday evening? Don't miss one of the best parts of the weekend! Join us for accessible games, laughter, prizes, great friends, and – of course – plenty of ice cream.

Conference Registration

Registration is $60.00 per person.
$55.00 for current UCB Members.
There are no partial registration options.
Your registration includes:
Full conference admission
Two box lunches
Friday evening reception
Saturday banquet meal
To register for the conference or arrange transportation, please call the Utah Council of the Blind office on or before August 25, 2026 to assure food and activity availability.

Registration and transportation for the conference can be made by following this link UCB Statewide Conference 2026: www.utahblind.org/ucbconference.html
Or calling our office:
801-245-9264 -Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

From inspiring speakers and hands-on activities to exciting technology and meaningful friendships, the 2026 Utah Council of the Blind State Training Conference will be a weekend filled with learning, laughter, discovery, and opportunity to unlock your potential. We Can't Wait to See You!

State Training Conference Agenda

Friday, September 11
8:00 am – Registration
9:00 am – Welcome
9:15 am – Key Note: The Key to Growth – Speaker Corrina Tanner PhD RN
10:00 am – Break
10:15 am – Common Ground Archery Session 1 Departure (by reservation)
10:15 am – The Journey of the Cane: Unlocking Your Mobility Freedom – Feng Yang, Mobility Specialist
11:00 am – Partners in Possibilities: How Guide Dogs for the Blind Unlock Independence – Brad Badger – Report from Guide Dogs for the Blind
12:00 pm – Lunch
12:30 pm – Common Ground Archery Session 2 Departure (by reservation)
1:00 pm – Unlock Your Imagination Through Accessible Books – Lisa Nelson, Utah State Library for the Blind – Report and Trivia
1:45 pm – Unlocking Collaboration – American Council of the Blind Update
2:30 pm – Unlocking Your Potential Through Service – Community Service Panel
3:00 pm – Break
3:15 pm – Unlocking Tomorrow's Technology Today – Kimberly Cline, Stirling Adaptive
4:00 pm – Beyond Sight, Beyond Limits: Technology That Empowers – Jeff Bishop, President of BITS (Blind Information Technology Solutions)
8:00 pm-10:00 pm – Unlocking Your Strategy or Just Embracing Your Luck – Appearance by Unicorn Soda Design Studio, Don't Break the Budget, and Accessible Game night

Saturday, September 12
9:00 am – Welcome
9:15 am-10:45 am – Unlock Your Adventure – Common Ground Guided Experience choose from Tandem Bike Riding, or a Guided River Nature Walk (weather permitted) or a service project.
11:00 am-1:45 pm – Small Group Experiences (Groups Assigned at Registration)
(1) Unlocking the Power of AI – Karl Smith – Meta Glasses Demonstration
(2) Beyond Sight, Discovering the Wild Through Touch – Scales and Tails Presentation and Hands-On Exploration
(3) Unlocking Potential Through Rhythm – Rhythmic Sensory Experience
12:30 pm – Lunch Break
2:00 pm-4:00 pm – Ogden Association of the Blind Sponsored Resource and Technology Fair
5:00 pm – Vision Beyond Sight: Unlocking Your Potential – Reflection and Wrap-Up – Formal Banquet

Accommodations:
AT THIS MOMENT, THE MOTEL MIGHT BE ALL BOOKED UP, BUT YOU CAN CONTACT Abby:
SpringHill suites has available rooms blocked at a special rate for attendees at a rate of $179 per night plus tax.
Hotel rooms must be booked before August 14th. Any rooms booked and needing to be canceled must be canceled before August 4th or you will be charged the full room price.
You may also call the hotel sales coordinator, Abby, at her direct line:
(435) 750-9395.
She is happy to help you with booking a room or answer any questions you might have. Be sure to tell her you are with the Utah Council of the Blind, so she can be sure to get you the discounted price.
More details, including the final activity lineup, will be shared soon. Attendees are encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare for two days of learning, connection, technology exploration, and fun.

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Utah State Fair

The Utah State fair is putting on a disability day where a blind person and their guide may enter the Utah State Fair and enjoy all that it has to offer for one dollar per person. You may choose to attend on Monday, September 14, at 5 pm or Wednesday, September 16, at 9:30 am. Please RSVP at 801-245-9264. It is required that we meet and enter as a group at the discounted rate. For those meeting on Monday, please come to the north State Fair parking lot. Meet at the ticket booth which is east of the DMV office building. For those coming on Wednesday, please enter the north parking lot and head towards the stadium ticket booth west of the parking lot.

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Listen to Smart Glasses Activity from 4/18/2026

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Interview with Anna Jeffery on VoyageUtah

Just wanted to let you know that the article is now live on VoyageUtah!

Here's the link:
Go To VoyageUtah Article

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Listen to UCB Interview, 2023

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The Utah Council of the Blind, also known as UCB, is a membership organization made up primarily of blind and visually impaired individuals who seek to improve the lives of people with various degrees of vision loss. We are a state affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB), which gives us a national voice, yet allows us to be independent in creating our own goals, programs, along with keeping and using donations within the State of Utah. The UCB is recognized by the IRS as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, which allows donations to our organization to be tax deductible. Our members pay a small annual fee, but we primarily depend on grants, private donations, and small fundraising events throughout the year to provide the funding for our many programs and activities.

Our organization uses over 90% of all income solely for our programs, with less than 10% spent on administrative costs. With that in mind, in order to keep our overhead costs down, all of our board members and our executive director work on a volunteer basis. We also have a large need for volunteers to complete various tasks, from office work, driving, reading mail, helping with getting large mailings ready to send, and soliciting donations to assist with setting-up, running, and taking down of activities.

Smith's Rewards

First, you must have a Smith's rewards card. If you do not have this card, ask for one at a checkout or service desk when you are at Smith's. For those of you who use your rewards cards to earn gasoline discounts, be aware that the Community Rewards do not affect those discounts at all. You will still be able to accumulate fuel points as before.

Second, you must have registered the card online. To do this, go to www.smithsfoodanddrug.com, follow the link to register and fill out the form with your email address, a password you create, your home store, etc.
To assign the UCB as your charitable organization: