UTAH COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
MEMBERSHIP
HANDBOOK
Welcome to the Utah Council of the Blind (UCB)!
This pamphlet was developed to answer some questions you may have about the Council.
Which is one of the oldest organizations of persons with a disability in the
United States. UCB offers independent democratic resolutions to social,
educational, rehabilitative, transportation, and public safety issues. It is
affiliated with the American Council of the Blind (ACB), the largest
consumer-driven organization of blind and visually impaired persons and friends
in this country. ACB and its affiliates, including UCB, promote social,
economic, and educational opportunities for all blind and visually impaired
people.
UCB consists of many chapters throughout the state and is far and away the
largest consumer organization of blind and visually impaired Utah residents.
Its members are of different ages, interests, and ethnicities and represent a
wide variety of occupations, political persuasions, and religious affiliations.
In numbers, we join together to solve the problems and change the stereotypes
that society imposes upon us. It is by working together that the great
challenge of blindness can and will be overcome.
Since all members are an integral part of this organization, UCB connects us
all together to create a support network; for when a blind or visually impaired
person is discriminated against, all of us are affected. We also celebrate each
member's individual achievements and the accomplishments of our chapters.
Recently, for example, the UCB was instrumental in having talking ATM machines
installed at many Utah banks and in establishing a Division for the Blind and
Visually Impaired in the Department of Rehabilitation. Throughout the state UCB
chapters and individual members have been involved with accessible voting
machines, Para transit issues, installation of Accessible pedestrian signals,
and many other developments that affect the daily lives of blind and visually
impaired persons. When you become a member of UCB, you automatically have a
sense of belonging to a group of people who truly understand and welcome you to
a wonderful family of caring friends.
If you wish to inquire about other achievements of UCB, contact the main
office. Specific information for reaching the office and for all the Websites
and Listservs given in this handbook are listed at
the end. The Utah Newsletter, the organization's news service for up-to-date
information, is readily available after 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and all
day on weekends and holidays. UCB offers connections to all aspects of
blindness from student life and technological advances on the one hand to the
concerns of parents and senior citizens on the other. Members stay informed on
state and national developments in all areas of blindness with the "Utah
Newsletter"; our monthly newsletter, The Blind Utah residents; and the
monthly publication of ACB, The Braille Forum. Members also keep each other
aware of daily issues through our online listserv, our students' listserv, and
various lists from the American Council of the Blind. The UCB and ACB Websites
offer many resources on blindness for our members and for the public. Again, refer
to the detailed information at the end of this handbook.
Each member receives help when advocacy is needed and mentors who can give both
advice and assistance in problem-solving. Monthly meetings and social
activities lead to lasting friendships and lessen the feeling of isolation
often experienced by those with vision loss. Semiannual conventions of UCB and
the annual ACB conventions also provide valuable learning experiences as well
as opportunities to meet vendors of blindness-related products and services.
Any resident of Utah who is 16 years old is eligible to become a voting member
of UCB. The five classes of members are: Chapter Members; Members at Large
(those not residing near a chapter); Life Members (people who pay Life
Membership dues); Sustaining Members (nonvoting groups or individuals who pay
$25 annually to support the organization. Chapter Members, Members at Large and
Life Members may vote, present motions, speak on the floor of the convention,
serve on committees, and hold office. The majority of these members must be
legally blind. As a member of UCB, you can participate in making the world a
better place for blind and visually impaired people; advocate for change at the
local, state, or national level; and serve on one of the committees which
address issues from education, rehabilitation, and senior concerns to public
relations and fund raising. Through advocacy efforts you can help make
accessibility the norm. Total accessibility means being able to read any
materials available to the public, walk in a safe environment, work in any
setting we choose, and participate in any activities that other people do. You
can strengthen our advocacy and service efforts by inviting your friends and
colleagues to join us. The areas open to you are many and varied. UCB
committees include advocacy, Awards, Access and Transportation, Constitution
and Bylaws, Convention, Credentials, Crisis, Devotional Services, Domestic
Violence and Hate Crimes, Education, Employment assistance, Finance and Budget,
Fund Raising, Governmental Affairs, Membership, Publications, Public Relations,
Rehabilitation Services, Resolutions, Scholarships, Senior Blind, Sports and
recreation, and Technology.
UCB chapters vary in their focus.
Many are geographically defined by cities or counties while others reflect a
special interest shared by the members.
Contact information:
Utah Council of the Blind
1301 W 500 S
Woods Cross, UT 84087 2224
ph (801) 299-0670
fax (801) 292-6046
E-mail: ucb.board@gmail.com
American Council of the Blind: (202) 467-5081 or (800) 424-8666 from 11 a.m. to
2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Address: 1155 15th St., NW, Suite 1004, Washington,
DC 20005
Washington Connection: (800) 424-8666 from 5:00 p.m. to midnight Monday through
Friday and all day on weekends and holidays
Website www.acb.org
Listserv: acb-l@acb.org
© 2015 Utah Council of the Blind.
All Rights Reserved.