Four Points by Sheraton Hotel 5905 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819 Phone: 407-351-2100 May 14 – May 17, 2026 Table of Contents Welcome Convention Sponsors 2026 FCB Officers 2024 – 2026 If a veterinarian is needed Convention Registration Schedule Thursday, May 14, 2026 Friday, May 15, 2026 Saturday, May 16, 2026 Sunday, May 17, 2026 2026 FCB Exhibitors Four Points Hotel Description Welcome to the 73rd Annual Convention of the FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND (FCB) Our convention theme, submitted by DJ Hansard, is We’re in the Mix in 2026 Caravan To Convention! Plans have begun and members are already gathering and scheduling their carpool rides, tickets and reservations to ensure that they don't miss a single magical moment. Turning every corner of the state in this 73rd year just cruising down I-4 by 4 as every road points us all to Florida's world renowned favorite center destination and the sunny side of International Drive. Thoughts of gazing upon scenery that brushes over highways and train tracks, all while pondering over memories, meetings and meet-ups you’ll soon be thrust in with friends when you arrive. Can you believe it, Mickey and friends won't be the only ones awaiting your arrival. We anxiously look for you and your presence, like the Prince and Princess entering the Disney Castle because so much has been planned with you in mind. Like a great Universal Studios movie, our convention program is full of anticipation, action and activities for all. No matter which one of our convention theaters (Universal, Sinatra, International and Millennia) you enter into at the Sheraton there is an informative plot and many elements of surprise via resources, products and services from our Committees, Special Interest Affiliates, Sponsors, and Exhibitors that are waiting for you to experience. While various leaders will facilitate workshops on the latest in advocacy, Meta glasses, employment, accessible web tools, and puppy raising. Join in the discussion with Dr Francisco Richardson, Trina Travis, Ted Henter, Lesa Kretschmer, Chef Debra Erickson and more on specific topics and resources available with Division of Blind Services, technology, Low Vision Rehabilitation, hands on demonstrations with assistive technology devices, and adaptable kitchen tools. Take note of these wonderful sessions that have unique visual style, audio cues, and deliberate pacing that creates a feeling of being inclusive for all who are Blind or Low Vision and inviting you to "sit on the edge of your seat" as you listen and participate. Convention Sponsors 2026 With extreme gratitude and pleasure, we recognize and sincerely thank our 2026 Convention Sponsors Platinum Light $1,500 Spectrum/Charter GOLD $1,000 E S & S Vote Lighthouse Central Florida Vanda Pharmaceutical Silver $500 Democracy Live Doug Hall Friends of Library Access Inc. L.C. Electric Vispero Bronze $250 Disability Rights Florida Florida Vision Technology Greater Orlando Council of the Blind The House of Lynn Halifax Council of the Blind Pinellas Council of the Blind Tallahassee Council of the Blind Bronze Light $200 Manatee Council of the Blind Red $100 Braille Revival League of Florida Jacksonville Council of the Blind Blue $25 Guide Dog Users of Florida FCB Officers 2024 – 2026 Mikey Wiseman, President Miami, Florida Cassandra Jessie, First Vice-President Tallahassee, Florida Shelley Sawyer, Second Vice-President Tallahassee, Florida Mark Lear, Treasurer Port Orange, Florida Elizabeth Bowden, Recording Secretary Tallahassee, Florida Sally Benjamin, Membership Secretary Tallahassee, Florida Sheila Young, Immediate Past President Orlando, Florida If a veterinarian is needed for your service dogs, contact: Universal Animal Clinic 5682 Windover Drive 407-354-1595 Dr. Phillips Animal Hospital 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd. Suite 142 Orlando, FL 407-352-2579 Paws Around Town Mobile Vet Hospital 7906 Kingspoint Pky. Suite 108 Orlando, FL 407-272-2803 Convention Registration Schedule Thursday, May 14, 2026 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2026 8:00 am - 12:00 pm 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Saturday, May 16, 2026 8:00 am - 11:00 am Room: Millennia The FCB hospitality room will be open both Friday and Saturday evenings. Room: Sinatra Our FCB Convention will be exciting and educational, full of varied and informative programs and of course, time for visiting and fun! There's something for everyone here, don't miss it! This will be our sixth hybrid convention. This means that you can attend in person at the hotel or participate on Zoom. ACB Media will be streaming some of our convention workshops and will use another one of their Zoom rooms to present other audio only workshops. The ACB Media workshops will have a video feed so that presenters in the hotel or on Zoom will be seen by all participants. The Zoom information will be sent out a few days before the convention starts. We would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to ACB Media for providing us with their Zoom rooms and streaming our convention. We know that a lot of people were involved to make this happen, but we would like to give special thanks to Rick Morin, ACB Media and IT Manager, and his team for your many hours of dedication to our FCB Convention. We would also like to thank our Zoom hosts for hosting, and Ryan Cordell and John Richards for assisting us with streaming at the hotel. *** Thursday, May 14, 2026 Thursday Night Event 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Activities Committee Come join the Activities Committee for some fun and entertainment at the Welcome Night on the evening of Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 7 PM to 10 PM. This event will be an Oldies But Goodies Open Mic Talent Showcase featuring the ‘50s through the ‘80s. We invite you to perform music, spoken word, comedy, poetry, or a karaoke song from one of these decades. Feel free to dust off your poodle skirts or bell-bottoms and dress for the occasion. Maybe you’ll win a door prize too! Even if you don’t want to perform, come cheer on your fellow FCB members and enjoy music from our DJ. Registration to attend is $20, which includes a buffet with the following items: hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, cookies and iced tea. The buffet will be open between 7:30 and 9:00 PM. We encourage you to sign up to perform in the talent showcase by completing this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1eJ2n7o1qdO0VkxwJNPj9nQwIYEBlwisBStdIM5tV4ew/viewform?edit_requested=true. Room: Ballroom Universal 1 and 2 The Activities Committee also invites you to help save lives! FCB is partnering with OneBlood for members to participate in the Florida Council of the Blind Janeen Lea Memorial Blood Drive on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 9 AM to 2 PM. You can donate blood via the mobile bus on site at the hotel. You may schedule an appointment prior to arriving for convention at the following link or visit the Activities Committee table in the Exhibit Hall:  https://donor.oneblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/1749601. To conclude our convention activities on Saturday evening, the Activities Committee will host a Game Night in the Sinatra hospitality room from 9 PM to 10 PM. We invite you to come out for some fun and laughs! There is no cost to attendees for this event. Friday, May 15, 2026 REGISTRATION 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM AND 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Room: Millennia EXHIBIT HALL As always, one of the highlights of convention is our Exhibit Hall that will be open from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Come browse, purchase goods or learn about new technology to assist you in living a more productive and independent life. Room: International Ballroom 8:30 – 9:30 AM Wake up with Get Up and Get Moving!  Join Koni Sims and Leslie Spoone on Friday, May 15 at 8:30 am for some stretching and some Aromatherapy to get your day started. You will feel energetic and relaxed for the whole day for all of your sessions.   Room: Universal Ballroom 2 Not On Zoom 9:30-10:30 AM Guide Dog Users of Florida (GDUF) Many factors go into the development  and continued work of successful  guide dogs, including education, matching and training, but other important components should be examined as well.  How are future guide dog puppies chosen and what skills and behaviors are involved in the development of     these wonderful companions and future important mobility assistants?  Prior to a short business meeting, A panel will discuss puppy-raising programs and address concerns of raisers and handlers.  This will be a great opportunity to share information and discuss  various concerns. Room: Universal Ballroom 1 ACB Media Stream 9:45-10:45 AM FCB Employment Committee Program The Employment Committee Program will be held on Friday, MAY 15th, 2026 facilitated by Barbara Brown, Chair of the Employment Committee. Employers will discuss the point of contact to encourage employees to communicate any issues they have with their accommodations, and the employers effective approach is to simply follow up with the employee and confirm the accommodations are working as intended. Employees will discuss any accommodation reporting issues or changes. Employees will also discuss if they feel comfortable reporting, if the accommodations are still effective.   Room: Universal Ballroom 2 ACB Zoom Audio 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Presenter Debra Erickson, MS Executive Chef and Founder of the Blind Kitchen Welcome to The Blind Kitchen where adaptive tools, helpful strategies, and specialized knowledge are provided to blind and vision-impaired people who want to cook safely, confidently, and independently. Chef Debra will discuss safe cooking techniques and products that The Blind Kitchen sells to make your culinary experience meaningful and provide you with confidence. She will entertain questions. Please come join us. Room Universal Ballroom 1 ACB Media Stream 11:00 AM 12:00 PM: Braille Revival League of Florida (BRLF) Come join the Braille Revival League of Florida where we will be exploring some of the new braille technology products that have been released this year and are soon to arrive on the market. Humanware will release the evolve. Selvas LV will be issuing the Braille Sense 7. Orbit has two new lines of braille products. Hable is marketing the Hable Easy braille keyboard. A representative from Florida Vision Technology will be joining us to demonstrate some of these new products as well as some of our old favorites. We will be able to have a hands-on experience with exciting technology. You don’t want to miss this presentation!!! Room: Universal Ballroom 2 ACB Audio 12:00-1:00 PM Lunch On Your Own 1:00-2:30 PM The 2026 FCB Legislative Seminar Moderated by Debbie Grubb This year's legislative seminar will present a program outlining a crucial turning point in the process by which the organization conducts its work with the Florida Legislature and the Florida Congressional Delegation. This process began with our one-year experiment of conducting our Capitol Hill visits virtually with proven leaders in FCB chosen to lead teams through every component of arranging for and conducting these meetings. The hoped for outcome is that FCB will have a core group of people prepared to carry on the work of the Governmental Affairs committee in a more effective and inclusive manner with leadership and members trained and  ready to support this effort. You will be hearing from program leaders and team members chosen by them about the effectiveness of this experiment and what they took away from it. The program will conclude with a discussion about the necessity of working with people for whom we did not vote, why it is important, especially in a democracy, some meaningful examples of how this collaboration has moved our country forward in a positive way, and how to conduct these discussions in a manner that will move our issues forward without, in any way' violating our right to support the party and candidates of our choice. The panelists bringing their expertise to this conversation are: Koni Sims, FCB's ACB Officer Liaison, member of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind, and advocate on behalf of people with low vision, as well as anyone who seeks her assistance , Paul Edwards, Past President of FCB and ACB, whose writing style and laser sharp understanding and great knowledge permeate the tone and content and intent of the work of FCB, and Mark Richert, an attorney and nationally recognized advocate, creator of the Cogswell Macy Act and force for good in the recognition of and carrying out of policies and programs that are a light and a path to our equal access to opportunity that looks like us.   Won't you join us seeking how to learn what role you might play in FCB's continuing efforts to  educate and convince our political leaders, regardless of party affiliation, about the barriers that hinder us and the endless possibilities that we can bring when they are eliminated?  Room: Universal Ballroom 1 ACB Media Stream 1:15-2:15 PM Florida Vision Technology Lesa Kretschmer, founder of Florida Vision Technology is proud to showcase the latest innovations designed to empower individuals and support success in school, the workplace, and daily life. During this technology presentation, attendees will experience hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge solutions across several categories of assistive technology. We will highlight the latest in multi-line braille tablets and braille-first computing that enhance literacy and digital access, navigation tools that promote independence and confident travel, and advanced video magnification systems that improve reading, writing, and everyday tasks. We will also demonstrate head-mounted devices designed specifically for intermediate and distance viewing, allowing users to clearly see activities such as crafts, hobbies, television, presentations, and computer screens. In addition, attendees will experience the newest smart glasses powered by artificial intelligence, which can read text, identify objects, and provide real-time information about the surrounding environment. Each technology is selected for its ability to help individuals gain greater access, independence, and opportunity through the power of assistive technology. Room: Universal Ballroom 2 ACB Zoom Audio 2:45 – 3:15 PM Credentials Workshop Register your onsite delegates for the convention. Each chapter or affiliate must be represented in person by an FCB member to receive your credentials. Room: Universal Ballroom 2 Not on Zoom 3:00-4:00 PM Coalition for the Concerns of the Totally Blind (CCTB) Join the Coalition for the Concerns of the Totally Blind on Friday, May 15 from 3 to 4pm, along with Brent Harbolt. The Harbolt Company  was started in July of 2014 by Brent Harbolt. The company was created out of a love for finding unique and interesting items. Whether it be high tech, low tech, or no tech, we have a little something for everyone. All items that we sell on our web site are guaranteed to be accessible to those who are visually impaired. If it is not accessible, we won't sell it. We are very serious about accessibility and provide written, and  audio detailed descriptions of every item that we sell. Our inventory is constantly changing, so you never know what you will find on our site. We strive to locate a variety of interesting and unique products to make your life a little easier. We ship everywhere in the United States, and to most countries worldwide. Room: Universal Ballroom 1 ACB Media Stream 3:30 – 4:15 PM First-timers Workshop Is this your first time attending an FCB Convention? WELCOME! We have a special workshop just for you, co-hosted by long-time members and FCB experts: Sally Benjamin, Mark Lear and Cassandra Jessie. This workshop will tell you who we are, what we do and what we have to offer. Come check it out and let us get to know each other. Room: Universal Ballroom 2 Not on Zoom 4:25-4:45 PM Executive Committee Meeting Room: Universal Ballroom 1 ACB Zoom Audio 4:50 – 5:15 PM Pre-Convention Board Meeting Room: Universal Ballroom 1 ACB Zoom Audio 5:45-6:30 PM Nominating Committee Room: International 3 Not on Zoom 7:00 PM The FCB Banquet Scholarships and Live Auction and a guest speaker Join us on Friday evening to celebrate and recognize our FCB scholarship students at a special dinner hosted in their honor by Sheila Young, committee chair for Education, Leadership and Scholarships. Our banquet speaker will be Ted Henter, cofounder of Freedom Scientific. He will tell us of his vast life experiences from motor cycle racing, and water skiing. Ted has two daughters and two grandchildren. The FCB Live Auction will consist of donated items auctioned by our esteemed auctioneer Paul Edwards. Our banquet food this year will be a buffet with choices of Caesar salad, garlic bread, mixed vegetables, cheese tortellini with alfredo sauce, sauteed chicken breast in marsala wine mushroom sauce on a bed of penne pasta, and tiramisu for dessert. There will be a cash bar for drinks; cash and credit cards will be accepted. Room: Universal Ballroom 1 and 2 ACB Media Stream At the conclusion of the banquet, the hospitality room will open in Sinatra. Saturday, May 16, 2026 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Convention Registration Room: Millennia 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Exhibit Hall Open Room: International Ballroom 9:00 AM 2:00 PM: FCB Memorial Janeen Lea Blood Drive As you plan to join us in Orlando, Florida for our Annual FCB Convention in May, the Activities Committee invites you to help us save lives.   The Florida Council of the Blind is partnering with OneBlood at this year's convention for members to give back onsite, one donor at a time. Donors can contribute via the mobile bus on May 16, 2026 from 9am - 2pm. You can schedule an appointment prior to arriving for convention by clicking the following link.   Florida Council of the Blind Janeen Lea Blood Drive:  https://donor.oneblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/1749601.    Thank you for your continued support! 8:00-9:45 AM 73rd Annual State Convention 8:00-8:30: Announcements and Sponsor Presentations Opening Ceremony Moderated by Debbie Grubb In this time of great division in our country, it seemed most appropriate to discuss grassroots advocacy, an action that throughout our history, has brought unity, solidarity and the birth of the core principles and policies that have made possible the best that this country has to offer to its citizens and to people around the world. We will discuss a bit of the history of  grassroots advocacy in this country, why it was and continues to be important, rules of the road that lead to best outcomes, the importance of bringing our own unique strengths and personal experiences to it when the need requires, which it certainly does today, and protecting members and the organizations that they represent from the legal ramifications of advice they may give to those who come seeking it. Koni Simms, FCB Officer Liaison from ACB, Mark Richert, attorney and nationally recognized advocate, and Paul Edwards, Immediate Past President of both FCB and ACB, will bring their experiential knowledge and expertise to this discussion. Won't you come with open hearts and minds prepared to consider what you may do to right wrongs and bring about a renewed respect for and interest in the true reinstatement of the best that diversity, equity and inclusion truly means? Room: Universal Ballroom 1 and 2 ACB Media Stream 9:45 AM 10:15 AM: Break 10:15-11:05 AM: Ted Henter’s Forty Year Career Join Ted as he discusses his career prior to technology, working at Maryland Computers, and his extensive and exceptional career at Freedom Scientific. You will be amazed! Room Universal Ballroom 1 and 2 ACB Media Stream 11:15 AM - 12:05 PM: FCB Technology Committee Program Meta Smart Glasses Smart glasses for people who are blind or have low vision are opening new doors to independence, access, and participation in our communities. Using built-in cameras, audio feedback, and artificial intelligence, these wearable devices can read printed text aloud, identify objects and people, and describe surroundings in real time. Designed to be hands-free and discreet, smart glasses support everyday tasks at home, at work, and while traveling throughout Florida’s cities and neighborhoods. Come join Cindy Hollis, Manager of Membership Engagement, American Council of the Blind, and the technology committee at the Florida Council of the Blind State Convention for this presentation. You will learn about this evolving technology and how it represents an exciting step forward in expanding opportunities, empowerment, and informed choice for blind Floridians. Room: Universal Ballroom 1 and 2 ACB Media Stream 12:30-2:00 PM FCB Awards Luncheon Please come and join our FCB Awards Luncheon and honor those who are receiving state and chapter awards. The Awards Committee, chaired by Cachet Wells will conduct the presentations. During the last ten minutes of the luncheon, the drawings for the fifty/fifty tickets and the Chapter Revenue Program tickets will take place. Our luncheon will be a buffet consisting of the following choices: garden salad, corn bread, macaroni and cheese, green beans, barbeque pulled pork, barbeque chicken sliders, cheesecake, iced tea and water. A cash bar will be available. Room: Universal Ballroom 1 and 2 ACB Media Stream 2:15-3:15 PM FCB Annual Town Hall Meeting Plan to attend this exciting and informative meeting moderated by President Mikey Wiseman. You will hear from the Director of the Division of Blind Services, (DBS)Trina Travis, regarding the current status of the goals and mission of the agency including specific news that she wishes to bring to us. Nicole Sanders, Bureau Chief from the Talking Book Library, will talk about changes and new programs. After their presentations, they will answer questions from the audience. Room: Universal Ballroom 1 and 2 ACB Media Stream 3:30-4:45 PM Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision (FCCLV) Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision will conduct its annual meeting and program. Florida Council of the Blind welcomes back Dr. Jose Richardson for his second presentation about low vision. He is the founder of Eyes on Winter Park which specializes in comprehensive eye care, specialty contact lenses, and low vision rehabilitation. Dr. Richardson is a graduate of Southeastern Nova University with a degree in Doctor of Optometry. He will discuss aging with IRD, macular degeneration, geographic atrophy, testing and treatment and resources. Room: Universal Ballroom 1 and 2 ACB Media Stream 6:00 – 9:00: PM Happy Hour in the Hospitality Room Come join Dan an Leslie Spoone and your FCB friends for a rousing three hours of fun and laughter. Room: Sinatra 9:00 – 10:00: PM Game Night in the Hospitality Room Join the Activities Committee for an exciting game of Battle of the Sexes. It will prove to be hilarious and enlightening. Room: Sinatra Sunday, May 17, 2026 8:30 AM - Noon Bright and early on Sunday morning, you can claim your right and responsibility as an FCB member by participating in the organization's annual business meeting. Hear from leaders about progress made and work yet needing to be done and discover what important role you can play in advocacy. Business Meeting Outline Call To Order: Mikey Wiseman, President Roll Call: Sally Benjamin Minutes: Elizabeth Bowden Treasurer’s Report: Mark Lear President’s Report: Mikey Wiseman State Officer Elections Awards Committee: Cachet Wells Scholarships Recipients: Sheila Young Convention Committee: Kati Lear Resolutions Committee: Paul Edwards Other Committee Reports: (as needed) Unfinished Business: New Business: Announcements: Room: Universal Ballroom 1 and 2 ACB Zoom Audio 2026 FCB Exhibitors Activities Committee FCB Memorial Janeen Lea Blood Drive Cachet Wells 944 Stark St. Jacksonville, FL 32208 904 764-4573 Jbillray2@aol.com A. T. Guys Damashe Thomas P. O. Box 5144 Kalamazoo, MI 49005 269 216-4798 Support@atguys.com Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library            Nicole Sanders 421 Platt Street                                                      Daytona Beach, FL 32114 386-239-6060 Nicole.Sanders@dbs.fldoe.org Career, Training & Technology Center 408 White Street Daytona Beach, Fl 32114 386 258-4444 ed.james@dbs.fldoe.org Division of Blind Services Paula Mooney 400 W. Robinson St. Orlando, FL 32801 850 245-0700 Paula.mooney@dbs.fldoe.org Dogs Inc. Karissa Keller 4210 77th St E Palmetto, FL 34221 941 845-1874 karissa.keller@dogsinc.org Election Systems and Software Caitlin Jurgensmeier 11208 John Galt Blvd. Omaha, NE 68137 877 377-8683 conferences@essvote.com Emerald Coast Vision Aids, Inc. Adam Suitor 163 East Burgess Road Pensacola, FL 32503 850 473-8081 adam@emeraldcoastvisionaids.com Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind Jennifer Valderrama 207 San Marco Avenue St. Augustine, FL 32084 904 827-2666 valderramaj@fsdbk12.org Florida Reading Technology Lesa Berg Kretschmer 2880 W Oakland Park Blvd., Suite 104 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 800 981-5119 lesa@floridareading.com Friends of Library Access Paul Lewis P. O. Box 10716 Daytona Beach, FL 32120-0716 941 841-9640 lewpil1952@gmail.com Greater Orlando Chapter Leslie Spoone 3924 Lake Mirage Blvd. Orlando, FL 32817 407 929-9837 lesliespoone@cfl.rr.com Hapware Gabby Pangelinan 2750 Crabapple Rd. Golden, CO 80401 904 527-9850 gabby@hapware.com JW.org Jose Quintanilla  709 Oakland Avenue  St. Augustine, FL 32084 904 315-6196 jqfoodsinc@gmail.com Lighthouse of Central Florida Shannon Boon 15 East New Hampshire St. Orlando, FL 32804 407 604-4725 Shannon.Boon@lighthousecfl.org Sophia McCall: Sophia.McCall@lighthousecfl.org Monthly Monetary Support Dan Spoone 3924 Lake Mirage Blvd. Orlando, FL 32817 407 227-4489 DanSpoone@cfl.rr.com Orlando VA Medical Center Dylan Buhain 13800 Veterans Way Orlando, Florida 32827 407 579-4359 dylan-john.buhain@va.gov Patriot Vision Industries John Palmer 2129 SW Highway 484 Ocala, FL 34473 800 364-1610 / 954 629-2977 haley@patriotvision.com SightStand Dr. Francisco Jose Richardson 2285 Aloma Ave. Winter Park, FL 407 672-2020 contact@sightstand.com The House of Lynn, LLC Lynn Chantale 1124 N. E. 36 St. Cape Coral, FL 33909 810 288 4116 lynn@thehouseoflynn.com The Magnification Company LLC Bob Schrepfer 6500 Central Avenue, Suite C St. Petersburg, FL 33707 866 343-3395 Magnifytmc@gmail.com www.TMCmagnifiers.com  Vanda Vicki Preddy, Nurse Educator 2200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 300 Washington DC 20037 202 578-9060 Vicki.preddy@vandapharma.com VisualEyes Access Shawn Welker 154 Chestnut St. Battle Creek, MI 517 630-1420 Shawn@VisualEyesAccess.com Votrite, Inc. Adrienne Mazzone Angelica Kapsis 20934 Concord Green Dr., E. Boca Raton, FL 33433 516 414-1875 Adrienne Mazzone amazzone@transmediagroup.com akapsis@votrite.com Four Points Hotel Description General First Floor Layout When entering the lobby entrance, you are walking north. The hotel check in is at 11 o’clock ahead. To the right of the check in desk is a small store like display of snacks, drinks, etc. that can be purchased and paid for at the front desk. The hallway leading to elevators are straight ahead (north) from the entrance door at 12 o’clock. The hallway contains the elevators on your right. Then the restrooms on your right. Then the swimming pool entrance on your left. Then and exit door straight ahead. Going through the exit door, the guest laundry room is on your left and the pick-up area for Universal Shuttle is ahead. At the entrance door, turning right (east) you will enter a lobby area containing computers and desks, lounge chairs and complimentary coffee. All conference activity is down a hall at 2 o’clock ahead from the front door and east. The hallway curves to the east. The hallway contains the dining room (open for breakfast until 10:00AM) on your left. Then the Millenia Room (registration) on your right. The fitness room on your right. Then International 1 and 2 (exhibition hall) on your right. Restrooms on your left. Then Universal Ballroom (meeting rooms) straight ahead. There is an exit door on your right of Universal Ballrooms for dog parking. Hotel Guests Enter the lobby and walk at 1 o’clock. The check in desk is in front of you. The concierge desk is to the left of the check in desk. These desks are in the left (west) corner of the lobby. At check in the host will provide a key and your room number. The host will give you precise instructions on how to locate your room. Once you get your key, walk to the elevator hallway located to your right and 12 o’clock from the entrance door. Turn left into the hallway. The elevators will be on your right. There are three elevators in a row. Exit the elevator on your floor and follow the host’s directions to your room. All rooms have braille numbers and raised lettering. The hotel room layout is a circle. The circumference of the circle contains a hallway with 16 rooms. The elevators are in the middle of the circle. A small hallway containing the elevators intersects the circle. Exit the elevator and turn right you will cross over the circumference hallway and be in front of room # 401 (if on the fourth floor or #201 if on the second floor, etc.) You will turn right and count room doors to your room. To get back to the elevator, start at your room #, turn left, trail the left side and count doors until you return to room 401. (Remember 16 rooms per floor). For example, your room is #409. Exit your room, turn left, stay to the left and count 8 doors. Door # 7 is 416 and door #8 is 401. Turn right at #401 into the hallway and locate elevators on your left. Conference Guests Enter the front lobby door and walk 2 o’clock into a hallway. The hallway will curve to the right. There will be a hallway to the left containing restrooms. For these restrooms, turn left into the hallway, you will find the restrooms on your left. The restaurant is immediately past the hallway for the restrooms and is also on the left. If going to the restaurant you will be greeted at the door and escorted to your table. As you begin to pass the restaurant, the Millenia Room (registration) is on your right. Continuing straight (past Millenia) are International 1 and 2 (exhibition halls) on the right. Across from the exhibition halls are restrooms on the left side of the hallway. Continuing straight you will enter a lobby type area which will be a gathering place for social activities and snacks. Continuing straight (through the social activities area) is the Universal Ballroom. (Meeting and presentation areas) The hallway ends at the doors of the Universal Ballrooms. The guide dog parking exit is to the right. Guide dog users can park their dogs through exit doors to the right of the Universal Ballrooms. The doors are located past International 1 and 2 on the right and next to Universal. Exit through the doors. Walk straight and cross one small driveway. The sidewalk continues with grass on both sides of the sidewalk. Public Transportation There are bus shelters on International Drive. The Lynx buses are #8, #37, and #42. The westbound shelter is located on the north side of International Drive, just west of the hotel entrance. There is a westbound #5 Trolley stop located on the north side of International Drive just east of the hotel entrance. The eastbound Lynx #8, #37 and #42bus shelter are located on the south side of International Drive, just east of the hotel. The eastbound #5 trolly stop is located a few steps west of the Lynx bus shelter. There is a pedestrian crosswalk for crossing International Drive located just steps east of the hotel entrance; however this is not an accessible signal and there is no parallel traffic.