Conference Schedule

LINK TO FULL AGENDA -

note: session times in linked agenda are listed in your current time zone and are subject to change

Getting In Touch with Literacy 2025

SCHEDULE OVERVIEW - Tentative - Subject to change

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)

APH Monarch Basics

for those new to the device or needing some extra support for their own learning.

To allow the best possible experience for everyone, participation will be limited to no more than 30 professionals.

Financial assistance in the form of reimbursement will be made available to participants that apply and demonstrate need. Financial reimbursement is capped at $500 per eligible participant. These funds can be used to cover travel, hotel, and conference expenses.

Reach out to outreach@aph.org for any questions about the sessions

Additional Separate Registration and Acceptance for Monarch Sessions Required! Particpants may register for one or both APH Monarch sessions!!!

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

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

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!!

PM Option 2

1:30 - 4:30

ES - Monte Sano - 2nd Floor

APH Monarch Advanced

focusing on deeper-dives, new applications, and creative use cases for a variety of scenarios.

To allow the best possible experience for everyone, participation will be limited to no more than 30 professionals.

Reach out to outreach@aph.org for any questions about the sessions

Additional Separate Registration and Acceptance for Monarch Sessions Required! Particpants may register for one or both APH Monarch sessions!!!

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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