The
UCB Buzz
A publication of
Utah
Council of the Blind
August-September
2026
For the latest news updates, check out the website
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Mailing address:
Utah Council of the Blind
PO Box 1415
Bountiful UT 84011-1415
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send them to us via the contact information above.
Disclaimer
Articles
and announcements included in this publication are presented for your
information and interest. They reflect the opinions of the respective authors
and are not necessarily endorsed by the UCB.
In This Issue
Utah Council of the Blind
Annual Business Meeting 2026
Candidates for President
(unopposed, no vote needed)
Candidate for Secretary
(unopposed, no vote needed)
Candidates for Director
(unopposed, no vote needed)
Vision Beyond Sight:
Unlocking Your Potential
Ogden Association of the
Blind OAB Sponsored Resource and Technology Fair
State Training Conference
Agenda
Book Review: Narrated
Soundscape: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The Annual Business Meeting of the Utah Council of the Blind will be held by Zoom at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Reservations are required. Please call the business office at 801-245-9264 or email utahblind@gmail.com with your name, the names of others in your party, and your telephone number and email address, no later than 5:00 p.m. Thursday, September 17th.
All voting will be done utilizing the ballot at the end of this mailing. You may return the completed ballot by mail to:
UCB Elections
PO Box 1415
Bountiful UT 84011-1415
or by email to:
utahblind@gmail.com
The completed ballot must reach the UCB business office no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 17th. Attendance at the Zoom meeting is not required in order to vote.
Dear Members of the Utah Council of the Blind,
It's that time againÑelection season! Don't worry, there won't be any campaign commercials interrupting your favorite TV show or awkward knocks at your door. Just one letter from someone who truly loves serving this organization.
For those who may not know me, I'm Anna Jeffery, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for re-election as President of the Utah Council of the Blind.
Serving as your president has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Over the years, we've laughed together, solved problems together, celebrated victories together, and occasionally discovered that technology has a mind of its own.
Together, we've accomplished a lot. We've expanded our Skills Development Program, grown our subsidized transportation program, strengthened partnerships across the state, and continued advocating for services that make a real difference in the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired. None of this happened because of one person. It happened because of an amazing team of members and volunteers who care deeply about each other and our mission.
I don't think we're finished yet.
There are still more doors to open, more people to reach, more programs to strengthen, and yes ... probably a few more meetings than any of us would like! Thankfully, we've proven that even meetings can be enjoyable when they're filled with good friends and good ideas.
If re-elected, I'll continue working to expand our programs, strengthen our advocacy efforts, build new partnerships, and make sure every member knows they belong and that their voice matters.
One thing I've learned over the years is that the Utah Council of the Blind isn't just an organizationÑit's a family. Families encourage each other, celebrate successes, lend a hand during challenges, and sometimes gently remind each other where they left their white cane. That's what makes this organization so special.
So, I'm asking for your support and your vote. Together, let's keep moving forward, keep making a difference, and keep proving that vision isn't measured by eyesightÑit's measured by determination, service, and the willingness to help others succeed.
Thank you for your friendship, your trust, and your willingness to serve alongside me. It would be an honor to continue serving as your president.
With gratitude (and hopefully your vote!),
Anna Jeffery
Jeana Nielsen
My name is Jeana Nielsen. I am running for Secretary of the Utah Council of the Blind. I have been secretary for the organization since the beginning of 2022, and served as a general board member in the previous year. I believe that the UCB is an important organization, and I would like to continue to be involved in their work. Thank you for your vote.
Dennie Clark
Dear Nominating Committee,
I respectfully submit my name for re-election to the Board of Directors of the Utah Council for the Blind. I remain committed to supporting the CouncilÕs mission and advocating for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
I would be honored to continue serving and working with fellow board members to strengthen our organization and serve our members.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Dennie Clark
Mindi Larson
My name is Mindi Larson. I am running for a board of directors position with the UCB. I have been on the board for a few years now. I have loved meeting new people. I have also loved working with and getting to know other board members. I have chaired the 2023 Christmas party; I was the chair for the 2025 training conference; and I have helped with other tasks within the UCB. I have enjoyed helping others and being an active part of the blind community.
Thank you,
Mindi Larson
Utah Council of the Blind
2026 State Training Conference
September 11Ð12, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Staying Friday evening? Don't miss one of the best parts of the weekend! Join us for accessible games, laughter, prizes, great friends, and Ð of course Ð plenty of ice cream.
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.
All suite accommodations include:
In-suite microwave and a mini fridge
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and smart TVs
Complimentary daily hot breakfast
Complimentary parking and zero resort fees
Outdoor patio attached to indoor swimming pool
Indoor heated swimming pool and hot tub
Fully equipped fitness center
To book your room you may select the following link, which
will take you to an accessible web page where you can choose the exact dates,
how many guests will be staying in a room and pay for your stay.
Book
your group rate for Utah Council of the Blind (https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1772497085597&key=GRP&app=resvlink).
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.
Upon request The Utah Council of the Blind will provide transportation from the Blind Center to the conference. This service will be provided each day of the conference and there will be a $5.00 charge each way per person.
Registration is $60.00 per person. 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 14, 2026.
Phone: 801-245-9264 Monday Ð Friday 10:00 a.m.Ð5:00 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!
8:00 am Ð Registration
9:00 am Ð Welcome
9:15 am Ð Key Note: The Key to Growth Ð Speaker Corrina Tanner PhD RN
10:00 am Ð Break
10:15 am Ð Common Ground Archery Session 1 Departure (by reservation)
10:15 am Ð The Journey of the Cane: Unlocking Your Mobility Freedom Ð Feng Yang, Mobility Specialist
11:00 am Ð Partners in Possibilities: How Guide Dogs for the Blind Unlock Independence Ð Brad Badger Ð Report from Guide Dogs for the Blind
12:00 pm Ð Lunch
12:30 pm Ð Common Ground Archery Session 2 Departure (by reservation)
1:00 pm Ð Unlock Your Imagination Through Accessible Books Ð Lisa Nelson, Utah State Library for the Blind Ð Report and Trivia
1:45 pm Ð Unlocking Collaboration Ð American Council of the Blind Update
2:30 pm Ð Unlocking Your Potential Through Service Ð Community Service Panel
3:00 pm Ð Break
3:15 pm Ð Unlocking TomorrowÕs Technology Today Ð Kimberly Cline, Stirling Adaptive
4:00
pm Ð Beyond Sight, Beyond Limits: Technology That Empowers Ð Jeff
Bishop, President of BITS (Blind Information Technology Solutions)
8:00 pm-10:00 pm Ð Unlocking Your Strategy or Just Embracing Your Luck Ð Appearance by Unicorn Soda Design Studio, DonÕt Break the Budget, and Accessible Game night
9:00 am Ð Welcome
9:15 am-10:45 am Ð Unlock Your Adventure Ð Common Ground Guided Experience
11:00 am-1:45 pm Ð Small Group Experiences (Groups Assigned at Registration)
(1) Unlocking the Power of AI Ð Karl Smith Ð Meta Glasses Demonstration
(2) Beyond Sight, Discovering the Wild Through Touch Ð Scales and Tails Presentation and Hands-On Exploration
(3) Unlocking Potential Through Rhythm Ð Rhythmic Sensory Experience
12:30 pm Ð Lunch Break
2:00 pm-4:00 pm Ð Ogden Association of the Blind Sponsored Resource and Technology Fair
5:00 pm Ð Vision Beyond Sight: Unlocking Your Potential Ð Reflection and Wrap-Up Ð Formal Banquet
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.
By Tom Mitchell
Narrated Soundscape: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park DB137777
The NLS description says: "A narrated soundscape walkthrough of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with Matthew Brown, managing librarian at Hawaii State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled. The Narrated Soundscapes series presents immersive audio journeys through the landscapes of four national parks, with narration provided by library staff. The series is a collaboration between the Braille Institute Library National Qark Service Rangers, Library of Congress sound designers, and National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled network librarians." That pretty much describes what the book is, but not what the book does.
The book contains a well-written script that describes what you would see as you walk through the park, including the walk to the volcanoes, but lets you hear the actual natural sounds as you walk. For this reason, you should listen to this book with a good pair of headphones or a high-quality Bluetooth speaker. We tried listening on our NLS digital machine, but found it inadequate to really reproduce the sounds of the park, particularly the sounds near the volcanoes, which take on a large almost frightening aspect as you proceed. You can hear the sounds of rock falling at different times, and the sounds of molten rock as it drops into a newly-forming lake. My only criticism is that occasionally the script calls your attention to a sound, but does not pause and let you really listen to it. However, the sound level is good enough so that you can focus on it while the narrator continues his description. This is the second book in the Narrated Soundscape series which will focus on four national parks, and I would urge you to look for the other three as these become available and give them a listen. This book is only 30 minutes or so in length, but is well worth the time. You may want to listen more than once.
August 14, 2026, deadline for hotel reservations for State Training Conference
September 14 and 16, 2026, Utah State Fair Ð Fairpark (Kate Balzly)
September 11-12, 2026 Ð State Training Conference, Logan (Juanita Gentry and Anna Jeffery)
September 19, 2026, 10:00 a.m. Ð Annual Business Meeting Ð Zoom
November 7, 2026, Craft Day Ð DSBVI Ð Watch for updates (Kira Larkin)
December 5, 2026 Ð
Holiday Celebration ÒPolar ExpressÓ Ð DSBVI (Cordie Weed)
Christmas Boutique and Bake Sale Ð UCB Only (Kate Balzly and Sandy England)
Anna Jeffery, President
Sandy Ruconich, Vice President
Jeana Nielsen, Secretary
Vicki Flake, Treasurer
Sandy England
Dennie Clark
Shelly Hendriksen
Mindi Larson
Adra Menasian
Kate Balzly, Executive Director
Unless
otherwise noted, members are invited to attend meetings of the Board of
Directors, which are held via Zoom. To be placed on the agenda or attend a
meeting, email utahblind@gmail.com or call 801-245-9264.
October 1, 2026, 4:45 pm Ð Budget and
Planning Meeting Ð by invitation only
January 7, 2027, 4:45 pm Ð Board and Leadership
Training
Since all candidates for officer and director positions are running unopposed, the Elections Committee hereby moves that the full slate be voted in by acclamation.
Please mark your ballot considering the information provided above.
Full name of member casting ballot:
________________________________
I vote to elect the full slate of candidates by acclamation:
__ Yes
__ No Ð Please indicate the individual candidates whom you wish to vote for:
___ Anna Jeffery
___ Jeana Nielsen
___ Dennie Clark
___ Mindi Larson