Please direct any queries to the Conference organisers and not to me.

Thank you.

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 [Heading] "Rhetoric to Reality Making Change Count"
 ABAPSTAS 31st Annual Conference
ABAPSTAS 31st Annual Conference
Recently legislation has been introduced that could make a huge difference
to our lives, such as the DDA and the Human Rights Act. Changing legislation
has also led to the setting up of new groups and structures that have power
and influence, eg the Disability Rights Commission and Learning and Skills
Councils. But how do we ensure that we make the most of these changes? The
ABAPSTAS Conference will:
 keep you up to date with recent changes
 give you ideas on how to make the most of these changes.

 Everyone with an interest in developing opportunities for blind and
partially sighted students and teachers in education and employment is
invited. With stimulating speakers and engaging workshops delegates will
have a chance to explore their individual concerns and needs as well as
contribute to larger policy debates. This is a weekend for visually impaired
teachers and students to share and learn from each other's experiences. With
teaching members from pre-school through to university level and students
from a wide range of disciplines, ABAPSTAS is a unique self-help
organisation offering support to visually impaired teachers and students
throughout the UK and Ireland.
 To receive further information or be included on the conference mailing
list, contact Liz Matthews.

 Venue: Chancellors Conference Centre, Manchester University
 Date: Friday 31 August to Sunday 2 September
 Cost: Full weekend £130 per person (all rooms en-suite and meals included).
Day rate on request
 Further information and booking forms:
 Liz Matthews, ABAPSTAS Conference Organiser, 38 Whitethroat  Walk,
Birchwood, Warrington WA3 6PQ.
 Tel: 01925822079
 Email: liz.matthews at doh.gsi.gov.uk


 [Heading] ABAPSTAS Annual Conference
 To be held on Friday 31st August to Sunday 2nd September 2001 at
Chancellor's Conference Centre, Manchester University.

 [Heading] Booking form
 Important: This form must reach us no later than Friday 13th July.
 Please send this form to: Liz Matthews at 38 Whitethroat Walk, Birchwood,
Warrington, WA3 6PQ.
 Name: ----.
 Address: ----.
 Postcode: ----.
 Telephone No: ----.
 E-mail: ----.
 Diet (eg vegetarian, vegan etc.): ----.
 I would like any Conference material in:
 Clear print? [box]
 Braille? [box]
 Cassette? [box]
 disk (ASCII)? [box]
 or E-mail? [box]
 Tick if you require a receipt? [box]
 Tick if you require a invoice? [box]
 Tick if you require an induction loop? [box]
 Tick for wheelchair accessible bedroom? [box]
 Tick if you will be bringing a guide dog? [box]
 Tick if you are unable to attend the conference but would like to receive
information about ABAPSTAS. [box]
 Please tick if you would like any of the following information about
yourself to be placed on a contact list:
 Name? [box]
 Address? [box]
 telephone number? [box]
 E-mail? [box]
 Any other requirements? eg twin room: ----.
 Tick here if you are attending the whole Conference. [box]
 (£130 including registration fee, all meals and accommodation)
 I enclose £---- (please make cheques payable to Abapstas).
 If you would like any further information or require assistance to fill in
this form, please ring Mona Charnley on 01254201320.
 If you are a student and are unable to afford the conference fee, try
contacting your student union and find out whether they could pay all, or
part of the fee.
 Alternatively, please contact our treasurer, Liz Matthews on 01925822079
(Liz.Matthews at doh.gsi.gov.uk), who can advise you on this matter.
 If you live in the London area and wish to travel to Manchester by train,
please contact Murray Glickaman on 02085546060, E-mail: murray at
mitglick.fsnet.co.uk to arrange group travel.
 NB. All accommodation is en suite and the 50 rooms will be allocated on a
first come first served basis.
 All conference booking forms will be acknowledged and your pack will be
sent out to you in your chosen format as soon as possible.
Transcribed by RNIB & Leeds University Transcription Centre For Blind People