My Inaugural CEC Annual International Convention

Derrick Smith

DVI Student Ambassador

The University of Alabama - Birmingham

Alabama School for the Blind

When I was presented with the opportunity to attend the CEC International Convention in New York City last fall, I was excited to say the least.  Yet, my excitement at the time was based solely upon the idea of visiting “the Big Apple” and seeing all the wonderful sights that the city had to offer.  Upon actually making the trip, I must admit that the city did not disappoint with all its incredible sights such as the Statue of Liberty and Times Square .  Along with the sights, the city also offered incredible cuisine and an array of different people unlike I had ever seen.  However, I was invited to go to New York City to attend the CEC International Convention and work with the Helen Keller International Art Show.  Along the way, I was asked to give my impressions of the CEC International Convention from the standpoint of a young professional and student.  Therefore, here are my impressions of my first CEC International Convention.

In my two years at The Alabama School for the Blind and the University of Alabama-Birmingham , I have been able to attend the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics National Convention in Orlando , the Alabama AER state convention in Gulf Shores , and the Alabama CEC state convention in Montgomery .  Each of these conventions offered me great insight into my profession as a secondary math teacher of students with visual impairments.  However, the CEC International Convention matched and exceeded all of these combined.  As I look back on the convention, I have determined there are at least four reasons why I think the convention was great!

First, the convention provided a wonderful opportunity to see the CEC in action.  It is very encouraging to be in the presence of thousands of professionals who all share the common goal of educating children with special needs.  Within the larger convention, I was also given the opportunity to meet with other teachers and professionals who educate students with visual impairments at the division meeting and social.  It was truly a blessing to be able to sit and talk to other professionals in the field.

Second, the convention provided ample opportunities for professional growth.  There are hundreds of informative sessions on every topic imaginable.  I was not able to attend as many sessions as I would have liked, but the ones that I did manage to attend were well presented and very beneficial.  Of course, one of the greatest parts of any convention is the expo with its many vendors showing the newest and best of their products.  I spent two hours walking from booth to booth and I was amazed at all that is available to our profession.  Also included in the expo were many school systems which were actively recruiting teachers.  My advice to anyone looking for a new job is to plan to visit the expo next year because there exist many opportunities.

The third reason I enjoyed the convention was being able to work with the Helen Keller International Art Show.  The Division on Visual Impairments, along with UAB, sponsors this program each year.  Its purpose is to promote fine arts for students with visual impairments.  It was an extraordinary experience to watch as people would stop to view our art with amazement.  This project continues to be a huge success among those in attendance and we received nothing but positive feedback from everyone.  Division support is truly a vital part of this program.

The last reason why participation in my first International convention was so wonderful was because I was able to become an active member of DVI and CEC.   By attending the convention, I was able to attend the DVI general meeting and see our Division in action.  Afterwards, the entire Division gathered for a social that was highlighted by students with visual impairments serving our refreshments and providing wonderful entertainment.  During the social, I was also given the honor of being elected as the Student Ambassador for DVI, and was invited to my first board meeting the following morning.  It was exciting to be able to sit next to some of the most intelligent, caring, and influential people in our field.  I would have never had such an opportunity if I had not attended the convention.

So how was my inaugural CEC International Convention?  It was wonderful!!  New York City was an incredible site, but the time spent in the convention will be what I will remember as I continue through my career.  I hope many of you will take the opportunity to attend the International Convention in Seattle , Washington next year so you, too, can see what CEC and DVI are really all about.

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