ACB VISAbilities: Recent Episodes
Terry Pacheco
Welcome to VISAbilities, Visually Impaired Seniors’ Abilities. Each week we discuss topics of interest to people with either long time or recent sight loss or blindness. Our live program is held every Friday night at 7 PM Eastern. For additional information, please email to VISAbilities50@gmail.com or visit our website at www.VISAbilities.net. We love your feedback and suggestions.
ACB has many state affiliates. Some are fairly new and others older than ACB itself. One of the latter is the Missouri Council of the Blind. Join Terryas she welcomes Chip Hailey, current president of MCB. It's easy to see how and why this organization has survived and prospered over the decades. Thisis a golden opportunity to hear about many services and programs that just may benefit your state or special interest affiliate. Please join me for thisinteresting and long overdue session.
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Join Terry as she welcomes Peter Altschul and members of the ACB Employment Committee. They will be presenting the analysis of the survey many of uscompleted a few months ago. They are also the ones who compile and send out llists of potential positions on a weekly basis. Whether you are working,retired, or looking for an employment opportunity, this is the call you won’t want to miss.
Bring your employment stories along, good or bad.
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ACB’s Diabetics in Action will join Terry on VISAbilities with some valuable information. Yes, the Sugar Warriors are back to tell us about their mentoring program.
Terry has been on quite a learning journey these last four weeks. “I have experienced so many myths and attitudes on both others parts and my own. I havehad a lot of time to think and draw some unexpected conclusions regarding the world’s views on blindness and low vision”. Where do fault, blame, and frustrationlie? What can we do to reduce these negatives and become happier more well-rounded human beings? These are just a few of the pools we can dive into withmy special guest, Pam Shaw, Chair of the ACB Mental Health Committee. I know this will be a great meeting of all our minds with a bit of humor mixed in.
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Be among the first to hear from Janet Dickelman tonight when she welcomes us to the 64th annual ACB Conference and Convention with all the activities wecan look forward to this summer. Affiliate and committee presentations, plenary sessions with nationally renowned speakers, tours and other social activitieswill be highlighted. Of course, dates, reservations, and registration information will be included. So, be ready to take notes because there will be awealth of facts and
details.
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ACB President, DebCook Lewis, will introduce Scott Thornhill, our new Executive Director to our community. Scott has agreed to join me Friday evening to give us all anopportunity to learn more about fhimself and he about all of us. There will be time rfor questions and comments from our participants, as well.
So don’t miss this program Friday evening at 7:00 Eastern on March 8.
Best Wishes,
Terry Pacheco
VISAbilities50@gmail.com
Episode Notes
Notes go here
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This week, we will hear from Leslie Spoone to talk about the ACB summer auction.
We will also hear from the awards committee for a reminder about who the awards are named after and share memories about those individuals and to learnthe criteria for nominations.
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Terry is excited to welcome in Kathi Wolfe to VISAbilities. Kathi is an award winning poet, writer, reporter, and researcher. She has several publishedbooks of her poetry and wrote one on Helen Keller, the Socialist. Imagine walking up to a stage with your work in exceptionally large print so you canread and connect with your audience simultaneously. That is just the tip of the iceberg Kathi has overcome to become so well known in low vision, thepoetry and LGBTQ+ communities. Come meet Kathi and hear about her new book, "The Porpoise in the Pink Alcove."
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Terry welcomes in Claire Stanley and Swatha Nandhakumar, ACB's Governmental Affairs and Advocacy team, with the most up-to-date news about this year'sDC Leadership Training and Legislative Seminar taking place the first weekend in March. Details for reservations, registration, events and much more havebeen planned for this hybrid gathering. And, of course, we will be talking about this year's Legislative Imperatives. It's a lot of information packedinto one hour.
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ACB Diabetics in Action has put together an amazing panel of experts and consumers to present to us on a wide number of issues from nutrition to monitorsto exercise and more. If you or someone you care for is diabetic, you are bound to get some good information from this one hour session
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Jeff Bishop, President of Blind Information Technology Specialists will stop by to tell us about some great things that are happening with that affiliate.Later we will chat about downsizing, and we will also have several announcements from affiliates with upcoming events. So, bring your calendar. All are welcome!
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join Terry and the VISAbilities crew for Holiday Highlights. It has been nearly a month since we last met, and we all have storiesof our holidays to share. Whether your season was quiet or jam packed, something good happened. Everyone is always welcome!
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Join me as I welcome Denise Colley and Paul Edwareds (current and past BRLpresidents respectively), Braille Revival League, to VISAbilities. BRL willbe holding a special 7-hour event on January 4, in honor of Louis Braille’s birthday. Come hear about their plans and activities and how you can participatein this tribute to one of blind history’s most important persons. We will also look at the bumps braille has overcome through the years, and the greatstrides made in this era of technology.
Episode Notes
Notes go here
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Happy Holidays are Made from Happy Memories
Pam Shaw will join me this evening as we look at creating the happiest holiday seasons for all. Pam always gets us thinking in positive lights, and usuallywith a laugh or two thrown in for good measure.
Remember the excitement that Christmas morning you woke up to find Santa had left your first Make & Bake Oven, or Patty Play Pal, or GI Joe? It is thosemoments that make holidays so special to us all these years later. My Thumbelina doll is long gone, but my love of that toy stays with me. We all havesuch memories, and this is the perfect time to pull them off the back burner and help them make your current holidays happy, healthy, and a time for peace. Please join us with your memories. All are welcome!
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I know the Accessible Pharmacy Health Fair has kept many of you busy today, but it would be very much appreciated if you could stop in at VISAbilitiestonight with any tips and tricks you have learned with regard to diabetes. I have some listeners and participants who have particular interests in theaccessibility of continual glucose monitoring systems and easily digestive foods.
This is absolutely not a medical call, but just a time to share experiences you have found helpful.
Thank you very much for your participation.Kind Regards,
Terry Pacheco
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What do Terry and cranberries have in common? You will find out tonight. Now what do we do with yesterday’s leftovers, especially cranberries? How aboutcranberry white chocolate cookies or cranberry orange nut bread, or layered turkey leftover casserole? These are just a few of the recipes we will highlightalong with your favorites. We will also be hearing from Leslie Spoone about the ACB Media Holiday Auction that is going on this weekend. Join us for thefun!
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VISAbilities – From Turkeys to Trees to Times Square
Please join me for one of my favorite annual shows. That’s right. Holiday wine recommendations from Gabriel Lopez Kafati and great culinary creations fromour amazing foodies, Jason Castonguay, and Penny Reeder. Whether you are looking for that hostess gift for Thanksgiving or an easy romantic New Year’sEve dinner for two, or great munchies for the football gatherings, it’s all here. Don’t fforget to bring your ideas as well.
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Whether you or a friend or family member are a US Veteran, please join us tonight for a special tribute and announcement. Cassie Trosper, President ofour ACB Veterans affiliate will be joining me with some very exciting news. This will be the re-launching and re-branding of the organization. A lotof work has been going on over the last several months to update and expand this important affiliate.
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Join me tonight for a session with the Vooting Task Force that will not go quite as far astray as the previous 4 hours community calls that have alreadytaken place. Everyone will have an opportunity to ask questions and make comments on all sides of the issues. Our affiliates are what built this organizationand where most of our advocacy goals are implemented and achieved. Join me tonight for a bit of a twist on our future voting procedures.
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The Audio Description Gala is coming up fast on November 14. Join me as I welcome Kim Charlson with last-minute updates on this annual event. Audio Descriptionhas been near and dear to Kim’s heart for many years, and the Gala was her brain child. No one knows more about the Gala than Kim
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I am so pleased to invite you to join me as I welcome another entertainer to VISAbilities. Whether it’s voice, piano, harp, or a myriad of his other talents, Jason Castonguay has a fascinating background in the entertainment industry. We always look forward to his performances and preentations on ACB Media. Join me as Jason let’s us into his heart as we have welcomed him into ours.
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VISAbilities – Employment Past, Present, and FuturePeter Altschul and members of the Employment Committee will be joining us to talk about the survey they have posted to gather information to help people find and maintain employment positions. We will continue the discussion to include our career experiences before, during, and since the 1973 Rehab Act, the ADA etc. Can you legislate away prejudices and attitudes? How much better are our opportunities today in the global markets? It promises to be a lively conversation.
Thanks to those who listened to the most recent VISAbilities show. The employment Committee survey link is
https://forms.gle/mV3uEM1V4585Tej9A
Thanks to those who have completed the survey; for those who haven’t completed the survey, please do so. Everyone: please forward the link to anyone who might be interested.
Best, Peter
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Our series continues tonight with an author we all know and admire – Annie Chiappetta. We will be talking about her career: how she got started; what obstacles and successes she achieved; and what she is doing now to encourage others to become successful authors. Join me as I welcome Annie to VISAbilities Star Studded Series.Email VISAbilities
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Join Terry for a wrap-up of today’s ACB Board of Directors training workshops and what to look forward to in the morning. Are there ideas or issues you would like to see come before the Board of Directors? Tell us what they are.
VISAbilities – Stage & Screen Visually Impaired Seniors SeriesI am excited to announce a very special series we will start off with a bang tonight. These guests have made their careers in the entertainment industry.Whether in music, films,, on stage, authoring books, or other entertainment related fields. There is no better way to begin this series than with justsuch a person who has done them all – Tom Sullivan. From his early days at the Perkins School for the Blind throough his recent 15th book, Tom has doneit all. How did this happen? What was involved in always reaching for that next career goal? These are but a few of the questions we will tackle whenTom joins me as we get up close and personal with him tonight! All are welcome.
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Have you been a member of ACB for at least 25 years? We want to recognize you as a Silver Star. You have given so much and accomplished so much in your lifetime both within and outside of the organization. How do you feel about the changes that have taken place through the years? In what ways is ACB different now? If you had one piece of advice to offer to the next generation of leaders, what would it be? Whether you are a silver star or a newer member, please join us for this lively conversation.Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co
Don’t miss a thing! All are wwelcome!Our State and Special interest Affiliates have a lot happening over the next few months – conventions, elections, training sessions, fundraisers, and more. Get all the details and share your affiliate’s happenings. We will hear from several affiliates including Oregon, California, CCLVI, GDUI, IVIE, and, of course Leslie Spoone will be with us regarding the ACB Hedia Holiday Auction. Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co
Let’s celebrate the days of a long hot summer filled with sun, fun, and convention. How did you spend your summer vacation? This is a night of relaxation and fun for everyone. We will also play music trivia for us baby boomers. We will roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer under the boardwalk!Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co
Tonight’s VISAbilities is full of announcements for upcoming events, conventions, auctions, and much more. Bring something to take notes with, and keep on top of all the happenings. We will have some guests to share with us. But most of all, we want and need your input.
Join Terry to learn all about Seleste (www.seleste.co) , the smart glasses for people with visual impairments. Did you get a chance to see the new Seleste Glasses during convention? Have you heard about these new, sleek and less obtrusive method of knowing what’s around you? Do you have more questions? What is the pricing program? Will there be updates, and what will they cost? Well, this is your opportunity to learn all about them from the Founder and CEO Shubh Mittal.
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Terry will welcome a panel discussion on how we as caregivers can continue caring for our friends and family members while not forgetting to take care of ourselves both physically and mentally. What arrangements do we need to make to give ourselves some down time? Safety rules on planes, for example, always tell you to secure your mask first in an emergency. This is because you need to be able to continue to be strong enough to help others. Join us as we look at this and other related topics.
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Four Leaders in our organization were elected or appointed to new positions at this year’s ACB Convention. Jeff Bishop, Michael Garrett, and Cecily Laney Nipper were each elected to office. Penny Reeder was appointed as Chair of the Board of Publications by President Deb Cook Lewis. Get to know these men and women and their goals and aspirations for their terms of office. This is a great opportunity, too, for you to let them know your hopes for the future. Everyone is welcome.
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We will be taking a deeper dive into the background and future of Friends In Art with three artists in different forms of art. Petter Altschul will lead our panel discussion and tell us about this year’s Showcase of the Performing Arts. He will be joined by author Annie Chiappetta, and musician Jason Castonguay. This promises to be a lively and fact-filled conversation. All are welcome!
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What changes did retirement make in your life? How do you make the most of those 40 hours? Does it seem like life is busier now than then? I have workedmost of the last 53 years, but as of 5:00 today, I am RETIRED! I want and need your help in figuring out the next 53! (smile) Join me as we celebrate thisnew leaf in our lives. Email VISAbilitiesSponsored byVISAbilities
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Welcome in to a celebration of each person who has presented, hosted, or participated in VISAbilities for the last three years. A special Thank You toeach and every one of you. You are the ones who continue to make VISAbilities such a success. We continue to prove that Visually Impaired Seniors’ Abilitiesare stronger than ever. We have reached out to people of all ages, faced and overcome day-to-day changes in our own lives and those around us, and rememberedthose who came before us and mentored us in the true mission and purpose of ACB. Come tell us what you have enjoyed most through these three years. Everyoneis welcome! There is even rumor of cake and a toast to our future.
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Baby Boomers Unite!It has been just about a year since we played Baby Boomer trivia, and people have asked me to do it again. Come join us individually and we will put teamstogether, or bring a team along, and we will have lots of fun. We always do. So, sharpen up your long-term memory and come on in!
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VISAbilities - Schaunburg, Here We Come!Do You get Janet’s daily updates regarding the 2023 ACB Conference and Convention? Are there questions you still have? Questions like when will the business portions and plenary sessions take place? When will registration be available? What state and special interest affiliates will be holding events during the hybrid week of the convention? When will voting take place? These and other questions will be addressed by my guest, Janet Dickelman. She will have plenty move information for you to add to your personal calendar of events.
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Now that we have isolated in our homes for three years, does that home still fill your wants and needs? Did you make it more comfortable? Did you moveto a different type of living arrangement that might be of interest to others? Let’s talk long term living arrangements on VISAbilities this week. Earlyin the pandemic we had a show on various living arrangements, and I wonder how much our opinions have changed, if at all, since then.Email VISAbilitiesSponsored by VISAbilities
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Spring has sprung; birds are singing; and Terry welcomes back Blind Birder, Jerry Berrier. Jerry completely enthralled us all with his knowledge and interestof sharing so much about our springtime feathered friends during our visits with him these last two years. We are looking forward to another great eveningwith him this week. Join us with your questions and guesses on some of the recordings Jerry brings with him. This is one of our most popular programs eachyear.Email VISAbilitiesSponsored by VISAbilities
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VISAbilities – Looking AheadMany of ACB’s Special Interest Affiliates have are busy putting together new and exciting programming for their 2023 Annual Conferences. This week thespotlights are on ACB Next Gen, ACB Diabetics in Action, and Council of Citizens with Low Vision International. What events are they partnering with otheraffiliates to present? What will be available on Zoom, on Media, and/or in-person only? Moe Carpenter, Larry Gassman, and Melanie Sinohui will all be here.It’s time to start your personal “calendar of events” you don’t want to miss. We will also have some special announcements and the answers to our new Fun Feature. So come on in and start the weekend with us!
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This week’s VISAbilities is packed with news from GDUI, AAVL, ACB Constitution and By-Laws Committee, and more!It is important to ALL ACB members. So, please make sure your affiliate members know about it.Following some brief announcements, Terry welcomes MariaHansen, vice chair and Jeff Thom, member of the ACB Constitution & By-laws Committee to explain how the process for submitting amendments and voting onthem will be carried out this year. We all need to take our responsibility seriously when we are making decisions that could change the most importantdocuments of our organization – our Constitution and our By-Laws. We will then end our program with a new “Fun Feature”.
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One of the most popular and enjoyable events of every ACB Conference and Convention for the last 40 plus years is the Friends-in-Art Showcase of the PerformingArts. Whether in person or virtual, it is always a magical time for all. This year, tFIA is planning something even more exciting. Peter Altschul willbe joining Terry to share the details. We will also hear from Peter of the Employment Committee’s program for this year’s convention. Everyone is welcome!
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2023 Resolutions and VotingPatrick Sheehan, Ray Campbell, and Koni Simms will join Terry tonight to share and explain this year’s Resolutions process and how voting will take placeduring the 2023 ACB Conference and Convention. This is especially time sensitive since the Resolutions Committee will be starting its work very soon. There will be ample time for your questions. ACB’s goals and pathways in advocacy are determined by our Resolutions. Having a good grasp of the issues,both pro and con, helps make you a more responsible voter. The officers, board, and staff are guided by these documents. So join us for overviews ofthese adjusted proceedings.
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I am thrilled to welcome our new interim Executive Director, Dan Spoone, and the one and only ACB Auction Chair, Leslie Spoone to VISAbilities this evening.What changes, if any, does Dan see for himself and ACB in his new role? How is the transition from president different than he thought it might be? ArePresident Deb and the Board of Directors a tough bunch to work fo? (smiling)This and other questions will be asked and answered. Then, Leslie will give us the latest information on how you can help make this year's auctions evenbetter. Donation deadlines, dates, and other important items for you to share. This promises to be a very special program.
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Join Terry for a cup of Irish tea, maybe some soda bread, or an Irish trifle dessert. We will talk about our ancestry , books, recipes, folk lore, andwhatever else comes to mind.
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Older Independent Blind Services and FundingLearn more about this program that has been deplorably underfunded for years. What services are and are not funded through OIB? Understand its history,and find out what you can do to bring the funding for hundreds of thousands of older Americans experiencing sight loss up to a reasonable level. AnisioCorreia and other leaders from the Aliance on Aging and Vision Loss will be among those joining us. This is especially time sensitive since this is thelast chance before ACB’s Legislative Seminar.
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Whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day, birthdays, Easter, graduations, or any other excuse to celebrate with family and friends, we’ve got you covered. Springwines and desserts are featured on this week’s VISAbilities. Penny Reeder, the dessert diva, and Gabriel Lopez Kafatti, our wine wizard, will join us tonightwith more exciting ways to make your Spring celebrations sparkle. If you have a favorite recipe or refreshing wine, please share it with us. This promisesto be a fun-filled hour for all!Subscribe to VISAbilities announcement list
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Terry welcomes Mathieu Paquette, Product Manager, and Peter Tucic, Director of Strategic Partnership, at HumanWare. They will be giving us all the latestdetails of the new Victor 3. Pre-order and launch dates; old favorites and new features; price point; and much more. Get your questions answered by thosein the know.Sponsored by VISAbilitiesRequest to receive VISAbilities announcements
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VISAbilities for All – Low Vision Services for Special Ed StudentsA few weeks ago, Mark Richert, one of ACB’s most experienced and leading advocates, added to our Leadership list a very interesting post entitled “Thefuture of low vision services and devices in BVI-related special ed.” The post received several responses. Mark will join me Friday night to hear fromyou and to further explain what is and is not available through prior legislation such as IDEA and how he believes the passage of the Cogswell-Macy Actwould provide more well-rounded services to children with low vision during their most formative years. Everyone seems to have an opinion. We would liketo hear yours. So join us at 7:00 PM EST for what I believe will be a lively interactive conversation.
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Who were Vernon Henley, George Card, Ned Freeman, Jim Olsen, and others we remember every year when we honor today’s leaders who are carrying on theirwork. Join me as I welcome Janet Dickelman and Awards Committee member Peter Altschul along with Penny Reeder of the Board of Publications to learn aboutthese and more of ACB’s awards. Many of us fondly remember these ACB giants and have stories you will enjoy. Learn how you can nominate someone who qualifiesfor special recognition. Everyone is welcome to join us for an hour you won’t want to miss.
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Thank you all for your continued support of VISAbilities. I am delighted to announce that we are back live beginning this Friday night at 7:00 PM ESTon Zoom and ACB Media 1. I also have an exciting line-up of programs for the mojnth of February. There will be several announcements and updates. Sodon’t miss a minute! One will include an update of the call for those interested in advocating for improvements for our community in the medical field. I got some very positive responses to our call of January 13. Everyone is welcome to join in because these issues effect each and every one of us.
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Please join me when I welcome our panel of long-time advocates including Scott Marshall and Paul Edwards. for a discussion of a subject we have all experiencedover these last few years – Medical Accessibility. Regardless of age or health issues, the world of medical care has changed for us all in recent years. It is time to update the ADA Medical Checklist Scott developed many years ago. What can we as ACB members and advocates do to see that medical professionalsand IT developers receive appropriate training? Since this impacts every member of our organization and beyond, how high a priority should it have on ouragenda? What has worked for you and your loved ones? Are there some portals that are more accessible than others? Bring your solutions to the table sowe can all learn from one another
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Terry will host an open discussion of ways we can enjoy winter regardless of age while keeping an eye on safety and enjoying lots of fun.Join VISAbilities announce email list by sending a message to visabilities50@gmail.com.Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co
Join Kenneth Semien, Sr. and members of ACB’s newest mentoring team, MAPSP. What is it? How is it doing? Who can help or learn from it? Who has learned what? It will all be explained, and you will have your opportunity to get your questions answered. We will aalso have a little time for somme important affiliate announcements. So, sit back, relax, and join us.
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Whether you or a family member are a veteran, please tell us your story. If you have a photo of your loved oneyou would like to share, you can share it with us by e-mailing it to visabilities50@gmail.com or showing it on your screen this evening. No matter the branch or the era, wwe want to thank all those who have given of themselves to keep our country the true cradle of freedom and democracy. This is our chance to give back and show our appreciation.
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Our ACB aficionado of wines, Gabriel Lopez Kafati and gourmet cook, Penny Reeder, will both bee joining Terry with their recommendations for great culinary ideas that will delight you, your family, and friends this holiday season. We will also hear about some simple suggestions for setting a beautiful holiday table. No matter your level of hosting expertise, there is something for everyone here. Come join the fun!
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Following a brief review of the ACB Board of Directors’ meeting in Schaunburg last week, let’s have some fun with lots of trivia. Whether you are a baby boomer, a MASH follower, or Halloween lover, there’s something for you! So let’s tease those gremlins and just have a fun time!
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Join Swatha Nandhakumar, ACB’s Advocacy and Outreach Specialist, and Claire Stanley, Public Policy Analyst at the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), as we discuss the Website and Software Applications Accessibility Act – S.4998 and H.R.9021. We’ll talk about what it is; why it’s important; and what you can do to get it passed and signed into law. Sponsored by VISAbilities Email VISAbilities
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Terry welcomes Leslie Spoone tonight with her endless encouragement and energy with tips and recommendations for getting up from that chair to get moving more safely and with more agility. The ACB’s Get Up and Get Moving Project is available to all our members at whatever level you are comfortable with. We may also get a sneak peek at the details of the Annual ACB Media Holiday Auction.
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Two plus years ago we did a few calls on relocating, downsizing, re-sizing, and re-organizing our homes. Let’s see how well that has worked for us. Is that guest bedroom working out doubling as your home office? Now that we are living with COVID rather than isolating and quarantining quite so much, are those changes working for you? Are there still changes you want to make? Do you have more or less clutter now than before? What is next on your “to do” list? Bring your questions and ideas. We will also have some special announcements before we end tonight.
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BlindShell Classic 2 Join me as I welcome Diane Ducharme, Senior Project Manager, at BlindShell USA to VISAbilities. She will tell us all about the many features, apps, and advantages of the BlindShell Classic 2. In what ways is it “smart”, and in what ways does it remind us of our classic phones? We will cover topics from cost to connectivity and everything in between. If you have questions or have been thinking about getting one, this session is for you!
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Since 1961, our state affiliates have built this premier consumer driven organization we have become. Our members have seen a need, mastered necessary abilities, banded together, pushed many employment and advocacy envelopes, and celebrated victories in their communities. There groups of advocates and friends usually unite once a year on a state-wide basis.
Tonight Terry will be joined by the Kansas, Pennsylvania, South Dakota,and Wyoming Councils.They will all be holding their annual conventions this Fall. Will they be held virtual, in-person, or hybrid? Do you want to meet and get to know others from your state? Will there be an auction? How can we attend? These are just a few questions we will be asking their convention chairs. Get some great ideas for your next state convention or join in the fun of many virtual state conventions.
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VISAbilities Annual Labor Day Party Let’s celebrate the days of a long hot summer filled with sun, fun, and convention. How did you spend your summer vacation? This is a night of relaxation and fun for everyone. We will also play music trivia for us baby boomers. We will roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer under the boardwalk!
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Tonight: Tennessee, Oklahoma, Indiana, Ohio, and Mountain State August 26, 7:00 PM EDT
Since 1961, our state affiliates have built this premier consumer driven organization we have become. Our members have seen a need, mastered necessary abilities, banded together, pushed many employment and advocacy envelopes, and celebrated victories in their communities. There groups of advocates and friends usually unite once a year on a state-wide basis. Tonight Terry will be joined by the Tennessee, Indiana and Ohio, Oklahoma, and Mountain State Councils. They will all be holding their annual conventions this Fall. Will they be held virtual, in-person, or hybrid? Do you want to meet and get to know others from your state? Will there be an auction? How can we attend? These are just a few questions we will be asking their convention chairs. Get some great ideas for your next state convention, or join in the fun of many virtual state conventions.
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VISAbilities – Celebrating Our Special Interest Affiliates, Conclusion ACB Affiliates are the real backbone of our organization. From our first state affiliates in 1961 to our newest special interest affiliate, ACB Next Generation, our members have seen a need, mastered necessary abilities, banded together, pushed many employment and advocacy envelopes, and celebrated our victories. Join Terry as she has a roaring good time with ACB Lions, Diabetics in Action, Families, and Council of Citizens with Low Vision International. Learn how much these organizations are contributing to our work in many areas of our lives. This is a wonderful opportunity for many of our newer community participants to find ways to help improve both our own lives and those around us. Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co
You had the opportunity to vote this year. Now, you have the same chance to express your opinion! Please join Terry as she welcomes Rick Morin and Janet Dickelman to tell us all what we can expect on the 2022 ACB Convention Survey. How do we access it? What dates will it be available? What will it cover – audio, video, quality of content? Will there be space for additional comments and feedback? There have been a number of events and programs since convention ended. Now, it’s time to gather the numbers and statistics for planning future conferences and conventions. How will this wealth of information be compiled and distributed? Everyone who has an opinion should express it on the survey. If time permits, we may have a little ACB trivia fun. Sponsored by VISAbilities
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ACB Affiliates are the real backbone of our organization. From our first state affiliates in 1961 to our newest special interest affiliate, ACB Next Generation, our members have seen a need; mastered necessary abilities; banded together; pushed many employment and advocacy envelopes; and celebrated our victories. Join Terry as she welcomes some of our special interest affiliates and learn how much these organizations are contributing to our work in many areas of our lives. This is a wonderful opportunity for many of our newer community participants to find ways they can help improve both their own lives and those around them. Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss; ACB Radio Amateurs; and Independent Visually Impaired Entrepreneurs are among the affiliates joining this time.
ACB Affiliates are the real backbone of our organization. From our first state affiliates in 1961 to our newest special interest affiliate, ACB Next Generation, our members have seen a need; mastered necessary abilities; banded together; pushed many employment and advocacy envelopes; and celebrated our victories. Join Terry as she welcomes some of our special interest affiliates, including Friends in Art, Blind Pride, and ACB Government Employees, and learn how much these organizations are contributing to our work in many areas of our lives. This is a wonderful opportunity for many of our newer community participants to find ways they can help improve both their own lives and those around them.
Terry welcomes Kenneth Semien, Sr., Donna Brown, Donna Browning, and Cheryl Cumings for a discussion of the new ACB Mentoring Program. This is a great opportunity for those of us who have mentored a number oftoday’s leaders to share positive experiences and advice. This is a dynamic project that will need everyone’s input in order to be successful. Please join us for a livelydiscussion, and bring your thoughts and ideas.
VISAbilities – Celebrating Our Abilities We will pull Leslie Spoone away from the ACB Summer Auction for a few minutes to give us an update on the Auction taking place tonight and tomorrow. Then, for the main event! Our June “ACB Man of the Month” is someone many of us call mentor, debater, but most of all FRIEND. Since his first ACB Convention, he has worn many hats including Resolutions Committee Chair, Affiliate President, Board of Publications, Board of Directors, ACB National President, ACB Media Host, and a myriad of other positions, Paul Edwards has been a leader at some of the most dynamic times in this organization’s history and continues to be today. But there is so much more in Paul’s background as a father, spouse, teacher, community activist. The list goes on. Please join me to learn the enormous role he has played in the building of ACB. Everyone is always welcome!
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An open and frank panel discussion lead by a ACB Diabetics in Action President, Tom Tobin on a condition that affects many of us. Through our own efforts, we can minimize its damage to our bodies while enjoying a full, active lifestyle. Everyone is welcome to join the conversation. Sponsored by www.VISAbilities.net
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I am pleased to welcome Jeff Thom, President of Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss. He will be sharing the exciting details of the upcoming AAVL National Conference. This will be followed by some Baby Boomer Trivia. So get your team together, and let’s relax at the end of a busy week and have a good time! Everyone is welcome to join the call. Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co
It’s the 2nd anniversary! It’s a special 2 Hour program from 7:00 – 9:00 Eastern Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co
Join Terry as she welcomes Neely Oplinger, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Washington Ear, and our own Mike Duke of the Mississippi Radio Reading Service for an eye opening discussion of the various services now available to everyone via an Amazon device and other alternatives. You don’t need special radios or machines to access all kinds of information, news, books and entertainment. It’s a whole new way to access the print world. All are welcome.
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Terry welcomes Sarah Calhoun, Anthony Corona, and Penny Reeder with their furry friends to tell us about GDUI’s Furry Tails project and how you can participate. We will then morph into other issues relevant to living life with a dog guide. Questions are always welcome. So join us for a fact filled hour. Guide Dogs, Furry Tails & More! Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co
For more than 20 years, Michael Smitherman has never failed to impress ACB convention goers with outstanding Exhibit Halls filled with both new products and services and classic stand-bys we have come to rely on. Everything from cosmetics to computers, from braille notetakers to braille jewelry. And now, in these days of combined hybrid and in-person gatherings, Michael has done it again! Be among the first to hear details of this year’s exhibits and exhibitors. We will also talk about what’s involved in being an exhibitor, and how it all comes together under his guidance. We might even get him to tell us about some of the new offerings we can look forward to this summer in Omaha. Bring your questions and be ready to take notes. This is a call you won’t want to miss!
Since we will be holding this year’s conference and convention in hybrid mode, the Voting Task Force will join Terry to discuss and explain the plans for elections; how we will have our say as to how our organization’s important documents are changed; and the handling of this year’s resolutions. Come learn and bring your questions. As always, everyone is welcome to join the conversation. Sponsored by VISAbilities
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VISAbilities – Annual Open Chat: 7pm ET, 4pm PT, 1pm HT Have you ever heard the ACB Song? Would you like to hear the entire song VISAbilities’ theme music is from? What shows have you enjoyed most over the last two years? What have we missed? Do you have any announcements about your community call or upcoming affiliate event? These are just a few of the topics we can explore. I also have a special message to our friends observing Easter and/or Passover.
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VISAbilities – The Birds are Calling: Spring has sprung; birds are singing; and Terry welcomes back Blind Birder, Jerry Berrier. Jerry completely enthralled us all with his knowledge and interest of sharing so much about our springtime feathered friends last year. We are looking forward to another great evening with him this week. Join us with your questions and guesses on some of the recordings Jerry brings with him.
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There is no better feeling than to do something that helps make life and learning better for others. Join Terry as she welcomes three special guests who are outstanding volunteers in and around their communities. Sponsored by VISAbilities Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co
A Tribute to ACB Women part 2 March 25, 8:00 PM EDT Celebrating the women who helped build the foundation on which ACBB stands today. Join Terry as she welcomes Lori Scharff (Co-chair ACB Women’s Committee) and Pam Shaw (former ACB Vice President) as we recall the many contributions 35 very special leaders and friends have made and are still making to continue building our strong grass roots organization. What have we all learned from them? What does the future hold for them and ACB? Please join us as we honor these women. We will also be hearing from the McDaniel First timers and JP Morgan Chase Committee, time permitting.
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Join the fun at 7:00 Eastern time tonight. March 18 VISAbilities St. Patrick’s Weekend Continues The Irish-American History and Traditions Why did this holiday take root and spread around the world? Why do we all sing “Irish songs” that were written here, not in Ireland? What are your memories of celebrations “back in the day” with your parents and grandparents? Last night, on Table Talk Thursday, CCLVI touched on some of these topics. We will be digging a little deeper tonight.
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Episode Notes On March 26, 2021 I welcomed Jerry Berrier, well-known blind birding enthusiast in to share an information packed hour that was enjoyed by all.
Episode Notes We welcome members of the ACB Voting Task Force for a candid discussion about the unique voting process to take place at the 2021 ACB Virtual National Convention. There has been a lot of buzz around this topic. Get the whole story directly from the group of hard working ACB'ers, who truly value the independent secret ballot.
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