ACB Events

Carl Richardson and Kim Charlson, Co-Chairs of the Audio Description Project chat with Rick Morin about the 2025 Audio Description Awards Gala and the AD industry prior to the airing of the 2025 Audio Description Awards Gala on November 13, 2025.

2025 American Council of the Blind Audio Description Gala Audio Description Project November 13, 2025 Join us for the 2025 AD Awards Gala! We honor people and organizations that help make film, tv, and video games more accessible. And we'll announce the winners of the AD People's Choice Awards. Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

20251118 1900 ACBVA Banquet Keynote Address - Celebration, Debra Hill Debra Hill, motivational speaker, singer, and proud member of ACBVA shares her story, voice, and vision for resilience and empowerment. Learn more about her work and music at debrahillsings.com Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

20251118 1630 ACBVA Session 5,, Tech That Talks Back – Everyday Strategies for Navigating AI & Assistive Technology Session 5: Tech That Talks Back – Everyday Strategies for Navigating AI & Assistive Technology Facilitated by Jeremy Grandstaff and Stan Gowen Discover how today’s smart tools can boost independence and simplify daily life. Whether you’re tech-curious or already plugged in, this session will explore how assistive technology and AI—from voice assistants to apps and smart home devices—can help you work smarter, navigate more confidently, and stay connected. You’ll get real-life strategies, hands-on examples, and a chance to ask questions. No tech experience needed—just bring your curiosity! Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

20251118 1515 ACBVA Session 4, Falls Prevention – Stand Tall, Stay Safe Session 4: Falls Prevention – Stand Tall, Stay Safe Larry Johnson, an ACB member from San Antonio, TX who has given workshops from 1 hour to 8 weeks on Falls Prevention, and Doug Powell, a 20+ year Tai Chi teacher, combine to give hints to improve your environment and exercises to improve your balance with special focus on people who are blind or have low vision.   Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

20251118 1400 ACBVA Session 3, Emergency Preparedness – Plan, Prepare, Protect Session 3: Emergency Preparedness – Plan, Prepare, Protect Donna Clarke and --- from --- walk us through critical safety planning that’s both practical and empowering. (We will edit when we have more details.) Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

20251118 1200 ACBVA Vendor Introductions Hear lightning-round intros from vendors so you know who to visit during lunch and throughout the day. Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

20251118 1045 ACBVA Session 2, Household Management – Tips & Tricks Session 2: Household Management – Tips & Tricks Make life at home easier and safer by exchanging tips and techniques with other members in a lively discussion led by Sam Joehl and Vicki Ratcliffe.   Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

20251118 0930 ACBVA Session 1, Advocacy in Action – Get Involved, Make an Impact Session 1: Advocacy in Action – Get Involved, Make an Impact Ready to turn your passion into real change? We will hear from two of our Virginia State delegates, Patrick A. Hope (District 1) and Rodney T. Willett (District 58). This dynamic session will equip you with tips and insider knowledge to advocate more effectively when we travel to Richmond this winter. Facilitated by RoseAnn Ashby and Vinettea Freeman, you’ll learn how to amplify your voice and make a meaningful impact on policies that affect the blind and low vision community. Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

20251118 0900 ACBVA Saturday Welcome, Agenda Overview, Pledge, National Anthem, Attendee Introductions

20251117 1900 ACBVA Workshop, Lead the Way – Igniting Leadership in AC1B of Virginia Workshop: Lead the Way – Igniting Leadership in ACB of Virginia Led by ACBVA leader and President Doug Powell and experienced facilitator and leader Jeremy Grandstaff, this session will help you explore your leadership potential, gain practical tools, and connect with others passionate about making a difference. Whether you’re curious about getting involved or already guiding a team, this workshop is for you. Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

20250928 0900 Sunday Morning 2025 NCCB Convention Business and Board Meeting North Carolina Council of the Blind 2025 State Convention Wyndham Garden Greensboro Saturday Evening September 27, 2025 – General Business Meeting Welcome & Call to Order — Sandi Owens, President Attendance Roll Call — Ashley Coleman, Secretary – Secretary’s Report — Ashley Coleman – Treasurer’s Report — Chris Flynt, Treasurer President’s Report — Sandi Owens Committee Reports (2 minutes each, in this order) Advocacy & Accessibility • Advocacy Committee — George Smith • Assistive Technology Committee — Ashley Coleman • Environmental Access Committee — Chris Bell • Employment Committee — Tim Snyder Finance & Operations • Budget Committee — Jane Ferrita • Investment Committee — Chris Bell • Fundraising Committee — Ashley Coleman • Convention Committee — Lawrence Carter Membership & Outreach • Membership Committee — Lawrence Carter • Scholarship Committee — Christina Owens • Publicity Committee — Ashley Coleman Policy & Governance • Constitution, Bylaws, and Resolutions Committee — Allen Moore • Policy Committee — Allen Moore • Brady Jones Committee — Ricky Scott • Nominations Committee — N/A • Transportation Committee — N/A – Old Business New Business & Elections — Lawrence Carter – Final Remarks — Sandi Owens, President – Door Prizes & Adjournment Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

North Carolina Council of the Blind 2025 State Convention Wyndham Garden Greensboro Saturday Evening September 27, 2025 Banquet & Evening Program Invocation Keynote Speaker — Claire Stanley, J.D. Scholarship Awards Door Prizes Closing Remarks — Sandi Owens, President Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

North Carolina Council of the Blind 2025 State Convention Wyndham Garden Greensboro Saturday Morning September 27, 2025 Opening Session — Welcome & Opening Remarks: Sandi Owens, President Pledge of Allegiance Invocation Mayor’s Welcome Abbott Diabetes Care — Pam Lisi Vanda Pharmaceuticals — Vicki Preddy, MSN, RN Disability Rights NC — Lena Welch, Attorney North Carolina Lions Foundation — Carlton V. Metts II, Executive Director Keynote Speaker Introduction — Claire Stanley, J.D., Director of Advocacy & Governmental Affairs, ACB Closing Remarks — Sandi Owens, President Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

North Carolina Council of the Blind 2025 State Convention Wyndham Garden Greensboro Friday Evening September 26, 2025 Welcome & Opening Remarks — Sandi Owens, President Division of Services for the Blind — Cynthia Speight, Director Governor Morehead School — Dr. Nancy N. Barbour, Interim Superintendent NC Statewide Independent Living Council — Shana Ayscue, Executive Director State Library of NC: Accessible Books & Library Services — Clint Exum, Outreach Specialist NCCB Board Candidate Speeches — Each candidate has 3 minutes Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

20250517-4 FCB convention Saturday night banquet Originally broadcasted May 17, 2025 on ACB Media 8 Annual Banquet Attendees attended FCB'S Annual Banquet: hosted by FCB President, Mikey Wiseman. FCB’s Banquet speaker was Jeff Bishop who was a prominent figure in the field of accessibility and assistive technology, dedicated to enhancing digital experiences for individuals with visual impairments. Jeff was President of Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS), served on the Board of Publications and was influential in the ongoing efforts of ACB’s overall information technology (IT) infrastructure and outlook. He lived in Phoenix, Arizona and told his life story, providing entertainment for attendees. Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

20250517-3 FCB convention Saturday afternoon Originally broadcasted May 17, 2025 on ACB Media 8 FCB Annual Town Hall Meeting Attendees planned to attend this exciting and informative meeting moderated by President Mikey Wiseman. They heard from the Director of the Division of Blind Services, (DBS) Robert Doyle, regarding the current status of the goals and mission of the agency including specific news that he wished to bring to attendees. After his presentation, he answered questions from the audience. Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision (FCCLV)FCCLV conducted its annual meeting and program. FCCLV 2025 program presenters were Cachet Wells and Greg Lindberg, co-chairs of the FCB’s Activities Committee. As a special interest affiliate, FCCLV members resided in many communities throughout the state. The Activities Committee planned, organized, and announced events and happenings all over the state. Attendees got together with fellow visually impaired FCCLV members in their community and met new/other individuals of the low vision community. To the surprise of many, with little preparation to any activity, game or skill, attendees could rework their favorite to be accessible and inclusive to those who were Blind and Low Vision. FCCLV and the Activities Committee helped attendees navigate and explore new ways to enjoy outdoor and indoor activities. Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

20250517-2 FCB convention Saturday morning continued Originally broadcasted May 17, 2025 on ACB Media 8 ·       The Blind Kitchen Presenter Debra Erickson, MS Executive Chef and Founder of the Blind Kitchen Attendees were welcomed to The Blind Kitchen where adaptive tools, helpful strategies, and specialized knowledge were provided to blind and vision-impaired people who wanted to cook safely, confidently, and independently. Chef Debra discussed safe cooking techniques and products that The Blind Kitchen sold to make culinary experiences meaningful and provide attendees with confidence. FCB Technology Committee Program Attendees learned about online security information. Those who worried about online security, wondered how to keep themselves safe while shopping or visiting websites, or responding to emails, learned about scams, phishing, captchas, and what these words meant. Attendees came to the Technology Committee session to learn tips about how to avoid online problems. The session barely touched on the subject, but helped attendees think about avoiding security breaches along with threats and perhaps led them to a few ways to learn how to protect themselves while online. Attendees joined Petr Kucheryavyy, Sr. Manager with Spectrum’s Accessibility team. He presented an informative look at all of Spectrum’s Accessibility offerings. Attendees found out what was new with the Spectrum FREE Access app, Spectrum TV app, accessible self-support and more. Additionally, attendees learned about the all new Xumo Stream Box with a voice control remote, available at the time. Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

72nd Annual State Convention Opening Ceremony Empowering Through AI: Presented by Jeff Bishop and moderated by Debbie Grubb Jeff Bishop was a prominent figure in the field of accessibility and assistive technology, dedicated to enhancing digital experiences for individuals with visual impairments; President of Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS); served on the Board of Publications and was influential in the ongoing efforts of ACB’s overall information technology, (IT) infrastructure. A Training for Assistive Technology Users and Professionals was an engaging multi-hour event designed to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the realm of assistive technology. Participants learned about AI-driven tools and techniques that enhanced accessibility, independence, and productivity for individuals with disabilities. This hands-on training provided actionable strategies for integrating AI into daily workflows, empowering both users and professionals to unlock new opportunities. The session included practical demonstrations, real-world applications, and interactive discussions to ensure attendees left with a deeper understanding of AI’s role in shaping a more inclusive future. Jeff Bishop’s interactive session continued. The demonstrations, discussion and amazing insights into AI continued. Attendees didn’t miss a moment of this potentially life changing presentation. Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

20250516-4 FCB convention Friday night banquet Originally broadcasted May 16, 2025, on ACB Media 8 Awards and Scholarships BanquetAttendees celebrated and recognized FCB leaders and deserving students at a special dinner hosted in their honor by Mary Tyson and Sheila Young, committee chairs for the Awards, Education, Leadership and Scholarships Committees. Select advocates and leaders were recognized with prestigious awards and deserving students were presented with valuable scholarships. Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co