ACB Focus: Employment

20250709 0700 NIB Breakfast Originally Broadcasted July 9, 2025, on ACB Media Updates (and a conversation) from NIB on veterans hiring and key initiatives in Congress. Presenters: Rick Webster, Vice President, Public Policy and Andy Monday, Program Manager, Veterans and Business Development Support. Find out more at https://acb-focus-employment.pinecast.co

20250707 1000 JP Morgan Chase Presentation Originally Broadcasted July 7, 2025, on ACB Media 1     Find out more at https://acb-focus-employment.pinecast.co

20250706 1430 All About the Texas BEP Program Originally Broadcasted July 6, 2025, on ACB Media 2   This session highlighted the Business Enterprise Program in Texas so participants can learn how they train vendors, the types of facilities they have in the program, and some statistics of relevance: gross sales, number of facilities, number of vendors, etc. They also learned how blind persons can become a vendor in the state.   Presenters: Karla Martinez, Training and Development Specialist, Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center, Austin, TX; Crawford J. Odom, BET Business Consultant - District 2, Business Enterprise of Texas - Texas Workforce Commission, Fort Worth, TX and others   Find out more at https://acb-focus-employment.pinecast.co

Co-sponsored by RSVA, IVIE, ACB Next Generation, Employment Committee and Rehab Issues Task 20250706 1300 Discover the World of Entrepreneurship Originally Broadcasted July 6, 2025, on ACB Media   Participants joined us as dynamic entrepreneurs share their journeys, including opportunities within the Randolph-Sheppard Program. Hear firsthand how they chose the path of entrepreneurship and what drives their success.   Force Presenters: Kevin Fortune, Owner The fortune Agency, CEO National BVI Chamber of Commerce, Cincinnati, OH, Hayley Agers, DoTERRA Wellness Advocate, Marysville, WA, Ardis Bazyn, Bazyn Communications, Thornton, CO, Linda Allison, President Tennessee Council of the Blind and Tennessee vendor, Knoxville, TN, and Conrad Bennett, Lots of Smiles, Romney, WV.   Find out more at https://acb-focus-employment.pinecast.co

20250705 1600 From Setback to Comeback-Essential Tools for a Successful Career Change After a Job Loss Originally Broadcasted July 5, 2025, on ACB Media 2   This Interactive panel provided Practical tools and tips from professionals to help them recharge or reinvent their career from resume and interview tips, career assessment/coaching, job search techniques and self-care and mental health advice.   Co-sponsored by ACBGE and the Employment Committee   Moderator: Pat Sheehan, President, ACB Government Employees - Silver Spring, MD   Panelist: Pam Shaw - Chair - ACB Mental Health and Wellness Committee - Jenkintown, PA, Cheryl Cumings - Workforce Development Manager -Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. - Seattle, WA - ACB Employment Committee, and Sara Freeman Smith -Career Navigator/CEO U R Gems, LLC., ACB Employment Committee, Houston, TX.   Find out more at https://acb-focus-employment.pinecast.co

20250705 1430 Tips for Preventing Identity Theft Originally Broadcasted July 5, 2025, on ACB Media 2   Speakers  gave participants ways to prevent identity theft. They also learned about recent scams and how to identify them so you don't get scammed.   Panelists: Deborah Joice, Author, Honolulu, HI and Chris Peterson, Founder and CEO, Penny Forward, Richfield, MN.       Find out more at https://acb-focus-employment.pinecast.co

20250705 1300 ringing Meaning to Your Business Originally Broadcasted July 5, 2025, on ACB Media 2   Our speaker used personal experiences to highlight how using the mission and goals of the business will help it thrive. The main focus is on bringing meaning into their business to ensure the passion for the business continues.   Presenter: Dan Lococo, PhD, Affinity By Design, Inc., Milwaukee, WI.     Find out more at https://acb-focus-employment.pinecast.co

20250628 1430 Using Braille in the Workplace Originally Broadcasted June 28, 2025, on ACB Media 3   Participants heard from a panel of braille users about how they are using braille every day as a vital part of their job. How important is it in improving job productivity? Explored how braille is being used now versus 40 years ago.   Co-sponsored by: Braille Revival League, ACB Employment Committee and AABT     Find out more at https://acb-focus-employment.pinecast.co

20250628 1130 AI in the Workplace and Beyond Originally Broadcasted June 28, 2025, on ACB Media 2   Are you interested in integrating AI into your professional life but don't know quite how to start? Participants joined the Employment Committee and BITS as human presenters encouraged and guided us to start this journey.   Presenters: Peter Altschul, Employment Committee Chair, Coos Bay, OR and Jeff Bishop, BITS president, Tucson AZ.   Find out more at https://acb-focus-employment.pinecast.co

20250627 1730 All About Requesting an Assessment from your Voc Rehab Agency Originally Broadcasted June 27, 2025, on ACB Media 2   This session discussed a comprehensive tool for blind and low vision individuals to use to determine strengths, areas for improvement, and weaknesses when planning education and employment.     Find out more at https://acb-focus-employment.pinecast.co

20240709 1600 Guiding the Next Generation Originally Broadcasted July 9, 2024, on ACB Media Zoom Recorder   Attendees heard how seasoned attorneys can help guide the next generation of attorneys. Presenters: Angelina Hollingsworth, Roseberg, OR and Paige Miller, Tucson, AZ.   Edited By: Regina Marie Brink   Find out more at https://acb-focus-employment.pinecast.co

20240709 1430 Diagram of a Capital Murder Prosecution Originally Broadcasted July 9, 2024, on ACB Media Zoom Recorder   Attendees learned from an assistant district attorney about the nuts and bolts of preparing for a Capital murder trial. Presenter: Chris Prentice, Levelland, TX   Edited By: Doug Hunsinger   Find out more at https://acb-focus-employment.pinecast.co

20240709 0730 NIB Breakfast Speaker Originally Broadcasted July 9, 2024, on ACB Media Zoom Recorder   Edited By: Doug Hunsinger   Find out more at https://acb-focus-employment.pinecast.co

20240708 1730 Unlock the Power of Financial Freedom with Penny Forward Originally Broadcasted July 8, 2024, on ACB Media Zoom Recorder   This was an essential workshop for anyone eager to master the art of financial management while navigating government benefits and employment challenges. In this interactive session, participants learned how their income and expenses impact their Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. We also showed attendees the critical importance of keeping meticulous financial records. Discover how this simple practice can be your best defense against Social Security overpayments, saving you from unnecessary stress and financial setbacks. We guided participants through the practical steps to manage these situations with confidence. Explore the benefits of an ABLE account, a remarkable financial tool that allows you to save up to $100,000 without jeopardizing your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Learn how to set up and manage an ABLE account to maximize your savings and maintain your benefits. Discover how Penny Forward can be your partner in navigating these financial pathways. With our self-paced online courses, group workshops, and one on one financial counseling, you'll gain not only knowledge but also practical solutions to apply immediately to your financial life.   Edited By: Doug Hunsinger   Find out more at https://acb-focus-employment.pinecast.co

20240708 1030 Motivating State Agencies to Improve Their Business Enterprise Programs Originally Broadcasted July 8, 2024, on ACB Media 2   This panel focused on how to ensure state agencies administering the Randolph-Sheppard vending facility program work to ensure that blind vendors will be awarded military dining facility sites and keep their programs moving forward. The panel discussed how state agency staff can be more entrepreneurial in their efforts to get new vending facility locations and help blind vendors to be more entrepreneurial, as well. The panel also discussed what steps can be taken for elected committees of blind vendors and state agencies to work together for the best interests of the program and the vendors within it.   Edited By: John Gassman   Find out more at https://acb-focus-employment.pinecast.co

20240707 1300 Speed Networking-The Vendor Game Originally Broadcasted July 7, 2024, on ACB Media Zoom Recorder   In this session, career options were explored including Randolph-Sheppard opportunities.   Edited By: Doug Hunsinger   Find out more at https://acb-focus-employment.pinecast.co

20240707 1430 Discover, Connect, Thrive-Building Brighter Tomorrows Originally Broadcasted July 7, 2024, on ACB Media Zoom Recorder   Juggling essential tasks such as managing finances, whipping up quick meals, and fostering social connections can feel like an uphill battle. Accessible tools and strategies can make these challenges manageable and seamless. Don't let these roadblocks define your path, participants learned how to define your own path. Attendees joined Hindley Williams, Edward Shaham, and Kolby Garrison who offered tools and strategies to help you build and execute a future in which you can thrive. This is your chance to step out of the shadows of uncertainty and into a life where financial independence, health, and community are within your grasp. Facilitator: Hindley Williams, Program Analyst, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Parkville, MD Panelists:: Edward Shaham, Accountant and Supply Chain Manager, West Hartford, CT, and Kolby Garrison, ACB Development Officer, Greensboro, NC   Edited By: Doug Hunsinger   Find out more at https://acb-focus-employment.pinecast.co

20240707 1430 All About the Florida BEP Program Originally Broadcasted July 7, 2024, on ACB Media Zoom Recorder   This session highlighted the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) in Florida so participants will learn how they train vendors, the types of facilities in the program, and some statistics of relevance: gross sales, number of facilities, number of vendors, etc. They also learned how blind people can become vendors in the state.   Edited By: Doug Hunsinger   Find out more at https://acb-focus-employment.pinecast.co

20240706 1600 Network Yourself for Success Originally Broadcasted July 6, 2024, on ACB Media Zoom Recorder   In conjunction with our June 27th P.R.E.P for Successful Networking program, we hosted an in-person networking event where you can practice what you've P.R.E.P'd. Come mingle with members of the ACB Employment Committee, ACB Government Employees, American Association of Blind Teachers, American Association of Visually Impaired Attorneys, Independent Visually Impaired Entrepreneurs (IVIE), and Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America (RSVA) among others and join us for an evening of creating new connections. All are welcome, whether you attended the virtual event or not.   Edited By: Doug Hunsinger   Find out more at https://acb-focus-employment.pinecast.co

20240706 1300 How a Visually Impaired Entrepreneur Created and Launched Her New Business Originally Broadcasted July 6, 2024, on ACB Media 3   Motivational Speaker: Tricia Waechter, CEO, Blind Girl Designs   Edited By: John Gassman   Find out more at https://acb-focus-employment.pinecast.co