20250709 1430 Advocacy Bootcamp Originally Broadcasted July 9, 2025, on ACB Media 2 Advocacy can look like a lot of things, there is no right or wrong way to do it. This session talked through the structure of our government to understand the various platforms in which to advocate through. Then, the discussion expanded further to explore other, out-of-the-box forms of advocacy that do not require engaging with the government at all. Lets put on our thinking caps to find various ways to advocate and make change for the blind and low vision community.
20250708 1600 You May be Missing Out on Services for Seniors Originally Broadcasted July 8, 2025, on ACB Media 3 Benefits Counseling, Medicare Enrollment, Home Delivered Meals, Fall Prevention Exercises. These are just a sampling of the programs and services which may be available free in your community from a Senior Center or Area Agency on Aging. Participants joined AAVL and learned how they can find out where they are and if they are eligible. Facilitator: Doug Powell, AAVL President, Falls Church, VA Presenters: Fallon Finney, Program Manager, ADRC of Dallas County Dallas TX, Oliva Umoren, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, US Aging, Washington, DC, Donna Alexander, Director Access and Assistance, Dallas AAA, Community Council of Greater Dallas, Dallas TX, Renae Perry, COO The Senior source, Dallas TX, and Jasmine Kelley, the Wellmed Senior Center, Dallas, TX.
20250707 1300 The ABCs of Advocacy-Parts 1 and 2 Originally Broadcasted July 7, 2025, on ACB Media Participants joined us for an interactive session exploring the fundamental principles of advocacy, what it is, why it matters, and how you can make an impact. Whether it's at the local, state, or national level, advocacy is a powerful tool for driving change. Through interactive discussions, small group collaborations, and role playing exercises, attendees gained practical strategies and confidence to amplify their voice. Co-sponsored by the ACB Advocacy Steering Committee and ACB Next Generation Presenters: Jeff Thom, Chair of ACB's Advocacy Steering Committee, Sacramento, CA and Koni Sims, ACB Board Member, Sioux Falls SD Facilitators: Aaron Espinoza, ACB Next Generation Advocacy Committee Chair, Bakersfield, CAand Amanda Selm, Immediate Past President, ACB Next Generation, Louisville, KY.
20250707 1300 The Supreme Court Term in Review Originally Broadcasted July 7, 2025, on ACB Media 3 Participants found out from St. Mary's University Law School professor about the significant decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court in its 2024-25 term and its work generally. Presenter: Professor Bill Piatt, San Antonio, Texas
20250706 1430 Issues in Immigration Today Originally Broadcasted July 6, 2025, on ACB Media 3 Participants heard from a lawyer with decades of experience about the host of matters affecting immigration into the U.S. Presenter: Oliver J. Langstadt, Miami, Florida Co-sponsored by AAVIA and IRC
20250706 1300 Are We Meeting the Needs of Seniors with Vision Loss Originally Broadcasted July 6, 2025, on ACB Media 2 AAVL examined specialized services for blind or low vision seniors in Texas and looked more generally at innovative ways to bridge the enormous level of unmet needs in our nation for these services. What lessons can we learn from the Texas experience and what can we do to enhance services for our community. Facilitator: Jeff Thom, Immediate Past President, Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, Sacramento CA. Presenters: Juanita Barker, Director of Blind Services, Texas Workforce Commission Dallas TX, Stacy Fuller, Vice-President Rehabilitation Services, Envision Inc.TX. Dallas TX, and Hannah Christenson, Director Community Services, Envision Inc. TX. Dallas TX.
20250706 0900 Update on Legislation Originally Broadcasted July 6, 2025, on ACB Media 3 Participants joined ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Claire Stanley, as she provided a look at 2025 federal legislation of concern to people with vision loss. She covered not only those items in which ACB has been involved, but other legislative issues of concern to people with vision loss. Also, we urge attendees who are working on current legislation in their states to report on their progress. Presenter: Claire Stanley, ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Alexandria, VA. Facilitator: Jeff Thom, ACB Advocacy Steering Committee, Sacramento, CA.
20250626 1600 Update on Legal Advocacy Impacting People with Disabilities Originally Broadcasted June 26, 2025 on ACB Media 3 Participants learned about the legal landscape in what many on all sides of the political spectrum view as an unprecedented period in our history. Experts in disability advocacy law covered a spectrum of issues important to our community. Be prepared with your questions about the latest happenings in disability law. Panelists: Matthew Handley, Partner, Handley Farah and Anderson, Washington, DC, Rachel Weisberg, Supervising Attorney, Disability Rights Advocates, Chicago, IL, and Madeleine Reichman, Staff Attorney, Disability Rights Advocates, New York, NY Facilitators: Claire Stanley, ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Alexandria, VA and Jeff Thom, ACB Advocacy Steering Committee Chair, Sacramento, CA
20240710 1430 To Advocate and Educate, The History of Activism in Jacksonville Originally Broadcasted July 10, 2024, on ACB Media 3 Attendees continued with us on our odyssey through the history of Jacksonville. Participants interacted with a panel of diverse voices shaping the community of Jacksonville today, "the new, bold city of the south." Edited By: Mary Ann Grignon
20240710 1430 Advocacy Bootcamp 101 Originally Broadcasted July 10, 2024, on ACB Media 2 This session explored how a person can advocate for themselves individually, or how a larger group can advocate at a local or national level to bring about widespread change. Advocacy can occur at an individual level, work to advance change in legislation, bring legal action, or bring together a whole community to amplify an issue. This session explored the numerous tactics and venues that can be used to advocate for change. Edited By: Mary Ann Grignon
20240710 0700 AFB Breakfast Originally Broadcasted July 10, 2024, on ACB Media Zoom Recorder Attendees joined the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) for our annual breakfast. Learn about the latest research impacting on our community and the success following the release of AFB's documentary film "Possibilities". AFB's President and CEO Eric Bridges was on hand to answer questions and share what's on the horizon for the coming year. Edited By: Doug Hunsinger
20240709 1430 Diabetes and Advocacy-American Diabetes Association and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Legislative Priorities for 2024 Originally Broadcasted July 9, 2024, on ACB Media 3 We shared their respective organizations legislative priorities for 2024, inclusive of what is being done to make durable medical equipment, DME, fully accessible. Attendees joined ACB Diabetics in Action for what promised to be a stimulating conversation about advocating for the rights of individuals living with diabetes and vision loss! Facilitator: Claire Stanley Virginia Presenters: Clarissa Kemp Senior Director of Policy from formally JDRF, now Breakthrough T1D, LYNN STARR Chief Global Advocacy Officer, JDRF Washington DC. Edited By: Larry Gassman
20240708 1300 Self-Advocacy at Work Originally Broadcasted July 8, 2024, on ACB Media Zoom Recorder Through a mixture of presentation and guided role plays, attendees learned how to better communicate their needs and abilities to frazzled HR staff, techies, and overworked, under supported bosses. Edited By: Darcy Burnard
20240708 1030 Current Case Law on Issues Impacting People with Vision Loss Originally Broadcasted July 8, 2024, on ACB Media 3 Attendees joined a panel of disability rights attorneys as they discussed an array of issues from current case law that directly impacts the lives of people who are blind or have low vision. Participants were ready with questions about legal topics that relate specifically to people with vision loss. Edited By: John Gassman
20240708 0900 Bridging the Generational Gaps in Advocacy Originally Broadcasted July 8, 2024, on ACB Media 2 Intergenerational collaboration can lead to more inclusive and sustainable solutions by incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences. Attendees joined us as a generation-inclusive panel talked about their involvement with ACB, today's cultural/political climate, and how advocacy efforts might be adapted to incorporate these changes. During this session, NextGen leader Amanda selm and long-time ACB member Peter Altschul will engage in live conversations with ACB members who come from diverse backgrounds to gain a better understanding of their advocacy-related experiences and perspectives. Edited By: Mary Ann Grignon
20240708 0900 All Things Legislative Originally Broadcasted July 8, 2024, on ACB Media 3 It is always a roller coaster ride when it comes to the world of federal legislation, and this year is no exception. Attendees joined ACB advocacy staff as they whirl us through the topsy-turvy landscape of federal legislation in 2024 as it relates to blindness and low vision. In addition, be ready to share any accomplishments that your affiliate had this year in working on state legislation. Edited By: Mary Ann Grignon
20240707 1430 The Supreme Court's Term in Review Originally Broadcasted July 7, 2024, on ACB Media 3 Attendees learned from St. Mary's University Law School professor about the significant decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court in its 2023-24 term and its work. Presenter: Prof. Bill Piatt, San Antonio, TX Edited By: Mary Ann Grignon
20240628 1100 Mission Accessibility in India Originally Broadcasted June 28, 2024, on ACB Media 4 Attendees learned how a grassroots ecosystem founded by blind attorneys is increasing accessibility one website, app, and tourist monument at a time in a country with one of the highest populations of blind people in the world. Find out how Mission Accessibility is making change happen. Receive lessons and tips to apply in your own advocacy. Presenter: Amar Jain, corporate attorney and Co-Founder, Mission Accessibility, Mumbai, India. Edited By: Regina Marie Brink
20240627 1700 P.R.E.P for Successful Networking Originally Broadcasted June 27, 2024, on ACB Media 3 Attendees joined Chris Peterson, Swatha Nandhakumar, and Dianna Leonard as they helped us prepare for any networking event. They guided us through an interactive P.R.E.P session to learn how to plan, research, navigate an event, and pursue leads. Then join us at our in-person event on July 6th to practice what you've P.R.E.P'd and where various affiliate and ACB committee members will attend to network with. Edited By: Doug Hunsinger
20230704 1600 A Conversation with Uber Join representatives from Uber to learn how they are improving the rideshare experience for passengers with disabilities, including service dog handlers. Moderated by Clark Rachfal, ACBs, Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs.