ACB Focus: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

20240710 1300 Nothing About Us Without Us-Black American Perspective on Jacksonville History Originally Broadcasted July 10, 2024, on ACB Media 2   Jacksonville, Florida, has a rich and diverse history. The experience of African-Americans in Jacksonville was unique, home of the renowned poet James Weldon Johnson and his brother, John Rosamund Johnson, who together wrote the Black National Anthem (Lift Every Voice and Sing), and home of one of the few free Black communities established under Spanish rule and maintained until its relocation to Oklahoma. Attendees learned about the stories and events you may never have heard before. The Multi-Cultural Affairs Committee invited participants to join us on this journey.   Edited By: Janet Ingber

20240709 1730 A Conversation on Blindness in Trinidad and Tobago Originally Broadcasted July 9, 2024, on ACB Media 4   Mr. Kenneth Suratt, Executive Officer, Trinidad, and Tobago Blind Welfare Association, spoke at Tuesday morning's General Session. Here is a wonderful opportunity to hear from and talk with him directly in a smaller, more intimate setting. Attendees learned about the challenges and opportunities facing blind people in Trinidad and Tobago and lessons we can apply in the United States. Presenter: Kenneth Suratt, Executive Officer, Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. Co-sponsored by: IRC and MCAC   Edited By: Janet Ingber

20240709 1300 Refugee Can Be Originally Broadcasted July 9, 2024, on ACB Media 4   Attendees heard the inspiring immigration and service journey of Chantale Zuzi, a recent ACB scholarship recipient. From a refugee in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to an accomplished young woman committed to serving others. Participants learned how Chantale triumphed over adversity and found resilience, and how she is striving to empower refugee girls in East Africa to reach their full potential. Presenter: Chantale Zuzi, Founder, Refugee Can Be, Wellesley, MA.   Edited By: Mary Ann Grignon

20240707 1300 Journey of a Blind Pakistani Lawyer Originally Broadcasted July 7, 2024, on ACB Media 3   Attendees learned what it's like to live and work in Pakistan through one man's recent journey to become an attorney. Participants learned about the role of culture and family, challenges, and successes, and more. Presenter: Syed Waqas Ali Shah, Peshawar P.K.K., Pakistan. Co-sponsored by: AAVIA and IRC   Edited By: John Gassman

20240706 0800 The Flight to Freedom-Stories About the Southbound Underground Railway that Led to St. Augustine Originally Broadcasted July 6, 2024, on ACB Media 2   Attendees discovered the Flight to Freedom story of men, women and children who risked their lives to secure freedom for themselves and their families as they traveled the "southbound underground railway" to St. Augustine in Spanish Florida. Attendees heard the story of the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what would become the United States. Colonial Fort Mose is brought to life with hands-on artifacts depicting textiles, foods, tools, and toys that Freedom Seekers would have utilized in 1738. DD Stein, Social Studies Teacher, Florida School for The Deaf and The Blind, St. Augustine, FL.   Edited By: Michael Babcock

20240629 1700 Sister Power Happy Hour Originally Broadcasted June 29, 2024, on ACB Media 3   Attendees joined ACB Women for another inspiring conversation featuring two wise women from our committee, Linda, and Linda! Facilitator: Rachel Schroeder, Assistive Technology Specialist and ACB Board Member, Springfield, IL. Presenters: Linda Yacks, Retired Secretary, Rogers, AR and Linda Porelle, Retired Social Worker and Life Coach, Westbrook, ME.   Edited By: Michael Babcock

20240627 1100 Judaism 101 Originally Broadcasted June 27, 2024, on ACB Media 4   Rabbi Andrew Goodman, the COO of JBI (Jewish Braille Institute) presented an introduction to Judaism workshop, focusing on exploring some basic tenets of Judaism and its yearly calendar of holidays. Questions were welcomed.   Edited by: Brian McCallen

20230705 1430 MCAC-Did Helen Keller Exist-Rewriting history-its impact on the blind or visually impaired and other marginalized communities. Originally Broadcasted July 5, 2023, on ACB Media 4   Participants joined a panel as they explored the impact and consequences of removing different stories and experiences from our classes and libraries.   Edited By:  Darcy Burnard

20230705 1300 MCAC Luncheon-The Diversity of Chicago Originally Broadcasted July 5, 2023, on ACB Media 4   Chicago is a city shaped by the migration of people from around the world and across the nation. Participants joined us for a discussion of how race, class and ethnicity influenced the development of the city and its neighborhoods.   Edited By:  Darcy Burnard

20230704 1600 Conversation with World Blind Union President, Martine Abel-Williamson Originally Broadcasted July 4, 2023, on ACB Media 3   In addition to her role as World Blind Union President, Ms. Abel-Williamson is involved with several disability-related organizations in New Zealand and serves on the board of the Accessible Books Consortium, an initiative led by the World Intellectual Property Organization. She spoke at Tuesday morning's general session, and here was a great opportunity to hear from and talk with her directly in a smaller, more intimate setting. Presenter: Martine Abel-Williamson, President, World Blind Union, Auckland, New Zealand. Co-sponsored by IRC and MCAC.   Edited By:  Larry Gassman

20230704 1300 A Perspective from the UK   ** Originally Broadcasted July 4, 2023, on ACB Media   Edited By:  Doug Hunsinger**

20230704 1300 Voices-Wheres My Gate-Airline Accessibility Challenges and Opportunities Through a Global Lens Originally Broadcasted July 4, 2023, on ACB Media 4   We've all likely had both positive and challenging experiences when traveling by air. Participants heard the perspective of a blind airline executive with over 30 years of experience with various international airlines. Presenter: Michael Swiatek, Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, Avianca, and Chairman, Working Group on Accessibility, International Air Transport Association, Miami Beach, FL.   Edited By:  Tim Cumings

IMPORTANT * This podcast contains information that is particular to the LGBT+ community and contains mature content. Listener discretion is advised. * There have never been so many ways to identify yourself, or for others to identify themselves as right now. But which words do you use to refer to others? and how do you know you're using the right words? This panel explored self-identifiers and their effect on disability, GLBTQIA+ and other communities/cultures. The purpose of this panel was not to provide definitive answers, but rather to lay the foundation for attendees to start exploring these ideas. Whether you are deeply involved with these communities or are looking to learn how to be a good ally, this panel gave listeners something to think about. Edited By: Doug Hunsinger

20230623 1000 Toward a World with Zero Barriers with Zero Project Originally Broadcasted June 23, 2023, on ACB Media 3   In partnership with the United Nations, in Vienna, the Zero Project, an initiative of Essl Foundation, finds and shares innovative solutions worldwide that improve the daily lives and legal rights of all persons with disabilities. Participants learned about their exciting work and how they can get involved! Presenters: Robin Tim Weis, Director, International Affairs, Zero Project Vienna, Austria Sumita Kunashakaran, Manager, Civil Society, Zero Project, Vienna, Austria Michael Fembek, CEO, Zero Project, Vienna, Austria Zero Project awardee.   Edited By:  Brian McCallen

20230622 1300 The Continuous Rise of Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism-The Situation and Solutions Originally Broadcasted June 22, 2023, on ACB Media 4   This workshop gave statistics from the Anti-Defamation League. Solutions were offered and events on college campuses were discussed. Everyone was welcome.   Edited By:  Michael Babcock

20220706 A Candid Conversation about a Critical Concept Originally Aired July 6, 2022, on ACB Media   As we move toward Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in ACB, this panel discussed the tenants of Critical Race Theory. CRT, what it is, what it isn't and other terms.   Edited By: Brian McCallen

20220706 MCAC Virtual Luncheon Originally Aired July 6, 2022, on ACB Media   Participants heard from a local speaker about Nebraska's history and culture. AS MCAC's theme  is one community coming together in ACBs expresses our aspiration for a community that is inclusive of all, this session presented a perspective of local communities.   Edited By: Brian McCallen

20220704 Social Justice and Identity Based Training Originally Aired July 4, 2022, on ACB Media Attendees joined ACB Students for a transformative social justice training and learning experience. Participants met other blind students, engaged in self-empowering and discovery activities. Participants learned about how important and impactful the identity of blindness can be for all of us! The session provided us tips on advocating for ourselves, finding self-confidence, and dealing with the difficulties of blindness! Edited By: Brian McCallen

20220704 Voices from Around the World - A Tapestry of Stories - Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success in the US Originally Aired July 4, 2022, on ACB Media We all know how difficult it can be to find successful employment as people who are blind or low vision. Attendees heard from a group of panelists who have achieved success, with the additional layer of being immigrants. Participants were motivated and inspired by their stories! Presenters: Aditi Shah, Senior Data and Applied Scientist, Microsoft, Redmond, WA Merisa Musemic, Interpreter, Language Line Solutions, Sterling Heights, MI Gabriel Lopez Kafati, Access Resource Advisor, Miami Dade College, Miami, FL Edited By: Brian McCallen

20220625 Sister Power Happy Hour Originally Aired June 25, 2022, on ACB Media Edited By: Michael Moran

~~ACBF/MCAC Schools for the Blind - From Segregation to Integration: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in 1954 that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.  How did that landmark case affect schools for the blind across the country? What had gone before, and what came afterward, in the integration of the schools? Micheal Hudson, Director of the museum at the American Printing House for the Blind, guided us through this chapter of our history from both the students' and the staff's points of view. Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 20~~

"LGBTQ History: Eric Marcus, Journalist and podcaster, New York, NY returned to lead a fascinating discussion on how the HIV/AIDS epidemic changed the LGBTQ community forever. Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 22"

"Diversity: Describing Race, Skin Color, Ethnicity, Gender, and Disability within Contemporary Audio Description: Attendees heard a direct and thoughtful discussion by a panel of audio description experts on the importance of diversity within the field, how to describe in today's diverse world, and reflected on what consumers want to hear in their descriptions. Moderator: Kim Charlson, Audio Description Project Co-Chair, Watertown, MA Panelists: ♦ Dr. Rachel Hutchinson, Project and Community Engagement Manager, Royal Holloway, University of London, Inclusive Description for Equality and Access (IDEA) #InclusiveAD, London, UK ♦ Thomas Reid, Reid My Mind Radio, Stroudsburg, PA ♦ Cheryl Green, Audio Describer/Voicer, Portland, OR ♦ Maria Vicky Diaz, Ph.D., Dicapta Foundation, Oviedo, FL ♦ Renee Arrington-Johnson, Audio Description Consumer, Member, ACB ADP Steering Committee, Lyndhurst, OH Co-sponsored by: ADP and MCAC Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 22"

"Voices from Around the World - Ten Voices, Ten Worlds: This is our tenth annual Voices from Around the World celebration, so we decided to pull out all the stops. This year, it was decided to take a deep dive into issues surrounding culture and disability. Some cultures embrace it while others may relegate the members who are blind or have low vision to a fate worse than death. This year's panel discussion promised to be livelier than ever. Listing the panelists here would spoil the surprise, attendees were asked to indulge us by helping to support our 10th anniversary and welcoming our international guests. Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 20"

"AAVI presented a Review of Rent Blindness-related Civil Rights Cases. Presented by DRA attorneys Torie Atkinson and Rose Lee Bishell. Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 19"

"MCAC “One ACB Moving Forward”: Our theme this year is symbolic of the diversity of our organization as we come together looking toward a brighter future. To that end, our session featured a panel of individuals from diverse backgrounds who shared with us unique aspects of their cultures. They highlighted family traditions, cultural customs, poems, special events and other aspects of their cultures. This was an informative and entertaining session. Panelists: ♥ Catalina Martinez, Roseville, MN ♥ Hannah Mae Aldeza, Customer Service Professional, Transcriptionist and an ESL Teacher, Philippines ♥ Art Cabanilla, President, Hawaii Association of the Blind ♥ Swatha Nandhakumar, Advocacy and Outreach Specialist, Naperville, IL Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 18"

"Disability History/Awareness Society Implementation: Attendees listened to a discussion about disability history/awareness with AFB's President Kirk Adams, ACB's President Dan Spoone, and ACB Students President Minh Ha, as they discussed the benefits and disadvantages of mandatory and voluntary disability awareness education in society. Co-Sponsored by: ACBS/ACBNG Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 18"

"Conversation with Dr. Hoby Wedler: Dr. Webler is a Computational Chemist, Entrepreneur, Wine Expert, and Promoter of diversity and inclusion. Attendees listened to the life lessons from this remarkable man from Petaluma, CA. Co-sponsored by: ACB Next Gen, ACBS, BPI, IVIE, and ACB Employment Committee – Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 18"

~~RSVA® Perspective from the other side: Speakers featured vendors and their experiences in a mostly white male profession. They shared tips for others considering the RS program. Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 17~~

Welcome to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Track of the ACB Focus Podcast Series.