Podcasts about acb convention

ACB Lions and ACB Families award prizes to donors from the ACB Convention pre-registration; upcoming events; Claire Stanley, ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, updates us on what is happening in areas of interest to us on Capitol Hill

Our Chairman, Dave Wiliams, was thrilled to have addressed the American Council of the Blind (ACB) at their 64th Annual National Conference & Convention held in Dallas, Texas. On 10 July 2025, Dave delivered the keynote speech at the annual Convention banquet to a sold out audience. He called for greater investmentt in braille as a proven literacy tool that can transform the lives of blind people around the world. He was introduced by ACB Treasurer and Master of Ceremonies, the Reverend Michael Garrett, from Missouri City, Texas. Sponsorship With thanks to Dot Inc. for sponsoring Dave's attendance. Find out more about Dot Pad X and the Raising the Dots Podcast. Dot is proud to have played its part in the Monarch, in partnership with the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and HumanWare. Links Related to the Braillists National Braille Press (NBP) Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation Points of Light award 1982, 8 February 2023 Links Related to Braille The International Council on English Braille (ICEB) Links Related to RNIB RNIB, the Royal National Institute of Blind People RNIB Tech Talk Links Related to ACB ACB Media Braille Revival League Links Related to the World Blind Union and European Blind Union World Blind Union (WBU) European Blind Union (EBU) Living Braille, the website of the EBU Braille Working Group Links Related to Running Parkrun UK Couch to 5K (C25K) Abbott World Marathon Majors Full Text of Dave's Speech Good evening ACB President, friends, advocates, everyone here and online. Thank you for your hospitality! I am grateful for your invitation to share in ACB's “Big Dreams and Bold Ideas”, not only this week here in Dallas, but over many decades in many places far beyond your shores. It is a privilege to stand before you tonight, as someone whose life has been profoundly shaped by this movement. Let me begin with a deeply personal truth: for a long time, I resented my blindness. Like many, I struggled to accept blindness as part of my identity. Through you, I learned to think differently, to dream boldly, and to act decisively. That shift in perspective changed everything. It is why I am here tonight—to celebrate what is possible when we embrace who we are and empower others to do the same. Our blindness stories break down barriers and build bridges. They turn isolation into community, fear into action, and doubt into confidence. Together, I believe we can ignite that transformation for countless others. When I talk about blind people, I intend “blind” in the broadest sense. Whether you identify as blind, low vision, vision impaired, we are all valued in this community and our voices carry equal importance. And if you are a sighted person who works to elevate the voices of blind people, we thank you for your solidarity. Before I share how it was you in this movement who taught this northern English lad to feel differently about my blindness, becoming a passionate braille advocate and Six-star World Marathon Majors Finisher, we must extend our gratitude to our friends at Dot, who's support means I can be with you here tonight. I know many of you took the opportunity this week to get your hands on Dot Pad X, a highly versatile multiline braille and tactile display portable enough to be carried in a schoolbag. Dot's technology is disrupting the braille display industry. Using Dot Pad and the Dot Canvas app, I recently supported my sighted 16-year-old son's math revision and got to touch his signature for the first time. Dot and partners are delivering new educational and employment opportunities we could only dream of just a few years ago. Do we have any first timers here? My first ACB Convention was Birmingham, Alabama. Your Birmingham in July is a bit warmer than our Birmingham near my home in England. We simply do not have anything like these blindness conventions in the UK. I jumped in at the deep end with you. 2003 was an eventful year for ACB. General Session ran over into an extra day. As Director of ACB Radio, I was responsible for making sure ACB's membership, and listeners tuned in from offices and homes in countless countries, could hear our coverage. And while we were very well looked after by ACB's Alabama affiliate, the internet connectivity at convention that year was especially problematic and seamed to get even more challenging during the liveliest debates. My purpose then, as it is today, is to empower as many blind people as possible by increasing our access to the information and tools we need to live our best lives. A year before Birmingham, ACB Radio's founder and mentor to many of us decided to move on. I took the call. My predecessor, Jonathan Mosen, would be an impossible act for anyone to follow. But he believed in me. Long before ACB Radio, as a young blind man, I avoided the tools and skills that could have empowered me. I resisted the cane. I dismissed braille. I thought these things marked me as “different” in a way I was not ready to accept. I mistakenly believed specialist skills separated me from sighted people. These days we would say “othering”. I cast those skills aside for a long time. It took me years to recognise that confidence can come from a cane or guide dog, and enjoying bedtime stories with our kids can come from braille. The voices I heard on ACB Radio via my dial-up modem—leaders like Marlaina Lieberg and Paul Edwards—challenged me to rethink what it meant to be blind. They taught me that tools like braille and the white cane do not separate us from society—they connect us to the people and world around us. Their advocacy lifted me up, and I realized I could be part of something bigger. When I took on the role of ACB Radio Director, I was terrified. Could a young man from a small town in the UK really lead an initiative that connected blind people across the globe? But I said yes. Why? Because this movement showed me the power of taking risks. And because I knew that by sharing our stories, we could empower others to do the same. One of my first tasks as ACB Radio Director was to convince Marlaina to host her own talk show. She was so humble and asked me what if nobody listened? What would we even call it? I told her I was sure everyone would listen, and the name of the show would be Marlaina. Like many of you, I miss her lots and think of her often. I also knew Paul Edwards was a natural broadcaster and must have his own show. He teamed up with Brian Charlson, and Tuesday Topics was born. You certainly kept me busy. When I was not producing audio or trying to secure sponsors, my email and phone rang 24/7. If it were not a server in California needing a reboot, it was listeners frustrated they had missed the latest episode of Main Menu, Blind Handyman or Cooking in the Dark, and would I please send it to them? I convinced our tiny team of volunteer software developers to build us a listen again on-demand service, an early form of podcasting. ACB Radio did not just stream content; it brought blind people together online, long before Zoom calls and virtual conventions became the norm. We created opportunities for storytelling, advocacy, and community that spanned continents. From broadcasting ACB conventions to global events like the World Blind Union General Assembly, we ensured that the voices of blind people could be heard. The impact did not stop there. ACB Radio became a launchpad for careers, a platform for innovation, and a catalyst for change. It inspired similar initiatives worldwide. It proved that when blind people lead, we redefine what is possible. That legacy continues today through ACB Media, and its ripple effects are felt in every corner of our community. We will never know how many blind lives this priceless service has transformed. When it was my turn to pass on the ACB Radio baton, it was to join a team working on one of the first mobile screen readers with touch support. Talks, Mobile Speak and Pocket Hal pioneered many of the concepts we now take for granted in VoiceOver on iPhone and Talkback on Android. Following the early success of ACB Radio, blind people in many nations started their own online radio stations. In 2003, the Royal National Institute of Blind People in the UK launched Europe's first station for the blind community, now known as RNIB Connect Radio. I worked at RNIB for 6 years as their Inclusive Design Ambassador. We partnered with companies like Canon, Netflix, and Sony to advance their accessibility efforts. My ACB Radio experience meant I was also invited to host around 150 episodes of RNIB's flagship technology show, Tech Talk. We were recognised by the UK radio industry and were awarded community station of the year in 2024. As well as interviewing many movers and shakers from the technology world, including accessibility leaders from Microsoft and Google, I had the incredible honour in March 2024 of recording a short interview with legendary singer songwriter Stevie Wonder. As we were introduced, I recalled the awe with which Marlaina had interviewed Ronnie Milsap years earlier. She had taught me that it is ok to feel that child-like excitement even during the moments that define our careers. After shaking Stevie's hand, I asked if he would be willing to share some messages about accessibility and inclusion with our blind brothers and sisters in the UK. I held my breath. He said let us do that now. I began recording. He asked about my recording equipment, and he playfully imitated my English accent. You should hear his Bob Dylan. As we were talking, we were forced to move due to being jostled by the crowd. Before I could grab my cane, Stevie took my arm in his and proceeded to walk us both forward. Hold the phone, I am now being sighted guided by Stevie Wonder? He said, “don't worry Dave, in a moment I'll Walk you into a wall.” My other lasting memory of that moment, in the interview, Stevie said, “I could not have the career I enjoy were it not for braille.” He talked about how he uses braille to write and edit his many songs. And how he has an ambition to publish his catalogue in braille for blind musicians to study. Stevie is not alone. We can all think of high-profile blind people who would link their success to an ability to read braille. Leading journalists, educators, lawyers, politicians holding high office have all relied on braille to get the job done. As for many of you, spreading braille and tactile literacy is a subject close to my heart. Every day I continue to be amazed how combinations of just six little dots fitting neatly under our fingerprints represent every letter of the alphabet, numbers, punctuation, math, music, and other symbols for accessing any subject and any language. Incidentally, six is also the number of big city marathons you must run to complete the classic Abbott World Marathon Majors series. I may have mentioned that somewhere. I will come back to running later. Braille's invention meant for the first time blind people could independently read and author our own stories, find our voices, become educated, and employed, label household items, read our own greetings cards, identify medications, the list goes on. Whether you read braille or not, we can all recognise how deeply linked braille is with the emancipation of blind people. Of the many tactile reading systems developed in the 19th century, and there were many, it is no accident that the system that prevailed was one developed by a young person who knew what we really needed because he was blind. Braille is an early example of that modern disability mantra, “nothing about us without us”. And it is blind people who today, through organisations such as the International Council on English Braille, continue to maintain our code. Blind people around the world have been celebrating two hundred years since braille's invention. I have been communicating braille's value in national broadcast and print media, meeting with hundreds of braille ambassadors at libraries across the UK. On January 4, the Braillists Foundation delivered the UK's first face-to-face World Braille Day Conference. I recognise that in the US, Braillists refers to a braille producer. But in the UK, Braillists often describes any blind person who relies on braille. We formally established the Braillists Foundation in early 2020 to promote braille and tactile literacy. The aims of the Braillists Foundation are: Promote the value of Braille as a proven literacy tool that enriches the lives of blind people. Support efforts to make affordable Braille and tactile reading technologies available to all blind people irrespective of education and employment status. Provide an open forum for the exchange of ideas about the development of future Braille technology. When social distancing forced everyone online, we began offering classes to introduce braille to beginners, supportive reading groups for practicing braille skills, drop-in sessions where readers can get braille questions answered, and masterclasses covering more advanced braille topics. The work of the Braillists Foundation, to spread braille literacy, especially during the pandemic, was recognised by your National Braille Press Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation, a UK Prime Minister's Point of Light Award, and in May this year I was honoured to accept an invitation to a Royal Garden party celebrating learning and skills at Buckingham Palace. You are invited to join the international community celebrating Braille 200 for the rest of this year. The European Blind Union Braille Working Group encourages everyone to share creative experiences celebrating braille. You can do that through their website at LivingBraille.eu. You can follow the hashtag #Braille200 on social media. There's still time to organise your own braille two hundred events. And always you can elevate the voices of braille readers by connecting with ACB's Braille Revival League. And next year, 2026, APH will open the Dot Experience in Louisville to celebrate braille's rich heritage. Braille's profoundly personal connection with written language cannot be underestimated. Braille enabled me to write my proposal of marriage on a braille scrabble board. I waited, heart pounding, while my then girlfriend rummaged in the bag to find letters to compose her answer. She wrote blank e s. Next week we will celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary. I was also deeply moved, shortly after I crossed the finish line at the Tokyo Marathon this March, to discover braille featured on the finisher medal. I had run an exceptionally long way to get to that point, and reading that braille for myself, rather than having to ask a sighted person to read it to me, that really did feel like inclusion. Completing the much sought-after Abbott World Marathon Majors series was some journey. Blind since birth with Leber Congenital Amaurosis, I never saw myself as a runner. Seven years ago, I weighed over 220lb and could not run a bath. I had an idea of converting a guide runner into a pilot for my tandem bike gathering dust in my garage. I signed up for the England Athletics' “Find a Guide” database, a bit like your United in Stride. I soon met Steve and, later, Bex, my first real guide runners, who had no interest in piloting my tandem. What started as huffing and puffing to reach a mile turned into weekly runs and a community of support. I hated physical education at school: ill-fitting kit, smelly changing rooms, PE teachers. During those early attempts at something you could not describe as running, I thought about a blind lady I knew with asthma who ran marathons. I was reminded of Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind person to climb Everest, also interviewed by Marlaina. Just exactly what was my excuse? I decided I was going to get fit and set an example for my son, Arlo. With lots of encouragement, especially from other blind runners sharing their stories, I dragged myself from couch to 5K. While no guide runner seeks recognition for themselves, they really are amazing people. Some blind runners told me how they wanted their guides to appear in results and officially receive a finisher medal at London Marathon. It was the advocacy skills I learned from this movement that enabled me to support that campaign by producing a package for BBC Radio. Our combined efforts changed London Marathon's policy. In my excitement about this small win for guided running, I returned home from the pub one night and went online. Alcohol and the internet are always a winning combination, you know? I found myself filling in a ballot entry form for a place in the New York City Marathon. What was I thinking? I had barely run six miles at this point, and here I was entering a lottery to run 26.2 miles. Not to mention the thousand miles you need to run in months of training. Surely, I would not get a place? I would not need to tell anyone, right? Wrong! “Dear Mr Williams” the email read. “Congratulations, you have a place in the 2019 New York City Marathon”. This had to be a joke. I checked my bank. Oh shoot. New York Road Runners had taken $270. Now I would have to tell my wife. I had nine months to train. And the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to show my then 10-year-old son that us blind dads could do things. Through the summer, I ran up and down hills in Worcestershire to prepare for the five massive bridges you must cross in the NYC marathon: Verrazano-Narrows, Pulaski, Queensboro, Willis Avenue, and Madison Avenue. I was doing my homework. I even joined a gym. It was a beautiful autumnal morning at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island as we lined up with 53,000 other runners to take on my first marathon. Helicopters hovered overhead and canons blasted as earlier waves set off. Nobody more surprised than me to be a part of it. Sinatra's New York, New York and Jay-Z's Empire State of Mind were on high rotation. New York would be the first of six starts that also included London, Boston, Berlin, Chicago and Tokyo: six big city marathons that have come together to make the classic Abbott World Marathon Majors series. These big city marathons are 26.2-mile street parties. The atmosphere is electric. You really feel the heartbeat of a city when the crowds turn out in force. Complete strangers yell your name to encourage you on. Not only do you get to feel like a rockstar, but you run the same course on the same day as the best athletes in the world. 1st Avenue in New York City and Tower Bridge in London are exceptionally loud. The shrill piercing screams of Wellesley's students in the Boston Marathon put me in mind of Beatlemania. I need to channel that energy especially when the running gets tough, as it always does. When the course is hilly and the weather is hot, I can find myself contemplating my life choices. There have been many times when I have gulped down buckets of Gatorade and walked for a while. Ultimately, drawing on that positive energy from all those people willing me on, and the power of the marathon to bring people together, is replenishing. Some of these cities have deeply divided histories. But they come together to support the runners. Your life, your marathon, has the power to bridge division. It is that sense of hope that drives me on through the exhaustion running to the finish line every time. Shout out to Chicago, London and Tokyo who gave me a medal that featured braille. Berlin, Boston and New York City, you can do this too. But it is not over. In 2024 Abbott announced that the Majors series will be extended to include a seventh, eighth and nineth star. Next month I am heading to Sydney for my first marathon in the Southern hemisphere. If you have ever taken a risk, bitten off a little bit too much, felt like an imposter, found yourself winging it, you are among friends. I certainly feel a little bit of that every time I go out for a run or stand up to deliver talks like this one. As blind people we know we must push the boundaries and take a chance. None of us got here by always taking the easy path. While I live thousands of miles away, you and I have a shared history. Some of which is written in People of Vision, ACB's story, a copy of which I have at home. Braille is also part of our shared history. Braille is a tool of liberation. It has empowered generations of blind leaders. Yet, we know that braille literacy is not where it should be. Too many blind children and adults lack access to the tools they need to thrive. This is a call to action for all of us. If we believe in independence, in dignity, in opportunity, then we must invest in braille. We must champion its teaching, ensure its availability, and celebrate its value as the cornerstone of blind empowerment. Let us dream bigger. Today, blind people are excelling in fields once thought inaccessible—technology, arts, business, politics, sports. But there is so much more to achieve. Imagine a world where every blind child has access to quality education, where workplaces are universally inclusive, and where we lead not as exceptions but as examples. Technology is a critical piece of this puzzle. But innovation is not enough. We must advocate for systemic change. We require policies that prioritize accessibility in every industry. We must have blind leaders at the decision-making table, shaping the future of inclusion. And we need allies—sighted people who amplify our voices, speaking with us, not for us. Tonight, I challenge each of you: How will you contribute to this movement? Will you mentor a blind youth, helping them see their potential. Will you advocate for better policies in your community. Or will you share your story, inspiring someone else to embrace their blindness as a source of strength. Whatever it is, do it boldly. Do it with the knowledge that your actions ripple outward, creating change far beyond this room. At the same time, let us not forget the power of collaboration. ACB, RNIB, the Braillists Foundation—together, we are stronger. Let us share strategies, pool resources, and align our goals to create a global network of blind advocates. The challenges we face are too big for any one organisation to tackle alone. But united, there is nothing we cannot achieve. As I stand here tonight, I am reminded of a truth that has guided me throughout my journey: stories change lives. Whether it is a marathon medal, a braille book, or a conversation with a stranger, every story we share chips away at prejudice and builds a more inclusive world. Thank you, ACB, for teaching me to think differently about blindness. Thank you for showing me what is possible when we embrace our identities and lift each other up. Let us keep running—toward inclusion, toward equality, and toward a future where every blind person has the tools and opportunities to live their best life. Let us find each other at the next starting line. Thank you, and good night.

Why is braille still undervalued in 2025? In this powerful conversation, Steven Scott welcomes accessibility leader Dave Williams to discuss his journey from RNIB to DOT, a company creating a new type of braille tech, and the cultural barriers still holding blind people back. From leadership gaps to breakthrough devices like the Dot Pad X, this episode offers deep insights into blind empowerment, inclusive design, and the state of accessible technology today.Steven Scott is joined by longtime accessibility advocate and technologist Dave Williams for an in-depth discussion on braille literacy, blind leadership, and new innovations in tactile technology. Dave shares why he left RNIB after six years to focus on braille full-time with DOT, the South Korean company behind the Dot Pad—one of the most advanced multiline braille and tactile graphics displays available.The episode dives deep into systemic issues affecting blind people, from infantilization to the lack of blind people in leadership roles. Dave argues that lived experience must be more than a buzzword—it should mean direct, daily experience of blindness. Together, they reflect on challenges within the charity sector, mentorship, and representation, and why blind people must be empowered to speak for themselves.Later, the two geek out one the upcoming Dot Pad X, comparing it to Humanware's Monarch and evaluating trade-offs in price, compatibility, and design philosophy. Dave also previews his new podcast, Raising the Dots, focused on braille and tactile literacy.Chapters00:00 - Introduction01:06 - Dave Williams from Dot joins the show!01:50 - Dave talks about leaving RNIB05:19 - Dave's thoughts on RNIB's position on braille11:22 - Dave and Steven discuss the role of blind leadership18:45 - The value of the blind community25:29 - The challenge of getting stuck in our own little boxes30:00 - Get in touch with the Double Tappers30:23 - Dave talks about previously taking over RNIB Tech Talk41:37 - Dave talks about the Dot Pad X Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

Smart speaker recommendations, accessible audio interfaces, foldable keyboards, and ACB Media insights — this listener-driven Double Tap episode covers it all with practical tips and honest takes.Thanks to Turtleback Low Vision for sponsoring this episode of Double Tap. As a thank you to the Double Tap community, Turtleback is offering 12% off your entire order with promo code DT12. Visit https://www.turtlebacklv.com to shop the full lineup!Steven Scott and Michael Babcock dive into your questions about tech tools like the Amazon Echo, HomePod, and Google Nest. They compare LaunchBar, Raycast, and Spotlight for Mac users with accessibility needs, explore ad blockers that work well with screen readers, and break down the accessibility of audio interfaces like the Vocaster and Audient EVO.Michael shares behind-the-scenes stories from the American Council of the Blind, including the ACB Convention, community Zoom events, daily TikTok/YouTube content, and the powerful role of ACB Media. They also talk accessible podcast editing with Reaper, voiceover numpad commander, and the Stream Deck accessibility beta.Bonus: Listener Shannon gets recommendations for the best foldable keyboards and numpads — which might just lead to a Lenovo laptop purchase!The episode dives into accessibility pros and cons of popular tech:Smart speakers: Amazon Echo vs Apple HomePod vs Google Nest.Ad blocking tips for screen reader users using browser reader modes and plugins.LaunchBar vs Raycast vs Spotlight for Mac users with accessibility needs.Accessible audio interfaces like Vocaster and Audient EVO.Customizing Reaper and using numpad commander for one-handed audio editing.Michael also hints that Stream Deck's beta software may finally be becoming accessible, and listener Shannon gets keyboard and number pad recommendations — possibly leading to a Lenovo laptop purchase instead!Chapters00:00 - Introduction00:21 - Shaun's still unwell but we have a special guest for the hour!02:13 - Michael is now working for ACB19:17 - Ask Michael Anything!19:38 - Question from Lewis: What's the best smart speaker?25:33 - Question from Renee who wants to get hands on with assistive tech29:55 - Sponsor: TurtleBack30:41 - Get in touch with the Double Tappers31:05 - Question from Doyle on what is the best way to remove ads on websites?34:06 - Question from Jeanette on where to buy LaunchBar for Mac?36:59 - Question from Joe on how Steven plays in his sound effects during the show?41:10 - Question from Shannon on which portable keyboard to get?49:25 - Question from someone, somewhere on the accessibility of audio interfaces52:55 - Question from Kimberley on how to edit audio on Mac or Windows one-handedGet in touch with us by email at feedback@doubletaponair.com or connect on WhatsApp at https://www.doubletaponair.com/whatsapp Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

In this episode, we discuss our travels to and from the ACB Convention. Links coming soon. Stay tuned.

What's it really like to undergo eye removal surgery and live with prosthetic eyes? Jenine Stanley joins Steven and Shaun to talk about blindness, braille signage, and tech from the ACB convention — with honesty, humor, and a touch of sass.Thanks to Turtleback Low Vision for sponsoring this episode of Double Tap. As a thank you to the Double Tap community, Turtleback is offering 12% off your entire order with promo code DT12. Visit https://www.turtlebacklv.com to shop the full lineup!In this revealing and often hilarious episode, Jenine Stanley returns to Double Tap for a raw and personal conversation that spans eye surgeries, prosthetics, blindness representation, and accessible tech. Shaun shares he's heading off for laser cataract treatment, sparking an honest exchange about vision loss and the value of light perception. Jenine dives deep into her own experiences with glaucoma, enucleation (eye removal), and prosthetic eyes, offering rare insights into the physical and emotional journey many never hear about.The trio explores the emotional impact of losing sight, the concept of “the blind look,” and how people adapt to vision loss — including the psychological weight of maintaining eye contact or navigating social expectations while blind. The chat also touches on the portrayal of blindness in media, the value of braille signage, and the standards that make it effective in places like the U.S.Later, the conversation turns to highlights from the American Council of the Blind (ACB) convention, including the new FeelDUM NaviPal pouch, smart glasses from AGGIGA, and blind-friendly sports like tennis and hockey. Jenine also discusses the political landscape around disability rights and why nonprofit organizations like ACB and NFB must tread carefully when it comes to advocacy and politics.Chapters00:00 - Introduction01:01 - Shaun goes for cataract surgery03:19 - Jenine Stanley rejoins the show!06:01 - Removal of the eye and the replacement prosthetics24:03 - Sponsor: Turtleback24:51 - Get in touch with Double Tap25:15 - Visiting the ACB 2025 Convention in Dallas, Texas32:54 - The politics of non-profits in the USA40:32 - What does Jenine think about braille signage?45:17 - What tech finds did Jenine spot at ACB Convention? Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

Why did Double Tap turn Spanish for a day? Steven and Shaun explain the tech fail, talk blind community empowerment, and review the latest version of the WeWALK Smart Cane with hands-on insights.In this lively episode, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece return from Sight Village with stories, tech talk, and a few unexpected language lessons. They kick off with listener reactions to a surprising glitch where the podcast appeared in a different language—thanks to YouTube's new AI-driven multilingual feature—and reflect on the implications for accessibility.The episode moves into deeper conversation about blind community events like NFB and ACB conventions versus Sight Village, exploring cultural differences, empowerment, and the barriers to participation for many blind people. Steven shares personal insights on growing up blind and why he resists the label of "advocate."In the second half, Steven delivers an in-depth hands-on review of the WeWALK Smart Cane 2. He highlights its lighter design, improved navigation tools, and seamless integration with the WeWALK app for turn-by-turn directions and public transport alerts. With tactile controls, obstacle detection, and compatibility with Ambutech canes, this smart mobility aid could be a game-changer.00:00 - Introduction00:58 - Why did Double Tap turn Spanish?15:25 - Piano or Xylophone?19:12 - NFB and ACB conventions wrap up33:20 - Shaun has broken his beloved keyboard35:45 - CoPilot app on iOS gets vision feature36:50 - Subscribe to the Double Tap newsletter37:50 - Get in touch with Double Tap38:36 - Shaun finds a new way to remotely connect to his computer39:44 - Shaun buys something during Prime Day41:32 - Steven gives his first thoughts on the WeWalk Smart Cane 2 Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

It's an all new That Real Blind Tech Show with Brian, David, ed, and Jeanine.   We kick the show off mourning actor Michael Madsen. We then intro a new segment What did VoiceOver say.   AMC Theaters is warning movie goers to now expect 25 to 30 minutes of ads before a film.   We then discuss the recent study that claims eating dairy before bed can lead to nightmares.   Ring Doorbell will begin providing video descriptions.   Meta announced the new Meta Oakley's which will go on presale July 11th.   Zuckerberg is going old school Cosa Nostra in the A.I. talent recruitment wars.   Microsoft is ending support for passwords in the Microsoft Authenticator App.   We then discuss the European accessibility Act which went in to effect on June 28th. We discuss how this act may affect accessibility in the United States.   A new feature in iOS 26 will pause your FaceTime video when someone starts undressing. Will an emergency brain transplant save Siri? iOS 26 will be adding a useful Wifi feature for when you are traveling.   50 years ago a single keystroke at Apple changed the world.   We then get in to our Conference preview as we enter Conference season. We discuss the XR Access Conference Brian attended, David gives us a preview of the NFB Convention being held in New Orleans, and Jeanine gives us a preview of the aCB Convention being held in Dallas.   And it's more of Watcha Streaming, Watcha Reading.   To contact That Real Blind Tech Show, you can email us at ThatRealBlindTechShow@gmail.com, join our Facebook Group That Real Blind Tech Show, join us on the Twitter @BlindTechShow , 

The ACB convention is rapidly approaching and we thought it might be fun to invite a few of ACB'S special interest affiliates to tell folks about what they have planned for the convention and other things they are doing. It is our plan to have the Braille Revival League, Library Users of America, Families and the Council of Citizens with Low Vision. Remember our convention extends over two weeks. The first week includes virtual presentations. The second week we will be in a hybrid situation in Dallas Texas. We will hear about planned presentations from these groups and, later in the program, if other special interest folks are there, we will give them a chance to tell us what they are doing! Library Users, the Braille Revival League, Families and CCLVI all have virtual and hybrid events that deserve your attention. If you register for special interest affiliates at convention some are offering door prizes. If you have already registered you can go back and add with no penalty! Find out more at https://acb-tuesday-topics.pinecast.co

In our last two editions Tuesday Topics focussed on the upcoming convention. Our first session looked at what is scheduled in terms of exhibits, tours and the convention in general. Our second session looked at how we will vote and at the proposals to change the Constitution and Bylaws of ACB. Now it's time to explore how many of us have experienced the ACB convention and what impact the hybrid era has had on what we do! What should people who have never been to a convention think about when preparing? Are there special things dog users need to do? What did you learn when you first went to convention? What's it like to attend convention virtually? How do you plan ahead and schedule how you will choose among options? What do you miss by not attending in person? What do you gain by staying home? Find out more at https://acb-tuesday-topics.pinecast.co

Want to know about the 2025 ACB National Convention? Join Janet Dickelman, ACB convention coordinator, Saint Paul, MN to find out. Learn about the General Sessions, the Affiliate presentations, the exhibit hall, and the tours. If you can not be there in person, learn how you can listen as a part of The ACB Media Network. There will be time for questions. Presenter Contact Info Email: janet.dickelman@gmail.com Convention website: https://www.acbconvention.org/

Each year we do a convention preview. This year we are excited to welcome three people who can give you all the information you might want about what's coming up in Dallas. Of course we will have Janet Dickelman, the heart of convention success. She is the convention coordinator and can tell you all about what is coming up in Dallas. In addition, we are lucky to have with us Rhonda Trott herself who can give you information on tours which she coordinates. Are you curious about the exhibit hall? Michael Smitherman will be with us. He is the exhibit hall boss and can give us a preview of what is on tap there. I am excited to have all these folks with us to provide the most complete and comprehensive presentation on what the convention has to offer. Find out more at https://acb-tuesday-topics.pinecast.co

20250427 BITS is Back at the 2025 ACB Convention! Originally Broadcasted April 27, 2025, on ACB Media 6   BITS is back at the 2025 ACB Convention with June tech sessions, July events in Dallas, and a July 9 reception. Don't miss our 3-day AI Masterclass—perfect for affiliates looking to boost productivity and communication with real-world AI tools.   Sponsored by: Blind Information Technology Specialists     Find out more at https://acb-community.pinecast.co

Announcements, a brief overview of the 2025 ACB Convention, three new bills in Congress, and a look at the new Dot Museum at the American Printing House

20240912 Berl Coley leadership Originally Broadcasted September 12, 2024, on ACB Media 6   Participants joined us for one of our favorite programs of the year. We heard from and talked with the 2024 JP Morgan Leadership Fellows and found out about their experience attending the ACB Convention and how they believe all they learned will help them as they advance on their leadership journeys. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from the future leaders of ACB and our affiliates and chapters.   Sponsored by: the Berl Colley Leadership Training Committee   Find out more at https://acb-community.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Tek Talk welcomes a panel discussing the ACB convention and those displaying at the Exhibit Hall. Presenter Contact Info None

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the upcoming NFB and ACB conventions and the product announcements that will take place. They start off with the Orbit Speak, a note-taker and entertainment centre that will be released at the conventions. They discuss the different versions and pricing options of the OrbitSpeak, as well as the Orbit Reader QWERTY. They also debate the possibility of Apple charging for AI features and the value of different devices in the market. They encourage listeners to consider alternatives and cost-sensitive options when purchasing technology. Keep in touch with the show by emailing feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us on social media and YouTube.

Want to know about the 2024 ACB National Convention? Join Janet Dickelman, ACB convention coordinator, Saint Paul, MN to find out. Learn about the General Sessions, the Affiliate presentations, the exhibit hall, and the tours. If you can not be there in person, learn how you can listen as a part of The ACB Media Network. There will be time for questions. Presenter Contact Info Email: janet.dickelman@gmail.com Convention website: https://www.acbconvention.org/

Exhibits are one of the most popular aspects of an ACB convention. Discover how everyone can take part in the Exhibit Showcase on Wednesday, June 26. Find out what's available on the pre-registration form and more news about the many virtual aspects of the convention. Find out more at https://sound-prints.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

20240613 ACB Membership Focus call on Accessing the ACB convention-Part 2 Originally Broadcasted June 13, 2024, on ACB Media 6   This month's “Membership focus” topic was the 2nd one on “Accessing the ACB conference and convention”. Janet Dickelman gave tips on registering for the upcoming conference and convention, giving important dates to remember, and talking about more of the events at the conference. Participants joined the call to get their questions answered.   Sponsored by: ACB Membership Committee

20240526 ACB Membership focus call-Accessing the ACB Convention Originally Broadcasted May 26, 2024, on ACB Media 6   Janet Dickelman told about registration options, programs and events at the conference and convention, important dates to remember, and answered your questions.   Sponsored by: ACB Membership Committee

20240516 ACB Community, Membership and More Originally Broadcasted May 16, 2024, on ACB Media 5   Do you have questions about Community, the upcoming ACB Convention, membership and its benefits, or anything else? Whether you're new to ACB and/or the Community or have been with us for a while, you're bound to learn something new. So, participants joined us, and Cindy did her best to answer your questions or clarify your concerns.

Janet Dickelman, ACB Convention Co-ordinator, shares convention details you'll need to pre-register for the upcoming 2024 convention, whether you attend on Zoom, in person in Jacksonville, FL, or both. Find out more at https://sound-prints.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

20231221 ACB Convention Committee Open Call Originally Broadcasted December 21, 2023, on ACB Media 6   Participants joined the ACB's convention committee for their monthly call. Attendees heard from each committee member, learned the latest convention information, and heard about the 2024. tours in Jacksonville.   Sponsored by the ACB Convention Committee

20230624 1730 Keys to the Convention Originally Broadcasted June 24, 2023, on ACB Media 3   Attendees heard panelists describe what to expect if this is your first time attending an ACB Convention in person.   Edited By:  Darcy Burnard

After a period away, Tuesday Topics is overjoyed to be back. You can probably guess what our topic will be. Every year we utilize our first presentation after the convention to provide our sense of how the convention went. While our opinions are important, your views as our listeners are even more important. Brian, Maryann, Larry, Rick and Paul all attended the convention in person. We want particularly to invite folks who came to Schaumburg virtually. What were the strengths of our convention? What can we do better? how did the break out sessions on the general agenda work? What changes seem to be necessary? Is the convention too long or too short? How did the Zoom links work? Did people know where they needed to be and how to get there? What subjects should be included in the program next year that were not there this year? Obviously there are loads of other issues that %we are sure will come up! This will be your first chance to react to ACB twenty-three! Did "the winds of change" create balmy breezes or hurricanes? Find out more at https://acb-tuesday-topics.pinecast.co

Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss their use of indoor navigation apps, such as Seeing AI and Clew. Shaun talks about his experiences using these inside his home with mixed results. Also, there's more from the ACB convention floor as Michael Babcock talks to Sam from the Blind Life YouTube channel, Tricia from the website Blind Girl Designs and the team behind Leader Dogs for the Blind in the U.S. There's also more of your feedback, including a comment from Marco in Germany who explains why there are no a cappella voices available on Mac at the moment, and a comment from Peter about Scottish pies that makes Steven become very defensive. And, for those looking to access more from the NFB convention on what Google had to say during its presentation here's the link to visit - you will need to log in to your Google account to view this information: https://sites.google.com/view/NFB2023 Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) Twitter: @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed / @DoubleTapOnAir Mastodon: @DoubleTap YouTube: DoubleTapOnAir

Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss the latest news from Aira regarding their decision to keep legacy pricing in place until January 2025, Twitter's slow collapse and the new apps using Microsoft Soundscape code: Voice Vista and GoodMaps Outdoors. Also, we have full convention coverage from Michael Babcock at the ACB Convention in Chicago, and Damashe Thomas at the NFB Convention in Texas. We learn about a company called IRIE-AT that sells its own line of Braille displays and embossers worldwide. More details here: https://irie-at.com/ Plus, there's an interview with a company all about making travel more accessible. Find out more about Magical Moment Vacations here: https://www.magicalmomentsvacations.com/ And Aira's Jenine Stanley drops in from the ACB Convention to talk about Aira's pricing decision, and to share her first thoughts on the new Seleste Glasses and the Orbit Speak, which has finally been released. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) Twitter: @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed / @DoubleTapOnAir Mastodon: @DoubleTap YouTube: DoubleTapOnAir

Highlighted events sponsored by selected special-interest affiliates of ACB.

20230619 ACB convention-essential oils for travel Originally Broadcasted June 19, 2023, on ACB Media 5   Are you getting ready to travel to Schaumburg? Participants joined me and saw what I included in my survival kit of essential oils.   Find out more at https://acb-community.pinecast.co

Episode Notes The highly anticipated 62nd Annual ACB National Convention is on the horizon, and the excitement within the blind community is palpable. This pivotal event signifies unity, mutual learning, and empowerment, and this year, it's taking place at the renowned Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois. Our community members are fervently preparing, registering for events, finalizing travel plans, and securing accommodations. The convention center is set to become a vibrant hub of enthusiasm and camaraderie. This week's Sunday Edition podcast is set to amplify this sense of anticipation. We've gathered diverse voices from the ACB community, ready to share their affiliates' plans and expectations for the convention. Our host, Anthony Corona, with his deep knowledge of the ACB and engaging interviewing style, will guide us through this exciting journey, delivering key information about the convention. Whether you're a seasoned ACB member or a first-time attendee, this episode is packed with insights to enhance your convention experience. Join us on the Sunday Edition podcast as we prepare together for this upcoming landmark event, filled with learning, networking, and empowerment opportunities.

Want to know about the 2023 ACB National Convention? Join Janet Dickelman, ACB convention coordinator, Saint Paul, MN to find out. Learn about the General Sessions, the Affiliate presentations, the exhibit hall, and the tours. If you can not be there in person, learn how you can listen as a part of The ACB Media Network. There will be time for questions. Presenter Contact Info Email: janet.dickelman@gmail.com

In the first hour we talk with HumanWare all about the new Victor Reader Stream 3. It is now shipping so we get the absolute latest from the company and most importantly we get your questions answered. We will take as much time as HumanWare will give us so this may spill into the second hour. The Information Access Committee is working on plans for a very ambitious project for this year's national convention. We give you a sneak peek into what the committees thinking is and how you will play a role in that process. To give it away, you are crucial! Microsoft has released (in a public preview) their new version of Bing. We describe to you what is going on here with Bing, why you might be interested in trying it out and how to sign up for the new service. We will also give it a spin on the show and share with you some interesting things that Bing's AI capabilities might reveal …

20220711 ACB Convention Resolutions continued Originally Aired July 11, 2022, on ACB Media   This was a continuation of the 2022 ACB Conference and Convention where the remaining resolutions were discussed and debated.  This session concluded with the Annual Business Meeting of the items of unfinished business and new business.   Edited By: Brian McCallen

20220711 ACB Convention Constitutional Amendments Originally Aired July 11, 2022, on ACB Media This session continued the 2022 Annual Business Meeting where the Constitutional and Bi-Law Amendments were introduced and debated.   Edited By: Brian McCallen

20220711 ACB Convention Second Reading of Constitutional Amendments Originally Aired July 11, 2022, on ACB Media This session continued the 2022 Annual Business Meeting where the second reading of the Constitutional and Bi-Law Amendments occurred.   Edited By: Brian McCallen

20220713 ACB Convention Final Voting on Resolutions and Amendments Originally Aired July 13, 2022, on ACB Media   This session concluded the 2022 ACB Annual Conference and Convention along with their Annual Business Meeting.  The Affiliate Roll Call vote was recorded along with the individual vote for the remaining Resolutions and Constitutional Amendment and Bi-Law changes.  The 2022 ACB Conference and Convention and Annual Business Meeting concluded after the announcement of the voting results.   Edited By: Jenine Stanley

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about my commute on a different rail line, which was very interesting. I also talk about accessibility testing of a bank's website that didn't go as planned. It had more to do with the app used to do the testing than the website itself. I also talk about Amazon Smiles to benefit the NFB of PA. I couldn't believe that some people were against it. And there are a couple of blind bodega stories as well. Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/193       Guest Host Appearance On That Real Blind Tech Show Episode 96 Again, it was an honor to fill in for Ed Plumacher on That Real Blind Tech Show (https://www.BlindTechShow.com). In episode 96, we talk about the resolutions from the ACB Convention.  Testing Accessibility Of Citadel Credit Union's Website After our August Keystone Chapter meeting, we did accessibility testing of Citadel Credit Union's website (https://www.citadelbanking.com/). The testing was frustrating for most of us, but it was due to the app we used to capture our responses more than the bank's website. The app, User Testing, was not fully accessible and created most, if not all, of the problems. Support iCantCU Do you shop at Amazon? I would appreciate it if you clicked on this link to make your purchases: https://www.iCantCU.com/amazon. I participate in the Amazon Associate Program and earn commissions on qualifying purchases. The best part is, you don't pay extra for doing this! White Canes Connect Podcast In episode 043 of White Canes Connect, Lisa and I talk to Jenine Stanley from Aira (https://www.aira.io). She tells us all the benefits of the tool, how businesses and organizations can partner with the company, and how you can become an agent to assist the blind and visually impaired.   Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI IHeartRadio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-white-canes-connect-89603482/ Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7dd1600d-05fa-48f3-8a8e-456e30e690bc/white-canes-connect My Podcast Gear Here is all my new gear and links to it on Amazon. I participate in the Amazon Associates Program and earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Zoom Podtrak P4: https://amzn.to/33Ymjkt Zoom ZDM Mic & Headphone Pack: https://amzn.to/33vLn2s Zoom H1n Recorder: https://amzn.to/3zBxJ9O  Gator Frameworks Desk Mounted Boom Arm: https://amzn.to/3AjJuBK Shure SM58 S Mic: https://amzn.to/3JOzofg  Sennheiser Headset (1st 162 episodes): https://amzn.to/3fM0Hu0  Support Keystone Chapter Please donate to the Keystone Chapter of the National Federation Of The Blind Of Pennsylvania by going to http://www.SupportKeystoneChapter.org. Scroll down to the text field and enter the amount you'd like to donate. PayPal handles payments, but you don't need a PayPal account. You can donate with any credit or debit card. Thank you so much! I appreciate it. Follow the iCantCU Podcast, so you don't miss an episode! Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon | Google | IHeartRadio Reach Out On Social Media Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Get In Touch If you've got questions, comments, or show ideas, I want to hear from you! Call (646) 926-6350 and leave a message. Include your name and town, and let me know if using your voice on an upcoming episode is okay. You can also email the show at iCantCUPodcast@gmail.com.  

Whether you attended the convention in-person or virtually, this was your chance to provide feedback. What did you like? What would you change? All comments were welcome. Sponsored by Convention Steering Committee

Whether you attended the convention in-person or virtually, this was your chance to provide feedback. What did you like? What would you change? All comments were welcome. Sponsored by Convention Steering Committee

Whether you attended the convention in-person or virtually, this was your chance to provide feedback. What did you like? What would you change? All comments were welcome. Sponsored by Convention Steering Committee

Do you want to learn how you can participate virtually or in person at the upcoming 2022 ACB Conference and Convention? Hear Janet Dickelman, ACB Convention Coordinator, as she shared more about convention activities. Sponsored by ACB Membership Committee

2022 Appetizer Auction Day One Opens Thursday, June 16 at 12:00 noon ET Closes Friday, June 17 at 12:00 noon ET Opening Bids Included Appetizer Auction Rules and Information: Contact Leslie Spoone at 407 678-4163 or email at lesliespoone@cfl.rr.com with your bid. Please provide your name, phone number, email, item number and bid amount. Bids must be in $5.00 increments. Leslie will send out Appetizer Auction information communicating the high bid on each item at 5:00pm ET, 8:00pm ET and 9:00am ET each day. Billing for both the Appetizer Auction and The ACB Summer Auction will begin on Monday, June 20 for the total amount of all winning purchases. Appetizer Auction Items Day One 201 $50 Rada Cutlery gift certificate donated by ACB Board Director Donna Brown Opening Bid $25 For the cook of the house or the wannabee cook, cutlery from Rada is made in the USA and is guaranteed for life. Choose from a variety of knives, utensils, pans, food mixes, and more. Items will be shipped from the factory directly to your home. 202 The Stars and Stripes Crafters Gift Basket donated by Anonymous Opening Bid$25 This basket includes 5 rolls of red, white, and blue decorative mesh ribbon, a star-shaped wreath frame, 3 sheets pearl stick-on gems 216 of each color red, white and blue. Jeweled boarder stickers made of rhinestones and pearls 10 inches long .5 inch wide 15 white and 15 blue, 6 scalloped rhinestones boarder stickers 10 inches long in blue, 2 pages of rub-on foil transfers various patriot images, 2 blue stencils with border designs, 2 pages of jeweled star stick-ons, 24 blank 5x7 cards 8 white, 8 red, 8 blue with 24 matching white envelopes, 24 blank 4.25 x 5.5 8 white, 8 blue, 8 red with matching white envelopes also comes with 6 pages of rubber stamps for paper stamping approximately 36 stamps. 203 Handmade Crochet Afghan donated by Nancy Moreno Opening Bid $40 This beautiful handmade afghan is 45 inches wide and 58 inches long. The colors are yellow, orange and beige. You will love cuddling up on a cold night with a special friend! 204 One-Year License for Office 365 donated by Anonymous Opening Bid $50 Make the most of your Microsoft 365 Premium Office apps and more. Make life more creative, organized, and secure. Install Office apps on your favorite devices including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Now it's easier than ever to write, design, and share seamlessly across your devices. You get smart assistance features as soon as they are released in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint so you're always working with the latest. Now, you can manage multiple calendars in one view to stay on top of work meetings, remote schooling, and family time. Back up your files with 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage. 205 Mary Kay Satin Hands Set donated by Nancy Folsom Opening Bid $25 This 3-step process will leave your hands and feet feeling soft, smooth, and luxurious! The Satin Hands set softens, exfoliates, and moisturizes each time you use it. Now that we are washing our hands more than ever, this set is great for guys and gals to help keep your hands healthy! You will love how great your hands feel! You can use it on your feet as well. 206 American Patriot with Statue of Liberty Picture Frame donated by Sharon Dutmer Opening Bid $20 This is an 8 by 10-inch brown frame with a picture of the American Patriot with the Statue of liberty and the American Eagle with a flag in the background. It will look lovely hanging on your wall. 207 Three Dozen of Your Choice Homemade Cookies donated by Patty Slaby Opening Bid $30 Wow, Patty's delicious homemade cookies are back by demand! Enjoy three dozen cookies of your choice. There are many kinds, but a few might include: snickerdoodles, ginger, oatmeal varieties, peanut butter varieties and many more. Yum, Yum! 208 $100 Amazon Gift Card donated by Jim and Vickie Kennedy Opening Bid $60 It's time to treat yourself to something special and here's a gift card to help you do it. $100 in spending at Amazon! 209 Three Scented Sprays from Dau De Parfum donated by Connie Jacomini Opening Bid $25 Enjoy these Dolly Parton perfumes Above Deu De Parfum Spray which is 3.4fluid ounces. Also, enjoy Love Notes by Michael Buble, Dau De Parfum 3.4 fluid ounces and an Invitation by Michael Buble, which is 1.7 fluid ounces. Wow, what an extravaganza! This would make a fantastic gift for that someone special in your life or if you just want to spoil yourself. 210 Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Generation donated by The Literacy Project Opening Bid $25 Our most popular smart speaker with a fabric design. It is our most compact smart speaker that fits perfectly into small spaces. Improved speaker quality. Better speaker quality than Echo Dot Gen 2 for richer and louder sound. Pair with a second Echo Dot for stereo sound. Designed to protect your privacy - Built with multiple layers of privacy protections and controls, including a microphone off button that electronically disconnects the microphones. 211 Plot Stitch Editorial Review donated by Ann Harrison Opening Bid $20 For the winner, I will provide a critique of the first three chapters of a manuscript, or a short work up to 10,000 words. This is such a wonderful item to either give to yourself or a friend. Please contact Ann at theplotstitch@gmail.com 212 A Basket of Goodies from Blind Girl Designs donated by Tricia Waechter Opening Bid $25 The basket will be filled with 3 assorted Blind Girl Designs printed t shirts in your favorite size (S to 5XL) in black, ash grey, and deep blue. A black cotton sun hat to keep the summer sun off your peepers, and a bundle of soft, stretchy knit beanie hats each in their own little organza drawstring pouches. 213 Braille Plus Mobile Manager donated by Roberta McCall Opening Bid $35 Braille+ unit: rectangular gray plastic case with brushed aluminum faceplate; top features diamond-shaped navigation pad in middle with five application buttons immediately above and three below; gray 12 key numeric keyboard at bottom; six rectangular blue braille keys on left and three braille keys on right (shift, space, and alt); speaker grill at top middle of face, along with screened APH logo and Braille+ logo in blue; on bottom of case is keyboard lock toggle and interface cable port; on left side of case is volume toggle, speaker on/off button, and record button; on top of case are line in jack, mini SD card reader slot, headphone jack, and headset jack. 214 $25 Amazon Gift Card and a $25 Oriental Trading Gift Card donated by Monica Svopa and ACB of Nebraska Opening Bid $30 It's time to treat yourself to something special and here's a gift card to help you do it. $25 in spending at Amazon! Also, enjoy this $25 gift card to Oriental Trading to buy some unique gifts for yourself or friends. 215 $100 Gift Card to Urbane Salon in Omaha, Nebraska donated by Ann Brash Opening Bid $50 Enjoy pampering yourself while in Omaha over a busy week during convention. You can look spectacular for the banquet. Urbane Salon and Day Spa is a full service, Aveda salon offering excellent hair care services for men, women, and children and exceptional spa services. Our skilled stylists will provide you with the quality service you deserve and the style you will love. This salon is three blocks from the hotel in Omaha. 216 Storage Galore donated by Marsha farrow Opening bid $30 Silicone reusable bags: reduce plastic waste with reusable bags to take meals and snacks with you on the go! Each silicone bag has a clear window and a leakproof zipper so you can see and seal whatever's inside plus, these bags are perfect for sous-vide cooking. They can go in your freezer, refrigerator, microwave, or oven (400 degrees max). This set includes the following items: • Small Reusable Storage Bag - Take snacks with you on the go. Holds 1.5 cups (375 mL). • Medium Reusable Storage Bag - Perfect for meal prep, storing snacks, and sous-vide cooking. Holds 3 cups (750 mL). • Medium Reusable Sandwich Bag - Store sandwiches, snacks, and more. Holds 3 cups (750 mL). • Large Reusable Storage Bag - Use for transporting snacks, storing leftovers, and sous-vide cooking. Holds 8 cups (1.9 L). Step up your meal prep: • Our Cut & Store Containers are the ultimate 2-in-1 kitchen storage containers. Outfitted with lids that double as cutting boards, you can use these durable containers to cut and store your food. Plus, they stack to save you counter and fridge space. Refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher safe. 217 Tan Denim Purse donated by Anonymous Opening Bid $25 A lovely purse made from jeans. This one is from a repurposed pair of tan cargo pants, or kakis. The purse is 16 inches deep and 18 inches wide. The purse part is made from the upper part of the pants, so pockets are still used as part of the waistband functions as the top band of purse legs of the pants were cut up and sewn to make the two purse handles, one on either side of the opening. Hammer on coat snaps were used so purse can be snapped closed at the top. The purse is lined with a navy blue, burgundy and tan print and decorative belt is made from the same fabric as the lining to accent the purse. The accent belt is feed through the existing belt loops. 218 $50 Gift Certificate to Sergeant Peffer's Café Italian donated by Dana Peffer, owner of Sgt. Peffer's Café Italian Opening Bid $30 Remember the Welcome to Omaha party with its Beetles cover band as you dine-in or carry-out at Sgt. Peffer's Café Italian with a $50 gift certificate. Sgt. Peffer's is a charming, Italian eatery decorated in a Beetles theme. The restaurant is located 4 miles west of downtown Omaha. Expires April 2023. 219 Bakers Candies donated by Kristal Platt Opening Bid $50 Sample in advance Two 1-pound bags of mouth-watering Bakers Candies variety chocolates where the ACB Convention tour will visit. 220 $150 Spencer's Steaks and Chops Gift Certificate donated by The Literacy Project Opening Bid $70 Enjoy dining at this fantastic steak house in Omaha. This steak house offers crafted cocktails with prime beef and prime pork. This certificate expires July 21, 2022. 221 Josh Allen Quarterback NFL Official Jersey donated by Angelo Lanier Opening Bid $50 Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills Quarterback, is a rising superstar. You will enjoy having this extra-large blue jersey in your sports collection! This is truly a must to have for yourself or to give someone for a special gift. 222 Four $25 Starbucks Gift Cards donated by Tennessee Council of the Blind Opening Bid $50 Everyone loves a good cup of coffee. It's even better with a friend. 223 Restore Your Brailler donated by John Harden Opening Bid $45 Is your good old Perkins braille writer not working as good as it once did? John Harden's quality Brallier repair service will take care of that for you. Ship John your machine and he will return it to you in like new condition with a brand-new dust cover complements of John's quality service. Contact John to make shipping arrangements. 224 $75 Gift Certificate to Cranberry Sweets donated by ACB of Oregon Cranberry Sweets on the Beautiful Southern Coast of Oregon Opening Bid $40 Do you have a sweet tooth? Does the sound of homemade, hand crafted, goodies strike your fancy? Then head on over to the website for Cranberry Sweets. Browse everything from chocolate dipped cranberries, a massive variety of flavored popcorn, cheeses, cookies, etc. I mean you name it they probably have it. With your gift card you aren't able to order online but give the fabulous ladies at Cranberry Sweets a call and they will be more than happy to help you out. They can ship directly to you and even tell you what some of their seasonal treats are at the time of your call. Contact Information: Cranberry Sweets 1005 Newmark Ave. Coos Bay, OR. 97420 (541)888-9824 225 The Pocket Bible Donated by Rev. Ray Raysor, President DC Council of the Blind Opening Bid $40 The Pocket Bible is a self-contained digital device that contains the entire Bible. It is about the size of the old cassette tapes and has navigation buttons that allow forward and backward movement by both book and chapter. It has no moving parts and is rugged and water resistant. The Pocket Bible Player has both an internal speaker and an earphone jack. • English Standard Version • King James Version • New King James Version • New American Standard Bible • New International Version (NIV) • New Living Translation ® • Audio Bibles in Spanish also available. 226 Amazon Fire TV Stick donated by Margie Donovan Opening Bid $30 The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a device joining the ranks of home entertainment streaming technologies. The Fire Stick plugs into your TV's HDMI port giving you access to your favorite TV shows, movies, music, games, photos and more. It has both screen reading and magnification capability and is accessible to the blind and visually impaired community. You can watch Prime Video, Netflix, Disney, and much more all with audio description.

Do you want to learn how you can participate virtually or in person at the upcoming 2022 ACB Conference and Convention? Listeners heard Janet Dickelman, ACB Convention Coordinator, inform attendees how to register and participate fully in all convention activities. Sponsored by ACB Membership Committee

Want to know about the 2022 ACB National Convention? Join Janet Dickelman, ACB convention coordinator, Saint Paul, MN to find out. Learn about the General Sessions, the Affiliate presentations, the exhibit hall, and the tours. If you can not be there in person, learn how you can listen as a part of The ACB Media Network. There will be time for questions. Presenter Contact Info Email: janet.dickelman@gmail.com

Want to know about the 2022 ACB National Convention? Join Janet Dickelman, ACB convention coordinator, Saint Paul, MN to find out. Learn about the General Sessions, the Affiliate presentations, the exhibit hall, and the tours. If you can not be there in person, learn how you can listen as a part of The ACB Media Network. There will be time for questions. Presenter Contact Info Email: janet.dickelman@gmail.com

Latest Updates on Voting, Resolutions, and Amendments Procedures for this year's ACB Convention Since we will be holding this year's conference and convention in hybrid mode,  the Voting Task Force will join Terry with the latest details on deadline dates and other updated news 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.

The Hawaii Association of the Blind Celebrates its 55th Annual Virtual State Convention Theme: “Traveling Thru Barriers” Saturday, March 5, 2022 I can connect Leah Neumann “Tips and Tricks” Presentation Amy Downard, Chloe Rose & Leah Neumann HAB Blind Travelers panel Discussion Panelist: Natalie Barrett, Onkar Nerurkar, Vickie Kennedy, Dr. Onder Islek, Crata Mizutani, and Skayboy Sonis. Questions to Adults on Panel: When traveling what obstacles did you have to overcome in order to get from point A to point B? How did you overcome those obstacles? What resolutions did you come to? What advocacy issues do you currently face? What stage of resolution are you currently in? Questions for our Youths on the Panel: Other than going from classroom to classroom, do you use your cane when you're outside of your school or home? If yes, what types of obstacles have you faced when navigating outside of your school or home? In school have you faced any barriers when using technology? If yes, what are they? Are you the only blind student in your school? When covid-19 hit Hawai'i shortly after spring break were you given access to assistive technology that you were currently using in school? If not what steps if any have you taken to request for access to assistive technology? ACB National Report, ACB Convention treasurer, David Trott Door prizes HAB Commercial Love is Blind HAB Who We Are Commercial HAB radio PSA HAB Blind Youth Commercial Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

# In the first hour of Main Menu Live, we welcome David Kingsbury, an Assistive Technology Instructor at The Carroll Center for the Blind in Massachusetts, to discuss his new book entitled “The Windows Screen Reader Primer: All the Basics and More”. It is a free book, and we dive deep into its creation and content. In the second hour, we talk all about new Windows 11 Insider features, including all-new natural voices and more. Finally, the Information Access Committee joins all of you to talk all about what is coming up at this year's annual convention.

 Novel Ideas will have a slightly different format for May. We will start with a brief discussion led by Judy Wilkinson about the program Library users Of America has planned for the ACB Convention. If anyone from Library Users of America would like to join us in June to discuss the program for the NFB Convention, please contact me at the email address below. We look forward to hearing from you. After the presentation, we will be discussing the book Driftwood Summer by Patti Callahan Henry. DB 71559 Below is the synopsis from Bookshare. In the small seaside town of Palmetto Beach, the Sheffield sisters — responsible Riley, vivacious Maisy, and fun-loving Adalee — reunite to celebrate their mother's birthday and try to save the family bookstore, which has long been a beloved gathering place in their tight-knit community. But June also marks the return of Mack Logan, who thirteen years ago was Riley's best friend and Maisy's teenage crush. His choice of Maisy over Riley during that pivotal summer destroyed the special closeness between the sisters, and sent their lives in very different directions. Now Riley, a single mom who doubts any man will ever live up to the ideal Mack Logan, must work with her sisters while hiding a shattering secret about their mother. Maisy, a California designer, still blames Riley for ruining her one true love. And Adalee, a college coed, resents the family's intrusion into her summer plans. When Mack arrives, all three sisters are forced to confront their long-held beliefs about the conflicts that tore them apart and the bonds of love and loyalty that still draw them together. Will they allow the past to define the future? Join us in this zoom meeting to discuss this great book. Host: Randi Shelton E-Mail: rshelton820@gmail.com Co-Host Ruth Ann Acosta, E-Mail: ruth1244@gmail.com