VISAbilities
Visually Impaired Seniors’ Abilities. Each week we discuss topics of interest to people with either long time or recent sight loss or blindness.

20230414 - VISAbilities - news from GDUI, AAVL, ACB Constitution and By-Laws Committee.

April 14, 2023

This week’s VISAbilities is packed with news from GDUI, AAVL, ACB Constitution and By-Laws Committee, and more!

It  is important to ALL ACB members. So, please make sure your affiliate members know about it.Following some brief announcements, Terry welcomes Maria Hansen, vice chair and Jeff Thom, member of the ACB Constitution & By-laws Committee to explain how the process for submitting amendments and voting on them will be carried out this year.  We all need to take our responsibility seriously when we are making decisions that could change the most important documents of our organization – our Constitution and our By-Laws.   We will then end our program with a new “Fun Feature”.   

Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

20230407 - VISAbilities - Friends-in-Art Showcase.

April 7, 2023

One of the most popular and enjoyable events of every ACB Conference and Convention for the last 40 plus years is the Friends-in-Art Showcase of the Performing

Arts.  Whether in person or virtual, it is always a magical time for all.  This year, tFIA is planning something even more exciting. Peter Altschul will be joining Terry to share the details.  We will also hear from Peter of the Employment Committee’s program for this year’s convention.  Everyone is welcome!

Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

20230331 - VISAbilities - 2023 Resolutions and Voting.

March 31, 2023

2023 Resolutions and Voting

Patrick Sheehan, Ray Campbell, and Koni Simms will join Terry tonight to share and explain this year’s Resolutions process and how voting will take place during the 2023 ACB Conference and Convention.  This is especially time sensitive since the Resolutions Committee will be starting its work very soon. There will be ample time for your questions.  ACB’s goals and pathways  in advocacy are determined by our Resolutions.  Having a good grasp of the issues, both pro and con, helps make you a more responsible voter.  The officers, board, and staff are guided by these documents.  So join us for overviews of these adjusted proceedings.

Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

20230324 - VISAbilities - Two Spoones Full of ACB Energy.

March 24, 2023

I am thrilled to welcome our new interim Executive Director, Dan Spoone, and the one and only ACB Auction Chair, Leslie Spoone to VISAbilities this evening.

What changes, if any, does Dan see for himself and ACB in his new role? How is the transition from president different than he thought it might be? Are President Deb and the Board of Directors a tough bunch to work fo? (smiling) This and other questions will be asked and answered. Then, Leslie will give us the latest information on how you can help make this year's auctions even better. Donation deadlines, dates, and other important items for you to share. This promises to be a very special program.

Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

20230317 - VISAbilities - St. Patrick's Day -a cup of Irish tea

March 17, 2023

Join Terry for a cup of Irish tea, maybe some soda bread, or an Irish trifle dessert.  We will talk about our ancestry , books, recipes, folk lore, and

whatever else comes to mind.

Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

20230303 - VISAbilities - Older Independent Blind Services and Funding

March 3, 2023

Older Independent Blind Services and Funding

Learn more about this program that has been deplorably underfunded for years.  What services are and are not funded through OIB? Understand its history, and find out what you can do to bring the funding for hundreds of thousands of older Americans experiencing sight loss up to a reasonable level.  Anisio Correia and other leaders from the Aliance on Aging and Vision Loss will be among those joining us.  This is especially time sensitive since this is the last chance before ACB’s Legislative Seminar.

Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

20230224 - VISAbilities - Spring Celebrations.

February 24, 2023

Whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day, birthdays, Easter, graduations, or any other excuse to celebrate with family and friends, we’ve got you covered. Spring

wines and desserts are featured on this week’s VISAbilities. Penny Reeder, the dessert diva, and Gabriel Lopez Kafatti, our wine wizard, will join us tonight with more exciting ways to make your Spring celebrations sparkle. If you have a favorite recipe or refreshing wine, please share it with us. This promises to be a fun-filled hour for all! Subscribe to VISAbilities announcement list

Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

20230217 - VISAbilities - The Victor Reader Stream 3.

February 17, 2023

Terry welcomes Mathieu Paquette, Product Manager, and Peter Tucic, Director of Strategic Partnership, at HumanWare. They will be giving us all the latest

details of the new Victor 3. Pre-order and launch dates; old favorites and new features; price point; and much more. Get your questions answered by those in the know. Sponsored by VISAbilities Request to receive VISAbilities announcements

Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

20230210 - VISAbilities - Low Vision Services for Special Ed Students.

February 10, 2023

VISAbilities for All – Low Vision Services for Special Ed Students

A few weeks ago, Mark Richert, one of ACB’s most experienced and leading advocates, added to our Leadership list a very interesting post entitled “The future of low vision services and devices in BVI-related special ed.” The post received several responses.  Mark will join me Friday night to hear from you and to further explain what is and is not available through prior legislation such as IDEA and how he believes the passage of the Cogswell-Macy Act would provide more well-rounded services to children with low vision during their most formative years.  Everyone seems to have an opinion.  We would like to hear yours.  So join us at 7:00 PM EST for what I believe will be a lively interactive conversation. 

Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

20230203 - VISAbilities - ACB Awards.

February 3, 2023

Who were Vernon Henley, George Card, Ned Freeman, Jim Olsen, and others we remember every year when we honor today’s leaders who are carrying on their

work.  Join me as I welcome Janet Dickelman and Awards Committee member Peter Altschul along with Penny Reeder of the Board of Publications  to learn about these and more of ACB’s awards.  Many of us fondly remember these ACB giants and have stories you will enjoy.  Learn how you can nominate someone who qualifies for special recognition. Everyone is welcome to join us for an hour you won’t want to miss.

Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co