VISAbilities
by Terry Pacheco
Welcome to VISAbilities, Visually Impaired Seniors’ Abilities. Each week we discuss topics of interest to people with either long time or recent sight loss or blindness. Our live program is held every Friday night at 7 PM Eastern. For additional information, please email to [email protected] or visit our website at www.VISAbilities.net. We love your feedback and suggestions.
Episodes
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20260925 VISAbilities - Common Ground A final Tribute to Terry Pacheco.
Common Ground Join us as we reminisce about Terry Pacheco's iconic podcast and talk about its future. Listen on ACB Media 5 Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co
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20260904 - VISAbilities - A Tribute to Terry Pacheco.
A time to pay tribute to Terry Pacheco and build on her contributions.
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20260821 - VISAbilities - Bring Your Announcements.mp3
Do you have an event coming up in the next season? Will you be holding an annual meeting, a convention, elections, fundraising event, auction, or something you would like our ACB family to know about and participate in? If so, please bring your announcements to VISAbilities this Friday evening at…
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20260814 - VISAbilities - Post Convention Survey, and we meet three new board members.
Terry welcomes Janet Ddickelman to update us on the post convention survey now that we have all had a chance to think about it in a more realistic environment. We then will hold a Meet & Greet with the three new members of the ACB Board of Directors -- Sheila, Jennifer, and Melanie. It's time…
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20260710 - VISAbilities - The ACB 2026 Summer Auction, and members of this year's INSPIRE Program.
Last chance to hear from Leslie before the cut-off for Day 2 of the Appetizer Auction, plus a preview of Saturday's ACB Summer Auction. We'll also welcome Kenneth Semien, Sr. and members of this year's INSPIRE Program, including some GUIDES and EXPLORERS. This is our last gathering before...
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20260626 VisAbilities - Your 2026 Votes
Terry welcomes ACB President, Deb Cook Lewis, Voting Task Force members Patrick Sheehan and Koni Sims to explain When and how we vote on Resolutions, Constitution and Bylaw changes, and Election of ACB Board of Directors and Board of Publications Members. during our annual ACB Convention. What’s...
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20260619 VisAbilities 2026 Durward K. McDaniel Ffirst Timers.
Tonight Terry welcomes Zelda Gebhard who will introduce us to the two Durward K. McDaniel Ffirst Timers. We will also meet and greet two more ACB 2026 - 27 Scholarship winners. We may also be joined by a few ACB Leadership Fellows. All of these dynamic people exemplify the future of ACB and its...
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20260612 - VISAbilities with Michael Smitherman, Exhibit Hall Coordinator
VISAbilities with Michael Smitherman Tonight at 7:00 PM ET Let's get ready to browse the 2026 Exhibit Hall with our virtual guide, Michael Smitherman. He has all the details and schedules of the various events leading up to a fabulous shopping experience for all. Michael has been coordinating and...
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20260605 - VISAbilities - Presidents, tell us about your affiliates.
Hello Presidents, Please come and tell our audience about your affiliate.
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20260529 - VISAbilities - newer affiliate Presidents.
I am inviting all newer affiliate presidents to join me either tonight, May 29 or next Friday night, June 5, on VISAbilities. This is a chance for us all to meet and hear about their goals for the road ahead. We'll also connect with awards and scholarship recipients who are stepping into…
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20260522 - VISAbilities - ACB Executive Director Scott Thornhill.
ACB Executive Director Scott Thornhill will be joining Terry with a myriad of topics and updates from the national office. Have you wanted to ask him a question or make a comment? This is your time to do so!
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20260508 - VISAbilities - The sixth anniversary, What's Next and come Celebrate.
Come celebrate 6 years of VISAbilities with us tonight at 7:00 ET. Bring your memories of past programs and some of the fun and friendships we have created. In addition, we will be discussing a hot topic lately -- Senior Living. If you have made the decision, we would love to know what convinced...
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20260501 - VISAbilities - May Day History.
May Day has a long and varied history in Roman times through changes in the 1980's, 1950's. It was re-named and re-purposed several times through the centuries. How did you celebrate it? Do you remember May poles? Join me for an interesting conversation of this day in history. Sponsored by Email…
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20260424 - VISAbilities - Everything you’ve ever needed to know and are dying to ask.
Everything you’ve ever needed to know and are dying to ask. Join Terry tonight as she welcomes The ACB Auction Empress,, Leslie Spoonel When is the Summer Event this year? What donations do they sstill need? Have you thought about running for an ACB elected position? Zelda Gebhard, Chair of the...
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20260417 - VISAbilities - Baby Boomer Trivia.
Tonight is the night for our semiannual Baby Boomer Trivia Nightl Join the fun at 7:00 Eastern. This is also a great time to brush up for the AAVL vs. Next Gen event during the national convention. So, test your memory or learn something new. It is always loads of fun. All are welcome!
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20260410 - VISAbilities - How ABLE Aware are You.
Join Terry as she welcomes ACB Board Member Chris Bell for a discussion of the ABLE (Achieving A Better Life Experience) accounts which many of us are eligible. What is it? Who is eligible? Are there limits? What can it be used for? Are there tax benefits? These are a few questions we will be...
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20260403 - VISAbilities -Potpourii Tonight, tell us about your affiliate
Please join us to spotlight your affiliate. What would you like our listeners to know about your upcoming affiliate's activities over the next three months? Do you have a conference or convention coming up? How about a fund raiser , event, or a special guest speaker? Do you hold gatherings that…
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20260327 - VISAbilities - Bird-a-thon with famous blind birder, Jerry Berrier.
Our annual birding session is tonight with famous blind birder, Jerry Berrier! He will tell us all about the Global Blind Bird-a-thon taking place in early May. And, of course he will have bird calls to identify. So join the fun!
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20260320 - VISAbilities - Directing Our Destiny.
We have all had time to reflect on last week’s session on revitalization. How will we move forward into a brighter future for each of us together? Please join us to listen respectfully to one another’s pathways, thoughts, and ideas. We have all put so much of ourselves into accomplishments to…
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20260313 - visibilities - This evening, VISAbilities Revitalization
Join our lively open discussion tonight as we look at revitalizing ourselves in a variety of areas. While we may not be as physically active as we once were, are there other ways in which we can continue to be heard, to advocate, and show the world that we are still determined to change how we…
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Sound Prints 03022026 – My 41 Years as an Assistant D.A. and Making Your Benefits Work for You
Celeste Lopes, an assistant district attorney in New York for 41 years, shares her experiences with ACB Families on February 15. Then we learn how to use our benefits more wisely – a presentation from the February 6 Greater Louisville quarterly meeting.
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20260220 - VisAbilities - Affiliate Awards.
There is still time to learn more aand participate in the 2026 DC Leadership Conference and Legislative Seminar. Join Terry to learn more about this ever expanding event. Hear the schedule, legislative priorities, and how you caan participate from anywhere. All are Welcome In! Sponsored by Find…
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20260213 - VISAbilities - The Braille Revival League.
Braille REvival League
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20260130 - VISAbilities - affiliate president and chapter presidents of an older ACB affiliate with a new look and feel.
Join Terry as she welcomes the affiliate president and chapter presidents of an older ACB affiliate with a new look and feel. Hear some of the 48-year history and the plans for the next 48 years of Learning, Voicing, and Accessing a better life for all. Sponsored by Email to join the Announce…
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20260123 - VISAbilities - Teach Me, Teach Me Braille
VISAbilities - Teach Me, Teach Me Braille April Martin, President of ACB's Blind Teachers affiliate and Dorlyn Catron, ACB Community Braille Room facilitator will the joining tonight for a lively talk about teaching and learning Braille and other courses. These topics cover all ages and…
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20260116 - VISAbilities - Jeff Bishop, President of Blind Information Technology Solutions.
Visually Impaired Senior Abilities (VISAbilities) kicks off our 2026 season . Join Terry as she welcomes Jeff Bishop, President of Blind Information Technology Solutions (BITS) to learn more about the classes and courses included in membership benefitsand so much more! Whether you are new to the...
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20251212 - VISAbilities - At State Department, a Typeface Falls Victim in the War Against Woke.
In addition to an update on issues such as the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act by Claire Stanley, ACB Director of Governmental Affairs and Advocacy, a new issue has come up in the last 2 days that potentially effects nearly every blind or low vision person in this country. From...
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20251205 - VISAbilities Holiday trivia fun.
This evening‘s VISAbilities promises to be a lot of fun. So join us at 7 PM ET! Test your knowledge and have some laughs with a round of fun, holiday themed trivia. Join us for a relaxed hour of friendly competition that’s perfect for all ages and experience levels. Sponsored by VISAbilities…
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20251121 - VISAbilities - Turkey, Turkey, Turkey
450 years since that first Thanksgiving times and traditions have evolved into a very different holiday. Join Terry as we share some history. But best of all, let's share our own memories of favorite home-town football games, parades, family gatherings, and incredible dinners. We may even share a...
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20251114 - VISAbilities - ACB Diabetics in Action.mp3
Come learn about two exciting services tonight when VISAbilities welcomes ACB Diabetics in Action to share about two programs the affiliate is working on. Nutrition 101 - Building a Healthier You, a 10 week workshop for everyone to encourage healthier choices, as well as the Patricia LaFrance…
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20251107 - VISAbilities - We welcome several of our 2025 ACB Scholarship winners.
Tonight, we’re honored to welcome several of our 2025 ACB Scholarship winners—remarkable students pursuing a wide range of fields. As a request that was made to me a number of months ago by Denise Colley, Patty Slaby will be joining us tonight. Patty has served as chair and now vice chair of the...
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20251031 - VISAbilities - GhostAbilities.
GhostAbilities What are your spookiest and most fun Halloween stories? These can be camp fire stories or real life ones. What was your favorite costume? Let’s just have some Halloween fun! Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co
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20251024 - VISAbilities - Meet the 2025 ACB Scholarship winners.
7:00 PM ET is the time to introduce and welcome several 2025 ACB Scholarship winners. These men and women are amazing in so many different fields of study. As a request that was made to me a number of months ago by Denise Colly, Patty Slaby will be joining us tonight and next Friday evening.…
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20251010 - VISAbilities - our age of change.
As we age, our abilities and interests change. This does not mean we lose them, we just may do things differently at age 75 than at 35. Are we as active, or even more after retiring? Are we able to maintain our independence but with some adjustments? We are at a time when we have to make some…
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20251003 - VISAbilities - What Can We Do Now.
How are we effected by what is happening on Capitol Hill in respect to blind and low vision seniors throughout our country? Join Terry when she welcomes in Jeff Thom. Jeff is Chair of the ACB Advocacy Steering Committee and Past-president of Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss among many of his…
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20250926 - VISAbilities - Special Awards night.
Join VISAbilities – Special Awards Nig at 7:00 ET I am delighted to have a very special presentation during the first 15 minutes of tonight’s program. Pat Sheehan will be presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the ACB of Maryland to Sue Boaz. Many of you may have known her through…
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20250919 - VISAbilities - Aromatic aromas.
It's time to harvest the wonderful fruits and vegies of this beautiful season. We have a fabulous panel joining Terry Friday night for this always popular call. Debra Erikson, Executive Chef and founder of The Blind Kitchen; Zelda Gebhard, our favorite farmer; Penny Reeder, home and international...
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20250912 - VISAbilities - The Blind Shells 2 and 3.
Terry welcomes Diane Ducharme from BlindShell and a panel of users to take a deep dive into the phone's features. What are the differences between the 2 and 3? If you have used one, how do you like it? Are there plusses or minuses? Leslie Spoone will also join us with a brief ACB Media Holiday...
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20250905 - VISAbilities - Doug Hansard and Michael Smitherman ACB Community Support Group for Stroke Survivors and Caregivers. .
Join Terry as she welcomes Doug Hansard and Michael Smitherman tonight. They will be the organizers and facilitators of a new ACB Community Support Group for Stroke Survivors and Caregivers. Are you a survivor, or have you ever had a “Stroke?” Are you a caregiver of a stroke survivor? We would...
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20250829 - VISAbilities - Your Summer Vacation.
Your Summer Vacation? So much happened over the past 3 months. And even more excitement is promised this fall. Did you go to convention(s)? What treasures did you find in the exhibit areas? Were weddings, graduations, and reunions on your agenda? Were there times you felt uncomfortable? What did...
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20250815 - VISAbilities - Baby Boomers Rock.
We didn't have time for trivia last week. So we are playing tonight for the whole hour. Bring your team along, or we will set you up with a team. Just come, have fun, and enjoy our quarterly game of Baby Boomer Trivia. All are welcome! Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co
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20250808 - VISAbilities - Spread The Word.
It's time to re-connect and hope the worst of the summer heat is behind us. do you have an announcement to share? Maybe an affiliate meeting or election, or fundraiser? How about something you are advocating for in your geographic area? Do yyou have a special event like a birth or anniversary we...
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20250801 - VISAbilities - Tonight, Inspire.
Terry welcomes Kenneth Semien, Sr. to discuss ACB's INSPIRE Program with a focus on becoming mentors in this succession leadership plan. I believe many of our listeners/participants have the experience and skill sets to be ideal candidates. If you have been through the program, we would love to...
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20250725 - VISAbilities - Becky Floyd, Founder of Gallant Hearts.
Join Terry as she welcomes Becky Floyd, Founder of Gallant Hearts, a unique small guide dog school. Specializing in four breeds and home training of teams, they pay particular attention to the needs and abilities of their clients. If you have a Galland Heart dog or questions about their programs,...
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20250718 - VISAbilities - Meet and Greet the new ACB Leaaders.
Join Terry as she welcomes newly elected and or appointed members of the ACB Boards of Directors and Publications. So, come with your questions and comments. This program will be dedicated to the memory of Denise Colley, one of ACB’s true leaders in advocacy, accessibility, and the use of Braile....
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20250523 - VISAbilities - VISAbilities five stars for five years.
Celebrate 5 incredible years of VISAbilities with Terry. So many friendships, so many topics presented and discussed, so much fun! From Trivia to Tributes and everything in between. Share your favorites with us. All are welcome!! Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co
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20250516 - VISAbilities - ACB Changes.
This is a very important session tonight. Please join me as I welcome members of the ACB Voting Task Force and the Constitution & Bylaws committees. There are some changes being put forward this year that will need EVERYONE’S votes. We will be discussing them all with time for your questions....
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20250509 - VISAbilities - The 2025 ACB Convention.
We will visit with several ACB Affiliates regarding their programs at convention. Janet Dickelman will also update us on the registration process. And we will start off with Leslie Spoone giving us the latest on the ACB Spring Auction coming up. It’s a packed call. Join us! Find out more at...
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20250502 - VISAbilities - Travel, Part 2.
By request, we’re back for Part 2 of our travel discussion! This time, we’ll focus on navigating places like airports, train stations, ride sharing, and bus terminals. Share your smooth trips, challenges, and tips. Everyone’s welcome! Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co
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20250425 - VISAbilities - Jerry Berrier, the blind birder is back.
One of our most popular calls every year. Terry welcomes Jerry Berrier, the blind birder, back for a lively session with our migrating chirping friends. Are there birds visiting your yard you would like to identify? Is the weather changing the migration patterns? This is always a fun call.…
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About this show
Welcome to VISAbilities, Visually Impaired Seniors’ Abilities. Each week we discuss topics of interest to people with either long time or recent sight loss or blindness. Our live program is held every Friday night at 7 PM Eastern. For additional information, please email to [email protected] or visit our website at www.VISAbilities.net. We love your feedback and suggestions.
Hosted by
Terry Pacheco
Categories