VISAbilities

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 you.  Whether you are thinking about aging in place, downsizing, living with friends or family, over 55 independent living, assisted living, etc., there are things to consider.  We will be customizing notes of just such unique items to think about.  If you are looking to the future or have already moved forward, please share with us.   All are Welcome! NOTE: This is a special episode.  We may run as much as 90 minutes tonight so everyone gets a chance. Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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 to join the Announce List Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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 Board of Publications will let us know the process and deadlines for candidate pages, the candidate’s forum, and much more.  She  will also update us on the DKM first-timers and Chase Leadership programs. We will top the hour off with  our convention Queen, Janet Dickelman.  As you can see this is a fact filled hour.  So don’t miss it! All are wwelcome! Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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!

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 learning more about. All are welcome@ Sponsored by Email to join the Announce List Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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 are not always on ACB Community but you still want to attract new members? If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, Terry will welcome you in to share your news. Birthdays, anniversaries and other mile stones are also welcome! Sponsored by VISAbilities Email to join the Announce List Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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!

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 just walk away.  All are welcome to join the conversation.

                              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 are viewed by the global community.  If you have been encouraged or discouraged, let’s talk about it and see how we can all be heard.   If you feel you are being pittied by friends, family members, or others, let’s remember we are the ambassadors of our community..  Every time we step out the door, we are making an impression on others around us.  That is our opportunity to show the world just how capable we are.

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.

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

Braille REvival League

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

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 abilities. Everyone is welcome to share in this call. Sponsored by  Email to join the Announce List Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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 computer world or a long-time professional in the field, there is something here for you!  Everyone is welcomee! Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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 employment to health care and everything in between. I am speaking  of what is happening at the US State Department.  Is this the tip of the iceberg in losing what we have all worked so hard for in the last several decades?    We need to take one of the most active roles we have in several years.  This is why, in addition to Claire, I am inviting and encouraging everyone to be with us this evening.  Patti Cox, president of CCLVI, Zelda Gebhard, Chair ACB Board of Publications, Doug Powell and Anisio Correia from AAVL, Jeff Bishop, president of BITS, and some other outside organizations to join this discussion.  (Sorry for all the initials, but this is a long message.)  If you have not yet read the below article posted to ACB Conversation by Chris Bell, it is copied below.  While it may not seem so bad, it has potential ramifications that could set the blindness and low vision community back immeasurably.   Please show your support by joining me tonight.  Everyone is welcome! Thank you, Terry Pacheco ***  Article At State Dept., a Typeface Falls Victim in the War Against Woke Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the Biden-era move to the sans serif typeface “wasteful,” casting the return to Times New Roman as part of a push to stamp out diversity efforts. \ Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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 Email to join the Announce List Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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 few recipes. And though it has been a pretty tumultuous year, let's remind one another of what we have to be thankful for tonight. So, please come share with us. Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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 Wolf Memorial Fund, a program to assist members with unexpected expenses related to diabetes care.   Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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 Scholarship Committee. She’s gotten to know the winners well and continues Denise’s spirit of encouraging them to stay active within our organization. Please join me in welcoming these outstanding students and future leaders in their chosen carrers and ACB. Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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

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.  Patty has served as chair and more recently vice chair of the Scholarship Committee. She has gotten to know the winners and always successfully encouraged them to become more active members of our organization.  We will also hear about an incredible piece of technology being used especially by today's students.  We will all wish we had the Monarch available back in our school years.   Please join me in welcoming all of these future potential leaders in their chosen careers. Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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 tough decisions for ourselves and others.  Everything from what to keep if we are downsizing to potentially different living arrangements.  Join Terry for a lively conversation.  All are Welcome In! Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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 other positions in ACB. Sponsored by VISAbilities Email to join the Announce List Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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 her many years of work at the Dept. of Justice aand the Dept. of Veterans Affairs.  Sue has been an active member of the National Capital Area Chapter of ACB of Maryland.  She is one of the most independent women I have ever known.  If you remember Sue, please join us as we also celebrate her 80thbirthday.  We know she would love to hear from old friends on this special night.   Following the 15-minute presentation, I will also be welcoming in the 2025 George Card and Durward McDaniel winners – Patrick Sheehan and Kim Charlson respectively.   Please join us for a great hour and a chance to personally congratulate this special team.  All are welcome! Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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 cook extraordinaire; and Gabriel Lopez-Kafati, our wine pairing sommelier. Join us for a great start to the season. All are Welcome In! Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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 Auction update. All are Welcome In for tonight's call. Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

 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 like for you to come and share your story and experiences; you never know who you might help.  Learn when and how you can be a part of this most worthwhile experience.  Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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 you do about it? Remember, you are all Welcome In here! Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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

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 can toast? We might throw a little trivia into the mix, as well. Just remember you are all welcome in! Sponsored by VISAbilities Email to join the Announce List Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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 hear from you, as well. Come and bring your questions and thoughts. Of course, everyone is welcome. Sponsored by VISAbilities Email Announce List [email protected] Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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, this will be of particular interest to you. All are Welcome in. Sponsored by VISAbilities Email: [email protected] Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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

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

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.  Sponsored by VISAbilities. email the facilitator Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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 https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

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

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. Everyone is welcome! Sponsored by VISAbilities Get on our email announcements listl Email  [email protected] Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

The Shot Heard Round the World took place 250 years ago tomorrow on the green at Lexington, Massachusetts; or was it at by Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Concord Hymn” and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, ”‘Paul Revere’s Riide”.  But how much was poetic license?  What else did occur before, during, and after the ride? Join us for a discussion of these and other facts. You are all welcome in to Terry’s Tavern Tonight at 7:00 Eastern. Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

Whether it's choosing a vacation spot, making reservations, learning what's in the area, getting to and through the airport or train station, or finding a ride upon arrival, there is a lot to plan and experience.  What  have you found easiest to do on your own, and when is there a lack of accessibility? Is it worth the effort?  ABSOLUTELY!!! Come tell us about your great vacation experiences. We will exchange tips and ways to feel welcome and have great memories. Mikey Wiseman and Paul Edwards plan to join us as very practiced travelers.  And we will welcome Larry Gassman back from his recent cruise.  Everyone is welcome to join us.   Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

20250328 VISAbilities - Special Days Originally Broadcasted March 28, 2025, on ACB Media 1   There are special dates in our lives we all remember. Some are national or global while others are personal. Participants shared a few of their special dates and memories with your ACB friends. Time permitting, we also played a little time travel trivia. All are welcome!   Sponsored by: ** VISAbilities   email the facilitator** Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

Terry welcomes Cindy Hollis, and others in to mark the beginning of a 2-week celebration.  We celebrate what began in a scary time of isolation and mushroomed into a major part of both ACB and the blindness and low vision global communities. We especially want to hear from many people who have facilitated, hosted, staffed and worked so hard for all of us throughout this half decade. You have been our real ACB heroes of the pandemic. No matter what your level of participation has been, YOU are welcome in this evening!  Sponsored by VISAbilities. Join our announce list by sending an email to  [email protected] Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

Join Terry when she welcomes ACB President, Deb Cook-Lewis to VISAbilities for the latest info and updates for the DC Leadership and Legislative Conference.  Whether you are attending in person, virtually, or listening on ACB Media, this will give you an opportunity to know what is happening and when.  We will, of course, have time for any quewtions we might miss.  All are Welcome! Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

Join Terry tonight as she welcomes the Durward K. McDaniel Fund Committee members and some former recipients for the DKM First Timerss Pprogram. If you were a first-timer, we would love to hear  your experiences. AND, then we will talk with members of one of ACB’s most active committees – the Women’s Committee. Through the years this group has brught some of the most supportive actions and educational programming to us.  This promises to be a great call for everyone to join in. Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

Terry welcomes Leslie Spoone with updates from this active program's advocacy for all ages.  Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

Where do we fit? How do we handle our feelings and emotions? What roles do access and accessibility take in our changing country? We will tackle these and some other questions. Everyone's opinion counts and needs to be heard. Sponsored by VISAbilities. email the facilitator Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

Join Terry when she welcomes Craig Co of innosearch.AI to VISAbilities.. This whole new way of shopping and socializing is catching on with people who are blind or have low vision around the world.  Accessibility is #1 in its development as shown by all of their IT staff being blind or visually impaired. Come learn about their services, and how you can best benefit from innosearch. All are welcome! Sponsored by  [email protected] Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

Join us as we welcome back several familiar contributors to ACB Media. A new show may be in there future. Stay tuned!

Due to the overwhelming response from our ACB affiliate presidentss, we will have a second call with several of themto learn even more about the goals and advocacy they are doing .  There will be time for questions and maybe even some trivia about our affiliates.  All are Welcome! Sponsored by VISAbilities. email the facilitator Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co