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    • Board of Directors
      • 2001 ACB Board Minutes
        • July 7, 2001, Post-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 20, 2001, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 6, 2001, Board Meeting Minutes
        • September 22 & 23, 2001, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2002 ACB Board Minutes
        • April 30, 2002, Board Meeting Minutes
        • February 17, 2002, Board Meeting Minutes
        • JUNE 30, JULY 5, 2002, GENERAL SESSION RECORD, 41ST ANNUAL CONVENTION, HOUSTON, TEXAS
        • July 6, 2002, Post-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • June 29, 2002, Pre-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • March 17, 2002, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 25, 2002, Board Meeting Minutes
        • September 21 & 22, 2002, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2003 ACB Board Minutes
        • April 15, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
        • February 11, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
        • February 16, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
        • February 2, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
        • JULY 5, JULY 11, 2003, GENERAL SESSION RECORD, 42nd ANNUAL CONVENTION, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
        • January 16, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 12, 2003, Post Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 5, 2003, Pre-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • March 4, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 25, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2004 ACB Board Minutes
        • April 1, 2004, Board Meeting Minutes
        • April 22, 2004, Board Meeting Minutes
        • August 11, September 1, October 6 & October 12, 2004, Board Meeting Minutes
        • February 15 & 16, 2004, Board Meeting Minutes
        • JULY 3, JULY 10, 2004, GENERAL SESSION RECORD, 43rd ANNUAL CONVENTION, BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
        • January 14, 2004, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 10, 2004, Post-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 3, 2004, Pre-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • June 22, 2004, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2005 ACB Board Minutes
        • Convention Standing Rules, Adopted July 4, 2005
        • February 14, 2005, Board Meeting Minutes
        • JULY 2 - JULY 9, 2005, GENERAL SESSION RECORD, 44th ANNUAL CONVENTION, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
        • January 22, & 23, 2005, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 2, 2005, Pre-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 9, 2005, Post-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • May 11, 2005, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 22, 2005, Board Meeting Minutes
        • October 1 & 2, 2005, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2006 ACB Board Minutes
        • February 20 & 21, 2006, Board Meeting Minutes
        • JULY 8 - JULY 15, 2006, GENERAL SESSION RECORD, 45th ANNUAL CONVENTION, JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
        • July 15, 2006, Post-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 8, 2006, Pre-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • March 30, 2006, Board Meeting Minutes
        • March 6, 2006, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 6, 2006, Board Meeting Minutes
        • September 23 & 24, 2006, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2007 ACB Board Minutes
        • August 2, 2007, Board Meeting Minutes
        • JUNE 30 – JULY 7, 2007, CONVENTION RECORD, 46th ANNUAL CONVENTION, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
        • January 4, 2007, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 7, 2007, Post-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • June 30, 2007, Pre-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • March 10 – 11, 2007, Board Meeting Minutes
        • May 23, 2007, Board Meeting Minutes
        • October 13, 2007, Board Meeting Minutes
        • October 29, 2007, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2008 ACB Board Minutes
        • Convention Record of the 47th annual Convention of the American Council of the Blind
        • February 8 and 9, 2008, Board Meeting Minutes
        • January 2, 2008, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 12, 2008, Post-convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 5, 2008, Pre-convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • June 4, 2008, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 15 - 16, 2008, Board Meeting Minutes
        • October 1, 2008, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2009 ACB Board Minutes
        • December 15, 2009, Board Meeting Minutes
        • February 20, 2009, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 11, 2009, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 4, 2009, Board Meeting Minutes
        • May 21, 2009, Board Meeting Minutes
        • September 12 - 13, 2009, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2010 ACB Board Minutes
        • December 13,2010 Teleconference Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • February 19, 2010, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 10, 2010, Pre-convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 17, 2010, Post Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • June 9, 2010, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 6, 2010, Board Meeting Minutes
        • September 22, 2010, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2011 ACB Board Minutes
        • December 14, 2011 Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • January 11, 2011 Teleconference Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • Mid Year Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • October 1, 2011 Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • Post Convention Meeting of the American Council of the Blind Board of Directors
        • Pre convention Board of Directors Meeting, American Council of the Blind
        • Teleconference Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors, May 5th 2011
      • 2012 Meeting Minutes
        • December 12, 2012 Teleconference Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
        • February 23-24, 2012 Mid Year Board Of Directors Meeting
        • July 14, 2012 Board of Directors Meeting of the American Council of the Blind
        • July 7, 2012 Pre-Convention Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • June 7, 2012 Teleconference Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • May 9, 2012 Teleconference Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • September 15, 2012 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
      • 2013 Meeting Minutes
        • August 21, 2013 Teleconference Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
        • December 17, 2013 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • February 22, 2013 Mid Year ACB Board of Directors Meeting
        • January 3, 2013 Teleconference Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
        • July 5, 2013 Pre-Convention Board of Directors Meeting
        • Minutes of the American Council of the Blind 2013 Post Convention Board of Directors Meeting
        • October 30, 2013 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • September 28, 2013 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors Minutes
      • 2014 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • December 8th and 9th, 2014 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • February 21, 2014 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • January 30, 2014 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • July 12, 2014 Pre-Convention ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • July 19, 2014 Post-Convention ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • June 9, 2014 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • November 13, 2014 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • October 17 and 18, 2014 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
      • 2015 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • December 3 and 10, 2015 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
        • February 21, 2015, Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
        • July 4, 2015 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
        • October 30-31, 2015 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
      • 2016 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES
        • AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES
        • American Council of the Blind Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • February 27, 2016 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
      • 2017 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • Meeting Minutes Aug 22, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes Feb 25, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes Jun 30, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes Nov 27, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes Oct 27, 2017
      • 2018 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • American Council of the Blind Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • Board of Directors Meeting Minutes June 29, 2018
        • Board of Directors Minutes Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2018
        • Board of Directors Minutes Oct. 5-6, 2018
      • 2019 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • Meeting Minutes August 22, 2019
        • Meeting Minutes Feb. 23, 2019
        • Meeting Minutes July 5, 2019
        • Meeting Minutes Nov 11 and 18, 2019
        • Meeting Minutes: Oct. 18 and 19, 2019
      • 2020 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • Meeting Minutes Apr 23, 2020
        • Meeting Minutes Feb 22, 2020
        • Meeting Minutes Jan 23, 2020
        • Meeting Minutes Mar 30, 2020
      • 2021 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
      • 2022 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
      • John McCann for ACB Board of Directors
    • Board of Publications
      • 2009 Board of Publications Minutes
        • April 6, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • February 20, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • January 5, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • July 5, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • March 2, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • November 2, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • September 14, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • 2010 Board of Publications Minutes
        • April 5, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • August 2, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • December 6, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • February 19, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • January 4, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • July 11, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • June 7, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • March 1, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • May 3, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • November 1, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • October 4, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • September 6, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • 2011 Board of Publications Minutes
        • April 4, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • August 1, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • December 5, 2011, Board of Publications Meeting Minutes October 3, 2011
        • February 25, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • February 7, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • January 3, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • July 10, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • June 6, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • May 2, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • October 3, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • September 5, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • 2012 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • April 2, 2012 BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS MEETING MINUTES
        • August 6, 2012 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • December 10, 2012 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • February 24, 2012 BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS MEETING MINUTES
        • February 6, 2012 BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS MEETING MINUTES
        • January 2, 2012 BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS MEETING MINUTES
        • July 8, 2012 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • May 7, 2012 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
      • 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • April 1, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • August 13, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • December 2, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • February 22, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • February 4, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • January 7, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • May 6, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • November 4, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • October 7, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • September 9, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
      • 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • April 7, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • August 4, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • December 1, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • February 21, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • January 6, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • July 13, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • June 2, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • November 3, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • October 6, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • September 8, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
      • 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • April 6, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • February 2, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • July 5, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • June 1, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • March 2, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • May 4, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • November 9, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
      • 2016 BOP Meeting Minutes
        • BOP Minutes-Apr. 4, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Aug. 2, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Dec. 6, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Feb. 8, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Jan. 4, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-July 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Jun. 6, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Mar. 7, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-May 2, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Nov. 1, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Oct. 4, 2016
        • Board of Publications Meeting Minutes for September 6, 2016
      • 2017 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • Meeting Minutes for April 4, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for August 1, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for December 5, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for February 7, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for January 3, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for July 1, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for June 6, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for March 7, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for November 7, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for September 5, 2017
      • 2018 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • BOP Minutes - Jun. 30, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Apr. 3, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Aug. 7, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Jan. 9, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Jun. 5, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Mar. 7, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - May 1, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Nov. 13, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Oct. 9, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Sept. 4, 2018
      • 2019 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • BOP Minutes - Apr. 2, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Aug. 13, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Dec. 3, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Feb. 5, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Jan. 8, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Jul. 6, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Jun. 4, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Mar. 12, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - May 7, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Nov. 5, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Oct. 1, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Sept. 3, 2019
      • 2020 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • BOP Minutes - Feb 4, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Apr 7, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Aug. 4, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Jan. 7, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Jun. 2, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Mar 3, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - May 5, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Nov 10, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Oct. 6, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Sept. 1, 2020
      • 2021 BOP Meeting Minutes
        • BOP Minutes - Apr 6, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Aug 3, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Feb 2, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Jan 5, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Jun 1, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Mar 2, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - May 4, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Nov. 2, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Oct 12, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Sept 7, 2021
      • 2022 BOP Meeting Minutes
        • BOP Minutes Feb 1, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Apr 5, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Aug 2, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Jun 7, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Mar 1, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - May 3, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Nov 1, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Nov 1, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Oct 4, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Sept. 6, 2022
        • Bop Minutes - Jan 4, 2022
      • April 14, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • August 4, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • BOP Editorial Policy Manual, 2015
      • Board of Publications Hosts Internet Candidates' Page
      • Board of Publications Minutes
      • Charles Hodge for ACB Board of Publications
      • December 1, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of December 1, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • January 30, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • July 6, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • June 2, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • March 3, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • Marcia Dresser for ACB Board of Publications
      • May 5, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • November 3, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • October 6, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • September 1, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • Thomas Mitchell for ACB Board of Publications
    • Committees & Task Forces
      • ACB Radio Management Committee
      • ACB Store-Mini Mall Committee
      • Advocacy Services Committee
      • Audio Description Project (ADP) Committee
      • Audio Description Project Task Force
      • Awards Committee
      • Braille Authority of North America
      • Constitution and Bylaws Committee
      • Convention Coordinating Committee
      • Convention Program Committee
      • Credentials Committee
      • Employment Issues Committee
      • Environmental Access Committee
      • Fitness Equipment Equity Task Force
      • Information Access Committee
      • International Relations Committee
      • Investment Committee
      • Leadership Institute Training Committee
      • McDaniel Fund Committee
        • Recipients of the Durward K. McDaniel First Timer and J.P. Morgan Chase Leadership Fellow Awards Speak Out
      • Membership Committee
      • Monthly Monetary Support Committee
      • Multicultural Affairs Committee
      • National Library Service
      • Next Generation Committee
      • Nominating Committee
      • Other Representatives
      • PR Committee downloads
      • Rehabilitation Issues Task Force
      • Resolutions Committee
      • Resource Development Committee
      • Scholarship Grant Committee
      • Sight and Sound Impaired Committee
      • Special Education/Schools for the Blind Task Force
      • Transportation Committee
      • Voting Task Force
      • Women's Concerns Committee
      • World Blind Union Delegates
    • History
    • ACB Resolutions
      • 2009 Resolutions
      • 2010 Resolutions
      • 2011 Resolutions
      • 2012 Resolutions
      • 2013 Resolutions
      • 2014 Resolutions
      • 2015 Resolutions
      • 2016 Resolutions
      • 2017 Resolutions
      • 2018 Resolutions
      • 2019 Resolutions
      • 2020 Resolutions
      • 2021 Resolutions
      • 2022 Resolutions
      • Index
      • Resolution on Full Funding of Vocational Rehabilitation Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
    • Affiliates
      • Special Interest Affiliates
        • ACB Diabetics in Action
        • ACB Families
        • ACB Government Employees
        • ACB Human Service Professionals
        • ACB Next Generation
        • ACB Radio Amateurs
        • ACB Students
        • Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss
        • American Association of Blind Teachers
        • American Association of Visually Impaired Attorneys
        • American Council of Blind Lions
        • Blind Information Technology Specialists
        • Blind LGBT Pride International
        • Braille Revival League
        • Council of Citizens with Low Vision International
        • Friends In Art of ACB, Inc.
        • Guide Dog Users, Inc.
        • Independent Visually Impaired Enterprisers
        • Library Users of America
        • Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America
        • Visually Impaired Veterans of America
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Events
  • Programs & Services
    • ACB Community Events
      • Recurring Events
      • Weekly Events
    • Scholarships
    • Audio Description Project
    • Advocacy & Governmental Affairs
      • Advocacy
    • ACB Media
    • Convention
    • Membership
  • Resources
    • Jobs
    • ACB Archives
    • Blind / Low Vision Resources
      • Scholarship Program
      • ACB Leadership List Guidelines
      • ACB-Chat List Rules
      • ADA Signage
      • AFB: Be a Better Champion for Specialized Services
      • Banks with Talking ATM Machines
      • Best Practices and Guidelines for Large Print Documents used by the Low Vision Community authored by the Council of Citizens with Low Vision International An Affiliate of the American Council of the Blind Arlington, VA
      • Best Practices for Large Print Documents
      • Braille Resources
        • Braille Business Cards
        • Braille Instruction
        • Braille Paper
        • Braille Writer Repair Services
        • Description and History of Braille
        • Producers of Braille Documents
      • Diabetic Resources for the Blind and Visually Impaired
      • Filing a Video Description Complaint with the FCC
      • General Resources
      • Guide Dog Resources
      • Homes for the Blind
      • Low Vision Resources
      • Medical Information Resources
      • Microsoft Office Accessibility Resources
      • Music Resources
      • Outreach RE Requesting Alternate Formats From SSA
      • Religious Resources
      • Resources for Older Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
      • Resources for Parents and Teachers of Blind and Visually Impaired Children
      • Resources for Persons with Low Vision
      • Section 904
      • Sports, Recreational and Leisure Resources
      • Where Taxpayers With Disabilities Can Find Online Help from the IRS
      • White Cane Laws for States
    • Affiliate Resources
      • Encouraging Affiliates with Techniques to Reach More Members
      • Exploring How Affiliates Can Reach New Members
      • Fundraising for ACB Activities Including the National Convention
      • Gaining and Maintaining Membership
      • Growing a Great Convention
      • How Can We Complete Our Business During Meetings More Efficiently?
      • How Can We Reactivate Past Members and “Wow” Our Current Members to Retain Them?
      • How to Find Blindness Related Resources and Sharing Them
      • Ideas for Affiliates and Chapters
      • Ideas to Interest Students
      • Involving Youth in ACB
      • Leadership Materials
        • Board Member's Manual for State and Special Interest Affiliates
        • Creating a Media Kit for Your ACB Affiliate or Chapter
        • Simplified Parliamentary Procedure
        • The PSA Handbook for ACB Affiliates and Chapters
        • The Press Release Handbook for ACB Affiliates and Chapters
      • Membership Incentives
      • Networking, Communication and Contact
      • Officer’s and Board Member's Manual for State and Special Interest Affiliates
      • President's Manual for State and Special Interest Affiliates
      • Reaching Blind and Visually Impaired Seniors
      • Reaching Out to Your Community to Educate and Inform People About Blindness
      • Secretary's Manual for State and Special Interest Affiliates
      • Strategies for Enhancing Membership
      • Strategies for Member Renewal and Reactivation
      • Tips for Successful Membership Recruitment and Retention
      • Tips to Retain Members
      • Treasurer's Manual for State and Special Interest Affiliates
      • Vice President's Manual for State and Special Interest Affiliates
    • Peer Support
    • Handbooks / Manuals
      • Are You a Senior Citizen Struggling with Vision Loss?
      • Are You the Parents of A Blind Child?
      • Guide to Successful College Experience
      • Pedestrian Safety
      • Pedestrian Safety Handbook
        • "Modern" Signalized Intersections
        • APS
        • Acknowledgements
        • Advocacy
        • Afterword
        • Appendix A: Letter
        • Appendix B: Template
        • Appendix C: Case Studies
        • Appendix D: Glossary
        • Crossing Where No Traffic Control
        • Drivers’ Yielding Behavior
        • Finding Crosswalk: Part 1
        • Finding Crosswalk: Part 2
        • Finding the Crosswalk
        • Mitch's Message
        • Rights-of-Way Regulations
      • Rehabilitation Issues Task Force Revised Rehabilitation White Paper
      • Whitepaper On Rehabilitation and Training
    • Products & Services
      • Accessible Cards and Gifts
      • Computer Products, Publications, Training, and Information Sources
      • Funding Assistive Technology Resources
      • Magnifying Aids - Low Vision Center
      • Technology, Software, Related Resources
      • Travel Resources
      • Useful Products for Blind and Visually Impaired Persons
    • Professional Employment Associations
  • Publications & Media
    • Live Events
    • News
    • Braille Forum
      • 1997 Issues
        • BF Apr 1997
        • BF Aug 1997
        • BF Dec 1997
        • BF Feb 1997
        • BF Jan 1997
        • BF Jul 1997
        • BF Jun 1997
        • BF Mar 1997
        • BF May 1997
        • BF Nov 1997
        • BF Oct 1997
        • BF Sept 1997
      • 1998 Issues
        • BF Apr 1998
        • BF Aug 1998
        • BF Dec 1998
        • BF Feb 1998
        • BF Jan 1998
        • BF Jul 1998
        • BF Jun 1998
        • BF Mar 1998
        • BF May 1998
        • BF Nov 1998
        • BF Oct1998
        • BF Sept 1998
      • 1999 Issues
        • BF Apr 1999
        • BF Aug 1999
        • BF Dec 1999
        • BF Feb 1999
        • BF Jan 1999
        • BF Jul 1999
        • BF Jun 1999
        • BF Mar 1999
        • BF May 1999
        • BF Nov1999
        • BF Oct 1999
        • BF Sept 1999
      • 2000 Issues
        • BF Apr 2000
        • BF Aug 2000
        • BF Convention 2000
        • BF Dec 2000
        • BF Feb 2000
        • BF Jan 2000
        • BF Jul 2000
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        • BF Oct 2000
        • BF Sept 2000
      • 2001 Issues
        • BF Apr 2001
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        • BF Mar 2001
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      • 2002 Issues
        • BF April 2002
        • BF Feb 2002
        • BF Jan 2002
        • BF Jul-Aug 2002
        • BF Jun 2002
        • BF Mar 2002
        • BF May 2002
        • BF Nov 2002
        • BF Oct 2002
        • BF Sept 2002
      • 2003 Issues
        • BF Apr 2003
        • BF Feb 2003
        • BF July-Aug 2003
        • BF Jun 2003
        • BF Mar 2003
        • BF May 2003
        • BF Nov 2003
        • BF Oct 2003
        • BF Sept 2003
        • BF Winter 2003
      • 2004 Issues
        • BF Apr-May 2004
        • BF Feb 2004
        • BF Jul-Aug 2004
        • BF Jun 2004
        • BF Mar 2004
        • BF Nov 2004
        • BF Sep-Oct 2004
        • BF Winter 2004
      • 2005 Issues
        • BF Apr 2005
        • BF Feb 2005
        • BF Jul-Aug 2005
        • BF Jun 2005
        • BF Mar 2005
        • BF May 2005
        • BF Oct 2005
        • BF Sept 2005
        • BF Winter 2005
        • BF Winter 2006
          • 2006 Convention Preview
          • ACB Scholarships Available to Blind Students
          • Affiliate News
          • Fall Board Meeting Summary
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Hurricane Katrina Check-In
          • IRIS Network
          • John Di Francesco
          • Legislative Seminar
          • Letters to the Editor
          • MMS "Two-for-One" Program
          • Membership Focus
          • Notes on a New Year
          • President's Message
          • Who Do You Admire?
          • Who Is Eligible for Drug Plan Costs?
      • 2006 Issues
        • BF April 2006
        • BF Feb 2006
        • BF Jul-Aug 2006
        • BF Jun 2006
        • BF Mar 2006
        • BF May 2006
        • BF Nov 2006
        • BF Oct 2006
        • BF Sept 2006
      • 2007 Issues
        • BF Apr 2007
        • BF Dec 2007
        • BF Feb 2007
        • BF Jul-Aug 2007
        • BF Jun 2007
        • BF Mar 2007
        • BF May 2007
        • BF Nov 2007
        • BF Oct 2007
        • BF Sept 2007
        • BF Winter 2007
      • 2008 Issues
        • BF Apr 2008
        • BF Aug 2008
        • BF Dec 2008
        • BF Feb 2008
        • BF Jan 2008
        • BF Jul 2008
        • BF Jun 2008
        • BF Mar 2008
        • BF May 2008
        • BF Nov 2008
        • BF Oct 2008
        • BF Sept 2008
      • 2009 Issues
        • BF Apr 2009
        • BF Aug 2009
        • BF Dec 2009
          • Class Action ACB v. SSA
          • President's Message
        • BF Feb 2009
        • BF Jan 2009
        • BF Jul 2009
        • BF Jun 2009
        • BF Mar 2009
        • BF May 2009
        • BF Nov 2009
        • BF Oct 2009
        • BF Sept 2009
      • 2010 Issues
        • BF Apr 2010
        • BF Aug 2010
        • BF Dec 2010
        • BF Feb 2010
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS AWARDS: THIS YEAR IT COULD BE YOU!
          • HERE AND THERE Edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • PASSINGS
          • SECOND ANNUAL ACB WALK by Dan Dillon
          • SPOTLIGHT YOUR AFFILIATE WITH A BOP AWARD!
          • THE MMS PROGRAM MAKES IT EASIER FOR YOU TO HELP ACB by Dena Wilson
          • THE SUNNY SOUTHWEST: ACB CONFERENCE AND CONVENTION 2010 by Carla Ruschival
        • BF Jan 2010
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
          • Here and There
        • BF Jul 2010
        • BF Jun 2010
        • BF Mar 2010
        • BF May 2010
        • BF Nov 2010
        • BF Oct 2010
        • BF Sept 2010
      • 2011 Issues
        • BF Dec 2011
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • Here and There, edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • In Memoriam: Lola Siren
        • The Braille Forum, April 2011
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, February 2011
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
          • YOU CAN SHOP ANYTIME AT THE ACB STORE by Carla Ruschival
        • The Braille Forum, July-August 2011
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, June 2011
          • Affiliate News: Convention Sneak Preview
        • The Braille Forum, March 2011
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
        • The Braille Forum, May 2011
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Library Users of America to Host Book Flea Market, by Peggy R. Garrett
        • The Braille Forum, October-November 2011
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, September 2011
          • Affiliate News
        • The Braille Forum, january 2011
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
      • 2012 Issues
        • Affiliate News
        • Here and There edited by Sue Lichtenfels
        • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, April 2012
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, December 2012
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, February 2012
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
        • The Braille Forum, January 2012
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
        • The Braille Forum, July-August 2012
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
        • The Braille Forum, June 2012
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • BOP with 2012 Candidate's Page
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
        • The Braille Forum, March 2012
          • Affiliate News
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, May 2012
        • The Braille Forum, October-November 2012
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • HERE AND THERE
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
        • The Braille Forum, September 2012
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • HERE AND THERE
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
      • 2013 Issues
        • ACB Braille Forum, February 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • An Update from GDUI
          • DKM First-Timer Program: A Tribute to an ACB Pioneer by Allen J. Casey
          • Here and There by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB Braille Forum, June 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB Braille Forum, March 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB Braille Forum, May 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB Braille Forum, September 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB E-Forum, April 2013
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB E-Forum, August 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB E-Forum, July 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum Nov 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum Dec 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB E-Forum, October 2013
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, January 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
      • 2014 Issues
        • ACB E-Forum, February 2014
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Affiliate News
        • BF January 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Shopping for Health Care: Comparing Hospitals Can Help Consumers Make Good Decisions by Ron Pollack
        • Braille Forum, July 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum, March 2014
          • ACB Braille Forum, March 2014 downloads
          • ACB Leadership Institute 2014
          • ACB's Legislative Priorities for 2014, by Melanie Brunson
          • Affiliate News
          • Board of Publications Awards Your Excellence in 2014
          • Come to Vegas and Hit the Jackpot!
          • Community Outreach Challenge, by Tristen Breitenfeldt
          • Conducting Business with Social Security: What You Should Know and How You Can Help, by Len Burns
          • DKM First-Timer Selection Nears
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • How to Get the Most Out of Rehab, Part III: Available Services, by Doug Powell
          • In Memoriam: Buddy Spivey, Dec. 31, 1941-Jan. 9, 2014
          • Las Vegas: Deal Us In!, by Janet Dickelman
          • Membership Focus: Creative Ways to Meet, Especially in Rural Areas, compiled by Ardis Bazyn
          • President's Message: Be Sure You Are Protected!, by Kim Charlson
          • Summary of the Fall 2013 ACB Board Meeting, by Denise Colley
        • Braille Forum, Sept 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
        • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
        • High Tech Swap Shop
        • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Snowflakes and Birthday Cake: It’s Holiday Auction Time, by Carla Ruschival
        • The ACB Braille Forum, May 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB Braille Forum, November 2014
        • The ACB Braille Forum, November 2014 downloads
        • The ACB E-Forum, April 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB E-Forum, August 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Your Options for Medicare Supplemental Coverage by Ron Pollack
        • The ACB E-Forum, December 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB E-Forum, June 2014
        • The ACB E-Forum, October 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
      • 2015 Issues
        • Braille Forum January 2015
          • Accessing the ACB Forum and E-Forum: Let Me Count the Ways, by Judy Wilkinson
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum July 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum March 2015
          • A Telecommuting Job Could Be Just What You Are Looking For, by Dr. Ronald E. Milliman
          • ACB’s Stars Will Shine Bright in Dallas, by Janet Dickelman
          • Acknowledgement
          • Affiliate News
          • Best Audio Holiday Season Ever, by Susan Glass
          • Board of Publications Again Awards Your Excellence in Media and Writing in 2015
          • Call for Nominees for 2015 ACB Awards!, by Chelle Hart & Chip Hailey
          • Come to the Lone Star Loot Auction!
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • Last Call: The DKM Train Is Leaving the Station, by Allen Casey
          • Let the Stars Shine Bright on the ACB Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk, by Donna Brown
          • President’s Message: More on Accessible Prescription Labels, by Kim Charlson
          • Tax Tips from the IRS, by Melanie Brunson
          • The Importance of Grassroots, by Kathy Brockman
        • Braille Forum May 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Convention Week Sneak Preview, by Janet Dickelman
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum November 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum September 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum April 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum August 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum December 2015
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum June 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum October 2015
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
        • E-Forum, February 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
      • 2016 Issues
        • BF January 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • BF July 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • BF March 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • BF May 2016
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • BF November 2016
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • BF September 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • EF April 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • EF August 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • EF December 2016
          • ACB Fall Board Meeting Report, by Ron Brooks
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • EF February 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • EF June 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • EF October 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
      • 2017 Issues
        • Affiliate News
        • Braille Forum January 2017
          • Affiliate News
            • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum March 2017
          • ACB Commends Access Board on 508 Refresh
          • Affiliate News
          • Awards Committee Seeks Nominees for 2017 ACB Awards
          • Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Durward K. McDaniel Support the DKM FirstTimer Program
          • Easy Fund Raiser for Your Affiliate
          • Helpful Hints for Attending the Convention
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Holiday Auction Thank Yous
          • Ida Schwerzel A Century of Memories Part 2
          • In Memoriam: Otis H. Stephens Jr. Sept. 20, 1936-Dec. 2, 2016
          • Presidents Message Planning for the Future
          • Readers Remembrances of Otis Stephens
          • Spotlight On ACB Students
        • Braille Forum September 2017
        • December 2017
          • Here and There
        • E-Forum June 2017
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Here and There
        • Here and There
        • High Tech Swap Shop
        • High Tech Swap Shop
        • November 2017
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • October 2017
        • The ACB Braille Forum July 2017
        • The ACB Braille Forum May 2017
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB E-Forum April 2017
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB E-Forum August 2017
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB E-Forum February 2017
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
      • 2018 Issues
        • ACB Braille Forum Feb 2018
          • ACB E-Forum February 2018 Downloads
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
        • ACB Braille Forum Jan 2018
          • Affiliate News
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB Braille Forum July 2018
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Passings
        • ACB Braille Forum March 2018
          • Affiliate News
        • ACB Braille Forum May 2018
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
        • ACB Braille Forum Nov 2018
        • ACB Braille Forum Sept 2018
        • ACB E-Forum April 2018
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB E-Forum Aug 2018
          • Here and There
        • ACB E-Forum Dec 2018
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Hot Toys for Holiday Gift-Giving
        • ACB E-Forum June 2018
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
        • ACB E-Forum Oct 2018
      • 2019 Issues
        • ACB E-Forum Aug 2019
        • ACB E-Forum Feb 2019
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB E-Forum Jun 2019
        • Braille Forum Jan 2019
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum July 2019
        • Braille Forum Mar 2019
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum May 2019
          • President’s Message
        • Braille Forum Nov-2019
        • Braille Forum Sept 2019
        • E-Forum Apr 2019
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum Dec 2019
        • E-Forum Oct 2019
          • Rochester Convention Celebrated
      • 2020 Issues
        • BF Jan 2020
          • President’s Message
        • BF July 2020
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Belonging in ACB
          • Commentary
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • How to Access Virtual Convention
          • In Memoriam: Camille Caffarelli
          • Mouse Assisting Inclusive Technology
          • President’s Message: First Virtual Convention
          • Summary of Board of Dir. Meeting, April 23, 2020
          • The ADA at 30
          • The Only Moment
          • Tuesday Topics
        • BF Mar 2020
        • BF May 2020
          • President’s Message
        • BF Nov 2020
          • 2020 Resolutions Summary
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • Honesty
          • In Memoriam: Charlie Crawford
          • Include in Affiliate
          • Lies
          • MMS Future
          • Notice
          • Plans for 2021
          • President’s Message
          • Readers Remember
          • Revision to DKM
        • BF Sept 2020
          • 2020 Awards Winners
          • ACB 2020 Convention Thank-Yous
          • ACB 2020 Virtual Convention: That’s a Wrap!
          • ACB Membership Seminar
          • Here and There
          • Holiday Auction
          • In Memoriam: Berl Lynn Colley
          • Letter to the Editor
          • President’s Message: Finally Baseball!
          • Ski for Light 2021
          • Thank You
          • To Mobility and Beyond
          • Walked Virtual Path to Future
        • EF Apr 2020
        • EF Aug 2020
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Beginning Again
          • Book Review
          • COVID-19 Will Be Beat
          • COVID-19 and Blindness
          • Cavemen
          • Diaphragmatic Breathing
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Kindness of Neighbors
          • Pick a Peck
          • President’s Message
          • Virus or Victim
          • ‘End of Oct.’ Review
        • EF Dec 2020
          • Affiliate News
          • Apply to DKM First-Timers Award
          • BADIE
          • Board Meetings Summary
          • Celebrating CVAA
          • Chaplain’s Corner
          • Flexibility
          • Going Virtual Again
          • Here and There
          • Mini Mall Holiday
          • President’s Message
          • Qualifying for SSD
          • Retaining Members
          • Safe Cooking
          • Senator Markey Celebrates
        • EF Feb 2020
        • EF June 2020
          • ACB Easy Chair Auction
          • ACB –Path to Future
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Backyard Wedding
          • Book Review
          • Continuing Education
          • Conventions
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • MMS Going Virtual!
          • Memories of Lynn Hedl
          • Mini Mall Headlines
          • Passings
          • Performing Marriage Ceremonies
          • President’s Message
          • Walking up a Storm
          • Ways to Listen
          • Wine and Song
          • Wine and Song
        • EF Oct 2020
          • ADA Turns 30
          • ADA at Thirty
          • Affiliate News
          • DARE2TRI
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Involving Special-Interest Affiliates
          • Jeanne Sanders
          • Mini Mall Mega News
          • Passings
          • Perseverance in Martial Arts
          • Pre-Convention Board Meeting
          • President’s Message
          • Swimming Blind & Free
          • Triathlon Dare2tri
          • Vision Loss, Therapy, Weightlifting
      • 2021 Issues
        • BF Jan 2021
          • Apply to 2021 ACB/JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellow
          • BOP to Award Excellence
          • Become a 2021 Recipient of DKM Award
          • Call for 2021 ACB Awards Nominees
          • Convention Dates
          • Help Revive Braille!
          • Here and There
          • In Memoriam: Larry Turnbull
          • Joys of Learning Braille
          • Mother Was a Braille Transcriber
          • Passings
          • President’s Message
          • That Stupid School!
        • BF Jul 2021
          • Accessing the Virtual Convention
          • Beyond
          • Continuing Ed
          • Don’t Forget MMS
          • Here and There
          • It’s Not Too Late
          • Learning
          • Let’s Go Fishing!
          • Meeting Summary
          • Mini Mall Minute
          • President’s Message
        • BF Mar 2021
          • Angels Memorial Program
          • Continuing Ed in 2021
          • Expanding Recruiting
          • Guide Dog If Low Vision?
          • Guide Dog Magnified
          • Here and There
          • Low Vision Story Bites
          • President’s Message
          • Summary - Nov 2020 Board Mtg.
          • Two Big Announcements!
          • Welcome to CCLVI
        • BF May 2021
          • Affiliate - Committee News
          • Book Review
          • Continuing Ed
          • Diamond Jubilee Auction
          • Get Moving Together
          • Here and There
          • In Memoriam
          • Mini Mall Headlines
          • President’s Message
          • Registration Q&A
          • Start a Chapter
          • Verizon Media Announces
          • Victor Reader Tip
          • Voting at Convention
          • Welcome New Employees
          • Your Vote Counts
        • BF Nov 2021
          • A Visit
          • Affiliate News
          • Brief Overview
          • Button Box?
          • Fun Facts about Nebraska
          • Greatest Fears
          • Here and There
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Holiday Shopping at Mini Mall
          • Karaoke Helps
          • Passings
          • President’s Message
          • Vision Loss Thoughts
        • BF Sept 2021
          • 2021 Convention
          • Affiliate News
          • Audio Description Achievement Awards
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Isolation to Inspiration
          • President’s Message
          • This Year’s Award Winners
          • Wrapping Up
        • EF Apr 2021
          • 13th Annual ADP Awards
          • 2021 Talking Book Narrator
          • 421 for ‘21
          • A Place at Table
          • Affiliate News
          • Connected in New Mexico
          • Heart of a Legacy
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • In Memoriam: Doc Bradley
          • Learning and Leading
          • Man Made Difference 
          • New Members Portal
          • People of Color
          • President’s Message
          • Smoke Signal
          • What Color Is the Dream?
          • What is IDC?
        • EF Aug 2021
          • Affiliate News
          • Blindness in United Arab Emirates
          • Bosnia and Herzegovina
          • Describing Diversity
          • Erasmus
          • Eye on USA
          • Furry Lifesaver
          • Get Moving Together
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • India
          • Passings
          • President’s Message
          • World Turned Inside Out
        • EF Dec 2021
          • 2021 Resolutions
          • Board Meeting Summaries
          • Christmas Wishes
          • Convention 2022 Preview
          • Here and There
          • Looking
          • Mother of Fundraisers
          • Notice of Proposed Settlement
          • Passings
          • President’s Message
          • Team Up
          • The New Year
        • EF Feb 2021
          • 2020 Convention Info
          • About ADP Website
          • Apply to 2021 Recipient of DKM Award
          • Audio Description Commercials
          • Audio Description Project
          • Audio Description Snobbery
          • Audio Description What it Means
          • Charlie Crawford on Wall of Angels
          • God’s Audio Description
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • In Memoriam: James Megivern
          • Paradigm Shift
          • President’s Message
        • EF Jun 2021
          • Affiliate News
          • Continuing Ed News
          • Convention Preview
          • Enjoy the Perks
          • Feb Board Meeting
          • Get Exercise
          • Get Up Get Moving
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Massage
          • Never Give Up
          • President’s Message
          • Review of Spark
          • The New $20
          • The Room
        • EF Oct 2021
          • Accessing Transit Services
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • Here and There
          • Letter to Dept of Trans
          • Moving Forward
          • Nearly Roadkill
          • On to Omaha
          • President’s Message
          • Reach People
          • Summary July 2021 Board Meeting
          • What About Paratransit?
          • Why Restructure?
      • 2022 Issues
        • BF Jan 2022
          • 10-9-21 Board Mtg Summary
          • ACB Diabetics in Action
          • Announcing 2022 Tours
          • BOP Awards Excellence
          • Blind LGBT Welcomes You
          • Braille Link to Literacy
          • Call for Nominees
          • Call for Nominees
          • Come One, Come All
          • Guide Dog Users
          • Happy New Year
          • IVIE
          • Not Your Father’s …
          • President’s Message
          • Reach Higher
          • Salutes Award Winners
          • Where Impaired Thrive
        • BF Jul 2022
          • Accessing ACB Info
          • Blind student
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Learning Better Leader
          • Passings
          • Pregnant Nun
          • President’s Message
          • Public Transportation
          • Recipes
          • Thank You
          • Tips for Convention
          • Wild Figs
          • Writers reimagine roles
        • BF Mar 2022
          • Affiliate News
          • Board Makes Virtual
          • Boxes
          • Dance with Cancer
          • Gifts of Mentorship
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • In Memoriam: Bill Spoone
          • Learn Hours
          • MMS March Madness
          • Motherhood
          • Passings
          • President’s Message
          • Removal
          • Time to Plan
          • Walk Here
        • BF May 2022
          • Accessibility for Some
          • Affiliate News
          • Convention Registration
          • Extra, Extra
          • Fix Computer Problems
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  5. The PSA Handbook for ACB Affiliates and Chapters

The PSA Handbook for ACB Affiliates and Chapters

Prepared by members of the Public Relations Committee:

Dr. Ronald E. Milliman, Chairman
Keith Bundy
Mike Duke
Ed Facemyer
Michael Garrett
Sharon Lovering
Joe Otts


Edited by: Dr. Ronald E. Milliman
Published by the American Council of the Blind
2200 Wilson Blvd.
Suite 650
Arlington, VA 22201
(202) 467-5081
1-800-424-8666
fax: (703) 465-5085
www.acb.org


Copyright 2010
All rights reserved

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: What Is A PSA?

Chapter 2: Audio Recording at Home

Chapter 3: Creating a Video PSA

Chapter 4: Getting Your PSA Distributed

Appendix A: Sources for Audio and Video Files That You Can Use

Appendix B: Sample Media Release Form

References

Chapter 1: What is a PSA?

Introduction

This handbook was written to assist you when planning, creating, and distributing public service announcements (PSAs) for your ACB affiliate or chapter. We begin by describing what a PSA is. We provide you with some examples, some ideas for themes around which you might create a PSA, and suggestions on how to use PSAs for maximum effectiveness to promote your affiliate or chapter.

We describe how to create an audio PSA for radio in the second chapter, and then, in the third chapter, we describe how to create video PSAs for TV or online distribution. The fourth chapter is devoted to how to get your PSA distributed. The appendices provide you with sources for audio and video files you can use, and a sample media release form that you can use to make sure you have permission to use the materials, pictures, and voices that are a part of your PSA. Finally, we provide you a list of resources that we used when writing this handbook, which you can consult to learn more about this topic.

What is a PSA?

The term "PSA" is short for public service announcement. A PSA is often referred to as an unpaid advertisement for an organization, usually a government entity or non-profit organization. Radio and TV stations are required by the Federal Communications Commission to set aside a certain amount of their air time for public service announcements. The purpose is to promote a cause, an idea, the mission of an organization, or an event.

For example, the California Council of the Blind might run a PSA that focuses on senior citizens losing their eyesight:

"If you are a senior citizen who is losing your eyesight, we, the California Council of the Blind, understand what you are facing. Many of our members have had to deal with the same challenges. We have numerous resources that can help you. To find out more about what we can do to help you, call the California Council of the Blind at 1-800-221-6359 today!"

To promote its mission, the Florida Council of the Blind might run a PSA such as this:

"Are you blind, losing your eyesight, or know someone who is? The mission of the Florida Council of the Blind is to serve as mentors and provide assistance and encourage the independence of people who are blind or losing their eyesight. To learn more about the Florida Council of the Blind and how we can help, call us at 1-800-267-4448."

To promote a piano concert, Western Kentucky University used a PSA similar to this one:

"Sylvia Kershbaum is considered one of the top 5 pianists in the entire world, and she is inviting you to attend her next concert, to be performed Sunday, Oct. 26. The concert will begin at 2 p.m. in the Kennedy Musical Hall on WKU's campus. Admission $10; seniors and students, $5. All proceeds go to the South Central Kentucky Council of the Blind. For more information, call 123-456-7890."

Again, a public service announcement (PSA) is a free announcement broadcast on radio, television, or the Internet for the interest of the general public. PSAs are similar to advertisements. Both are meant to promote something, but PSAs are free and usually restricted to a maximum of 30 seconds, while an advertisement costs money. To a large extent, the length of an ad is restricted only by the size of the advertiser's budget. PSAs are intended to modify public attitudes by raising awareness of particular groups, organizations, and events.

PSAs are very useful for organizations such as local and state affiliates of the American Council of the Blind. While some PSAs regarding ACB and regarding blindness in general can be written and recorded at the national level, there will be times when local and state affiliates will want to create their own PSAs designed to capture the interest of people in their particular areas of the country.

Perhaps your affiliate wants to take advantage of White Cane Day. While you may not be conducting an activity, which would be newsworthy and thus merit a press release, you may want someone from your affiliate to write and record a PSA about this day. Often the recording of a PSA by someone at the local or state level will be of greater interest to the public than the same PSA recorded by a national figure. It enables them to realize that someone in their area has an interest in the topic or issue. Other times when PSAs might be appropriate include Braille Literacy Month and White Cane Safety Week. An affiliate may want to run PSAs during the time period leading up to its convention. A local or state affiliate might even want to run PSAs on a somewhat regular basis in order to draw attention to the potential and the concerns of individuals who are blind in its particular area.

While PSAs are a valuable resource, preparing one that is effective is often like solving a mystery. What constitutes an effective PSA? How can an affiliate, often with shrinking resources, put together a PSA that will capture the interest of those who hear or see it? This handbook will answer these questions and others. The goal of the ACB Public Relations Committee in producing this handbook is to empower local and state affiliates to produce and release PSAs that will be effective in helping promote the interests of the American Council of the Blind and of its various local and state affiliates and chapters.

There are several PSAs currently available to you to use, covering a wide range of key topics and issues, on ACB's web site. The recordings and written scripts are both available there. You can use them exactly as they are written, or you can use them as a kind of template, modifying them with your affiliate or chapter's identification, i.e. replacing the American Council of the Blind with the Missouri Council of the Blind's name and contact information.

How to Use a PSA

As stated previously, radio and TV stations often run public service announcements on behalf of government agencies and non-profit organizations. For this reason, each day the nation's media outlets receive large numbers of requests for free time or space for PSAs, encouraging them to give their program or announcement special attention. Most PSAs are not selected and the reasons are many and varied. Among the most important are:

- Poor message design
- Irrelevant subject matter

According to broadcasters, three primary criteria are used in selecting PSAs:

• Sponsorship
• Relevance of the message to the community
• Message design

Broadcasters also seek quality, and have raised concerns ranging from "vague and ambiguous messages" to "poor execution." Subject problems include topics that are of little interest to the general public or are too complex to lend themselves to brief delivery.

Yet even well-produced, relevant PSAs often fail to receive the attention they deserve. This is often due to poor presentation of the PSA to the media outlet. Don't ignore the importance of writing a cover letter to the radio and/or TV stations delineating the importance of your PSA and how it is relevant to the interests of their listening or viewing audience. You need to promote your PSA -- a "pitch letter" -- that tells your story and sells it to the media. It is a good idea to include a brochure about your organization. More is devoted to this extremely important point in the fourth chapter of this handbook.

Bear in mind also that radio stations are increasingly rejecting pre-recorded PSAs, and instead have their own announcers read the scripts "live." (However, if there is a compelling reason for distributing a pre-recorded PSA, check with your local radio station for advice on production.) 1

The last chapter of this handbook discusses how to package and distribute your PSA for maximum results. Writing the script and recording your PSA is just the beginning. It makes no difference how well written it is and how nicely recorded it is if you don't get it distributed to the right places and aired on the desired stations.

*****

References

1. www.naccho.org/advocacy/marketing/upload/NACCHO_LHD_PSA_instructions_FNL...

*****

Chapter 2: Audio Recording At Home

It is easy and relatively inexpensive to record broadcast-quality audio on a home computer. Beyond the computer, the essential additional tools are a suitable microphone, recording software, and a quiet recording environment. While it is possible to spend the entire household budget on any of these items, here are some less expensive options which will not compromise the quality of the final audio product.

Many good microphones are available for less than $50. They can be purchased from electronics and computer stores, as well as the appropriate department of many general variety stores. Look for a microphone with a wide frequency response. The greater the frequency response, the better your recording will sound. An acceptable frequency response is a range such as 50Hz - 15kHz. Avoid microphones with a narrow frequency response such as 300Hz - 3kHz.

Many microphones connect to a computer via a USB port. The advantage of such a unit is that it includes a separate sound card within the microphone. This arrangement provides better isolation from the electronic noise which is often generated by the internal components of the computer.

The cost of the recording software ranges from free to several hundred dollars. While the high-dollar programs come equipped with many features and fancy graphics, don't underestimate the less expensive alternatives, even for professional use. The mention of specific software within the following paragraphs is not an endorsement of that software.

Windows Sound Recorder is a simple program which is supplied as part of Microsoft Windows or Vista. While the program only creates wave files, and has very limited editing capabilities, it is an easy way to generate recordings of excellent quality.

An audio tutorial for Sound Recorder may be downloaded from the TechTalk archive section of http://www.accessibleworld.com. This presentation discusses the limitations of the program, how to expand the recording capability beyond the one-minute default, and how to create screen reader graphics labels for the play, stop, and record buttons.

Additional information about this program can also be found by typing the phrase "Windows Sound Recorder" into a search engine.

Audacity is a very popular free audio editor. It too was the subject of a TechTalk presentation which can be found in the Accessible World archive mentioned above. It is available from audacity.sourceforge.net.

Goldwave is used by many audio professionals. A full license is only $49.95. It is available from http://www.goldwave.com.

Rick Harmon has produced a series of audio tutorials for Goldwave. These files, along with information about JAWS scripts for Goldwave may be found at http://www.blind-geek-zone.net.

Total Recorder is another inexpensive audio recorder program with a large following. Purchase or read more about it at http://www.highcriteria.com.

Dean Martineau created a very good audio tutorial series for Total Recorder as part of his "Sound Computing" audio subscription service. For more information about obtaining these files, visit http://www.topdotenterprises.com.

External Audio Editing Tools

Some audio programs require the use of external tools in order to perform certain functions. While specific details are beyond the scope of this document, here are a few which may be useful.

Levelator is a powerful free program which will equalize varying levels within a wave file. It can be downloaded from http://www.itconversations.com.

The Lame Encoder is an example of a utility which must be used with some audio editors including Audacity, Goldwave, and Total Recorder when saving material in the MP3 file format. It can be downloaded from the programs page at http://www.blind-geek-zone.net.

An audio file format converter is used to convert an audio file type such as wave or MP3 to almost any other audio file format. Type the phrase "free audio file converter" into a search engine to find many available options.

The Recording Environment

Most people don't have the resources or physical space to construct a "recording studio" within their homes. Nevertheless, good audio recordings can be made when using a bedroom or home office as a temporary recording studio by following these simple guidelines.

Use the smallest available room, preferably one which is as far away as possible from the main activity area of your house.

Placing a rug or carpet on the floor and hanging curtains in the windows will greatly improve the sound, especially if the room is nearly empty of furniture. Blankets and bed sheets can be used as temporary floor and window dressings if necessary. Placing one or more pillows near the microphone may also improve the sound of the recording.

Before beginning to record, turn off the cell phone, and disconnect the land-line telephone in the room being used for the project. There is a design flaw in the telephone which causes it to ring incessantly whenever recordings are being made.

Make the recordings during times when yard work is not being done, and other household activity is at a minimum.

When the project is finished, return the sheets, blankets and pillows to their proper places, and reconnect the telephone. Otherwise, the only available room for the next audio project may be the doghouse.

*****

References

1. http://www.accessibleworld.com - audio tutorial for Sound Recorder and Audacity

2. audacity.sourceforge.net - source for Audacity audio editing program

3. http://www.goldwave.com - source for Goldwave program

4. http://www.blind-geek-zone.net - source for Goldwave tutorials and Lame Encoder program

5. http://www.highcriteria.com - source for Total Recorder sound recording program

6. http://www.topdotenterprises.com - source for tutorials on Total Recorder

7. http://www.itconversations.com - source for Levelator sound equalizer program

*****

Chapter 3: Creating a Video PSA

Introduction

When creating your video PSA, you will use most of the information you used in creating your audio PSAs. The big difference is that you are incorporating graphics or video when creating your PSA. This does increase the difficulty to some extent, but it is still very doable.

Like your audio PSA, your video PSA will answer the key questions: who, what, when, where and why. Often, you can even use the same audio for your video PSA as you used for your audio PSA; just add appropriate video components. Likewise, it is possible to create your video PSA by incorporating both audio and graphic components, and the audio can be used for your audio PSA.

Regardless of whether you are creating and distributing audio or video PSAs or both, you always want to make sure you provide the media -- radio, TV, or online -- with the following information:

- Name of your organization
- Contact information for your organization, e.g. name, address and telephone number
- Start and stop dates for your PSA
- Length of your PSA, e.g. 15, 30, or 60 seconds (30 seconds is the standard)
- A brief description of the key point of your PSA and its relevance to the medium's audience

Just as you did when creating your audio PSA, ask the media to co-sponsor your PSA by adding a tag line. The tag line simply says something like: "This important public service message was brought to you by the Tennessee Council of the Blind and WLAC, the Clear Channel station that brings you the country music sound of Nashville, every hour of every day!"

It is also important to recognize that different media and stations have different policies regarding the airing of public service announcements, especially video PSAs. Before submitting your PSA, get the answers to the following questions:

- Do you broadcast PSAs?
- If so, which length do you prefer for PSAs, 15, 30, or 60 seconds?
- Which format do you prefer, ½ inch or ¾ inch tape or a specific digital format?
- Is there a limit to the number of PSAs my organization can submit over a certain period of time?
- Does your station provide PSA production services?
- How much lead time do you need for our organization's PSA?
- What policies or other restrictions regarding PSAs on your station does my organization need to know about? 1

Outsourcing the Production of Your Video PSA

You can save yourself lots of problems and headaches if you can find a low-cost or free way of outsourcing the creation of your PSA. Even if it costs a little money, it is well worth it. There is never any down side to asking the station's public service director if they will produce a PSA for your affiliate or chapter. Some stations will do it at no charge, and some will have a fee associated with their production services, but often it is better to have the station do it if they will. That way, you are assured of a high-quality, professional-looking PSA. Your best, least cost, or even sometimes free, production services are obtained from public broadcasting stations.

Some other excellent resources you should check out are the communications or broadcasting departments at your local educational institutions such as junior colleges, technical schools, universities, etc. The instructors and professors are often looking for real-world opportunities for their students, and in turn, students welcome the opportunity to work on projects that will develop and demonstrate their creativity, abilities and talents.

In addition, most states have a professional association of broadcasters which is affiliated with the highly effective National Association of Broadcasters. You may wish to contact the association in your state to discuss your affiliate's or chapter's public service needs. Its staff may be willing to assist you in locating free or low-cost production services. They may also be willing to help you with your PR efforts and PSA campaigns.

You will still have to provide the theme of your PSA; that is, what is your PSA's key point. For example: making the community aware of your affiliate or chapter and what it offers, or focusing on older people who are losing their eyesight and offering them a free copy of our ACB white paper entitled "Are You a Senior Citizen Struggling with Vision Loss?" You will also need to provide the production people with the script for your PSA and decide who will take a direct role in it; that is, who will say what, who will do what. You need to decide whether the graphic aspects will be provided by the producer or by your organization, and whether the graphics will be static or dynamic, etc. Static graphics are visuals that can be seen but are just pictures or stationary scenes that are there for visual support and that fit the PSA's message. Dynamic graphics are action visuals, perhaps of actors giving a mini-performance dramatizing your PSA's message. It is the difference between having a still picture versus a movie. These are the kinds of details a production professional can assist you with.

Creating Your Own Video PSA

Creating your own video PSA is another story. Like it or not, you will need the assistance of someone with eyesight. We all hate to admit that we cannot do something, and that we need help from someone who is sighted, but there are those times when we simply have to accept the reality of the situation, and this happens to be one of those situations.

However, the good news is that with today's technology, an amazingly high-quality video production can be obtained with fairly inexpensive equipment. At the minimum, you will need a camcorder, digital camera, or a cell phone that has high-resolution quality to shoot the desired video. There are many makes and models from which you can choose. The Flip Video Cam is an easy-to-use, pocket-sized camcorder that comes with its own editing software and is quite reasonably priced.

Depending on the hardware device you use, you will probably need to edit your masterpiece with software such as iMovie (see "Apple - iMovie - Make a movie on your Mac," https://www.apple.com/imovie/) or Windows Movie Maker (See "How to use Windows Movie Maker," http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/moviemaker/default.mspx).

If you don't have the equipment and don't want to purchase it or have the funds to purchase it, you might be able to find someone who has a camera that you can borrow. And if you're really lucky, the person with the camera might even be kind enough to assist you with creating your PSA masterpiece.

Tips

- Keep to the limit. Make sure your spot is exactly 30 seconds! Use your words, images and time wisely.
- Consider your audience. Keep in mind who you are trying to reach and keep your message and video content appropriate.
- Brainstorm ideas. Search the web and watch PSAs created by other advocacy groups.
- Hook your audience. To grab your viewer's attention, think of a catchy "hook," like a clever message, statistic, or emotional story, that they'll remember your video by.
- Check your facts. Make sure all of your information is accurate and up-to-date.
- Visuals are important. Your PSA can be live-action, still pictures or animation, and can include anything from people to puppets. Make your visuals count. Consider having your actors wear matching T-shirts or hang up posters with appropriate statistics in the background.
- Use captions or graphics to illustrate numbers. It's easier to understand what facts and figures mean if you illustrate them with text or graphics.
- Check your camera settings. For the best quality, shoot in high-resolution and save your video as a .mov, .avi, .wmv or .mpg file. 2

A Few Hints and Tips Specifically on Shooting Video

- Look at everything that's in the viewfinder. Sometimes you get so focused on what you're trying to get in the shot that you don't notice something distracting in the background.

- Use your imagination and trust your judgment. If it looks cool to you, it'll probably look cool to other people. If it looks boring to you, it'll probably be very boring for everyone else.

- Remember that if you put a bright light in the background (the sun, headlights, etc.), the person in front of it will turn into a silhouette. If you want a silhouette, that's fine. But if you want to see the person's expressions or movement, then move the person away from the light.

- Be inventive and creative. For steady shots, you could use a tripod, or set the camera on a table or chair. For shooting at night, you could light the scene with streetlights, headlights, or even hold a flashlight next to the camera, pointing it at your subject.

- Try not to mix lighting. Daylight has a blue color (like the sky) and inside light has an orange or green tint to it. If you're inside near a window, close the blinds so blue light doesn't come in. Or only use the blue light from outside, and turn off the lights inside.

- Watch for reflective surfaces. Nothing ruins the effect of a shot quicker than seeing the cameraman reflected in a car window. Trying to shoot mirrors from an angle, generally a low angle, where the camera is a little lower than the mirror, works best.

- Remember the difference between "pretty good" and "perfect." If you keep trying to get it perfect, you may be striving for that perfection the rest of your life! Just do the best you can, and move on to the next shot or part of your PSA project. 3

The next chapter discusses how to get your PSA distributed to, and accepted by, the desired media, e.g. radio and TV stations, cable systems, and even online sources. We cover who to contact, how to contact the key person, and we even give you details on how to put together a distribution package for maximum results.

*****

References

1. National Institute of Justice, Creating a Public Service Announcement:
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/topics/courts/restorative-justice/marketing...

2. Creating a Video PSA: http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:dIVFlpERTO4J:www.cyanonline.org/Lin...

3. How to Create a PSA, Video Shooting Tips & Storyboard Help: http://counterdrug.org/pacdo/psahelp.html

*****

Chapter 4: Getting Your PSA Distributed

Introduction

We will begin this chapter discussing the more traditional media, such as radio and TV. Then we will briefly discuss digital media such as Google, Facebook, YouTube, etc.

Each PSA format (print, radio, and television) has a slightly different distribution profile relative to target audiences, media outlets, packaging and production costs. But some of the same principles apply when developing your distribution plan. As with press release distribution, take a team approach when getting your PSA distributed. You may be able to use some of the same contacts you established during your press release efforts. (See chapter 3 of "The Press Release Handbook for ACB Affiliates and Chapters" for details on building a contact database.)

Print PSAs

The print PSA conveys a message in a slightly different way with similar and sometimes greater benefits. While broadcast PSAs rely on catchy sound and eye-riveting motion, print is more tangible and has the potential to reach a more diverse audience. Because print is used less frequently than broadcast, it is important to develop an effective PSA distribution plan.

Newspaper. Depending on the source, estimates suggest that there are just over 11,000 daily and weekly newspapers in the U.S. It is also suggested that about 52 percent of these publishers are regular users of PSAs. You can develop a distribution plan using these criteria:

1) The number of newspapers - determine your universe

2) Types of papers - daily, weekly, specialized reaching a specific audience

3) Circulation size - from large metropolitan areas to small cities and towns

4) Previous usage pattern - if possible, find out which newspapers most frequently use PSAs

5) Geographic segmentation - determine the audience you want to target; that will help in the choice of newspapers you use

Magazines. It is almost impossible to determine just how many national, regional, local, and specialized magazines there are in the U.S., but they do provide a chance to reach a broad and sophisticated audience. Estimates suggest that the percentage of magazines which regularly use PSAs is significantly less than the percentage used by newspapers. They also offer the opportunity to send a targeted message to a specialized audience.

Packaging. As our society moves more toward high-tech, even print PSA distribution is going that way. The most preferred packaging format is by CD. According to both newspaper and magazine publishers, this format allows for more flexibility and ease of use. Advantages include: digital art; high-resolution PDF files can be used in either PC or Mac platform; and most CDs have enough disc capacity to provide PSAs in both color and black and white. Your package should include:

1) A letter to the advertising director -- tell why your issue is important, how your affiliate or chapter benefits the local community, and why your PSA should be used

2) A fact sheet - give brief facts about your issue

3) Sizes - give the media outlet some flexibility by providing your PSA in a variety of sizes (from a quarter page to a full page)

4) Tax-exempt number - proof that your affiliate or chapter is a non-profit

5) Always send a thank-you letter to the outlets that publish your PSAs (see sample below).

Radio PSAs

Keep in mind that the primary intent for a PSA is to inform, educate, and motivate. The hope is to bring attention to a specific issue so that it has maximum impact on the audience that hears it. Radio is an important medium through which you can accomplish this goal. You can design your distribution plan by using these criteria:

1) Develop your contact list - find out if the station has a public service director

2) Develop a distribution strategy - Which stations should you target? Radio can assist you in segmenting your target audiences in several ways, including by age, education, geography, racial composition, and lifestyle. Unless your PSA is meant for the general public, decide who your primary and secondary audiences are, where they live, and which stations reach them most effectively.

3) Use the networks - There are a number of radio networks in the U.S., ranging from National Public Radio to satellite music networks. Find our which ones take PSAs, the required materials and format, and who to contact at each company.

4) Know what materials stations require - Stations use a variety of broadcast formats, including live announcer scripts, recorded discs, and sound sheets. Some even use cassette tapes and reel-to-reel tapes. If you send them what they want, you have a better chance of getting your PSA aired.

5) Give stations options - Regardless of how you package your PSA, always send along a live announcer's copy. If possible, provide the PSA in different lengths, ranging from 10 seconds to 1 minute. Make sure the PSA can be used in several musical formats, i.e., country, R&B, rock, and easy listening.

6) Use attractive packaging - Create an attractive package. If possible, add additional color and graphics.

7) Cover letter - Be sure to include a letter and fact sheet that explains the issue and its importance.

8) Send a thank-you letter when your PSA is aired (see sample below).

Television PSAs

The television PSA offers the unique opportunity to capture the attention of a broad audience through both motion and sound. It looks like a commercial, but it has the added impact of informing, educating and motivating the public regarding a particular cause or issue of importance. Generally, the television station will determine the tastes, needs, and desires of its viewers and will choose from interests such as health, safety, social services, civic activities and environmental concerns. Once your PSA has been produced, you can develop your distribution plan based on these criteria:

1) Determine which stations are using which types of spots.

2) Contact the station's public service or community affairs director and establish a relationship.

3) Determine which stations do not take outside-produced PSAs, but run their own community affairs programming.

4) Determine which format the station wants. Most stations are moving toward a digital format, in which case the station will probably prefer either .mov or .avi formats in 640/480 resolution. If tape is used, they will probably prefer DVC Pro tape.

6) The preferred length is a 30-second PSA.

Tip: Explore using alternative media. It's often easier to obtain placement in alternative media (e.g., cable television; closed-circuit television stations in hospitals, doctors' offices, and universities; newsletters and weekly newspapers) than on network television and other major media outlets. Although they may not be considered major media outlets, it may be easier to segment target audiences into specific demographics.

Packaging

1) Make your package stand out with additional color and/or graphics, if possible.

2) Include a letter written on your affiliate's stationery, explaining the spot and why the PSA should be aired.

3) Include a fact sheet on the issue.

4) Include a script of the PSA.

5) Send the organization's tax-exempt number.

6) Send along a self-addressed, stamped reply card.

7) Send a thank-you letter when your PSA is aired (see sample below).

A Good Resource for Mass Distribution of Your PSA

If you are seeking widespread distribution of your PSA, you just need a good PSA and e-mail addresses or fax numbers of program directors. You can go to https://fiscalnote.com/find-your-legislator and send e-mails to the media at no cost.

Sample Thank-You Letter

Here is a sample follow-up/thank-you letter that you can modify as needed and use to send to the media that air/print your PSA:

Dear [insert name and title of general manager or public service director]:

On behalf of the Tennessee Council of the Blind (TCB), thank you for airing our PSA. Your continued support to help our blind and low-vision population in this area is deeply appreciated. The TCB is very grateful that your (station/newspaper) is helping to educate the public about blindness and spread the awareness of our organization. Your (station's/newspaper's) commitment to our community is commendable.

Most sincerely,
(insert your name and position)

Contemporary Media

Up to this point we have discussed traditional media, but we would be remiss if we did not at least mention a few of the various digital resources. We are going to very briefly turn to the most contemporary media available. They are all digital media and are all Internet-based. They include the various search engines and information delivery sources such as Google, Yahoo, and MSN. We are also going to mention using YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. There are still others that we could cover, but these are the biggies, and at this point in time, the most important ones. Media change so rapidly, who knows what will be the hot one next month, or next year?

The methods by which journalists research story ideas and resources are quickly evolving. "A recent Cision and George Washington University study found that 89 percent of journalists turn to blogs for research, 65 percent to social media sites like Facebook, 52 percent to Twitter and Wikipedia." 1

By using contemporary media, such as YouTube, "... public-issue, topical campaigns (like ACB national might be involved with) attracted significant attention and resulted in the desired action, especially if they used humor, music, melodrama, scare tactics, celebrity endorsements, or personal narratives.

"The rapid growth of Web 2.0 - the interactive World Wide Web of blogs, online video, and user friendly tools and platforms for social networking (including Facebook and Twitter, among others) - has led to new communication practices, which are growing outside the increasingly stifling confines of mass media. Yochai Benkler (The Wealth of Nations) among others has proposed that new publics are being generated in this open environment, freed from the stuffy paternalism of traditional public media. The rapid growth since late 2005 of commercial Web sites that host digital video created by users - YouTube, Google Video and MySpace Video are the three largest offers an opportunity to look more closely at explicitly public practices in an open media environment. These sites are only growing in importance." 2 Thus, using these media to distribute your PSAs is imperative, especially if it is an issue of broad geographic interest.

For this reason, contemporary media are probably more effective for the ACB to use at the national level to promote major campaigns, e.g. quiet cars, attitudes about blindness, ACB itself, etc. Most issues or campaigns launched by affiliates and chapters are best distributed using more local, traditional media, as discussed earlier in this chapter. Affiliates and chapters should focus their PSA distribution to more localized sources such as local radio and TV stations, newspapers, web sites, cable companies, etc. It is much easier to develop relationships with your local media, which will greatly increase the probability of your getting your PSA accepted and aired or printed.

Suggested PSA Distribution Kit

The way you present your PSA greatly affects how it is perceived and whether it is accepted by the radio or TV station or other medium. We strongly recommend that you put together the following package to distribute your PSA:

- Use a nice two-pocket folder.

- Place a label on the front with the name of your PSA (e.g., Are You or Is Someone You Know Losing Their Eyesight?), followed by your affiliate's or chapter's name and contact information. This label needs to be typed, preferably in color, and neat; include your logo if possible.

- Inside the folder in the left pocket, you should have a cover letter in the front, behind which you should include the hard copy of your PSA script; then, behind the hard copy script, you should place the digital copy. Be sure to mention versions, hard copy and digital, of your script in your cover letter. Often this left pocket will also have a place for your business card; it is an excellent idea to place a business card in this business card holder.

- The right pocket should hold the information about your affiliate or chapter such as a brochure, a couple of your most recent press releases, etc.

- Call each media source you want to run your PSA; find out who is responsible for handling public service announcements for that outlet; make sure you get his/her name and title correct, and ask to talk with that key person; identify yourself, the organization you represent, and why you are calling.

- If possible, arrange to hand-deliver your PSA packet directly to the key person in charge of PSAs for each outlet you want to carry it. Or let the key person know that you are mailing the packet to him/her. Follow up a few days after you have sent it out, allowing ample time for it to be delivered, to make sure the key person received it; reinforcing the importance of your PSA to that medium's audience.

- Do your best to verify that the outlet is giving your PSA coverage, and if it is, send the key person a nice note of appreciation. It would be a good idea to call and thank the key person too!

*****

References

1. http://www.liesdamnedliesstatistics.com/2010/02/89-of-journalists-use-bl...

2. https://cmsimpact.org/files/pdf/big_dreams_report.pdf

*****

Appendix A:
Sources for Audio and Video Files that You Can Use

In this appendix, we have included numerous sources for obtaining all kinds of audio and video files that you can obtain to use when creating your public service announcements. There are sounds like screeching brakes, screams, trains, gunshots, bells ringing, applause, and thousands more, and most of these are free to download. We have also included sources for obtaining all kinds of video files, images, pictures, and graphics that you can use when creating your video PSA. Most of these are free, but there are some that you might have to purchase for a very small fee.

Sources for Sounds and Music

Here is a great site with tons of all types of sounds for free. Go to: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/default.aspx.

If you're looking for sound effects, check out http://www.ctctv.org/CTCFree_Stuff.html and http://www.webplaces.com/html/sounds.htm. Most of the sound effects on these sites are free.

You can find a wide variety of sounds, including sound clips, MP3s, music files, rock, techno, and MPEG3, at http://www.thefreesite.com/Free_Sounds/Free_MP3s/.

At this site, you'll find a good selection of high-quality free MP3s from a variety of independent artists and bands. The site also includes information about each artist. Each tune may be previewed before you download the full track. Go to: http://www.GreatInstrumentalDownloads.com.

This site offers royalty-free industry standard hip-hop and rap beats. To access the free content, click on the "Free Stuff" link. The site also offers beats for sale. Go to: http://www.16DollarBeats.com.

Need free, original instrumental MP3 files in a variety of music styles, including rap and hip hop? Visit http://www.Free-Instrumentals.com. The site also offers free WAV sample files that you can use to create your own beats.

Here's a new directory that offers a nice collection of free, legal MP3 music files from up-and-coming independent musicians. Categories include children's music, Christian songs, dance, folk, instrumental and rock. Go to: TheFreeMusicDirectory.com.

Looking for acoustic guitar music? Go to http://www.FreeSoloGuitar.com. Artists here include Peter Janson, Ken Bonfield, Muriel Anderson, Jaquie Gipson, and more. New files are posted here regularly.

If it's soothing, original solo piano music you need, go to http://www.HealingPiano.com. This site offers free MP3s of soothing, original solo piano music. The site also serves as a resource for people experiencing "tough times due to illness, loss of loved ones, or any other type of personal pain."

Are you looking for nature sounds? Visit https://kevinwoodmusic.com/. Available sounds include ocean waves, rainforest, streams, rain and thunder; they are in MP3 format. Clips are free; entire recordings are available for a modest charge.

If it's everyday household sounds you need, check out https://www.pacdv.com/sounds/index.html. Sound effects include: car starts, clangs, coffee pots, creaks, door closings & openings, fan, garage door, hanging & picking up the phone, inserting cassette, key sounds, oven door, paper pack, pouring rain, refrigerator, toilet flushing, water running and more.

Looking for something a little more out of this world? Go to: http://www.therecordist.com/pages/downloads.html. This site has tons of sounds, from jet planes and prop planes to missiles, spacecrafts, explosions, alien bugs, dragon sounds, crystal forcefield, icebergs, and much, much more.

Here is another site for free sound effects, free music loops, free sounds, and free sound clips! All .wavs on this site are free to download for personal use. Go to: http://freesoundeffectsandloops.com.

Audio clips, sound effects, nature songs, kids' music, and more, are all available from this site. Go to: http://www.murray.k12.ga.us/teacher/kara%20leonard/Music%20and%20Sound%2...

Sources for Video and Image Files

Here is a great site with tons of all media types available for free: clip art, photos, and animations. Go to: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/default.aspx.

Looking for free, unique clip art and graphics? Visit http://www.webplaces.com/html/sounds.htm.

If it's graphics, clip art and photos you need, go to http://resources.bravenet.com/clipart/.

FreeFoto.com is the largest collection of free photographs on the Internet, with 130,587 images in 175 sections organized into 3,581 categories. The comprehensive, yet easy to navigate site offers images that are free for on-line use, with higher quality versions available for sale. Go to https://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp.

Looking for free clip art, banners, backgrounds, icons, aliens, animals, people, creatures, fonts, holiday art, robots, sports, toys, weather/nature, or cities? Visit http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/links/clipart.html. This is a portal site with links to loads of images.

Another portal site to check is http://www.ctctv.org/CTCFree_Stuff.html. It has links to thousands of images, clip art, photos, etc., that are mostly all free and can be used when creating video for your PSA.

Do you need glitter animations, pictures, images, or other types of clip art? Go to http://www.free-clipart-pictures.net/. This portal site links to many sites with a wide variety of art and animation options.

*****

Appendix B: Sample Media Release Form

Whenever you include someone in your PSA, no matter what role that person plays, you must get his/her consent to use his or her voice or picture, or both, in your PSA. Therefore, we are including a sample media release form below that you can use as your consent form when creating your PSAs.

Sample Media Release Form

Release Form

I hereby grant permission to the Alabama Council of the Blind to use my image and/or voice (video and audio) in any media to which it is submitted for the purpose of advancing the goals and objectives of the Alabama Council of the Blind.

Print name: ________________________________

Sign name: _________________________________

Date: ____________________________

(If the person whose video and/or audio is being used is under 18, please have a parent or legal guardian sign below.)

I approve this release. _________________________________
(Parent's or guardian's signature)

Date ______________

*****

References

Chapter 1

1. www.naccho.org/advocacy/marketing/upload/NACCHO_LHD_PSA_instructions_FNL...

Chapter 2

1. http://www.accessibleworld.com - audio tutorial for Sound Recorder and Audacity

2. audacity.sourceforge.net - source for Audacity audio editing program

3. http://www.goldwave.com - source for Goldwave program

4. http://www.blind-geek-zone.net - source for Goldwave tutorials and Lame Encoder program

5. http://www.highcriteria.com - source for Total Recorder sound recording program

6. http://www.topdotenterprises.com - source for tutorials on Total Recorder

7. http://www.itconversations.com - source for Levelator sound equalizer program

Chapter 3

1. National Institute of Justice, Creating a Public Service Announcement:
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/topics/courts/restorative-justice/marketing...

2. Creating a Video PSA: http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:dIVFlpERTO4J:www.cyanonline.org/Lin...

3. How to Create a PSA, Video Shooting Tips & Storyboard Help: http://counterdrug.org/pacdo/psahelp.html

Chapter 4

1. http://www.liesdamnedliesstatistics.com/2010/02/89-of-journalists-use-bl...

2. https://cmsimpact.org/files/pdf/big_dreams_report.pdf

3. "The Press Release Handbook for ACB Affiliates and Chapters," ACB public relations committee, 2008. To request a copy in braille, large print, or computer CD, contact the ACB national office at 1-800-424-8666 or (202) 467-5081.

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