Skip to main content

Dots and Dashes: June 7, 2021

ACB Convention Registration

Our 2021 Virtual Conference and Convention will be held from July 16 through July 23, 2021. For details on how to register, visit: https://acb.org/2021-convention-registration. To make sure you receive the most up to date convention information, subscribe to our convention announce list by sending a blank email to [email protected].

ACB Announces Audio Description Gala This Fall

The American Council of the Blind is excited to announce the inaugural ACB Audio Description Awards Gala. This event will celebrate the best-of-the best in the field of audio description and educate the larger community to the value of inclusive and accessible media. Join us October 21st at 7pm ET for this special virtual event. Tickets will go on sale August 1st. To watch a video about the gala announcement, visit: https://youtu.be/CNPzIie0XLo. To read the press release about the ACB Audio Description Awards Gala, visit: https://www.acb.org/AD-gala-announcement.

Accessible Currency Article

ACB Executive Director Eric Bridges shared that “the combination of Harriet Tubman adorning the first piece of accessible currency would make a powerful statement” in this article published last week by the Washington Post. Read the article by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/njj2ss9k.  

Absentee Voting for Virginians with Print Disabilities

ACB of Virginia President Sam Joehl recently wrote an op-ed on voting accessibility in Virginia that was published in the Richmond Times Dispatch. Read the article by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/rmknkxdu.

One Year of Crafting!

Congratulations to our ACB Crafters on one year of crafting in our community which has included a total of 133 events to date, most of which are two hours in length and podcasted. A huge thank you to Kaila Allen and Courtney Smith who have contributed hundreds of volunteer hours combined to lead this program within our ACB Community, along with so many others who continue to give of their time, talent, and expertise to provide classes. Like all of our community events, everyone is welcome. To join the ACB-Crafters email list, send an email to: [email protected]. Find them on Facebook by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/b7mftzdm, or on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/acbcrafters?s=21. And email [email protected] to learn about their specific classes and lists including: Crafty Kidz club, Loom Knitting, Needle Knitting, Crochet, Sewing, and Crafty Co-op.

Audio Description Convention Track

On last week’s episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Clark and Swatha highlight the programming being offered by the Audio Description Project at the 60th ACB Conference and Convention. ACB’s Immediate Past President, Kim Charlson, and ACB’s ADP Coordinator, Jo Lynn Bailey Page join the podcast to share the programming and panelists being featured at the convention. Following the podcast conversation, stay tuned to hear an important announcement on the first ever AD Gala! Listen via your favorite podcast player or online at https://tinyurl.com/yzp5257y. To register for the ACB Conference and Convention and view the programming, please visit: www.acbconvention.org.

Community Events Belong to You!

Many people have stepped up over the past 15 months to bring us more than 4,100 events using the Zoom platform. Peer to peer support, social, and an array of topic-driven presentations have provided a space for people inside and outside of ACB to connect, learn, and share. A common question asked is if a certain topic may be of interest, and we know no matter what it may be, the answer is “Yes!” So bring it on! Now, where to begin?

Thank you to each of you who have stepped up to provide events thus far. We hope if you’re considering doing so as well, you’ll jump in with both feet. Email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Henry Ford Museum Virtual Program

Join the Henry Ford Museum on Thursday, June 10 from 2-3:30 pm EDT for a virtual verbal description program, highlighting the “Fully Furnished” exhibit at The Henry Ford. This exhibit includes examples of American furniture dating from 1670 to the present, displayed to encourage you to think of furnishings in a variety of new ways. This free program will be held via Zoom and will be accessible by web link and call-in phone number, depending on your preference. Reservations are required and space is limited. Please email [email protected] to register and with any questions.