edited by Cynthia G. Hawkins
The announcement of products and services in this column does not represent an endorsement by the American Council of the Blind, its officers, or staff. Listings are free of charge for the benefit of our readers. “The ACB E-Forum” cannot be held responsible for the reliability of the products and services mentioned. To submit items for this column, send a message to [email protected], or phone the national office at 1-800-424-8666, and leave a message in Sharon Lovering’s mailbox. Information must be received at least two months ahead of publication date.
2022 ACB Convention Podcasts Now Available
ACB Media is proud to announce that the podcasts of the hybrid general sessions from the 2022 convention in Omaha, Neb. are now available. All presentations that were not heard on the live webinar and ACB Media feeds are in these recordings, including the presentation made by Marc Workman, CEO of the World Blind Union. Access the general sessions and banquet podcasts at https://www.acbmedia.org/category/convention/. For the RSS feed, visit https://pinecast.com/feed/acb-convention. Breakout sessions are available at https://www.acbmedia.org/podcasts/. Breakout sessions from the ACB business meetings on July 11 & 13 will be available soon. We will publish a searchable cross reference of all sessions after all podcasts are published.
National Braille Press Holiday Cards
Now available: National Braille Press’ annual holiday cards. The cards feature an illustration of four light brown or slate gray houses with snow on the roofs and smoke wafting out of their chimneys, surrounding a Christmas tree with lights and a star on top. Under the illustration is the message, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” in braille and golden print. The message inside says, “May you be surrounded by those you love!” in braille and red print. Also available are cards from 2021 and 2019. All come in packs of 10.
And yes, Peanuts fans, the 2023 print-and-braille calendar is also available. It features all your favorite characters – Snoopy and Woodstock, Linus, Sally, Lucy, and Charlie Brown. The braille is included on clear plastic labels.
For more information, call toll-free 1-800-548-7323 or (617) 266-6160 ext. 520; or visit www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/publications/index.html.
Holiday Cards Southern Style
Southeastern Guide Dogs now has holiday cards available. The Christmas cards feature four Labradors – two black, two yellow – on the front, with the word “Hope” spelled out in white on red squares. The message inside reads, “May your days be filled with hope and joy. Merry Christmas!” The holiday cards feature the same four Labradors, with the word “Hope” spelled out in white on blue squares. The interior message reads, “Wishing you a holiday filled with hope and light.” Both come in packs of 10. For more information, visit https://www.guidedogs.org/connect/shop/.
2022 Holman Prize Winners
The San Francisco LightHouse recently announced the names of the winners of the 2022 Holman Prize. They are:
- Abby Griffith, 28 – United States
- Cassie Hames, 33 – Australia
- Tafadzwa Nyamuzihwa, 38 – Germany
The Holman Prize awards up to $25,000 each to three blind people who have ambitious ideas that challenge misperceptions about blindness while also challenging themselves. The Holman Prize is named for James Holman, a 19th century blind explorer who was the most prolific private traveler of anyone, blind or sighted, before the era of modern transportation.
LightHouse Welcomes New CEO
Sharon Giovinazzo is the LightHouse’s new CEO. She brings more than two decades of experience leading organizations dedicated to advocating for and serving the needs of the blind and visually impaired. She previously served as President and CEO of World Services for the Blind. Giovinazzo will be responsible for leading the organization’s dedicated team of blindness advocates, educators, and professionals while growing the value of the organization to its members, donors, sponsors, partners, and other stakeholders. She will spearhead efforts to promote the independence and equality of the community, while strengthening the organization and its programs.