Braille Games, Volume 3!
The Braille Revival League is selling books of word puzzles and other devilishly difficult word games. Available in braille only! Volumes 1 and 2 have been available for a while now, but Volume 3 is hot off the presses, and available now. And I have it on good authority that Volumes 4 and 5 are in the works.
Each book contains nine puzzles, and is available at a cost of $10 per book. But if you buy the entire 3-book bundle, the first two cost $5, making your total for the bundle $20.
We accept credit cards, checks, or PayPal to [email protected].
If you have any questions, or would like to place an order by phone, contact Jane Carona, (301) 598-2131.
Bridge the Gap with MCAC
On Sunday, July 5th, from 1:30-2:45 p.m. Eastern, the Multicultural Affairs Committee will hold a panel discussion called “Bridging the Gap” featuring Dr. Gene Brooks as the facilitator. The panel will focus on the aftermath of the coronavirus - will it bridge or broaden the gap? Join us for an insightful and probing conversation that will cover some important issues in our society including race, class and economics.
To Mobility and Beyond!
The Transportation Task Force and the Environmental Access Committee are hosting the 2020 ACB Transportation Forum, “To Mobility and Beyond.” Two sessions and four workshops will be held during the forum. Attend one or attend them all!
Sunday, July 5
1:30-4:15 p.m.: Transportation and Beyond
A mix of short presentations, Q&A and guided discussions to provide general information on the following:
- How transportation and infrastructure projects are planned and funded
- Impact of federal laws and regulations on the accessibility of transportation and infrastructure projects
- Updates on emerging technologies and services impacting transportation and environmental access
Monday, July 6
3:00-4:15 p.m.: Transportation Workshop
Reading the Signals and Navigating the Chaos – discussion topics include pedestrian access, Leading Pedestrian Intervals, roundabouts, curb management, street furniture, and related issues facing blind and visually impaired pedestrians.
4:30-5:45 p.m.: Transportation Workshop, Part II
Paratransit and the New Mobility Paradigm – discussion topics include challenges facing paratransit customers, the use of taxicabs, rideshare services, microtransit and other emerging demand-response services.
Tuesday, July 7
3:00-4:15 p.m.: Transportation Workshop
They Roll Up the Sidewalks at Night – discussion topics include intercity bus and rail services, transportation and pedestrian access within small towns and rural communities.
4:30-5:45 p.m.: Transportation Workshop, Part IV
What Should Paratransit Look Like – a focused discussion of paratransit. If people could design paratransit from the ground up, what would it look like? How would reservations work? What about shared rides, vehicles, technology, etc.?
Wednesday, July 8
3:00-5:45 p.m.: Transportation Summary Workshop. Facilitator: Carol Wright, Director of the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center. The goals of this workshop are to:
- Summarize key findings from small-group discussions on Monday and Tuesday and seek additional feedback in advance of ACB’s development of a more comprehensive transportation advocacy platform.
- Provide training on how to build local coalitions that can support transportation advocacy efforts.
ACB Women’s Programs
The newly named ACB Women (formerly Women’s Concerns Committee) have 3 great events scheduled during the 2020 ACB convention.
Monday, July 6
4:30-5:45 p.m. ACB Women present Yoga with Leslie Spoone
Not familiar with yoga? Leslie will help everyone from beginner to expert. Improve your physical and mental health, achieve inner peace and a more limber body.
Tuesday, July 7
4:30-5:45 p.m.
An intimate conversation about women’s health with Deborah Kendrick. Deborah will offer insights from her latest book “Navigating Health Care: When All They Can See Is That You Can’t.” There will be time for attendees to share some of their own experiences in the health care arena. This session is available to women only.
Wednesday, July 8
1:30-2:45 p.m. Sister Power Presentation
Hear from two dynamic women, Rachel Schroeder and Carla Hayes. They are both active members of ACB and will tell us about their lives as blind women.
BPI Celebrates 20 Years
Blind Pride International (BPI) is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year! Join us for an exciting and informative program. All times shown are Eastern time.
Monday, July 6
1:30-2:45 p.m.: Voices from Around the World with a Twist
Take a virtual magic carpet ride with us as we welcome our international guests. The 2020 Voices from Around the World Virtual Luncheon will feature a panel discussion with four blind members of the LGBT communities in different parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, and Latin America, each one of whom will be providing their perspectives on the intersection between culture, blindness, and LGBT. This session is co-sponsored by Blind Pride and the International Relations Committee.
3:00-4:15 p.m.: Drive Your Forms with Google: An interactive demonstration of tech tools that can change the way you collect data. Learn how to reach your affiliate members with a few keystrokes. This session is a collaboration between ACB Next Generation, Blind Pride International and ACB Students.
7:30-8:45 p.m.: Guided Meditation
This mind and body workshop includes three sets of guided meditations to prepare for three life situations. A guide to restful sleep, centering the mind/body for romance and a guided meditation to prepare for the workday. This session is co-sponsored by Blind Pride International and ACB Students.
Tuesday, July 7
3:00-4:15 p.m.: Dating in the Virtual Realm: How Accessible Are Dating Apps?
Wednesday, July 8
3:00-4:15 p.m.: Securing Your Financial Goals
Join BPI for this informative workshop. Our discussion will be led by a financial coach with 30 years of experience in the investment arena. Receive tips and pointers on how to securely invest for retirement or to reach your financial goals.
6:00-7:15 p.m.: Get Wine Wise
We believe that an ACB convention would not be the same without BPI’s wine presence. Join us in a fun conversation about wine. Our very own wine connoisseur will lead this workshop where we will learn about wine history, different grapes, varietals, denominations and regions. Feel free to sip as we chat!
Thursday, July 9
5:30-6:45 p.m.: BPI 20th Anniversary Virtual Happy Hour
Friday, July 10
3:00-4:15 p.m.: Easy Yoga for Relaxation
Join BPI as we learn how to relax through the ancient practice of yoga. This practice will be led by a fun and inspiring yogi. We will use a combination of easy poses and breathing techniques that will help us connect mind, body, and soul. We will learn valuable yoga tips that we can incorporate in our daily routines to take a relaxing break from our busy lives.
Come Roar with the Lions!
Join the American Council of Blind Lions at the 2020 virtual conference and convention of the American Council of the Blind on Wednesday, July 8th.
4:30 p.m.: ACBL Lessons in Leadership and the Work of LCI
Lion Christopher Shea Nickell, who was elected to serve as an International Director of Lions Clubs International in Milan, Italy in 2019, is a member of the Paducah (Kentucky) Lions Club, past president of the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation, and a justice on the Kentucky Supreme Court. Follow Lion Shea as he travels the path from local club member to international director, and learn about the initiatives of Lions Clubs International.
6 p.m.: ACBL Milly’s Place - How Lions Serve the Community
Your local Lions Club may buy glasses or collect used glasses to help those in need. But many local clubs also participate in a wide variety of other service projects. Lions from across the country will share their local club activities and how they, as members who are blind or visually impaired, participate in those activities. Learn how to get involved in a local club, ways to encourage local clubs to support your ACB affiliate or chapter activities, and how ACB Lions provides peer support to help you along the way. All Lions, friends of Lions, and anyone interested in becoming a Lion welcome.
Register for ACB Lions for just $10 to be eligible to win our special door prizes. Winners will be drawn after the close of the convention.
DKM Wednesday Blast
Get in on the Durward K. McDaniel Wednesday Evening Blast! We’re rolling out the red carpet for the 2020 Class of DKM First-Timers during the annual DKM First-Timers Reception from 6:00-7:15 p.m. as they experience the “Best of Both Worlds.” We will also introduce and honor the 2020 Class of ACB/JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows. Meet special guests, Friends of Durward K. McDaniel (Founding Father of ACB) and win attendee door prizes. Join in on the fun! We look forward to greeting you there.
Have questions? Contact chair Kenneth Semien Sr. via email, [email protected].
Interested in Ham Radio?
If you are interested in amateur radio, or are a licensed ham, you are cordially invited to attend our first ever virtual meeting on Thursday, July 9th at 1:30 p.m. Eastern time. Our speaker will be Lucinda Moody (AB8WF), Handiham coordinator, who will speak about Handiham services to the blind and disabled and its importance to the amateur radio community. We would love to see everyone there who has an interest in amateur radio and those who want to know how to become a licensed ham.