The ACB Braille Forum Volume LXIII January 2025 No. 5 Published by the American Council of the Blind ***** * Be A Part of ACB The American Council of the Blind (TM) is a membership organization made up of more than 70 state and special-interest affiliates. To join, contact the national office at 1-800-424-8666. * Contribute to Our Work Those much-needed contributions, which are tax-deductible, can be sent to Attn: Treasurer, ACB, 6200 Shingle Creek Pkwy., Suite 155, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430. If you wish to remember a relative or friend, the national office has printed cards available for this purpose. Consider including a gift to ACB in your Last Will and Testament. If your wishes are complex, call the national office. To make a contribution to ACB by the Combined Federal Campaign, use this number: 11155. * Check in with ACB For the latest in legislative and governmental news, call the "Washington Connection" 24/7 at 1-800-424-8666, or read it online. Tune in to ACB Media at www.acbmedia.org or by calling (518) 906-1820. Learn more about us at www.acb.org. Follow us on Twitter at @acbnational, or like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/acbnational. © 2024 American Council of the Blind Scott Thornhill, Executive Director Sharon Lovering, Editor 225 Reinekers Ln., Suite 660, Alexandria, VA 22314 ***** ** Table of Contents 2025 ACB Leadership Conference, by Claire Stanley Advocacy in Action: All About Technology, by Swatha Nandhakumar Thank You from the Auction Committee, by Leslie Spoone Touring Texas, by Janet Dickelman Take the Next Step in ACB, by Zelda Gebhard Call for Nominees for 2025 ACB Awards ACB's Board of Publications Seeks to Award Excellence in Writing, Media Announcing the 2024 Audio Description Awards Gala Recipients Announcing the Call for Nominations for the 2025 ADP Awards November 2, 2024 Board Summary, by Katie Frederick What Is an Area Agency on Aging And What Do They Offer?, by Larry Johnson Affiliate News Here and There, edited by Cynthia G. Hawkins High Tech Swap Shop ACB Officers ACB Board of Directors ACB Board of Publications Accessing Your ACB Braille Forums How to Submit Articles to the Forum If you wish to submit an article to "The ACB Braille Forum," please send it via email to slovering@acb.org as part of the message, or attached as a Word or ASCII text file. Articles should be between 500 and 800 words. Language should be family friendly. Longer articles may be divided into two or more parts. ***** ** Upcoming Forum Themes and Deadlines March 2025: theme: Spring into Action/Get Up and Get Moving; deadline: January 24, 2025 April 2025: theme: Multicultural Affairs Committee: How your cultural background, race, ethnicity and/or vision loss affected your education; deadline: February 21, 2025 May 2025: theme: Older Americans Month/AAVL; deadline: March 21, 2025 If your committee or affiliate would like to claim an issue of the Forum, please contact Sharon Lovering, slovering@acb.org. * Are You Moving? Do You Want to Change Your Subscription? Contact Sharon Lovering in the ACB national office, 1-800-424-8666, or via e-mail, slovering@acb.org. Give her the information, and she'll update the database. ***** ** 2025 ACB Leadership Conference by Claire Stanley The 2025 American Council of the Blind Leadership Conference is coming up in March of 2025. ACB's Board Meeting, Presidents' Meeting, Legislative Seminar, and Capitol Hill visits will take place March 14th-18th, at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel in Arlington, Va. Registration for the conference will open in mid-January. The room rate for the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel is $155 per night, plus tax. This rate applies to any night starting on Monday, March 10, 2025 through Tuesday, March 25, 2025. The Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel is located at 900 S. Orme St., Arlington, VA 22204. To make a reservation at the Sheraton, visit www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1722368237939&key=GRP&app=resvlink You can also make a reservation by calling 1-800-325-3535 and informing the Marriott representative that you will be attending the ACB Leadership Seminar to receive the group rate. The room block cutoff date is Monday, February 17, 2025. If you experience any issues booking a room, please email Hannah Park at hpark@acb.org. The schedule of events is as follows: - Friday, March 14: Afternoon tour of the National Library Service building at the Library of Congress. The number of available visitors may be limited, so register as soon as possible. - Saturday, March 15: Board Meeting (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern) & Evening Welcome Reception - Sunday, March 16: Presidents' Meeting (including luncheon) & Evening Dine Around in Pentagon City - Monday, March 17: Legislative Seminar (including luncheon). The event should include discussions on the 2025 imperatives, as well as presentations from several federal representatives. - Tuesday, March 18: Attendees may visit Capitol Hill to meet with their representatives. Stay tuned for more details as they become available on our conference page, https://www.acb.org/2025-acb-leadership-conference. ***** ** Advocacy in Action: All About Technology by Swatha Nandhakumar The ACB Advocacy team has been hard at work during the unseasonably warm fall in the D.C. area. From items that many blind and low-vision individuals would love to get their hands on to items that you would not think of as blind-friendly, we have done it all. Here are just a few of the things that were on our docket over the past couple of months. Claire and I both participate in the Federal Communications Commission Disability Advisory Committee, or the DAC for short. This committee focuses on issues in communications technology. Everything from smartphones to Zoom and Teams, to broadcast television, to anything that is or can become relevant to the disability and accessibility community falls under the jurisdiction of the DAC. Things that DAC has worked on in the past include audio description, closed captioning, and recently, accessibility of video games. Claire and I both worked on accessibility of video games for blind, deaf-blind, and low vision players along with colleagues from the American Foundation for the Blind, National Federation of the Blind, and the Helen Keller National Center. The group also included representatives from technology companies like Apple and Amazon, who develop video games or gaming platforms. In this working group, we were tasked with creating a set of guidelines or best practices for video game developers in making the communications aspects of their games accessible to blind, deaf-blind, and low vision players. Because this is the FCC, we could only focus on the parts of the game that relate to communication in both one player and multi-player video games. This includes things like real-time text and voice chats between players in the game itself. Along with outlining ways to make the communications interface more accessible, like adding support for external refreshable braille displays, adding settings to increase color contrast and enlarge the text on screen, adding screen reader and screen magnification compatibility, we also recommended that the FCC keep an eye on the video game accessibility space for further developments and issues that need addressing. The current term of the FCC DAC concluded in October, and the new term begins in 2025. ACB looks forward to once again representing the blind and low-vision community on the DAC for the upcoming iteration. During the summer of 2024, Scott and Claire had the opportunity to ride in an autonomous vehicle (AV) through the streets of Washington, D.C. The AV was operated by Waymo, and the ride was part of the company's test-drive project in the District. Then, in November, ACB was approached by Waymo to testify at the D.C. District Council hearing on allowing for more testing and a future deployment of AVs in the area. Bringing AVs to more cities and towns across the country would be a gamechanger in transportation access for people who are blind or have low vision. Access to AVs will help fill the gap for folks who cannot drive or access reliable public transit, and as those of us with guide dogs understand all too well, a vehicle without a human driver cannot deny rides due to the presence of the guide dog. These things can only be realized, however, if vehicle technology is accessible. We must be able to hail the car, get in and out of the car, and control the internal temperature and ambience of the vehicle independently. The vehicles must also be able to interact with the outside environment, including pedestrians and other vehicles, safely. Claire went to the hearing and testified on behalf of ACB. Finally, the advocacy team met with individuals from the U.S. Department of State to advise on a project that the Department was engaging in to make the online passport renewal process accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. Work on this project is ongoing, but the next steps include testing the app with local ACB members and staff to evaluate its accessibility and our ability to independently and privately renew our passports. Collaboration is ongoing, and hopefully will result in a more accessible online passport renewal process for blind and low vision travelers. We will continue our advocacy work in 2025 and look forward to seeing many of our members for the D.C. Leadership Conference and Legislative Seminar from March 14th to the 18th in Arlington, VA. Learn more by reading Claire's article on the DCLC. ***** ** Thank You from the Auction Committee Wow! The auction committee would like to thank everyone for participating in the 13th annual ACB Media Holiday Auction and making it such a big success. We appreciate everyone's support in donating items, whether it was homemade delicious food items, original crafts, jewelry, the latest technology, or beautiful quilts, or donating towards shipping. Stay tuned for the annual summer auction information, which will be in a future issue of the Forum. -- Leslie Spoone ***** ** Touring Texas by Janet Dickelman Now that the holidays are over and winter is in full swing, it is time to think about all the excitement the 2025 American Council of the Blind conference and convention has in store for you. Convention dates are Friday, July 4 through Friday, July 11. Get ready to shop the exhibit hall (open Sunday through Wednesday), for the latest and greatest in technology and items for home, work and play! Our opening general session will be on Saturday, July 5th, with morning sessions Monday through Wednesday and all day Thursday, culminating in our banquet Thursday evening. ACB affiliates and committees are beginning to plan their programs, seminars and mixers. Visiting local attractions is always very popular during the convention. This year we have a great variety of fun, educational, inspirational and thrilling tours. Please keep in mind that due to unforeseen circumstances, dates and tour venues may be changed or added. * Friday, July 4: Wine and the Lake Pur Noire Wines Enjoy a guided tasting of six different wines. Learn about how the wines are made and the story of the Pur Noire Brand. There will be time for additional sipping if you'd like to purchase additional glasses. Buy wine to enjoy during the rest of the convention, or if you live in a state where wine can be shipped, have wine sent home. Lake Cruise Enjoy dinner while cruising Lake Ray Hubbard. Sit indoors or on the deck, purchase a cool drink from the cash bar, and enjoy a sumptuous dinner and perhaps fireworks over the lake. * Saturday, July 5: Hot Air Balloon Adventure Float above the Texas countryside as the sun rises over Texas! When the burner for the balloon is off, it is so quiet you can hear dogs barking and people talking below! This tour is subject to weather, although we were told that in July in Dallas there is almost never a cancellation. Guide dogs CANNOT accompany you in the balloon. After registering for this tour, someone will contact you for some personal information to ensure all balloons are safely balanced for take-off. City Bus Tours I and II: Ride in comfort while traveling the city of Dallas, learning about its history and unique areas. * Sunday, July 6 Sports Day Here is your chance to visit AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, and Globe Life Stadium, where the Texas Rangers play! Even if you aren't a fan, AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Stadium are fabulous venues well worth seeing. Visit the locker rooms of the team and the cheerleaders. Get a sneak peek into what it would be like to watch a game from a luxury suite. Visit the press box where so many great interviews have taken place. Learn about the history of both stadiums and teams and the big games that have been played there. Find out about the retractable roofs on both stadiums. There are tribute walls for your favorite players. Between stadiums, we'll have lunch at a local restaurant. Of course there will be time for shopping at both stadium gift shops! City Bus Tours III and IV * Weekday Tours We know we will hold the following tours, but are still working on the dates. 1. The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum This tour will include a customized hands-on, white glove experience with artifacts from the museum classroom. Touch a steel girder from the World Trade Center and feel how misshapen it is. Pretend you are the president while in the replica of the Oval Office. Learn about the Bush family's time in the White House, and what they have done in the years since. The museum has a fabulous gift shop! 2. Bridge Walk The Trinity Skyline Trail at Ronald Kirk Bridge and Felix H. Lozada, Sr. Gateway is a 1.5-mile pedestrian bridge. Join the Get Up and Get Moving committee by strolling or running along the bridge. There are benches along the bridge for resting. Please note that the return bus will pick you up at the starting point, so plan your walking experience accordingly. 3. Museum of Biblical Art This is an overwhelming experience. Touch the statue of the Pieta where Mary is holding Jesus' body, put your finger in a ring made by someone in Auschwitz, feel a mirrored fabric from a concentration camp. Many statues and other artifacts depicting biblical scenes such as Moses descending Mount Horeb, and the Pieta. 4. Amon Carter Museum of American Art This museum has worked very hard to produce tactile 3D renderings of many of their paintings and sculptures. In small groups you will visit stations throughout the museum and feel the exhibits! 5. Museum of African Art Immerse yourself in exhibits of African folk art, the sports hall of fame, black educators and so much more. We'll be able to wear white gloves and touch many pieces that are normally behind glass. 6. Envision Dallas This amazing center has something for everyone. From the classrooms for birth through five-year-old children, a manufacturing area, a technology center, and a store! 7. Rocky Mountain Chocolates This candy store is known for their caramel apples. Your tour cost will include an apple that you can customize with various toppings. Learn about how to make taffy apples, and buy everything from fudge to peanut brittle! Also enjoy lunch at Island Bros Hawaiian Grill. 8. Food tour Visit three or four restaurants for a taste of local cuisine. 9. Sixth Floor Museum Meet with the Curator for a private presentation in the auditorium, including a screening of an oral history clip compilation. In the museum, the curator will provide the group with an overview of the early 1960s, the corner window, and the subsequent investigations, including the area where the rifle was found. Finally, you will have a chance to visit the gift shop. * Final Friday, July 11 End convention week at Circle R Ranch. Feast on a chuck wagon buffet featuring brisket, sausage, mac and cheese, baked beans, homemade rolls and white chocolate bread pudding. Belly up to the bar and purchase a drink, learn how to line dance, take a ride on a wagon pulled by a trac-tor, sit by the bonfire and enjoy s'mores! Please note there will be another tour during the day, to be determined. * Staying in Touch The convention announce list will be filled with information. To subscribe to the list, send a blank e-mail to acbconvention+subscribe@acblists.org. If you received updates for the 2023 convention, you do not need to re-subscribe. * Hotel Details Room rates at the Hyatt are $99 per night plus tax. Reservation information will be posted when it becomes available. For any convention-related questions, please contact Janet Dickelman, convention chair, (651) 428-5059 or via e-mail, janet.dickelman@gmail.com. ***** ** Take the Next Step in ACB by Zelda Gebhard Be bold as you take the next step in ACB leadership. Become a member of the Durward K. McDaniel (DKM) First-Timers Class of 2025. Take a positive step in your leadership journey as you learn and connect with others during the 64th annual ACB Conference and Convention from Friday, July 4 through Friday, July 11 in Dallas, Texas. Experience personal growth by participating in the many convention activities. As a DKM First-Timer, you will have the opportunity to connect with previous DKM recipients and other leaders in ACB. To be eligible for consideration, you must have never attended an in-person ACB Conference and Convention either as a member or non-member. You must be age 18 or older, blind or visually impaired, a current ACB member, a member for at least two consecutive years of an ACB state or special-interest affiliate, or an ACB member at large serving on an ACB committee. If you meet the above requirements, you are ready to complete the online application form. A recommendation form must also be completed online on your behalf by the president of your referenced qualifying ACB state or special-interest affiliate, or if you are an ACB member at large, by the chair of the ACB committee on which you serve. Both the application and recommendation forms must be received by the deadline of April 1, 2025. The next step includes a 30-minute interview with a team from the DKM Committee in mid-April. ACB provides recipients round-trip air travel and supporting transportation, hotel accommodations (double occupancy), per diem allowance for meals and incidentals, reception, banquet tickets, the general convention registration fee, and other activities determined by the committee. Funding for tours and other optional activities is not included. If chosen, you must arrange for all necessary accommodations that allow for your attendance and full participation in the entire week of in-person convention, including attendance at all general sessions and active participation in other predetermined events as well. Selection by the DKM Committee will occur in late April following the review of the application and recommendation forms and interviews. You will be notified shortly thereafter. The process will conclude with two recipients being selected as DKM First-Timers -- one from east and one from west of the Mississippi River. The DKM Committee reserves the right to recognize two recipients from the east or west if there are no qualified applicants from one of the specified areas. All questions should be sent to DKM Committee Chair Zelda Gebhard at zgeb@drtel.net or (701) 709-0262. We encourage you to take your next step in ACB and apply to become a DKM First-Timer. ***** ** Call for Nominees for 2025 ACB Awards The Awards Committee is searching for nominees who you feel are deserving of national recognition for their work in ACB or the blindness community. Awards will be presented at the 2025 conference and convention in Dallas, Texas. All nomination letters must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on April 1st, 2025. Letters received after that date will not be accepted. We ask that letters be limited to no more than 750 words. Please be sure to email your nomination letters to acbawards1@gmail.com. Important: The reach of the candidate's work MUST be national, not just local. Once the committee has received your nomination letters, we will review and judge the entries submitted against the criteria. * All About the Awards The Durward K. McDaniel Ambassador Award is given in recognition of a blind person who may or may not be a member of a blindness organization but who has, through his or her personal characteristics and activities, unrelated to his/her employment, contributed most to the acceptance and understanding of blind people as capable, contributing members of the community. Originally called the Ambassador Award, this award was first given in 1963. The first recipient was Jearldine Noeller. More recent recipients include Durward K. McDaniel (1983), Roger Petersen (1999), Ed Walker (2003), Dr. W. Aubrey Webson (2017), Allan Peterson (2021), Janet Dickelman (2022), Carla Ruschival (2023), and Michael Garrett (2024). The George Card Award is given to an individual who has dedicated his or her life to work with and for people who are blind, making a real difference and improving quality of life, for providing leadership and being a positive role model. George Card was the first recipient of this award in 1968. Card's leadership roles included that of executive secretary of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind, member of the ACB Board of Directors, and delegate to the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind. More recent recipients include Eugene Lozano (1993), Charles Crawford (1998), Abraham Nemeth (2002), Camille Caffarelli (2020), Sandra Troiano (2023), and Mitch Pomerantz (2024). The James R. Olsen Distinguished Service Award is periodically given to individuals who have made important contributions which have advanced opportunities for the blind community. This award can be given to an individual or an organization. This award was originally named the Distinguished Service Award. It was renamed for James R. "Jim" Olsen, ACB's former treasurer and long-time CFO, following his passing in 2005. Previous winners include: Kathy Megivern (1997), Shirley Keller of Creative Adaptations for Learning (2001), Jim Olsen (2005), Leroy Johnson (2007), Kim Crowell and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (2021), JPMorgan Chase (2023), and the Hull Foundation and Learning Center (2024). The Robert S. Bray Award is given to a person who has made a contribution toward improving library technology or communication devices. It could also be given for expanding access for all blind people, or for making opportunities within the mainstream media. This award was named for Robert S. Bray, who was chief of the Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress -- now known as the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. The first recipient was Charles La Casce (1977). Other recipients include James Chandler (1983), Stephen Dwornik (1994), Jim Stovall (1995), Jim Fruchterman (2002), Karen Keninger (2020), Brian Hartgen (2023), and Jonathan Mosen (2024). The Margarine G. Beaman Volunteer Award honors individuals who have given tirelessly of their efforts, resources, expertise or time toward improving the quality of life in the blindness community. The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nominations are based must reflect ACB's vision and mission. This award may be given to a deserving individual or organization. The award was named for Margarine Beaman, who was the convention's volunteer coordinator. It was first given in 2016 to Margarine Beaman. Other winners include Sally Benjamin (2017), Patti Cox (2019), Michael Smitherman (2020), Rhonda Trott (2022), Sheila Young (2023), and Leslie Spoone (2024). The Affiliate Outreach Award is based on a recommendation by an affiliate president, which recognizes a local chapter for a new outreach program. This program must have a measurable outcome. The Affiliate Outreach Award was first presented in 2000 to the Council of Citizens with Low Vision International. Other previous winners include the Middle Tennessee Council of the Blind (2009), ACB of Ohio-Columbus Chapter (2015), and Friends ‘n Focus-Medina (Ohio) chapter (2021). The Affiliate Growth Awards are based on the greatest increase in membership, as determined by the 2024-2025 membership reports. One award is given for the greatest percentage of growth, and another is presented to the affiliate with the largest number of new members. The 2024 winner in both categories is Blind Information Technology Specialists. * Deadlines and Questions Nominations open on January 1st, and close on April 1st, 2025. Submit your nominations as soon as possible; late submissions will not be considered. That email address is acbawards1@gmail.com. If you have any questions, contact Carrie Muth at (541) 269-1993, or Koni Sims at (605) 941-9512. ***** ** ACB's Board of Publications Seeks to Award Excellence in Writing, Media The ACB Board of Publications proudly recognizes excellence each year with three annual writing awards. We are seeking nominations for the Ned E. Freeman Excellence in Writing Award, the Vernon Henley Media Award, and the Hollis Liggett Braille Free Press Award. The Ned E. Freeman Excellence in Writing Award was instituted in 1970, and will be awarded based on the following criteria: - An article must have been published between April of 2024 and March of 2025. - All articles published in "The ACB Braille Forum" in all forms and formats are automatically eligible for consideration. Individual articles published by any ACB affiliate in its official publication may also be nominated by the affiliate's president or editor. Articles which have not appeared in "The ACB Braille Forum" in all forms and formats may be submitted in any format. - The article must demonstrate excellence in writing, novelty of approach and/or originality of the subject matter. - The author of the winning article will receive a plaque and a $100 prize at the annual ACB conference and convention. The Vernon Henley Media Award is conferred based on the following criteria: - The Vernon Henley Media Award is intended to be a vehicle for publicizing ACB throughout the general media and to encourage excellence and accuracy in electronic and print coverage of items relating to blindness. - This award may be presented to an organization, company, or individual, either sighted or blind, who has made a positive difference in the press, whether in radio, television, electronic media, magazines, or daily newspapers, during the period encompassed by April of 2024 through March of 2025, by portraying the capabilities of people who are blind in a positive light, rather than focusing on outdated stereotypes and misconceptions. - Programs and/or articles written and produced specifically for a visually impaired audience, as well as those intended for the general public, are also eligible. - A variety of media are eligible for nomination for the Vernon Henley Media Award. Examples may include: television or radio programs; commercials or public service announcements; videos; articles from magazines, newspapers, newsletters, posters, or any other new or emerging media sources. Submissions such as books or recurring columns or blogs from the same person should include a synopsis and no more than three sample chapters for books and no more than three samples of the recurring columns or blogs nominated. Submissions should be accompanied by a letter of nomination as well as the sample copy of the item being nominated. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. - The BOP chairperson will annually send a letter to affiliate presidents, newsletter editors and other media markets encouraging nominations for the Vernon Henley Media Award. - A plaque will be presented to the Vernon Henley Media Award recipient at the annual ACB conference and convention. The Hollis Liggett Braille Free Press Award will be presented based on the following criteria: The Hollis Liggett Braille Free Press Award is intended to promote best journalistic practices and excellence in writing in publications of ACB's state and special-interest affiliates. All periodicals of ACB affiliates, distributed no less than semi-annually, are eligible. Nominations must be submitted by the affiliate's newsletter editor or president. Submissions must include the following: 1. Two issues of the affiliate's publication from the previous calendar year sent electronically and in hard copy in the format which the affiliate recognizes as the format which best represents its readership. 2. Answers to the following questions: a) How many members are in your affiliate? b) How often is your publication published per year? c) In what formats is your publication produced? Members of the BOP directly involved in the editorial process of any submitted publication will excuse themselves from judging/scoring that particular publication. Criteria for judging submissions will include: a) The number of contributing writers in a single issue; b) The variety of information presented in each issue; c) How well the publication portrays the affiliate; d) The quality of writing throughout the publication; e) The overall layout and presentation of the publication. A plaque will be presented to the Hollis Liggett Braille Free Press Award recipient at the convention. And now the fine print: - All nominations must be submitted to the ACB Braille Forum Editor, Sharon Lovering, with a postmark of no later than April 1, 2025. You may also submit your nomination electronically to slovering@acb.org. All submissions should be accompanied by a cover letter providing details about the nominee, including name, address, telephone number and email address of the nominee, if known, and details about the submission, its origin, and any other pertinent information. The return address of the person making the nomination should be included in the cover letter. - Members of the board of publications, board of directors, and staff and contractors of the ACB are prohibited from participating. - Any individual or affiliate who has won a BOP award since 2021 is ineligible to receive the same award prior to Jan. 1, 2026. ***** ** Announcing the 2024 Audio Description Awards Gala Recipients The 2024 Audio Description Awards Gala was held November 14 and featured celebrity guests, film clips, and multiple award categories. Created in 2021 to recognize achievement in audio description in entertainment and educational media, the Awards Gala was broadcast with captions, audio description, ASL interpretation, and Spanish dubbing and AD. Hosts Marilee Talkington and Alie B. Gorrie welcomed guests from the arts, entertainment, and sports worlds to celebrate accessible media. Awards were presented to: - Joel Snyder, PhD - AD Visionary - Vimeo - Innovation - Sony Interactive Entertainment and Insomniac Games -- Gaming - Fred Rogers Productions -- Education - Paramount Global -- Popular Entertainment - Microsoft -- Advertising and Promotion - NBCUniversal -- Live Events - Plaza Sesamo -- Spanish Media (USA) - SkyUK -- International - Prospector Theater -- Total Access - All the Light We Cannot See (Netflix/IDC) -- People's Choice Award (Series) - Dune 2 (Warner Bros. Discovery/Deluxe U.S.) -- People's Choice Award (Film) The English AD was written by Joel Snyder (Audio Description Associates, LLC) and performed by Steve Saylor. The Spanish AD and Spanish dubbing was created by Dicapta, with a Spanish AD script written by Andrea Gimenez and performed by José Miguel Derisán. Captions were provided by VITAC and ASL interpretation by Bridge Multimedia. The Awards Gala is available on multiple platforms: - ACB's YouTube channel - ADAwardsGala.org - ACB Media - Peacock, courtesy NBCUniversal (through December 31, 2024; subscription required) Visit ADAwardsGala.org for more information. ***** ** Announcing the Call for Nominations for the 2025 ADP Awards When something is good, we tell our friends. When something is great, we tell the world. It's time to nominate the best audio description you've encountered for an ADP Award so we can tell the world what great AD sounds like. The ADP Awards are sponsored by the ACB's Audio Description Project to recognize achievement in audio description in seven categories, including media, performing arts, museums, the public sector, and research and development. Nominations will be accepted from January 6 to April 7, 2025, and the winners will be announced in July at the American Council of the Blind's conference and convention. * Who Can Submit a Nomination? Everyone! You are welcome to nominate yourself, your local theatre or museum, or a well-known institution. Complete and submit the nomination form (https://forms.gle/G8Wxwuf4kKzrP6Ds7) today. * Who Is Eligible for an Award? Any person, organization, or institution that fits in one of the categories below and is involved in the research, development, production, design, creation, and/or delivery of great audio description is eligible. * What Are the Criteria? The most important criterion is that the person or organization consistently develops, creates, and/or makes available excellent audio description. We encourage you to address the quality of the AD and other accessibility elements in your nomination. - The AD script -- clear, concise, and vivid word choices that describe crucial visual elements without offering opinions, explanations, or interpretations - The AD voicing -- narration that enhances the experience by using a tone and energy level appropriate to the content - The AD sound -- a smooth balance of dialogue, background noise, musical soundtrack, and audio description - Total access -- how easy is it to access the audio description? Is the website and/or physical spaces accessible? - Inclusion -- to what extent are people on the blindness spectrum involved in the creation of audio description, as writers, editors, sound engineers, or testers? * What Are the Award Categories? There are seven categories. The same individual or organization may not be nominated in multiple categories. - Media - Performing Arts - Museums, Visual Art, Visitor Centers - Public Sector (government agencies -- federal, state, or local) - International (people and organizations working primarily outside the U.S.) - Dr. Margaret Pfanstiehl Memorial Award for Audio Description Research and Development - Barry Levine Memorial Award for Career Achievement in Audio Description * Submit Your Nomination! Help us celebrate the people and organizations that are contributing significantly to the growth of high-quality audio description. Submit your nomination online at https://forms.gle/G8Wxwuf4kKzrP6Ds7 by April 7, 2025. ***** ** November 2, 2024 Board Summary by Katie Frederick The November 2 meeting of the ACB Board featured a packed agenda, highlighting key updates, future plans, and important policy decisions. Listen to the podcast of the meeting at: https://acb-business.pinecast.co/episode/d96bd607/20241102-2024-acb-fall-board-of-directors-meeting. Routine matters, including roll call, approval of August 20 minutes, and approval of the consent agenda were swiftly handled. * Convention Survey Rick Morin discussed feedback from the 2024 convention, touching on concerns about the length, the need for affiliate roll call and voting, and tour logistics. The Voting Task Force will address voting issues and convention length. Plans for the 2025 Dallas convention include a range of tours and improvements. * Future Conventions The committee is evaluating future sites, factoring in costs, safety, and accessibility. Increased in-person attendance post-COVID is notable. Potential venues and dates in later July are under review for 2026 and moving forward. * Staff Reports Advocacy: Claire Stanley shared updates on 2025 imperatives, coalition efforts, and a TSA pilot program for guide dogs. Partnerships with external organizations are being formed to enhance advocacy. Resource Development: Team members Dan Spoone, Jo Lynn Bailey-Page, and Kolby Garrison reported $324,000 in corporate sponsorships and various successful fundraising initiatives, including the ACB Strong program and convention sponsorships. Community: Cindy Hollis noted that ACB's Community-a-thon raised over $20,000. Efforts are under way to support the growing community and outreach to rehab agencies. Rick Morin and ACB Media: The ADP site upgrade to Drupal 10 is nearing completion, with new features and improved navigation. Upgrades to ACB.org and the Mini Mall site are also in progress. Community volunteers and grants continue to support ACB Media. * Executive Director's Report Scott Thornhill is focusing on increasing planned giving, updating the website, engaging with mainstream publications, and improving internal communications and processes. He explained new key partnerships will benefit ACB and provide accessibility feedback to organizations. * President's Report Kim Charlson is leading efforts to update the affiliate and national expectations document. More information will be shared at the Leadership Conference. President Cook Lewis is working with ACB staff to implement a member communication process. Committee restructuring is moving forward. Nearly all ACB committee meetings now take place on ACB Zoom accounts. Leadership Conference dates are set for March 14-18, with tours and training planned. * CFO Report Nancy Marks-Becker reported she's working on ongoing improvements to AMMS (ACB's national membership management system). Per the request of the scholarship committee, application enhancements are in place for the 2025 application, which will go live the first week of November. Nancy is also working on making policies more accessible -- placing them on the ACB website. * Financial Summary Treasurer Michael Garrett emphasized the board's role in increasing revenue. The board approved a $90,200 withdrawal from the Legacy Endowment for 2025. * Elections David Trott, Michael Garrett, and Kim Charlson were elected to the ACBES board. Ray Campbell and Denise Colley are the officers; Kenneth Semien Sr. and Rachel Schroeder will serve as board members on the board's executive committee. * Committee and Liaison Updates Koni Sims attended an International Building Code hearing in southern California, making sure the needs of blind and low-vision individuals were addressed as part of the working group. Various committee updates were shared. * Policy Updates The board passed revisions to the DKM Policy, aiming to streamline processes and improve clarity. An ACB Media Policy was introduced, ensuring that any live programming meets the same standards as affiliate or business content. * Lyft/Uber Rally Kim Charlson reported on the successful Lyft/Uber rally, highlighting positive interactions and support. Kim shared a letter from NFB President Mark Riccobono to Uber about self-identification and will work with Chris Bell and others to draft a similar letter for ACB. President Cook Lewis appointed Claire, Kim, Chris, and Rachel to work on this initiative. The meeting was adjourned following these comprehensive updates and engaging discussions. ***** ** What Is an Area Agency on Aging and What Do They Offer? by Larry Johnson The Older Americans Act (OAA) authorizes the provision of services to support the independence, health, and well-being of eligible people 60 years of age and older, and the OAA is the principal funding source for local Area Agencies on Aging. Area Agencies on Aging (AAA's) provide services to help people age 60 and older, their family members and caregivers. Services are targeted to those with greatest economic and social need. Particular attention is paid to people with low incomes, older people who belong to minority groups and older people residing in rural areas. The programs and services offered by local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) can vary greatly from community to community, but highlighted in this document are some of the more common ones. If you are interested in any of these, contact your local Area Agency on Aging for more information. * Health and Wellness Evidence-based programs are available for individuals 60 years of age and older, to enhance independence, quality of life, and overall health. All classes are free of charge. Many AAA programs and services are carried out by volunteers trained and supervised by AAA staff. If you are interested in facilitating an evidence-based program as a volunteer, ask about the free training opportunities. * Benefits Counseling AAA's can offer one-on-one benefits counseling to individuals 60 years of age and older. Direct services include: Benefits Enrollment Center - Educates older adults and persons with disabilities about available benefits - Determines eligibility for multiple federal, state and private benefit programs - Assists with completing and submitting applications, and compiling necessary documents Benefits Counseling on: - Medicare benefits - Medicaid - Long-term care insurance - Low Income Subsidy (Extra Help) - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Legal Assistance - Wills - Power of attorney - Probate - Advanced directives - Divorce - TODD -- Transfer on Death Deed - Adoptions, and custody for children being raised by a relative over the age of 55 - Adult guardianship - Qualified income trust for the purpose of Medicaid eligibility * Weatherization Assistance Program If available in your area, this program provides energy conservation measures to low-income households to help reduce energy costs. The AAA Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is funded by the state's Department of Housing and Community Affairs and the United States Department of Energy. The program is designed to help low-income people overcome the high cost of energy through the installation of weatherization or energy conservation measures -- at no cost. Who is eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program? A household that meets income eligibility requirements may be eligible for weatherization services. What type of weatherization assistance is provided? Weatherization assistance may include the following: - Attic, wall, and/or floor insulation - Weather-stripping and caulking - Window glass pane repair - Replacement of gas water heaters, space heaters, HVAC, or window air conditioning units that are operating inefficiently. How does the Weatherization Assistance Program work? The program consists of four steps: 1. An application to determine income eligibility. 2. An energy audit of the home by a professional inspector. 3. Installation of weatherization measures. 4. A final inspection to assure work quality completeness and client satisfaction. An applicant may qualify for the WAP program, but the home may still be disqualified if the home has: - Poor electrical wiring - Foundation problems - Roof leaks - Plumbing problems Are renters eligible for services? Yes. The owner of the home is required to sign a document allowing the AAA to weatherize the home. Check with your local AAA to find out if the program is offered in your area and if you are qualified to receive the service. * Caregiver Program The National Family Caregiver Support Program exists through the Older Americans Act -- to serve unpaid, primary caregivers who care for a loved one 60 years of age and older, or a loved one of any age with Alzheimer's or other related dementias. The Caregiver Program provides various direct services, resources and referrals that can include, but are not limited to: - Information for caregivers about available services - Assistance to gain access to available services - Individual counseling, caregiver education and training - Respite care and other in-home services This program also includes some limited services for grandparents, or other relatives 55 years of age and older, raising children 18 years of age and younger. Learn more about these services by contacting your local Area Agency on Aging. * Nutrition Program This program provides a nutritionally balanced noontime meal, delivered to an individual 60 years and older who is assessed to be home-bound. A home visit to determine eligibility must be conducted by the area nutrition provider contracted by the Area Agency on Aging, such as Meals On Wheels. Home Delivered Meals provide an opportunity for a home-bound individual to have face-to-face contact with a caring individual, such as the delivery driver, who can also provide a valuable assessment of the individual's health and well-being. A congregate meal is a nutritionally balanced meal that is served in a specific location, such as a senior or community center near home. Congregate meal service is provided to adults 60 years and older, who are mobile. The setting allows older adults to meet and socialize with others and participate in scheduled activities prior to the meal. In order to qualify for the program, individuals must be at least 60 years old, and must complete an enrollment form. * Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Here is an opportunity for some who may want to volunteer. Residents who live in nursing homes and assisted living facilities often need an advocate to ensure that their rights, health and well-being are protected. As a volunteer ombudsman, you will receive the training and opportunity to learn how to become a resident-directed advocate on behalf of those individuals. Long-Term Care Ombudsmen investigate concerns, report findings and help achieve resolutions. You would help to educate residents in Resident Rights, provide information and assistance about selecting a long-term care facility and how they operate, and work cooperatively to recommend regulatory and legislative changes that affect older Americans. With most AAA's the training program is entirely virtual. Classes are typically two hours in length and are held two nights a week and run for 8 weeks. Upon successful completion of the training program, you will be certified as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman in your state. After certification, and having attended both accompanied and unaccompanied visits with a staff ombudsman, you will have the opportunity to become the Volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman for your preference of a nursing home or assisted living facility in your area. Long-Term Care Ombudsmen volunteers are asked to visit at least twice per month and submit (electronically) a monthly activity report detailing their visit and findings. Because the AAA staff is investing time in the training, they do ask for a commitment of one year. This is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate to the sighted world that even though we may be blind or have low vision, we are still able and eager to be useful to our community as a volunteer. * Fall Prevention Program Most Area Agencies on Aging -- and many senior centers -- offer classes in fall prevention for persons 60 years of age and older. One such program is called A Matter of Balance. It is a nationally recognized evidence-based certification program developed at the Roybal Center at Boston University. It's a program designed to reduce both the risk and the fear of falling while, at the same time, increasing the activity levels among older adults. Participants learn to view falls and the fear of falling as something they can control. They learn how to change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and they learn to practice a daily exercise regimen which increases their strength and balance. Classes are 8 sessions of two hours each, taught by certified volunteer trainers, and they are free. You can sign up for a class already being scheduled or get a group together at your church, civic center or among your chapter members and the AAA will provide the trainers and training materials. For more information about these and other programs and services which may be offered in your area, call your local Area Agency on Aging. ***** ** Affiliate News * 2025-2026 CCLVI Scheigert Scholarships The Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI), an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, annually awards four scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each to full-time college students. Scholarships are awarded to freshman, undergraduate, and graduate students, all of whom must be low vision, maintain a strong GPA and be involved in school/local community activities. Application materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time February 15, 2025. Scholarship monies will be awarded for the 2025-2026 academic year. To access the guidelines and application, visit http://cclvi.org and click on the Scheigert Scholarship link. Applications will be available to complete and submit online from January 1, 2025 to the February 15 deadline. Questions may be directed to 1-844-460-0625. Incomplete applications will not be considered. We look forward to receiving your application materials. * ACB-Ohio 2025 Post-Secondary Scholarships The American Council of the Blind of Ohio offers several scholarships each academic year. The application and reference forms may be accessed at www.acbohio.org/scholarships. See the included checklist at the end of the cover letter for a full list of requirements. The scholarships are: - $1,000 Friends of Freshman Scholarship: Presented to a blind or low vision entering freshman in any field of study. - $3,000-$5,000 ACB-Ohio Scholarships: Awarded to one or more blind or low vision student in any field of study, or sighted student in a field of study directly benefiting the blind and low vision community. This scholarship is open to students in trade or technical schools, 2- or 4-year undergraduate degree programs, graduate degree programs, or other post-secondary study, such as for continuing education, special certification, or licensure. If the applicant does not have a visual impairment, they should clearly indicate how their course of study will benefit the blind and low vision community. Applicants must: - Be an Ohio resident or attend an Ohio postsecondary school. - Be blind, low vision, or in a field of study directly benefiting the blind and low vision community. - Have a 3.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale Application Process: Following the application deadline (March 31, 2025), the scholarship committee will reach out to you via e-mail to schedule an interview with two committee members. This interview will take place via Zoom or phone call during the second half of April on a mutually agreed upon date and time. Finalists will be notified by May 15. All scholarship recipients will be asked to complete a short audio recording with a scholarship committee member for use during the ACBO state convention. Additional Information: Past scholarship recipients are eligible; however, an application must be completed each year to be considered. Additionally, all scholarship recipients will be given complementary or discounted admission to an ACBO event or an event of one of the five ACBO chapters (located in Cleveland, Medina, Stark County, Columbus, and Cincinnati). Send completed forms to scholarships@acbohio.org with your last name and "Scholarship Application" in the subject field, or send application packet to: ACB-Ohio Scholarships 3805 N. High Street Suite 305 Columbus, OH 43214 Degree of financial need is not the sole determinant in the selection process. Completed applications must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2025, if mailed, or no later than 11:59 p.m. on that date if e-mailed. * Join or Renew, Get the Chance to Win $50! For 2025, AAVL will draw three prizes of $50 each. Any returning member or new member who joins and pays dues by February 1, 2025 will be in the drawing. If you win, you have your choice of a personal prize. We call it "Pick a Personalized Prize." If you win, the AAVL Treasurer will work with you to get the prize you want worth $50. Here's how to get in on the action: - Everything can be done on our website on the membership page. Visit https://www.aavl-blind-seniors.org/membership. - You can call treasurer Kathy Gerhardt at (304) 283-7424 and she will be happy to help with your membership and dues. If you don't get an answer, she'll call you back. - You can send a check or money order payable to AAVL to Kathy Gerhardt, 2456 Edgewater Dr., Poland, OH 44514. - We now have Zelle! If you also are signed up, you can send dues through Zelle to Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, email treasurer@aavl-blind-seniors.org, phone number (304) 283-7424. - California residents should contact CAAVL Treasurer Denise Weddle at deaniew21@verizon.net or (310) 306-8149 and Georgia residents should contact GACBAAVL Treasurer Betsy Grenevitch at blindangel61@gmail.com or (678) 862-3876 to register for membership and pay dues. Through the generous donation of one current AAVL member, we have one dues scholarship of $15 available. If you know someone who wants to join but could use a little help, let AAVL know privately or let them know and I will get them signed up and in the drawing. First come, first served. Dues are generally $15 for the calendar year but are reduced if you are an ACB life member, an AAVL life member, or belong to a state affiliate of AAVL. We also have AAVL Life Memberships for $200. Thank you for considering joining AAVL. You only have to be 18 or older to join! To all members who have already joined and paid 2025 dues, thank you again. ***** ** Here and There 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 Braille Forum" cannot be held responsible for the reliability of the products and services mentioned. To submit items for this column, send a message to slovering@acb.org, 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. * National Braille Press Announces New Trustees National Braille Press (NBP) has three new trustees and a returning trustee. The new trustees are Mark Blocker, a partner at Sidley Austin; Katie Carvalho, an actuary at Liberty Mutual; and Jamie Crane, a blind advocate with notable experience at the Colorado Center for the Blind and Google. Returning is David Kennedy, a senior leader at Columbia Threadneedle Investments U.S. * Changes for I Love Braille If you enjoy the I Love Braille events sponsored by the East Bay Center for the Blind, please make a note of these changes. Join I Love Braille: Time: Thursdays, 12pm ET, 9am PT Zoom Link: https://acb-org.zoom.us/j/85372703181?pwd=RPKxZFbc1l6Y0jl2YGs18MajwereIz.1 One tap mobile: +13126266799,,85372703181#,,,,*123456# Phone: +13126266799 Meeting ID: 853 7270 3181 Passcode: 1961 For archives of the I Love Braille sessions, visit https://www.eastbaycenterfortheblind.org/i-love-braille-podcast/. To get to the archives of the I Learn Braille sessions, go to https://www.eastbaycenterfortheblind.org/i-learn-braille/. * A Video Magnifier for Your iPhone Eschenbach Optik of America, Inc. recently introduced Optaro®, the first video magnifier specifically made for a smartphone. This revolutionary new product easily attaches to an iPhone and turns two devices -- a video magnifier and a phone -- into one. By downloading the free Optaro app, the Optaro camera module communicates with an iPhone, turning the phone into a video magnifier (up to 15x magnification). The LED illumination can be adjusted or turned off, ensuring a glare-free image. There are 14 color mode options. There is also an adjustable reading line, a read aloud function, and a customizable menu. Learn more at www.eschenbach.com/optaro/. * Real-Time Descriptions of Surroundings A world of color and texture could soon become more accessible to people who are blind or have low vision through new software that narrates what a camera records. The tool, called WorldScribe, was designed by University of Michigan researchers and was presented at the ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology in Pittsburgh in October. The tool uses generative AI (GenAI) language models to interpret the camera images and produce text and audio descriptions in real time to help users become aware of their surroundings more quickly. It can adjust the level of detail based on the user's commands or the length of time that an object is in the camera frame, and the volume automatically adapts to noisy environments like crowded rooms, busy streets and loud music. For more information, visit https://worldscribe.org/. ***** ** High Tech Swap Shop * For Sale: Braille Note Touch+ purchased May 2019, like new. Asking $2,598. Cable reinforced with electrical tape near USB-C end, but fully functional. An extra case for Touch+. Asking $18; includes carry strap. Braille Note Apex. Asking $100. Flash memory somewhat flaky due to age, but otherwise functional. Spanish module also installed. Contact Jamey Cook via email, jamey.cook@gmail.com. * For Sale: HumanWare Macinno Vision Smartview CCTV in working condition. Asking $100 or best offer. This offer is good for local buyers (East Bay/Berkeley, Calif.) who are able to arrange for pickup in person. Shipping is not an option. For more information, please call (510) 244-7755 or email shahvileen@gmail.com. * Looking For: Looking for a braille display that has Bluetooth, that you can hook up to your smartphone. Contact Tonya Smith at (734) 586-0433. * Looking For: Tape tutorials for old access technology, particularly tutorial tapes for ‘90s-era access technology, such as JAWS for Windows 3.2 or earlier, Window-Eyes prior to 4.2, Vocal-Eyes, etc. If you have any of the above or similar, please send an email to ameer.armaly@gmail.com. ***** ** ACB Officers * President Deb Cook Lewis (1st term, 2025) 1131 Liberty Dr. Clarkston, WA 99403 * First Vice President David Trott (1st term, 2025) 1018 East St. S. Talladega, AL 35160 * Second Vice President Ray Campbell (1st term, 2025) 216 Prestwick Rd. Springfield, IL 62702-3330 * Secretary Denise Colley (final term, 2025) 26131 Travis Brook Dr. Richmond, TX 77406-3990 * Treasurer Michael Garrett (1st term, 2025) 7806 Chaseway Dr. Missouri City, TX 77489-2333 * Immediate Past President Kim Charlson 57 Grandview Ave. Watertown, MA 02472 ** ACB Board of Directors Christopher Bell, Pittsboro, NC (2nd term, 2028) Donna Brown, Romney, WV (2nd term, 2028) Peter Heide, Baraboo, WI (1st term, 2028) Gabriel Lopez Kafati, Miami Lakes, FL (1st term, 2026) Cecily Laney Nipper, Covington, GA (1st term, 2028) Terry Pacheco, Silver Spring, MD (1st term, 2026) Rachel Schroeder, Springfield, IL (1st term, 2026) Kenneth Semien Sr., Beaumont, TX (2nd term, 2028) Koni Sims, Sioux Falls, SD (1st term, 2026) Jeff Thom, Sacramento, CA (2nd term, 2026) ** ACB Board of Publications Katie Frederick, Chair, Worthington, OH (1st term, 2026) Jeff Bishop, Tucson, AZ (1st term, 2026) Belinda Collins, Saint Pauls, NC (1st term, 2026) Cheryl Cumings, Seattle, WA (2nd term, 2025) Zelda Gebhard, Edgeley, ND (3rd term, 2026) ***** ** Accessing Your ACB Braille Forums The ACB Braille Forum is available by mail in braille, large print, NLS-style digital cartridge, and via email. To subscribe to the email version, contact Sharon Lovering, slovering@acb.org. It is also available on ACB's web page, and on ACB Media, channel 10. Subscribe to the podcast versions from your 2nd generation Victor Reader Stream or from https://pinecast.com/feed/acb-braille-forum-and-e-forum. ###