All times listed are in Eastern.
Sunday, December 29
9 am: ACB Presents The Daily Schedule
Join your Community Morning Crew for the question of the day; reading of the daily schedule; and sharing time.
11 am: The Breakfast Bunch
Join Tom and the gang for an hour of free-flowing conversation.
12 pm: Spiritual Sanctuary
Come one, come all to a place where we can relax and discuss all things spiritual with an open mind and acceptance. All faiths are welcome.
2 pm: Crafty Book Club
Join Holly to discuss books from a variety of fiction genres with connections to crafting.
Sponsored by ACB Crafters, making crafting accessible
3 pm: Ask the Pastor
Ask Pastor Bill your questions about the Bible or the Christian life. A teaching will be followed by your questions. Prayer requests can then be shared if desired. This event is open to anyone regardless of their denomination.
4 pm: St Lucy's Guide
We will be discussing C.S. Lewis and the virtue of faith.
5 pm: GDUI Blessing of the Animals
Please join us as we offer a general blessing for all current and future guides and honor by name those who have retired within the past two years. We will also feature our much-loved "Audible Candlelight" memorial, calling out the names of those guides who have passed on into Glory.
- Newbies (teams newly matched within the past two years)
- Retired guides
- Guides in Glory (who have crossed over "Rainbow Bridge")
- As well as those who have made a significant contribution to the Guide Dog Community.
Sponsored by Guide Dog Users of America
5 pm: Let's Encourage Each Other with Scripture
Encourage with the word, scripture, and maybe a prayer.
6 pm: Braille Room
Join fellow braille learners and enthusiasts to study the code; practice skills; and troubleshoot problems in break out rooms.
Note: This event is using breakouts. Everyone must identify themselves to participate.
Subscribe to Braille Together email group
Monday, December 30
9 am: ACB Presents The Daily Schedule
Join your Community Morning Crew for the question of the day; reading of the daily schedule; and sharing time.
10 am: A Message of Love
Join DJ for a word of motivation, inspiration, edification, and encouragement for the soul.
11 am: Manic Monday
Join Judy with your favorite morning beverage to get ready for the week ahead.
11 am: Scriptural Rosary
During the Christmas season, pray the Joyful Mysteries with Mary Haupt and her prayer partners.
2 pm: JC's Community Corner - 2024 Recap
As we near the end of 2024, what have been some of your favorite highlights or topics discussed throughout this year? And more importantly, what would you like to see in 2025? Join JC and your community friends as we share.
3 pm: The Jewish Hour
We will enjoy Hanukkah stories read by members.
Subscribe to the Jewish Hour email list.
3 pm: Then and Now
In this call, we will discuss how technology and travel have changed over time.
5 pm: Sports Round Table
Join the Sports Spelunkers as we highlight the wonderful, wide, and wacky world of (primarily) U.S. team sports.
6 pm: Friendship Circle
Take your connection to the next level! Participate in smaller gatherings of three to five people in friendship circles and will do them as many times as we can in one hour.
Note: This event is using breakouts. Everyone must identify themselves to participate.
7 pm: Get the Scoop
Join members from the morning crew to tell the story behind your answer to the daily question. Choose one of the previous week's questions and give us the full scoop!
8 pm: Office Space
Explore your Windows computer with Tyson Ernst, Access Technology educator for the Washington Dept of services for the blind, and learn the ins and outs of your PC. Topics covered will include: the Windows desktop environment, File explorer, Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point from a screen reader perspective. Each session will build upon the previous one working towards competent and confident use of the Office productivity applications. All skill levels welcome. Come prepared to take notes to get the maximum benefit.
Sponsored by ViperTech Training
10 pm: Serenity
Embrace acceptance, cultivate inner peace, and find balance within, regardless of external circumstances or challenges.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this group is for peer support only. It is not a therapy group; will not be facilitated by a health care professional; and does not purport to provide mental health services.
Tuesday, December 31
9 am: ACB Presents The Daily Schedule
Join your Community Morning Crew for the question of the day; reading of the daily schedule; and sharing time.
11 am: The Morning Mingle
Join Bel for some light-hearted conversation in a space where warmth and community spirit thrive.
11 am: Tuesday's Turning Pages Book Brunch
Dive into a unique literary experience every Tuesday morning at our ‘Tuesday’s Turning Pages Book Brunch.’ Delve into insightful discussions on financially based books and actively explore their suggestions as we read together. All featured books in our book brunch series are accessible in the NLS Catalog, free for blind individuals to sign up. Additionally, many titles are available in various formats on Amazon and other platforms.
Click here for information on topics and to get past recordings
Sponsored by Penny Forward
12 pm: Experience Inner Peace Through Yoga
Discover the changes within as we incorporate traditional breathing techniques, movements, and postures to find greater inner calm and balance.
3 pm-1 am 5th Annual ACB CommunityAthon
Here’s a way to celebrate all we’ve done in 2024 as part of our community. This ten-hour event will include: a focus on different events each hour; entertainment; opportunity to give back to ACB; prizes; and fun, fun, and more fun. This is an event you won’t want to miss. Ring in 2025 with your friends in our ACB community!
click here to donate or call 1-888-444-8320, and a volunteer will return your call. For every $25 donated, your name will be placed in our hourly drawings.
All ten hours of this community celebration will be streamed live on ACB Media 4,
The Schedule (all in Eastern time):
- 3pm ACB Affiliates and Committees
- 4pm Health and Wellness
- 5pm Technology
- 6pm Craft, Recipe, and Cooking
- 7pm Learning and Languages
- 8pm Social
- 9pm Spiritual and Peer Support
- 10pm Book Discussion Groups and Topic-Driven
- 11pm Music
- 12am Midnight Fun and Games
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
9 am: ACB Presents The Daily Schedule
Join your Community Morning Crew for the question of the day; reading of the daily schedule; and sharing time.
11 am: It's a Brand New Year
We wake up and a new year is upon us. Let’s share our plans, and encourage one another as we set the stage to thrive in 2025.
1 pm: The Classical Music Place
Have you always loved classical music, and need a place to share that love? Are you relatively new to classical music, and wish to get more into it? Are you not sure just what to make of the term “classical music,” and wish to learn a bit more about it? If any of these apply to you, welcome in. This is not a lecture presentation, so participant give-and-take is welcome. Snobbery is not encouraged.
Subscribe to our daily email list.
2 pm: Creative Journey
Don't just dream it, be it! Join in and choose your word for 2025 Start your year with intention
Disclaimer: The purpose of this group is for peer support only. It is not a therapy group; will not be facilitated by a health care professional; and does not purport to provide mental health services.
Sponsored by Creative Guidance LLC.
Email Creative Journey group facilitator
2 pm: Widows and Widowers Support Group
A space for those who have experienced the life-altering loss of a spouse or significant other. Join for a time of sharing and connection for remembering our partners. Gain ideas on how to make living alone easier.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this group is for peer support only. It is not a therapy group; will not be facilitated by a health care professional; and does not purport to provide mental health services.
4 pm: Turning the Tables
Join Bel and Judy as they "turn the tables" and ask a random participant to come up with the topic for the call. If you’re in the room you just may be selected!
7 pm: Braille Book Club
Join us as we read and discuss A Christmas carol (BR17785). This group is aimed at providing motivation and community for intermediate and advanced Braille students who are comfortable reading independently but are still working on fluency and/or use of the eReader (not required). Braille masters are welcome, too, either to provide mentorship or read along.
7 pm: Sharing and Caring Support Group For Care Givers
Come talk with others who understand the stresses of caring for loved ones, to share resources, or ask questions.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this group is for peer support only. It is not a therapy group; will not be facilitated by a health care professional; and does not purport to provide mental health services.
Thursday, January 2, 2025
9 am: ACB Presents The Daily Schedule
Join your Community Morning Crew for the question of the day; reading of the daily schedule; and sharing time.
11 am: Let's Talk Together
we will talk together in small groups. breakouts are fun and we learn more about each other.
Note: This event is using breakouts. Everyone must identify themselves to participate.
12 pm: I Love Braille
Our guest speaker, Denise Colley, President, Braille Revival League, will make her presentation on the contribution made by BRL to promote braille for all.
Sponsored by East Bay Center for the Blind
1 pm: Free To Be Me Books and More
A place to enjoy conversation about books or whatever’s on your mind.
Come as you are. Ready to have fun.
Subscribe to the Free To Be email list
2 pm: Radio Flashbacks With Judy and Lucy
We all grew up in different parts of the country, but one thing we have in common is our love of radio. Come and share some of your favorite radio memories with us!
5 pm: Visionary Parenting Chat Circle
Visionary Parent Chat Circle Is a supportive space for blind parents and parents of blind children to connect, share experiences, and explore insights on parenting. Join us as we build community and exchange perspectives on raising resilient families.
6 pm: Needle Knitting
Whether you’re new or an advanced needle knitter, join us for a knit-along project and sharing of resources. Have fun while learning from each other.
Sponsored by ACB Crafters, making crafting accessible
7 pm: Book Match
One of Shannon’s greatest joys is connecting books with people who love them. Tell her about your reading preferences (formats, genres, favorite authors) etc. and she will do her best to supply book recommendations you'll love.
8 pm: 12-step Recovery Meeting
For anyone needing the support of a 12-step meeting designed to reflect the unique perspectives of those who are blind or visually impaired. Disclaimer: The purpose of this group is for peer support only. It is not a therapy group; will not be facilitated by a health care professional; and does not purport to provide mental health services.
8 pm: Table Talk Thursday - Let's Talk Low Vision
We welcome Dr. Brett Oppegaard and ACBs own ADP Project Coordinator, Tabitha Kenlon to discuss audio description and the National Park system.
Sponsored by Council of Citizens With Low Vision International
9 pm: Grade Three Braille Get Together
This is a time for those who have studied and mastered Grade Three Braille, to meet and read and practice our Grade Three Braille reading skills.
9 pm: Thursday Nightcap
Join Diane for an hour of lively conversation, this time in small groups.
Note: This event is using breakouts. Everyone must identify themselves to participate.
10 pm: Speed Friendship
Join us for a new and exciting way to get to know each other, one on one.
Note: This event is using breakouts. Everyone must identify themselves to participate.
Friday, January 3, 2025
9 am: ACB Presents The Daily Schedule
Join your Community Morning Crew for the question of the day; reading of the daily schedule; and sharing time.
11 am: Alison's Community Cafe
Celebrate the end of the week with Alison and your fellow community members with some lively chatter and fun. Meet new people, or re-acquaint with old friends.
12 pm: Mindful Movement to Manage Stress
This yoga class co-ordinates small, gentle movements with the breath to promote a sense of well-being. The movements are selected to benefit guide dog handlers and white cane users, so we focus a lot on hips, back, shoulders, arms, and hands and other areas where we build up tension.
You will be encouraged to move within your current range of motion and energy level. The whole practice can be done while sitting in a chair. We will finish with a guided awareness relaxation. Everything will be described clearly, and you can ask questions. What you'll need for this class: a firm chair that won't slide around as you move; a folded blanket or a couple of folded bath towels, and a bed pillow or throe pillow. This class is taught by yoga teacher Robin Mandell.
3 pm: Judy and Lucy's Music Memories
Come in and talk with us about music, our favorite subject! What is our topic for this week? Well, you just never know what memory lane Judy and Lucy will lead you down, you'll have to come and find out!
4 pm: Blindness and More
Offering peer-to-peer support for those of us who are blind and have at least one other disability.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this group is for peer support only. It is not a therapy group; will not be facilitated by a health care professional serving in a professional capacity; and does not purport to provide mental health services.
Subscribe to Blindness and More email group
5 pm: In Perspective
Featuring Former GOP New York Congressman John Leboutillier.
Sponsored by Branco Events
9 pm: It's Play Time
Meka and Cindy welcome you to join in for another fun Friday night filled with games and laughter.
Saturday, January 4, 2025
9 am: ACB Presents The Daily Schedule
Join your Community Morning Crew for the question of the day; reading of the daily schedule; and sharing time.
11 am: Saturday Morning Trivia
Play Saturday morning trivia with Danette and your fellow Community members. Some of these are pretty easy. Some will break your brain. Fun and laughter will be plentiful.
12 pm: Blindness Prematurity Call
This time, we’ll discuss recreation or music programs you might have attended
12 pm: Community Unmuted
Answering Your Tech Questions!
Sponsored by Club Unmute
Access Unmute Presents Podcasts
1 pm: Friendship Circle
Take your connection to the next level! Participate in smaller gatherings of three to five people in friendship circles and will do them as many times as we can in one hour.
Note: This event is using breakouts. Everyone must identify themselves to participate.
2 pm: Let's Talk Music
Discuss all things relating to music. Favorite genres, artists, songs, musical instruments, and more.
3 pm: Personal Finance and Investing
Discussion of personal finance, debt management, and assorted investment techniques. Bring any questions you may have!
4 pm: Tar Heel Tailgate
Join Bel for games, casual chat, and most importantly, lots of laughs. Come spend part of your Saturday with us!
6 pm: Basic iPhone Class
Whether you're new to the iPhone or have used one for years, come join us with your questions or problems. We will try to help you use your phone more effectively and efficiently.
6 pm: Weekend Braille Together - Birthday Fun!
Join us for some fun as we celebrate Louis Braille's birthday. There will we games, edible braille snack ideas, and small braille drawings perfect for any birthday party! Bring a slate & stylus or Perkins brailler and 8.5 by 11 inch paper for the designs.
Subscribe to Braille Together email group
8 pm: Community Karaoke
Meka and Cindy invite you for another Saturday night of karaoke with your Community friends. Performances are all pre-recorded. Those wishing to perform should email [email protected] to be included in the weekly communication.