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2025 American Council of the Blind Audio Description Gala

Audio Description Project

November 13, 2025

Join us for the 2025 AD Awards Gala! We honor people and organizations that help make film, tv, and video games more accessible. And we'll announce the winners of the AD People's Choice Awards.

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20251118 1900 ACBVA Banquet Keynote Address - Celebration, Debra Hill

Debra Hill, motivational speaker, singer, and proud member of ACBVA shares her story, voice, and vision for resilience and empowerment. Learn more about her work and music at debrahillsings.com

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20251118 1630 ACBVA Session 5,, Tech That Talks Back – Everyday Strategies for Navigating AI & Assistive Technology

Session 5: Tech That Talks Back – Everyday Strategies for Navigating AI & Assistive Technology Facilitated by Jeremy Grandstaff and Stan Gowen Discover how today’s smart tools can boost independence and simplify daily life. Whether you’re tech-curious or already plugged in, this session will explore how assistive technology and AI—from voice assistants to apps and smart home devices—can help you work smarter, navigate more confidently, and stay connected. You’ll get real-life strategies, hands-on examples, and a chance to ask questions. No tech experience needed—just bring your curiosity!

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20251118 1515 ACBVA Session 4, Falls Prevention – Stand Tall, Stay Safe

Session 4: Falls Prevention – Stand Tall, Stay Safe Larry Johnson, an ACB member from San Antonio, TX who has given workshops from 1 hour to 8 weeks on Falls Prevention, and Doug Powell, a 20+ year Tai Chi teacher, combine to give hints to improve your environment and exercises to improve your balance with special focus on people who are blind or have low vision.  

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20251118 1400 ACBVA Session 3, Emergency Preparedness – Plan, Prepare, Protect

Session 3: Emergency Preparedness – Plan, Prepare, Protect Donna Clarke and --- from --- walk us through critical safety planning that’s both practical and empowering. (We will edit when we have more details.)

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20251118 1200 ACBVA Vendor Introductions

Hear lightning-round intros from vendors so you know who to visit during lunch and throughout the day.

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20251118 1045 ACBVA Session 2, Household Management – Tips & Tricks

Session 2: Household Management – Tips & Tricks Make life at home easier and safer by exchanging tips and techniques with other members in a lively discussion led by Sam Joehl and Vicki Ratcliffe.  

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20251118 0930 ACBVA Session 1, Advocacy in Action – Get Involved, Make an Impact

Session 1: Advocacy in Action – Get Involved, Make an Impact Ready to turn your passion into real change? We will hear from two of our Virginia State delegates, Patrick A. Hope (District 1) and Rodney T. Willett (District 58). This dynamic session will equip you with tips and insider knowledge to advocate more effectively when we travel to Richmond this winter. Facilitated by RoseAnn Ashby and Vinettea Freeman, you’ll learn how to amplify your voice and make a meaningful impact on policies that affect the blind and low vision community.

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20251117 1900 ACBVA Workshop, Lead the Way – Igniting Leadership in AC1B of Virginia

Workshop: Lead the Way – Igniting Leadership in ACB of Virginia Led by ACBVA leader and President Doug Powell and experienced facilitator and leader Jeremy Grandstaff, this session will help you explore your leadership potential, gain practical tools, and connect with others passionate about making a difference. Whether you’re curious about getting involved or already guiding a team, this workshop is for you.

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20251018-1-ACB Of Oregon - Part 1

Originally broadcasted on October 18, 2025 on ACB Media 9

9:00 am Convened General Session – ACBO President, Carrie Muth

Presentation of Colors & Flag Salute

Invocation – Ray Gruener, Prayer Pastor at Cowboy Church

Welcome to Springfield – Mayor Sean VanGordon

9:20 am Approved Convention Agenda

Roll Call of Chapters – Carrie Muth

Recognized the Fun Squad (Convention Committee) – Tyanne Wilmath

Recognized supporters and sponsors – Carrie Muth

9:30 am Introduced ACB National Representative – Jeff Bishop

What was GUGM? Introduced Leslie Spoon, co-chair of ACB’s Get Up & Get Moving Committee

Advocacy: How Could We Help? – Speak 4

What Was Happening in the ACB Community? Michael Babcock

10:00 am ACBO President’s Report – Carrie Muth

10:10 am Report on National Convention – Carrie Muth, Tyanne Wilmath, Michael Babcock, & Others

10:25 am First Reading of Nominations – James Edwards

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20251018-5-ACB Of Oregon - Part 5

Originally broadcasted on October 18, 2025 on ACB Media 9

6:30 PM Banquet Program

Guest Speaker, Jeff Bishop, BITS President

ACB of Oregon Scholarship Winner, Ella Shroud

50/50 Drawing

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20251018-3-ACB Of Oregon - Part 3

Originally broadcasted on October 18, 2025 on ACB Media 9

Your Daily AI Toolkit - Michael Babcock & Jeff Bishop

Participants learned how AI could fit into everyday life with tools that made things more accessible and saved time. Demos of Seeing AI, Be My Eyes with AI, ChatGPT, and Alexa were presented, plus practical tips attendees could start using right away.

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20251018-2-ACB Of Oregon - Part 2

Originally broadcasted on October 18, 2025 on ACB Media 9

10:45AM Democracy Live Presentation

11:00 am Oregon Commission for the Blind – Dacia Johnson, Executive Director

Talking Books and Braille Services –Tiff Bowers, Outreach Librarian

Hull Foundation & Learning Center – Creanna Gallegos, Interim Executive Director

11:55 am Second Reading of Nominations – James Edwards

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20251018-4-ACB Of Oregon - Part 4

Originally broadcasted on October 18, 2025 on ACB Media 9

2:30-3:45 PM Lego Fun for Everyone - Hunter Palmer & Tyanne Wilmath

Attendees participated in a welcoming, hands-on Lego event designed especially for people who were blind or visually impaired. Together, they built bright spring daffodils using Lego bricks. Volunteers were on hand to guide and support, but the focus was on creativity, fun, and community. No Lego experience was needed—just imagination and enjoyment building flowers that never faded.

4 PM Blindskills Annual Membership Meeting – Attendees found out more about this special interest chapter of ACB of Oregon

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20250928 0900 Sunday Morning 2025 NCCB Convention Business and Board Meeting North Carolina Council of the Blind 2025 State Convention Wyndham Garden Greensboro Saturday Evening September 27, 2025

– General Business Meeting

• Welcome & Call to Order — Sandi Owens, President

• Attendance Roll Call — Ashley Coleman, Secretary – Secretary’s Report — Ashley Coleman – Treasurer’s Report — Chris Flynt, Treasurer

• President’s Report — Sandi Owens

Committee Reports (2 minutes each, in this order)

Advocacy & Accessibility

• Advocacy Committee — George Smith • Assistive Technology Committee — Ashley Coleman • Environmental Access Committee — Chris Bell • Employment Committee — Tim Snyder

Finance & Operations

• Budget Committee — Jane Ferrita • Investment Committee — Chris Bell • Fundraising Committee — Ashley Coleman • Convention Committee — Lawrence Carter

Membership & Outreach

• Membership Committee — Lawrence Carter • Scholarship Committee — Christina Owens • Publicity Committee — Ashley Coleman

Policy & Governance

• Constitution, Bylaws, and Resolutions Committee — Allen Moore • Policy Committee — Allen Moore • Brady Jones Committee — Ricky Scott • Nominations Committee — N/A • Transportation Committee — N/A

– Old Business

• New Business & Elections — Lawrence Carter – Final Remarks — Sandi Owens, President – Door Prizes & Adjournment

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North Carolina Council of the Blind 2025 State Convention Wyndham Garden Greensboro Saturday Evening September 27, 2025

Banquet & Evening Program

• Invocation
• Keynote Speaker — Claire Stanley, J.D.
• Scholarship Awards
• Door Prizes
• Closing Remarks — Sandi Owens, President

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North Carolina Council of the Blind 2025 State Convention Wyndham Garden Greensboro Saturday Morning September 27, 2025

• Opening Session — Welcome & Opening Remarks: Sandi Owens, President
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Invocation
• Mayor’s Welcome
• Abbott Diabetes Care — Pam Lisi
• Vanda Pharmaceuticals — Vicki Preddy, MSN, RN
• Disability Rights NC — Lena Welch, Attorney
• North Carolina Lions Foundation — Carlton V. Metts II, Executive Director
• Keynote Speaker Introduction — Claire Stanley, J.D., Director of Advocacy & Governmental Affairs, ACB
• Closing Remarks — Sandi Owens, President

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North Carolina Council of the Blind 2025 State Convention Wyndham Garden Greensboro Friday Evening September 26, 2025

• Welcome & Opening Remarks — Sandi Owens, President
• Division of Services for the Blind — Cynthia Speight, Director
• Governor Morehead School — Dr. Nancy N. Barbour, Interim Superintendent
• NC Statewide Independent Living Council — Shana Ayscue, Executive Director
• State Library of NC: Accessible Books & Library Services — Clint Exum, Outreach Specialist
• NCCB Board Candidate Speeches — Each candidate has 3 minutes

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20250517-4 FCB convention Saturday night banquet

Originally broadcasted May 17, 2025 on ACB Media 8

Annual Banquet Attendees attended FCB'S Annual Banquet: hosted by FCB President, Mikey Wiseman. FCB’s Banquet speaker was Jeff Bishop who was a prominent figure in the field of accessibility and assistive technology, dedicated to enhancing digital experiences for individuals with visual impairments. Jeff was President of Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS), served on the Board of Publications and was influential in the ongoing efforts of ACB’s overall information technology (IT) infrastructure and outlook. He lived in Phoenix, Arizona and told his life story, providing entertainment for attendees.

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20250517-3 FCB convention Saturday afternoon

Originally broadcasted May 17, 2025 on ACB Media 8

FCB Annual Town Hall Meeting Attendees planned to attend this exciting and informative meeting moderated by President Mikey Wiseman. They heard from the Director of the Division of Blind Services, (DBS) Robert Doyle, regarding the current status of the goals and mission of the agency including specific news that he wished to bring to attendees. After his presentation, he answered questions from the audience. Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision (FCCLV)FCCLV conducted its annual meeting and program. FCCLV 2025 program presenters were Cachet Wells and Greg Lindberg, co-chairs of the FCB’s Activities Committee. As a special interest affiliate, FCCLV members resided in many communities throughout the state. The Activities Committee planned, organized, and announced events and happenings all over the state. Attendees got together with fellow visually impaired FCCLV members in their community and met new/other individuals of the low vision community. To the surprise of many, with little preparation to any activity, game or skill, attendees could rework their favorite to be accessible and inclusive to those who were Blind and Low Vision. FCCLV and the Activities Committee helped attendees navigate and explore new ways to enjoy outdoor and indoor activities.

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20250517-2 FCB convention Saturday morning continued

Originally broadcasted May 17, 2025 on ACB Media 8

·       The Blind Kitchen Presenter Debra Erickson, MS Executive Chef and Founder of the Blind Kitchen Attendees were welcomed to The Blind Kitchen where adaptive tools, helpful strategies, and specialized knowledge were provided to blind and vision-impaired people who wanted to cook safely, confidently, and independently. Chef Debra discussed safe cooking techniques and products that The Blind Kitchen sold to make culinary experiences meaningful and provide attendees with confidence.

FCB Technology Committee Program Attendees learned about online security information. Those who worried about online security, wondered how to keep themselves safe while shopping or visiting websites, or responding to emails, learned about scams, phishing, captchas, and what these words meant. Attendees came to the Technology Committee session to learn tips about how to avoid online problems. The session barely touched on the subject, but helped attendees think about avoiding security breaches along with threats and perhaps led them to a few ways to learn how to protect themselves while online. Attendees joined Petr Kucheryavyy, Sr. Manager with Spectrum’s Accessibility team. He presented an informative look at all of Spectrum’s Accessibility offerings. Attendees found out what was new with the Spectrum FREE Access app, Spectrum TV app, accessible self-support and more. Additionally, attendees learned about the all new Xumo Stream Box with a voice control remote, available at the time.

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72nd Annual State Convention Opening Ceremony Empowering Through AI: Presented by Jeff Bishop and moderated by Debbie Grubb Jeff Bishop was a prominent figure in the field of accessibility and assistive technology, dedicated to enhancing digital experiences for individuals with visual impairments; President of Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS); served on the Board of Publications and was influential in the ongoing efforts of ACB’s overall information technology, (IT) infrastructure. A Training for Assistive Technology Users and Professionals was an engaging multi-hour event designed to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the realm of assistive technology. Participants learned about AI-driven tools and techniques that enhanced accessibility, independence, and productivity for individuals with disabilities. This hands-on training provided actionable strategies for integrating AI into daily workflows, empowering both users and professionals to unlock new opportunities. The session included practical demonstrations, real-world applications, and interactive discussions to ensure attendees left with a deeper understanding of AI’s role in shaping a more inclusive future. Jeff Bishop’s interactive session continued. The demonstrations, discussion and amazing insights into AI continued. Attendees didn’t miss a moment of this potentially life changing presentation.

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20250516-4 FCB convention Friday night banquet

Originally broadcasted May 16, 2025, on ACB Media 8

Awards and Scholarships BanquetAttendees celebrated and recognized FCB leaders and deserving students at a special dinner hosted in their honor by Mary Tyson and Sheila Young, committee chairs for the Awards, Education, Leadership and Scholarships Committees. Select advocates and leaders were recognized with prestigious awards and deserving students were presented with valuable scholarships.

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20250516-3 FCB convention afternoon

Originally broadcasted May 16, 2025 on ACB Media 8

·       FCB Annual Legislative Seminar

Moderated by Debbie Grubb Attendees joined the 2025 FCB Legislative Seminar. The FCB legislative team brought interesting, informative and insightful thoughts regarding the reception by the Florida Congressional delegation of the 2025 legislative imperatives set forth by ACB. The 2025 legislative imperatives confronted the issues of lack of access to home use medical devices and outpatient equipment; access to websites applications and online services; access to media, video user interfaces and video conferencing services. The perceptive thoughts shared by the 2025 FCB Legislative team and honored guest, Jeff Bishop, accessible technology expert and President of BITS, served attendees well as next steps in the organization's advocacy agenda were determined. Attendees made attending this event one of their convention priorities so that they could play a role as the history of meaningful advocacy undertaken by the Florida Council of the Blind since its founding continued.

·       Demystifying Self-PublishingPresenter Lynn Chantale Mapier

Those who had written a book but didn’t know what to do next, or had a collection of family anecdotes they’d like to hand out as gifts, or just wanted to see their name in print, learned from author Lynn Chantale who provided the tools to self-publish a manuscript. From editing to cover art, Lynn demystified the publishing process. Lynn Chantale was an accomplished author with over 30 titles under her belt. She had self-published as well as traditionally published. Attendees took a seat and peeked behind the veil of self-publishing.

*Democracy LiveBuilding Bridges through Accessible VotingPresenter Charlie Kinnune, Director of EducationWhat should have united attendees, had divided them. Some of the most successful advocacy organizations in the country disapproved of accessible absentee electronic balloting. What had proven to be a game changer in accessible voting was not accepted by some organizations that historically supported accessible voting in the past. Attendees engaged these groups to discuss this very pressing issue.

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20250516-2 FCB convention morning session continued

Originally broadcasted May 16, 2025 on ACB Media 8

·       Coalitions for the Concerns of the Totally Blind (CCTB)This year, The Coalition for the Concerns of the Totally Blind had a program featuring Hans, founder and CEO of Be My Eyes, who informed attendees of the many things they were doing for the blind and low vision community. Be My Eyes was one of the world’s largest networks for blind and low vision people that provided digital accessibility tools to blind and low vision people worldwide. Some of these tools included:• Being able to call a volunteer for general assistance.• Be My AI: Being able to take a picture and get back a detailed description.• Being able to call a company or organization to receive specialized assistance with a product or service.• And being able to use Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses for additional ways to gain knowledge and information. Attendees joined the program and learned about the many ways Be My Eyes could help them become more independent and self-sufficient! Project Insight Committee

·       First Aid Tips Presenters: registered nurse Margaret Mosher (Paul Edwards' daughter) and Dr. Stella Hayes Attendees joined Project Insight as outreach to the blind and visually impaired community continued with a topic of common interest that affected everyone. Health concerns were discussed, and attendees knew to contact health care providers in an emergency, but everyday things that needed immediate First Aid attention were also covered. Attendees learned how to manage these things for themselves and for those for whom they provided care and support. Special guest presenters, Ms. Margaret Mosher, a registered nurse, and Dr. Stella Hayes shared their medical knowledge, and most of all, practical suggestions for managing those everyday health situations.

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20250516-1 FCB convention morning session

Originally broadcasted May 16, 2025 on ACB Media 8

·       Braille Revival League of Florida (BRLF)Program for Braille Revival League of Florida Presenters: Paul Edwards and Elizabeth Bowden For those who had always wanted to explore using a braille display, the program from Braille Revival League of Florida was made for them. After the business meeting, when new officers were elected, attendees delved into using the two braille displays that had been distributed for free by the National Library Service. Those who had considered getting a display, or had one but shivered when thinking about unboxing, had their chance! Attendees experienced instant book download, and got the braille translation options they wanted with just a few settings. They found out how easy it was to get theirs. All attendees of the program examined the Zoomax eReader personally. The basics were explained and the Humanware version of the reader was explored as well. Attendees explored together; it was entertaining and informative.

·       Guide Dog Users of Florida (GDUF)After a brief business meeting, where elections were addressed, in-person and virtual attendees heard from a panel of experienced guide dog handlers about guide dog transitioning. Panelists included: experienced dog guide users Doug Hall, Debbie Grubb, and Chelsea White from The Seeing Eye. Those who were seriously thinking of obtaining their first guide dog or had lost their previous loyal guide companion and were considering whether or not to get a new one, had their questions addressed. The first question was why or why not get a guide dog? Emotional, physical and mobility factors were considered. Grieving the loss or retirement of previous or current guides was discussed. Losing or retiring a previous guide impacted acceptance, training and work. These and many other concerns were addressed by a panel of knowledgeable guide dog handlers. Questions from the audience, whether in person or via Zoom, were welcomed.

·       FCB Employment Committee ProgramBarbara Brown facilitated this session.The Employment Committee discussed the topic of Why I Loved My Job. Legally blind employees discussed this and welcomed audience participation.

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20250503-3 CCB Convention - Saturday - Banquet Session 6. – Evening

Originally broadcasted on May 3, 2025, on ACB Media 9

5 PM Banquet

MC: Steve Bauer, CCB Secretary, Culver City CA

We invited everyone to join us for our 2025 virtual banquet, celebrating CCB and its members. In addition to our traditional publications and community awards, the winner of the newly revamped Chapter of the Year award was chosen, decided by the CCB members in attendance at the banquet.

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20250503-2 CCB Convention - Saturday - General Session 5. – Afternoon

Originally broadcasted on May 3, 2025, on ACB Media 9

1 PM to 3:30 PM Session 5

Presiding Officer: Steve Bauer, Secretary, Culver City CA

1 PM Uber Guide Dog Handler Self-identification Program, Speaker TBA

1:45 PM, Panel on the Future of Advocacy,

Moderator: Guillermo Robles, CCB First Vice President, Culver City CA

Presenters: Tim Elder, President, National Federation of the Blind of California, San Francisco CA

Sarah Harris, President, CCB Fresno CA

2:30 PM Touching the Court, A Haptic Experience,

Presenters: Bree Fraser, Seattle, WA

Jerred Mace, Seattle, WA

Leslie Thom, Sacramento, CA

3:00 PM Could AI be your Sidekick To Daily Independence?

Presenters:

Gabe Griffith, Assistive Technology Instructor, Lighthouse for the Blind, San Francisco CA

Eliezer Andres, Assistive Technology Coordinator, Resources For Independence, Central Valley, Fresno, CA

Joe Xavier, Former Director of Rehabilitation, Sacramento CA

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20250503-1 CCB Convention - Saturday - General Session 4. – Morning

Originally broadcasted on May 3, 2025, on ACB Media 9

Saturday, May 3, 9 AM to 12 noon, General Session 4

Presiding Officer: Guillermo Robles, CCB Vice President, Culver City CA

9:00 AM Announcements

9:10 AM In Memoriam

We remembered CCB members who had left us during the past year.

9:30 AM ACB Update, Scott Thornhill, Executive Director, American Council of the Blind, Alexandria, VA.

10:15 AM, Governmental Affairs Report

Presenters:

Ardis Bazyn, CCB Governmental Affairs Committee Co-Chair Thornton CO

Joshua Saunders, Governmental Affairs Committee Co-Chair, El Cerrito CA

Regina Brink, Director of Governmental Affairs Sacramento CA

11:15 AM Financial planning

Presenter: Chris Peterson, CEO, Penny Forward, Minneapolis, MN

Penny Forward was a nonprofit organization founded and led by blind people. Through education, mentoring, and mutual support, we helped each other learn to confidently navigate the complicated landscape of personal finance.

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20250502-2 CCB Convention - Friday - General Session 3. Elections – Evening

Originally broadcasted on May 2, 2025, on ACB Media 9

General Session 3, 6 PM to 9 PM

Presiding Officer: Lisa Thomas, CCB Treasurer, Fresno CA

6 PM Announcements

6:10 PM, President’s message; Sarah Harris, CCB President Fresno CA

7 PM Elections

Other business

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20250502-1 CCB Convention - Friday - General Session 2. – Afternoon

Originally broadcasted on May 2, 2025, on ACB Media 9

Friday, May 2, 1 PM to 4 PM, General Session 2

Presiding Officer: Sarah Harris, CCB President, Fresno CA

1 PM, President’s Welcome, Pledge of Allegiance and Announcements

National anthem

1:15 PM, Update from the Department of Rehabilitation, Presenters:

Kim Rutledge, Director Department of Rehabilitation, Sacramento CA

Sue Pelbath, Deputy Director, Specialized Services Division

Sacramento, CA

Plus other Department of Rehabilitation staff members

2:15 PM The Road Toward Statewide Paratransit Eligibility

Presenter: Gillian Gillett, Division Chief Caltrans and Program Manager, BA, Policy Analysis,

San Francisco CA

2:45 PM, Emergency Preparedness Panel

Moderator: Jeff Thom, Sacramento, CA

Presenters: Georgianna Armstrong, Kern County Emergency Services Manager, Bakersfield, CA, Vance Taylor, Chief, Office of Access and Functional Needs, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Sacramento, CA

Jackie Koci Tamayo, CEM, MSLM, CA-PEM

Sr. Emergency Planning Coordinator, County of Santa Clara, Office of Emergency Management, San Jose CA

Jennifer Maradiaga, Emergency Planning Coordinator, County of Santa Clara, Office of Emergency Management, San Jose CA

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20250501 CCB Convention - Thursday - General Session 1. – Evening

Originally broadcasted on May 1, 2025, on ACB Media 9

Thursday, May 1, Opening Session, 6 PM to 7:45 PM

Presiding Officer: Rob Turner, CCB Second Vice President, Sunnyvale, CA

6 PM Conference & Convention Report

Presenters: Guillermo Robles, CCB First Vice President and Convention Co-Chair, Culver City CA

Andrea DeKlotz; Convention Committee Co-Chair Orange CA

6:20 PM Credentials Committee Report;

Presenter: Frank Welte, Credentials Committee Chair San Leandro CA

6:35 PM Nominating Committee Report; Frank Welte, Nominating Committee Chair.

6:50 PM First Reading of Bylaw Amendments;

Presenter: Steve Bauer, Bylaw Committee Chair, Culver City CA

7:05 PM, Other business including the approval of Convention Standing Rules

7:50 PM CCB Board Meeting, Sarah Harris, CCB President.

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Bay State Council of the Blind Arts Access Information Day at Perkins

• Welcome – David Kingsbury, BSCB President

• Broadway in Boston: Boston Opera House, Em Rihl, Operations Assistant www.BroadwayInBoston.com

• Think Outside the Vox & Open Door Theatre Samatha Gould, President www.ThinkOutsideTheVox.org

• Arts Boston: Claire Williamson, Deputy Director Artsboston.org

• Museum of Fine Arts – Boston: Ronit Minchom, Accessibility Coordinator http://www.mfa.org

• Open Door Arts: An Affiliate of Seven Hills Foundation Megan Bent, Gallery and Communications Manager, Boston www.opendoorartsma.org

• Museum of Science: Sylvie Rosenkalt, ADA & 504 Accessibility Coordinator www.mos.org

• Speakeasy Stage Company: Alex Lonati, Director of Artistic & Community Programs www.speakeasystage.com

• Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University: Jamie Aznive, Assistant Director for Audience Services and Access Coordinator; & Cori Couture, In-Show Audio Describer for WFT’s upcoming production of The Prom

• Worcester Art Museum: Molly Cardoza, manager of community partnerships www.worcesterart.org

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20250426 Illinois Convention Banquet

Originally broadcasted on April 26, 2025, on ACB Media 8

7 PM Virtual Banquet

Banquet Speakers Jack and Jill Fox, Talking Book Narrators with American Printing House for the Blind, Louisville Kentucky

Award presentations from the ICB Awards Committee

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20250425 Illinois convention Friday morning

Originally broadcasted on April 25, 2025, on ACB Media 8

9 AM welcome and key introduction

Ray Campbell, President Illinois Council of the Blind

Friday morning Focus, Illinois Services and Resources

9:15 BBS Report

Andrew Web, BCCBS Director

10 AM NLS update

Steven McMinn Director Illinois Braille and Talking Book Library

11 AM Equip for Equality

Cheryl Jansen, Policy Director

11:30 Illinois Assistive Technology Program

Robin Richard IATP Demo Center Coordinator

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20250412 Arizona Council of the Blind Convention Morning Session

Originally broadcasted on zoom on April 12, 2025

9:00am - 10:00am: Advocacy Panel

10:00am - 11am: ACB panel

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20250322-4 - Nebraska Convention - 04 - Second Morning Session.mp3

Originally broadcasted on March 22, 2025, on ACB Media 8

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20250322-1 - Nebraska Convention - 01 - Morning Pre-show.mp3

Originally broadcasted on March 22, 2025, on ACB Media 8

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20250322-9 - Nebraska Convention - 09 - Banquet.mp3

Originally broadcasted on March 22, 2025, on ACB Media 8

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20250322-6 - Nebraska Convention - 06 - First Afternoon Session.mp3

Originally broadcasted on March 22, 2025, on ACB Media 8

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20250322-3 - Nebraska Convention - 03 - Morning Break.mp3

Originally broadcasted on March 22, 2025, on ACB Media 8

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20250322-5 - Nebraska Convention - 05 - Afternoon Pre-show.mp3

Originally broadcasted on March 22, 2025, on ACB Media 8

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20250322-2 - Nebraska Convention - 02 - First Morning Session.mp3

Originally broadcasted on March 22, 2025, on ACB Media 8

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20250322-8 - Nebraska Convention - 08 - Second Afternoon Session.mp3

Originally broadcasted on March 22, 2025, on ACB Media 8

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RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD VENDORS OF AMERICA CELEBRATING OVER FIFTY YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENT AND ADVOCACY

RSVA SAGEBRUSH 2025 NATIONAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM TRAINING CONFERENCE

• Pre-Conference RSVA Board of Directors Meeting

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RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD VENDORS OF AMERICA CELEBRATING OVER FIFTY YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENT AND ADVOCACY

RSVA SAGEBRUSH 2025 NATIONAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM TRAINING CONFERENCE

Day 1 Morning

• Moderator: Randall Crosby (FL), Crosby’s Café, Inc., RSVA® Board member
• Welcome to Sagebrush: Scott Eggen (MN), SVS Vending, RSVA® President
• Welcome from Nevada: Business Enterprises of Nevada
• Introductions: Scott Eggen (MN), RSVA® President
• NAMA News and Trends in the Industry: Robert Jackson, Director Government Affairs, National Automatic Merchandising Association

Find out about news and laws affecting vending managers. Learn about the ongoing training offered by NAMA.

• Southern Teaming Partners Update: Walt Berry (AL), President Southern Teaming Partners

• Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) News and Updates”:

Learn about the conflict resolution process, tips for successful outcomes for complaints, and updates to RSA circulars. Get tips on how vendors and staff can find the information they need.

iPhone and Android tips and useful apps: Conference Participants

• USI Innovations:

Learn the latest on USI offerings and support.

• Helping to build your business. Theodore C. Drake (CA), Global Accessibility Leader, Intuit Inc.

Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD VENDORS OF AMERICA CELEBRATING OVER FIFTY YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENT AND ADVOCACY

RSVA SAGEBRUSH 2025 NATIONAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM TRAINING CONFERENCE

Day 1 Afternoon

• Moderator: Ronald Flormata (HI), RMF Enterprises, Inc., RSVA® Board member

• Current state BEP Training and options for improvements Brian Switzer, Program Manager of Accessibility Technology, Training, and Research, Carroll Center for the Blind; Heather Miller (AR), Director of Education and Training, World Services for the Blind

• Get up and get moving Leslie Spoon (FL), Co-chair ACB Get up and get moving committee

• Motivating State Agencies to Improve Their Business Enterprise Programs. Ryan Skinner, Business Enterprise Program Director, South Carolina Commission for the Blind; Corey Marcum, Director Kentucky Business Enterprise; Bill Findley, Business Enterprise, FL DOE Division of Blind Services; Rachel Hollen (DE), Business Enterprise Program Director, NCSAB Randolph-Sheppard “Committee Chair; and Chris Prentice, former TX State Attorney.

The panel will discuss how state agency staff could be more entrepreneurial in their efforts to get new vending facility locations. Suggestions will include ways to help blind vendors to be more entrepreneurial.

• Continuation of Motivating State Agencies to Improve Their Business Enterprise Programs

• American Council of the Blind Updates and activities: Scott Thornhill (DC), Executive Director American Council of the Blind

He’ll share ACB programs and services, upcoming conferences and educational opportunities, as well as current advocacy efforts

• What’s happening with food trucks and Pods? What RS initiatives are being explored to combat this competition? Jim Hemmen (WA), Business Enterprise Program Manager, WA State Department of Services for the Blind; Ben Ploch (MI), Michigan EOC Chair

We’ll hear updates on the progress with food trucks working together with local vendor managers and efforts on starting food trucks for vendors. What are states doing about food trucks and pods taking customers away from BEP?

Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD VENDORS OF AMERICA CELEBRATING OVER FIFTY YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENT AND ADVOCACY

RSVA SAGEBRUSH 2025 NATIONAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM TRAINING CONFERENCE

Day 2

• Moderator: Herbert Reado (LA), RSVA® Board Member

• Technologies benefiting BEP operators and VI staff: Kayla Smith or Bryan Allen (VA), OEM Sales Manager Medeco Security Locks; John Palmer Patriot Systems; Robert Serian (CA), Head of Business Development & Territory Management, Envision Technologies B.V.; Karthik Mahadevan, CEO Envision Technologies B.V.

Many technologies assist vendors while they are managing a facility. These speakers will highlight how their products/service will improve the business owner’s abilities to manage the business.

• What’s new in Technology for Kiosks/Micro Markets and Vending Management:Matt Kotsch, Territory Sales Representative, Trinity Access, Inc.; Waseem Salamah, Key Account Manager - Micro Markets/Vending, AVS Companies.

You’ll learn about technology used for micro markets and back-end services in vending and micro market management including credit card processing.

• Simplified Robert’s Rules of Order Speaker Frank Cuta

• Report from the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind and Randolph-Sheppard: Catriona Macdonald (DC), President Linchpin Strategies, LLC.

Learn about new strategies in the Randolph-Sheppard Program. Get updates on NCSAB activities and the latest NCSAB news on Randolph-Sheppard including legislation and regulations affecting the RS Program.

• RSVA® Sagebrush Awards Luncheon: Moderator: Scott Eggen (MN), RSVA® President

• Luncheon Speaker: Stevie Ray (MN), Stevie Ray's Improv Company, a non-profit arts and training organization;

topic: “How to influence others.”

• Presenting "Terry Camardelle and Charlie Carroll Advocacy Scholarship Award” and “Warren Toyama and George Arsnow Scholarship Award”

Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co