Speaking Out for the Blind

We’ll be talking to ACB’s Florida affiliate: The Florida Council of the Blind (FCB). Joining us to speak out and talk about FCB will be Mikey Wiseman, the Florida Council of the Blind’s President.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-363-fcb

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Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number).   PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED): Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/1 (1 = stream number). The site has a built-in med...

One ACB affiliate establishes the right of low vision people to fully use their vision through available technology, servicers, and aids. This affiliate also provides a system for low vision individuals to express their own preferences, interests, and needs. And the special group educates low vision people, the public, and professionals about the needs, capabilities, and potential of low vision individuals. This ACB affiliate is called the Council of Citizens with Low Vision International, or CCLVI. CCLVI Public Relations Committee member Christine Chaikin and Board of Directors Second Vice-President Terry Pacheco are here to tell us about this exciting...

We’re talking about one of ACB’s finest state affiliates: The American Council of the Blind of Nebraska. Joining us to talk about ACBN will be Kristal Platt. She’s the American Council of the Blind of Nebraska’s President.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-361-acb-of-nebraskaacb-of-nebraska

Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind

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Monterey County Now reports that The Blind and Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County has opened a new low-vision clinic. The low-vision clinic is located in Salinas, California. We welcome back Steven Macias. Steven is the Executive Director of the Blind and Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County. He joins us to talk about the new low-vision clinic.

For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-360-low-vision-clinic

Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind

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We’re very excited to welcome back American Council of the Blind’s Cindy Hollis. Cindy is ACB’s Manager of Membership Engagement. She’s here to talk about ACB’s Community Calls and how they’ve positively changed ACB and the blind community for the past five years.   For more information on this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-359-acb-communitys-past-present-and-future

Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind

Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number).   PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED): Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.ac...

The Santa Cruz Sentinel reports that many blind and visually impaired listen to a video without visuals and can’t get the whole experience. That’s the experience the blind and visually impaired have when using social media and watching video tutorials. University of California, UC Santa Cruz Computational Media Department and Baskin School of Engineering Professor Sri Kurniawan is trying to solve the problem. Professor Kurniawan and her colleagues are working with the blind community to find useful features for new auto-generated audio description programs. Professor Kurniawan is here to talk about her mission.        For more info related to this w...

Texas Tech Now reports that two Texas Tech Clinical Psychology professors: Adam T. Schmidt and Sarah Victor are conducting a study on blind and visually impaired children. The study examines the kids’ experiences around their families, peers, schools, and other settings. The professors earned an over $3,000,000 grant from the National Eye Institute for the study. Sarah and Adam join us to talk about the study.      For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-357-impacts-of-visual-impairments-on-children

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The Blind of Nevada in Las Vegas assists the blind and visually impaired in achieving their highest potential. How does the center do that? Blind Center of Nevada President Todd Imholte is here to tell us.   For more information on this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-356-blind-center-of-nevada

Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind

Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number).   PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED): Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/1 (1 = stream number). The site has a built-in media pl...

KOLR-TV. In Springfield, Missouri is talking about the Southwest Kids in Action group. The group provides recreational opportunities for blind and visually impaired kids. One of the opportunities is learning boxing and self-defense. Southwest Kids in Action and 417 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu joined forces. They gave a boxing and self defense class. Glenn Cozzens, who helps run 417 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Lydia Regier, Program Coordinator for the St. Louis Lighthouse for the Blind, are here to talk about the class and special group.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-355-bo...

The BBC reports that blind man Dave Smith sits on an accessibility advisory panel. The panel is a part of Britain’s Translink Railway System. Dave just wrote an audio guide for the blind and all people with disabilities to understand the train layout before traveling. Dave will be here to talk about the layout and guide.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-354-train-audio-guide   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind

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The website mentalfloss.com reports that Virginia is the first State to receive colorblind-friendly viewfinders. The viewfinders are at all of Virginia’s forty-five State parks. Natural Tunnel State Park, in Duffield, Virginia, was the first to add the viewfinders in 2023. The viewfinders got quite the reception. So the viewfinders were installed at the rest of Virginia’s State parks. Enchroma Vice President of Communications and Partnerships Kent Streeb and Virginia State Parks Director Dr. Melissa Baker are here with us. They’re going to explain how the viewfinders and their lenses are helping color blind visitors enjoy the best o...

The Standard reports that worldwide magicians are being challenged. That challenge is showcasing the best tricks for the blind and visually impaired. These tricks only use sound. There’s a new competition for showcasing the sound-only magic tricks. Associate Professor in Psychology Dr. Gustav Kuhn of the University of Plymouth in England will talk about the contest.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-352-magic

Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind

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The Leader Newspaper reports that the Houston Lighthouse out of Texas is offering tandem bike rides for the blind on the first Saturday of each month. Here to talk about tandem biking for the blind is Lighthouse of Houston’s Marketing and Development Director Daryan Jones.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-351-tandem-biking   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind

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Mattel has just launched its best Barbie doll in years. It’s a blind Barbie doll. Yes my fellow listeners. We now have a blind Barbie doll. Here to talk about the new doll is UK based blind broadcaster and blind Barbie Ambassador, disability activist, and journalist Lucy Edwards and American Foundation for the Blind Assistant Vice President of Communications Tony Stephens. Barbie joined forces with the American Foundation for the Blind to debut the doll.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-350-the-blind-barbie-doll   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out fo...

KCTV reports that several visually impaired students just attended a special summer camp in Kansas City, Missouri. The students learned how to build websites and good cybersecurity practices to better protect themselves online. The camp was known as Alphapointe’s annual technology camp. Alphapointe Senior Manager of special events Jake McLaughlin joins us to talk about the camp.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-349-the-visually-impaired-and-cybersecurity   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind

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According to northjersey.com, New Jersey’s Department of Human Services just began an annual mentorship program for its second year. The program strengthens connections between older and younger New Jerseyans with vision loss. Here to talk more about the program is Dr. Charles Pat McKenna. Pat is New Jersey Department of Human Services Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired Assistant Division Director.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-348-mentorship-program   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind

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WPIX-TV of New York reports that Flushing, Queens blind fifth grader Hao Wen Deng is a piano prodigy. Hao Wen currently studies music at the city’s Filomen M. D’ Agostino Greenberg, or FMDG school. The FMDG music school serves blind and visually impaired people from five to ninety-five years old. Hao Wen and his fellow students just performed in a big concert at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. FMDG music school Executive Director Leslie Jones joins us to talk about the recent concert at the Met. We also can’t forget Hao Wen. He’s also here to talk abo...

We’re talking about a new app on today’s show. The app is called Friendly Like Me. Friendly Like Me helps people with disabilities and individuals with body weight concerns find accessible places and events just for them. Some of these events and places are accessible for all blind and visually impaired users of the app. Co-Founder and CEO Elysia Everett joins us to talk all about the app called Friendly Like Me.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-346-friendly-like-me   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind...

We’re going to be talking with Dolly Lewis (Tess), Agam Darshi (Sunny), and Executive Producers Nikolijne and Karen Troubetzkov about the new CTV Canada and CW US TV series Sight Unseen. They’ll tell us how visually diverse homicide detective Tess Avery and her sighted guide Sunny solve some rather unresolved cases.    For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-345-sight-unseen   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind 

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The San Francisco Chronicle and KRON-TV report that advocates for California’s blind voters want help from federal courts. The advocates are suing California’s Secretary of State. The suit comes after the State’s rules give no other choice to blind and visually impaired individuals, but to give their ballots to other people in order to vote by mail. The two major Plaintiffs are the California Council of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind of California. California Council of the Blind member Jeff Thom, National Federation of the Blind of California member Tim Elder, and Disabi...

The American Council of the Blind has a new Executive Director. ACB’s new Executive Director is Scott Thornhill. Scott took office on March 18th. The ACB Board voted Scott in to lead the over sixty-year-old organization. Scott joins us to talk about his experience and plans for leading ACB.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://www.acb.org/acb-names-scott-thornhill-new-executive-director   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind 

Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number).   PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED):  Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbm...

Miami’s Community News reports that a benefit concert is coming up. The show is hosted by American Heritage Schools and the Lighthouse of Broward in Florida. The event is called Heroes. Heroes is a benefit auction and concert for the blind and visually impaired. Heroes will be featuring singer Mitch Franco. Mitch, along with American Heritage Schools CEO Dr. Douglas Laurie, and Lighthouse of Broward President and CEO Ellyn Drotzer join us to talk about the concert.    Note: Due to unforeseen circumstances, Mitch Franco was not featured. Lighthouse of Broward Vice-President of Strategic Initiatives and Development Jose Lopez Mass...

The Orientation Center for the Blind is located in Albany, California. OCB is operated by the California Department of Rehabilitation. The Center assists the State’s blind job seekers with acquiring some important skills. The skills help the students adjust to vision loss and receive the tools for getting their dream jobs. California Department of Rehabilitation’s Specialized Services Director Sue Pelbath is here to tell us about this special place.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-341-orientation-center-for-the-blind   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind 

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We’re going to Monterey, California. It’s just over an hour away from San Jose. It’s home to beautiful beaches, a large aquarium, and one of Forrest Gump’s favorite seafood restaurants. And there’s a special place in nearby Pacific Grove. The Blind & Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County. BVIC’s Executive Director Steven Macias joins us to explain how the center provides services for Monterey County’s visually impaired.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-340-the-blind-visually-impaired-center-of-monterey-county   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind 

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Mychamplainvalley.com reports that over fifty million people will be seeing this April’s solar eclipse. That includes the blind and visually impaired community. Harvard’s Center for Astrophysics Astronomer Allyson Bieryla has figured out one way to help the blind see and experience the wonder of the solar eclipse. That’s by turning light into sound. Allyson’s here to talk about how the innovative method has been realized.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-339-the-blind-visually-impaired-and-the-solar-eclipse   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind

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Adam Morse is a blind film director. Deseret News says that Adam just recently directed the Google Javier In Frame ad for this year’s Super Bowl. Adam joins us to talk about the commercial and his path to filmmaking.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-338-blind-film-director-adam-morse   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind

Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number).   PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED): Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/1 (1 = stream number). The site has a built...

The Herald News reports that John Oliviera didn’t let being visually impaired keep him from fulfilling his American Dream and living independently. Now John’s helping others do the same. He has a new role as the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind’s appointed Commissioner. John’s here to tell us all about his accomplishments and how he is speaking out.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-337-john-oliviera   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind

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ACB Media’s very own American Council of the Blind’s 2024 Leadership Conference is just around the corner. Think of it as the mini convention leading up to ACB’s big conference and convention in Jacksonville, Florida this summer. Here to talk about the leadership conference is one of my all-time favorite guests: ACB President Deb Cook Lewis.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-336-2024-acb-leadership-conference   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind

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Blind Tennis-_ _February 9th, 8PM Eastern (ACB Media 1) and repeats throughout the next seven days (go to https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/ for more details)   We’ve covered many adaptive sports for the blind and visually impaired on this show. They’ve ranged from golf to soccer. But what about tennis? Ah yes! Today’s topic is all about blind and low-vision tennis. ABC News Australia reports that the sport is growing in popularity with the blind and visually impaired. Joining us to talk about what makes blind tennis different from regular tennis is Blind Sports Australia Chief Executive Matt Clayton...

Out-Of-Sight (updated)-_ _January 19th, 8PM Eastern (ACB Media 1) and repeats throughout the next seven days (go to https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/ for more details)   You may remember a previous episode where I covered Out-Of-Sight. Out-Of-Sight is a non-profit audio chat, learning, and gaming website made up of mainly blind and visually impaired members. Each week, the website provides several programs and events, including a book club, technical computer assistance, interactive games, and a live “On Stage” event, showcasing each of the members’ best talents. Informal, casual chat is also a notable part of Out-Of-Sight’s activities. Basically, Out-Of-Sight thinks of...

Democracy Live is a leader in technology that allows blind and visually impaired voters to access and cast secure remote ballots during elections. Joining us to learn how this amazing technology works and how you might use it to vote for your favorite presidential candidates this year is Bryan Finney. Bryan is Democracy Live’s Founder and President.      For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-333-democracy-live   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind

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Do you want to diet and exercise more naturally and have fun doing it? Do you want a diet and exercise program that’s more accessible for the blind? Couch to Active gives you that dream program. Couch to Active’s CEO and Senior Trainer Lyn Lindbergh is here to tell us more.  

For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-332-couch-to-active

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The Des Moines Register says that the Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired students took part in the State’s first Abacus Bee. An abacus is a special counting tool containing wires and rods and movable beads for solving equations. Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Math Consultant Sara Larkin joins us to talk about the Abacus Bee.     For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-331-abacus-bee   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind

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The BBC reports that a visually impaired University student from Guernsey, English Crown has been working with an archaeology team to excavate an 8th Century Monastery. The student was part of the University of Reading Archaeology Team digging up the Anglo-Saxon site in Cookham, Berkshire, England. That student’s name is Jonathan Charmley. Jonathan joins us to talk about these special digs.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-330-the-visually-impaired-archaeologist   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind

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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Information Sciences Professor JooYoung Seo is creating a data visualization tool. The tool will help make visual representations of statistical data accessible to blind and visually impaired students and researchers. Professor Seo joins us to talk all about the data visualization tool.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-329-data-visualization-tool-for-the-blind   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind

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WUNC Radio reports that a new special trail has opened in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The trail will give the blind the chance to independently exercise. Here to talk about the new trail is Vision Resource Center Executive Director Terri Thomas.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-328-braille-trail   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind

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According to Dakota News Now, Jack Freeburg was a typical twelve-year-old. Jack played golf, baseball, basketball, and football, and helped on his family farm just outside of Vermillion, South Dakota. The boy’s life changed when the grease board became blurry while in his sixth-grade classroom. Jack’s journey of vision loss and triumphs began. He’s here to talk about that journey.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-327-jack-freeburg

WZZM-TV in Grand Rapids, Michigan reports that the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons recently held a multi-day weather camp for visually impaired teens. The camp helped the teens prepare for whatever weather comes their way and learn about meteorology career opportunities. Here to talk about the camp are Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and Camp Organizer Karyn Hill, and Camp Guest Dr. Tom Behler. Dr. Behler is also blind, has a PhD in Sociology, and a strong passion for weather.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: htt...

Colorado Public Radio in Centennial, Colorado reports that blind people have been business professionals, politicians, community activists, and artisans throughout the State’s history. But all of their stories have gone untold. Historian Peggy Chong wants to tell those stories. Peggy is known as the “Blind History Lady” for her research on the personalities of the visually impaired communities of Colorado and around the world. Peggy joins us to talk about her research.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-325-colorados-visually-impaired-communities

Cronkite News says that the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, in partnership with the nonprofit health organization called Terros, is opening a new health center. The health center, soon to be located in North Central Phoenix, Arizona, will give the blind and visually impaired access to primary care, mental health treatment, and substance-abuse care. Joining us to talk about the health center are Arizona Center for the Blind Executive Director Steve Tepper and Terros Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vanessa Campion.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for...