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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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