VISAbilities

Visually Impaired Senior Abilities (VISAbilities) kicks off our 2026 season . Join Terry as she welcomes Jeff Bishop, President of Blind Information Technology Solutions (BITS) to learn more about the classes and courses included in membership benefitsand so much more! Whether you are new to the computer world or a long-time professional in the field, there is something here for you!  Everyone is...

In addition to an update on issues such as the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act by Claire Stanley, ACB Director of Governmental Affairs and Advocacy, a new issue has come up in the last 2 days that potentially effects nearly every blind or low vision person in this country. From employment to health care and everything in between. I am speaking  of what is happening at the US State Depar...

This evening‘s VISAbilities promises to be a lot of fun. So join us at 7 PM ET! Test your knowledge and have some laughs with a round of fun, holiday themed trivia. Join us for a relaxed hour of friendly competition that’s perfect for all ages and experience levels. Sponsored by VISAbilities Email to join the Announce List Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

450 years since that first Thanksgiving times and traditions have evolved into a very different holiday. Join Terry as we share some history. But best of all, let's share our own memories of favorite home-town football games, parades, family gatherings, and incredible dinners. We may even share a few recipes. And though it has been a pretty tumultuous year, let's remind one another of what we have...

Come learn about two exciting services tonight when VISAbilities welcomes ACB Diabetics in Action to share about two programs the affiliate is working on.   Nutrition 101 - Building a Healthier You, a 10 week workshop for everyone to encourage healthier choices, as well as the Patricia LaFrance Wolf Memorial Fund, a program to assist members with unexpected expenses related to diabetes care.   Fin...

Tonight, we’re honored to welcome several of our 2025 ACB Scholarship winners—remarkable students pursuing a wide range of fields. As a request that was made to me a number of months ago by Denise Colley, Patty Slaby will be joining us tonight. Patty has served as chair and now vice chair of the Scholarship Committee. She’s gotten to know the winners well and continues Denise’s spirit of encouragi...

GhostAbilities  What are your spookiest and most fun Halloween stories?  These can be camp fire stories or real life ones.  What was your favorite costume?  Let’s just have some Halloween fun! Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

7:00 PM ET is the time to introduce and welcome several 2025 ACB Scholarship winners.  These men and women are amazing in so many different fields of study.  As a request that was made to me a number of months ago by Denise Colly, Patty Slaby will be joining us tonight and next Friday evening.  Patty has served as chair and more recently vice chair of the Scholarship Committee. She has gotten to k...

As we age, our abilities and interests change.  This does not mean we lose them, we just may do things differently at age 75 than at 35.  Are we as active, or even more after retiring?  Are we able to maintain our independence but with some adjustments?  We are at a time when we have to make some tough decisions for ourselves and others.  Everything from what to keep if we are downsizing to potent...

How are we effected by what is happening on Capitol Hill in respect to blind and low vision seniors throughout our country? Join Terry when she welcomes in Jeff Thom. Jeff is Chair of the ACB Advocacy Steering Committee and Past-president of Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss among many of his other positions in ACB. Sponsored by VISAbilities Email to join the Announce List Find out more at https:/...

Join VISAbilities – Special Awards Nig at 7:00 ET I am delighted to have a very special presentation during the first 15 minutes of tonight’s program.  Pat Sheehan will be presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the ACB of Maryland to Sue Boaz.  Many of you may have known her through her many years of work at the Dept. of Justice aand the Dept. of Veterans Affairs.  Sue has been an ac...

It's time to harvest the wonderful fruits and vegies of this beautiful season. We have a fabulous panel joining Terry Friday night for this always popular call. Debra Erikson, Executive Chef and founder of The Blind Kitchen; Zelda Gebhard, our favorite farmer; Penny Reeder, home and international cook extraordinaire; and Gabriel Lopez-Kafati, our wine pairing sommelier. Join us for a great start t...

Terry welcomes Diane Ducharme from BlindShell and a panel of users to take a deep dive into the phone's features. What are the differences between the 2 and 3? If you have used one, how do you like it? Are there plusses or minuses?  Leslie Spoone will also join us with a brief ACB Media Holiday Auction update. All are Welcome In for tonight's call. Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecas...

 Join Terry as she welcomes Doug Hansard and Michael Smitherman tonight.  They will be the organizers and facilitators of a new ACB Community Support Group for Stroke Survivors and Caregivers.  Are you a survivor, or have you ever had a “Stroke?” Are you a caregiver of a stroke survivor? We would like for you to come and share your story and experiences; you never know who you might help.  Learn...

Your Summer Vacation? So much happened over the past 3 months. And even more excitement is promised this fall. Did you go to convention(s)? What treasures did you find in the exhibit areas? Were weddings, graduations, and reunions on your agenda? Were there times you felt uncomfortable? What did you do about it? Remember, you are all Welcome In here! Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinec...

We didn't have time for trivia last week. So we are playing tonight for the whole hour. Bring your team along, or we will set you up with a team. Just come, have fun, and enjoy our quarterly game of Baby Boomer Trivia. All are welcome! Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

It's time to re-connect and hope the worst of the summer heat is behind us. do you have an announcement to share? Maybe an affiliate meeting or election, or fundraiser? How about something you are advocating for in your geographic area? Do yyou have a special event like a birth or anniversary we can toast? We might throw a little trivia into the mix, as well. Just remember you are all welcome in!...

Terry welcomes Kenneth Semien, Sr. to discuss ACB's INSPIRE Program with a focus on becoming mentors in this succession leadership plan. I believe many of our listeners/participants have the experience and skill sets to be ideal candidates. If you have been through the program, we would love to hear from you, as well. Come and bring your questions and thoughts. Of course, everyone is welcome. Spon...

Join Terry as she welcomes Becky Floyd, Founder of Gallant Hearts, a unique small guide dog school. Specializing in four breeds and home training of teams, they pay particular attention to the needs and abilities of their clients. If you have a Galland Heart dog or questions about their programs, this will be of particular interest to you. All are Welcome in. Sponsored by VISAbilities Email: VISAb...

Join Terry as she welcomes newly elected and or appointed members of the ACB Boards of Directors and Publications. So, come with your questions and comments. This program will be dedicated to the memory of Denise Colley, one of ACB’s true leaders in advocacy, accessibility, and the use of Braile. Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

Celebrate 5 incredible years of VISAbilities with Terry. So many friendships, so many topics presented and discussed, so much fun! From Trivia to Tributes and everything in between. Share your favorites with us. All are welcome!! Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

This is a very important session tonight.  Please join me as I welcome members of the ACB Voting Task Force and the Constitution & Bylaws committees. There are some changes being put forward this year that will need EVERYONE’S votes.  We will be discussing them all with time for your questions.  Sponsored by VISAbilities. email the facilitator Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast...

We will visit with several ACB Affiliates regarding their programs at convention.  Janet Dickelman will also update us on the registration process.  And we will start off with Leslie Spoone giving us the latest on the ACB Spring Auction coming up.  It’s a packed call.  Join us! Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

By request, we’re back for Part 2 of our travel discussion! This time, we’ll focus on navigating places like airports, train stations, ride sharing, and bus terminals. Share your smooth trips, challenges, and tips. Everyone’s welcome! Find out more at https://acb-visabilities.pinecast.co

One of our most popular calls every year. Terry welcomes Jerry Berrier, the blind birder, back for a lively session with our migrating chirping friends. Are there birds visiting your yard you would like to identify? Is the weather changing the migration patterns? This is always a fun call. Everyone is welcome! Sponsored by VISAbilities Get on our email announcements listl Email  VISAbilities50@gma...