A YouTube video of Manager of Membership Engagement Cindy Hollis and Membership Engagement Specialist Michael Babcock going over the Community Events schedule for the week of August 30. The thumbnail features side by side photos of Michael and Cindy on a purple background. Above the headshots displays the ACB logo with braille dots in white. Below the headshots feature the words "This Week in ACB Community".
All times listed are in Eastern.
ACB Weekly Schedule: August 30 – September 05, 2026
Sunday, August 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.
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 5."
11 am: The Breakfast Bunch - Camping
When was the last time you went camping; maybe it was with family, friends or you went to a camp for the blind? What kind of activities did you do? Come join us this week and let's talk about it!
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.
5 pm: Let's Encourage Each Other with Scripture
Join us in sharing favorite Scriptures, inspirational thoughts, and prayer requests, along with discussing related resources and the technology used to access them.
5:30 pm: The Sweet Smiling Cafe - Grand Opening
Welcome to the "Sweet Smiling Cafe", where sweet smiles will never go away! This is our new creation, so join us for the grand opening celebration!
6 pm: Braille Room
Whether you are just beginning your braille learning journey, trying to quicken your reading pace, need help with your eReader, or looking to advance any braille skills, we are here to help! Join us to work together to help our community progress with braille. This event may be up to 1.5 hours.
Note: This event is using breakouts. Everyone must identify themselves to participate.
7 pm: The Bible Trivia Hour
Two teams of three will face the test, with Bible trivia at its best! Some will sink while others may swim, wit and skill will claim the win!
9 pm: Independent Visually Impaired Entrepreneurs Open Discussion Call
On the 5th Sunday, we sometimes have an open discussion call. IVIE would like to hear from you. If you have questions about starting or running a business, please join us. We're also looking for topics you'd like to learn more about on our "entrepreneur exchange" calls for next year.
Sponsored by Independent Visually Impaired Entrepreneurs
subscribe to the IVIE Mailing List
Contact The Facilitator
Monday, August 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.
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 5."
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
Let's pray the "Glorious Mysteries" together from the book, "Mysteries of the Holy Rosary Prayers".
12 pm: Experiences in a Catholic Church
This call is for community members to share your experience attending a Catholic church! there can be some visual aspects of the service that can be hard to navigate and it can be helpful to share some perspective.
2 pm: JC's Community Corner – Screen Readers on Mobile Phones
Join JC and your Community friends as we revisit screen readers on Mobile phones and compare them to what we currently use today such as iPhones with VoiceOver, as well as the BlindShell phones. Some examples of such screen readers on mobile devices that we will be discussing and comparing include talks from nuance, and Mobile Speak from Code Factory.
3 pm: The Jewish Hour
Preparing for the high holy days.
4 pm: Deciphering Dots
Join us to decipher "Charlie & Mouse Outdoors" by Laurel Snyder, available on BARD, BR24474. This book is dual formatted and includes the story in both uncontracted and contracted braille. We will explore the layout and take turns reading to practice our skills! This call is intended for educational purposes and is designed to help participants learn to read braille. This event may be up to 1.5 hours.
Subscribe to Braille Together email group
Email Braille Together
4 pm: Easy Chair Yoga
Come and enjoy easy chair yoga with modifications. We will be doing poses either in the chair or wherever you need to modify.
Sponsored by ACB Get Up and Get moving Committee
5 pm: Nontraditional Friendships
Come share your stories about how you've made friendships in a nontraditional way. Whether you met in person or online, we want to hear about it!
5 pm: Sports Roundtable
Join the Sports Spelunkers as we highlight the wonderful, wide, and wacky world of (primarily) U.S. team sports.
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 5."
6 pm: The Friendship Circle
Take your connection to the next level! Participate in smaller gatherings of three to five people in friendship circles and we'll do them as many times as we can in one hour.
Note: This event is using breakouts. Everyone must identify themselves to participate.
6:30 pm: Starlink - Heading to the Slopes with Ski for Light
Ready to try something a little different? Join ACB Next Generation Starlink as we hit the trails with Ski for Light and learn how people who are blind or visually impaired can cross-country ski with sighted guides, meet new people, and take on a new adventure.
Sponsored by ACB Next Generation
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 6."
7 pm: Get the Scoop
Join your friends for a sweet conversation. We will be talking about last week's ACB Presents daily questions. Simply answer a question and share your story to place your ice cream order. We count the cherries as we go. Stick around to hear the final total before we close up shop!
8 pm: LVA Book Club
This time, we will be discussing "Touch The Top of the World" by Erik Weihenmayer • DB: 51505. In this adventure-packed memoir, the author recalls rebelling against becoming blind at age fifteen. Relates acquiring a passion for mountaineering and developing the character traits that enabled him to succeed. Covers his climbing exploits and his wedding on top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Sponsored by Low Vision Alliance
8:30 pm: LUA Link
Kim Charlson, Executive Director of the Perkins Braille & Talking Book, Library, will be our guest on Monday, August 31st at 8:30 pm. She will talk about the Perkins Library, and the wide range of services provided beyond the fundamental NLS program offerings. Kim has always advocated a full range of accessible library services and has implemented many interesting programs and services for patrons. Come and hear about the types of programming, and be prepared to ask questions.
Sponsored by Library Users of America
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 6."
Tuesday, September 01
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.
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 5."
10 am: Herbie's Community Cooking Corner
Get ready for another cooking adventure. This time: Carrot, Raisin, and Apple Salad with Danette D. If cooking along, you will need the following: Shredded Carrots (sliced very slim and thin), Apples, Raisins. Mayonnaise and Balsamic Vinegar Vinaigrette. This event may be up to 1.5 hours.
Find the Cooking corner on Youtube
Find most of my recipes here
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 5."
11 am: Morning Mingle - Connections
Grab your beverage of choice and join the mingle! Looking to connect with other community members? Join us in the Connection, where small groups hang out and share.
Note: This event is using breakouts. Everyone must identify themselves to participate.
12 pm: Exploring Life Skills for Independence
Whether your new to vision loss or a seasoned expert, there is always something for everyone. Think of it as a boost for living your best day-to-day life, with a supportive crew by your side.
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 VIP Coaching In The Dark
12:30 pm: Special Event the Jewish Hour and JBI Library
Special high holy day program with rabbi goodman, forgiving others forgiving ourselves. This event may be up to 1.5 hours.
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 5."
2 pm: Abacus Made Simple
Even though we have our computers and smart phones to help us with math calculations, an abacus is just fun to use! If you used an abacus before and just want a refresher, or if you have never used one, this class will be fun and easy!
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 5."
4 pm: Resistance with Leslie
It’s time for an upper body workout using resistance bands. Hand weights and the floor. These exercises can be done sitting or standing. Get moving with Leslie Spoone, Certified Aerobics Instructor and Personal Trainer.
Sponsored by ACB Get Up and Get moving Committee
4 pm: The Ins and Outs of Sight Loss Later in Life
Come discuss the unique issues and feelings you may experience if you are losing sight later in life. Hear from those who have taken this journey before you.
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 Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss
5 pm: A Blind View - Unplugging the Jar
There's an old philosophy puzzle about a brain in a jar, wired to a computer and living a life that feels completely real from the inside — so on this call, we're asking whether that's us. Join Bel and talk honestly about what's really keeping us in, what technology has given us, and what it can't.
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 5."
6 pm: Braille Room
Join fellow braille learners and enthusiasts to study the code; practice skills; and troubleshoot problems in break out rooms. This event may be up to 1.5 hours.
Note: This event is using breakouts. Everyone must identify themselves to participate.
7 pm: Awakening Through Vedic Wisdom
This time, we will begin our deep listening and shared contemplations on the first Satsang of Acharya Shunya’s "Bhaja Govindam" series by hearing about the background and context of this sacred hymn. You are invited to have a method of recording your insights available, whether in written or audio form.
Email the facilitator
Subscribe to our email list
7 pm: Tuesday Topics
Occasionally, topics asks questions with no right answers, and our first September show is all about the stories we carry. We’ll ask the team and you to share two stories from your life: one time when being blind was just plain awful, and another when it led to something positive, funny, or memorable. This event may be up to 2 hours.
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 1."
10 pm: The Chat Cafe
The Chat Café baristas can serve you up an imaginary cuppa whatever you like. There is a question of the day and then we proceed down whatever rabbit whole strikes our fancy.
Sponsored by VIP Coaching in the Dark
Wednesday, September 02
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.
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 5."
11 am: Lisa's Living Room with DJ Freshness
Come join us for hot topics, what's on your mind, show and tell, interviews, and DJ’s corner. Join our wacky Wednesday reboot.
1 pm: The Classical Music Place
Whether you're a lifelong classical music fan or just curious to learn more, join an open discussion to share, explore, and deepen your appreciation—no lectures, just conversation!
2 pm: Creative Journey Embracing Joy and Moving Forward
we will build your personalized "Glimmer Menu" to use whenever you need a quick emotional boost. You will leave with a clear, easy action plan to keep finding joy and allowing yourself to feel good, no matter what season of life you are in. This event may be up to 1.5 hours.
Sponsored by Creative Guidance LLC
Creative Journey Podcast
Join The Creative Journey Mailing List
Contact The Facilitator
2 pm: Widows and Widowers Support Group
A time of sharing and support.
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.
Join The Spousal Los Mailing List.
3 pm: Navigation Tactics
Let’s explore different ways we navigate daily life as people who are blind or visually impaired. One or two questions will be posed to spark conversation. Come ready to share, staying concise so everyone has a chance to participate. This event may be up to 0.5 hours.
3:30 pm: Happy Hour Cardio
Join Leslie for an enthusiastic ride or walk on your cardio machine of choice.
Sponsored by ACB Get Up and Get moving Committee
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!
5 pm: Better Living Better Life
This week, we’ll talk about ways to encourage others on their weight loss journey. During the second half of the call, we’ll discuss how to prepare for medical tests that require special instructions for the night before or the morning of the test. This event may be up to 1.5 hours.
5 pm: Conversational Spanish
Bienvenidos! This group is for those who want to practice speaking Spanish. Everyone from intermediate level to native speaker is welcome. Everyone will have a chance to speak, exchange ideas, and ask questions.
Subscribe to the ACB Community Spanish List
6 pm: Accessible Online Games
This is where we play multi-player games online. This time: Tossup on RSGames. http://rsgames.org
6 pm: Cookin' Up a Song - Voice Training
Join us for our 6th fun voice class with Carole! We'll review more singing basics and then, take turns for questions or short solos. If singing, practice in advance one verse or one chorus from a favorite song. This will be without accompaniment and we look forward to hearing you! Carole will give feedback.
6 pm: Cozy by the Fire Side
We are reading and discussing "Beth is Dead".
8 pm: Sharing and Caring Support Group
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.
Subscribe to the Sharing and Caring Support Group
8:30 pm: Meditation Celebration
Join for a special half hour together including a 20-minute meditation. This event may be up to 0.5 hours.
Thursday, September 03
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.
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 5."
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
This month's guest speaker, Deborah Kent-Stein will make her presentation on "Six Dot to Literacy". This event may be up to 1.5 hours.
Sponsored by East Bay Center for the Blind
Contact the Facilitator
Access Archives of the call
Join the Mailing List
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 5."
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!
4 pm: Resistance with Leslie
It’s time for an upper body workout using resistance bands, hand weights, and the floor. These exercises can be done sitting or standing. Get moving with Leslie Spoone, Certified Aerobics Instructor and Personal Trainer.
Sponsored by ACB Get Up and Get moving Committee
4 pm: The Sight and Hearing Loss Experience
Dealing with both sight and hearing loss makes life interesting. Join the discussion when Jael talks about tips and tricks for managing it, both frustrating as well as funny moments. Interpreters welcome.
Sponsored by VIP Coaching in the Dark
5 pm: Beginning Spanish
We will be working on both Chapter 2 and a review of Chapter 1 in the Bregstein book, "Complete Spanish Step by Step", DB 136572. Everyone will have a chance to practice. When using the book, do a small section at a time and don't be afraid to go back over it. This event may be up to 1.5 hours.
Subscribe to the ACB Community Spanish List
5 pm: Better Together
Join Jamaica as she interviews a community member about his waiver.
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.
6 pm: ACB Crafters Needle Knitting
Join us for some projects we can work on together, as well as sharing of resources. This event may be up to 2 hours.
Sponsored by ACB Crafters
Join the ACB Crafters Mailing List
Contact the Facilitator
6 pm: Christian Book Chat
We are beginning to read The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How To Stay Emotionally and Spiritually Alive in the Modern World by John Mark Comer db115195
6:30 pm: Thursday Night Huddle - Stories from the Guide Dog Journey
Thinking about a guide dog, waiting for your match, already working with one, or just curious? Join ACB Next Generation for a Thursday Night Huddle featuring real stories about the guide dog journey, including the good, the challenging, the funny, and everything in between. This event may be up to 1.5 hours.
Sponsored by ACB Next Generation
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 6."
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: Let's Talk Low Vision - Braille
This time, we will be talking to 4 people who make braille valuable and useful to everyone. Ben Drew repairs braille writers and braille displays. Tona Drew is a small business owner who transcribes various items into braille. Patty Slaby teaches braille to elementary students and Tom Jones, president, Illinois Braille Revival League (IBRL) will discuss why people with low vision should learn braille.
Sponsored by Low Vision Alliance
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 1."
9 pm: Thursday Night Cap
By popular demand, it is now all breakouts all the time on Thursday Nightcap! Here is another opportunity to get to know your fellow community members in small groups.
Note: This event is using breakouts. Everyone must identify themselves to participate.
Friday, September 04
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.
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 5."
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.
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
This is for people who have more than one 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; and does not purport to provide mental health services.
5 pm: In Perspective
Featuring Sally Rosenthal, author of "Winter Pilgrimage".
Sponsored by Branco Events
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 5."
6 pm: Laying the Groundwork
How do you plan for your events? Come share!
Sponsored by ACB Community
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 5."
7 pm: Monthly Affirmation
Join Naomi as she shares a monthly affirmation and how we can apply it for daily life. This event may be up to 0.5 hours.
9 pm: It's Play Time
Meka and Cindy welcome you to join in for another fun Friday night filled with games and laughter.
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 5."
Saturday, September 05
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.
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 5."
10 am: Old School Saturday - Friendships
Come and join your community friends as we share old school friendship stories.
11 am: Ask BITS
Join us to explore today’s tech across Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac, along with screen readers, magnification software and helpful assistive tools. Bring your questions and connect with our BITS team for tips, tricks, and real-world advice to help make your tech work for you.
Sponsored by BITS
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 6."
11 am: Monthly Review Better Living Better Life
If you're the person who wants to come to the call during the week or have missed the call for whatever reason. This is the time for you to come and hear and discuss what was talked about in the previous calls.
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.
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
Parents trying to improve your vision.
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 5."
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: Cajun Debate
Answering questions about debate topics.
3 pm: Personal Finance and Investments
Discussion of personal finance, debt management, and assorted investment techniques. Bring any questions you may have!
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.
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 5."
6 pm: Weekend Braille Together - Dot Around
Join us to play a braille version of the game around the world. Participants will receive words to braille out, as we make our way through the braille code. There will be an uncontracted and a contracted track. Come dot around the braille world with us! This event may be up to 1.5 hours.
Sponsored by Braille Together
8 pm: Community Karaoke
Meka and Cindy invite you for another night of karaoke with your community friends. Performances are all pre-recorded. Those wishing to perform should email KaraokeUnite@gmail.com to be included in the weekly communication.
Note: Please remain muted throughout the evening with only a brief unmuting to provide verbal applause at the end of each performance. Hosts will mute as needed and remove repeat offenders if necessary. This event may be up to 2.5 hours.
Say to your Amazon device, "ask ACB Media to play 4."