Kick Off 2026 with Nutrition 101: Building a Healthier You
Submitted by Tammy Robbins & Becky Dunkerson
As the holiday season winds down and we step into a brand-new year, many of us find ourselves thinking about making healthier choices. While resolutions may come and go, the start of a new year is still a perfect time to refocus on well-being. That’s why the American Council of the Blind Diabetics in Action (ACBDA) is excited to launch our Nutrition 101 Basics Workshop in January 2026.
This 10-week series is designed to encourage a happier, healthier lifestyle for all participants. Whether you are living with diabetes, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for new ways to eat and feel better, this workshop is for you.
The program will take place on Thursday evenings at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, beginning January 8 and running through April 2. Each session will last no more than 90 minutes and will focus on a different area of nutrition and wellness. The full lineup includes:
- Week 1 (Jan. 8): A Fresh Start – Introduction to Nutrition Basics
- Week 2 (Jan. 15): Rise & Shine – Building a Better Breakfast
- Week 3 (Jan. 29): Midday Magic – Lunch That Lasts
- Week 4 (Feb. 5): Dinnertime Done Right – Balanced Evening Meals
- Week 5 (Feb. 12): Sweet Balance – Desserts Without the Guilt
- Week 6 (Feb. 19): Smart Bites – Snacks That Satisfy
- Week 7 (Mar. 5): Move to Improve – Activity & Movement
- Week 8 (Mar. 12): Mindful Moments – Eating with Awareness
- Week 9 (Mar. 19): Tech Tools – Accessible Apps & Nutrition Facts
- Week 10 (April 2): Cheers to Health – Celebration & Wrap-Up
Membership in ACBDA is required to participate. Annual membership is just $10, which also includes access to our quarterly newsletter and other resources. Once your 2026 membership is active, you can register for the workshop for a one-time fee of $15 per participant, covering all 10 sessions.
Registration is easy: simply complete the Nutrition 101 registration form on our website, acbda.org, or reach out for assistance if you need help signing up. The deadline to register is January 2, 2026.
We invite you to join us for this exciting workshop series — an opportunity to learn, share, and grow alongside others in our community. Let’s start the year by investing in our health and building habits that can last well beyond the season of resolutions.
Discover ACB Families
by Carla Ruschival
Looking for a place to connect, share, and grow with others who understand the unique joys and challenges of family life? ACB Families is here for you!
As a special-interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, ACB Families brings together people of all ages and backgrounds who value family, friendship, and support. Whether you are raising children, caring for loved ones, or simply want to build lasting friendships, you’ll find a welcoming community with us.
We host fun and informative Zoom calls each month. You might join us for a lively discussion on parenting tips, family history, technology topics, holiday traditions, or accessible resources. Our program meetings are held on the third Sunday of each month, and our business meetings, usually held on the first Sunday, gives everyone a chance to share ideas and help plan upcoming activities.
Now's the perfect time to join or renew your membership! Everyone who joins or renews by November 30 will be entered into a drawing to win one of four exciting gift cards valued at $25, $50, $75, and $100. Don't miss your chance!
Membership is just $10 per year, or you can become a life member for $100. A life membership ensures your support lasts for years to come and shows your commitment to keeping our ACB Families community strong.
For more information, and to join using your credit or debit card, call us at (502) 897-1472. Or make a check payable to ACB Families and mail to: ACB Families, 148 Vernon Ave., Louisville, KY 40206.
Want to stay connected? Subscribe to our email list by sending a blank message to families+subscribe@acblists.org.
Come discover what makes ACB Families such a special part of the ACB community. We'd love to have you with us!
Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America®
Sagebrush 2026 National BEP Training Conference Announcement
Theme: "Sagebrush 2026: Randolph-Sheppard — Celebrating 90 Years of Blind Entrepreneurship"
The RSVA Sagebrush National BEP Training Conference online registration is available. The deadline for registering online is February 16, 2026 — no exceptions. In-person registration begins on Monday, February 23 at 3 p.m. Registrants can pick up their hard-copy agendas, the Sagebrush bag, and other handouts. The “Welcome to Sagebrush Reception” starts at 7 p.m. The conference ends on Friday, February 27 with our special outing.
NOTE: Special Sagebrush hotel rates apply from Saturday, February 21 through Saturday, February 28.
Sagebrush Events:
- Welcome to Sagebrush networking opportunity
- Break-out sessions for BEP administrators and Vendor Committee Chairs, in person and on Zoom
- Inspirational Speaker at Sagebrush Randolph-Sheppard 90th Anniversary Luncheon: Tricia Waechter, CEO, Blind Girl Designs
- Hybrid Live Auction – Would you like to donate? Contact Scott Eggen, Linda Allison, or Ardis Bazyn at rsva@randolph-sheppard.org.
- Sponsors and exhibitors highlighting products and services
- Special Friday outing. Join us for a fun end to the busy week.
Invited Speakers and Topics:
- National Automatic Merchandising Association
- Rehabilitation Services Administration
- Social Security Administration
- National Council of State Agencies for the Blind
- Topics: Updates for micro markets, iOS and Mac AI, Office 365 AI updates, moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11, Improving BEP Training to retain managers, combatting price increases, healthy vending options, benefits of generic machines, and vending machine repair.
- Codes will be given at each session to validate attendance.
Our expert speakers will meet your every expectation at this year’s conference!!!
The conference hotel is the Golden Nugget Hotel in downtown Las Vegas, a four-star conference center. Room reservations must be made directly with the hotel by January 22. Special Sagebrush hotel rates apply from February 21 through Saturday, February 28. Rates differ by tower, starting at $69 per weeknight at the Carson tower. A fee for one night’s stay will be charged when you register for your room. If you cancel your reservation at least 72 hours before the conference, there will be no charge. A daily resort fee of $20, plus applicable 13% tax, will be added to each guest room account which entitles each guest to the following items:
- Access to the fitness center for two people daily; does not include wet areas inside of the spa
- In-room Internet access; up to two (2) devices per day
- Printing of boarding passes — at Front Desk or Box Office Only
- Free self-parking
- Two (2) free bottled waters per day, by request
For hotel reservations, please call 1-800-331-5731. When booking reservations via phone, it is essential to tell them you are with the Randolph-Sheppard 2026 conference to ensure the room rates and other amenities are applied. All who attend the event in person and register by January 1st will have their name entered into a drawing for a free in-person registration for the 2027 event. Conference updates will be placed on the RSVA website, https://www.randolph-sheppard.org. For further information, contact RSVA by email, rsva@randolph-sheppard.org.
Iowa Holds 37th Convention
The Iowa Council of the United Blind (ICUB) celebrated its 37th annual convention August 22-23 in Des Moines and via Zoom. Our luncheon speaker was Stacy Cervenka, newly appointed director of the Iowa Department for the Blind. Claire Stanley, ACB’s Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, updated us on legislative happenings during her banquet speech.
The Marie Hoenig Memorial Braillewriter award was presented to Raelyn Miller-Ramirez, a 6th grader at Sudlow Middle School in Davenport. Carol Flickinger of Rockwell City was presented with the Linda Dietrich Volunteer Award, and the Seliger-Slayton-Stratton long-time service award went to Arlo and Elsie Monthei of Des Moines.
Elections were also held, and the following were re-elected to our board: Dr. Bob Martin of Cedar Falls (Vice President), Liz Soenen, Goldfield (Secretary). Directors: Donna Seliger, West Des Moines; Elantra Van Gorkom, Des Moines, and Don Wirth, Ames.
Attendees enjoyed hearing from a variety of speakers and visiting with our exhibitors. We also welcomed several first-time in-person attendees and celebrated a significant increase in our membership. It was another great ICUB event filled with learning, fun and fellowship.