Come On In — the Water’s Fine!
Splash into summer with ACB Next Generation! Dive into our NextGen Auction on Sunday, June 14. We will have a pool full of wonderful items up for bid at our fourth annual auction. This includes everything from one-of-a-kind experiences to handmade items to gift cards and the very popular food items. There is truly something for everyone. Your bids help us make an ever-growing ripple as we continue our convention and D.C. Leadership assistance, tech grants, and our efforts to develop the future leaders of ACB.
Registration is open now! Simply fill out our Google Form (see link below), or reach out and one of our Fundraising Committee members will be happy to assist you.
- Registration link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSftiGNlx_9Pi4XX015oQe5nqsvYA6DPOm8lg_zrt2AZdk6Tfw/viewform - Email our committee: fundraising@acbnextgeneration.org
- Call us: (202) 524-0909
ACB Diabetics in Action at Convention
Come and learn about all things diabetes with ACB Diabetics in Action!
Thursday, July 16, 2:30-3:45 (Zoom only): The Power of Small Behavior Changes to Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes
One out of every three adults in the United States is living with pre-diabetes, and 50% of those people over age 65 have this condition. It is estimated that 90% of these people do not know it. There is a common misconception that a person can do very little at this point to avoid or delay a progression to a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Brenda Jagatic, BScN, RN, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, will share information about small behavior changes that can have a huge impact on slowing or preventing the progression of this disease. Two members of our group will also share their experiences.
Monday, July 27, 1:00 – 2:15 p.m.: What Is Late and Great in Managing Type I and Type II Diabetes (hybrid)
Cleveland-based diabetes professionals will discuss the latest changes/recommendations in managing Type I and Type II diabetes. Come prepared to learn how to best manage your disease with confidence and independence.
Tuesday, July 28, 1:00 – 2:15 p.m.: Turning Diabetes Stigma into Strength (hybrid)
Join us to listen to Shae Puckett from Diatribe share how Diatribe is working hard to build a world where people with diabetes are seen with dignity, approached with curiosity instead of judgment, and welcomed with compassion. Have you ever encountered any of the following situations which are examples of diabetes stigma? People who assume that you caused your own diabetes; people telling you that you should not be eating what you are eating; people telling you that you should perform tasks to manage your diabetes, such as testing your blood glucose or taking insulin, only in private; people who assume that you cannot do certain jobs because you have diabetes. In this presentation, we will discuss how, along with Diatribe and others, we can advocate for better understanding, acceptance and support of people who have diabetes.
ACB Families: Braille Devices, Virtual Campfire, Breakfast, and Bingo!
Come and learn about low-cost braille devices, sit around the virtual campfire, enjoy a breakfast, and play Bingo with us!
July 18 (Zoom only)
11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.: BRL and ACB Families Share Low-Cost Braille Devices
Enhance your use of braille with four low-cost braille devices. The Braille Doodle is a device with raised braille letters and a method of drawing. The VersaSlate is a paperless slate and stylus. The Hable is a device with braille input that can connect to other devices. Braille LEGOs are a fun way to learn more about braille. Presenters: Lucy Edmonds, retired, Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library, Lansing, MI; Audrey Schading, Braille Instructor, Lighthouse Guild of New York; Shanell Matos, assistive technology program leadership, Lighthouse Guild, New York.
5:30 – 6:45 p.m.: ACB Families Goes to Camp
It's summertime — time to sit around the virtual campfire and eat hot dogs and s'mores. Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, camp is a special experience. Paul Edwards, storyteller extraordinaire, is back this year with campfire stories. A virtual treasure hunt, camp trivia, and easy snack ideas also fill this finale to the virtual convention week.
July 27, 7:00 – 8:15 a.m.: ACB Families Breakfast — Feel Better with Energy Medicine (hybrid)
Are there ways to feel better beyond or alongside our typical ways of prescription medicines? There are many ways, including hands-on or hands above the body, emotional freedom technique, Bach Flower Remedies, homeopathy and more. Debbie Hazelton from Dothan, Ala., has been involved with energy medicine for over 30 years. She is certified in the emotional freedom technique, in the Bach flower remedies, and is a Reiki master. She will explore many of these, giving a few techniques, websites and ways to learn more.
July 28, 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.: Bingo — It's a Families Tradition (in-person only)
Braille cards, large print cards, and lots of great prizes! Bring yourself, bring a friend, bring your family — fun for all ages! Doors open at 7:30; games begin at 8:00.
What’s Happening with ACB Next Generation?
ACB Next Generation has a lot of sessions planned that may be of interest to many of you. Check them out below!
Friday, July 17 (Zoom only)
1:00 – 2:15 p.m.: Why You Need a Better Money Plan and How YNAB’s Five Questions Can Help Your Finances Soar
Does your budget look good on paper but fall apart in real life? Join MOe Carpenter, AFC and Certified YNAB Spendfulness Coach, to discover a better way to manage your money. We’ll examine YNAB’s five questions and how they can help you build a stronger plan, spend more mindfully, and make your finances truly soar to new heights.
5:30 – 6:45 p.m.: Boomers versus NextGen
It’s the Generational Showdown of the year! Prepare for trivia questions that bridge the age gap. Prepare to be challenged and even learn a thing or two. Non-members welcome.
Friday, July 24 (in person only)
5:30 – 6:45 p.m.: Leadership Linkup 2.0 – Ready, Set, Network
Step into the leadership arena and network with leaders of the American Council of the Blind. This is your opportunity to connect directly with the heart of ACB leadership. You will be paired with an emerging leader and move through fast-paced and meaningful conversations with dynamic ACB leaders all in one room. This is an invitation-only event, and signing up ahead is required as space is limited.
To sign up, send an email to ACBNextGen@gmail.com. Please be sure to include your name, email address, and phone number when signing up. Location details will be shared with confirmed participants prior to the event. This session is sponsored by ACB Next Generation and ACB’s Berl Colley Leadership Institute.
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Rise Together Convention Kickoff
Join ACB Next Generation and ACB Students for a high-energy Convention Kickoff that brings together the spirit of a pep rally with the fun of a dance — all packed into two unforgettable hours. This interactive event is designed to uplift, energize, and connect attendees from across the ACB community. Hear from some of your favorite ACB leaders as they share words of encouragement and inspiration. Then, get up and get moving with fun, audio-described dances that everyone can enjoy. No experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm! Throughout the event, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to socialize with friends, meet new people, and build meaningful connections. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a longtime member, this is the perfect way to jumpstart your convention experience. Come ready to move, connect, and celebrate.
Sunday, July 26
5:00 – 6:15 p.m.: Becoming WELL: What We Can Do to Help Build Each Other Up in Life and Community (hybrid)
WELL is an acronym that stands for wisdom, encouragement, listening, and learning. Life can be demanding and exhausting, but even in the midst of busy days and personal challenges, you can still be W.E.L.L. and treat others well too. These four areas can help guide us in how we show up for one another, strengthen our relationships, and create meaningful connections within our communities. Join us as we explore practical ways to lead with wisdom, offer encouragement, truly listen, and remain open to learning from the people around us. Together, we’ll discover how these simple, yet powerful practices can help us build each other up, foster belonging, and create a stronger, more supportive community. This session is sponsored by ACB Next Generation.
ACB Next Generation is also co-sponsoring sessions with the Employment Committee:
- Thursday, July 16 at 11:30 a.m.: Moving Forward from Job Loss
- Friday, July 17 at 11:30 a.m.: Workplace Etiquette
- Monday, July 27 at 3 p.m.: Interviewing Skills Workshop
Calling All Hams to a Virtual Session
ACB Radio Amateurs will host a digital session on Thursday, July 16 from 1:00 to 2:15 p.m. It will feature a brief discussion of amateur digital communication modes and a presentation on the SharkRF M1KE radioless digital hotspot. The presenter will be John McCann, an ACBRA board member. (This session will be via Zoom only.)
ACB Students: Exploring AI Tools, Self-Defense and More
Thursday, July 16, 10:00 – 11:15 a.m.: Exploring AI Tools: Opportunities and Risks for Blind Students and Beyond (Zoom only)
Join us for an engaging and practical conversation on how artificial intelligence is transforming accessibility, education, and opportunities for blind students. This session will demystify how AI works, explore its real benefits and risks, and share actionable strategies students can use right now to learn, create, and lead with confidence. The discussion will highlight responsible AI use, ethical considerations, and real-world applications. Participants can expect practical tips, real examples, and an open conversation designed to build confidence, awareness, and innovation.
Friday, July 17, 4:00 – 6:45 p.m.: Film Preview: Brailled It
Every year, the best under-18 braille readers and writers in the English-speaking world come to Los Angeles to compete in the Braille Challenge. Empowering them to become filmmakers, BRAILLED IT gives these kids cameras and has them document the event on their own. Their often-disorienting cinematography challenges sighted audiences to follow the action on their terms, with audio description and binaural sound helping audiences understand this unique cinematic world through non-visual cues. Ultimately, the kids' honest, personal, and emotional footage makes the human drama of their experience — and the true power of literacy — accessible for all. Co-sponsored by ACBS and the Audio Description Project Committee.
Saturday, July 18, 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.: Strong Minds, Safer Lives: Mental Health and Self-Defense Fundamentals I (Zoom only)
Build confidence from the inside out in this engaging virtual session that explores the powerful connection between mental well-being and personal safety. In the first half, participants will learn practical strategies to manage fear, set boundaries, and develop assertiveness skills that support emotional resilience in everyday situations.
July 24, 5 – 6:15 p.m.: Strong Minds, Safer Lives: Mental Health and Self-Defense Fundamentals II (in-person only)
Take your confidence to the next level in this dynamic in-person session focused on practical self-defense skills you can use in real life. Building on the fundamentals introduced in the virtual session, participants will engage in guided, interactive exercises designed to strengthen awareness, reaction time, personal boundaries, and assertive communication in challenging situations. This hands-on experience emphasizes empowerment, safety planning, and realistic strategies for navigating everyday environments with greater confidence. Participants will have the opportunity to practice simple defensive techniques, explore scenario-based responses, and develop both physical and mental readiness.
Monday, July 27, 3:00 – 4:15 p.m.: Health, Knowledge, Accessibility, and Empowerment: Navigating HIV Awareness with Confidence
This session offers a safe and informative space to explore HIV awareness, sexual and reproductive health, accessibility, and personal empowerment. Participants will receive clear, science-based information that helps reduce stigma, build confidence, and support informed decision-making about health and well-being. Attendees will gain practical knowledge about accessing healthcare resources, understanding their rights, and advocating for their needs with confidence and dignity.
ACBS will also co-sponsor three sessions with the employment committee: Thursday, July 16, 11:30 a.m.: Moving Forward from Job Loss; Workplace Etiquette on Friday, July 17 at 11:30 a.m.; and the Interviewing Skills Workshop on Monday, July 27 at 3 p.m.