The ACB Braille Forum Volume LXIV February 2026 No. 7 Published by the American Council of the Blind ***** ** Be A Part of ACB The American Council of the Blind (TM) is a membership organization made up of more than 70 state and special-interest affiliates. To join, contact the national office at 1-800-424-8666. * Contribute to Our Work Those much-needed contributions, which are tax-deductible, can be sent to Attn: Treasurer, ACB, 6200 Shingle Creek Pkwy., Suite 155, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430. If you wish to remember a relative or friend, the national office has printed cards available for this purpose. Consider including a gift to ACB in your Last Will and Testament. If your wishes are complex, call the national office. To make a contribution to ACB by the Combined Federal Campaign, use this number: 11155. * Check in with ACB For the latest in legislative and governmental news, call the "Washington Connection" 24/7 at 1-800-424-8666, or read it online. Tune in to ACB Media at www.acbmedia.org. Learn more about us at www.acb.org. Follow us on Twitter at @acbnational, or like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/acbnational. © 2026 American Council of the Blind Scott Thornhill, Executive Director Sharon Lovering, Editor 225 Reinekers Ln., Suite 660, Alexandria, VA 22314 ***** ** Table of Contents ACB Looks into the Future, by Deb Cook Lewis Advocacy in Action: Looking Ahead to Capitol Hill, by Claire Stanley ACB Soaring to New Heights, by Janet Dickelman A 2026 Leadership Opportunity The ACB Constitution and Bylaws Committee Wants to Hear from You, by John McCann Announcing the Call for Nominations for the 2026 ADP Awards Affiliates In Action: ACB Government Employees, by Deborah Armstrong Connecting the Dots Through Life, Part Two: Braille in Employment, by Penny Moss Exploring the New Preview App in iOS 26: A VoiceOver User's Perspective, by Anthony Corona Eligibility Determinations Have Little to Do with Lived Experiences, by Melody Holloway Affiliate News Passings Here and There, edited by Cynthia G. Hawkins ACB Officers ACB Board of Directors ACB Board of Publications Accessing Your ACB Braille Forums ** How to Submit Articles to the Forum If you wish to submit an article to "The ACB Braille Forum," please send it via email to slovering@acb.org as part of the message, or attached as a Word or ASCII text file. Articles should be between 500 and 800 words. Language should be family friendly. Longer articles may be divided into two or more parts. ** Upcoming Forum Themes and Deadlines April 2026: Theme: Multicultural Affairs: Share your thoughts on moving from inclusion to belonging; Deadline: February 20, 2026 May 2026: Theme: TBA; Deadline: March 23, 2026 If your committee or affiliate would like to claim an issue of the Forum, please contact Sharon Lovering, slovering@acb.org. ** Are You Moving? Do You Want to Change Your Subscription? Contact Sharon Lovering in the ACB national office, 1-800-424-8666, or via e-mail, slovering@acb.org. Give her the information, and she'll update the database. ***** ** ACB Looks into the Future by Deb Cook Lewis We seem to spend a lot of time and energy in ACB talking about the future and what is changing around us. Everything from population shifts, new paradigms around vision loss, technology, etc. But what will the future really be like for ACB as a membership organization in our changing environment? I am so excited because last fall, the ACB Board approved the kickoff of a new adventure we're calling the ACB Legacy & Future Readiness Initiative, a multi-year project backed by donors. The goal of the first phase (all of 2026) is about really getting to know and documenting where ACB stands now -- who's involved, how things run, and what the organization's culture is like -- so future choices are based on solid info. During this phase, the Board and staff will work with our consultant to: • Celebrate what ACB does well and its history, • Spot chances for positive change, • Imagine a "dynamic legacy" for ACB's future, and • Plan research and outreach with an eye to what comes next. The main idea is to figure out what's working, what should stay, and what could be better. The insights from this phase will set the stage for the next step: planning. Key Steps in Phase 1: 1. Review Documents & Roles (Jan.–Feb. 2026): Go over constitution and bylaws, resolutions, governance, past policies and actions, and other info to see who's involved and what questions need answering. 2. Leadership Interviews & Early Chats (Feb.–May): Hold listening sessions at the presidents' meeting during the leadership conference and other online opportunities for leaders to talk about strengths, what to keep, and what could change. 3. Check Out Other Groups & Compare (Feb.–June): Look at similar non-profit organizations to see what they're doing, plus study other organizations who impact or serve the blind and low vision communities. 4. More Interviews & Focus Groups (July–Sept.): Have deeper conversations with members and stakeholders at the ACB national convention and elsewhere to learn about their experiences and hopes. 5. Test Early Ideas & Get Feedback (Sept.–Nov.): Share first-round recommendations with the Board and leaders, listen to feedback, and tweak plans before moving to the next stage. Throughout this first phase, we are committed to using clear, welcoming language and keep everyone in the loop. It all wraps up with a detailed report that gives the Board practical options and next steps for strategic planning. ACB has hired a consulting firm that has worked with us before to guide the process. They will be hosting both online and in-person sessions, interviews, and feedback meetings with the Board and other stakeholders. I hope every interested member will participate when the opportunity comes around. What's Coming Out of It: The main results will be summaries of what people say, comparisons to other groups, reports with insights, and a final report with findings and recommendations to use for future planning. Both ACB and the consultant firm have their own jobs to do to keep things moving and make sure everyone is participating and giving feedback. I wanted to give you a heads-up early on so that you will be ready to take advantage of this opportunity to share your feedback, dreams and hopes. These are challenging and exciting times for all consumer organizations and I so appreciate that the ACB Board was willing to step forward to take this opportunity. ***** ** Advocacy in Action: Looking Ahead to Capitol Hill by Claire Stanley ACB is excited for our 2026 Hill Day on Tuesday, March 10. We always carry out a fly-in Hill Day the Tuesday following the legislative seminar at the D.C. Leadership Conference. This is a wonderful opportunity for our members to visit their Congressmembers and explain important issues and legislation impacting the blind and low vision community across the country. The opportunity to travel to Capitol Hill and be involved in the advocacy process is a wonderful experience for anyone and everyone to experience. As in past years, ACB wants to put a special emphasis on meeting with specific members of Congress who sit on the applicable committees overseeing the three 2026 imperatives. It is crucial that all people reach out to their senators and representatives on the legislative imperatives. However, if your Congressmembers sit on the responsible committees, it can help to bring about greater movement in pushing the bills forward. As a result, ACB will be reaching out to specific state affiliates if your members fill such committee roles. We greatly encourage you to place an emphasis on meeting with those offices. ACB is glad to help and schedule meetings with those offices. When planning for those meetings, please collect constituent anecdotes on how the three bills will positively impact the lives of blind and low vision people. Hill staffers repeatedly ask for stories of the lived experiences of their constituents. In summary, make sure you know if your senators and representatives sit on applicable, bill-related committees. Don't worry, we will help. And second, start collecting those stories now to have ready when you go to the Hill on March 10. * All About This Year's Leadership Conference ACB's 2026 Leadership Conference will be a hybrid event. The optional tour, ACB's Board meeting, Presidents' Meeting, Legislative Seminar, and Capitol Hill visits will take place between Friday, March 6th, 2026 and Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel in Arlington, Va. * Conference Registration Registration for the D.C. Leadership Conference will open on January 15, 2026. * Hotel Reservations The room rate for the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel is $163 per night, plus taxes and fees. This rate applies to any night starting on Thursday, March 5, 2026 through Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel is located at 900 S. Orme St., Arlington, VA 22204. We recommend making a reservation by calling 1-800-325-3535 and informing the Marriott representative that you will be attending the ACB Leadership Seminar to receive the group rate. The group code is "A26." The room block cutoff date is Friday, February 6, 2026. You may cancel your reservation before March 4, 2026 for a full refund. If you experience any issues booking a room, please email Hannah Park at hpark@acb.org. You may also make a reservation at the Sheraton online by clicking here: https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1745876689027&key=GRP&app=resvlink. The Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel offers a shuttle service to Reagan National Airport (DCA) 7 days a week. From DCA to the hotel, the shuttle service starts at 6:15 a.m.; from 6:15 to 9:15 a.m., pickups are every 30 minutes; from 9:15 a.m. to 11:15 p.m., pickups will run every hour. From the hotel to DCA, service starts at 6 a.m.; from 6:00 to 9:00 a.m., shuttle service pickups are every 30 minutes; from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., shuttle service pickups will be every hour. * Schedule of Events • Friday, March 6: Afternoon tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The tour is free of charge; however, it needs to be indicated when registering. Members will be responsible for their transportation to the tour. For more information on the museum, visit https://nmaahc.si.edu/. • Saturday, March 7: Board Meeting & Evening Welcome Reception • Sunday, March 8: Presidents' Meeting (including luncheon) & Evening Dine Around in Pentagon City • Monday, March 9: Legislative Seminar (including luncheon) • Tuesday, March 10: Attendees may visit Capitol Hill to meet with their representatives. ***** ** ACB Soaring to New Heights by Janet Dickelman The 2026 American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention theme is Soaring to New Heights! The theme was developed by the Convention Steering Committee. * Virtual Convention Dates The following is a list of events that will be held virtually prior to the in-person portion of the convention. Wednesday, July 8, 7 p.m.: Candidates' Forum Saturday, July 11: Summer auction, preceded by two days of appetizer auction! Monday, July 13, 7 p.m.: Call to order, reading of standing rules, first credentials report, and other ACB business. Followed by nominating committee. Tuesday, July 14 through Thursday, July 16 (evenings): Resolutions will be read and discussed. Wednesday, July 15: Virtual exhibitor open house followed by mock election. Thursday, July 16 through Saturday, July 18: Virtual-only programming; including affiliate business meetings, ACB committee, special-interest affiliate and business partner sessions Friday, July 17th (evening): Discussion of constitution and bylaw amendments Monday, July 20: Voting on resolutions and constitution and bylaw amendments. * In-Person Convention Information On Friday, July 24, ACB will hold a board meeting, and the Missouri host committee will host a welcome party. Committees, special-interest affiliates and business partners will hold events in Saint Louis Saturday, July 25 through Wednesday, July 29. We will have 2 hybrid rooms, and provide space for other sessions that are in-person only. In-person only sessions (excluding mixers and other purely social events) can be recorded by ACB and will be available as podcasts, but they will not have Zoom capability. * General Sessions This year's opening general session will be held on Saturday, July 25 at 7 p.m. On Sunday morning we will host four sessions. We are still working on setting them. There will be something for everyone! Daily general sessions will be held Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 to noon, and Thursday from 8:30 to 2 p.m. Our banquet will be held Thursday evening. Exhibit Hall Exhibit hall hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. * Touring St. Louis Our first tours will be on Friday, July 24th and final tours on Friday, July 31. For a listing of tours, see the January ACB Braille Forum. * Hotel Details Room rates at the Hyatt are $104 single or double, $129 triple or $154 quad, plus applicable state and local taxes (currently 17.92%). To make reservations online, go to https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/STLRS/G-ACBL. If you prefer to make your reservations by telephone, please call central reservations at (888) 591-1234. Make sure to let them know you are reserving a room at the Hyatt St. Louis Arch at 315 Chestnut Street and use group code G-ACBL. * Room Amenities All sleeping rooms have safes, ironing boards, refrigerators and K-cup coffee makers. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center. It does not have a pool. There are no guest washers and dryers. There is a dry-cleaning service. The hotel is cashless; any purchases must be made with a credit or debit card. * Staying in Touch The convention announce list will be filled with information. To subscribe to the list, send a blank e-mail to Acbconvention+subscribe@acblists.org. If you received updates for the 2025 convention, you do not need to subscribe to the list. For any convention-related questions, contact Janet Dickelman, convention chair, at (651) 428-5059, or via email, Janet.dickelman@gmail.com. ***** *** A 2026 Leadership Opportunity from the Durward K. McDaniel Fund Committee Are you hoping to build your leadership skills or get more involved in ACB? Maybe you're already taking on leadership roles and want to connect with others who share your passion. If any of that sounds like you, we've got a great opportunity you won't want to miss. This year, the Durward K. McDaniel (DKM) Fund Committee is proud to reach two major milestones of helping drive leadership in ACB! Thirty years ago, the DKM Committee launched the First-Timer program. Meanwhile, this year marks 10 years since we celebrated the inaugural class of ACB/JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows. As tradition holds, the DKM Fund Committee will select two ACB members -- one on each side of the Mississippi River -- to be our DKM First-Timers this year. Five members will also be chosen to take part in the ACB/JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows program. Both programs are designed to help you grow, learn, and experience ACB in a deeper way. If you're chosen, you'll get to attend the 65th annual ACB Conference and Convention from July 24–31, 2026, in St. Louis, Mo. You'll meet other leaders, spend time with past recipients, and take part in a wide range of convention activities that can help you build confidence, skills, and lasting connections. ** Who Can Apply? You must be blind or visually impaired, at least 18 years old, and a current ACB member. * DKM First-Timer Award: • You must have never attended an in-person ACB Conference and Convention. • You need at least two years of continuous membership in an ACB state or special-interest affiliate, or you must be a member-at-large serving on an ACB committee. * ACB/JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows Award: You need at least three years of continuous membership in an ACB state or special-interest affiliate, or you must be a member-at-large serving on an ACB committee. If you qualify, you'll just need to fill out the online application and ask the president of your affiliate -- or your committee chair if you're a member-at-large -- to submit the recommendation form. * Important Dates Applications open January 1, 2026. 2026 DKM/Chase Award Application: https://forms.gle/U64TKDkxSiRbmwYs8 2026 DKM / Chase Recommendation Form: https://forms.gle/EqfMsJMuQncdj6mm8 Everything is due by April 1, 2026. After applications close, the DKM Committee will schedule a 30-minute interview with each applicant in mid-April. Once interviews and reviews are complete, we'll make our selections in late April. Two First-Timers and five Leadership Fellows will be chosen. If there aren't eligible applicants on one side of the Mississippi, both First-Timers may be selected from the same region. Everyone will be notified soon after decisions are made. * What's Covered? If you're selected, ACB will cover round-trip airfare, transportation to and from the convention, double-occupancy hotel room, per diem for meals, registration, and tickets for certain events like the reception and banquet. Optional tours and activities aren't included. You'll be responsible for arranging any personal accommodations you need so you can fully participate throughout the week -- including attending all general sessions and required events. If you have any questions, reach out to Zelda Gebhard, DKM Committee Chair, at zgeb@drtel.net or (701) 709-0262. ****** ** The ACB Constitution and Bylaws Committee Wants to Hear from You by John McCann The Constitution and Bylaws Committee will be meeting soon to consider ideas and possible amendments for consideration at the 2026 ACB conference and convention. As required by Bylaw 6D, all proposed amendments must be submitted to the committee not less than sixty (60) days before the opening of the convention, which, for this year, means May 25th. As in previous years, we will announce a schedule of open committee meetings to gather members' input before preparing our final committee report. Please send all proposed constitution and/or bylaw amendments to committee chair John McCann at john@jamsite.net. ***** ** Announcing the Call for Nominations for the 2026 ADP Awards Remember that amazing audio description experience you had last year? The Audio Description Project wants to hear about it! Now is your chance to nominate the best AD you've encountered for an ADP Award. The ADP Awards are sponsored by the ACB's Audio Description Project to recognize achievement in audio description in six categories, including performing arts, museums, the public sector, and research and development. Nominations will be accepted from January 5 to April 27, 2026, and the winners will be announced in July at the American Council of the Blind's conference and convention. * Who Can Submit a Nomination? Everyone! You are welcome to nominate yourself, your local theatre or museum, or a well-known institution. Complete and submit the nomination form today. * Who Is Eligible for an Award? Any person, organization, or institution that fits in one of the categories below and is involved in the research, development, production, design, creation, and/or delivery of great audio description is eligible. * What Are the Criteria? The most important criterion is that the person or organization consistently develops, creates, and/or makes available excellent audio description. We encourage you to address the quality of the AD and other accessibility elements in your nomination. ? The AD script – clear, concise, and vivid word choices that describe crucial visual elements without offering opinions, explanations, or interpretations ? The AD voicing – narration that enhances the experience by using a tone and energy level appropriate to the content ? The AD sound – a smooth balance of dialogue, background noise, musical soundtrack, and audio description ? Total access – how easy is it to access the audio description? Is the website and/or physical spaces accessible? ? Inclusion – to what extent are people on the blindness spectrum involved in the creation of audio description, as writers, editors, sound engineers, or testers? * What Are the Award Categories? There are six categories. The same individual or organization may not be nominated in multiple categories. • Performing Arts • Museums, Visual Art, Visitor Centers • Public Sector (government agencies – federal, state, or local) • International (people and organizations working primarily outside the U.S.) • Dr. Margaret Pfanstiehl Memorial Award for Audio Description Research and Development • Barry Levine Memorial Award for Career Achievement in Audio Description To submit your nomination, go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhaHdzlNDE4q99zeEvw5D2E2A_9ByQVVNyAHqDA4JJYKHBUQ/viewform. Help us celebrate the people and organizations that are contributing significantly to the growth of high-quality audio description. Submit your nominations by April 27, 2026. If you have questions or would like assistance, contact audiodescription@acb.org. ***** ** Affiliates In Action: ACB Government Employees by Deborah Armstrong Your Board of Publications inaugurates a new column, featuring special-interest and state affiliates, as well as local chapters. Our goal is to ensure Braille Forum readers know what's happening in different parts of the country in a plethora of ACB's diverse groups. By learning about the variety of ACB members and their activities, your own affiliate can also grow inspired. This month we introduce you to ACB's Government Employees affiliate. To summarize their mission in a few words: small, but mighty support. President Pat Sheehan is particularly proud of the therapeutic effect the affiliate had on its members during the government shutdown. "We had weekly calls," he says, "where people could talk openly about their concerns and fears." He also highlighted his "gloomy news of the week" informal newsletter, where he kept members informed. Vice President Liz Botner added, "We keep it pretty informal. We want folks to feel free to talk about their situation and challenges." Weekly calls are held Saturdays on ACB Community; they are not podcasted or streamed. They are open to everyone, regardless of whether they are members of the affiliate. President Pat wanted Forum readers to know that his affiliate is there for individuals impacted by what's going on with the current administration. Historically, they have even sponsored memberships. All government workers are welcome, including their families and other allies, plus those retired from government service. Local, state and national employees are all represented: Liz said one misconception they often refute is that you don't need to be a federal worker to belong. Besides direct support, the members keep each other informed through a mailing list and phone calls about developments with everything from Social Security and Medicare, to updates on rehabilitation services, veterans' affairs, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance -- the SNAP Program and really anything going on with government. Workers have experienced probation, contract reductions or furloughs, and this affiliate is there to provide help and resources. Teaming up twice with the employment committee, they presented a seminar on what it's like to work for the government last October, and during a summer convention, a session on making a career change and surviving a layoff. Advocacy is also a big part of their mission. For example, they were quick to respond when a direct final ruling endangered accessibility to the Department of Energy. "If we hadn't acted quickly," Pat said, "we could have lost Braille signage, wheelchair access, and the regulations which control lighting and color contrast which make the buildings accessible. And it could have expanded to negatively affect the accessibility of other federal buildings." "If they'd been able to sneak it through," Liz said, "a disabled person would need to request access to a building as an accommodation, rather than the accessibility being present already." You can contact this affiliate by email at acbgovernmentemployees@gmail.com, or phone president Pat Sheehan at (301) 922-2995. To learn more, you are welcome to join their weekly community call. ***** ** Connecting the Dots Through Life, Part Two: Braille in Employment by Penny Moss After graduating from college in 1976, I spent a year taking classes from the Atlanta Area Services for the Blind in cooking and activities of daily living. Before completing instruction at this agency, I was trained in using the Optacon. This device was developed in 1973, by an inventor whose daughter was blind. Its name was an abbreviation for Optical Tactual Converter. It was somewhat larger than a tape recorder with a camera connected to it. It was designed to convert printed letters and numbers in to tactual shapes that were transmitted through electrical impulses to the user's index finger. Users would hold the camera in the right hand and place it on the printed page. As the user moved the camera along each line of text, the printed letters were transmitted through the camera and were converted into electrical impulses that mirrored the shape of each letter or numeral. For example, the lower- and upper-case O were transmitted as a circle, and an upper-case A was transmitted as a triangle. Users would place the index finger of the left hand in a portion of the Optacon called "the array" which was designed to fit the lower portion of this finger. Each letter had to be distinguished separately, as the user moved the camera across the page. Before long, typewriter attachments were developed for IBM and Smith Corona typewriters. These devices could be connected to the camera of the Optacon, and attached to the typewriter. When users typed, they were able to read what they were typing through the index finger, which was transmitted from the page in the typewriter. Both typewriters had strategies typists could use to correct unwanted errors. In the Smith Corona typewriter which I used, you removed the cartridge ribbon when a mistake was made. Then you could insert another cartridge ribbon, which removed the mistake when you typed it. You knew the mistake was gone, because you could feel a blank space through the index finger where the mistake had been. When the Optacon was introduced, it took the blind community by storm. For the first time in history, blind people who were unable to read any size print could actually access the printed page with this device. The only prerequisite to training was that students had to learn the shapes of upper and lower case letters along with numerals and punctuation marks. Everyone wanted to get Optacon training, and it certainly increased employment opportunities for the blind community. I could not have gotten my first two jobs without it. The greatest benefit for me was having the ability to read what I typed. I had not been a particularly good typist, but my typing became more accurate when I developed this skill. Reading with the Optacon was terribly slow because you had to distinguish each letter before determining each word. It took users massive practice and a long time before they could read with speed. Another issue was that there were various kinds of print that had to be deciphered, which was often difficult and time-consuming. The fastest I ever read was 45 words per minute, which was a lot slower than my Braille reading speed. I did not have the patience to build up my speed when it was much faster and easier to read Braille or listen to recorded materials. Yet, I loved being able to read what I typed. I never got over the amazement of being able to do this. The Optacon truly was one of the first devices considered to be assistive technology, and its importance cannot be overstated. My first job was with the Georgia Merit System as a receptionist. I used the Optacon, its typewriter attachment, and the typewriter extensively. I didn't have to use the Braille writer in this job. While there, I assisted in getting merit examinations transcribed into Braille, so Braille readers could take these tests independently. After two and a half years, I transferred into a Senior Case Worker position at the Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS). My main responsibility was to schedule medical check-ups for children who were on Medicaid, with their nearby health department. Every morning, my supervisor would read the list of clients with pertinent information onto a Dictaphone, which I had to Braille on the Braille writer, before I could contact them. This was tedious and slow. Since I had to use the Braille writer so much, my parents bought an extra Braille writer so I would have one at work and at home. Then my supervisor located an IBM Braille typewriter, which was just like a regular IBM typewriter, except it produced Braille. Anyone could type on it and produce Braille. I thought this was amazing! This certainly increased my productivity because I didn't have to copy client information through a Dictaphone. Braille certainly was especially important to me in this position. I worked as a senior case worker for three years. Then, I decided it was time to attend graduate school. In 1983, I moved to Arlington, Texas, where I earned a master's degree in social work. Then I obtained a Master's in Church Social Services from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. I continued to Braille papers, only this time when I transposed them on the typewriter, I was able to monitor my typing with the Optacon and typewriter attachment. I still paid a typist to retype my papers so they would look professional, and I could be sure I was following APA guidelines. During graduate school, I began to hear students talk about writing papers on the computer. The president of the seminary, who was my former pastor, met with all new students, and urged them to buy a computer. At the time, I couldn't see how that would help. It was not yet possible for blind people to use computers. Although Apple had produced a computer that could talk, its use was not widespread. In 1988, while a student at Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center, I received some computer training. However, I had difficulty understanding basic concepts such as the cursor, or why I couldn't hear the space bar or the capital key, when I spaced between words or typed capital letters. Then in 1989, I started working at a Center for Independent Living in Lubbock, Texas. All the staff were using computers. By now, mastering computer skills was mandatory. Before long I was introduced to JAWS, and was issued a computer. But I still struggled since I was not used to using speech. No one took the time to explain the differences between using the typewriter and a computer. Then one day, a woman who was deaf-blind visited our agency. She wanted to know if there was any way she could learn the computer. I didn't have the answer, but I assured her I would do research to see what could be done. I was certain there had to be a way she could acquire computer skills. I located a representative from Telesensory Systems Incorporated (TSI), who told me there was indeed a Braille display called the Navigator, which could be connected to the computer. Arrangements were made for him to provide several days of training so I could teach this woman computer skills through an interpreter. He loaned the center a Braille printer and a Navigator for this purpose. I will never forget how helpful that Braille display was the moment it was connected to the computer. I saw the Braille cursor, and suddenly, I understood cursor movement, along with the concepts of insert, typeover, deleting, cutting, and pasting text. I had a much better understanding of the screen environment, that I could not obtain through speech alone. It was as if a light turned on! I quickly learned MS-DOS and WordPerfect. Soon I mastered Duxbury, and was immediately embossing copies of our newsletter. We quickly received six requests for Braille newsletters from the blind community. My supervisor was so impressed with how much the Navigator helped me acquire computer skills. He was amazed that we had requests for Braille newsletters, because he had been convinced blind people no longer used Braille. He arranged for the center to purchase the Navigator and the Braille printer. By the end of 1990, I had a computer and a Versapoint Braille printer in my home. I would take the Navigator home every day, until I was able to acquire a Braille display. I loved having a computer at home! I thought I was in technology heaven! Throughout the '90s, I continued using assistive technology. Whenever I taught computer skills, I made sure students understood the differences between using typewriters and computers. During this time, I obtained another master's degree in counseling from Texas Tech University. Attending school was so much easier because I completed my papers on the computer. I didn't have to pay someone to retype them. I only needed a reader to give visual feedback to ensure APA guidelines were followed. In 1999, I moved to Little Rock to do internship work at World Services for the Blind. I tried to take some online courses through the local university, but I did not complete them because I did not have the skills needed to take classes online. In 2002 I moved to Birmingham, Ala., where I started working for the state. I remained employed in Alabama until I retired in 2016. Throughout the remainder of my career, I continued to embrace assistive technology. I started using notetakers which included the Braille Lite, Braille Note, Apex, and the Braille Sense. I graduated from using the Navigator to the Power Braille, then the Focus 40 Blue. Eventually, I got an iPhone, and learned to pair it with a Braille display so I could input text more easily. I learned how to complete forms online, write professional emails, and attach files easily. Braille continued to be an integral part of the technology used. In 1999, I obtained a Versapoint Duo, which made it possible for me to emboss Braille on both sides of the page. That printer has remained in my home, and it still works! I have used Braille along with many forms of assistive technology for professional and personal endeavors. While I was working, I often took work home. I gave my Braille printer a workout as I prepared Sunday school lessons, choir lyrics, and documents for our local ACB chapter. In the final installment of this series, I will discuss how I continue to increase skills in technology, even during retirement! Braille is still an integral part of this technological journey. ***** *** Exploring the New Preview App in iOS 26: A VoiceOver User's Perspective by Anthony Corona With iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, Apple introduced something we do not see very often: brand-new system apps. One of those apps is Preview, and as a blind VoiceOver user I was immediately curious about what this could mean for accessible document reading, reviewing, and everyday workflow on the iPhone and iPad. Preview has long been a staple on the Mac, offering a simple but powerful way to open PDFs and images, review documents, add annotations and make quick edits. With iOS 26 Preview, which lives directly on the home screen of both iPhone and iPad, it has quickly become one of the most useful new tools I have explored as a blind and low-vision user. Before iOS 26, PDFs and images typically opened inside the Files app. While this worked, it often mixed file management with document interaction. Preview changes that dynamic by offering a focused space designed specifically for reading, reviewing, and editing documents. Preview now acts as a dedicated hub for PDFs and images. Instead of navigating folders while trying to read content, Preview keeps the document front and center. For VoiceOver users, this matters. Fewer layers and more predictable navigation result in a smoother and less fatiguing experience. When opening a PDF, VoiceOver immediately recognizes text structure headings and page flow. Swiping through pages feels consistent and responsive. Toolbars are clearly labeled and key actions such as search markup and sharing are easy to locate. On iPad, Preview feels especially strong. With a larger screen and support for external keyboards, navigating long documents feels closer to a desktop experience without sacrificing accessibility. Low-vision users benefit as well. Preview respects system-wide display settings, supports Zoom gestures, and presents images cleanly for inspection or editing. I now use Preview regularly for reviewing PDFs from email, reading conference materials, checking image-based flyers, and preparing documents for sharing. Instead of guessing which app will open a file, I know Preview is built for this job. If you are blind or low vision and running iOS 26 or iPadOS 26, Preview is well worth exploring. Open a few PDFs, explore the toolbar with VoiceOver, try the search feature and see how it fits into your workflow. Preview may not grab headlines, but it represents something more important: a thoughtful refinement of how we access information and get work done. Sometimes the most meaningful changes are the ones that simply make things easier. ** Search Features in Preview Using Search Effectively with VoiceOver: Search is one of the most powerful features in Preview, especially for blind and low vision users working with long or complex documents. When a PDF contains searchable text, VoiceOver announces results clearly and allows quick movement between matches. This makes it far more efficient than swiping through page after page. Search can also locate labeled form elements when they are properly tagged. This can include headings, signature fields, buttons, and some dropdown menus. Examples of effective search use include searching for headings such as Terms, Scope, or Signatures to jump quickly in contracts or reports; locating signature fields labeled Sign Here to move focus to the signing area; finding form labels like Name, Address, or Date to jump to the first field. In interactive PDFs with labeled buttons such as Submit or Continue, Search can help locate those controls quickly. Search also pairs well with Live Text. When Preview detects text in scanned or image-based PDFs, Search may surface those results, allowing VoiceOver users to locate phone numbers, names, or addresses that would otherwise require manual exploration. Using partial words often works best. Typing Sig may find Signature. Typing Addr may locate Address fields. Experimentation is encouraged. ** Key Functions in the Preview App That Matter for Accessibility Preview is designed for interaction, not just storage. Navigation controls remain consistent across documents. Search, markup, page navigation and sharing tools stay in predictable locations. This reduces the learning curve and cognitive load. Preview also remembers where you left off, often reopening documents at the same page or location. ** Preview Versus Files: Why the Difference Matters Files excels at storage and organization. Preview excels at reading, reviewing, and editing. Opening PDFs in Files often blends folder navigation with document interaction. Preview separates those roles cleanly. For VoiceOver users, this separation results in more predictable navigation and a clearer sense of purpose. ** Creating a PDF From Word Pages or Spreadsheets: How Preview Fits Into the Workflow Preview can absolutely be part of creating a PDF from documents like Word or Pages and from spreadsheets such as Numbers or Excel, but it is important to understand the role it plays. Preview does not replace Word, Pages, Numbers, or Excel for creating or editing the original document. Preview becomes the destination for the PDF after you export it. The simplest workflow is to create or edit your document in the original app, then export to PDF, then open that PDF in Preview for reviewing, searching, annotating, signing, and sharing. This is especially useful when you want to produce a clean final PDF and then add a signature, notes, highlights, or other markup before sending it out. * Step-by-Step VoiceOver Instructions To export a Word or Pages Document to PDF and Open in Preview: 1. Open Microsoft Word or Pages. 2. Open the document you want to convert. 3. Find and activate the Share button. 4. Look for an option such as Export, Send a Copy, or Share as. 5. Choose PDF as the format. 6. Choose where to send or save the PDF. 7. If you see an option to open in Preview, choose it. 8. If you save it to Files or another location, open the Preview app, then open the PDF from there. Once the PDF is in Preview, you can search, copy text, add notes, sign, and share the finalized document. ** Step-by-Step VoiceOver Instructions To export a spreadsheet to PDF and open in Preview: 1. Open Numbers or Excel. 2. Open the spreadsheet you want to share as a PDF. 3.Activate Share. 4. Choose Export or Send a Copy. 5. Choose PDF. 6. Choose where to save or send the exported PDF. 7. Open the exported PDF in Preview. Preview will not edit spreadsheet cells, but it is excellent for reviewing the exported layout, adding comments, highlighting specific figures, signing, and sharing. * Step-by-Step VoiceOver Instructions: Create a PDF Using the Print to PDF Workflow and Send to Preview This method is often useful when an app does not clearly offer Export to PDF, but does offer Print. 1. Open the document in the app you are using. 2. Activate Share. 3. Choose Print. 4. When the print screen appears, locate the share option on that screen. 5. Activate Share. 6. Choose an option such as Save to Files or Open in Preview if available. 7. If you save it, open the Preview app and open the PDF. This creates a PDF without needing a printer and gives you a file ready for Preview. ** Signing Documents with Preview Signing PDFs in Preview is significantly more accessible than before. Markup tools make it straightforward to add a signature, place it, and save or share the document. VoiceOver users can create or reuse signatures and position them confidently. Completing this task independently, without third-party apps, is a meaningful accessibility win. ** Taking Notes and Adding Annotations Preview supports comments, text annotations, and highlights directly within PDFs. Annotations are clearly announced by VoiceOver and easy to navigate later. This makes Preview useful not just for reading but for active review and collaboration. ** Copy and Paste From PDFs Using Preview Preview handles copy and paste reliably when text is selectable. VoiceOver users can select text using the rotor, copy it and paste it into Mail, Notes, Messages, or Word-style documents This is especially helpful for extracting addresses, directions, contact lists or schedules from PDFs. ** Using the Clipboard Three-Finger Quadruple Tap: VoiceOver users can simplify copy and paste workflows using the clipboard. After copying text, perform a three-finger quadruple tap to open the clipboard. From here, previously copied items can be reviewed and pasted without reselecting text. This is especially useful when pulling multiple pieces of information from a PDF. ** Copying Text From Uneditable PDFs Some PDFs are image-based and do not contain selectable text. Preview can still help using Live Text. When Live Text detects text, VoiceOver may announce selectable elements. If text is detected, standard copy steps apply. If not sharing the page to Notes or another OCR-enabled app, it can allow text extraction. Results vary based on document quality, but Preview paired with Live Text increases independence. ** Opening PDFs Directly From Email When receiving a PDF attachment in Mail Preview, you can open it directly. This avoids saving the file to Files first. Documents open ready for reading, signing, or annotating. This is especially helpful for time-sensitive materials. * Step-by-Step VoiceOver Instructions To open a PDF attachment from Mail in Preview: 1. Open the Mail app. 2. Open the message with the PDF attachment. 3. Navigate to the attachment. 4. Activate it to open. 5. If you are offered Open in Preview, choose it. 6. The document opens in Preview ready for review and edits. ** Sharing and Sending Edited PDFs Edited PDFs can be shared directly from Preview. Use the Share option to send via Mail, Messages, AirDrop, or other apps. All edits, annotations, and signatures remain intact. Preview supports smooth end-to-end workflows without app switching. * Step-by-Step VoiceOver Instructions To send an edited PDF from Preview by email: 1. Open the PDF in Preview. 2. Navigate to the Share button and activate it. 3. Choose Mail. 4. Address the email, add a subject if exploring the Preview app from a VoiceOver user perspective you like, and send. 5. The PDF sends with your edits included. ** Moving Forward Preview is still new and will continue to evolve. Even now it represents a meaningful shift in how Apple approaches document interaction on iOS and iPadOS. For blind and low-vision users, Preview is worth learning and incorporating into daily routines. Tools that are not just accessible but thoughtfully designed for real world use. ***** ** Eligibility Determinations Have Little to Do with Lived Experiences by Melody Holloway Regarding disability update report reviews, how the Social Security Administration determines existence of disability, confirmation, and how disabled someone is, these eligibility determinations have little to do with what we experience, how we live our lives, or how we utilize benefits. Those of you who make these determinations do not have first-hand experience with or live alongside the wide, diverse spectrum of disability and different levels of ability among those you serve. I am a congenitally blind 40-year-old woman with additional disabilities and health conditions much more debilitating, however invisible and easily overlooked. These include significant acquired hearing damage, autism with no intellectual disability, ADHD, severe chronic post-traumatic stress with dissociation, auditory, tactile, and olfactory Charles Bonnet Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder, hypoglycemia, hypotension, hyperthyroidism, tachycardia, heart arrhythmia, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastro-esophageal reflux, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital-anti-cubital tunnel syndrome, neuropathy, dysautonomia, debilitating migraines with pressure, aura, vertigo, tinnitus, sensory-auditory processing trouble, heavy painful shoulder knots with synovial fluid collection, serious long-term effects of bacterial pneumonia, COVID, mold spores, secondhand smoke, chemical-pesticide exposure, use of prescription sleep aids, antibiotics, psychotropic medication, and electro-convulsive therapy. I cannot hold a phone to my ears, use a headset, or endure an MRI without further hearing loss and neurological damage. I cannot hear a refrigerator running, text-to-speech output screen readers, devices, and mobile applications which provide visual interpretation, easily identify a voice, pick out where a particular sound is coming from, recognize a door knock, notice critical alerts, or hear traffic in order to safely cross streets, nor have the basic stamina to do so. I am completely self-sufficient, managing my finances, medical needs, shopping, cleaning, cooking, scheduling rides and appointments, advocating with numerous non-profits pertinent to disability, illness, LGBTQ, plus civic, civil, and cultural rights and responsibilities, taking surveys, participating in focus groups, studies, and webinars in order to share experiences, offer ideas, and keep up with legislative progress, and am a former impromptu caregiver. I could be perceived as not being "disabled enough." What does this mean? If I lose my mother's minute portion of Title 2 survivor's retirement benefits, I would not be able to pay for white guidance canes, replaceable cane tips, refreshable braille displays, screen-reading software, the iPhone and computer supporting all this software, keyboards, mobile applications which provide different aspects of visual assistance such as reading print documents, product and medication labels, nutritional information, cooking instructions, recipes, instruction manuals, food expiration dates, restaurant menus, street signs, elevator, microwave, stove, laundry, and coffee pot panels, light detection, paper currency identification, environmental and facial description, GPS, indoor and outdoor map directions, object detection, reading electronic braille and audio books, emails, text messages, and verbal caller identification. I could not purchase braille paper, labeling materials, WayAround tags to electronically label household items read by a code tag identifier app, Internet and phone access in order to utilize these adaptations, remain connected to the outside world, receive emergency assistance, public safety and weather alerts, and delivery notifications. Many of my peers and confidantes use Social Security benefits to purchase service animal/guide dog supplies, food, and veterinary care. All this in addition to household essentials, rent, utilities, transportation, renewal dues for the American Council of the Blind and other applicable organizations, accessible durable medical equipment, and now, due to the current federal government shutdown, unexpected prescription co-pays, food because nutrition assistance funding is in question, and co-occurring hospitalizations due to questionable Medicaid coverage, Medicare policy changes, and delayed emergency response. The perception that everyone is employable at any time is false. Too many of us contend with employer perception of our skills, abilities, capabilities, prior experience, background, and education level, access to accommodations such as assistive technology and environmental layout, transportation barriers, vocational rehabilitation services if appropriate, external commitments, responsibilities, and health decline. Income stipulations on top of all this held down by supplemental benefits, Medicaid, and rent subsidy criteria mean these safety-net benefits are an essential, non-negotiable, head-above-water lifeline in many cases. Those whom the SSA relies on to verify disability existence such as family of origin and healthcare professionals also do not use our adaptations, walk our paths, or live inside our conditions. I only found out most of what I am surviving with later in life. Most were acquired, occurring at different times, or completely misunderstood and misdiagnosed or downplayed -- ignored altogether. Information for one patient can be different for several healthcare systems. I and many others have been incorrectly charted, labeled, documented, and profiled in personal medical records over time. Sure, anyone can claim anything; however, those of us significantly disabled are generally honest and not out to defraud anyone. We are all too aware of perception, assumption, misunderstanding, and on-the-fly bureaucratic decisions made by humans with licensure and certifications who can legally sign a paper, bill or law, or veto, forgetting about the ripple effect of that signature ubiquitously carrying forth, altering the lives of those whose hands you will never shake. ***** ** Affiliate News * CCLVI Scheigert Scholarships for the 2026-2027 Academic Year The Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI), an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, annually awards four scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each to full-time college students. Scholarships are awarded to freshmen, undergraduate, and graduate students, all of whom must be low vision, maintain a strong GPA and be involved in school/local community activities. Application materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time February 15, 2026. Scholarship monies will be awarded for the 2026-2027 academic year. To access the guidelines and application, visit https://cclvi.org/scheigert. Applications will be available to complete and submit online from January 1, 2026 to the February 15 deadline. If you have any questions about the scholarship application, please call CCLVI at (502) 905-0869. Incomplete applications will not be considered. We look forward to receiving your application materials. * BITS Announces New Organizational Name Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS), a long-standing affiliate dedicated to advancing access, education, and leadership in technology for blind and low-vision individuals, is proud to announce that its members have overwhelmingly approved a historic organizational name change. Beginning immediately, the organization will be known as Blind Information Technology Solutions. This change was adopted following a vote of the full membership, in which 85 percent supported the new name. The decision reflects the organization's growth, its expanding programs, and its evolving role in shaping accessible technology across industries. The updated name signals a strategic shift toward: • Broader technology solutions designed by and for blind and low-vision users • Expanded technical training, including AI, data tools, coding, web accessibility, digital productivity, and assistive technologies • Greater organizational partnerships, including industry, academia, and advocacy groups • Stronger representation within the American Council of the Blind, reinforcing the importance of digital equity and innovation • A clearer identity that resonates with both emerging technologists and established professionals For more information about Blind Information Technology Solutions, upcoming programs, or opportunities to get involved, please visit the organization's website, www.bits-acb.org, or contact our leadership team via email, president@bits-acb.org. ***** ** Passings We honor here members, friends and supporters of the American Council of the Blind who have impacted our lives in many wonderful ways. If you would like to submit a notice for this column, please include as much of the following information as possible. Name (first, last, maiden if appropriate) City of residence (upon passing) State/province of residence (upon passing) Other cities/states/countries of residence (places where other blind people may have known this person) Occupation Date of death (day if known, month, year) Age ACB affiliation (local/state/special-interest affiliates or national committees) Deaths that occurred more than six months ago cannot be reported in this column. * Theresa Marie "Terry" Petrey June 28, 1961 – December 6, 2025 Mrs. Theresa Marie "Terry" Petrey, 64, of Jacksonville, Ark., passed away on December 6, 2025. Born on June 28, 1961, in Austin, Texas, Terry lived a life marked by resilience, service, and deep devotion to her family and community. Terry was the daughter of Dr. Walter K. Hanak and Dorothy Hanak. Her early years were spent moving across various places before her family eventually settled in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. There, she attended the West Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind in Romney, a place that would shape her lifelong commitment to advocacy and education. She later pursued higher education at Shepherd College before transferring to Marshall University, where she earned her degree through the West Virginia Regents Bachelor of Arts program. It was during her time at Marshall that she met the love of her life, Bennie Petrey. After marrying Bennie, the couple lived in West Virginia for several years before Terry pursued specialized schooling in Little Rock, Ark. at Lions World Services for the Blind. In 1992, they made Little Rock their permanent home. That same year marked the beginning of Terry's distinguished 33-year career with the Veterans Administration -- a role through which she served countless veterans with dedication and compassion. Terry's commitment to public service extended beyond her professional life. For decades, she was actively involved with the Arkansas Council of the Blind, working tirelessly on community outreach initiatives to support visually impaired individuals across the state. Her leadership and advocacy were recognized at the highest levels when Governor Asa Hutchinson appointed her to serve on the Board of the Division of State Services for the Blind on June 30, 2021 -- a position she held with honor until her passing. Faith played a central role in Terry's life. For over three decades, she and her family were devoted members of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Little Rock. Above all else, Terry cherished her family. She is survived by her beloved husband Bennie; sons, Jason and Zachary; daughter-in-law Ada; and two beautiful grandsons, Skye and Zion, who brought immense joy into her life. She also leaves behind her brother David Hanak (Nela), sister Cindy Hunter (Bryce), as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Cathy Miller. Terry had a vibrant spirit that touched everyone around her. She had a great love for music and found joy in exchanging stories with friends old and new. A devoted animal lover throughout her life, she especially adored her cockatiels Lum and Abner. Whether reading or listening to books, Terry always sought knowledge and connection through words. Her legacy is one of unwavering strength, heartfelt service, and boundless love for those around her. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her. Her Funeral Mass was held on Dec. 12, 2025. In lieu of flowers, Terry would wish donations to the Arkansas Council of the Blind, 1244 Woodcreek Lane, Fayetteville, AR 72701. ***** ** Here and There edited by Cynthia G. Hawkins The announcement of products and services in this column does not represent an endorsement by the American Council of the Blind, its officers, or staff. Listings are free of charge for the benefit of our readers. "The ACB Braille Forum" cannot be held responsible for the reliability of the products and services mentioned. To submit items for this column, send a message to slovering@acb.org, or phone the national office at 1-800-424-8666, and leave a message in Sharon Lovering's mailbox. Information must be received at least two months ahead of publication date. * Now in Stock at National Braille Press National Braille Press National Braille Press has a variety of new items available. One such item is the cookbook "Dutch Oven Cooking for Two." It is available in hard-copy braille and as a braille-ready file (BRF). Among its main dish recipes are braised short ribs, chunky carrot soup, coq au vin, no-knead bread, pork tenderloin with apples, and mushroom bourguignon. And no, they didn't forget dessert! Among the dessert recipes are angel food cake, blackberry dumplings, chocolate lava cake, peach crumble, and pineapple upside-down cake. For more information, call toll-free 1-800-548-7323, or visit shop.nbp.org. * All Aboard Available on BARD "All Aboard: Conducting Accessible Community Involvement for Public Transit" has been available on BARD for a while; the catalog number is DBC11813. It is also available for purchase now from the Accessible Avenue website, https://accessibleavenue.net/all-aboard. The audiobook, expanded audiobook with an author interview, and digital bundle, which includes the new Accessibility Community Involvement Kit, are now available. Rooted in the belief that effective community engagement, when designed with accessibility at its core, leads to better outcomes for transit agencies, riders, and communities alike, All Aboard offers practical guidance for inclusive public involvement. For more information, visit the website above. ***** ** ACB Officers * President Deb Cook Lewis (2nd term, 2027) 1131 Liberty Dr. Clarkston, WA 99403 * First Vice President David Trott (2nd term, 2027) 1018 East St. S. Talladega, AL 35160 * Second Vice President Kenneth Semien Sr. (1st term, 2027) 8445 Allison Way Beaumont, TX 77707-1506 * Secretary Katie Frederick (1st term, 2027) 160 W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Apt. 40 Worthington, OH 43085-2679 * Treasurer Michael Garrett (2nd term, 2027) 7806 Chaseway Dr. Missouri City, TX 77489-2333 * Immediate Past President Kim Charlson 57 Grandview Ave. Watertown, MA 02472 ** ACB Board of Directors Christopher Bell, Bloomington, MN (2nd term, 2028) Donna Brown, Romney, WV (2nd term, 2028) Cheryl Cumings, Seattle, WA (partial term, 2028) Peter Heide, Baraboo, WI (1st term, 2028) Gabriel Lopez Kafati, Miami Lakes, FL (1st term, 2026) Cecily Laney Nipper, Covington, GA (1st term, 2028) Terry Pacheco, Silver Spring, MD (1st term, 2026) Rachel Schroeder, Springfield, IL (1st term, 2026) Koni Sims, Sioux Falls, SD (1st term, 2026) Jeff Thom, Sacramento, CA (2nd term, 2026) ** ACB Board of Publications Zelda Gebhard, Chair, Edgeley, ND (3rd term, 2026) Deborah Armstrong, Milpitas, CA (partial term, 2026) Jeff Bishop, Tucson, AZ (1st term, 2026) Belinda Collins, Saint Pauls, NC (1st term, 2026) Ralynn McGuire, San Antonio, TX (1st term, 2027) ***** ** Accessing Your ACB Braille Forums The ACB Braille Forum is available by mail in braille, large print, NLS-style digital cartridge, and via email. To subscribe to the email version, contact Sharon Lovering, slovering@acb.org. It is also available on ACB's web page, and on ACB Media, channel 10. Subscribe to the podcast versions from your 2nd generation Victor Reader Stream or from https://pinecast.com/feed/acb-braille-forum-and-e-forum. ###