The ACB Braille Forum Volume LXIV July-August 2025 No. 1 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. © 2025 American Council of the Blind Scott Thornhill, Executive Director Sharon Lovering, Editor 225 Reinekers Ln., Suite 660, Alexandria, VA 22314 ***** ** Table of Contents President's Message: What We Do for Our Mental Health, by Deb Cook Lewis Dallas 2025: Last-Minute Convention Information, by Janet Dickelman Summary of the May 19, 2025 Board Meeting, by Katie Frederick How to Help Members Advocate for One Another, compiled by Ardis Bazyn 15 Ways Senior Leaders Can Ensure Their Actions Align with Their Core Values 14 Impactful Ideas for an Engaging New Member Orientation, by Andrea Amorosi Blind Women and Cancer, by Linda Adams Appropriate Access for Guide Dog Handlers? Not Anymore, by Sila Miller The Longest Home Run in Sandlot Baseball, by Lenny McHugh A Birthday Gift, by Jean Mann Editorial: The "Pros" Could Learn a Few Things from the Amateurs, by Nolan Crabb Here and There, edited by Cynthia G. Hawkins High Tech Swap Shop 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 October 2025: Theme: attitude of gratitude/thankfulness; deadline: August 22, 2025 November-December 2025: theme: wins for winter; deadline: September 22, 2025 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. ***** ** President's Message: What We Do for Our Mental Health by Deb Cook Lewis We all have different ways to maintain our mental well-being. When I was a child, I had an unusual stress reliever that probably caused stress for everyone else: I had a schedule. I think the scheduling bug bit me around age 9 during the summer, and it's why I'm thinking about it now as we're getting into summer. I thought my day would be more productive if I made a schedule and stuck to it. Well, soon I learned that my actions and decisions could impact those around me. In my case, the schedule began at 9 a.m. with exercise. No problem, that's me by myself and doesn't require anyone's cooperation. That's alone time, right? Then, I'd take a shower at 9:30 - still alone time. At 10:00, it was time for breakfast. But my family had already eaten while I was exercising, so there wasn't any food left. Oh well, next on the agenda was reading my library book at 11:00. Sounds good, but I finished the last one yesterday, and the mailman wouldn't bring more before 1 p.m. Should I call the post office and negotiate? Stress was mounting: no breakfast and no book! My mom suggested changing the schedule to include cleaning my room and making reading time later when the mail might arrive. And so it went all day and all summer. It's probably why I now value flexibility so much. Planning is essential, but we must also be flexible and adapt to our circumstances. I don't know if you'll read this before or after the convention. I've scheduled that you should read it before, but you know how that goes for me. Either way, you'll find us making some adjustments during the convention. Some will make sense, some won't. Just remember, you can't read the book until it arrives, and you'd better be flexible enough to show up for breakfast. I hope you all have a wonderful and flexible summer. Oh, and my husband fondly refers to me as "Calendar Girl," so perhaps some things never change. ***** *** Dallas 2025: Last-Minute Convention Information by Janet Dickelman Whether you read this article as you are packing for Dallas or getting ready to join us via Zoom or ACB Media, read on for information for convention attendees and those of you who will be staying connected from home. ** Convention Badges Everyone attending the convention in person will be issued a badge. Please wear your badge at all times. Badges must be worn on all tours. A badge identifies you as a convention attendee and makes it much easier for hotel personnel and volunteers to address you by name. ** Attending Tours All tours will depart from the hotel. To locate the tour pick-up entrance, walk past the hotel check-in desk and continue straight. You will pass tables for the Market on your right and a seating area with cozy couches will be on your left. Continue straight, and to the left you will find several doors leading to the outside. You can wait inside by the doors or on the large patio outside. To reach the bus from the patio, you will need to navigate down a set of stairs or take a ramp. Please wear your convention badge for all tours. Important tour information: Please read the following information completely. It will answer many of your tour-related questions and will help you have a more enjoyable tour experience. 1. All tours will depart from the hotel. To locate the entrance, walk past the hotel check-in desk and continue straight. You will pass tables for the Market on your right and a seating area with cozy couches will be on your left. Continue straight, and to the left you will find several doors leading to the outside. You can wait inside by the doors or on the large patio outside. To reach the bus from the patio, you will need to navigate down a set of stairs or take a ramp. Please wear your convention badge for all tours. 2. Bus departure times for each tour are listed in the program. Please be at the bus departure area and ready to board the bus 15 minutes prior to the listed departure times, and be sure to have your ticket with you. Arrival times back to the hotel are approximate. 3. The first two rows of seats on both sides of the bus are reserved for the tour coordinators, volunteers and people with mobility difficulties. If you sit in those seats, you will be asked to move. 4. All buses are fully ADA-equipped. If you have mobility difficulties or use a wheelchair that requires the lift to access the bus, you MUST check the appropriate boxes on the pre-registration form in order for us to plan the necessary accommodations. If you are able to transfer from a wheelchair into a bus seat, your chair will be placed under the bus for the duration of the ride. 5. Indoor facilities are air-conditioned unless indicated, but many tours include significant outdoor time. Dress appropriately and bring sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, and a water bottle for your comfort and safety. 6. Space is limited on all tours. ACB reserves the right to cancel a tour should sales fall below required minimums. 7. All return times are approximate. If you have dietary scheduling concerns, bring a light snack in case we are unavoidably delayed. We ask that you board the bus quickly and safely to avoid delays. We plan 15 minutes to load and unload the bus. Please do not schedule back-to-back events based upon the return time of the tour, as we cannot plan for traffic and road condition delays. 8. A limited number of volunteers will accompany each tour. While they will help as much as possible, ACB volunteers are not personal guides or personal care attendants. If you need individual help, plan to attend the tour with a friend who can provide the assistance you need. If you use a wheelchair, you must have someone on the tour with you to push your wheelchair! 9. Most tour destinations are ADA-accessible. Some tours that are NOT ADA-accessible may include long walks, steps and steep grades. Some tours may involve strenuous activities. If you have a medical condition that may limit your involvement or participation, please let us know ahead of time and use common sense when making your selections. 10. The tour leader will have a list of all paid attendees and the waiting list for each tour. The leader will be stationed at the door of the bus to record your attendance. Please do not board the bus until the tour leader has completed this task. 11. If registration for a tour exceeds its capacity, a waiting list is created based on the date and time your order was placed. If you are on a waiting list, you will be asked to stand in a designated area to wait for your name to be called. If you are not present when your name is called, the next person on the waiting list will be called to fill that seat. You may not give your place on the waiting list to another person. 12. If you arrive late and your name has already been called from the waiting list, your ability to secure a seat will be entirely dependent on the number of vacant seats remaining on the bus. No one who has answered the call from the waiting list will be asked to give up their seat. 13. If there is no waiting list, or if the waiting list has been satisfied, any remaining vacant seats will be sold to walk-up traffic. Such vacant seats will be sold for cash only. To purchase, you must have a valid name badge, a day pass for the current day or other proof of registration. 14. If you have paid for and are issued a tour ticket and do not appear at the designated time and place, no refund will be made. If you are on a waiting list and are not able to get on the bus, the tour leader will report this to the registration office, and you will be able to secure a refund the day after the tour. Should you not be present at the convention the day after the tour, or if the convention has ended, please call the Minneapolis office by July 31st to arrange for a refund via check or credit card. ** Registration If you plan to join us in Dallas and have not registered, there's still time! On-site convention registration is $65 for ACB members, $80 for non-ACB members. Registration will be located in Pegasus. You can register or add in additional items to your existing registration beginning Friday, July 4 at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 8 to 11 a.m. are for registration pick-up only. If you wish to attend as a virtual attendee and did not register before June 17th, you can register as a virtual attendee starting at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 5 at https://members.acb.org/. There will be no telephone support for registrations after June 17th. ** Assistance at the Airport If you haven't already, please provide Margarine Beaman with your flight information. Email her your name, cell number, flight number, city, date and time. Send a message with airport in the subject to oleo501625@outlook.com. ** Joining the Conference from Home If you have registered for the convention, you will receive Zoom links for all sessions that are hybrid or Zoom only. In-person sessions such as mixers and other sessions noted in the program as in-person only will not have Zoom capabilities. Most of these sessions will be recorded and available as podcasts. These Zoom links will be sent from 2025convention@acblists.org. You can also access the Zoom links by logging into your member account. For screen readers, go to the top of page, arrow down to the navigation region where you will find various links, one of which is labeled "Zoom links." That link will take you to a page where you select the date of the session(s) you are looking for. You will then access a listing in chronological order of all sessions for that day. For each session there are two buttons. If you are listening with your computer, choose the button labeled "Zoom." If you are listening on your phone, choose the button labeled "phone." You don't need to know any access links or passcodes. ** Convention Streaming Much of the conference will be streamed on ACB Media using multiple streams. Media 1 – General Session Media 2 through 5 – Breakout Sessions (Virtual and Hybrid) Media 6 – Exhibit Hall Meia 7 – Tours Media 8 – Spanish Media 9 – Resolutions/Voting information Media 10 – General convention information & newspaper ** Ways to Connect to ACB Media Programming * Amazon Alexa-enabled device (Recommended) Alexa "Ask ACB Media to play Media n." (n = stream number). For example, to listen to General Session during National Convention: "Alexa, ask ACB Media to play 1." Please note that some Alexa devices may not switch from one stream to another when requested, i.e. you are listening to Media 1 and then ask Alexa to play Media 6, and although Alexa says it is playing 6, it continues to play 1. When this behavior occurs, please unplug your Alexa device, wait a minute, and then plug your device back in. Allow the device to reboot itself and then ask Alexa to play the requested stream. If you have multiple Alexa devices, this issue may happen on some devices but not others. * PC/browser access (Recommended) Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/n (n= stream number). The site has a built-in media player and there is no need to install or use a media player on your device. Hit the play button and the stream will begin playing immediately. * Smart Device Access (Recommended) Download "ACB Link" from your app store. Find "Radio" along the bottom of the screen, then "Menu" in the top left corner. Select "Streams" and then choose the stream you wish to listen to. Double tap the play button. * Victor Reader Stream Access Navigate to "Internet radio library" in the "online bookshelf." Locate the HumanWare North American English playlist. From the playlist, use the 6 key to locate the ACB Media Stream you wish (ACB Media 1 through 10) and hit play. Should you wish to use the Go To Button, please note that the ACB Media streams are currently selections 2 through 11, where ACB Media 1 = 2 and so on, with ACB Media 10 = 11. * Dial-In Access for programming originating in Zoom Dial the Zoom access number provided with the schedule information for the session. When prompted, enter the meeting/webinar ID followed by #. You will hear the exact same program that is being streamed on ACB Media. * Alternate Dial-In access (not recommended) Dial (518) 906-1820. Listen to the menu prompts and press the number for the stream you want. Please note that this is a free service provided by Zeno Media. This service is limited in terms of simultaneous listeners, and ACB does not warrant this service. If dial-in is your only option and the program originates in Zoom, we recommend that you dial into the Zoom meeting/webinar directly (see above). If you connect to Zeno Media using the above number and receive a message after your menu selection that the stream is offline, please select the stream again and it should then play. Once you select your stream via the voice menu, it often takes several seconds before you hear the stream. If you receive an unable to connect message when you dial the above number or fast busy, your only dial-in option is to access the Zoom meeting directly via Zoom's dial-in access. Whether you are joining us virtually or in person, here's wishing you a wonderful convention experience. For any convention-related questions, contact Janet Dickelman, convention chair, at (651) 428-5059, or via e-mail, janet.dickelman@gmail.com. ***** ** Summary of the May 19, 2025 Board Meeting by Katie Frederick The American Council of the Blind's Board of Directors convened on May 19, 2025, with President Deb Cook Lewis calling the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Eastern. All board members and ACB staff eventually joined the session. The board reviewed and approved the meeting's agenda and the minutes from the March 15 board meeting. You can listen to the meeting podcast at https://acb-business.pinecast.co/episode/05b324e4/20250519-acb-board-of-directors-meeting. Janet Dickelman, reporting on the upcoming conference and convention, announced that 351 people had already registered, with several tours fully booked. She and the team are finalizing the program and making progress on other convention-related preparations. President Cook Lewis reminded the board about their next meeting, the pre-convention session in Dallas on July 4, starting at 9 a.m. Central time. The fall board meeting will take place on Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1, 2025. She also stressed the importance of board members actively engaging with their assigned affiliate liaisons and providing updates on those interactions. The ACB recently updated its leadership email list, with approximately half of the individuals being new additions. President Cook Lewis urged board members to help ensure that all affiliates submit their three representatives for the list. The email list now encompasses the Board of Directors, Board of Publications, committee chairs, past ACB presidents, DKM first-timers, JPMorgan Chase Leadership fellows from the past two years, and three designated individuals from each affiliate. President Cook Lewis highlighted some committee changes that are underway. Discussions are underway to formalize the INSPIRE mentoring program into a regular committee. The Accessibility Services initiative will establish a new advisory committee to guide its efforts. The Development Steering Committee actively meets, focusing on crucial fundraising strategies. Finally, Mitch Pomerantz will chair this year's Nominating Committee. President Deb Cook Lewis, alongside board members Rachel Schroeder and Cecily Laney Nipper, addressed the evolving policy on artificial intelligence (AI) on ACB Media. A central question arose regarding whether AI-generated music falls under existing copyright restrictions. Rachel Schroeder, Rick Morin, and other committee members conducted extensive research, consulting licensing providers and holding numerous meetings to understand AI's rapidly changing role in music. They determined that AI's swift and unpredictable development presented significant challenges for establishing a comprehensive and lasting policy. Consequently, the ACB Media committee recommended prohibiting AI-generated music content on ACB Media platforms at this time. Cecily clarified that this policy does not apply to AI voices used to read human-generated content, such as the constitution and bylaws. The restriction specifically targets music content created by AI. Deb further clarified that the organization's copyright requirements and licensing agreements pertain solely to music. Therefore, other AI uses, such as AI-generated summaries of Zoom calls or AI assistance in writing, remain unaffected by this policy. ACB Media has now added "AI-generated music" to the list of media types that cannot be reused on its platforms. Deb also provided an update on this year's processes for resolutions and constitution and bylaws amendments. She highlighted a proposed amendment to Bylaw 4A, addressing a concern raised by Terry Pacheco. The current bylaw mandates a 15-day notice for board meeting agendas. The Constitution and Bylaws Committee, however, proposed a 5-business-day notice and agenda for both the board and members. This amendment aims to formalize the existing practice of providing meeting notices and packets to both the board and members, particularly for items seeking member input, such as the Code of Conduct. This change seeks to codify current practice, as the Constitution does not currently require informing members about board meetings. Deb encouraged members with questions about the amendments to contact Koni, Pat, Jeff, or John McCann. The discussion then shifted to this year's resolutions. The board received 12 resolutions, with a few later withdrawn. President Cook Lewis categorized resolutions into two broad types: those addressing external organizations (e.g., NLS, Congress) and those concerning internal ACB matters. Gabriel Lopez Kafati raised a question about resolutions "superseding the board," suggesting that, as a membership-driven organization, resolutions should directly reflect the members' will. Deb acknowledged this perspective but emphasized the practical challenges of operating the organization when resolutions have unforeseen budget implications or impact established work plans and staff responsibilities. She stressed the need to balance member input with the realities of organizational resources and operational stability. Executive Director Scott Thornhill also weighed in, noting that resolutions passed during conventions can indeed "supersede the board" and impose significant demands on staff and the board after the convention concludes. Receiving an unusually large number of internal-facing resolutions this year prompts a need to consider how to balance the value of member input through resolutions with the organization's existing commitments and budgetary constraints. Chris Bell presented a refined proposal to hire an attorney and a logistics person to collaborate with Kolby Garrison in the Accessibility Services Department. This initiative aims to bolster advocacy efforts and generate revenue. The board approved exploring the financial and staffing resources required for this initiative, with further updates expected later this year. Scott Thornhill introduced the Speak4 advocacy platform, which empowers members to easily contact their elected officials. The platform includes features for sending emails, making phone calls, and creating video messages. The board approved funding for this platform using money from the National Education and Legal Defense Service (NELDS). Nancy Marks-Becker discussed the renewal of the lease for the Minneapolis office. The proposed lease will decrease the rent for the first year and then increase it incrementally over the remaining four years. The board approved renewing the lease. She also mentioned the need to update the affiliate banners displayed at the convention. ACB Families agreed to increase their sponsorship to cover the costs of replacing the banners. Additionally, Nancy Marks-Becker reported the successful audit of the 2024 financial statements, and the 990 form is now available on the ACB website. She also provided an update on the certification process for affiliates. The board discussed and approved adopting the standing rules for the upcoming convention. These rules included a new subsection for a record vote and a provision for unanimous votes if no one objects. Board members received reminders to support the walk and participate in the auction and leadership link-up events. The meeting concluded at 10:15 p.m., with the board moving into an executive session to discuss confidential matters. They took no action during the executive session. ***** ** How to Help Members Advocate for One Another Compiled by Ardis Bazyn, ACB Membership Committee Chair On our focus call on helping members to advocate for one another, Cheryl Cumings gave examples of voting advocacy. When states check possible accessible voting machines, chapter members were asked to make comments about the accessibility of specific machines. There was advocacy on accessible voting at home, especially during COVID. They were advocating to get an online ballot so members could fill in their choices on their computer or smartphone using accessible software. Then, members advocated for remote return of the ballots to make it easier than finding appropriate voting drop boxes. Cassandra explained her access issue when she was taking a college course. She explained to professors and the college how inaccessible the software was. She then worked with an access committee in her college and explained how different committee members told what access was necessary to have a successful college experience. Cachet advocated in her worship center. She asked her worship committee to provide some adaptations so she could do the dances and teach others as well. Ardis mentioned asking her pastor for committee and session minutes in an accessible form. Allan Peterson cited how he has advocated with legislators by getting to know them. He suggested using non-political language to urge them to vote to help people with disabilities. His advocacy committee provided necessary information to members through their newsletter and their email list. Danette Dixon advocated for guide dog issues. She recently has advocated at her apartment complex about not paying any extra fees because she had a guide dog. She also advocated about the condition of the sidewalks near her apartment. She explained how bright yellow markings by streets didn't help her. She also explained about getting cancelled for Uber trips because of her guide dog. She decided to add guide dog in her profile. She also brings a sheet along to make sure that dog hair doesn't get on the floor and seat. Then participants made important contributions to the conversation. Sheila Young mentioned speaking up at your medical doctor or hospital. Advocates need to tell what they need to know and how information should be provided. Ask for help filling in forms and ask for them to be sent in email, and make sure they understand accessibility issues in portals. Roger Petersen advised participants to volunteer for disability committees in your city, county, and state. Getting involved in your community will help others understand people with disabilities. The more blind and visually impaired people advocate, the more people will know what we need in terms of accessibility. ***** ** 15 Ways Senior Leaders Can Ensure Their Actions Align With Their Core Values by Expert Panel (R), Forbes Councils Member, for Forbes Coaches Council (Reprinted from Forbes.com, April 1, 2022.) Effective leaders "walk the walk" and serve as a good example for their team members, earning respect and trust for having high integrity. It is essential for them to reflect often on whether their behavior is lining up with their stated values and make changes if they're not. While it isn't easy to get an objective view of oneself, senior leaders can learn to watch for this alignment. Here, 15 members of Forbes Coaches Council discuss the best ways for leaders to ensure their behaviors, actions and communications align with the core values they espouse. 1. Stay In Touch With Your Intuition Intuition is an invaluable tool when it comes to maintaining the balance between our values and our behaviors and actions. Refining our ability to monitor our energy and check in with how we are feeling is vital to developing awareness. This intuitive feeling is also called "a gut feeling." When a leader feels that something is off, this is a great time to consider whether a value conflict exists. - Lori Wilson-Hudson, Energy Wellness Coaching 2. Allocate Daily Time For Reflection First of all, be really clear on your top five values and then become consciously aware of how to know if they are in or out of alignment. It's essential for leaders to allocate time for personal reflection on a consistent and regular basis to notice where they are in alignment and where out of alignment, and then adapt and change accordingly. - Cath Daley, Cath Daley Ltd 3. Reflect In The Present Moment Leaders need to become more skilled at reflecting in the present moment. Usually when leaders' values and behaviors are misaligned, their gut feeling leads to negative thoughts and feelings. By becoming self-aware in the moment of the negativity, the leader has the opportunity to pause, reflect and choose an alternative response that is more closely aligned to their values. - Andrew Tallents, The Tallents Partnership Limited 4. Hold Each Other Accountable Leaders and teams need to hold each other accountable. When decisions are made, ask the team to do a values check to ensure alignment. Review key actions frequently as a team to ensure core values are at the forefront. Ask yourself, "Did I role-model how I want others to be?" Communicate and model how to live each value, and consider strategies to respond when values aren't aligned. - Susan Murray, Clearpath Leadership 5. Know What Your Core Values Are Make sure you know what your core values are; if you don't, there are many exercises out there to help you articulate them. Ask yourself, "To what extent am I embodying these values as a leader?" The beauty of working from your values is that when you know what your values are, you often feel it in your body when you've violated them -- it's now down to you to decide how you will realign yourself. - Palena Neale, unabridged 6. Solicit Feedback And Be Present Core values are principles that help guide our behaviors, attitudes and decisions. Leaders come across as congruent when their values and behaviors seem to align. Soliciting feedback, being present and finding ways to embed core values into our everyday work practices are valuable tools, which can assist us in monitoring our value alignment and enable us to course-correct where necessary. - Remi Adebonojo, RESILIGENT 7. Create Open Formats For Anonymous Feedback To remain effective and serve as a good example for their team, a business leader needs to identify and/or create formats for gathering ongoing feedback — an open format where their team members can deliver it anonymously. - Cheri Bachofer, Forwarding Leaders 8. Look To Your Conscience Values are spoken about often, yet hold a nebulous meaning. Portrayed as big, non-negotiable aspects of who you are, how they translate into action can feel unclear. To check the alignment of values and action, simply look to your conscience. Do you feel uneasy about the choices you've made? Do you feel guilt about the trade-offs you've made? If yes, then it's time to take a closer look at why. - Saba Hasanie, OSC Leadership Performance 9. Remind Yourself Of Your Principles Congruence -- which means to have your values and actions aligned -- is one of the most powerful states for a leader to operate in. Life happens whether you are in the workplace or at home, and making decisions based on emotions is where leaders fall off-track. When emotions go up, logic goes down. Start and end your day by reminding yourself of your principles. - Jay Gauthier Jr., Tenacity Inc. 10. Share Your Stated Values With The Team Relationships provide a mirror as to how we're showing up (or not). Share your stated values with your team so they are aware. Once a quarter, ask for them to rate you on a scale of zero to 10 on how you're doing against your definitions. Let them know what you're going to focus on over the next quarter. Check in throughout the quarter during one-on-one meetings for real-time feedback. Ready, set, grow! - Chris Herndon, lucidly (TM) 11. Listen To The Voice Within You Most leaders know when they have overstepped or stepped out of line. There is a little voice within that might feel like guilt or regret. The problem is, often they ignore their own internal compass. I encourage my clients to remember that their feelings are telling them something. Listen to the voice inside and course-correct when necessary. - Lisa D. Foster, Lisa D. Foster, Coach 12. Create Psychological Safety Every leader has blind spots that, when triggered, cause them to have a knee-jerk reaction, chilling the voices of team members. To avoid this behavior, leaders must create -- daily, through their words and actions -- the psychological safety necessary for team members to be not only safe but also comfortable in pointing out when the leader is not acting in alignment with the organization's core values. - Paul Glover, Paul Glover Coaching 13. Notice Others' Values In Action Applying principles is different from simply understanding them. It's harder. Leaders exploring the difference between their intention and their impact discover whether they are actually living their values by slowing down enough to avoid reactivity and taking the time to listen and consider. Spend time noticing values in action in others, discussing dilemmas and adjusting habitual behaviors. - Jessica Hartung, Treelight Leadership 14. Keep The Greater Good In Mind Intentional leadership takes conscious effort. In order for a leader to be aligned with their own values and their organization's, they must take a moment before every decision, conversation or interaction and ask themselves, "Why does this matter to me, the team, the company and our customers?" Then, they can intentionally create their next action or mindset with the greater good in mind. - Christie Garcia, Mindful Choice, LLC. 15. Get Feedback From Colleagues The best way is to get feedback from those who work closely with you. Use the net promoter score (NPS) that is typically used for evaluating a company's values alignment with customers. Ask team members to anonymously rank your NPS -- how your values align with your actions. Most importantly, once you receive the feedback, create an action plan to address it. It's only through taking action that we change the status quo. - Lital Marom, UNFOLD Media Group ***** ** 14 Impactful Ideas for an Engaging New Member Orientation by Andrea Amorosi Source: https://memberclicks.com/blog/new-member-orientation/ In the ever-evolving landscape of membership-based organizations, one constant remains -- the importance of new members. These fresh faces carry with them not just numbers, but new ideas, enthusiasm, and the potential for future leadership. However, attracting these individuals is only the first step. How you integrate them into your established community can significantly impact their long-term commitment and involvement. Enter the new member orientation, a critical moment in setting the tone for a lasting relationship. So, what is a new member orientation? At its core, new member orientation is an introductory session or series of sessions designed to familiarize newcomers with the ins and outs of an organization. It provides a comprehensive overview of the association's values, mission, objectives, and opportunities available. By effectively orienting new members, you not only set the stage for immediate engagement but also lay the groundwork for sustained involvement. It ensures that members not only understand but also maximize the numerous benefits associated with their membership, leading them to stay actively involved for years to come. * Why is new member orientation important? Consider the moment you last entered an unfamiliar setting, whether it was a new social group, a job, or a different neighborhood. Your initial impressions and interactions shape your understanding of that place's culture, its offerings, and the advantages of being a part of it. Similarly, for associations, these initial experiences are invaluable. A well-structured orientation can fulfill several objectives: Positive First Impressions: A new member's initial experience with your organization can strongly influence their overall perception, commitment, and level of involvement. Creating a positive, informative, and welcoming experience from the outset isn't just a good-to-have; it's a necessity. Setting Expectations: It's important that new members understand the organization's mission, vision, and objectives early on. This foundational knowledge allows them to align their personal and professional goals with that of the association. Building Connections: Orientations can serve as a platform for new members to connect with peers, mentors, and organizational leaders. These early relationships often serve as a catalyst for prolonged engagement. Showcasing Opportunities: Members join associations for various reasons -- networking, professional development, advocacy, etc. An orientation highlights the myriad opportunities available, ensuring members can make the most of their membership right from the start. As you learn about the importance of new member orientations, it's essential to look beyond mere induction processes or welcome kits. It's about laying a foundation for a lasting relationship, one that ensures both the member and the organization thrive together. * Follow up with new members after orientation: Orientation might have ended, but your engagement with new members shouldn't. Continuous Engagement: It's essential to check in periodically with new members post-orientation. This not only reiterates the organization's commitment to them but also ensures they are well-acclimated and integrated into the community. Feedback and Support: Use these follow-up sessions as an opportunity to gather feedback, address concerns, and offer resources or support. A member who feels heard and supported is more likely to remain engaged and active. * Retaining your new members Orientation is a significant first step, but the journey of member engagement extends beyond new member orientation. At the heart of successful member retention is consistent, meaningful engagement. It's about understanding each member's unique goals, needs, and aspirations and offering tailored opportunities to meet those. But remember, communication is key. Personalized, regular communication shows members that they're valued and keeps them informed about upcoming opportunities, events, and changes. Your members are the heart and soul of your organization. Invest in them, engage with them, and watch your community thrive. ***** ** Blind Women and Cancer by Linda Adams Blindness requires each of us to be more attentive and alert to potential hazards. Even expert mobility skills won't stop one from getting slapped in the face by a limb hanging over a sidewalk. This article contains medical descriptions some may find uncomfortable to read but could benefit blind women who may, unknowingly, have gynecological cancer. I am 76 years old and have conscientiously continued scheduling annual mammograms to screen for breast cancer, and visit my primary care physician annually as well. However, I ceased having pap smears many years ago, and the routine annual exams did not include a gynecological examination. This past fall my primary care physician suggested I make an appointment with an OB-GYN, as it had been four years since I'd seen one. This past November, the OB-GYN noticed a very small amount of bloody discharge. Being totally blind, I was completely unaware of this as it was such a small discharge. The ultrasound and MRI confirmed presence of a tumor on an ovary. I never had any symptoms, no pain or discomfort of any kind to make me suspect a problem existed. There is no way to know how long ago my body was sending me a warning signal, but I didn't know it because I couldn't see it. We all accept the premise that early detection can have the best results, but my blindness made this impossible. My gynecologic oncologist confirmed that, at this time, there is no screening for uterine or ovarian cancer. The best a woman can do is watch for a sign that something is not right. After my initial visit, I considered how a blind woman can "watch" for that sign. In the absence of a partner or close friend, I decided to give our new friend, AI, a chance. Using Be My Eyes, I took a picture of my undergarment and it described a "discoloration." I thought of the long-standing rule to give ourselves a breast self-exam once a month and realized we can do the same thing for potential gynecological problems using AI. Share with your sighted female friends the importance of this as well. A sighted friend noticed she had a slight discharge, but postponed seeing her doctor, and was finally diagnosed with uterine cancer which required chemotherapy. Following the recommendation of my primary care physician, the visit with an OB-GYN, and the prompt attention of my surgeon, Dr. Manning-Geist of the Emory Winship Cancer Center, the tumor was removed, lymph nodes were clear, and no further treatment was needed. ***** ** Appropriate Access for Guide Dog Handlers? Not Anymore by Sila Miller For many years I've battled a bum right shoulder, but put off surgery for various reasons. Having a few extra days for yard and gutter cleaning chores during last Christmas season proved too much, and I injured the poor thing to the point of "calling for the calf rope," as my Daddy used to say. Relenting, I scheduled necessary appointments, procedures, including a cortisone injection, and in late July, underwent surgery. My husband, Robert, is also blind and travels with a guide dog. Of course, without use of my right arm, I needed lots of help and post-surgery care. Tag Robert! As any concerned family member would, Robert and his guide dog, Mission, accompanied me to Tallahassee Outpatient Surgery Center (TOSC), as did Mission's puppy raiser, Mary, who has become a dear friend and offered to drive us. The morning of surgery was made a bit chaotic with a call from TOSC asking if we could come early. Upon arrival and following intake paperwork, we were called back to the pre-surgical area. As Robert, Mission and I made our way toward the door, Robert was loudly informed, "You can come back, but not your puppy dog." Despite informing her of Mission's working status and the law, the denial stood firm. Trying to keep his cool, Robert returned to the waiting area while Mary and I proceeded to the off-limits pre-surgery area. Vickie, the nurse who'd issued the denial, continued to mutter about Robert's dissatisfaction and think out loud about how she could try to appease him. She went back out to speak with him again, offering that Mary could sit with Mission and he could come back, to which he said no. She then proceeded to misrepresent threats he'd supposedly made about legal action. This upset everyone and in no way helped promote a calm pre-surgery experience for me. Sadly, my mother passed away after surgical complications in July 2000, so I'm still fairly uptight about surgery of any nature. As surgery prep proceeded, I could tell staff were distracted. Conversations would stop mid-stream, they would walk away unexpectedly, questions went unanswered and disturbingly, blankets were removed from my legs instead of shoulder. At one point, an unidentified man whom I later learned was the anesthesiologist came to me to inform me the police had been summoned, ask if I was in fear of my husband, concerned about him being my caretaker and if I still wished to follow through with the procedure. Giving it serious consideration -- who wants distracted or mad staff operating on or caring for them? -- I also weighed all the pre-arranged assistance, travel, after-surgery support, time off work and decided that yes, I did need and want surgery. When I replied affirmatively, his resigned "OK then," made me second-guess again. Totally stressed by now, tummy ache, urgent need to use the bathroom, heart pounding, rapid breathing, I repeatedly requested meds to manage my mounting anxiety. As these were finally being administered, the nurse missed the IV, spilling them on the bed. Blessedly, it was lights out soon thereafter. Meanwhile, Robert contacted the Tallahassee Police Department to file a report and request enforcement of access legislation. Officer Sexton was sent but refused to take a report, standing behind the denial and citing reasons as the presence of a keypad and "Authorized Personnel Only" signage, and staff's assertion that the pre-surgery area was an "Aseptic-sterile area." To clarify, no one was required to COVID test, mask, scrub, or change out of street clothes/shoes, except for me, of course, and the nerve block and pre-surgery meds were administered in a different area after family were sent back out to the waiting area -- not a sterile area. Things went from bad to worse when Robert and the officer spoke outside and Robert took the opportunity to smoke a cigarette. When the officer went inside to speak with staff, the security guard approached Robert, rudely informing him that TOSC is a non-smoking property and asking whether he'd seem the no smoking sign. Unable to get a straight answer about Mission being allowed into the post-surgical area, where Robert would be given instructions about my at-home care, he decided to take Mission back home. Following surgery and a couple weeks to heal and get my feet back under me, with the denial and associated conflict weighing heavy on my mind, I wrote explanatory emails and letters. I placed a follow-up call to the TOSC facility manager after sending the letter and finally received a Friday afternoon, after-hours call promising further investigation, a written response and copy of their access procedures. Robert filed Department of Justice complaints about this and no less than five Uber denials since November 2023, and we waited. All the cases were declined by DOJ; TOSC stood firm on the appropriateness of their denial, restating the original reasons. From what I can gather, access to pre-surgical facilities for guide dog handlers is a "gray area" within the ADA jungle, litigated individually or not at all, ripe for making lawyers rich, clogging up the court system and causing much confusion, stress and strife amongst those directly involved. Rideshare drivers are in high demand, thus Uber and Lyft are reluctant to discipline or fire them. Additionally, there is nowhere in a rider's profile to identify them as having a guide dog. Morris Frank, one of the first guide dog users who did so much advocacy work to gain access and respect for these professional fur angels, would be so disappointed and incensed. It seems we've gone backwards, and I'm ashamed of that. There are many reasons -- another story in itself, but now disabled people and their legitimate work partners are suffering. To backtrack just a bit, after riding the fence forever about applying for a guide dog because of having some usable vision, I'd finally submitted my application last fall and been accepted at Dogs Inc., formerly Southeastern Guide Dogs. However, following this and several other unlawful denials for Robert and Mission, I reconsidered continuing the process of obtaining a guide dog. Advocating for just one seems to be a full-time job with no positive results to show. How exhausting would advocating for two be? Plus, neither of us is getting any younger, and the chances of further involvement with health care of one sort or another is likely inevitable. So, after much soul searching, I decided to withdraw my request and accept defeat. Perhaps the wrong decision, considering my failing vision and real need, and perhaps they've won. However, as a wise lifelong advocate and friend said, "You must count the cost." Why can't Mission work for both of us, you might ask. Well, let's start with the matching process. Much goes into it: walking speed, length of stride, voice inflection, how much or little the handler needs to work -- the list is long, just the tip of the iceberg. Also, like humans, dogs are different. Some can handle working for two without issue, while others aren't up for the task. Also, most schools will not train for two handlers. Perhaps one day I'll be ready to reapply for a work partner, but for now, the cost is simply too high, advocacy isn't working, and I'm just not up for the stress. From reading many other blind people's blogs on similar access issues, I'm not alone. ***** ** The Longest Home Run in Sandlot Baseball by Lenny McHugh As a kid with pretty severe vision loss, I always tried to be just like the other kids. My last time playing baseball ended with what I still believe is the longest home run in sandlot history. I was about 10 years old. There was a field near an auto parts store that made the perfect spot for baseball. The owners of the store didn't mind us using it, and we took full advantage. Let me describe the field: from the sidewalk, there was about 25 feet of flat ground before a steep hill dropped about 10 feet. After that, the field gradually leveled out over 15 yards before flattening completely. This is where we set up our diamond. We made do with whatever we could find for bases. Home plate was part of an old tractor-trailer brake pad from a scrap yard about 20 feet behind it. First base was a piece of wood, and second and third bases were decent-sized rocks. Nothing fancy, but it worked. On a good day, we'd have anywhere from 6 to 11 kids per team. Since I couldn't see too well, they usually stuck me way out in right field, part of which was on that sloping grade. During this particular game, there was a runner on second when the batter hit a solid grounder in my direction. It was a newer, white ball, and the grass had just been cut making it bright green, which gave the ball enough contrast for me to easily see it rolling towards me. All of the kids on my team were yelling for me to get the ball. I scooped it up quickly. The runner from second was rounding third and heading home, and the batter had just turned toward first. Now, keep in mind, we had almost no equipment: just a few gloves, one bat, and the ball. No helmets. I wound up and threw it as hard as I could toward home plate, hoping to get the runner out. What I didn't expect was that the batter would intersect with the ball. I'm still not sure if I hit him or he ran into it, but either way, the ball and his head made solid contact. He dropped instantly. Then he got up and started charging towards me. He was much bigger than I was, so I did the only logical thing: I ran. I sprinted up the grade, over the hill, across the parking lot, and right onto the sidewalk. I must have run 50 yards before crossing 12th Street, and went straight up Laurel Street hill. I crossed 10th, turned onto 9th, and kept going past Mine Street and then Race Street. I cut diagonally across 9th, ran up the next hill, and down the alley behind my house. I darted through my dad's carport, down the steps, and into the kitchen. Safe at home. I never played baseball again. Luckily, I managed to avoid John until he eventually forgot about kicking the crap out of me. Every time that I think about this story, I wonder, "How far did John chase me?" I would not look back for several reasons. First, I did not want to break my stride, which would have allowed him to catch me, and secondly, I was focused on the ground in front since I did not want to trip. ***** ** A Birthday Gift by Jean Mann When I was growing up, birthdays in our house were fairly low-key by today's standards. There were a few gifts, homemade spaghetti and meatballs for supper, and a friend or two over later for ice cream and cake. I shared my birthday with my twin brother. I went away to school shortly before my 14th birthday. That year, I received a package with a few small gifts and lots of cards from family and friends since it was my first birthday away from home. I was rarely home for my birthdays after that, and most of my gifts came from friends. My parents said it was hard to buy anything for me, because I usually went out and got myself whatever I needed or wanted. They were pretty frugal, so I never wanted to ask for anything expensive, but occasionally I, or they, came up with something special. Many years it was just a card and a phone call, and that was fine with me. A few days before I turned 50, I got a call from my mother. She told me she didn't want me to have to go to the bank to cash a check, so she was putting a 50-dollar bill in my card. She wanted me to be aware that it was coming. Normally I waited until somebody was around to read my mail before opening it, but that year I opened every card until I found that bill, and I put it away before anybody else saw it! When I was turning 60, I asked her if she was going to send me $60. Instead, I got a card that said the following: "We read somewhere that over 9 million people are having a birthday today. So it didn't seem fair to buy you a present and ignore all the others! Happy Birthday! Love, Dad and Mom!" ***** ** Editorial: The "Pros" Could Learn a Few Things from the Amateurs by Nolan Crabb (Reprinted from the June 1993 issue of "The Braille Forum.") I once asked a first-time visitor to one of our conventions, "What did you like best about the convention?" The answer took me a little by surprise at first. I thought the general sessions, special-interest group meetings, tours, and opportunities to socialize would be high on the list. Instead, the reply came back without hesitation, "I like the fact that virtually everything was accessible to me. Even the Coke machine." Access, even to small bits of information, can make the difference between real success and merely adequate performance or even failure. I was reminded anew of that fact when I decided a few months ago to enroll in a class whose objective was to help students obtain the Novice and Technician class amateur radio licenses. I first knew I wanted to get involved in amateur radio more than 20 years ago when I was a student at the Utah School for the Blind. One of the people who had a far-reaching positive influence on me was the school's band teacher, Merlin Peterson. I played the cornet in those days. When it became obvious to him during our one-on-one lessons that I hadn't practiced again that week, when he could no longer stand the tuneless blats and blurps that emanated from my horn, he would say with all the diplomacy of a great statesman, "Why don't we rest your lip a while." During those rest periods, he would regale me with stories about the exotic places and people with whom he'd talked as an amateur operator. For years, I offered one excuse after another to friends in ACB and others who encouraged me to pursue my dream. I had visions of learning the necessary information by myself. So when I heard about the class, I wasn't convinced it was a good idea. I pictured this class being like so many other classes I'd taken -- piles of printed pages I couldn't read for myself and endless incomprehensible scratching on a blackboard. I called the instructor and expressed my desire to enroll in the class, mentioning that I was blind. "Not a problem," she replied, and gave me the exact information on starting times and location. Imagine my surprise when she called the next day and asked, "Are you familiar with Recording for the Blind? And if so, did you check with them to see whether they had the book we'll be using?" Of course, I was familiar with RFB, but I was amazed that she would be. That was the first of a long line of pleasant surprises. A few days before class began, I had the book from RFB. I was struck with the consistent high quality of the volunteer instructors. The endless incomprehensible blackboard scratching never materialized. Instead, instructors invariably verbalized diagrams and other information on the board. The few print handouts I received were always accompanied with explanations as to what they included. Tapes and computer disks containing Morse Code and written test information were provided to me and any other member of the class who asked. Instructors glued electrical components to cardboard for the hands-on help that made studying circuits much more meaningful than it might otherwise have been. When equipment was demonstrated, the teacher managed to stop by my desk long enough for me to get a close-up look at it. A few days before the fateful testing day, I called the volunteer examiner who would give me the test. "We're ready to go," he assured me. "Just bring your braillewriter, slate, Braille 'n Speak or whatever you use." Another jolt. This guy knew what a braillewriter was. Some would argue that I passed the test because I'd studied and was motivated. Of course, those things are vital; but the big factor that helped ensure my success was the ease of access and the level playing field that access meant during the class. I contrasted my experience with sighted volunteer amateur radio operators in my county with those experiences all too many of us have known. Contrast a group of dedicated people willing to do whatever they could to provide convenient access to information to the well-attended seminars produced for businesses who want to get around, over, or under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The instructor who taught my class on circuits didn't do a feasibility study to determine whether or to what degree electrical components glued on cardboard would be of use to me. Yet there are those who would advocate feasibility study after feasibility study to determine the need for detectable warnings. Perhaps some are offended that I would compare something as simple and relatively inexpensive as an amateur radio class to a complex costly issue like automatic teller machine access. While there are huge differences between the two, there are some similarities. Access in its most basic form requires common sense on everyone's part. It may not be practical for a municipal government in a town where the entering and leaving signs are on the same pole to buy an interpoint braille printer to produce one agenda for a blind citizen. But when that citizen and the city clerk use common sense, the resulting phone call where the agenda is read, or the tape in the mail containing the agenda, can make a world of difference in the blind citizen's ability to meaningfully participate in the affairs of his local government. The single most important issue currently before ACB's director of governmental affairs is the ongoing debate over telecommunications issues. Jobs and even our quality of life will depend on how much access we have to the fiber optic networks being planned for a not-too-distant tomorrow. Will there be a friendly audio, large print or braille interface allowing you to take full advantage of the cable/telephone scene? Or will the smart TV and smart terminals of tomorrow be nothing more than silent boxes to us complete with snazzy graphical interfaces that don't allow for adaptive equipment? If we sit back and let Paul Schroeder fight those battles single-handedly, the victories he gains will be small indeed by comparison to what might have been accomplished. I showed up at a class in April, and a dedicated group of volunteers provided the kind of information access that made my experience thoroughly enjoyable. All of us can have a thoroughly enjoyable experience in the wonderful world of fiber optics, but only if we go to class, so to speak, and participate in the process that makes our needs known to the cable companies, phone companies, and newspapers who will be mapping out our information future. That first-time convention attendee's answer wasn't so strange after all. Whether it's braille on a Coke machine or access to a fiber optic entertainment center in your home, access to information is indeed the key. I can't help but think maybe it's time the so-called pros learn a few things about access provision from the amateurs whose company I have enjoyed immensely and from whom I've learned so much. ***** ** 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. * Executive Director The Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired seeks a visionary Executive Director to lead our management team. Headquartered in South Burlington, VT, VABVI is the only private, nonprofit, statewide agency providing training, services and support to infants, children and adults throughout Vermont. VABVI has an annual operating budget of $4.1 million. The successful candidate will possess a vision for the future and strive to fulfill a mission that encourages and assists blind and visually impaired people to achieve or maintain their independence and quality of life. Complete details of the responsibilities and qualifications for this position, as well as the application process, are available at https://www.vabvi.org/careers. The application deadline is August 15, 2025. * Talking Prescriptions for Your Guide Dogs from Chewy You can now receive ScripTalk Talking Prescription Labels on your guide dog's medications from Chewy! If you are interested in getting this free service, give En-Vision America a call at 1-800-890-1180, and their staff will work with Chewy to get you set up. * Newsreel Magazine Ceases Publication "Newsreel Magazine," a publication written by and dedicated to blind and visually impaired people, will cease publication in coming weeks. Nolan Crabb, president of Newsreel's Board of Directors, commended Editor Irwin Hott and Executive Director Kate Sniderman for their outstanding work for so many years that helped make the publication meaningful to its readers. * Ski for Light Returns to Colorado From February 1-8, 2026, Ski for Light, Inc. (SFL) will return to Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, CO to celebrate its 51st international week of skiing. Active adults with visual or mobility impairments will gather to learn the basics of cross-country skiing. First-time skiers will be introduced to basic techniques, while returning skiers will have an opportunity to enhance existing skills. Applications and additional information will be available soon at www.sfl.org. * USABA Launches the 2025 Sport Ambassador Program The U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) has renewed its partnership with Google Pixel for the 2025 USABA Sport Ambassador Program. The program brings together a team of 11 ambassadors who will advocate for adaptive sports, lead community outreach, continue the shared mission of empowering athletes through inclusive technology, and support fundraising efforts to expand opportunities for blind and visually impaired athletes nationwide. The team will focus on refining AI-powered tools that enhance independence and performance for those who are blind or visually impaired. The 2025 ambassadors are: Noah Beckman (Columbus, OH); Ricky Castaneda (Fort Worth, TX); Charles Catherine (New York, NY); Mindy Cook (Columbus, OH); Erika Deetjen (Miami, FL); Lex Gillette (Chula Vista, CA); Eliana Mason (Beaverton, OR); Cheyenne Meyer (McKinney, TX); Tyler Merren (Greenville, MI); Emma Pappariella (Pittsburgh, PA), and Calahan Young (Pittsburgh, PA). * 4th Edition of The Windows Screen Reader Primer Now Available Published by the Carroll Center for the Blind, "The Windows Screen Reader Primer" (4th ed.) is available in Word and ePub formats for free. The book is meant to help JAWS, NVDA, and Windows Narrator users work more effectively with the most important PC applications. The book covers a very wide range of applications, systems and actions. The book is intended for both beginner and intermediate users. To download the book, visit https://carroll.org/the-windows-screen-reader-primer/. For more information, contact David.kingsbury@carroll.org. * New Director at the Iowa Department for the Blind Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed Stacy Cervenka as Director of the Iowa Department for the Blind. Cervenka most recently worked as Senior Director of Policy with RespectAbility (now Disability Belongs) in Fredericksburg, Va. Previously, she was Director of Public Policy for the American Foundation for the Blind and worked as a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Sam Brownback. She earned a B.A. from the University of Minnesota, and an M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling from Texas Tech University. Cervenka will start in her role on July 7, 2025. * New from National Braille Press Brand-new and available from National Braille Press is Judy Dixon's "AI on the iPhone: Apps and Other Useful Features for the Blind User." It comes in hard-copy braille, BRF, and Word. For the 21 and older set, check out "Summer Cocktails and Mocktails," which features 27 recipes and a few extra tips on making these beverages. Also available are two newly updated technology guides: "Microsoft Word 2025 Keystroke Compendium" and "Microsoft Excel 2025 Keystroke Compendium." Both are available in braille or BRF. For more information, call toll-free 1-800-548-7323, or visit shop.nbp.org. ***** ** High Tech Swap Shop * For Sale: Focus 40, fifth generation. Used about 5 hours a month for 3 years. Comes with braille manual. Asking $1,800. PayPal payments only, please. It's in the box ready to go. Contact Colleen Roth at (419) 661-9171. * Looking For: Walter Chavira is looking for a donation of a double-cassette karaoke machine with two internal and two external microphones, such as the Panasonic or Singalodeon, in good working order. Contact Walter at (661) 331-2333 or via email, walterchavira1@gmail.com. ***** ** ACB Officers * President Deb Cook Lewis (1st term, 2025) 1131 Liberty Dr. Clarkston, WA 99403 * First Vice President David Trott (1st term, 2025) 1018 East St. S. Talladega, AL 35160 * Second Vice President Ray Campbell (1st term, 2025) 216 Prestwick Rd. Springfield, IL 62702-3330 * Secretary Denise Colley (final term, 2025) 26131 Travis Brook Dr. Richmond, TX 77406-3990 * Treasurer Michael Garrett (1st term, 2025) 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, Pittsboro, NC (2nd term, 2028) Donna Brown, Romney, WV (2nd 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) Kenneth Semien Sr., Beaumont, TX (2nd term, 2028) Koni Sims, Sioux Falls, SD (1st term, 2026) Jeff Thom, Sacramento, CA (2nd term, 2026) ** ACB Board of Publications Katie Frederick, Chair, Worthington, OH (1st term, 2026) Jeff Bishop, Tucson, AZ (1st term, 2026) Belinda Collins, Saint Pauls, NC (1st term, 2026) Cheryl Cumings, Seattle, WA (2nd term, 2025) Zelda Gebhard, Edgeley, ND (3rd term, 2026) ***** ** 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. ###