The ACB Braille Forum Volume LXV July-August 2026 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. Copyright 2026 American Council of the Blind Scott Thornhill, Executive Director Sharon Lovering, Editor 225 Reinekers Ln., Suite 660, Alexandria, VA 22314 ***** ** Table of Contents Advocacy at Convention, by Grace Hart Last-Minute Convention Information, by Janet Dickelman Travel Tips from ACB Leaders, compiled by Deborah Armstrong The Future Is Bright: Meet the 2026 ACB Scholarship Winners, by Amanda Selm Affiliate News How Do You Keep Members Engaged and Completing Needed Tasks Between Meetings?, compiled by Ardis Bazyn Here and There, by Sharon Lovering 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 2026: Theme: TBA; Deadline: August 21, 2026 November-December 2026: Theme: ACB Diabetics in Action; Deadline: September 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. ***** ** Advocacy at Convention by Grace Hart ACB's 2026 convention is right around the corner, and there will be so many ways to get involved with ACB advocacy! As our members know, there are many ways to be an advocate, and many different forms that our advocacy takes. One of the ways to get involved in advocacy at convention this year is by attending one of our advocacy-related sessions. A returning favorite, Advocacy Bootcamp will provide both new and seasoned advocates with valuable tools for their advocacy toolbox. There will also be additional advocacy sessions to attend, so be sure to pay close attention to the listed sessions on the convention website to make sure you don't miss out! Another way to get involved in advocacy at ACB is by involving yourself in the resolution process. ACB members, through their affiliates, vote on resolutions which involve key issues for the blind and low vision community. This democratic process is how ACB's Board of Directors and staff receive direction regarding the future of ACB. This is also how ACB's legislative imperatives are determined. Engaging in advocacy by voting on resolutions is extremely important and directly impacts ACB's priorities. Advocacy, especially in the world that we live in today, is incredibly crucial. Advocacy also encompasses a wide variety of actions, from those on the individual level all the way to the national and even the international level. We strongly encourage you to advocate with us this year at ACB's convention in St. Louis. ***** ** Last-Minute Convention Information by Janet Dickelman Whether you are reading this article as you are packing for St. Louis or getting ready to join us via Zoom or on ACB Media, read on for information for convention attendees and those of you who will be staying connected from home. ** Change in Wheelchair/Scooter Rentals Unfortunately, the source I initially sent out for wheelchair and scooter rentals has had to close due to illness of the owner. If you'd like to rent a wheelchair or scooter in St. Louis, please contact Med Exchange at (636) 949-5660. Wheelchair rentals are $85 per week, and scooters $300 per week. There is a delivery fee of $50 per item. However, depending on the number of wheelchairs or scooters ACB reserves, that fee may be lower. Please reserve your scooter or wheelchair by Friday, June 12th. There are several large conventions in the city in July, so Med Exchange wants to make sure we have the equipment we need. Once you have reserved your mobility device, please call me at (651) 428-5059, or email Janet.dickelman@gmail.com. I will be keeping a list for delivery purposes. ** 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. ** Convention Badges Everyone attending the convention 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. ** Important Information about ACB Tours 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 buses will pick up and drop off outside the double doors by the hotel gift shop. 2. Bus departure times for each tour are listed in the convention program. Please be at the bus departure area and ready to board the bus 20 minutes prior to the listed departure times. 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 next 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 St. Louis 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 Sterling 9. You can register or add additional items to your existing registration beginning Friday, July 24 at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 8 to 11 a.m. is for registration pick-up only. If you wish to attend as a virtual attendee and did not register before July 6, you can register as a virtual attendee starting at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24 at https://members.acb.org/. There will be no telephone support for registrations after July 6th. ** Joining the Conference from Home If you have registered for the convention, you will receive zoom invitations for all sessions. You can join via computer or phone. The easiest way to access the Zoom links is to log into your account at members.acb.org. 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 labelled "phone." You don't need to know any access links or passcodes. Much of the conference will be streamed on ACB Media using multiple streams. All general sessions, and some of our afternoon and evening programming, will be live streamed on ACB Media. Other sessions will be recorded and replayed on ACB Media. Sessions will be available as podcasts after the convention, and archived for later listening on ACB Media. There are several 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, say, "Alexa, ask ACB Media to play 1." PC/browser access (RECOMMENDED): Visit ACB Media online at https://www.acbmedia.org/n (n= stream number). The site has a built-in media player. 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 playlist. From the playlist, select ACB Media n (n = stream number) and hit play. 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 1 (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 is originating in Zoom, we recommend that you dial-in to the Zoom meeting/webinar directly (see above). 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 email, janet.dickelman@gmail.com. ***** ** Travel Tips from ACB Leaders compiled by Deborah Armstrong With the summer convention nearly upon us, we thought it would be helpful to collect some ideas to make your travel easier. I would first like to tell you about scarves. In the summer, you don't want to tote around a load of heavy clothing, especially if the only cold gusts you'll encounter are on the air-conditioned plane. So I always pack a warm, fluffy scarf in my purse or laptop bag. And yes, guys, you too can wear scarves. Get something that wraps around your neck and head, because that's where we lose most of our body heat. Meeting rooms can also be chilly, so a light sweater can live in your main suitcase to supplement that all-purpose scarf. Many ACB leaders, despite years of independent travel, still choose to ask an airline employee to assist when transferring to a connecting flight. If they bring a wheelchair, which is often the case, you can have it tote your luggage while the person guiding you pushes your suitcase, and not you in that chair. Michael Byington suggests you might consider accepting the chair. He points out that airport workers know how to move wheeled conveyances through crowded airports efficiently and may not be as skilled at guiding you through crowds. President Lewis taught her dog to run alongside the chair efficiently by giving it a bit more leash and hand signals to direct it when to turn. If you use a guide dog, many leaders suggest you get information about the pet relief area inside the airport before you go. You can find this on most airports' maps and use your favorite AI agent to describe the location to you. Or call the airport and write down the information so you can quickly get assistance if needed. Many airport workers may not know where the pet relief area is located, so having this information handy can save time. Also remember that Aira is free at most major airports; they have maps they can consult to help you find pet relief, locate food, restrooms, and your connecting flight's gate. Ardis Bazyn submitted these recommendations. • Plan for delays. Bring snacks or sandwiches, water bottle (filled at the airport), and things to do -- a book to read, notetaker to write, etc. • Have flight times, flight numbers, numbers to call or links for changing flights if necessary. Customer service is swamped when there are delays, so if you can make the changes yourself, it helps. • Bring a couple extra outfits in case you have to stay an extra day or have spills. She also brings at least one extra day of medication and vitamins. I am a fan of reversible clothing because you can wear the dirty side next to your skin and get two days of wear out of each shirt or pair of pants -- check travel websites for reversible travel clothing. They also sell packets of mild laundry detergent you can use in a hotel sink. Another cool travel innovation is inflatable hangers. Frequent traveler and presenter on transportation Ron Brooks has a three-step approach to traveling with his guide. Step 1 is to check the paperwork. Air travel with a guide dog requires paperwork. The paperwork you'll need to complete will depend on whether your flight is domestic or international, and on whether there are any flight segments of more than eight hours. Every airline handles its service animal paperwork a bit differently, so ensure you know the procedures on the airline you're planning to use. And start early. Paperwork for domestic air travel can be completed at any time, but 48 hours in advance of the flight is recommended. Ron's Step 2 involves planned packing. Depending on the nature and length of your trip, where you'll be staying, and your preferences, you will need to make decisions about what to pack. Think about whether you plan to bring or buy your dog's food upon arrival. You should also think about any supplies you might need, such as grooming equipment, dog boots for very hot, cold, or snowy weather, a mat for your dog's comfort in a hotel room, tent, or wherever you happen to be sleeping, toys, any required medication, and of course, pick-up bags. Pro tip: if you travel often, get a second set of the supplies you plan to pack regularly; it saves time. And even if you choose to check your dog's food or buy it upon arrival, bring two meals in your carry-on luggage, because no guide dog appreciates missing meals if the airline loses your bag. Same goes for required medications. Do not check them; they are more useful in your carry-on bag. Ron's third step ensures your dog's mental health. He suggests you turn your travel day into one big happy habit. Travel days can be chaotic, and most dogs -- and people -- do not thrive in chaos. Here are a few tips he suggested for keeping things calm, cool, and collected: • Pack as much as you can on the evening before travel. It reduces stress and the need to rush. • Reduce the amount of food and water you give your dog on the morning of your trip. How much depends on your dog, on the length of your trip, and on your dog's familiarity with travel. • Give your dog lots of time in their favorite relief spot just before leaving for the airport. Air travel is unpredictable, and airport pet relief areas are not generally happy places for your dog, so give them a good last-minute break in familiar surroundings before you leave. • Give your dog attention along the way. No matter how your trip is going, taking a few seconds to give your dog a pet will make both of you feel better. • Limit interactions between other people and your dog. Air travel (even the part that involves lying at your feet or waiting in the departure lounge) represents work for your dog. Keep their work simple by limiting their interactions with other people. • Pack your patience and sense of humor in your carry-on luggage. Whether it's a poorly timed rideshare denial, a paperwork glitch at the airport, a flight delay, or something else, travel days can be stressful. Your dog will react to the stress you feel, so approach your day with curiosity, patience, and a sense of humor. And remember, the goal is getting there. Everything else is just noise. Leaders besides Ron also focused on packing. Peter Heide suggests wrapping a rubber band around medication containers to ensure they won't pop open when your bag gets jostled. I use rubber bands to mark the outside doorknob on my hotel room so I can quickly ensure I'm at the right door. I also use rubber bands if I need to keep matching clothes on hangers together. Another rubber band trick is to use one to wrap a shirt on a hanger around a shower curtain rod, so you can hang the shirt over the shower steam to quickly remove wrinkles. If I need to mark the right side up for a hotel key card, I use a Band-Aid, which easily peels off when it's time to return the key card. Most leaders agree medication needs to be stored in your carry-on, and to take full advantage of the two items you are allowed to bring on the plane. For example, if you normally carry a small backpack or purse, investigate the size limitations for your airline and possibly use larger bags if permitted; for example, substitute a large string bag for a purse or a larger laptop bag that can hold more than your computer. Don't forget to leave room for stuff you purchase to bring back home. Pack a good pair of walking shoes -- you'll be doing a LOT of walking at the convention. Be sure you've already broken them in and that they have closed toes for your safety. Remember to bring your sunscreen and bug spray, especially if you're going on a tour. A sun hat is also useful. And for those who burn easily, sunburn ointment can help. And whether you use a dog or not, pack an extra cane in your luggage. We hope these tips, gathered from a group of frequent ACB travelers, will help keep the trip enjoyable. ***** ** The Future Is Bright: Meet the 2026 ACB Scholarship Winners by Amanda Selm, ACB Scholarship Committee Chair From future scientists and educators to advocates, performers, counselors, and innovators, the 2026 ACB scholarship recipients represent an extraordinary group of students whose passion, perseverance, and leadership are already shaping the future. Each scholar brings a unique story, a powerful sense of purpose, and a commitment to breaking barriers within their chosen fields and communities. The ACB Scholarship Committee is excited to introduce this year's scholarship recipients. Jessica "Jessie" Brownlee lives in Gainesville, Ga., and will soon begin her first semester in the master's program at Western Michigan University, where she is working toward becoming a certified vision rehabilitation therapist. Jessie is the proud mother of three children, ages 8, 10, and 11. After a life-changing accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, the loss of her vision and sense of smell, and the passing of her spouse, she chose to return to school with a renewed sense of purpose. Before losing her vision, she worked for many years as a physical therapist assistant. Today, she is dedicated to supporting individuals with visual impairments through education, training, and meaningful connection within the blind and low vision community. Jessie enjoys spending time with her children, boyfriend, family, and friends. She especially enjoys reading suspense novels. She is actively involved with the Georgia Council of the Blind and ACB. Nick Frazier is from Deatsville, Ala., and will attend Samford University this fall as a freshman studying sports business. Outside of academics, Nick enjoys attending sporting events and concerts, which fuel his passion for the sports and entertainment industry. He is committed to using his leadership skills, perseverance, and experiences to make a meaningful impact in the field of sports business. Nick is always planning which concert or sporting event to attend next. He looks forward to connecting with others, networking, and making new friends at the convention. Toban (Toby) Harnish is a computer science student at Messiah University, where he will be a sophomore next semester. Born in China, Toban moved to the United States with his parents shortly before turning 14, and now lives in a rural town in Pennsylvania. During the academic year, he serves as an office assistant for the Office of General Education, contributing to research efforts and conducting data analysis. Outside of class, he enjoys playing chess, listening to historical documentaries, programming, and volunteering as a tutor for a math club organized by Math Minds Unseen. He looks forward to connecting with blind professionals in computer science. LaQuon S. Johnson, originally from New York and now residing in Chesapeake, Va., is pursuing a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision at Hampton University. With 15 years of counseling experience, LaQuon has worked in numerous roles, including rehabilitation counselor, career educator, disability specialist, vocational rehabilitation counselor, and transition to college advisor. He is also the author of four fictional books highlighting individuals who have overcome adversity or struggled with fear of failure. LaQuon looks forward to meeting, socializing, and building long-lasting relationships with fellow scholarship recipients and attendees at the ACB Convention. Olivia (Oli) Collazo lives in Westchester, N.Y., and will attend Oberlin College this fall as an incoming freshman. Oli plans to pursue dual degrees through Oberlin's BA+BFA program in environmental studies and integrated arts. Outside of classes, Oli enjoys reading, writing, art, traveling, and researching unusual topics, with an extensive interest in pirates. They are eager to meet others with similar experiences and gain a deeper understanding of self-advocacy as a legally blind individual. Lauren Mack is an aspiring social worker based in New York City. A journalist for 25 years, her writing about travel and food has appeared in more than 150 publications. She has traveled to 60 countries across five continents. Originally from Miami, Fla., Lauren has also lived in Beijing and Taipei. In fall 2026, she will begin graduate studies at New York University's Silver School of Social Work, pursuing a Master of Social Work degree. Newly blind, Lauren is passionate about educating others about vision loss, and hopes to open her own counseling and advocacy practice serving under-resourced communities. She is excited to attend her first ACB convention. Lauren (Ren) Lovegood is from Boston, Mass., and is a Ph.D. student at the University of Massachusetts-Boston studying business administration, with a focus on organizations and social change. Ren works as a teaching fellow and research assistant and enjoys yoga, running, writing, pottery, meditation, travel, reading, and lifelong learning. Ren has traveled to 40 countries across five continents, and Missouri will be the 39th U.S. state they have visited. They look forward to connecting with members of the community and learning more about the history of advocacy at the convention. Madeline (Maddy) Major is from Plymouth, Minn., and will begin her second year at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities this fall, where she is double majoring in sociology and technical writing and communication. Outside of academics, Maddy enjoys dancing, spending time with friends, and attending music concerts and festivals. She has been dancing for over 15 years and is a member of her college's competitive ballroom dance team. She is excited to meet other blind individuals at the ACB convention. Suzette May lives in Waco, Texas, with her husband, David, their two sons, daughter, and daughter-in-law. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in orientation and mobility at Western Michigan University. Suzette works as a consultant collaborating with transportation professionals, researchers, and policymakers to improve accessibility and pedestrian safety for individuals who are blind or have low vision. She recently completed her undergraduate degree with honors at Arizona State University. In her free time, she enjoys studying jazz piano, learning languages, dining out, playing games with her Seeing Eye dog Fred, and listening to her children perform bluegrass and country music. Suzette is looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and making new ones at the ACB convention. Her favorite quote is from L.A. Williams: "I refuse to let what I can't do define what I will do." Zach McLean is from Seattle, Wash., and is currently finishing his sophomore year at Central Washington University, where he majors in special education. During school breaks and summer vacation, Zach works as a special education paraeducator at his former high school. He is also deeply involved in inclusive athletics and events, helping organize programs such as Day of Champions, a special needs track event, prom, and unified track athletics. Zach also plays college football. He is one of only two people in the world with his specific eye condition. This experience has strengthened his commitment to advocating for individuals with disabilities. Zach looks forward to networking with other young adults at the ACB convention and learning from the broader community. John Mobley IV is a rising third-year Ph.D. student in the Engineering Education Research Program at the University of Michigan. Originally from Jefferson, Iowa, John's research focuses on education, workforce development, disability studies, and nuclear engineering education, particularly within advanced reactor technologies and public policy. John holds five degrees from Iowa State University, including degrees in physics, mathematics, higher education administration, and an MBA. He currently serves as a graduate student research assistant and will also work as a graduate student instructor in the Ford School of Public Policy during the fall 2026 semester. Outside of academics, John is active in the American Nuclear Society and enjoys collecting nuclear memorabilia, listening to jazz, traveling, and spending time outdoors. This summer, he will return to Japan with a University of Michigan delegation to study nuclear policy and public communication initiatives. EmmaGrace Olech is a freshman from San Antonio, Texas, who will attend Texas A&M University in College Station as a biomedical sciences major. She plans to pursue a career in medicinal chemistry. In her free time, EmmaGrace enjoys reading, writing, learning Latin, and spending time outdoors. She is excited to meet new people and explore assistive technology at the convention. Sarah Owofade is from Georgetown, Texas, and is an undergraduate vocal performance major at Texas State University. Sarah has a strong passion for music and creativity and enjoys expressing herself through performance and personal style. Outside of school, she loves shopping, dressing up, exploring new cities, and trying unique experiences that allow her to grow personally and artistically. Sarah and her two sisters all have a rare form of retinitis pigmentosa that affects only the sisters in their family. Their story was featured in an article about their mother raising three visually impaired daughters with determination and strength. Sarah is eager to connect with others who have faced similar challenges while continuing to thrive and inspire others. Matthew James Potter is from Southampton, N.J., and will attend Stockton University this fall as a freshman pursuing a degree in general business. Matthew has a rare genetic condition called Alstrom Syndrome, which also affects his two brothers. All three lost their vision around age five. During high school, he participated in marching band as an alto saxophone player, unified basketball, chess team, and track and field, where he competed in throwing events and sprinting. Outside of school, he enjoys swimming, fishing, and going to the beach. Matthew looks forward to using his energy and enthusiasm to help others through ACB. Claire Schultz lives in Firestone, Colo. This fall, she plans to attend the University of Northern Colorado as a psychology major. Claire currently works at the Longmont Innovation Center within the St. Vrain Valley School District, serving on the Music Innovation Team, Accessibility Team, and Creative Content Team. She is an avid record collector and music enthusiast who also enjoys baking, reading, and weightlifting. Claire looks forward to making meaningful connections, hearing new perspectives, and learning more about ACB. Jenna Sheetz is from Arlington, Va., and will attend Tufts University this fall as a freshman majoring in criminal psychology. Outside of school, Jenna enjoys diving, theatre, and debate. She also works as a dive instructor part-time during the school year and full-time during the summer. She is excited to meet new people through ACB and connect with other successful, passionate individuals with visual impairments. Ella Shrout is from Portland, Ore., and is a sophomore at Baylor University, where she is double majoring in biochemistry and psychology on the pre-med track. Ella works in a chemistry and biochemistry research lab, and also serves as a medical assistant and phlebotomist in a pediatric clinic. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, hiking, going to the gym, and watching movies. Phil So is from New Jersey and will attend Rutgers University in New Brunswick to pursue a Ph.D. in communication, information, and media. His research explores artificial intelligence, accessibility, and digital communication. Phil is active in his community, serving on the boards and committees of several nonprofit organizations. In his spare time, he enjoys supporting his favorite soccer teams and continually learning new things. Muhammad Sohaib is originally from Pakistan and now lives in Denton, Texas. He is a third-year doctoral student in special education at the University of North Texas and works as a graduate assistant in the Center for Leadership Development within the Division of Student Affairs. Outside of academics, Muhammad enjoys blind cricket, traveling, hiking, and mountaineering. He has trekked up to 4,500 meters in the mountains of Pakistan, and hopes to summit all 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks. He is eager to connect with the ACB community and celebrate advocacy and leadership alongside fellow members. Batya Sperling-Milner is from the Bronx, N.Y., and will attend Yale University this fall, where she plans to major in psychology. Batya enjoys reading, knitting, cooking, and taking long walks with friends. She is excited to connect with and learn from blind mentors and peers at this summer's convention. Each of this year's recipients brings a unique story, perspective, and passion that reflects the strength and diversity of the blind and low vision community. The ACB Scholarship Committee hopes you will take time during the convention to meet these remarkable young people, learn from their experiences, and celebrate all they have already accomplished. We look forward to watching the impact they will continue to make within their communities and beyond. ***** *** Affiliate News ** Teachers' Features for the 2026 Convention by Carla Hayes It's hard to believe that it is almost time for the ACB annual conference and convention in Saint Louis. Per usual, AABT has a plethora of presentations and activities planned for you! Read on for more details. We have two sessions planned during virtual week of the convention, both of which will be co-sponsored with the Braille Revival League and will take place on Friday, July 17th. First, at 10 a.m., we will have a fascinating session titled "Seeing Braille? Wait -- I Thought I Had to Feel Braille!" Seeing Braille, a program for the PC, lets blind or sighted presenters demonstrate braille to sighted audiences, in person or online. By exploring dot positions, letter patterns, numbers, punctuation, and uncontracted or contracted words or phrases, users can learn braille by sight and take the mystery out of braille for audiences such as parents, classmates of blind children, and the public in general. Our presenter will be Neva Fairchild (American Foundation of the Blind, aging and vision loss specialist from Dallas, Texas). Immediately following this program at 11:30 a.m., join us for "Patty Goes To Peru." Patty Slaby, itinerant teacher of blind and low vision from Arcadia, Wis., will tell us about her inspiring mission trip to Lima, Peru. She will share about her experiences at an orphanage where she presented and demonstrated how it is to live as a blind individual. She will summarize some of her adventures and describe the time she spent with the children being immersed in Spanish. We kick off our presentations in St. Louis with our annual breakfast, which will take place on Saturday, July 25 at 7 a.m. For the first time ever, BRL and AABT will be co-sponsoring this event. Even if you cannot be in St. Louis, be sure to join us via Zoom at 7:45 a.m. for our breakfast program, "Rejuvenate Your Knowledge of The History of Braille." Our presenters will be Carlie Lee, community relations facilitator, and Jane Herdth, director of outreach, Missouri School for the Blind, Saint Louis, Mo. Carlie will cover the history of braille at the Missouri School for the Blind, and Jane will discuss the use of braille in today's world, including technology and a program for deaf-blind, Protactile. Hands-on items will be available. You'll have a difficult choice to make on Tuesday, July 28th. If you prefer to remain in the hotel, you can join AABT, BRL and LUA, who will be co-sponsoring two sessions. At 3 p.m. LUA presents "Meet The Narrator," where we will hear from a talking book narrator, and at 5 p.m. LUA presents "News and Updates at NLS." If a field trip would be more to your liking, AABT is recommending the tour to the Missouri School for the Blind from noon to 4:30 p.m. This historic school initially opened in 1865. Today it is a modern and thriving school. Visit the track, the gymnasium, the auditorium, classrooms, the library, and student dorms. We have a variety of exciting activities planned for you. As teachers, we beg you not to be absent. After all, we wouldn't want to have to send a truant officer after you! Please join us for all or some of our activities. You will be glad that you did! ** What's AAVIA Doing at Convention? On Saturday, July 18 at 1 p.m., AAVIA will hold its business meeting via Zoom. * Sunday, July 26 1 p.m.: The Supreme Court Term in Review (hybrid) Find out from a pre-recorded presentation from a St. Mary's University Law School professor about the significant decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court in its 2025-26 term and its work generally. 3:00 - 4:15 p.m.: Documentary: No Mas Bebes on California Sterilization Case (hybrid) Watch a film that describes the actions of the 10 women who were the plaintiffs in the Madrigal et al v. Quilligan et al class action lawsuit that resulted in major changes and protections of a woman's right to determine the size of her family and to give informed consent. 5 p.m.: Commentary on California Sterilization Case (in person) The lead attorney for the plaintiffs will discuss the preparation of the lawsuit, including the various steps taken to prepare for trial. * Monday, July 27 1:00 - 2:15 p.m.: Cybersecurity Safety and Risk Awareness for Attorneys After AI Implementation (in person) This 75-minute certification program is a fully accessible, live session that delivers clear, practical general AI cybersecurity guidance lawyers can apply immediately. Participants who complete this program earn the AI Safety, Ethics, Data Protection and Risk Reduction for Attorneys Certificate issued by Safety and Security Source and the Business and Non-Profit Safety and Cybersecurity University (TM). 3:00 - 4:15 p.m.: Prosecuting State Administrative Law Cases Remotely Using JAWS (in person) Find out what it's like to prosecute an administrative law case against occupational license-holders and unlicensed individuals in Texas from a home office by an attorney with low vision using assistive technology. * Tuesday, July 28 1:00 - 2:15 p.m.: An Afternoon with AAVIA Law Students and New ACB Attorney (in person) We will discuss how AAVIA can continue its history of offering counsel, hope, and mentoring to these individuals and the many who will follow. Then we'll get to know ACB's new advocacy attorney. ** ACB Lions: Come Roar with Us at Convention ACB Lions has two events planned for this year's convention. Come and join us! Thursday, July 16, 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.: Lessons in Leadership: Organizing Our Lions Club for Action After the Eaton Fire (Zoom only) On January 7, 2025, the Eaton Fire began, ultimately destroying 9,000 homes and buildings, including the homes of five members of the Pasadena Host Lions Club. Donna and Mitch Pomerantz will talk about their involvement in organizing the club's response in assisting the Altadena, Northern Pasadena, and Sierra Madre communities to recover. Sunday, July 26, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. (in-person only): ACB Lions Roaring Good Time Happy Hour Join ACBL as we gather at the hotel bar. Mix and mingle after a day of meetings, exhibits and other convention events. ** Convention Bytes from BITS Blind Information Technology Solutions is offering an amazing number of sessions at this year's national convention. * Thursday, July 16 (Zoom only) 10 a.m.: Smart Living, Stronger Access: Appliances, Community, and Advocacy Be part of a conversation about appliances and accessibility, and why inclusive design must extend into every part of daily life. 1:00 p.m.: Capturing the World Through Photography with Confidence This session is designed for smart device beginners or intermediate users, and will start with the basics of how to take photos using accessible features. * Friday, July 17 (Zoom only) 10 a.m.: What's New with the Monarch? Come learn about the Monarch multi-line Braille display from APH. Discover all about tactile graphics, Monarch apps, and the Monarch RISE project. 1 p.m.: Microsoft Narrator: A Tool for Making the Transition from Low Vision to No Vision If using screen magnification and a mouse with your Windows PC is no longer working effectively for you, there is an alternative. Microsoft Narrator can enable you to read the contents displayed on your computer's screen, as well as hear the text in documents, email, and webpages, as well as any other content on your computer screen. * Saturday, July 18 (Zoom only) 10 a.m.: Trends in AI and Making It Accessible BITS, along with a panel of experts, will explore the latest trends in AI from a blind and low vision perspective. The session will highlight how tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Claude, and Accessibility Agents are expanding access, creativity, and innovation. 1 p.m.: Accessible Blogging with Substack We will explore this exciting platform, and hear from three users, who will share their experiences using Substack as a creative way to reach a wide audience. The following Blind Information Technology Solutions sessions are all in-person only. The day-time sessions are $50 per session. If you register for 4 or more sessions, BITS will provide you with a $50 gift card. Please note each session repeats twice. BITS Microsoft Sessions: * Monday, July 27, and Wednesday, July 29 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. From Blank Page to Polished Professional: Mastering Microsoft Word via Keyboard Designed specifically for screen reader users and low-vision attendees, this session emphasizes efficiency and the art of producing "visual-ready" professional documents using only keyboard shortcuts. We will also explore the new Agent Mode in Word. * Monday, July 27, and Wednesday, July 29 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. The Cloud-First Professional: Mastering OneDrive Accessibility and File Management In this session, we bridge the gap between local storage and the cloud, guiding attendees through the essential journey of saving, securing, and syncing documents. We will also explore the integrated AI agent within OneDrive. * Tuesday, July 28, and Thursday, July 30 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Dynamic Data Collection Building and Managing Accessible Microsoft Forms We will guide attendees through the complete lifecycle of form creation. This presentation emphasizes the native keyboard commands necessary to build professional-grade surveys that are accessible to both the creator and the respondent. We will also explore the integrated AI agent within Microsoft Forms. * Tuesday, July 28, and Thursday, July 30 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. The AI Research Partner Mastering Synthesis and Generation with Copilot Notebook Elevate your research and content creation with this deep dive into Microsoft Copilot Notebook. We explore the advanced "Notebook" interface, which allows for longer, more complex prompts and sustained creative projects. This presentation emphasizes the keyboard commands necessary to navigate the large-scale text areas and manage multi-turn conversations. BITS Google sessions: * Monday, July 27, and Wednesday, July 29 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. From Blank Page to Polished Professional: Mastering Google Docs via Keyboard This intensive session guides attendees through the entire document lifecycle, starting with the essential first step of enabling accessibility features. We will transition from basic text entry to advanced formatting, including the use of styles, headers, and sophisticated layout commands using native Google Workspace shortcuts. * Monday, July 27, and Wednesday, July 29 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. The Cloud-First Professional: Mastering Google Drive Accessibility and File Management In this session, we bridge the gap between local storage and the cloud, guiding attendees through the essential journey of saving, securing, and syncing documents. We will also explore the integrated AI agent within Google Drive. * Tuesday, July 28, and Thursday, July 30 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Dynamic Data Collection: Building and Managing Accessible Google Forms This session emphasizes the native keyboard commands necessary to build professional-grade surveys that are accessible to both the creator and the respondent. We will also explore the integrated AI agent within Google Workspace. * Tuesday, July 28, and Thursday, July 30 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. The AI Research Partner: Mastering Synthesis and Generation with NotebookLM We will explore how to transform your personal documents, transcripts, and web sources into a powerful, interactive knowledge base. We will demonstrate how to leverage the integrated AI agent to act as a real-time research partner, answering complex questions based strictly on your provided data and even generating audio overviews for a hands-free learning experience. * Monday, July 27, 6:00-8:00 p.m. (in-person only) Opening the Door to BITS Whisperer: Join Us for the App Launch Join us for the official launch of BITS Whisperer, a powerful new transcription application for Windows and macOS designed to make audio more accessible, actionable, and efficient for everyone. Built as an accessibility-first solution, Whisperer combines professional-grade transcription with intelligent AI tools that transform audio into summaries, translations, meeting notes, and more. This event will be in person and streamed live in BITS Chat. Tuesday, July 28, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. (in-person only) Opening the Door to Accessible Appliances: Join Us for the Portal Launch Join us for the official launch of the new BITS Appliance Portal, a community-driven resource designed to help people with disabilities make more informed and confident purchasing decisions. Built as an accessibility-first platform, the portal brings together product information, real-world reviews, ratings, documentation, comparison tools, and community insight across a wide range of appliances and home products. * Wednesday, July 29 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.: BITS Reception Join all your BITS friends at the 3rd Annual BITS Reception at the ACB convention in St. Louis. There will be a cash bar, prizes, and a live auction, as well as fun and games. 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.: Building an Accessible Future with BITS, Visual Studio Code, GitHub, and Open Source (in-person only) This session will introduce Community Access, a project built to make accessibility more actionable inside modern development workflows, including VS Code, GitHub, and AI-powered coding environments, with a strong emphasis on WCAG 2.2 AA, screen reader usability, and community-driven contribution. Come learn, connect, and discover how you can help shape a more accessible digital future. ** Seeing Braille? Wait a Minute ... What does the Braille Revival League have planned for convention? * Friday, July 17 (Zoom only) 10:00 - 11:15 a.m.: Seeing Braille? Wait -- I Thought I Had to Feel Braille! See the description in "Teachers" Features" above. 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.: Patty Goes to Peru Patty Slaby will tell us about her mission trip to Lima, Peru. 2:30 - 3:45 p.m.: Braille Games Come join BRL to play games based on the use of braille. * Saturday, July 18 (Zoom only) 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Enhance your use of braille with four low-cost braille devices: the Braille Doodle, the VersaSlate, the Hable, and Braille LEGOs. * Saturday, July 25 7:00 a.m.: BRL and AABT Breakfast 7:45 a.m. Rejuvenate Your Knowledge of the History of Braille See description in "Teachers' Features" above. On Tuesday, July 28, BRL will co-sponsor two sessions with LUA: 3:00 p.m.; LUA Presents Meet the Narrator, and 5:00 p.m.: LUA Presents News and Updates at NLS. ** Get Your Creativity Flowing with FIA This year's Friends in Art (FIA) convention will feature a series of virtual and hybrid sessions centered on arts, poetry, and songwriting. Highlights include virtual sessions on accessible art with the Missouri Arts Council, poetic voices of resistance, a songwriting panel and a hybrid prose/poetry reading co-sponsored with AABT and facilitated by Carla Hayes. * Thursday, July 16 (Zoom only) 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.: Access Through the Arts Piper Hudson of Access Through the Arts will share information on tactile art-making, multisensory installations, descriptive audio frameworks, and collaborative storytelling. * Friday, July 17 (Zoom only) 4:00 - 5:15 p.m.: Today's Poetic Voices of Protest and Resistance Poets will be performing and discussing their works. * Saturday, July 18 (Zoom only) 2:30 - 3:45 p.m.: Perspectives in Songwriting A diverse panel of writers and composers will share their experiences. * Sunday, July 26 (in person) 9:00 - 10:15 p.m.: Prose and Poetry Reading Share some of your original work or just come listen. FAMILY FRIENDLY, PLEASE. ** Come Join Us! Sit, Stay, and Listen Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) offers a wide variety of sessions for you to choose from. * Thursday, July 16 (Zoom only) 11:30 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.: Guide Dog School Update Come hear updates from several U.S. and Canadian guide dog training programs. * Friday, July 17 (Zoom only) 1:00 - 2:15 p.m.: O & M for Everyone Learn about the plethora of orientation and mobility programs offered by some of the guide dog schools from around the country! 2:30 - 3:45 p.m.: Finding Your Driverless Car Driverless rideshare services are becoming more common. But how do you find the car if there is no driver to communicate with? * Monday, July 27 7:00 - 8:15 a.m.: Informal breakfast at Red Kitchen (in-person only) GDUI would like to invite their members and friends to an informal time of breakfast and fellowship. Please email vickiecurley@gmail.com if you plan to attend. 5:00 - 6:15 p.m.: Best in Breed Come and learn from guide dog handlers about a variety of guide dog breeds and why their owners love them! * Tuesday, July 28 (hybrid) 5:00 - 6:15 p.m.: Unusual Careers for Guide Dog Handlers Come and hear some unexpected and unusual careers that some guide dog handlers are pursuing. * Wednesday, July 29 (hybrid) 1:00 - 2:15 p.m.: Have You Heard of the Pawsome Hava Hegenbarth? Hava is an artist, a puppy raiser, a friend of GDUI, and much, much more. We will also present GDUI awards. ** Indiana, Ohio Joint Convention This year, ACB-Indiana and ACB-Ohio will kick off our second decade as convention partners. ACB-Indiana and ACB-Ohio will be holding our joint state convention Fri., Oct. 9 through Sun., Oct. 11, 2026. We will be at the Wyndham Airport Hotel, 2544 Executive Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46241. Room rate per night will be $125 plus tax. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel main number/front desk at (317) 248-2481 and use the group code American Council of the Blind of Indiana. Reservations can also be made online. On Thursday night, October 8, there are rooms set aside for those coming early. The reservation cut-off date for our group is September 17, 2026. We have also planned a tour of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Rockin' and Rollin' with music of the '50s and '60s, a wide variety of breakout session, many vendors/exhibitors, an awards banquet and our annual live auction. Registration for in-person attendees will be $80; for virtual attendees, $40. The registration form will go live on www.acb-indiana.org the first of August. For more information, contact Rita Kersh at hoosierrita60@gmail.com or Dee Ann Hart at deeannhart3@gmail.com. ***** ** How Do You Keep Members Engaged and Completing Needed Tasks Between Meetings? compiled by Ardis Bazyn How do you keep members engaged and completing needed tasks between meetings? Do you use email discussion lists, phone trees, committee meetings with solid timelines? ACB's affiliates stay strong and connected by using the following methods. Lerae Olesen, president of the South Dakota Association of the Blind, gave the following tips: • They hold their convention in person and virtual to allow more people to enjoy it and have a say. • They have an announce list and a chat list to allow more members to send ideas and thoughts. • They ask for birthdays and anniversaries on their membership form so they can send congratulations. • They keep in touch through a monthly peer support call. • When they have board meetings, they ask for participation from all members. • They have a newsletter sent with timely information. Lori Trujillo Roush, president of the Iowa Council of the United Blind, mentioned the following ways to keep members involved: • Their sunshine committee contacts those without email but still need info. • They have an email discussion list where they send reports, legislation, and other important information. • They have 8 committees and ad hoc committees but have different members on those committees. • Their members are friendly, connected, and welcoming. They feel people have to know you care before they join. • They ask about people's interests and connect them. • They text messages to particular groups. • They provide events people like: bowling, meal functions, described movies. • Their social committee sends birthday notes. Kenneth Semien Sr., first vice president of ACB of Texas, provided the following ways to keep connections flowing: • Each committee has events sent to their announce list. • They forward events to agencies and organizations to list them, including employment and health care fairs. • They hold a new member orientation and feature new members at their annual conference. • They send convention announcements widely. • They communicate about any change in assignments and are ready to support committee members during assignments. • They acknowledge birthdays for those known. • They use text, phone calls, and group committee list to share messages and concerns. The more communication, the more feedback they receive. • They make sure all are aware of what is going on and check in with those they haven't heard from. • They touch base on assignments asking for feedback, making messaging changes and upbeat subject lines. • They have a monthly calendar of events more like a newsletter. • ACB of Texas connections connects occupations -- authors, speakers, musicians, etc. • Texas has a newsletter it sends out in members' preferred format. • If any chair is overcommitted and doesn't have time to keep up, he talks with the person to see what assignments could be moved to someone else. Ann M. Chiappetta, president of Friends in Art, provided the following: • Friends in Art is a niche group. Members have a creative spirit of artists. • They have an email discussion list open to anyone with an art interest. • ACB info is forwarded to the list. • The Artist Collective has connected new folks who are interested. • They have a Facebook page. • They try to have a personal connection with other members. • They email or make a phone call to new members. • They feature organizations that support their organization. • They are building on the creativity of people and finding where people are. • They have scholarship applicants and contact them even if they don't win. • They are working on a scholarship support program. • They are participating in the virtual sessions of the national convention. Cassandra Jessie, Florida Council of the Blind's president, highlighted some ways to stay connected: • Their website lists many ways to connect with FCB. • They have an annual hybrid convention with lots of activities. • Their activities committee connects members with a game night. • They have a presidents' list so presidents can talk to one another about activities, events, and issues. • They have a monthly presidents call as well. • They get introduced to state liaison. • Chapters list different restaurants and get together with their group between meetings. • Chapters promote an inviting atmosphere at meetings to facilitate better attendance. • A phone tree reads minutes and reminds members about events. After the speakers, participants could ask questions or make comments. Delaware has reorganized, but has different issues due to their small membership. They have fewer resources for offering a newsletter to members. A short email newsletter might be a solution. Bay State shares highlights each month in a short newsletter. One way to find additional members is to get to know local organizations in the community. Have a game night and mention your affiliate and how to join. Try some of the tips and ideas mentioned above to keep your members involved and eager to tackle ongoing tasks for your members. ***** ** Here and There by Sharon Lovering 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. * Ski for Light to Rendezvous in West Yellowstone The secret is out! Ski for Light, Inc. (SFL) will celebrate its 52nd international week in West Yellowstone, Mont., where active adults with visual or mobility impairments will gather to learn the basics of cross-country skiing January 17-24, 2027. West Yellowstone is a perfect skiing venue for the 2027 Ski for Light International event. The terrain includes long flat areas that will be perfect for beginners as well as hills that will challenge and thrill more advanced skiers. Each visually or mobility impaired participant is paired with an experienced, sighted cross-country skier who acts as instructor and on-snow guide for a week of skiing, sharing and learning. First-time skiers will be introduced to basic techniques, while returning skiers will have an opportunity to enhance existing skills. Founded in 1975, Ski for Light is an all-volunteer non-profit. While the focus of the week is cross-country skiing, there are plenty of after-ski activities where participants have an opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones. Join participants from across the U.S. and around the world. Applications and additional information will be available shortly at www.sfl.org; meanwhile, join our community on Facebook (Ski for Light, Inc.), and check out our YouTube channel (Ski for Light International). * Braille Classes for Adults UR Community Cares is now offering Braille Classes for Adults in Manchester, Connecticut! This engaging, activity-based class is designed to make learning Braille fun and approachable. Participants will be introduced to the Braille alphabet and numbers, with a focus on practical, everyday use, like reading labels, navigating indoor signage, and understanding elevator markings. Whether you're supporting someone with vision loss or simply interested in learning a new skill, this class is a welcoming place to start. No experience is necessary, and all materials are provided. For more information, or to register, call (860) 430-4557, or visit www.urcommunitycares.org. * New at National Braille Press National Braille Press has a number of new books and other items available. Just in time for the 4th of July and the America 250 celebration is the new tactile Statue of Liberty. It is a tactile picture with braille and large print description. What would summer be without picnics? Newly published is "Perfect Picnic Foods," available in braille and as a BRF. The book includes 10 picnic ideas with a total of 40 recipes. Each recipe is meant to serve eight people. To read the list of recipes, visit https://shop.nbp.org/products/perfect-picnic-foods. For more information, call toll-free 1-800-548-7323, or visit shop.nbp.org. ***** ** 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 (1st 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. ###